Decrease In Protein Content Research Articles

Chemical, Functional and Sensory Properties of Ogi–Mango Mesocarp Flour

Ogi, a cereal fermented paste was produced from maize fortified with mango mesocarp. This would definitely result in increased protein intake for consumers since most of the grain protein would still be present in the ogi (except for what is leached during steeping and in the wash water). However, there was decrease in fat and protein content of the blends as the substitution increases. The slight variation in carbohydrate content may be due to alterations in other components (protein, fat, ash, fibre and moisture). The study also recorded reduction in viscosity as the mango mesocarp flour increased. The decrease in viscosity may be ascribed to the reduction of fermented maize flour which consequently reduced the starch content of the blends. The lower viscosity observed in the flour indicated that it could be used as a weaning food. Also the hygroscopicity of the flour increased with mango mesocarp flour inclusion. This may be ascribed to the presence of more hydrophilic carbohydrate from reducing sugars in the mango mesocarp flour. Βeta-carotene increased with increase in mango mesocarp inclusion. Sensory evaluation of the samples was carried out using semi-trained panel consisting of ogi-pap consumers who are familiar with with ogi-pap quality. The control (Sample A) was rated low; in all; the attributes increased significantly (P≤ 0.05) as the percentage of mango mesocarp flour increased. The blends with higher percentages of mango mesocarp flour were most preferred. This implies that incorporation of mango mesocarp flour could improve the sensory attributes of fermented maize flour. The preference for the taste and flavour of the blends increased significantly (P≤ 0.05) with increase in percentage of mango mesocarp flavor. The increase in preference may be attributed to the sugar and flavor components of mango fruits respectively.

Effect of Heat Treatment on the Nutritional Characteristics of Cashew Kernels (Anacardium occidentale L.) from Three Localities in Burkina Faso

Cashew kernels (Anacardium occidentale L.) have enormous nutritional and health potential. However, its consumption, mainly in roasted or fried form, is low compared with other agricultural products. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of heat treatments on the physicochemical and nutritional parameters of cashew kernels from three localities in Burkina Faso. Sample collections were carried out randomly from markets in Banfora, Bobo-Dioulasso and Gaoua. Physicochemical and nutritional analyses were carried out using standard methods and statistical analyses by using XLstat 2016 software. The results showed that almonds from Gaoua had the highest nutritional potential, with an average energy value of 554.93 kcal/100g. As for the effect of the treatments on the almonds, water, protein and fat contents decreased during heat treatment, with reduction rates ranging from 64.37% to 74.46% for water content, from 29.09% to 46.50% for protein content and from 1.69% to 13.99% for fat content. Carbohydrate content, on the other hand, increased from 12.25% to 33.76%. Overall, this study showed that the heat treatments applied to cashew kernels resulted in a slight decrease in water, protein and fat content. However, an increase in carbohydrate content was obtained. This increase in carbohydrate content is an excellent discovery for the use of this resource in the dietary balance much appreciated by local populations.

The Effects of Cadmium Concentrations on Germination and Physiological Parameters in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Lam.)

Cadmium (Cd) is omnipresent trace element in environmental that is unessential in plants. Cd levels rise because of anthropogenic activity such as the combustion of fossil fuels, phosphate fertilizer manufacturing, mineral fertilizers, batteries technology. It is extremely toxic metal and reduces plant growth. In this context, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different concentrations (5/10/20/40 ppm) of Cd on germination of seeds and physiological effects in early developmental stage of tomato Solanum lycopersicum Lam. seedlings. 20 ppm (80%) and 40 ppm (83.3%) Cd concentrations caused significantly decrease in germination percentage. All Cd treatments were resulted with decrease in Vigor Index, especially in 20 ppm (42% decrease compared to control). Application of 5 ppm Cd caused decreases in chlorophyll and carotenoid contents in seedlings. Finally, significant decrease in protein content of 5 ppm, 10 ppm and 20 ppm treated seedlings were determined compared to control. As a conclusion, Cd negatively affected germination and physiological parameters of tomato in early developmental stage. Overall, these results indicate that Cd affects different physiologic processes and pathways according to concentration.

