Source Of Fiber Research Articles

Sex difference in the association of dietary fiber intake with visceral fat volume in Japanese adults.

Dietary fiber is a possible nutritional component which aids in the prevention of visceral fat accumulation. We examined the association between dietary fiber intake and visceral fat volume (VFV) by sex, and further analysed the association by major food sources of dietary fiber. In this cross-sectional study, we measured VFV in 2779 Japanese (1564 men and 1215 women) aged 40-89 who underwent positron emission tomography/computed tomography for cancer screening between 2004 and 2005. Dietary fiber intake was calculated based on a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The association between dietary fiber intake and VFV was investigated using multivariate linear regression models after adjustment for potential confounders. Total, soluble, and insoluble fiber intakes were inversely associated with VFV in men (Q1: 3740 cm3, Q4: 3517 cm3, Ptrend: 0.0006 for total fiber), but not in women (Q1: 2207 cm3, Q4: 2193 cm3,Ptrend: 0.88 for total fiber). Statistically significant sex difference was observed (Pinteraction = 0.001 for total fiber). Subgroup analyses by major food sources revealed that dietary fiber intakes from beans, vegetables and fruits showed an inverse association with VFV in men, while cereal fiber intake showed a tendency toward a positive association in both sexes (Q1: 3520 cm3, Q4: 3671 cm3, Ptrend: 0.05 in men, Q1: 2147 cm3, Q4: 2227 cm3, Ptrend: 0.10 in women). We observed a sex-specific association between dietary fiber intake and VFV in Japanese adults. This study suggests that efforts against visceral fat accumulation should take account of the source of dietary fiber.

Dietary fiber content in clinical ketogenic diets modifies the gut microbiome and seizure resistance in mice.

The gut microbiome is emerging as an important modulator of the anti-seizure effects of the classic ketogenic diet. However, many variations of the ketogenic diet are used clinically to treat refractory epilepsy, and how different dietary formulations differentially modify the gut microbiome in ways that impact seizure outcome is poorly understood. We find that clinically prescribed ketogenic infant formulas vary in macronutrient ratio, fat source, and fiber content and also in their ability to promote resistance to 6-Hz psychomotor seizures in mice. By screening specific dietary variables for their effects on a model human infant microbial community, we observe that dietary fiber, rather than fat ratio or source, drives substantial metagenomic shifts. Addition of dietary fiber to a fiber-deficient ketogenic formula restores seizure resistance, and supplementing protective ketogenic formulas with excess dietary fiber further potentiates seizure resistance. By screening 13 fiber sources and types, we identify distinct subsets of metagenomic responses in the model human infant microbial community that correspond with increased seizure resistance in mice. In particular, supplementation with seizure-protective fibers enriches microbial representation of genes related to queuosine biosynthesis and preQ0 biosynthesis and decreases representation of microbial genes related to sucrose degradation, which is also seen in seizure-protected mice that are fed fiber-containing ketogenic infant formulas. Overall, this study reveals that different formulations of clinical ketogenic diets, and dietary fiber content in particular, differentially impact seizure outcome in mice, likely through modification of the gut microbiome. Understanding interactions between dietary components of the ketogenic diet, the gut microbiome, and host susceptibility to seizures could inform novel microbiome-guided approaches to treat refractory epilepsy.

Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase GhCDPK16 Exerts a Positive Regulatory Role in Enhancing Drought Tolerance in Cotton.

Cotton is essential for the textile industry as a primary source of natural fibers. However, environmental factors like drought present significant challenges to its cultivation, adversely affecting both production levels and fiber quality. Enhancing cotton's drought resilience has the potential to reduce yield losses and support the growth of cotton farming. In this study, the cotton calcium-dependent protein kinase GhCDPK16 was characterized, and the transcription level of GhCDPK16 was significantly upregulated under drought and various stress-related hormone treatments. Physiological analyses revealed that the overexpression of GhCDPK16 improved drought stress resistance in Arabidopsis by enhancing osmotic adjustment capacity and boosting antioxidant enzyme activities. In contrast, silencing GhCDPK16 in cotton resulted in increased dehydration compared with the control. Furthermore, reduced antioxidant enzyme activities and downregulation of ABA-related genes were observed in GhCDPK16-silenced plants. These findings not only enhanced our understanding of the biological functions of GhCDPK16 and the mechanisms underlying drought stress resistance but also underscored the considerable potential of GhCDPK16 in improving drought resilience in cotton.

