Concentrations Of Compounds Research Articles

Assessment of the Quality, Bioactive Compounds, and Antimicrobial Activity of Egyptian, Ethiopian, and Syrian Black Cumin Oils

Background: The oils obtained from the seeds of Nigella sativa, also named black cumin, are rich in bioactive compounds that strengthen immunity and support human health. This study aimed to compare Nigella sativa oils pressed from Egyptian (Eg-NSSO), Ethiopian (Et-NSSO), and Syrian (Sy-NSSO) seeds. Methods: The analyzed oils were obtained from a local company. The content of phenolic compounds, tocochromanols, phytosterols, volatile compounds, triglycerides, and fatty acids composition was determined using chromatographic methods. The oxidative stability was determined by Rancimat technique as well as the determination of DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity. As an assessment of bioactivity, the antimicrobial and anti-aflatoxigenic properties of oils were evaluated. Results: Ethiopian oil had highest content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, phytosterols, and tocochromanols and was characterized by the longest induction period (IP = 7.89 h). The share of thymoquinone was the highest in Ethiopian oil (34.84%), followed by Egyptian (27.36%), then Syrian (22.59%). Ethiopian oil recorded a high antibacterial activity, while Egyptian oil showed a unique antifungal activity against toxigenic fungi. Aflatoxins’ secretion into liquid medium containing NSSO was reduced, especially with Egyptian oil.

Tomato Waste as a Sustainable Source of Antioxidants and Pectins: Processing, Pretreatment and Extraction Challenges

Tomato processing waste (TPW), a byproduct of the tomato processing industry, is generated in significant quantities globally, presenting a challenge for sustainable waste management. While traditionally used as animal feed or fertilizer, TPW is increasingly recognized for its potential as a valuable raw material due to its high content of bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids, polyphenols and pectin. These compounds have significant health benefits and are in growing demand in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Despite this potential, the broader industrial utilization of TPW remains limited. This review explores the influence of various processing, pretreatment and extraction methods on the concentration and stability of the bioactive compounds found in TPW. By analyzing the effects of these methodologies, we provide insights into optimizing processes for maximum recovery and sustainable utilization of TPW. Additionally, we address the major challenges in scaling up these processes for industrial application, including the assessment of their ecological footprint through life cycle analysis (LCA). This comprehensive approach aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and industrial implementation, facilitating the valorization of TPW in line with circular economy principles.

Optimization of the DNA isolation procedure for assessing the genetic diversity of essential oil roses (Rosa L.)

Background. High content of organic compounds that worsen nucleic acid purification in aromatic plants, as well as the use of such toxic substances as phenol and mercaptoethanol in many protocols for plant DNA isolation, make it advisable to take the above disadvantages into account when optimizing the DNA extraction technique for the work with essential oil rose plants. Material and methods. Rose accessions from the Crimean Federal University’s Botanical Garden, and those from the collection held by the Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea were included in the study. DNA extraction was done according to a modified CTAB protocol. Effectiveness of the technique was assessed using spectrophotometry, horizontal electrophoresis, and ISSR-PCR. Results. DNA preparations extracted with the modified technique were well visualized on the electropherogram and demonstrated high spectrophotometric values. DNA content was twice as high in preparations isolated with an extraction buffer with PVP, compared to a PVP-free buffer. The concentration was also higher in DNA extracts from stems than that from leaves. Purity parameters expressed by the absorption ratios at wavelengths A260/280 and A260/230 were again higher for DNA extracts from stems isolated with an enriched buffer, the A260/230 ratio falling within the normal range only in DNA extracted from stems in the presence of PVP. Besides, DNA extracts were effectively purified from proteins without phenol or mercaptoethanol, due to double rinsing with a chloroform/isoamyl alcohol (24 : 1) mixture. Conclusion. Using rose stem tissues as the research material, adding 2% PVP to the extraction buffer, and twofold rinsing with a chloroform/isoamyl alcohol mixture made it possible to obtain DNA extracts with high concentrations and purity indices within normal ranges suitable for the ISSR analysis of essential oil rose genetic diversity.

