Black Grains Research Articles

Increased total polyphenol content, antioxidant capacity and γ-aminobutyric acid content of roasted germinated native Thai black rice and its microstructure

The effects of roasting on the colour parameters, anthocyanin content, total polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content, and the microstructure of germinated Thai black rice (GTBR: non-waxy) and germinated Thai black sticky rice (GTBSR: waxy) were appraised. The results revealed that both types of roasted germinated Thai black rice showed an increase in all lightness (L*), redness(a*) and yellowness (b*). For the chemical properties, only the concentration of anthocyanin slightly decreased, whereas the total polyphenol content, ABTS+ radical scavenging activity, and GABA content markedly increased after roasting. Moreover, images of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) displayed that both germinated black rice grains became more compact and had a tight shape in the surface structure. Additionally, small pores were found in the GTBR and large pores were present in the GTBSR rice kernel when compared with the unroasted black rice in the internal structure. Together,the roasting process was capable of enhancing the GABA and phenolic contents, and antioxidative capacity in both the GTBR and GTBSR.

Optimization of CO2 Concentration on Mortality of Various Stages of Callosobruchus maculatus and Development of Controlled Atmosphere Storage Structure for Black Gram Grains

Pulse beetle ( Callosobruchus maculatus) is a common weevil that is responsible for up to 24% of stored pulse losses. Using black gram grain storage, the efficiency of carbon dioxide gas against all life stages of Callosobruchus maculatus insects was tested at various concentrations and exposure times. The trials were carried out in pilot bins with a capacity of 25 kg. At a CO2 concentration of 50%, complete mortality of the egg stage of Callosobruchus maculatus was attained after 72 h of continuous exposure. At a CO2 concentration of 60% for 48 h, 100% larva mortality was achieved. At the most tolerant stage of pupa, recorded complete mortality is at a CO2 concentration of 70% for 96 hours of the exposure period. Adult insects are especially vulnerable to the high CO2 concentration. Adult mortality was achieved at a concentration of 20% with an exposure period of 48 h. The CO2-treated black grams were then stored for three months with the optimized CO2 concentration and exposure period, while physiochemical parameters such as water retention capacity and physiological loss in weight were determined. Grain stored in the silo showing significant 100% mortality of egg was measured after 20-25 days of observation. The use of a controlled atmosphere storage bin increased the mortality of the insect C. maculatus at all developmental stages, by means of increasing CO2 concentration and exposure time. Grain stored in a controlled atmosphere silo showed minimum losses of grain (4.10%) compared to the gunny bag storage (22.56%).

NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION, BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY AND TECHNOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF NEW SLOVAKIAN BLACK OAT VARIETIES

Black and red cereal grains, rich in anthocyanins, have recently gained a lot of interest in the food industry due to health benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional composition (crude protein, starch, ash, fat, β-glucans), biological activity (antioxidant activity, total polyphenols, carotenoids and anthocyanins) and technological properties (farinograph, amylograph and extensograph) of new Slovakian black oat varieties Hucul and Norik. Technological properties were observed by incorporation of whole-grain oatmeal flour to standard wheat flour T-650 in amount 3, 6 and 9%. The grains of selected varieties were grinded and resulting whole-grain oatmeal flour was used for analyses. The crude protein content was in both varieties in amount ~ 11%; starch content ~ 44% and ash content in amount ~ 2.6%. The Norik variety showed a higher content of fat – 5.80%, β-glucans – 4.29%, and total carotenoids – 7.47 μg.g-1. In Hucul variety was detected a higher content of total polyphenols – 0.19 mg GAE.g-1(GAE – gallic acid equivalent) and anthocyanins – 22.00 μg.g-1. The antioxidant activity (DPPH method) was approximately at the same level in both evaluated varieties – 3 mg TEAC.g-1 (TEAC – Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity). There were several differences in mineral composition between observed varieties. The Norik variety showed higher content [mg.100 g-1] of Fe – 5.94, K – 397.56, Na – 6.33 and P – 365.51, while in Hucul variety it was detected higher content of S – 142.89 and Zn – 2.05. Other mineral compounds were not significantly different. Amylograph device shown that with an increasing addition of black oat flour, the amylograph maximum fell down with the best value at 9% addition with compared to standard flour – 1593 AU. Farinograph values on the contrary, showed the good quality of standard flour but parameter water absorption was better with addition of oat flour due to non-starch polysaccharides presented in oat. Extensograph device showed that increasing addition of oat flour decreased resistance to extension. Colorant cereals generally can increase biodiversity in agriculture, and can be attractive raw materials for production foods with added value.