Role of Horticultural Crops in Food and Nutritional Security: A Review

Horticultural crops perform a very important role in both food and nutritional security more especially in developing countries. Fruit and vegetables have high content of both nutritional and health promoting compounds which consist mostly of essential vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidant that is not present in major staple food crops. Fruits and vegetables supply a large constituent of human nutrition, as they are vital sources of minerals, vitamins, nutrients, dietary fiber, ant-oxidant and phytochemicals that are easy to produce and have short production cycle. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help in reducing high blood pressure, lower the risk of heart disease and stroke, provide protection against most types of cancer, reduce the risk of eye and digestive problems, and have a significant effect controlling blood sugar levels which serve as appetite booster. The higher the amount of daily intake of fruits and vegetables, the lower the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Fruits and vegetables also contain fiber that assist in bowel movements and can relieve or prevent constipation. Eating fruits and vegetables can also keep eyes healthy and may help prevent two common eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration. The FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO report on state of World food and nutrition security for the year 2021 painted a gloomier picture. The report estimated that between 720 and 811 million people in the world faced hunger in 2020 with close to 2.37 billion people did not have access to adequate food in 2020. Thus the need to encourage the production of horticultural crops can help in enhancing food and nutritional security since it is an enterprise that maximizes small space in terms of value and health benefits.

Sustainable Development of an Innovative Spreadable Plant-Based Product of High Added Value through the Valorization of an Agro-Food By-Product

There is an increased demand for healthy foods by the consumer nowadays, while at the same time, circular bio-economy and sustainability in food production represent top priority issues for the food industry. In this context, purslane, a highly nutritious annual plant that grows abundant during the hottest months of the year but is considered a by-product of the agricultural process, was utilized for the development of an innovative, ready-to-eat food product suitable for a vegetarian diet in the form of a bread spread. Following an initial small-scale experimentation for the stabilization of apparent quality attributes, the product’s recipe was finalized on an industrial scale, and the hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) for the manufacturing process, the physicochemical (pH, water activity) and sensorial analysis of the end product, together with its nutritional value, shelf-life, and antioxidant capacity, were determined. The results suggested that the acidic (pH 4.3) product had a shelf-life of a minimum of six months to one year and, according to EU legislation, it comprised a source of (dietary) fibers and protein, while being high in poly-unsaturated (e.g., omega-3, omega-6), and mono-unsaturated (e.g., oleic acid) fatty acids. Total phenolic content (TPC) with the Folin–Ciocalteau assay and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) using the Ferric-Reducing Antioxidant Power assay of the product, presented concentrations of 0.95 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g and 0.016 mmol of Fe2+/g of dry weight of sample, respectively. However, the predicted bioavailability for TPC and TAC was 28% and 31%, respectively. The product was evaluated positively by a panel of potential consumers without significant differences compared to conventional familiar products. The potential of using agro-food chain by-products, such as purslane, for the development of novel foods representing a healthy and tasty food choice at any time of the day is a promising opportunity for the food industry to meet growing consumer demands for more sustainable, nutritious, and healthy food products with a reduced environmental footprint compared to the traditional plant-originated products of intensive agriculture.

