Beta-carotene Concentrations Research Articles

PCL nanofibers loaded with beta-carotene: a novel treatment for eczema

Carotenoids, especially beta-carotene, are the precursors to vitamin A, and together with manganese, have anti-inflammatory and healing effects. These properties prompted their use in the present study for the treatment of eczema. For this purpose, poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibers were produced under different conditions using the electrospinning technique and the best ones were selected for loading different concentrations of beta-carotene. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of beta-carotene in nanofibrous mats. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to determine the surface morphology, average diameter, and pore size of the nanofibers. The average diameters of pure PCL nanofibers and PCL/beta-carotene one with different concentrations of beta-carotene were obtained to be 480 ± 86 and 478–393 nm, respectively. In addition, the tensile properties, degradability, and drug release of different of mat samples were investigated. Moreover, only slight changes were observed in the weight loss of the nanofiber mats after 168 h (about 2.5 days) while the drug release trend was also very slow. Hence, the drug-loaded nanofibers produced in this experiment may be claimed to have the desirable properties for application in treating certain skin diseases such as eczema that need long-term treatments.

Development of Molecular Distillation Based Simulation and Optimization of Refined Palm Oil Process Based on Response Surface Methodology

The deodorization of the refined palm oil process is simulated here using ASPEN HYSYS. In the absence of a library molecular distillation (MD) process in ASPEN HYSYS, first, a single flash vessel is considered to represent a falling film MD process which is simulated for a binary system taken from the literature and the model predictions are compared with the published work based on ASPEN PLUS and DISMOL. Second, the developed MD process is extended to simulate the deodorization process. Parameter estimation technique is used to estimate the Antoine’s parameters based on literature data to calculate the pure component vapor pressure. The model predictions are then validated against the patented results of refining edible oil rich in natural carotenes and vitamin E and simulation results were found to be in good agreement, within a ±2% error of the patented results. Third, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is employed to develop non-linear second-order polynomial equations based model for the deodorization process and the effects of various operating parameters on the performance of the process are studied. Finally, an optimization framework is developed to maximize the concentration of beta-carotene, tocopherol and free fatty acid while optimizing the feed flow rate, temperature and pressure subject to process constrains. The optimum results of feed flow rate, temperature, and pressure were determined as 1291 kg/h, 147 °C and 0.0007 kPa respectively, and the concentration responses of beta- carotene, tocopherol and free fatty acid were found to be 0.000575, 0.000937 and 0.999840 respectively.

Variations in native protein glycation and plasma antioxidants in several birds of prey

Birds are an anomaly among vertebrates as they are remarkably long-lived despite having naturally high blood glucose and metabolic rates. For mammals, hyperglycemia leads to oxidative stress and protein glycation. In contrast, many studies have shown that domestic and wild birds are relatively resistant to these glucose-mediated pathologies. Surprisingly very little research has examined protein glycation in birds of prey, which by nature consume a diet high in protein and fat that promotes gluconeogenesis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate protein glycation and antioxidant concentrations in serum samples from several birds of prey (bald eagle (BAEA), red-tailed hawk (RTHA), barred owl (BAOW), great horned owl (GHOW)) as protein glycation can accelerate oxidative stress and vice versa. Serum glucose was measured using a commercially available assay, native albumin glycation was measured by mass spectrometry and various antioxidants (uric acid, vitamin E, retinol and several carotenoids) were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Although glucose concentrations were not significantly different between species (p=0.340), albumin glycation was significantly higher (p=0.004) in BAEA (23.67±1.90%) and BAOW (24.28±1.43%) compared to RTHA (14.31±0.63%). Of the antioxidants examined, lutein was significantly higher in BAOW (p=0.008). BAEA had the highest beta-cryptoxanthin and beta-carotene concentrations (p<0.005). The high concentrations of antioxidants in these birds of prey relative to other birds likely helps protect from complications that may otherwise arise from having high glucose and protein glycation.

Identification of cow and buffalo milk based on Beta carotene and vitamin-A concentration using fluorescence spectroscopy.