Indoor Environmental Quality in Portuguese Office Buildings: Influencing Factors and Impact of an Intervention Study

Office workers spend a considerable part of their day at the workplace, making it vital to ensure proper indoor environmental quality (IEQ) conditions in office buildings. This work aimed to identify significant factors influencing IEQ and assess the effectiveness of an environmental intervention program, which included the introduction of indoor plants, carbon dioxide (CO2) sensors, ventilation, and printer relocation (source control), in six modern office buildings in improving IEQ. Thirty office spaces in Porto, Portugal, were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. Indoor air quality, thermal comfort, illuminance, and noise were monitored before and after a 14-day intervention implementation. Occupancy, natural ventilation, floor type, and cleaning time significantly influenced IEQ levels. Biophilic interventions appeared to decrease volatile organic compound concentrations by 30%. Installing CO2 sensors and optimizing ventilation strategies in an office that mainly relies on natural ventilation effectively improved air renewal and resulted in a 28% decrease in CO2 levels. The implementation of a source control intervention led to a decrease in ultrafine particle and ozone concentrations by 14% and 85%, respectively. However, an unexpected increase in airborne particle levels was detected. Overall, for a sample of offices that presented acceptable IEQ levels, the intervention program had only minor or inconsistent impacts. Offices with declared IEQ problems are prime candidates for further research to fully understand the potential of environmental interventions.

Phytochemical Constituent and Cumulative or Antagonistic Effects of Crops Plant Organ Combination on Free Radical Scavenging Capacity and Antioxidant Compound Content

Aims: In Burkina Faso, the majority of plant-based recipes are a combination of plant organs from the same or different species. For these recipes’ producers, the aim is to improve efficiency. However, our ethnobotanical surveys have revealed that for some species, efficacy is better when the species is not combined, or when it is combined in small proportions with other species. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of plant organ combination on free radical scavenging activity, phenolic compound content and flavonoid content. Study Design: The work combined harvesting and processing of plant material from September to November 2023, and laboratories analysis from January to March 2024 at Natural Substances Departement of Institut de Recherche en Sciences Appliquées et Technologie, Ouagadougou. Methodology: We prepared two batches of recipes, first combining two species from the same genus, then two species from different genera. The powder of each plant without combination was also used to compare data. Phytochemical screening was first carried out with TLC and LC-MS analysis on each plant extract. We then assessed the phenolic compound content (PCC) using Folin-Ciocalteu method, flavonoid content (FCC) using aluminum chloride test, antioxidant content using TEAC method and free radical scavenging activity using DPPH method, for different batches. Results: Phytochemical constituent in the three species are phenolic compounds, terpenoids and nitrogen derivatives. The results of biological property evaluation suggest that for best efficacy and to obtain a high phenolic compound content, Lippia multiflora leaves should be used separately, or combined in 70% proportions with Lippia alba, then in 50% proportions if the combination is made with Ocimum basilicum. Conclusion: This research has provided relevant results to guide players in the field of traditional medicine and users of herbal remedies.

The Influence of Planting Sites on the Chemical Compositions of Chrysanthemum morifolium Flowers (Chuju) as Revealed by Py-GC/MS Combined with Multivariate Statistical Analysis.

Chuju, a cultivar of Chrysanthemum morifolium, has been traditionally cultivated for over 2000 years in China for both ornamental and medicinal purposes. To date, investigations into the chemical composition of this plant have indicated that it contains compounds with extensive biological activities, although detailed information on the chemical composition of Chuju remains scarce. In the present study, the chemical compositions of Chuju flowers were investigated across five sites in the core Chuju planting area in Anhui province, China. Analytical pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) was used to explore variations in flower chemical fingerprints from different Chuju planting sites. The study identified approximately 200 components in Chuju flowers and stems, including high levels of fatty acids, lipids, polysaccharides and terpenoids. Multivariate statistical analysis indicated that 16 chemical compounds were influential determinants of the chemical fingerprint and could be used to distinguish two clusters in the five core planting areas. The established Py-GC/MS analytical workflow could provide a basis for determining the chemical fingerprints of Chuju and help elucidate that products contain a reproducible content of bioactive compounds and overall quality for potential development of health and medicinal purposes.