Toxicity of two pesticides in binary mixture on survival and enzymatic response of Cerastoderma edule – The warming influence

Pesticide application increased by about 1 million tonnes in the last 3 decades. Pesticides' overuse, coupled with the need for several pesticides to control different pests in the same crop, and its application many times per year, results in dangerous chemical cocktails that enter in aquatic systems, with impacts to the ecosystems and its communities. Climatic changes are currently another great concern, is predicted by the end of the 21st century, the earth's surface temperature will increase by about 4 °C. Bivalve species are reported as essential to the ecosystems' balance. However, they are also indicated as the organisms that will suffer the most serious effects of the temperature increase. So, this work intends to: a) verify the harm of the sub-lethal concentrations of two worldwide used pesticides, oxyfluorfen and copper (Cu), when combined, to Cerastoderma edule at 15 °C and 20 °C; b) assess the changes in the antioxidant defence system, the activity of the neurological enzyme acetylcholinesterase and the nutritive value of C. edule, after exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of oxyfluorfen and Cu, single and in the mixture, at 15 °C and 20 °C; c) observe the interaction between Cu and oxyfluorfen, considering the different biomarkers. Bivalves were exposed to oxyfluorfen and Cu, single and combined, for 96 h, at 15 °C and 20 °C. Results showed lethal effects to the organisms exposed at 20 °C when exposed to the highest binary mixture concentrations. Biochemical effects were observed on the organisms exposed to 15 °C, despite not observing any lethal effects. Briefly, there was a reported increase in oxidative stress and a decrease in protein content, regardless of the increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. These results suggest the potentially dangerous effects of the chemicals' mixture combined with the temperature, on this species and its consumers, impacting the trophic chain, and consequently, the community structure and function.

Nitrogen fertilization in wheat, in clay soils at the Mexicali valley, Baja California, Mexico

The national and international markets' demand for wheat commercialization is conditioned by quality standards, among which the protein content and percentage of vitreous grain, without white belly, stand out. In them, nitrogen plays an important role in the yield and quality of the wheat grain. For these reasons, the objective of this research was to determine the effect that nitrogen has on yield, grain protein, and the vitreous grain percentage. A field experiment, planted on December 16, 2009, was conducted at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences of the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California. The experimental design was of complete randomized blocks with four repetitions. The assessed treatments were 0, 105, 210, 315, and 340 kg of N ha-1 (N0, N105, N210, N315 and N340, respectively). The sown seed was Aconchi F-76 variety crystal wheat. The evaluated variables were grain yield, protein content, and vitreous grain quantity (without white belly). The results indicated that the 210, 315, and 340 kg of N ha-1 treatments affected the yield, protein content, and white belly decrease in the grain. Grain quality is therefore improved with these nitrogen doses, in relation to the quality of the harvested grain in the plots with 0 kg ha-1 and those cultivated with 105 kg ha-1.

Multiple approaches to reduce reconstitution time of lyophilized drug products with high protein concentration.

Lyophilized drug products with high protein concentration often perform long reconstitution time, which is inconvenient for clinical use. The objective of this work is to achieve short reconstitution time with multiple and combined strategies. Here, we describe the following approaches that lead to reduction of reconstitution time, including adding annealing step, decreasing headspace pressure, decreasing protein concentration with reducing diluent volume, increasing high surface-area-to-height ratio of the cakes, increasing frequency of swirling and diluent temperature. Among these strategies, reducing diluent volume to achieve high protein concentration and reducing headspace pressure show markedly reduction of reconstitution time. Moreover, we propose combined strategies to mitigate the reconstitution time, at the same time, to achieve same target dose in clinics. Therefore, this paper provides insights on the application of multiple strategies to accelerate the reconstitution of lyophilized drug products with high concentration, and facilitates their widespread clinical application.

Production of high-antioxidant yoghurt using phycocyanin from microalgae Spirulina sp