Enzymatic pre-treatment defines the water-binding and rheological properties of dynamic ultra-high-pressure homogenised pea hull suspensions

Pulse hulls are composed of cell wall polysaccharides and are a concentrated source of dietary fibre. However, the dense microstructure hinders their industrial application, resulting in poor techno-functional properties. To improve their functionality, the cell wall (cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin) is disrupted by combining enzymatic pre-treatments and microfluidization. This work aims to study the impact of a fixed reduction of the insoluble mass by selective enzymatic pre-treatment of pulse hulls on the composition, microstructure, water binding, and rheological properties of microfluidized suspensions. To that end, enzymatic pre-treatments using cellulase, hemicellulase, pectinase, and their binary and ternary mixtures were conducted to reduce insoluble mass content. The combined treatment improved the water-binding properties, leading to the formation of viscoelastic gels. Microfluidized suspensions enzymatically pre-treated with a binary mixture of cellulase and hemicellulase presented the highest water binding capacity, viscosity, and viscoelasticity. The partial enzymatic degradation of the cellulose-hemicellulose network weakened the interactions between both polysaccharides. It facilitates the disruption of the particles and the release of high molecular weight soluble dietary fibre (HMWSDF), which are gelling substances. On the contrary, an enzymatic pre-treatment using only cellulase increased the content of low molecular weight soluble compounds, resulting in low viscous and viscoelastic suspensions. Thus, the concentration of remaining microfibrillated cellulose and HMWSDF are key parameters controlling the rheological behaviour of the suspensions. This study enhances comprehension regarding pea hulls' molecular and macromolecular modifications, potentially enabling the production of tailor-made pulse hull suspensions.

Development and Evaluation of a Fermented Pistachio-Based Beverage Obtained by Colloidal Mill.

The aim of the present study was to develop a fermented pistachio beverage as a plant-based alternative to milk-based drinks. For this purpose, a colloidal mill was used to finely grind and homogenize the pistachios to obtain a homogeneous consistency and prevent sedimentation. In addition, lactic acid bacteria fermentation was used to develop unique flavours and characteristics in the final product and to achieve microbiological stability for up to 30 days of storage a 4 °C. The formulated beverages were evaluated for chemical-physical characteristics (pH, organic acid production, and fructose, sucrose, and glucose content), nutritional profile (proximate composition, amino acid and GABA content), and volatile organic composition by HS-SPME-GC/MS analysis. The pistachio-based beverages were characterized by a good source of protein, fat, fiber, and minerals (mainly K and P). The colloidal mill contributed to creating a homogeneous texture and to making the nutrients readily available to the starter microorganisms, which reached concentrations above 108 ufc/mL in the final products. The beverages were characterized by pronounced acidity and some by the presence of acetoin and 2,3-butanedione, volatile components associated with a yogurt- or kefir-like aroma. This innovative approach provides an alternative to traditional milk-based beverages and highlights the role of LAB in the development of nutritious and attractive plant-based beverages.

Eugenia calycina and Eugenia stigmatosa as Promising Sources of Antioxidant Phenolic Compounds.

In this study, Eugenia calycina and Eugenia stigmatosa, native Brazilian berries, were explored regarding their proximal composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities. The edible parts of both fruits presented a low content of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates, resulting in a low caloric value (<70 kcal/100 g fw). E. stigmatosa fruit showed a high total fiber content (3.26 g/100 g fw), qualifying it as a source of dietary fiber. The sugar profile was mainly monosaccharides (glucose, fructose, and rhamnose). Significant contents of total phenolics and flavonoids, monomeric anthocyanins and, condensed tannins, were observed in both fruits. E. calycina contains a high level of anthocyanins, primarily cyanidin-3-glucoside (242.97 µg/g). Other phenolic compounds were also found, the main ones being rutin and ellagic acid. In contrast, E. stigmatosa is mainly composed of rutin and gallic acid. Furthermore, these fruits showed expressive antioxidant activity, evidenced by ORAC, FRAP, and ABTS. These Eugenia fruits are promising sources of bioactive compounds and have a low caloric and high dietary fiber content, making them interesting options for inclusion in a balanced diet, contributing to the promotion of health and the valorization and conservation of Brazilian biodiversity.

Plant-Based Meat Analogues: Exploring Proteins, Fibers and Polyphenolic Compounds as Functional Ingredients for Future Food Solutions.