The current study presents the application of fluorescence spectroscopy for the identification of cow and buffalo milk based on β-carotene and vitamin-A which is of prime importance from the nutritional point of view. All samples were collected from healthy animals of different breeds at the time of lactation in the vicinity of Islamabad, Pakistan. Cow and buffalo milk shows differences at fluorescence emission appeared at band position 382 nm, 440 nm, 505 nm and 525 nm both in classical geometry (right angle) setup as well as front face fluorescence setup. In front face fluorescence geometry, synchronous fluorescence emission shows clear differences at 410 nm and 440 nm between the milk samples of both these species. These fluorescence emissions correspond to fats, vitamin-A and β-carotene. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) further highlighted these differences by showing clear separation between the two data sets on the basis of features obtained from their fluorescence emission spectra. These results indicate that classical geometry (fixed excitation wavelength) as well as front face (synchronous fluorescence emission) of cow and buffalo milk nutrients could be used as fingerprint from identification point of view. This same approach can effectively be used for the determination of adulterants in the milk and other dairy products.

Carotenoid Levels in Maturing Grapes as Affected by Climatic Regions, Sunlight and Shade

The effect of climatic region, degree of ripeness, sunlight and shade on carotenoid concentrations in Weisser Riesling and Chenin blanc grapes was investigated. Lutein and beta-carotene concentrations were higher in grapes from hot regions than grapes from cooler regions. In general, decreases in carotenoid concentrations were observed with an increase in ripeness. Also, grapes exposed to sunlight generally had lower carotenoid concentrations than shaded grapes. Both lutein and beta-carotene concentrations varied little between Weisser Riesling and Chenin blanc grapes at comparable ripening stages.

Effect of regular consumption of provitamin A biofortified staple crops on Vitamin A status in populations in low-income countries

Biofortification of staple crops with provitamin A (PVA) carotenoids is an innovative strategy for controlling vitamin A (VA) deficiency in low-income countries (LIC). Plant breeding programs have been successful in developing biofortified varieties of cassava, maize, and orange-fleshed sweet potatoes that contain amounts of PVA-carotenoids that have the potential to impact VA status in human populations. Nutrition studies indicate that beta-carotene in biofortified staple crops is converted efficiently to VA in the body. Randomized, controlled, community-based efficacy and effectiveness trials have been conducted to assess the effect of regular consumption of PVA-carotenoid biofortified staple crops on VA status. Results indicate that regular consumption of biofortified staple crops increases plasma beta-carotene concentrations consistently, but has a moderate effect, or no effect, on VA status, when assessed by serum retinol concentration, breast milk retinol concentration, or total body VA stores. Studies are currently underway to further investigate whether consumption of biofortified staple crops improves VA status in population subgroups at risk of VA deficiency, and to better understand how to optimize the biological impact of these interventions in resource-poor settings. Keywords: Beta-carotene, Biofortification, Bioavailability, Cassava, Maize, Provitamin A, Sweet potatoes, Vitamin A

Technological innovation in the protection of beta carotene on MOCAF production which is rich in beta carotene

Hartati, Fathoni A, Kurniawati S, Hartati NS, Sudarmonowati E. 2017. Technological innovation in the protection of beta carotene on MOCAF production which is rich in beta carotene. Nusantara Bioscience 9: 6-11. The conversion process of high beta carotene cassava into high beta carotene MOCAF might cause a high loss of beta carotene contents during the process of flour making. This research aims to develop the most appropriate technology to protect the loss of beta carotene contents during MOCAF process. Preservation methods used consisting of four starter treatment combinations of Bimo-CF and sodium metabisulfite (Na2S2O5) on Adira 1 variety, namely (i) 0.5 g starter/L volume of soaking solution and 0.3% of Na2S2O5, (ii) 0.5 g starter and 0.15% of Na2S2O5, (iii) 1 g starter and 0.3% of Na2S2O5, and (iv) 1 g starter and 0.15% of Na2S2O5. The results showed that Na2S2O5 can reduce the loss of beta carotene contents during the process of flour making. Of the initial concentration of beta carotene in tubers (3.5 mg/kg), the loss of beta carotene on MOCAF control without preservation process with Na2S2O5 reached 68.8% (1.09 mg/kg). With Na2S2O5 application, the loss of beta carotene could be reduced to 24.3% (2.65 mg/kg). The fermentation process with Bimo-CF starter increased the protein content of MOCAF two times from the control. The best and safest protection of beta carotene for food was achieved from preservation method using the combination of 1 g/L volume of soaking solution starter and 0.15% of Na2S2O5 which produced residue of Na2S2O5 to 53.07 mg/kg, which means lower than the maximum residue allowed in a flour product (70 mg/kg). The MOCAF yield obtained from each combination is quite high in range of 32-38%. The highest MOCAF yield is obtained from the protection method using combination of 1 g/L volume of starter soaking solution with Na2S2O5 0% and 0.15%.