Yoghurt is a functional food product widely used to improve the digestive system in the body. Yoghurt fermentation usually uses lactic acid bacteria from the Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Lactobacillus casei. Phycocyanin has been used as a natural dye for food, cosmetics, and medicine. Phycocyanin is a complex protein that can be an anticancer, antioxidant, and immunity booster. In this study, the effect of the number of additions of phycocyanin, storage time, and time of addition of phycocyanin to the antioxidant activity, protein, and organoleptic properties of the yoghurt produced. In this study, cow milk was pasteurized and fermented to become a yoghurt. Afterwards, phycocyanine was added to the yoghurt before being stored and analyzed. Spectrophotometric analysis was utilized to determine the antioxidant activity and protein content. An organoleptic test using a Likert scale was conducted to determine the product's suitability to consumer tastes. Increased phycocyanin concentrations were added (0, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 wt. %), resulting in a decrease in IC50 value of 8855.53, 5843.371, and 4147.548 ppm, which shows an increase in antioxidant activity. At the level of consumer preference in terms of taste, the most preferred is a concentration of 0.5 wt. %, while in terms of colour and aroma, at a concentration of 0.25 wt. %. While the longer the storage time (1, 3, and 5 days), the increase in IC50 value of 2777.111, 5179.547, and 5916.884 ppm, and there was a decrease in protein content in the sample. For the level of consumer preferences in terms of taste and aroma, the most preferred is variable with a storage time of 1 day, and in terms of colour, the most preferred at five days storage. The IC50 value in the variable with the addition of phycocyanin after fermentation is less than the addition after fermentation, which is 5351.865 ± 1606 and 3897.162 ± 1678 ppm. The protein content is higher when adding phycocyanin before fermentation. While yoghurt with the addition phycocyanin before fermentation showed higer consumer preference in terms of taste and aroma. In contrast, the addition of phycocyanin after fermentation is preferred in terms of colour.

Investigation of Hepatic and Renal Parameters Content in Blood Samples of Snuff Addicted Individuals in Gusau Metropolis

In Nigeria, the use of dry nasal snuff is spreading considerably throughout all age groups in both rural and urban areas. This is due to various ethno-cultural beliefs that have not been scientifically confirmed. Various people do not realize the negative impact of snuff on one's health, such as liver and kidneys failure, elevation of blood pressure, and a higher chance of oral cancer. The hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of the local nasal snuff on snuff addicted individual was poorly understood. This study was carried out on snuff addicted individuals to assess hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of the local nasal snuff. One hundred and fifty individuals used in the study were group into three of fifty people each. Group one served as a control which include individuals who never use snuff, Groups two and three comprise individuals who are addicted to snuff, with ages ranging from 18 to 30, and above thirty, respectively. The hepatotoxicity study revealed that, there were significant (p<0.05) increase in concentration of ALT, AST, Total Bilirubin and Direct Bilirubin of group two and group three compared with control. The concentration of ALT, AST, Total Bilirubin and Direct Bilirubin of group three were also significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of group two. While there were significant (p<0.05) decrease in concentration of total protein and albumin in group two and three compared with control. The nephrotoxicity study revealed that, there were significant (p<0.05) increase in concentration of creatinine of group two and group three compared with control. The concentration of creatinine in group three was even significantly higher than that of group two. Whereas, there were significant (p<0.05) decrease in concentration of Urea, Sodium, Potassium and Chlorine in group two and three compared with control. This study was concluded that, there was health risks (Hepatotoxicity and Nephrotoxicity) associated with snuff addiction.

EFEKTIVITAS PENGGUNAAN Piper batle L. UNTUK MEMPERPANJANG MASA SIMPAN TELUR AYAM RAS

The consumption of chicken eggs capita per annual in Indonesia has been increasing rapidly from year to year. It shows that the demand for eggs is very high. Egg is a popular source of protein for Indonesian people. However, the quality of eggs will decrease over time if they are stored for a long time. This study aims to analysis the effectiveness of using betel leaves to extend the shelf life of eggs and their effect on protein and fat content. Data collection methods were carried out experimentally. Data analysis methods were carried out using statistical analysis, analysis of variance, BNT/LSD analysis, and regression. Wrapping eggs with betel leaves can extend the shelf life of eggs, even better than eggs stored in the refrigerator for 9 days or more. Based on the analysis of the anova test, it was proven that there was a significant difference between the use of betel leaves and other treatments. The cause is thought that betel leaves have good antibacterial and antifungal activities. The effect of betel leaves on egg quality is 43.9%. Similarly, the effect of wrapping eggs with betel leaves on protein and fat content. Betel leaves can prevent the decrease in protein and total fat content in eggs from a protein decrease of 50% to 49.52% and a fat decrease from 65.8% to 32.8%.