As the lack of resources required to meet the demands of a growing population is increasingly evident, plant-based diets can be seen as part of the solution, also addressing ethical, environmental, and health concerns. The rise of vegetarian and vegan food regimes is a powerful catalyzer of a transition from animal-based diets to plant-based diets, which foments the need for innovation within the food industry. Vegetables and fruits are a rich source of protein, and bioactive compounds such as dietary fibres and polyphenols and can be used as technological ingredients (e.g., thickening agents, emulsifiers, or colouring agents), while providing health benefits. This review provides insight on the potential of plant-based ingredients as a source of alternative proteins, dietary fibres and antioxidant compounds, and their use for the development of food- and alternative plant-based products. The application of these ingredients on meat analogues and their impact on health, the environment and consumers' acceptance are discussed. Given the current knowledge on meat analogue production, factors like cost, production and texturization techniques, upscaling conditions, sensory attributes and nutritional safety are factors that require further development to fully achieve the full potential of plant-based meat analogues.

Research on the spatial quantity distribution of fibers in ultra high performance concrete slabs based on image recognition method

In this paper, the detection of fiber distribution in six UHPC slabs with fiber content of 1%, 2%, 3%, and horizontal pouring and vertical pouring is studied by image recognition method. The results show that: firstly, the fiber distribution can be identified by a series of processing steps, such as grayscale and binarization of fiber source image, extraction of initial detection area, extraction of fiber contour and segmentation of fiber adhesion area. Furthermore, it is proposed that the scaling curve of n-e detection area per pixel of fiber number can anchor the effective recognition area range of fiber. Secondly, the statistical analysis of the identification results can visually draw the fiber distribution maps of different types of UHPC slabs in different directions, and quantitatively characterize the fiber distribution uniformity of UHPC slabs by quoting the evaluation index of fiber distribution coefficient. Finally, the cross-sectional fiber Scatter Density Plot can perceptually show the degree of fiber dispersion and its position distribution. The more uniform the color, the more uniform the fiber distribution in the cross-section of the specimen.

A Lexicon of Descriptive Sensory Terms for Peas (Pisum sativum L.): A Systematic Review.

The popularity of peas (Pisum sativum L.) and pea-derived products is constantly growing globally and is estimated to continue to do so at an average annual rate of 12%. This is partially stimulated by the increase in the consumption of meat analogues and the popularisation of animal-protein-free diets. Peas are considered a great source of protein and dietary fibre and are not depicted as allergenic, making them a good replacement ingredient for other legumes such as soy. Peas are also considered good for the environment, mainly due to their nitrogen fixation capabilities. Despite the above benefits, sensory quality is still a limiting factor in increasing consumer acceptance of peas and pea-derived products. This review has been conducted in accordance with the Joanna Brings Institute's guidance for systematic literature reviews. The search has been conducted on the descriptive sensory terms for Pisum sativum L., where the objectives of the study were to select, present, and analyse the identified descriptive sensory terms for peas found throughout the academic literature. The reviewers have screened 827 articles, of which 12 were eligible for data extraction. Out of the 12 articles, 205 descriptive sensory terms were identified. Those were divided into five categories: smell/odour (27%), flavour (51%), taste (10%), texture (8%), and visual (4%). These included results from sensory analyses by trained/untrained panels and instrumental analyses of texture and of volatile compounds. The identified descriptive sensory terms for Pisum sativum L. could be used for future descriptive sensory evaluation of peas and other legumes, making the process less time consuming. The full list could be used for the initial sensory panel training and then adapted based on the frequency of the depicted terms that meet the criteria for the developed lexicon.