Improvement of yield in Guizotia abyssinica (L.F.) Cass. by using backcross method

Guizotia abyssinica (L.F.) Cass. is one of the important oilseed crops cultivated in India. The seed of the plant is used by the tribal and rural people of our country as a source of edible oil. The present investigation of the Niger plant deals with the study of the back cross-program and improvement in the variety. Unknown local variety (A) of niger was selected as a non-recurrent parent because of having some desirable characters like less vegetative growth (dwarf), resistance to waterlogged condition, and large seed grains while IGP-76 variety (B) was selected as a recurrent parent and used as a female having characters like small black grains, resistant to leaf-eating cater Piller and powdery mildew result shows successfully transfer of the characters in the F1 generation. The average number of capitulum/plant shows very good and positive results in F1 as well as BC1 generation. As compared to the recurrent parent (B) an average number of capitulum per plant was increased in F1 generation by 14.28% and in BC1 generation by 28.5%. The table indicates that there is incensement in the average number of seeds per capitulum. The average number of seeds per capitulum was increased by 8.3% in the F1 generation and by 11.11 % in the BC1 generation as compared to the recurrent parent. Average weights of 1000 seeds were also increased in F1 generation by 31.78% and in BC1 generation by 47.28% along with the total yield per plant.

Medico-Surgical treatment of mycetoma in the Somine Dolo hospital of Mopti (Mali)

RésuméObjectifL'objectif de cette étude était de décrire les aspects épidémiologiques, cliniques et thérapeutiques des mycétomes.Matériel et méthodesIl s'agit d'une étude rétrospective incluant les patients traités pour mycétome de janvier 2016 à décembre 2018 dont deux ans de recrutement et un an de suivi (2019) à l'hôpital de deuxième niveau (Sominé Dolo de Mopti). Elle a concerné 19 patients hospitalisés et traités dans le service de chirurgie.RésultatsL’étude portait sur 11 hommes et huit femmes. L’âge moyen de nos patients était de 38 ans, avec des extrêmes de 15 - 70 ans. Le délai médian de consultation était de dix ans après le début des symptômes (1 - 40 ans). Les éleveurs et les cultivateurs étaient concernés dans huit et sept cas respectivement’ avec la notion de traumatisme dans 14 cas. Le pied était la zone de prédilection dans 13 cas. Une atteinte osseuse et ostéoarticulaire était notée chez 12 des patients. Des grains noirs étaient présents dans 16 cas attribués à Madurella sp. Nous avons réalisé 12 amputations, six exérèses carcinologiques et des soins locaux pour un patient.ConclusionLes mycétomes doivent être évoqués et diagnostiqués à un stade précoce chez les sujets prédisposés particulièrement les agriculteurs et les éleveurs. La prévention est d'une grande importance, elle repose sur la désinfection des plaies et le port de chaussures protectrices.

Subcutaneous Mycosis in Hospitals: Study of 3 Cases at The National University Hospital Centre Hubert Koutoukou Maga in Cotonou (Benin)