One-Time Mixed Nitrogen Fertilizers Application Enhances Yield and Eating Quality of Late-Maturing Medium Japonica Rice in the Yangtze River Delta

This study addresses the uncertainty regarding the potential of a one-time basal application of mixed nitrogen (N) fertilizer to optimize both yield and eating quality of late-maturing medium japonica rice Nangeng 9108 and Fenggeng 1606 in the Yangtze River Delta. Six distinct combinations of blended N fertilizers were evaluated, with conventional split fertilization serving as the control. The blended formulations combined controlled-release N fertilizer (CRNF) and quick-acting N fertilizer (CNF) at a 1:1 ratio. Furthermore, the CRNF component was a combination of two CRNF types with varied N-release durations at a 4:1 ratio, leading to treatments labeled A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. Over a 2-year study, treatments B1, B2, C1, and C2 matched or surpassed the control in grain yield, with C1 and C2 yielding 2.83–4.85% more. Among the above high-yield treatments, C1 showcased the best rice eating quality, which exhibited increased peak viscosity, hot viscosity, cool viscosity, breakdown, and taste value of milled rice, and a decrease in rice protein content (PC). This enhancement in quality correlated with N accumulation patterns and their interplay with sink capacity. Specifically, a higher N accumulation resulted in a robust sink capacity under the C1 treatment, thus reducing N availability per unit sink capacity (NAV) and rice PC, ultimately enhancing the overall palatability of milled rice. Conclusively, the C1 fertilizer blend demonstrates potential in concurrently boosting yield and eating quality of late-maturing medium japonica rice in the region.

Effect of milk thistle and silimevit on the functional state and protein synthesizing-function of the liver of laying hens under conditions of cadmium load

The purpose of the work was to study the effect of Cadmium on liver function disorders and to develop practical recommendations for using silimevit and milk thistle to reduce the toxic effect of Cadmium on chickens. To achieve the set goal in experiments on chickens under cadmium load, it was necessary to solve the following tasks: to study the effect of Cadmium on the protein synthesis function of the liver of laying hens; to study the effect of Cadmium on the functional state of the liver of laying hens; to investigate the effect of silimevit and the fruits of milk thistle on the functional state of the liver of laying hens under cadmium load; to investigate the effect of silimevit and milk thistle fruits on the protein synthesis function of the liver of laying hens under cadmium load and to justify the use of silimevit and milk thistle to prevent cadmium toxicosis in chickens. Drinking cadmium sulfate to laying hens violates the liver's functional state and protein-synthesizing function. A decrease in total protein and albumin content in their blood was established (Р < 0.001). An increase in alanine and aspartate aminotransferase activity was detected (Р < 0.001). Silimevit and milk thistle positively affect the functional state of the liver of laying hens under cadmium load, as evidenced by a decrease in the activity of aminotransferases in their blood serum. Silimevit and spotted thistle, under the cadmium load of laying hens, positively affect the liver's protein-synthesizing function, evidenced by an increase in total protein and albumin fraction. Feeding laying hens under cadmium load with slime feed contributed to a better-normalizing effect on the activity of aminotransferases and protein-synthesizing function of the chickens' liver than milk thistle.

The Ability of Some Clay Minerals and Activated Charcoal to Reduce the Negative Effects of Aflatoxin B1, a Contaminant of Broiler Diet

The research was conducted to determine the effect of four types of clay minerals (Iraqi bentonite, English bentonite, Turkish bentonite, and Iraqi kaolin) and activated charcoal on reducing the negative effects of aflatoxin B1, which contaminates poultry feed at a concentration of 350 ppb. The results showed that the average bird weight reached 1134.5 grams in the aflatoxin treatment alone, with a significant difference compared to the control treatment (1690 grams). Adding English bentonite to the contaminated feed was efficient in reducing the impact of aflatoxin, as the bird weight did not differ significantly from the control treatment and reached 1686.9 grams, followed by Turkish bentonite, with an average bird weight of 1618.8 grams, and then Iraqi bentonite with an average weight of 1533.2 grams. The results also indicated that the relative weights of the liver, spleen, and pancreas increased in birds treated with aflatoxin alone. However, the addition of different clay minerals and activated charcoal led to a decrease in the relative weights of the internal organs. The relative weight of the heart and Proventriculus was not affected by the addition of aflatoxin to the feed. Blood analysis results showed a significant decrease in protein and albumin concentrations in the blood of birds treated with aflatoxin alone compared to the control treatment. Additionally, the different additions of clay minerals and activated charcoal had a positive effect on protein concentrations in the blood. Aflatoxin also caused a decrease in blood hemoglobin and red blood cell counts, an increase in white blood cell counts, and an increase in the Neutrophil/Lymphocyte index in birds treated with aflatoxin. However, blood viscosity did not change between the aflatoxin treatment and the other treatments.

Impact of potato trimming acidification on protein characteristics and bacterial community during long-term storage

Potato trimmings are a valuable by-product from potato processing containing both nutritional and functional potato protein. However, to allow delayed processing of trimmings, stabilisation methods should be implemented ensuring food safety and protein quality. In this study, acidification strategies by addition of different concentrations of organic acids i.e. acetic-, lactic- and citric acid were investigated as novel stabilisation methods for potato trimming and compared to natural acidification. Stabilisation was analysed and assessed by a variety of microbial, biochemical and protein characteristics.After 56 days of storage in acidified conditions, no decreases in true protein contents were observed despite changes in the protein molecular weight profile. In terms of food safety, yeast and mould inhibition during storage could solely be achieved by acetic acid addition, while lactic and citric acid could even result in increased unwanted growth. Therefore, acetic acid addition has been proven to be a successful stabilisation strategy.

Polystyrene nanoplastics exposure alters muscle amino acid composition and nutritional quality of Pacific whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Litopenaeus vannamei were exposed to 80-nm polystyrene nanoplastics (NPs) at different concentrations (0, 0.1, 1, 5, and 10 mg/L) for 28 days to study the effects on muscle nutritional quality. Our results showed that with increasing NPs concentrations, the survival rate, specific gain rate, and protein efficiency ratio decreased but the feed conversion ratio increased. There was no significant difference in moisture, ash, and crude lipid content in the muscle, and a general decrease in crude protein content was observed. However, the total amino acid and semi-essential amino acid contents decreased. The spacing between muscle fibers and the melting morphology of muscle increased. The hardness of muscle flesh texture increased, but springiness, cohesiveness, and chewiness decreased. Regarding antioxidant enzyme activity, the activity of catalase decreased, but the total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase activity, and reduced glutathione first increased and then decreased. The expression level of the growth-related genes retinoid X receptor (RXR), chitin synthase (CHS), and calmodulin A (CaM) first increased then decreased, but calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase I (CaMKI), ecdysteroid receptor (EcR), chitinase 5 (CHT5), cell division cycle 2 (Cdc2), and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) decreased. Our results suggest that exposure to NPs can inhibit growth by inducing oxidative stress, which leads to muscle tissue damage and changes in amino acid composition. These results will provide a theoretical reference for the risk assessment of NPs and the ecological health aquaculture of shrimp.

Effects of salinity on sulfur-dominated autotrophic denitrification microorganisms: Microbial community succession, key microorganisms and response mechanisms

This study investigated the performance of sulfur-dominated autotrophic denitrification (SAD) process under four different salinities of 0 %, 0.5 %, 3 %, and 6 %, simulating groundwater, sewage, seawater, and industrial wastewater scenarios, respectively. In terms of removal efficiency, the nitrate removal rates at 0.5 % and 3 % salinities decreased by 5.8 % and 16.8 %, respectively, compared to 0 % salinity. At 6 % salinity, the efficiency fluctuated during long-term operation, ranging from 56.0 % to 89.9 % of the value at 0 % salinity. According to the succession of microbial communities across time and salinity gradients, the dominant denitrification functional microorganisms were ranked by their salinity-tolerance ability as low-tolerant bacteria (0 %–0.5 %: Simplicispira, Herpetosipin, and Thermomonas), medium-tolerant bacteria (0 %–3 %: Thiobacillus and Sulfurimonas), high-tolerant bacteria (3 %–6 %: Thiogranum, Xanthomarina, and Vicingus), and halophilic bacteria (6 %: Aequorivita). Additionally, Aequorivita and Thiogranum, as the top 2 genera under 6 % salinity, presented positive and negative correlations with nitrate removal efficiency. The molecular ecological network revealed that increased positive interactions of 58.7 % among dominant genera occurred at 6 % salinity, confirming an effective cooperation coping with the high-salinity stress. In addition, the microbial responses to high-salinity primarily exhibited 22 %–45 % decrease in protein content, a 15 % decrease in live cells proportion, and a comparable level of individual functional gene expression. The results indicate that the efficiency of SAD by high salinity is determined by biomass amount and individual microbial capacity. This study offered new sights for understanding microbial succession and relationships in response to saltwater with diverse origins and varying water qualities in SAD systems.

Effects of Light Intensity on the Growth and Biochemical Composition in Various Microalgae Grown at High CO2 Concentrations.