Dietary fiber source and direct-fed microbial supplementation effects on lactation performance and feeding behavior of high-producing dairy cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary fiber source and direct-fed microbial supplementation on lactation performance and feeding behavior of high-producing dairy cows. Sixty-four multiparous Holstein cows (3.5 ± 1.6 lactations; 76 ± 22 DIM and 735 ± 67 kg of BW at covariate period initiation) and 32 gate feeders were enrolled in a study with a completely randomized design and a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Cows and gate feeders were randomly assigned to treatments (16 cows and 8 gate feeds per treatment). Cows were allowed 1 week to acclimate to feeding gates followed by a 2-week covariate period. During the acclimation and covariate periods, all cows were fed the same diet to meet or exceed the nutrient requirements. Following the covariate period, cows were enrolled in a 8-week treatment period during which cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments consisting of forage inclusion in the diet, either 45.8% (LF) or 56.7% (HF) of DM, and the supplementation of 75 mL/hd/d of a direct-fed microbial (DFM) containing herbal extracts (mallow, mint, and sage), L. plantarum, L. buchneri, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and sugar cane molasses (Valibiom Mix, Valibiotics, Traiskirchen, Austria) or without supplementation (CON). The average covariate period value of each variable was used as a covariate. Three-way interactions were observed for DMI and feed efficiency. Dry matter intake was 2 to 3 kg greater for LF-DFM than HF-CON and HF-DFM during wk 2, 3, 5, and 8 of the treatment period. Milk production was 2.1 kg/d greater for LF than HF diets. Both milk fat and MUN concentrations were greater for HF than LF diets. Conversely, milk protein concentration was lower for HF than LF diets. The respiration rate measured in the morning was lower with DFM supplementation than CON. Rectal temperature measured in the morning and averaged for the day were greater for LF than HF diets. Under the conditions of the present study, feeding high-forage diets may be an alternative for producers to reduce feeding costs depending on the price of purchased feeds. However, non-forage fiber sources (i.e., soy hulls) must be considered when producers are challenged by either forage shortages or forage with a lower nutritive value. Additionally, DFM supplementation reduced respiration rate in the morning and affected meal behavior of lactating cows.

Feasibility of recycling the filtrate from acidified black liquor for alkaline pulping of golden bamboo grass

To reduce energy consumption, a new pulping process called A-D-E-RC (acidification/desalination/electrolysis/recycle-cooking) was developed by a research group in Guangxi University of China. The present work focuses on the step of recycle cooking (RC) to further investigate the technical feasibility of A-D-E-RC methods. Golden bamboo grass was considered as fiber source material for pulp, and it was cooked with the acidic treating of wastewater from black liquor. Then, the pulp obtained from each cooking was made into paper to test the changes in its physical properties. As a result, the pulp yield increased from 43.9% to 50.2%, after re-using acidified black liquor, and the paper’s tear index and tensile index were improved. Therefore, this study demonstrated the feasibility of recycle cooking (RC) fiber materials for pulp applied the acidic treating wastewater from black liquor, and thereby, it further identifies the technical feasibility of A-D-E-RC pulping methods.

Kenaf: Opportunities for an Ancient Fiber Crop

Hibiscus cannabinus (kenaf) is an annual fiber crop grown in warm seasons and known for its remarkable productivity; it has been cultivated worldwide for thousands of years as a fiber source. While every part of the plant can be utilized for some purpose, its primary significance lies in the diverse applications of its cellulosic fiber. Kenaf features a blend of long bast and short core fibers, rendering it suitable for various industrial uses. Initially utilized for cordage and livestock feed, kenaf’s applications have expanded over the last century to encompass its utilization as paper pulp, biocomposites, textiles, biomass energy, seed oil, filtration aids, industrial absorbents, and even as a component of potting medium or as a potential source of medicine. Although traditionally a niche crop, the discovery of its diverse applications positions kenaf for rapid expansion in production in the upcoming decades. This article aims to explore the manifold applications of kenaf, highlighting those with the greatest future potential and discussing those that hold promise for commercial-level application with additional research.