Encapsulation of Beta-carotene in Lipid Microparticles Stabilized with Hydrolyzed Soy Protein Isolate: Production Parameters, Alpha-tocopherol Coencapsulation and Stability Under Stress Conditions.

The objectives of this research were to study the encapsulation of beta-carotene (BC) in solid lipid microparticles (SLM) of palm stearin (PS) and stabilized with hydrolyzed soy protein isolate (HSPI), and also to investigate the effect of alpha-tocopherol (TOC) addition to the systems. Through the characterizations of SLM produced with different formulations, it was verified that systems with 5% (w/v) PS, 1.0% (w/v) HSPI, and 0.3% (w/v) xanthan gum (XG) presented the highest stability, with average diameters of approximately 1.2 μm. This formulation was applied for the production of BC-loaded SLM, with different concentrations of TOC. In SLM containing TOC, nearly 75% of encapsulated BC was preserved after 45 d of storage. The kinetic profiles for degradation of encapsulated BC were fitted to a pseudo-1st-order model, and the results showed that the main difference among the systems with different BC:TOC ratios was the residual concentration of BC. The stability of the BC-loaded SLMs was also studied after stress conditions, and the results showed that the SLMs were able to support thermal treatments over 60 °C but presented low stability after different ionic strength stresses.

Coupling and uncoupling of triglyceride and beta-carotene production by Dunaliella salina under nitrogen limitation and starvation

BackgroundNitrogen starvation and limitation are known to induce important physiological changes especially in lipid metabolism of microalgae (triglycerides, membrane lipids, beta-carotene, etc.). Although little information is available for Dunaliella salina, it is a promising microalga for biofuel production and biotechnological applications due to its ability to accumulate lipid together with beta-carotene.ResultsBatch and chemostat experiments with various degrees of nitrogen limitation, ranging from starvation to nitrogen-replete conditions, were carried out to study carbon storage dynamics (total carbon, lipids, and beta-carotene) in steady state cultures of D. salina. A new protocol was developed in order to manage the very high beta-carotene concentrations and to more accurately separate and quantify beta-carotene and triglycerides by chromatography. Biomass evolution was appropriately described by the Droop model on the basis of the nitrogen quota dynamics.ConclusionsTriglycerides and beta-carotene were both strongly anti-correlated with nitrogen quota highlighting their carbon sink function in nitrogen depletion conditions. Moreover, these two valuable molecules were correlated each other for nitrogen replete conditions or moderated nitrogen limitations (N:C ratio higher than 0.04). Under nitrogen starvation, i.e., for very low N:C ratio, the dynamic revealed, for the first time, uncoupled part (higher triglyceride accumulation than beta-carotene), possibly because of shortage in key proteins involved in the stabilization of lipid droplets. This study motivates the accurate control of the microalgal nitrogen quota in order to optimize lipid productivity.

Efektifitas Rebusan Wortel (Daucus Carota. L) terhadap Penurunan kadar Kolesterol Darah pada Tikus Putih (Rattus Norvegicus)

Hypercholesterolemia is a disease of cholesterol metabolism disorder caused by high blood cholesterol. Chemical treatment is reported to have side effects in the long term. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of carrot stew to decrease cholesterol levels in hypercholesterolemic of rats.The design of this study used experimental randomized control-group pretest - post test design. The samples were divided into control and treatment groups, each group consisted 8 rats. The treatment used a carrot stew with 1.25cc dose and control with medication simvastatin 0144 cc dose was given every morning for 3 days. The measurement of the cholesterol levels used Touch Essey data analysis by Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney. The study started on May 15th - July 22, 2015.The results of the study showed the cholesterol control group decreased 12.5% (P = 0.069&gt; á = 0.05) in the treatment group and 50% (P = 0.716), On the statistical test showed no effect of carrot stew on blood cholesterol levels. While the results of the effect between treatment and control group (P = 0528&gt; á = 0.05).Carrots with beta-carotene could lower cholesterol levels in the blood, and could prevent the oxidation of Low Dencity Lipoprotein (LDL). The absorption of beta-carotene was better when boiled in temperatures between 60-100 ° C.

Artificial neural network based modeling and optimization of refined palm oil process

The content and concentration of beta-carotene, tocopherol and free fatty acid is one of the important parameters that affect the quality of edible oil. In simulation based studies for refined palm oil process, three variables are usually used as input parameters which are feed flow rate (F), column temperature (T) and pressure (P). These parameters influence the output concentration of beta-carotene, tocopherol and free fatty acid. In this work, we develop 2 different ANN models; the first ANN model based on 3 inputs (F, T, P) and the second model based on 2 inputs (T and P). Artificial neural network (ANN) models are set up to describe the simulation. Feed forward back propagation neural networks are designed using different architecture in MATLAB toolbox. The effects of numbers for neurons and layers are examined. The correlation coefficient for this study is greater than 0.99; it is in good agreement during training and testing the models. Moreover, it is found that ANN can model the process accurately, and is able to predict the model outputs very close to those predicted by ASPEN HYSYS simulator for refined palm oil process. Optimization of the refined palm oil process is performed using ANN based model to maximize the concentration of beta-carotene and tocopherol at residue and free fatty acid at distillate.

Hot compressed water extraction curve for palm oil and beta carotene concentration

Hot compressed water extraction (HCWE) is a promising green alternative for palm oil milling. The kinetic characteristic of HCWE for palm oil and it β-carotene concentration was experimentally investigated in this study at the different temperature and pressure. Semi-batch HCW extractor from 120 to 180 oC and 30 to 50 bar was used to evaluated the process for 60 mins of extraction in 10 mins interval. The results obtain using the HCWE process was compared with other extraction method. The oil extraction achieved the maximum extraction rate within 20 mins of extraction in most of the condition and starting to decrease until 60 mins of extraction time. The extraction rate for β-carotene was achieved the maximum rate in 10 mins and starting to decrease until 30 mins. None of β-carotene concentration had been extracted out from the palm oil mesocarp after 30 mins of extraction in all condition. The oil recovery of using HCWE was relatively low compare with the mechanical screw press, subcritical R134b, supercritical carbon dioxide and hexane extraction due to the oil loses in the oil-water emulsion. However, the β-carotene concentration in extracted oil using HCWE was improved compare with commercial crude palm oil (CPO) and subcritical R134a extraction.

Consuming High-Carotenoid Fruit and Vegetables Influences Skin Yellowness and Plasma Carotenoids in Young Women: A Single-Blind Randomized Crossover Trial

BackgroundConsumption of dietary carotenoids from fruits and vegetables (F/V) leads to accumulations in human skin, altering skin yellowness. The influence of the quantity of F/V consumed on skin yellowness and plasma carotenoid concentrations has not been examined previously. ObjectiveTo compare the influence of consuming high-carotenoid-containing F/V (HCFV) (176,425 μg beta carotene/wk) vs low-carotenoid F/V (LCFV) (2,073 μg beta carotene/wk) on skin yellowness and plasma carotenoid concentrations, over 4 weeks. Design and interventionA single-blind randomized controlled crossover trial from October 2013 to March 2014. Thirty women were randomized to receive 7 daily servings of HCFV or LCFV for 4 weeks. Following a 2-week washout period they followed the alternate intervention. Main outcome measuresSkin color (Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage L*a*b* color space, where L* represents skin lightness and positive values of a* and b* represent degrees of redness and yellowness, respectively) was assessed by reflectance spectroscopy in both sun-exposed and nonexposed skin areas. Fasting plasma carotenoids were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, before and after each intervention period. Statistical analyses performedLinear mixed models were used to determine the HCFV and LCFV response on skin color and plasma carotenoids, adjusting for intervention order, time, and interaction between baseline differences and time. ResultsThere were no significant differences in mean daily fruit (P=0.42) and vegetable (P=0.17) intakes between HCFV and LCFV groups. Dietary alpha carotene, beta carotene, lutein, and beta cryptoxanthin intakes were significantly different between the two groups (P<0.01). Following HCFV there was a significantly greater increase in skin yellowness (b*) in both sun-exposed (P<0.001) and unexposed areas, (P<0.001), with no change in skin lightness (L*) or redness (a*). Significantly higher plasma alpha carotene (P=0.004), beta carotene (P=0.001), and lutein (P=0.028) concentrations were found following the HCFV intervention. Skin yellowness correlated with alpha carotene and beta carotene. ConclusionsSkin yellowness (b*) and fasting plasma carotenoid concentrations were significantly higher following HCFV than LCFV over 4 weeks.