In modern energy, various technologies for absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere are being considered, including photosynthetic microalgae. An important task is to obtain maximum productivity at high concentrations of CO2 in gas-air mixtures. In this regard, the aim of the investigation is to study the effect of light intensity on the biomass growth and biochemical composition of five different microalgae strains: Arthrospira platensis, Chlorella ellipsoidea, Chlorella vulgaris, Gloeotila pulchra, and Elliptochloris subsphaerica. To assess the viability of microalgae cells, the method of cytochemical staining with methylene blue, which enables identifying dead cells during microscopy, was used. The microalgae were cultivated at 6% CO2 and five different intensities: 80, 120, 160, 200, and 245 μmol quanta·m-2·s-1. The maximum growth rate among all strains was obtained for C. vulgaris (0.78 g·L-1·d-1) at an illumination intensity of 245 µmol quanta·m-2·s-1. For E. subsphaerica and A. platensis, similar results (approximately 0.59 and 0.25 g·L-1·d-1 for each strain) were obtained at an illumination intensity of 160 and 245 µmol quanta·m-2·s-1. A decrease in protein content with an increase in illumination was noted for C. vulgaris (from 61.0 to 46.6%) and A. platensis (from 43.8 to 33.6%), and a slight increase in lipid content was shown by A. platensis (from 17.8 to 21.4%). The possibility of increasing microalgae biomass productivity by increasing illumination has been demonstrated. This result can also be considered as showing potential for enhanced lipid microalgae production for biodiesel applications.

Effects of extrusion on nutritional and non-nutritional properties in the production of multigrain ready to eat snacks incorporated with NUA45 beans

Background: Extrusion technology, used in producing a variety of food products, including ready-to-eat snacks, has become a popular and reputable industrial method. Snacks have been occupying an important part of the diet for the world's population. However, the effects of extrusion on nutritional and non-nutritional properties in the production of snacks using traditional grains incorporated with legumes are not fully understood. Objective: To determine the effects of extrusion on nutritional and non-nutritional qualities of multigrain puffs from white sorghum, pearl millet and NUA45 beans. Methods: White sorghum, pearl millet and NUA45 beans were blended in the ratios 50:30:20, 50:20:30 and 50:10:40% to select the best composite for snack production. Selected nutritional and non-nutritional quality parameters were compared before and after extrusion. Results: The extrusion process caused a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the content of fat (2.22 to 2.61%, 1.73 to 2.40 and 2.75 to 3.29% for the blends 1, 2 and 3 (50:30:20, 50:20:30 and 50:10:40% respectively), while causing a decrease in protein content, 14.44 to 13.34%, 16.63 to 13.34% and 20.56 to 16.41% in the multigrain puffs. Extrusion also increased iron, zinc and sodium content significantly (p < 0.05) while decreasing calcium. Magnesium and phosphorus had no change. Furthermore, extrusion improved the multigrain puffs' nutritional value and antioxidant activity. The extrusion process caused a significant decrease in tannins (6.82 to 6.01%, 7.82 to 2.17% and 5.74 to1.17%) and phytates contents (2.82 to 2.43%, 3.01 to 1.55% and from 2.92 to 0.37%) of the resultant multigrain puffs from blends 1,2 and 3 respectively. Total phenolic content increased (18.56 to 172.22, 24.38 to 144.61, and 65.87 to 180.44 mg GAE/100g). Conclusion: Extrusion enhances selected nutrients while decreasing anti-nutrients. Based on the composite feeds of white sorghum, pearl millet and NUA45 beans analyzed, the composite blend in the ratio 50:10:40% can be used to develop an acceptable novel healthy extruded traditional grain-based snack. Keywords: Extrusion, ready-to- eat snacks, multigrain puffs, nutrients, anti-nutrients, white sorghum, pearl millet, NUA45 beans.