Application and toxicological study of polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) coating on lemon (Citrus limon L.) fruit to extend the shelf life

The objective of the present study is to examine how different concentrations of polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) coating (2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5%, 10.0%, and 12.5%) affect the quality of lemons during storage at (27 ± 2)°C, with the aim of extending their shelf life. Lemons are known for being a rich source of citric acid, ascorbic acid, and dietary fiber. During the study, the coated lemons were regularly assessed for various parameters such as weight loss, respiration rate, firmness, decay incidence, total soluble solids, pH, ascorbic acid, and juice content. The results revealed that lemons coated with 10.0% and 12.5% concentrations of PVAc exhibited a significant (P < 0.05) impact in reducing the respiration rate, ethylene production rate, weight loss, and maintaining firmness compared to the control sample. Furthermore, the study also investigated the potential acute toxicological and histological effects of the PVAc (12.5%) coated sample on mice. The results indicated that there were no harmful or lethal effects observed in the experimental mice. Therefore, the PVAc coating at concentrations of 10.0% and 12.5% proves to be beneficial in preserving the natural color of lemons and minimizing senescence during storage at (27 ± 2)°C.

Super broadband light source: a promising master oscillator source for high brightness and high-power fiber amplifiers

Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and transverse mode instability (TMI) effects are crucial limitation factors for further power scaling of high-power fiber amplifiers with near-diffraction-limited beam quality. It is an important research direction to carry out laser system optimization from the perspective of seed construction. In this work, we experimentally investigated the impact of utilizing different seed lasers on the SRS and TMI characteristics in high power ytterbium-doped fiber amplifiers. Both the phase modulated single frequency fiber laser (PMSFL), fiber oscillator laser (FOL), and superfluorescent fiber source (SFS) as a typical type of temporally stable broadband light source (SBLS) are employed as seed lasers. The experimental results indicated that the SRS intensity in the fiber amplifier is influenced by the properties of the seed laser source. Notably, the SRS threshold of the SBLS could be comparable to that of a low-noise PMSFL source. There is a significant increase in TMI threshold when employing SBLS as a seed laser in high-power fiber amplifiers, which is 3.86 times that of the injected seed laser with a 3 dB narrow linewidth of 0.74 nm. Considering the combined threshold characteristics of SRS and TMI, it can be found that SBLS is a promising master oscillator source for high brightness and high-power fiber amplifiers. Our work could provide a good reference for the selection of a master oscillator source, and we believe that it is an important direction to go beyond the power limitation of high-power fiber lasers by constructing a light source with broader spectral linewidth and temporal stability.

Cupcakes free of eight common allergens with brigadeiro-type topping: Elaboration, characterization, and acceptance by children and adults

This study aims to develop cupcake formulations free of eight main allergens with Brigadeiro-type topping prepared by homemade conditions. Chickpea flour and linseed paste were homemade and developed as cupcake ingredients. The cupcakes had wheat replaced by rice, potato, corn, and chickpea flour; milk replaced by orange juice; soy (margarine) replaced by palm fat; and eggs replaced by linseed paste. For the topping, a brigadeiro-type was developed using cassava. The cupcake formulations were characterized by dough parameters, proximal composition, color and texture parameters, fatty acid profile, microbial parameters, and sensory acceptance by two panels, children and adults. The chickpea flour and linseed paste were suitable for homemade preparation, standing out as an alternative ingredient for gluten-free cupcake elaboration. All allergens-free cupcake formulations had satisfactory visual, physicochemical, and microbiological characteristics. The formulations were considered sources of fiber and had high levels of 18:3n-3 fatty acid (>0.60 g 100 g−1 of the sample), with suitable n-6/n-3 and PUFA/SFA ratio (>0.45). All formulations were sensory accepted by the children; the adults preferred cupcakes with less linseed (≤5.61%). It was possible to produce eight main allergens-free cupcakes with Brigadeiro-type topping under a homemade scale, sensory accepted by children and adults. A cupcake with Brigadeiro-type topping free of eight main allergens was homemade prepared, and accepted by children and adults.