Development of gluten-free pasta with chickpeas as a wheat flour substitute and fortified with carob, beetroot, and spinach

The study aimed to develop pasta dough using chickpeas as a substitute for wheat flour and fortified with carob, beetroot, and spinach. Three formulations of gluten-free pasta were prepared: F1 (chickpea flour 97% + carob powder 2% + CMC1%), F2 (chickpea flour 87% + carob powder 2% + beetroot powder 10% + CMC1%) and F3 (chickpea flour 87% + carob powder 2% + spinach powder 10% + CMC1%). Physical, chemical, rheological, and sensory characteristics of chickpea pasta were evaluated and compared to semolina flour (CS) as a control. In comparison with conventional wheat pasta, chickpea pasta has a higher content of protein, fiber, and polyphenolic compounds. The results indicated that the incorporation of chickpea as a main ingredient significantly increased the content of protein in the formulations of gluten-free pasta (17.50, 15.05 and 14.88% in F1, F3, and F2, respectively) compared to CS (12.10%). A similar trend was observed for the fiber content (0.45, 1.89, 2.16, and 2.29 in CS, F1, F2, and F3, respectively) and polyphenolic compounds (109.14, 112.14, 141.89, and 178.96 in CS, F1, F2, and F3, respectively). Chickpea pasta demonstrated strong acceptance across all sensory criteria, including texture, odor, shape, and taste. Therefore, this study suggests that chickpeas can serve as an effective substitute for wheat, thereby increasing the availability of healthy options for everyone, particularly for those with celiac disease, obesity, or diabetes.

Phytochemical screening and toxicity assessment of compounds isolated from the leaves of Mangifera indica L. for the control of Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera; Noctuidae)

This study aimed to analyze the phytochemical composition and antioxidative capabilities of mango leaves (Mangifera indica L., Nam Dok Mai), indigenous to Sa Kaeo Province, Thailand. Various solvents with differing polarities, including n-hexane, DCM, ethyl acetate, and MeOH, were utilized for leaf extraction. The findings revealed the existence of eight groups of phytochemical compounds: alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarins, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, steroids, and cardiac glycosides. The MeOH crude extract exhibited the highest concentration of total phenolic compounds at 409.88 ±0.02 mg GAE/g. Furthermore, the MeOH crude extract demonstrated the strongest antioxidant activity, with an IC50 value of 0.52 ±0.02 μg/ml, as determined by the DPPH method. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to identify gallic acid and mangiferin in the MeOH crude extract. Laboratory tests were conducted using the topical application method to evaluate the toxicity of the M. indica leaf crude extract on 2nd instar Spodoptera litura larvae. The MeOH crude extract exhibited high efficacy, with an LD50 value of 10.58 µg per larvae within 24 hours. Gallic acid and mangiferin were identified as the primary active ingredients, with LCD50 values of 1.19 µg per larvae and 1.90 µg per larvae, respectively, within 24 hours. Additionally, the impact on detoxification enzymes (24 hours post-treatment) was assessed in surviving 2nd instar S. litura larvae using the topical application method. The MeOH extract treatment resulted in 1.31-fold inhibition of carboxylesterase (CE), 1.31-fold inhibition of glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and 1.32-fold inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE).

Anti-Bacterial Potential of Multi-strain Probiotics Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Strain Dad-13 and FNCC-0250) and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei GMRMP-001 against Escherichia coli FNCC-0091 In Vitro and In Vivo

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Dad-13, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FNCC-0250 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei GMRMP-001 are probiotics strain isolated from Indonesian local and traditional fermented foods. This study aims to evaluate the administration of multi-strain probiotics at dose of 109 CFU/mL/day for 14 days against the diarrhea-causing bacteria Escherichia coli FNCC-0091 at a dose of 1011 CFU/mL/day. Thirty rats were randomized and the divided into 5 groups, including control group, skim milk group, single-strain group, multi-strain group and E. coli group. Antibacterial activity was analyzed in vitro, feed intake, body weight were analyzed, microbial analysis was carried out on feces and cecum, short chain fatty acids were analyzed and intestinal morphology was measured. The result showed that the single-strain and multi-strain inhibition zone in in vitro test produces a very strong inhibitory potential (> 9 mm). The number of L. plantarum and L. paracasei increased and the number of E. coli decreased significantly in the feces and cecum of Rat indicating the survival rate of the probiotic bacteria in the digestive tract and their ability to fight pathogenic bacteria. The concentration of acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid compounds also increased, indicating that the digestive tract is at a low pH so that it can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria in rats. In addition, consumption of multi-strain probiotics does not have a negative effect on intestinal morphology. The conclusion is that multi-strain probiotics are able to inhibit pathogenic bacteria in vivo and in vitro. HIGHLIGHTS Multi-strain probiotics isolated from traditional Indonesian fermented foods can reduce the potential for diarrhea. Single-strain and multi-strain have the same effectiveness in inhibiting pathogenic bacteria as seen from the growth of the bacteria. Digestive conditions were damaged in rat that were not given probiotic intervention, but when they received probiotic intervention, digestive conditions improved. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Exploring the medicinal potential of Dendrobium: Uncovering the spatial distribution of flavonoids and alkaloids in 15 species of Dendrobium using MALDI-MSI

Dendrobium, the second largest genus in the Orchidaceae family, has been regarded as a valuable medicinal plant throughout Chinese history. Secondary metabolites present in the stem of Dendrobium, including alkaloids and flavonoids, confer significant pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, antitumor, and antioxidant properties. To our knowledge, this study is the first to apply matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) technology to comprehensively identify the spatial distribution of secondary metabolites, particularly flavonoids and alkaloids, in the mature stems of 15 common Dendrobium species. By analyzing the matching scores and relative concentrations of compounds, 20 flavonoids and 19 alkaloids with high identification credibility were identified, along with 4 sesquiterpenoid compounds. Their spatial distributions and compositions were analyzed, and the results revealed that despite the similar structural basis of the stems in the 15 Dendrobium species, significant differences existed in the distribution of secondary metabolites among different species. Flavonoids and alkaloids with different medicinal effects exhibited certain specific distribution patterns; for instance, flavonoids with antioxidant effects were mostly concentrated in the outer circle of thin-walled cells of Dendrobium stems, whereas those with antitumor effects were found in higher concentrations in the central areas of some Dendrobium species than in the periphery. Alkaloids with antitumor properties typically exhibited a higher concentration in peripheral thin-walled cells than in central regions. Furthermore, statistical analysis was conducted on the content of secondary metabolites with different effects among the 15 Dendrobium species to identify species with greater medicinal potential in terms of antioxidant and antitumor effects. The findings of this study not only enhance our understanding of the distribution patterns of flavonoids and alkaloids within Dendrobium stems but also offer valuable insights for the medicinal development and quality assessment of Dendrobium.

Unveiling the Potential of Hyptis Capitata and Hyptis Brevipes Compounds in Overcoming Apoptosis Resistance and Inducing Targeted Cell Cycle Arrest in Breast Cancer Stem Cells

Breast cancer stem cells (CSC), as a kind of tumor cells, are able to regenerate themselves, leading to apoptosis resistance and cancer relapse. In this study, we investigated the potential of Hyptis Capitata and Hyptis Brevipes compounds in preventing apoptosis resistance and inducing targeted cell cycle arrest in CSC. The cytotoxic effects of the compounds were evaluated using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and the cell cycle distribution and apoptosis induction were assessed through flow cytometry analysis. The phytochemical characterization of Hyptis bravipes extract (HBE) and Hyptis capitata extract (HCE) conducted under thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The results revealed that Hyptis Brevipes extract (HBE) exhibited strong cytotoxicity towards CSCs, with an IC50 value of 89 µg/mL. In contrast, Hyptis Capitata extract (HCE) showed weak growth inhibition, with an IC50 value greater than 500 µg/mL. Subsequent analysis demonstrated that HBE induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/M and S phases and significantly increased apoptosis in the CSC population. Furthermore, phytochemical characterization using TLC and HPLC revealed that HBE and HCE share similar constituent compounds, with HBE exhibiting a more diverse compound content and stronger cytotoxic effects. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential of Hyptis Capitata and Hyptis Brevipes compounds as targeted agents against breast cancer stem cells and contribute to understanding their chemical profiles and pharmacological properties. HIGHLIGHTS Hyptis brevipes extract induced cell cycle arrest in G2/M and S phases. Cytotoxicity of Hyptis brevipes leading to apoptosis induction on CSC Hyptis brevipes significantly targeted Breast Cancer Stem Cells GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Enhancing anti-adhesion properties by designing microstructure - the microscopy and spectroscopy study of the intercellular bacterial response.

This study is the first one that investigates in detail the bacterial intercellular response to the high density of crystallographic defects including vacancies created in Cu by high pressure torsion. To this aim, samples were deformed by high pressure torsion and afterward, their antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus were analyzed in adhesion tests. As a reference an annealed sample was applied. To avoid the influence of surface roughness, specially elaborated conditions for surface preparation were employed, which do not introduce defects and assure comparable surface roughness. The analysis of the chemical composition and thickness of passive layers by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that they were comparable for nanostructured and micrograined samples, consisting of Cu2O and CuO, and a thickness of 6nm. The interface bacterium-substrate was prepared by a focused ion beam and further analyzed by scanning transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. High pressure torsion processed Cu shows enhanced anti-adhesion properties while in contact with S. aureus than micrograined Cu. There is a linear correlation between luminous intensity and grain size-0.5. The bacterial intercellular defence mechanism includes the creation of Cu2O nanoparticles and the increased concentration of sulphur-rich compounds near these nanoparticles.

IL-6 and INF-γ Mediated Immune Responses in Mice Induced by Campylobacter jejuni Bacterial Ghosts

Background: Bacterial ghosts (BGs) a growing interest in their potential medical and pharmacological uses in recent years which is just. The empty bacterial envelopes Absent its internal substance .in this study using BGs for campylobacter jejuni which is curved, non- spore -forming, gram -negative rods that measure approximately 0.2 to 0.9µ₥×0.5 to 5.0 µ₥. Enteric campylobacter may appear as long spirals or S-or seagull -wing shapes. these organisms may appear as coccobacilli in smears prepared older cultures. Methods: On gram stained smears, these organisms stain poorly for better visualization carbol- fuchsin is recommended as a counterstain, if safranin is used, counterstaining should be extended to 2 to 3 minutes campylobacter spp. is motil. There are two methods for preparation of (BGs) either by E-lysis gene creating a lysis tunnel structure inside the active bacteria's envelope. Or by using minimum inhibition concentration and minimum growth concentration for chemical compounds (MIC), (MGC) in a row. The ideal circumstances for the generation of BGs were mapped using the Plackett-Burman experimental design using two experimental. Results: A spectrophotometer was used to measure the amount of DNA and protein released. The whole experiment was divided into three steps: in the first step all the chemical reagents except H2O2 were added to bacterial suspension, in the second step only H2O2, and in the third step, the cell pellets reconstituted in 60% ethanol and kept at room temperature for thirty minutes with gentle swirl of the cells for thirty seconds every five minutes. Cell pellets were gathered and cleaned again using the same procedure as mentioned. It was assured that no living cells were left behind in the bacterial spoon by cultivation using N.B. after the experiment. The lab animal Mic injected with BG from Campylobacter jejuni as a vaccine 28 days from the last immunization, which used the qPCR technique for the immune test, has been chosen. IL-6 and INF-G for this test. Conclusion: The immune responses accorded as a result of giving the vaccine was obtained from this the results of this research.

Premised research on dietary exposure to benzo[a]pyrene, acrylamide, and Nnitrosodimethylamine from common fried and grilled dishes in North Vietnam

Fried and grilled cooking methods and the widespread consumption of certain dishes may expose the population to elevated levels of potentially carcinogenic compounds, such as benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), acrylamide, and N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). This study aims to quickly estimate dietary exposure to these contaminants and assess the associated carcinogenic risk for several common Vietnamese fried and grilled dishes. The concentrations of the target compounds were obtained from the study showed that BaP, NDMA, and acrylamide are the groups of substances of greatest concern. The analytical results of 235 samples of meat and meat products (grilled/fried/smoked), seafood and seafood products (grilled/fried/smoked), processed oils, and potatoes showed that 12 samples detected acrylamide in the range of 5.0 – 162.0 µg/kg found in grilled/fried dishes and 5.0 – 4605 µg/kg for fried potatoes. Additionally, 204 samples detected NDMA in all groups in the range of 0.20 – 15.0 µg/kg, and 27 samples detected BaP in the range of 5.2 – 88 µg/kg in grilled/roasted food. Combined with information on food consumption patterns to estimate dietary exposure, four age groups were divided into under 6 years old, 6 – 18 years old, 18 – 50 years old, and over 50 years old, which showed that the consumption of processed foods by age groups was very different. In particular, the age group from 6 to 50 years old was the group that consumed the most of these foods (14.1 – 140 g/day). Specifically, up to 94.4% of people interviewed ate fried meat, 88.8% ate fried seafood and 85% ate fried potatoes. Risk characterization using the margin of exposure (MOE) and Cancer Slope Factor approaches indicate that certain dishes, such as grilled/smoked meat and fish, and deep-fried foods, may pose a significant cancer risk to Vietnamese consumers.

Impact of pasture feeding cows and seasonality on the concentration of selected fat-soluble compounds in milk and their ability to be used as biomarkers of “Grass-Fed” dairy

This study investigated the impact of proportion of pasture in the cow diet on the concentration of selected fat-soluble compounds in milk including β-carotene, lutein, retinol (vitamin A), α-tocopherol (vitamin E) and zeaxanthin. Bulk tank milk samples (n = 102) were collected weekly (n = 34) across an entire lactation from three herds operating either a high (GRS), medium (PMR) or no pasture allowance (TMR) feeding system. Concentrations of β-carotene and lutein increased significantly with increasing pasture allowance, with a > 2 fold increase of β-carotene in milk, between high and no pasture allowance treatments. GRS feeding system resulted in milks with higher concentrations of retinol, α-tocopherol, and zeaxanthin, compared to both PMR and TMR systems. A biomarker model based on the fat-soluble compounds concentration in milk, demonstrated excellent differentiation of high pasture allowance derived milks from that of medium and no pasture milks, with area under the curve scores of 0.955 and 0.971 respectively. Strong correlations were observed between the concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin in milk and the milks corresponding yellow colour, while a significant correlation was exhibited between β-carotene and b*-value. Such correlations with milk colour may have a significant impact on the consumer preference of milk and dairy products produced therefrom.

Changes in Nutritional and Techno-Functional Properties of Whole Grain Maize Flours Induced by Dry-Heat Treatment.

The present study was carried out to demonstrate the effects of dry heat treatment (DHT) at different temperatures (100, 125, 135, 150, and 165 °C) on the nutritional and techno-functional properties of white, blue, and yellow whole grain maize flour. Results showed that DHT increased the insoluble dietary fiber and free phenolic compounds of the investigated maize flours, while the bound phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and pasting properties decreased with the rising of the applied temperature. The application of DHT caused the most notable changes regarding the amount of dietary fiber. Content of NDF (neutral detergent fiber) ranged from 11.48% to 44.35%, 14.19% to 37.84%, and 15.15% to 45.86% in white, yellow, and blue maize samples, respectively. Furthermore, at the highest temperature applied in the DHT (165 °C) the content of soluble free phenolic compounds in yellow and blue maize flour samples was 1.2- and 1.4-fold higher compared to control flour samples. DHT significantly improved the functionality of maize flour in terms of water absorption capacity, water solubility, and digestibility, thus it can be effectively used to make up for the poor functionality of raw maize flour. This study shows that DHT at moderate temperatures (125-135 °C), could be a viable solution for the pre-processing of maize flour to enhance the potential for its utilization in the food industry.

Proximate Constituent and Mineral Content of the Seeds of Africa Yam Bean (Sphenostylis Stenocarpa) Purchased in Ebonyi State, Eastern Nigeria

In sub-Saharan Africa there have been various calls for development of a crop which will be high yielding with increased protein content. One of such plants currently being speculated to be an important source of high protein, carbohydrates, as well as other nutritional substances is African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa Hochst ex A. Rich. Harms). This work is therefore designed to ascertain the proximate, mineral, vitamin and phytochemical composition of the seed of African yam bean. The seeds of African beans were analyzed for proximate mineral vectorment and phytochemical composition using standard methods. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using ANOVA. The results of the percentage proximate composition showed that the seeds contain 8.67% moisture, crude protein 22.22%, crude fiber 3.89%, ash 4.58%, fat 4.20%, and carbohydrate 56.44%. The mineral contents (mg/100g) were found to be 32.07 mg/100g (Sodium), 231.20 mg/100g (Potassium), 78.67 mg/100g (Magnesium), 159.66 mg/100g (Calcium), 133.53 mg/100g (Phosphorus), 2.32 mg/100g (Zinc), and 6.13 mg/100g (Iron). Africa yam bean is an important source of high-quality protein and carbohydrate, as well as other nutritious substances. The present constituent, especially their quantitative composition, may be an indication of the nutritional as well as medicinal importance of the seeds of Africa yam bean. Such interesting high content of certain bioactive compounds, such as phenol and flavonoid as well as elevated protein content, calls for improved cultivation of this crop for maximum yield and availability.

Characterization and monitoring of changes during lactation in the profile of multiple bioactive compounds of milk from grazing mares.

Mare milk has often been considered a food product with potential functional properties. However, the bioactive compound composition of mare milk, including vitamins and other minor bioactive compounds, as well as factors affecting this composition have scarcely been studied. Therefore, the present study aimed to characterize the changes during lactation in the content of water- and fat-soluble vitamins and total polyphenols, and the total antioxidant capacity of mare milk from semi-extensive farms. A total of 310 individual milk samples from 18 mares belonging to three commercial farms and 12 lactation times were analyzed. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), nicotinic acid and niacinamide (vitamins B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxal and pyridoxine (vitamins B6), folic acid (vitamin B9), cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12), tocopherols and tocotrienols (vitamin E) and retinol and retinyl esters (vitamin A) were quantified using liquid chromatography. Total polyphenols and antioxidant capacity assays were analyzed using spectrophotometry. The concentration of most bioactive compounds tended to decline as lactation progressed, with the exception of polyphenols and the total antioxidant capacity that oscillated during lactation. On the other hand, the effect of the different semi-extensive management of the farms was only significant for vitamin B3 content. To the best of our knowledge, the present study provides the most in-depth description of the vitamin profile of mare milk as well as new insights into polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity of mare milk. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

ЭМУЛЯЦИЯ ПОКАЗАНИЙ ДАТЧИКОВ КАЧЕСТВА ВОЗДУХА В ГОРОДСКОЙ СРЕДЕ УМНОГО ГОРОДА

Urban air pollution poses a serious threat to human health. To monitor it, both individual sensors and systems are used to assess the concentration of dust particles PM1, PM2.5, PM10 and organic compounds. However, the reliability of the sensor system cannot be 100 percent. From time to time, certain sensors in a distributed system fail. For this reason, it is very useful to emulate their readings based on the readings of the remaining sensors. The work describes a data set and proposes a machine learning model, which, based on the readings of functional sensors and weather conditions at the data collection sites, simulates the readings of a failed sensor. The accuracy of such emulation for certain types of pollution has been assessed (the coefficient of determination ranges from 0.43 to 0.61).

PBDEs and dechlorane plus contamination in community e-waste recycling: Environmental and health implications in Northeastern Thailand

Electronic waste (e-waste) poses significant environmental and health risks in Thailand due to both domestic production and international imports. A notable portion of this waste is processed in small-scale, community-based workshops, often located in poorer regions, where safety regulations are improperly enforced or entirely ignored. This study focuses on the Kalasin province in Northern Thailand, a region with numerous such workshops, where no comprehensive analysis of exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and dechlorane plus (DP) has been conducted. The study's objective was to quantify these toxic substances in environmental and biological samples to assess its contamination and human health risks. Environmental samples, including soil, dust, sediment, ash, eggs, crabs, snails, fish, and rice, were collected from e-waste processing sites and compared with control areas. Blood samples from e-waste workers and a control group were also analysed. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry operated in negative ion chemical ionization (GC-NCI-MS) was used to quantify PBDEs and DP isomers. Results showed significantly higher concentrations of these toxic compounds in e-waste sites compared to control areas. E-waste workers also had elevated levels of these substances in their blood, suggesting exposure through contaminated dust and food. These findings underscore the severe environmental contamination and health risks associated with improper e-waste management, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory measures and improved recycling practices to safeguard both environmental and public health.