Morphological and functional changes in rat thyroid gland after a year following chronic exposure to low and intermediate doses of γ-radiation

Introduction Thyroid function depends on iodine uptake by the body as well as on exposure to various harmful environmental hazards (stress, ionizing radiation). Aim The aim of the work was to assess the effect of exposure to low and intermediate doses of external γ-radiation on the thyroid structure and function in young female rats at remote periods after radiation. Materials and Methods Forty female rats were used to study remote effects of external γ-radiation exposure during 20 d (at daily doses of 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 Gy) on the functional activity (levels of thyroid hormones, iodine metabolism) and the morphological structure of the rat thyroid) after 12 months following the radiation exposure. Results An increase in thyroid mass and a decrease in total thyroid protein concentration along with a reduction of blood T3 and T4 was shown only in rat groups exposed to 0.25 and 0.5 Gy. Both the concentration of total iodine and its protein-bound fraction (1.2–1.4 fold, p < .01) and the protein-bound to total iodine ratio were decreased in the thyroids of all irradiated animals. The 0.1-Gy group showed elevated thyroperoxidase (TPO) activity along with increased catalase activity, which may indicate the activation of iodine oxidation by thyrocytes. Only the 0.5-Gy group demonstrated reduced urinary excretion of iodine (2.1 fold, p < .01). The reduction of thyroid function at radiation doses of 0.25 and 0.5 Gy was characterized by a microfollicular structure and the development of atrophic changes in the parenchyma, desquamation of thyroid epithelium and an increase in epithelium proliferation. The diameter of the thyrocyte nuclei was increased in rats exposed to 0.25 and 0.5 Gy, which indicates functional tension of thyrocytes. Conclusion Our research shows that after a year, the exposure to external γ-radiation of 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5-Gy caused changes in the structure and function of the rat thyroid which are manifested by the development of hypothyroiditis (0.5 Gy), ‘subclinical’ hypothyroiditis (0.25 Gy) and functional tension of thyrocytes. The mechanisms of thyroid dysfunction - impaired- uptake of iodine and its organification against the background of activation of free radical processes – suggest disturbances in the function of the sodium/iodide symporter (NIS), TPO and thyroglobulin synthesis. In contrast to the intermediate doses, the effects of the 0.1-Gy dose were mostly found at the remote periods compared to the earlier periods (180 days).

Phytotoxic impact of bifunctionalized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-Cit-L-Cys) and silver nitrate (AgNO3) on chronically exposed callus cultures of Populus nigra L.

Owing to the unique physicochemical properties and the low manufacturing costs, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have gained growing interest and their application has expanded considerably in industrial and agricultural sectors. The large-scale production of these nanoparticles inevitably entails their direct or indirect release into the environment, raising some concerns about their hazardous aspects. Callus culture represents an important tool in toxicological studies to evaluate the impact of nanomaterials on plants and their potential environmental risk. In this study, we investigated the chronic phytotoxic effects of different concentrations of novel bifunctionalized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-Cit-L-Cys) and silver nitrate (AgNO3) on callus culture of Populus nigra L., a pioneer tree species in the riparian ecosystem. Our results showed that AgNPs-Cit-L-Cys were more toxic on poplar calli compared to AgNO3, especially at low concentration (2.5 mg/L), leading to a significant reduction in biomass production, accompanied by a decrease in protein content, a significant increase in both lipid peroxidation level, ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and catalase (CAT) enzymatic activities. In addition, these findings suggested that the harmful activity of AgNPs-Cit-L-Cys might be correlated with their physicochemical properties and not solely attributed to the released Ag+ ions and confirmed that AgNPs-Cit-L-Cys phytoxicity is associated to oxidative stress.

Does Insulin Resistance Contribute to Neuroinflammation, Cognitive Decline and Brain Senescence in Obesity?

The burgeoning prevalence of obesity and overweight conditions from the age of adolescence and throughout the lifespan has reached epidemic proportions in industrialized nations throughout the globe. The development of insulin resistance is one of the most common observations in obesity and is associated with a systemic hypoxia in adipose tissue and a chronic inflammatory state. The insulin resistance affects multiple elements of substrate oxidation and oxidative free radical generation in both somatic and neural tissues and with cytokine-linked chronic inflammation likely originating in adipose tissue depots. In studies with aging congenic lean and obese rats chronic hyperinsulinemia and brain shrinkage has now been reported, albeit it in the absence of Type 2 diabetes (NIDDM), hypertension (HTN) or other comorbidities, thereby suggesting that aspects of disordered substrate metabolism including insulin resistance as commonly observed in obesity may be a key contributory factor in the development of a neuroinflammatory linked brain shrinkage with accompanying decreases in brain mass, protein and DNA content, and which were further compromised when fed an isocaloric high vs. a low glycemic insulinogenic diet containing sucrose vs. cornstarch respectively. These results suggest that chronic insulin resistance of obesity secondary at least in part to dietary factors represents a likely independent risk factor in the progression of neuroinflammation, DNA damage, brain shrinkage and neural senescence in this strain of obese rats.