SNPs in Lipid and Carotenoid Metabolism and Absorption Genes Impact Carotenoid Responses to a Tomato‐Soy Juice Intervention

Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes regulating lipid and carotenoid absorption and metabolism have been associated with individual differences in plasma concentrations and absorption kinetics of beta‐carotene (BC) and lycopene (LYC). However, whether these SNPs impact plasma and prostatic carotenoid concentrations in response to a dietary tomato product intervention is not known. The primary question addressed was whether any of seven common SNPs, previously found to be related to plasma carotenoid levels, are associated with the plasma LYC response in prostate cancer patients (n=47) consuming 0, 1, or 2 cans/d of a custom formulated tomato‐soy juice (20.6 mg LYC/can) for 23±1.7 d before scheduled therapeutic prostatectomy. Secondarily, the association of these SNPs with the plasma concentrations of other tomato carotenoids, phytoene (PE), phytofluene (PF), and BC, and prostate concentrations of LYC, PE, and PF were also explored. BCMO1 (rs12934922, rs7501331, and rs6564851), SCARB1 (rs11057841), ABCA1 (rs2230808), MTTP (rs2306985), and APOB48 (rs679899) genotypes were determined using TaqMan Genotyping Assays, and plasma and prostatic carotenoid levels were measured by HPLC. Significant relationships were defined using single SNP linear models with covariates for intervention duration, body mass, baseline plasma carotenoid concentrations, and extraneous carotenoid intake; plasma carotenoid concentrations were cholesterol‐adjusted. Significant SNPs and covariates were combined into a final, predictive linear model. The genotypes of BCMO1 rs12934922 and rs6564851 significantly interacted with treatment group (p=0.021 and p=0.046, respectively) to explain 5.6% of the variance in plasma LYC response to the dietary intervention, with baseline plasma LYC and treatment group being the major predictors of the plasma LYC response (15%, p&lt;0.001 and 55%, p&lt;0.001, respectively), body mass being a minor predictor (2%, p=0.021), and the remainder of the variation (23%) currently unexplained. The rs12934922 genotype interacted with group (p=0.085) to contribute 4% of the variability in prostate LYC concentrations, the rs12934922 genotype alone contributed 4% (p=0.018), and rs6564851 contributed 2% (p=0.053), while treatment group contributed 1% (p=0.035) and baseline plasma LYC contributed 16% (p=0.002), with the remaining variance being unexplained (72%). The rs12934922 genotype was significantly related to the plasma PF and BC responses, the rs7501331 genotype to the plasma PE response, and the rs2306985 and rs2230808 to the plasma and prostatic PF response, respectively. These findings indicate that common SNPs in genes related to lipid and carotenoid absorption and metabolism contribute to the variability in physiologic responses to dietary carotenoids in a controlled trial, and such SNPs may be important to consider when analyzing clinical data. Furthermore, these findings suggest novel relationships of these genes with PE and PF biodistribution. Future studies on the mechanistic effects of these SNPs on tomato carotenoid transport and metabolism are warranted. Clinicaltrials.gov #NCT01009736Support or Funding InformationNIH‐R01CA112632, NIH‐UL1TR001070, NIH‐P30CA01605, The Ohio State University's Food Innovation Center and The Center for Advancement of Functional Foods Research and Entrepreneurship

Elevated Serum Retinol and Low Beta-Carotene but not Alpha-Tocopherol Concentrations Are Associated with Dyslipidemia in Brazilian Adolescents.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of retinol, beta-carotene, and alpha-tocopherol serum concentrations in adolescents with dyslipidemia. A case series dyslipidemia study was conducted, with an attached control group, including 104 adolescents of public schools in Recife during the months of March/April 2013. Retinol, beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol serum concentrations were analysed by high efficiency liquid chromatography. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, clinical and biochemical variables were analysed. Dyslipidemic adolescents had high serum concentrations of both retinol (p=0.007) and beta-carotene/apolipoprotein A-I ratio (p=0.034); they also had low concentrations of beta-carotene/total cholesterol (p<0.0001) and beta-carotene/apolipoprotein B ratios (p=0.033) when compared to the controls. The alpha-tocopherol serum status was not associated with dyslipidemia. Overweight, abdominal obesity, lipid profile markers, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures were more prevalent in dyslipidemic adolescents. The findings show an association between vitamin A and dyslipidemia in adolescents. However, additional investigations of this risk group are necessary to clarify the mechanisms of action of this nutrient in the pathogenesis of this syndrome, aiming at reducing cardiometabolic risks as of earlier ages.

Dietary Intake and Serum Level of Carotenoids in Lung Cancer Patients: A Case-Control Study

The aim of this study was to compare the dietary intake and serum levels of some selected carotenoids of lung cancer patients with healthy subjects. Thirty-five lung cancer patients and 33 healthy people were enrolled into this case-control study. Daily intake of nutrients was estimated using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire and a 3-day 24-h food recall questionnaire. The concentration of serum beta-carotene and lycopene were analyzed using a high performance liquid chromatography method. Case and control groups did not differ by the means of age, gender, smoking habits, weight, body mass index, mean daily energy intake, mean daily fat intake, and the percentage of daily energy provided by fat to total daily energy intake. The beta-carotene and lycopene intake of the case subjects was 96% and 195% greater than that of the control subjects. Daily intake of fruits and vegetables in the cancer group was higher than the control group. However, the serum concentration of 118% beta-carotene and 60% lycopene were higher in the control group. Despite a higher daily dietary intake of beta-carotene and lycopene by lung cancer patients, serum beta-carotene and lycopene concentrations were significantly lower than the group without cancer.

Does the consumption of fruits and vegetables differ between Eastern and Western European populations? Systematic review of cross-national studies

BackgroundDifference in fruit and vegetable consumption has been suggested as a possible reason for the large gap in cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality rates between Eastern and Western European populations. However, individual-level dietary data which allow direct comparison across the two regions are rare. In this systematic review we aimed to answer the question whether cross-national studies with comparable individual-level dietary data reveal any systematic differences in fruit and vegetable consumption between populations in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and the Former Soviet Union (FSU) compared to Western Europe (WE).MethodsStudies were identified by electronic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science databases from inception to September 2014, and hand search. Studies which reported data on fruit, vegetable consumption or carotene and vitamin C intake or tissue concentrations of adult participants from both CEE/FSU and WE countries were considered for inclusion. Quality of the included studies was assessed by a modified STROBE statement. Power calculation was performed to determine the statistical significance of the comparison results.ResultsTwenty-two studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Fruit consumption was found to be consistently lower in CEE/FSU participants compared to Western Europeans. Results on vegetable intake were less unambiguous. Antioxidant studies indicated lower concentration of beta-carotene in CEE/FSU subjects, but the results for vitamin C were not consistent.ConclusionThis systematic review suggests that populations in CEE and FSU consume less fruit than Western Europeans. The difference in the consumption of fruit may contribute to the CVD gap between the two regions.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13690-015-0078-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Extraction of Beta Carotene from Palm Mesocarp via Green Sub-critical Carbon Dioxide

Experiments involving subcritical carbon dioxide extraction of palm oil from treated palm mesocarp were done to determine palm oil yield and concentration of beta-carotene. As comparison, the conventional method of Soxhlet Extraction with six different solvents was used. The overall oil yield was measured as weight of oil per weight of sample, while anti-oxidant activity was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryihydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method. The sub-critical extraction was conducted at a constant temperature of 30˚C and four different pressures at 10 MPa, 15 MPa, 20 MPa and 25 MPa. The sub-critical extraction produced high concentration of beta-carotene than soxhlet extraction, even though the oil yield was lower. Furthermore, the anti-oxidant analysis showed a similar trend as the concentration of beta carotene. The best condition of sub-critical extraction was obtained at 25 MPa and 30˚C.

Outcome of a public consultation on the Draft Scientific Opinion of the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) on Dietary Reference Values for vitamin A

Outcome of a public consultation on the Draft Scientific Opinion of the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) on Dietary Reference Values for vitamin A

Applicability of optical reflectance spectroscopy for detection of precancerous lesions in uterine cervix in vivo.

We assessed the performance of single fiber reflectance spectroscopy (SFRS) in discriminating cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) from non-SILs and the probable influence of environmental factors on its performance. SFRS was used to measure the reflected light from cervical tissue of 157 patients undergoing standard colposcopy. Seven parameters extracted from the spectra in addition to two biographic parameters were used to compare the biopsy-confirmed SILs with non-SILs. The tissue classification capability was reported by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. In addition, the effect of five interfering parameters, including the probe, clinician, hospital, menopausal status and age of the patient on spectroscopic parameters were investigated by the Kruskal-wallis test. The average vessel diameter and beta-carotene concentration were found to be the parameters contributing to tissue discrimination. SFRS could differentiate between SILs and non-SILs with sensitivity, specificity and area under the ROC curve of 63% ± 6%, 68% ± 6% and 0.69 ± 0.04, respectively. None of the five environmental parameters interfered with the discriminator spectroscopic parameters. SFRS was found as a noninvasive, fast, compact, cost-effective, independent, and acceptably accurate system to help the clinician to reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies during the colposcopy procedure.