Physico-Chemical and Nutritional Evaluation of Flour Made from an Under-Utilized Food Crop Buckwheat

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) is widely regarded as a pseudo-cereal among economically significant yet underutilized crops. Nutritionally, it is comparable to or even superior to major cereals such as rice, wheat, and maize, particularly in terms of protective nutrients. Buckwheat is a gluten-free pseudo-cereal known for its high nutritional content and numerous scientifically proven health benefits. Its nutritional appeal lies in its high lysine content, absence of gluten due to lack of prolamin, and substantial protein levels. For processing buckwheat, seeds from a local variety were sourced from Roing, located in the Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh (Latitude: 28.17194, Longitude: 95.82454). The physico-chemical properties of the seeds were analyzed by measuring parameters such as length, width, bulk density, thousand kernel weight, moisture, crude protein, total fat, total ash, crude fiber, and in vitro protein digestibility. The study reported that buckwheat is an excellent source of protein, fiber, dietary fiber, and minerals. The nutritional content of buckwheat flour was determined as follows: moisture, 12.08%; ash, 2.33%; fat, 0.89%; protein, 12.84%; carbohydrates, 66.54%; energy content, 325.53 Kcal/100g; crude fiber, 5.38 g/100g; dietary fiber, 18.28 g/100g; protein digestibility, 74.38%; and carbohydrate digestibility, found to be low. The sodium and potassium contents were 3.7 mg/kg and 66.2 mg/kg, respectively. These findings highlight the nutritional benefits of buckwheat, showcasing its potential as a valuable food source, especially for those needing a gluten-free diet and seeking high-protein, high-fiber alternatives to traditional cereals.

Development of an Agrobacterium-mediated CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system in jute (Corchorus capsularis)

Jute (Corchorus capsularis L.) is the second most important natural plant fiber source after cotton. However, developing an efficient gene editing system for jute remains a challenge. In this study, the transgenic hairy root system mediated by Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain K599 was developed for Meifeng 4, an elite jute variety widely cultivated in China. The transgenic hairy root system for jute was verified by subcellular localization and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays. The CHLOROPLASTOS ALTERADOS 1 (CcCLA1) gene, which is involved in the development of chloroplasts, was targeted for editing at two sites in Meifeng 4. Based on this hairy root transformation, the gRNA scaffold was placed under the control of cotton ubiquitin GhU6.7 and -GhU6.9 promoters, respectively, to assess the efficiency of gene editing. Results indicated the 50.0% (GhU6.7) and 38.5% (GhU6.9) editing events in the target 2 alleles (gRNA2), but no mutation was detected in the target 1 allele (gRNA1) in transgenic-positive hairy roots. CcCLA1 gene editing at gRNA2 under the control of GhU6.7 in Meifeng 4 was also carried out by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. Two CcCLA1 mutants were albinic, with a gene editing efficiency of 5.3%. These findings confirm that the CRISPR/Cas9 system, incorporating promoter GhU6.7, can be used as a gene editing tool for jute.

In vitro human colonic fermentation of coffee arabinogalactan and melanoidin-rich fractions

Coffee beverage is a source of dietary fiber composed by arabinogalactans, which can also be associated to proteins and phenolic compounds, originating melanoidins. Human colonic in vitro fermentations of coffee fractions, one rich in melanoidins (Mel) and the other in its parental polysaccharide arabinogalactans (AG), were performed in order to evaluate the metabolites produced by microbiota, namely short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), phenolic compounds, and bile acids. After 48 h of fermentation, a higher fermentability of the carbohydrate fraction of AG (62 %) than that of Mel (27 %) was observed, resulting in a SCFA content of 63 mM and 22 mM, respectively. Supplementation with AG and Mel fractions decreased the acetate:propionate ratio from 4.7 (in the absence of coffee fractions) to 2.5 and 3.5, respectively, suggesting a potential inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase, a rate-limiting enzyme for cholesterol synthesis. The fermentation of coffee fractions yielded dihydroferulic and dihydrocaffeic acids, known to have antioxidant properties. In the presence of Mel, it was observed a decrease (from 0.25 to 0.16 mg/mL) in the production of secondary bile acids, whose high content is associated to the development of several diseases, such as colorectal cancer, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular.