Weight Basis Research Articles

Canned complementary porridges for infants and young children (6-23 months) based on African indigenous crops; nutritional content, consistency, sensory, and affordability compared to traditional porridges based on maize and finger millet.

Child malnutrition is a major health problem in Sub-Saharan Africa. Complementary foods made from African indigenous and locally available raw materials are often low in protein and nutrients. It is, therefore, important to supply complementary foods that are nutritious and affordable, and with an acceptable consistency and taste. The objective of this study was to develop, on a pilot scale, food-to-food fortified, convenient, canned complementary porridges based on blends of African indigenous crops, i.e., orange fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) flour, and leguminous (i.e., cowpea, and Bambara groundnut) and cereal flours (i.e., teff, finger millet, maize, and amaranth), and milk powder. Plant-based, African complementary foods are often lacking in vitamin A, zinc, iron, and energy. Porridge with OFSP on a 32% dry weight (dw) basis achieved recommended levels of vitamin A (530 µg per 100 g dw). Satisfactory energy (431 Kcal per 100 g dw) was obtained by supplementation of vegetable oil. A nutritious, low-cost porridge (costing 0.15 € per 100 g can) that fulfills consistency constraints was obtained by including supplements of zinc and iron salts as ingredients. The solids content and thus protein/energy could be significantly increased using protein fractionated or germinated cowpea flours without compromising on viscosity. The sensory profile was characterised by more intense vegetable, leguminous, and malty flavours as compared to traditional reference porridges.

Controlled-Release Iodine Fertilizer Improved Iodine Accumulation, Antioxidant Capacity, and Quality of Lettuce

To clarify the effects of newly developed controlled-release iodine fertilizer (CRIF) on enhancing lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) iodine accumulation, improving the physiological traits, and reducing iodine leaching from soil, a greenhouse pot experiment was conducted. Polymer-coated iodate (PCIO), polymer-coated iodide (PCI), and two conventional iodine fertilizers—iodate (CIO) and iodide (CI)—were applied at a rate of 15 mg iodine per kg soil. The study found that the coating of iodine fertilizers had no significant effects on the biomass of lettuce. The iodine concentration in lettuce leaves subjected to PCIO treatment was elevated by 50.1% and 45.5%, respectively, in comparison to leaves treated with CIO and PCI. The soil-to-leaf transfer factor (TFleaf, dry weight basis) for plants treated with PCIO was significantly higher than that of PCI-treated plants. PCIO also significantly reduced iodine leaching by 46.3% compared to CIO. In lettuce leaves with PCIO treatment, the enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) significantly increased by 50.8% and 27.6%, respectively. Likewise, malo-naldehyde (MDA) levels decreased by 23.2% compared to the control samples. PCIO also demonstrated advantages in enhancing the quality of the lettuce. In conclusion, the application of controlled-release iodine fertilizer could be a highly effective and eco-friendly approach to cultivating iodine-rich vegetables.

Sensory Evaluation of Chhana Burfi Process with Jackfruit (Artocarpus hetrophyllus L.) Pulp

The study was conducted at Dept. of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science, Dr. BSKKV, Dapoli, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India during August 2021 to May 2022 to evaluate the suitability of Jackfruit pulp as flavouring agent in developing flavoured Chhana Burfi and its production cost. Basically, Cow milk required for preparation of Chhana, Citric acid used for Coagulation of milk, Sugar and Jackfruit pulp etc. was required to conduct this research. The curd mass obtained when milk is coagulated with the organic acids such as citric acid at higher temperature and after subsequent drainage of whey, mass of curd obtained is called chhana. Chhana was used as base material for preparation of chhana burfi. The Chhana Burfi was prepared from cow milk by incorporating jackfruit pulp @ 10% (F1), 15% (F2), and 20% (F3) and two sugar level i.e. 15% (S1) and 18% (S2) On the basis of weight of Chhana. All treatment is analyzed for sensory characteristic i.e. colour and appearance, body and texture, flavour and overall acceptability by using 9-point Hedonic scale. Present study investigated that jackfruit pulp could be successfully utilized for preparation of flavoured chhana burfi. The most acceptable quality flavour Chhana Burfi could be prepared by using 15% jackfruit pulp and 18% sugar. Prepared delicious milk product i.e. Jackfruit flavour Chhana Burfi rich taste and flavour along with nutritional value. The production cost of Jackfruit flavour Chhana Burfi (most acceptable level i.e.S2F2) was Rs. 355.8/- per kg.

Chemical composition, physical properties, and sensory evaluation of wheat-based cookies enriched with different proportions of corn silk

Incorporating dried corn silk powder (CSP) into food products is considered beneficial for health and suitable for individuals of all ages. Thus, our study is designed to evaluate the effects of adding CSP to prepared cookies as a nontraditional source of dietary fiber and natural antioxidants, focusing on the chemical composition, physical properties, color attributes, antioxidant activity, and sensory properties of fortified cookies. Different CSP proportions (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) replaced wheat flour (WF) with a 72% extraction rate. The results revealed that CSP had significant levels of total phenolic content (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC), measuring 86.42 mg GAE/g and 112.68 mg QE/g, respectively. CSP contained higher quantities of protein and fiber than WF, with values of 14.81 g and 15.21 g per 100 g of flour weight basis, respectively. The amounts of phenolic compounds in cookie samples increased proportionally with the increasing substitution of CSP, while total carbohydrates decreased. Adding CSP at concentrations of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% resulted in corresponding increases in crude fiber of 0.52, 1.2, 2.04, and 2.7 times compared to the control cookie samples. As the amount of CSP supplementation increased (0–20%), TPC and TFC in the cookies increased to 3.06 and 4.08 mg GAE/g and 0.02 to 1.28 mg QE/g, respectively. Increasing CSP proportions led to a significant decrease in diameter, thickness, spread factor, volume, and density of fortified cookies. Furthermore, the L* value exhibited a substantial decline from 65.48 to 51.12 as the amount of CSP substitution increased from 5% to 20%. The sensory evaluation characteristics of the cookie samples indicated that the sample with 15% CSP had the highest overall acceptability score. Therefore, this study demonstrates that adding 15% CSP can effectively yield functional cookies without compromising their sensory acceptability.

Bio-composites from barley, wheat, and cassava flours reinforced with oil palm residues: Characterization and tensile mechanical performance

This study explores the production of bio-composites from barley, wheat, and cassava flours, reinforced with varying ratios of oil palm residues. The research emphasizes principles of circular economy and sustainability. Both flours and reinforcements underwent characterization to elucidate how their physicochemical properties affect the mechanical behavior of the bio-composites. Barley flour exhibited significantly higher levels of protein (11.11 %), crude fiber (5.64 %), and ash (2.80 %) compared to wheat and cassava flours. Conversely, cassava flour stood out for its high carbohydrate concentration (approximately 97.8 % on a dry weight basis). Characterization highlighted enhanced adhesion between reinforcements in bio-composites with cassava flour, alongside morphological distinctions on fractured surfaces. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis unveiled several functional groups in the bio-composites, while thermogravimetric analysis delineated five stages of thermal degradation. In terms of mechanical properties, bio-composites with barley flour showed higher elastic modulus values (970.5 MPa), while those with 12 % OPKS exhibited tensile strengths of 1.7–2.1 MPa. The interaction among components emerged as a fundamental factor influencing the mechanical properties of bio-composites, underscoring the necessity of considering reinforcement composition and distribution during fabrication.