Introduction: Deep subcutaneous mycosis results from the involvement of subcutaneous tissue by microscopic fungi. Few studies have been conducted on these diseases in Benin. Patients and methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study that included all cases of subcutaneous mycosis recorded in the Dermatology-Venerology Department of the CNHU-HKM from 2009 to 2020. Results: 3 cases of deep subcutaneous mycosis were recorded in 12 years, including two cases of basidiobolomycosis and one case of fungal mycetoma. The cases of basidiobolomycosis were observed in two girls aged 7 and 8 years whose lesions were located on the right buttock, in the form of indurated placards, adherent to the superficial plane, measuring respectively 10cm by 5cm and 14cm by 7cm. Mycological examination of the biopsy specimens isolated Basidiobolus ranarum. The only case of fungal mycetoma was observed in a 39-year-old man, in the form of a nodular placard measuring 14cm by 12cm, polyfistulised, inflammatory and squamous-crusty with an irregular border that had been evolving for 15 years. Mycological examination of the pus revealed the presence of black grains and the identification of Madurella mycetomatis. Treatment with Ketoconazole was initiated in all three patients but the evolution could not be appreciated. Conclusion : Subcutaneous mycosis is rare in Cotonou, but probably underestimated. Keywords: Subcutaneous Mycosis; Mycetoma; Basidiobolomycosis; Benin

Phytochemical Analysis of Phenolics, Sterols, and Terpenes in Colored Wheat Grains by Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

The colored grain of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) contains a large number of polyphenolic compounds that are biologically active ingredients. The purpose of this work was a comparative metabolomic study of extracts from anthocyaninless (control), blue, and deep purple (referred to here as black) grains of seven genetically related wheat lines developed for the grain anthocyanin pigmentation trait. To identify target analytes in ethanol extracts, high-performance liquid chromatography was used in combination with Bruker Daltonics ion trap mass spectrometry. The results showed the presence of 125 biologically active compounds of a phenolic (85) and nonphenolic (40) nature in the grains of T. aestivum (seven lines). Among them, a number of phenolic compounds affiliated with anthocyanins, coumarins, dihydrochalcones, flavan-3-ols, flavanone, flavones, flavonols, hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, isoflavone, lignans, other phenolic acids, stilbenes, and nonphenolic compounds affiliated with alkaloids, carboxylic acids, carotenoids, diterpenoids, essential amino acids, triterpenoids, sterols, nonessential amino acids, phytohormones, purines, and thromboxane receptor antagonists were found in T. aestivum grains for the first time. A comparative analysis of the diversity of the compounds revealed that the lines do not differ from each other in the proportion of phenolic (53.3% to 70.3% of the total number of identified compounds) and nonphenolic compounds (46.7% to 29.7%), but diversity of the compounds was significantly lower in grains of the control line. Even though the lines are genetically closely related and possess similar chemical profiles, some line-specific individual compounds were identified that constitute unique chemical fingerprints and allow to distinguish each line from the six others. Finally, the influence of the genotype on the chemical profiles of the wheat grains is discussed.

Mineralogical Characteristic of Nanhong Agate with Black Seaweed Pattern Mineral Inclusion

Nanhong from Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province, China has gained great popularity in the gem market in China for its vibrant colour. Its attractive orange-red colour is generated by fine hematite concentrations. Recently, a new kind of named seaweed pattern agate, belonging to the family of the Nanhong agates appeared in the local market of Liangshan Prefecture. Microscopic examination showed that the fine red and black grain minerals scattered in various forms such as silkiness and disseminated forms in the sample. Infrared spectrometer, Raman spectrometer and X-ray powder diffraction were used to study the gemmological and mineralogical characteristics of the The results proved that the main mineral component of the was quartz with a low relative content of moganite and high degree of order. The crystallinity of the is about 6.76. FTIR spectra showed a weak peak at 3 674 cm-1 related to OH-. Combined with the XRD testing result (d=8.418 A), it supported the existence of phyllosilicates in the Raman spectrum of red grain mineal showed peaks at 226, 245, 292 cm-1, which matched well with hematite. Meanwhile the spectrum of black grain was consistent with sulfide minerals (peaks at 342, 377 cm-1). Further testing results of scanning electron microscopy and back scattering diffraction confirmed that most of the black grain mineral is pyrite(FeAs(0.015-0.018 5)S(1.826-1.886)), which belongs to isometric system. According to Raman database, the last peak at 289 cm-1 was identical with chalcopyrite. All these evidence showed pyrite had a paragenetic relationship with chalcopyrite in some area of seaweed pattern agate. Another important features were that mineral components and morphological distribution of these black grains were obviously different from features such as Fe and Mn oxides and organic grains that appear in common seaweed pattern from other places, which may indicate that the origin of seaweed pattern agate is from Liangshan.

Effect of heterogeneous protein distribution on in situ pasting properties of black rice starch

In situ scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) was used for depth profiling of black rice and the visualisation and quantification of the heterogeneous protein distribution. The SEM-EDS images of black rice grains revealed high protein content in the aleuronic layer, cell membrane and amyloplasts, especially in the spheroidal particles among the amyloplasts. This phenomenon has not been directly observed by other apparatuses because successive abrasion of brown rice by milling destroys the integrity of the cell walls and amyloplasts. Consistent with the SEM-EDS findings, confocal laser scanning microscopy and the Kjeldahl method preformed after successive milling indicated that the protein content of black rice decreases from the surface to the inner layer. Pasting curves obtained with a viscometer indicate that the protein distribution significantly affects the peak viscosity, setback viscosity, and pasting temperature of rice starch. Protein extraction weakened the structural stability of starch granules, possibly because the protective effect of protein is lost during extraction. This study improves the understanding of the protein distribution in rice grains and its effect on the pasting properties of rice starch; the findings are useful in food processing for managing rice nutrient compositions.

Eumycetoma and disseminated phaeohyphomycosis in a Sumatran tiger.

A 16-y-old female Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) was evaluated for hyporexia. Examination revealed chronic kidney disease and a large subcutaneous axillary mass with draining tracts that contained numerous small black grains. Histologic examination revealed the presence of intralesional fungal hyphae. Persistent hyporexia and pyogranulomatous disease, as well as progressive cachexia and azotemia occurred despite treatment, and euthanasia was performed. Disseminated phaeohyphomycosis was diagnosed on postmortem examination, additionally affecting various lymph nodes, the nasal cavity, mesenteric adipose tissue, abdominal aorta, pericardium, and kidney. Fungal culture from a deep-tissue sample isolated a pure growth of Curvularia sp., a dematiaceous opportunistic fungus able to cause eumycetomas and/or phaeohyphomycosis. Phaeohyphomycosis is a rare but emerging condition, not previously reported as disseminated disease in an exotic carnivore, to our knowledge. Aggressive systemic antifungal treatment was unsuccessful, likely complicated by diagnostic challenges and concurrent renal disease. The presence of a swelling with abundant grains exiting draining tracts should direct clinicians to the diagnosis of a mycetoma, warranting early and aggressive treatment.

Dermoscopy-An Aid in the Diagnosis of Mycetoma.

A 45-year-old farmer consulted for a gradually increasing swelling over right leg. Examination revealed hard swelling with multiple discharging sinuses over right foot. Many pin-point hypopigmented macules arranged in a schematic pattern were seen, corresponding to the site of administration of indigenous medication [Figure 1]. Dermoscopic examination using DermLite™ DL3-3Gen under contact polarized mode from one of the active sinus revealed small black grains, surrounded by bluish white veil suggestive of deeper fungal colonies [Figure 2a]. White structureless area around the openings corresponding to dermal fibrosis was seen[Figure 2b]. Skin punch biopsy from the lesion demonstrated periodic-acid-schiff positive, pigmented fungal colonies over a background of granulation tissue [Figure 3].Figure 1: Diffuse woody hard swelling over dorsum of right foot with multiple discharging sinusesFigure 2: a. Dermoscopy of the sinus opening shows multiple small black grains. b. The sinuses are surrounded by bluish white veil (Red arrow). Crust surrounding the sinus opening can be seen (Yellow arrow) Structureless pink-white areas related to the underlying fibrosis was seen surrounding to the lesion (Star). (DL3 dermoscope, polarized mode 10x)Figure 3: Histopathology shows pigmented fungal colony comprising of radiating hyphae of eumycetoma, showing splendor hoeppli phenomenon and surrounded by dense neutrophilic infiltrate. (PAS stain, 10x)Mycetoma is a granulomatous infection that can be caused by bacteria (actinomycotic mycetoma) or fungi (eumycotic mycetoma). Grains represent the hallmark of mycetoma and color of grains is often suggestive of the probable causative agent. However, diagnostic facilities are often limited and inaccessible to many patients affected by this neglected tropical disease.[1] Dermoscopy is an easy, quick, and noninvasive tool, which can be helpful in visualizing minute grains and ascertain the type of mycetoma.[1] Black colored granules are highly suggestive of eumycotic mycetoma and its visualization by dermoscopy can help in early institution of definitive treatment. The dermoscopic images can also be stored and transferred electronically and an expert opinion sought through teledermoscopy.[2] Dermoscopy has been explored in the diagnosis of many pigmentary disorders, granulomatous infective diseases like leprosy and sporotrichosis.[34] The current report reinstitutes the importance of dermoscopy in diagnosis of dermatological disorders with clinico-dermoscopic-pathological correlation.[2] Declaration of patient consent The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms. In the form the patient(s) has/have given his/her/their consent for his/her/their images and other clinical information to be reported in the journal. The patients understand that their names and initials will not be published and due efforts will be made to conceal their identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.

Comparative analyses of the nutraceutical potentialities of selected Indian traditional black rice (Oryza sativa L.) landraces

The present investigation aims to explore the importance of some traditional black rice varieties with their nutraceutical properties. The beneficial properties of these varieties remain unknown to the majority of the population due to the inadequate data. Decorticated rice grains of four black rice varieties were evaluated and compared with two commonly consumed white rice varieties - Gobindabhog (traditional aromatic) and BPT 5204 (modern high yielding variety). The sugars and total lipid levels were similar in Gobindabhog and BPT 5204. The black rice varieties, however, had considerably greater protein, thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, and antimicrobial activities compared to the two selected white rice varieties. The ICPMS analysis of black rice grains showed that the former also had higher levels of Mn, Fe, and Zn than the white rice varieties. However, BPT 5204 contained a greater amount of Cu than the black rice varieties. Total flavonoid and phenolic content, as well as antioxidant potentiality of black rice varieties were also considerably higher than those of the white rice varieties.

Development of hull-less barley with ultra-low gluten content via target genes combination. I. Isolation of triple mutants and black grained genotypes

Aim. The purpose of the research, presented in this paper, is to develop (as the first one in Ukraine) hull-less barley breeding material with ultra-low gluten, combining three hordein-deficient mutations, derived from Risø56, Risø1508, and R118, with black grain color as an indication of bioactive pigments content, enhancing the functional status of grain as a food product. Methods. We used electrophoretic analysis of proteins in polyacrylamide gel, DNA isolation by the CTAB method, polymerase chain reaction with DNA-markers, restriction analysis and electrophoretic separa tion of DNA in agarose gel. Results. The article presents the results of the first stage of combining target hordeindefi cient mutations by binary crosses. The F2/3 and F3/4 populations were derived from binary crosses of Risø56 × Risø1508 (reciprocal Risø1508 × Risø56) and R118 × hull-less barley Achilles. The new PCR protocol was optimized. Markers B1hor, 3a5F and Dhor-m were selected to identify mutations in B, C and D hordeins. Conclusions. Several barley genotypes with one or two target hordein-deficient mutations and black grain color were isolated. The genotypes obtained will be used in a further backcrosses program, aimed at developing of a black hull-less barley variety with ultra-low gluten content.

COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF SOME AGRONOMIC AND GRAIN QUALITY TRAITS FOR THREE NEW DEVELOPED RICE VARIETIES

This study was conducted at Rice Department farm, Sakha Agriculture Research Station during 2018 and 2019 seasons. Yield and yield components, grain quality, cooking quality, chemical composition with nutrition content were estimated in this study for two Egyptian varieties (Sakha 108 and Giza 182) and introduced Black Rice variety. The results showed that, Sakha 108 variety had the best grain quality characters (hulling %, milling% and head rice %) with high performance of grain yield. Giza 182 as indica type gave the good performance in yield and yield attributes. Black rice as introduced one had high levels of protein, ash, oil and minerals (iron, calcium and zinc) as nutritional elements compared with the other two varieties in both seasons, while the fiber crud percentage reached to the maximum for Sakha 108 in brown grains while the total carbohydrate was high in milled grains of Sakha 108. On the other hand, Giza 182 variety milled grains recorded the lowest content of minerals except for Ca. For cooking quality characters, results indicated that milled grains of Giza 182 gave the highest value of water uptake and produced the greatest volume expansion. Sakha 108 and Giza 182 brown and milled grains had the same time for cooking, while Black Rice variety grains gave the highest value for cooking time.

Phenolic acids and phytosterols in rice grains and wheat flours consumed in five regions of China.

Phenolic acids and phytosterols, the main functional compounds in cereals, could promote wellbeing and reduce the risks of diet-related diseases. This study aimed to demonstrate phenolic acid and phytosterol profiles in rice grains and wheat flours, and estimate their intakes in five geographical regions and among different age groups. Phenolic acids and phytosterols mainly existed in bound form, and the whole rice grain had high amount of 161.39 to 368.74µg/g and 37.50 to 93.31mg/ 100g, respectively. In total, nine phenolic acids and six phytosterols were detected with ferulic and p-coumaric acid, and β-sitosterol the most abundant. The dietary intakes of phenolic acids and phytosterols were calculated combined with the dietary foods intake data of Chinese people. The intakes of total phenolic acids and phytosterols from rice grains and wheat flours varied across different regions with Beijing the highest among the five regions. At the age of 2 to 70 years, the average intakes of phenolic acids and phytosterols from rice and wheat flours were 7.74 to 17.52 and 58.02 to 135.61mg/sp/day, respectively. If 3-ounce of polished rice was replaced by black rice grain, the predicted intakes of total phenolic acids and phytosterols from rice grains and wheat flours would increase by at least 196% and 68%, respectively, especially for free phenolic acids and phytosterols. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study would help the consumers know how much phenolic acids and phytosterols they would get from 3 ounces of black rice in a reasonable intake of staple food but shift away other kinds of foods. It could also provide inspirations for food industries to explore the functional cereal foods that are rich in phenolic acids and phytosterols for different regions and different age groups.

PENGARUH PEMUPUKAN FOSFAT DAN KALIUM TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL GABAH PADI HITAM DI SAWAH TADAH HUJAN

Black rice (Oriza sativa.L) is one of the local varieties that has a high anthocyanin content within the pericarp layer of the seed, which contains nutritions that are important to health. Local black rice seed frequently empty with grain, caused by ineffective manure, especially potassium and phosphate. Utilization of rainfed areas for black rice cultivation can be done with balanced fertilization. This study aims to determine the effect of phosphate and potassium fertilization on the growth and production of black rice grain in rainfed areas. The study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) model with two factors, i.e KCl fertilizer factor consisting of four levels namely k0 without treatment, k1 = 20 g / plot, k2 = 40 g / plot, k3 = 60g / plot and the second factor was phosphate consisting of the four levels, i.e p0 without treatment, p1 = 20 g / plot, p2 = 40 g / plot, p3 = 60g / plot. Each treatment was repeated three times so that there were 48 experimental plot units. The results showed that there was an interaction between the treatments on the weight of 1000 grains while the application of potassium fertilizer significantly affected the number of productive tillers, harvested unhusked rice, milled unhusked rice and the weight of 1000 grains. The application of phosphate fertilizer only significantly affected the number of productive tillers with recommended doses 40g / plot because it gives a higher yield compared to the others in the number of 17.95 productive tillers Keywords: Black Rice, Potassium, Phosphate.

Principal Component Analysis Application on Nutritional, Bioactive Compound and Antioxidant Activities of Pigmented Dough Grain

The dough stage of rice plant is a critical stage during the grain development. The rice endosperm continues to expand and the color of the seed coat develops in accordance with rice variety, so it is called as dough grain. This research was carried out to examine nutritional value, bioactive compound and antioxidant activity of Thai dough grain. Ten varieties of pigmented dough grain including non-glutinous and glutinous rice were studied. Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to visualize the difference in nutrition amongst ten rice varieties. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify the unique characteristics of each rice variety. Three principal components (PC1-PC3) showed 82.04% of the total variance and could divide pigmented dough grain varieties into 3 groups. Group 1 consisted of a red dough grain (Red Hom Mali). It had the highest total phenolic content as well as high protein and antioxidant activities. Group 2 consisted of two red dough grains (Thabthim Chumphae and Niao Daeng) and two black dough grains (Riceberry and Niaodum Kumbaikeaw), which had moderate antioxidant activities. Group 3 consisted of two green dough grains (Khao Dawk Mali 105 and Kor Khor 6) and three black dough grains (Black Hom Mali, Mali Black Sulin and Niaodum Kumnoiy), exhibiting high gamma oryzanol value but, low total phenolic content. Hence, red and black dough grains had higher nutritional value, total phenolic content, total anthocyanin and antioxidant activities than green dough grains. In addition, dough grains from non-glutinous rice had higher protein and lower fat than those from glutinous rice. Therefore, the data from this research could benefit the utilization of these pigmented dough grain as functional food ingredients and healthy food product.

Palladium Nanosheet-Carbon Black Powder Composites for Selective Hydrogenation of Alkynes to Alkenes

Ultrathin palladium nanosheets on carbon black grains have been straightforwardly prepared under reductant-free conditions using ultrasonication. The as-prepared composites (showing a quite unusual morphology of Pd-deposits) have been scrutinized as catalysts in the selective alkyne-to-alkene hydrogenation under mild operational conditions. Their activity, selectivity, and robustness in the process are outstanding, opening new horizons for simpler synthetic procedures for this class of composites. Moreover, the tight anchorage of the large and thin metal sheets to the carbon grains of the support dramatically reduces the active phase surface mobility during catalysis. Besides preserving the catalyst performance, this peculiar palladium morphology strongly limits the environmental risks stemming from metal nanoparticles leaching in heterogeneous catalysts.

In vitro susceptibility testing for black grain eumycetoma causative agents.

Eumycetoma is a neglected tropical implantation mycosis characterized by large subcutaneous swellings. Inside the infected tissue, the causative agents are found in grains. The most common causative agents form black grains and are sterile upon isolation. In vitro susceptibility assays were developed for eumycetoma causative agents. They were based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M38A protocol and modified to enable the use of hyphae as a starting inoculum. To ease endpoint reading, viability dyes such as resazurin or XTT have been used. So far the in vitro susceptibility assays developed have mainly been used to establish if causative agents are inhibited in growth by various antifungal agents, but not for clinical decision making. For drug discovery, the assay proved useful in determining which compounds were able to prevent hyphal growth. However, a clear correlation between in vitro inhibition in terms of the half maximal inhibitory concentration or 50% minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50) and therapeutic efficacy assayed in a novel model system in terms of Galleria mellonella larval survival was not found. For clinical decision making, a range of MICs were found for each antifungal agent. However, no clinical breakpoints have been established for any of the causative agents. For itraconazole, the MIC50 of most causative agents was below the attainable serum levels, which might indicate that they are susceptible. However, before in vitro susceptibility can be used in clinical decision making for mycetoma, a correlation between MIC and clinical outcome needs to be made.

Melanin production in coelomycetous agents of black grain eumycetoma.

BackgroundEumycetoma is a fungal infection characterised by the formation of black grains by causative agents. The melanin biosynthetic pathways used by the most common causative agents of black-grain mycetoma are unknown and unravelling them could identify potential new therapeutic targets.MethodMelanin biosynthetic pathways in the causative fungi were identified by the use of specific melanin inhibitors.ResultsIn Trematosphaeria grisea and Falciformispora tompkinsii, 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN)-melanin synthesis was inhibited, while DHN-, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA)- and pyo-melanin were inhibited in Medicopsis romeroi and Falciformispora senegalensis.ConclusionOur data suggest that Me. romeroi and F. senegalensis synthesise DHN-, DOPA- and pyo-melanin, while T. grisea and F. tompkinsii only synthesise DHN-melanin.