Gelation and dough‐forming properties of canary seed protein concentrate in comparison with commercial soy protein concentrate and vital wheat gluten

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesIn this study, a lab‐scale process was developed to aqueously de‐oil canary seed (yellow and brown‐seeded) flour and derive a protein concentrate. The protein concentrates prepared were evaluated for their gelation and bread dough‐forming properties.FindingsThe aqueous process successfully reduced the oil content in both yellow‐seed and brown‐seed roller‐milled flour. The protein concentrate prepared from yellow‐seed flour and brown‐seed flour had 74.9% and 68.6% purity (dry weight basis), respectively. Proteins showed high resistance to thermal denaturation (peak denaturation at 107°C). It was found that the least gelation concentration of both protein concentrates was 16% (w/w). There were no significant differences in viscoelastic properties and water holding capacity between the protein gels of these two canary seed types and the addition of salt did not noticeably improve these properties. Compared to canary seed, commercial soy protein showed better gelation properties. Both yellow and brown canary seed protein showed a good potential for improving bread dough strength when incorporated into a low‐gluten‐strength wheat flour and was comparable to commercial vital wheat gluten at 1%–3% (w/w) inclusion levels.ConclusionsThe new canary seed protein ingredients prepared by the solvent‐free aqueous‐based process hold good potential for application in food formulation based on their gelation and bread dough‐forming properties.Significance and NoveltyThe gelation and dough‐forming properties of canary seed were not previously studied; therefore, this study provides an insight into those properties for potential food applications for canary seed proteins, which is important for canary seed market diversification as a novel protein source.

Effect of Lentilactobacillus buchneri on Chemical and Microbial Compositions of Herba Leonuri (Leonurus japonicus Houtt.)-Contained Alfalfa Silage

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculants are commonly used in silage production, yet their effects on silage containing antimicrobial components, such as those found in Leonurus japonicus, remain less explored. Herein, the harvested alfalfa were thoroughly mixed with dried Leonurus japonicus Houtt. (LJH) at a ratio of 9:1 on a fresh weight basis and treated without (CK) or with a lactic acid bacterial inoculant (L; Lentilactobacillus buchneri). The mixtures were stored under anaerobic conditions in vacuum-sealed polyethylene bags for 30 days at ambient temperature. The L-treated silage exhibited high levels of water-soluble carbohydrates (4.98% dry matter (DM)) and acid detergent fiber (27.88% DM). Compared to that of treatment CK, treatment with L increased the acetic acid content of the silage, as a result of increased (p < 0.05) bacterial dominance and decreased (p < 0.05) bacterial richness indices (e.g., Pielou’s E, Shannon, and Simpson) in the pre-storage period. However, these changes gradually reduced as the storage length increased. Treatment L reshaped the bacterial community structure of silage, by increasing the prevalence of Lactobacillus and reducing relative abundances of Enterococcus and Weissella. However, the principal coordinate and Bray–Curtis index analyses illustrated that samples from the L-treated silages exhibited similarities to the CK samples post-fermentation. Overall, the effect of LJH on LAB was only observed in the later stages of fermentation, which did not sufficiently change the silage quality. Hence, using LJH in silage is vital for clean livestock production without compromising the function of LAB when mixed with alfalfa silage.

Comparative study on productivity of Hybrid Napier CO3 and CO4 with the application of organic and inorganic fertilizers

The present study aimed to assess the growth parameters, herbage yield and chemical composition of CO3 and CO4 (Pennisetum perpureum X Pennisetum americarnum) at the Livestock farm Eastern University, Sri Lanka from July to September 2018. Four different treatments; inorganic fertilizer 100%, Organic fertilizer 100%, Control and Inorganic+Organic fertilizer 1:1 (weight basis). Plant height, leaf length, number of tillers per clump, leaf area, yield and total ash content were measured at two-week intervals from the 4th week up to the 8th week and data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test at 0.05 significance level. Results indicated that the productivity of CO3 is superior to CO4 in terms of growth and yield under (T4) CO3 with 1:1 mixture of inorganic and organic fertilizer. The highest (p<0.05) fresh matter yield of 18.07 t/ha, with a dry matter yield of 3.83 t/ha was recorded in the sole application of inorganic fertilizer. A similar yield was obtained in CO3 with the 1:1 inorganic and organic fertilizer mixture. CO3 showed the highest total ash content (18.44%) on dry matter basis. Hence, farmers can save half of the cost of inorganic fertilizer by using farmyard manure along with half of the recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer for fodder cultivation

Efficacy of Intercropping, Botanicals and Insecticides Against Okra Shoot and Fruit Borer (Earias vittella F.) on Okra in Uttar Pradesh, India

This study assesses the effectiveness of intercrops, insecticides and botanicals against the okra shoot and fruit borer Earias vittella. The okra + marigold (1:1) and okra + coriander (1:1) intercropping had the least shoot damage (4.35 percent, respectively), according to the data (4.70 per cent). Okra + maize (1:1) saw the most shoot damage (5.51%) when compared to monoculture (6.68 per cent). Spinosad 45 SC 75 g a.i./ha (2.49%) had the lowest rate of shoot damage among the insecticides, followed by Abamectin 1.8 EC 25 g a.i./ha (3.12%) and botanical NSKE 5 per cent, which found that the per cent shoot damage (3.25) compared to sole crop (okra) was higher (6.68 per cent). The data showed that the least fruit damage (9.25 percent, respectively) occurred in the intercropping of okra + marigold (1:1) and okra + coriander (1:1) (11.59 per cent) weight basis. The fruit damage in okra + maize (1:1) was highest (15.37%) compared to monoculture (18.08 per cent). Among the insecticides, Spinosad 45 SC 75 g a.i./ha (1.73%) had the lowest rate of shoot damage, followed by Abamectin 1.8 EC 25 g a.i./ha (2.02%) and botanical NSKE 5%, which discovered that the percentage of shoot damage (2.76) compared to lone crop (okra) was higher (18.08 per cent ). The highest yield was observed when intercropping coriander and okra (1:1), whereas the lowest yield was recorded when intercropping maize and okra (23.28 q/ha) (1:1).

Revealing the distribution of synthetic musks in Chinese estuarine sediments driven by natural and anthropogenic factors

Synthetic musks (SMs) commonly used in personal care products can accumulate in the estuarine environment, but influencing factors on their distribution at large-scale region remain largely unexplored. Herein, surface sediment samples from 18 main estuaries of China and two river outlets in the Yangtze River Estuary were collected to discern the spatial and temporal variations of SMs. Moreover, fourteen influencing factors consisting of natural and anthropogenic parameters were scrutinized and their significance were analyzed by using Spearman’s rank correlation and Random Forest. The widespread distribution of SMs were observed in Chinese estuarine sediments with the levels ranging from < reporting limit to 28 ng g-1 on a basis of dry weight (mean: 3.5 ng g-1). Predominated polycyclic musks shared similar sources both spatially and temporally. Positive correlation was found between SMs and total organic carbon in sediments, whereas the SM distribution was strongly influenced by regional anthropogenic activities. Regional population density was the primary influencing factor, followed by gross domestic product per unit area and wet deposition of particulate matters. A good correlation between SMs and water quality category indicated SMs could serve as an indicator for water quality. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to identify the main influencing factors on SM distribution in estuarine sediments, aiming to better understand the distribution and fate of emerging organic chemicals in the estuarine environment.

Effect of supplementation of cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) cladodes, Acacia saligna, wheat bran and cotton seed cake on feed intake, digestibility, growth and carcass characteristics of goats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation of cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) cladodes, Acacia saligna, wheat bran and cotton seed cake on growth, digestibility, intake and carcass characteristics of goats. A randomized complete block design was used in the experiment with 24 yearling central highland goats with an initial body weight of 15.6 - 16.1kg. The same amount of grass hay (GH) + 150 gDM/head/day wheat bran (WB) was given to all animals. The experimental diets consisted of 80 cotton seed cake (CSC) as treatment 1 (T1), 45CSC +160 cactus cladodes (CC) as T2, 45CSC+ 80 Acacia saligna (AS) as T3, and 45CSC+80CC+40AS as T4 (gram dry matter: DM, per day per goat), Data were gathered on the goats' growth, digestibility, intake, and carcass of major organs, edible and nonedible organs. The consumption of dry matter and organic matter was higher in goats fed T2 and T4 than in the T1 group. The DM, organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP) digestibility, average daily body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency were higher in T4 and T3 goats when compared to T2 goats. Goats fed on T4 had higher hot carcass weight and dressing percentage on slaughter body weight basis than T2, T3, and T1 supplemented goats. Generally, the experimental diets improved goats’ performance in descending order (T4 &gt; T3 &gt;T1 &gt;T2). Supplementation of T4 (replacement of 35 g DM of cotton seed cake per day by 40g of Acacia saligna and 80g of cactus cladodes on dry matter bases) could be recommended to improve goat performance.

Synthetic Microplastics in UK tap and bottled water; Implications for human exposure

There is increasing concern for public health over inadvertent human exposure to MPs due to potential adverse health effects linked to MPs polymeric composition, toxic chemical additives, and/or harmful microorganisms adsorbing onto their surfaces. While numerous studies have reported MPs occurrence and risk in the freshwater aquatic environment and drinking water sources (e.g., rivers, lakes, and reservoirs), the current state-of-knowledge on MPs pollution in drinking water (i.e., tap water and bottled water) remains limited at a global level. This paper provides the first comprehensive study of the occurrence, concentrations, size distribution, shape, and polymer type of MPs in 177 tap water samples from 13 cities in the United Kingdom, as well as 85 samples of bottled water from 17 popular brands, with various packaging materials, on the UK market.MPs were detected in all tap water samples (range 6–100 MP/L) and bottled water samples (range 12–62 MP/L). Average MPs concentration in tap water (40 ± 16 MP/L) was statistically indistinguishable from that in bottled water (37 ± 11 MP/L). However, the average MPs particle size in tap water (32.4 μm) exceeded significantly (p < 0.05) that in bottled water (26.5 μm), indicating the various purification processes applied to bottled water may help remove larger MPs, but raises concern over the potential adverse health effects from exposure to smaller MPs. The most frequently detected polymer types were: polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in tap water, and PE, PP and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in bottled water. A strong correlation was observed (r = 0.68, P = 0.049) between the plastic cap material (PE) and the predominant polymer type in the bottled water. In terms of morphology, fragments and fibres were the most abundant MPs, together constituting 92 % and 96 % of MPs detected in tap and bottled water samples, respectively.Using EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) recommended daily water intakes, the corresponding exposures to MPs in different UK age groups were estimated. On a body weight (BW) basis, infants and toddlers were exposed (4 MP/kg BW/day) at a higher level than adults (1 MP/kg BW/day). This raises concern, given the former's incompletely developed immune/nervous systems rendering them at higher risk of adverse health effects from such exposure.

Major Bitter-Tasting Compounds from the Dichloromethane Fraction of Bitter Gourd (Fruit of Momordica charantia L.) Extract and Their Precursors.

The unripe fruit of the plant Momordica charantia L., commonly known as bitter gourd or bitter melon, is a popular vegetable and medical herb in many parts of the world and is characterized by its strong bitter taste. In our endeavor to decode its bitter taste, the dichloromethane fraction of 75% methanol extract of bitter gourd was found to be intensely bitter. Combining sensory analysis-guided fractionation and newly developed comparative high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis-guided purification led to the isolation of five known compounds including momordicoside L (1), (23E)-3β-O-malonyl-7β,25-dihydroxycucurbita-5,23-dien-19-al (2), 3-O-β-d-allopyranosyl-7β,25-dihydroxycucurbita-5,23(E)-dien-19-al (3), momordicine IV (5), and charantoside B (6) and three new compounds 3-O-β-d-3-ketoglucopyranosly-7β,25-dihydroxycucurbita-5,23(E)-dien-19-al (4), 6'-O-malonylmomordicoside L (7), and 6'-O-malonylmomordicine IV (8) from bitter gourd. Sensory analysis revealed compounds 3-8 had strong bitter taste with their bitter taste recognition thresholds in the range between 3.6 (4) and 13.6 ppm (6) in 3% ethanol. UPLC-MS/MS quantification showed that their concentration in bitter gourd ranged from 16.5 ± 1.3 mg/kg (4) to 214.8 ± 14.0 mg/kg (6) on a dry weight basis. Calculation of the dose-over-threshold (DoT) factor showed that momordicine IV (5) and charantoside B (6) should be considered as bitter principles of bitter gourd. In addition, the study also demonstrated the ubiquity of the isomerization reaction in the side chain of cucurbitane-type triterpenoids. Many isolated compounds were the isomerized products of their natural precursors, and these precursors should be the primary bitterness contributors of fresh fruits. In addition, comparative HPLC analysis-guided purification could be a practical approach for the fast isolation of acid-labile precursors.

Optimization of pure elemental and oxide-based shielding materials for cost

A common aspect to shielding material research is the combination of high atomic number inclusions with binders although the costs of the inclusions will vary with chemical form and have associated density and atomic number dependencies on attenuation properties. As most metals are cheaper in their oxide forms (sometimes drastically) we considered oxide forms to substantially reduce potential cost. This study then investigates the combined shielding and cost optimization of pure elemental and oxide-based shielding materials as well as steel, water and concrete. This focus on shielding effectiveness per cost and weight basis also incorporates contributions from scattered radiation in the form of radiation buildup for these comprehensive materials. In this sense, we define a new metric which incorporates cost, weight and scatter radiation for assessing shielding material attractiveness. We used MicroShield to calculate the shielding ability of each material. Our findings revealed that water, concrete, and lead demonstrated superior performance in terms of cost-effectiveness. This research contributes to the understanding of affordable and efficient shielding materials and has implications for industries reliant on radiation protection, such as nuclear power generation, medical imaging, and space exploration.

Development and Evaluation of IPM modules against fruit borer (Helicoverpa Armigera) infesting tomato crop

Field studies on the “Development and evaluation of different management schedules against fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera infesting tomato crop" were carried at farmer’s field, village Surajgarh, Jhajjar, Haryana. The observations on infestation of fruit borer in tomato fruits at the time of each picking, %reduction of the fruit borer infestation, total marketable yield in different schedules over control and benefit cost ratio were calculated. The maximum larval reduction over control was observed in S6 i.e. spray of fenvalerate 20 EC @ 188 ml/ha (79.91%) followed by spray of nimbecidine 300 ppm @ 2.5 l/ha (79.04). On number basis, highest fruit damage reduction over control was observed in S6 (50.23%) followed by S5 (43.83%) and lowest (21.72%) in S4 i.e. African yellow marigold + yellow sticky trap + Trichogramma chilonis Ishi @ 50000 parasitised eggs/ha (2 releases at 4 days interval). On weight basis, %fruit damage reduction over control was maximum in S6 (57.47%) followed by S5 (53.10%) and minimum in S4 (25.06%). The highest benefit cost ratio (22.81) was recorded in S6 due to lowest cost of plant protection (Rs.3628.34/ha) and highest increased yield over control (72 q/ha). Although schedule S4 was next to S6 in term of total cost of plant protection but showed lowest benefit cost ratio (3.46) due to minimum increased yield over control (20 q/ha) among all the management schedules. Benefit cost ratio in remaining schedules were 8.97, 5.40, 3.71 and 3.58 in S5, S1, S2 and S3, respectively.

Isolation and Characterization of β-Glucan Containing Polysaccharides from Monascus spp. Using Saccharina japonica as Submerged Fermented Substrate

Beta-glucan (β-glucan), a naturally occurring complex polysaccharide, has drawn attention for its diverse health benefits, including immune system modulation. β-glucan was extracted from two fungi, Monascus purpureus (Mp) and Monascus kaoliang (Mk), cultured in Saccharina japonica via submerged fermentation. The yield, solubility, total sugar, reducing sugar, protein content, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), in vitro free radical scavenging activity, and cytotoxicity were analyzed. A significant yield of β-glucans, with the contents of 51.30 ± 1.54% in Mp and 44.24 ± 1.18% in Mk was observed on a dry weight basis. Water solubility slightly varied, measuring 36.25 ± 1.14% in Mp and 31.25 ± 0.94% in Mk. Total sugar and reducing sugar content in Mp and Mk derived β-glucans were 114.75 ± 2.54 mg/g and 100.25 ± 1.86 mg/g, 7.38 ± 0.78 mg/g, and 8.39 ± 0.46 mg/g, respectively. FTIR spectra resembled the standard, and TGA confirmed heat stability. XRD patterns indicated that the extracted β-glucans, including the standard one, showed the most prominent diffraction peaks in the lower 2θ range, suggesting similar crystalline phases; however, they differed in crystallinity and degree of amorphous content. SEM images displayed characteristic rough and fibrous shapes and surfaces for extracted β-glucans but it was uniform and of a regular shape in the standard sample. The isolated β-glucans exhibited in vitro free radical scavenging and no cytotoxicity was observed in the MTS assay. Therefore, utilizing S. japonica as a substrate in the fermentation process by Monascus spp. presents a unique opportunity in the production and utilization of β-glucans.

Spatial distribution of PAHs, nickel, and vanadium in sediments from a large coastal lagoon near a petroleum extraction area in the southern Gulf of Mexico

One of the world's crucial areas for crude oil exploration and extraction is the southern Gulf of Mexico, where Terminos Lagoon (TL) is located. Sediments from the TL region were used to assess the spatial patterns, origins, and ecotoxicological risks associated with 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs; 3.1–248.9 ng⸳g−1 dry weight basis, dw) and trace metals (Ni = 11.0–104.0 mg⸳kg−1; V = 2.0–35.0 mg⸳kg−1 dw) linked to anthropogenic activities. Although origin indices based on PAHs and metals concentrations indicate no crude oil pollution in the region, sources of pyrogenic PAHs were identified. A chemometric approach demonstrated associations between organic matter and PAHs, and that metal accumulation depends mostly by the input of lithogenic materials. Ecotoxicological risk estimations showed a higher risk of possible adverse effects in sites near swamps and mangrove zones, highlighting the need of future monitoring. This study provides a reference for policymakers to conserve Mexico's largest coastal lagoon and other oil-impacted coastal areas worldwide.

Nutritional and phytochemicals analysis of high‐altitude common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars of Nepal

AbstractThe common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris L., is an important legume grown in all parts of Nepal to supply dietary protein for humans and livestock. They are rich in a variety of bioactive compounds and thus possess health‐promoting effects in the prevention of chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and diabetes. The present study examined the nutritional and proximate composition and screened the bioactive compounds present in beans grown in the high‐altitude regions of Nepal. The analysis of 18 beans indicated the moisture (6.48%–8.83%), crude protein (17.39%–23.54%), carbohydrate (58.74%–66.37%), crude fat (0.78%–1.58%), crude fiber (3.36%–4.75%), total ash (3.33%–4.69%), and total energy (340.24–350.16 kcal/100 g). The results showed that the common beans were also good sources of nutritionally important minerals, including copper (2.72–8.77 mg/kg), calcium (843.86–2763.62 mg/kg), iron (38.93–73.69 mg/kg), magnesium (1540.63–2083.52 mg/kg), sodium (205.91–695.81 mg/kg), potassium (13,560.21–16,957.05 mg/kg), and zinc (19.80–31.00 mg/kg) on a dry weight basis. Quantification of bioactive compounds revealed the highest concentration of total phenolic content (TPC) in the beans from Jumla (5.96 mg GAE/g) than Dolakha and Darchula. However, the total flavonoid content was higher in Dolakha beans (3.47 mgQE/g). The EP‐15‐03FB landrace from Jumla was superior in terms of protein, phytochemical, and TPC. The results of this study will provide valuable information on the nutritional and phytochemical contents of beans and serve as a basis for further utilization of common beans.

Bioactivity Profiling and Phytochemical Analysis of Carissa carandas Extracts: Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Urinary Tract Infection Properties.

Carissa carandas L. (Apocynaceae) is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia including Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka. C. carandas is considered as an integral component of traditional medicinal systems to combat several health ailments. The present study aimed to assess this plant's phytochemical contents and biological potential by performing sequential extraction, adopting a bioassay-guided approach. C. carandas powder was extracted with n-hexane to remove fatty substances and then residues were sequentially extracted with dichloromethane, methanol, and 50% methanol. All the sequential crude extracts were evaluated for phytochemical contents (total phenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanins), in vitro antioxidant activity (FRAP, DPPH), in vitro anti-inflammatory activity (serum and egg albumin denaturation), in vivo anti-inflammatory activity (carrageenan- and formaldehyde-induced paw edema), and in vitro antimicrobial activity. Active crude extract was then partitioned using the liquid-liquid separation method followed by further separation of the active fraction by RP-HPLC. The active fraction was then subjected to LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis for tentative identification of bioactive metabolites responsible for its bioactive properties, followed by HPLC quantification. The analysis revealed methanol extract to have more phytochemical contents, radical scavenging properties, reduced inflammation in both models (in vitro and in vivo), and antimicrobial properties against urinary tract infection-causing agents as compared to dichloromethane and 50% methanol extracts. The ethyl acetate fraction obtained after liquid-liquid partitioning (LLP) of the active methanol extract exhibited more activity as compared to C. carandas methanol extract. RP-HPLC sub-fractionation yielded seven sub-fractions, but a slight decrease in biological potential was recorded. Therefore, LLP fraction B was subjected to further analysis. LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis led to the tentative identification of phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid, quinic acid), flavonoids (quercetin), and anthocyanins (peonidin-3-arabinoside, delphinidin-3-galactoside, delphinidin-3-rutinoside) in the active LLP ethyl acetate fraction. Chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, and quinic acid were quantified as 17.6 µg/mg, 5.90 µg/mg, and 3.30 µg/mg, respectively, on a dry weight basis by HPLC. C. carandas may be considered a promising therapeutic plant, and the results of the current study provide more evidence to support the assertions made in ancient medical traditions. These findings highlight its promising applications in health, medicine, cosmetics, preservatives, and as a natural coloring agent.

Dairy manure influences soil properties, plant nutrient uptake, and tuber quality in potatoes

AbstractDairy manure applications are a common practice in Idaho potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production, however the impacts on tuber yield and quality are not well understood. Our objectives were to determine (1) how repeated dairy manure applications impact soil properties and plant nutrient uptake, and (2) how these changes influence plant nutrient interactions, tuber yield, and quality. Stockpiled dairy manure was fall‐applied over a 6‐year period to two adjacent potato production fields in Kimberly, ID. Eight treatments included application frequency (annual and biennial), manure application rate (18, 36, and 52 Mg ha−1 application−1 [dry weight basis]), fertilizer‐only, and a non‐amended control. Manure treatments were supplemented with fertilizer to prevent nutrient‐limiting conditions. Compared to fertilizer treatments, mean soil organic matter, total N, and K were greater for annual manure by 53%, 47%, and 426%, and biennial manure by 24%, 23%, and 199%, respectively. For annual applications only, mean soil nitrate, P, and electrical conductivity were greater than fertilizer treatments by 247%, 431%, and 222%, respectively. Manure promoted P and K luxury consumption with increasing application rate and frequency. Foliage Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, and Cu correlated negatively against foliage K, potentially due to cation competition and translocation disruption. Annual applications decreased mean tuber specific gravity from 1.078 to 1.073, which may be attributed to saline‐sodic conditions and delayed maturity from late‐season N mineralization. Our findings suggest that biennial manure applications may prevent specific gravity issues. Agronomic parameters related to N, K, and soluble salts should be closely monitored in these systems.