High Protein Content Research Articles

Physicochemical and sensory quality of mackerel fish ball formulated by dumbo catfish (Clarias gariepinus) protein isolate as a binder

Catfish is a freshwater fish with high protein content and productivity. However, its use is still limited. Food processing and formulation can be a solution to utilize catfish protein in fish-based products. This study investigated the physicochemical and sensory quality of mackerel fish balls (MFBs) formulated with catfish protein isolate (CPI) as a binder. The catfish protein was isolated using the pH-shifting method with extraction at pH 11 and precipitation at pH 5.5. The fish ball formulation contained mackerel crushed meat (MCM) and catfish protein isolate (CPI), with ratios of F1 (100:0), F2 (85:15), and F3 (70:30). The MFBs were also analysed for their physical (e.g., colour, water holding capacity (WHC), cooking loss, texture), proximate, and sensory properties. The results showed that the CPI had a high protein content (93.46% db), which followed the Codex Alimentarius standard. The addition of CPI had a significant effect on the colour, WHC, cooking loss, hardness, proximate composition, and sensory properties (colour, aroma, taste, texture, and overall attributes) of MFBs (p<0.05). The CPI improved WHC, hardness and protein content while reducing the cooking loss of MFBs. The MFBs with the ratio of MCM: CPI of 85:15 (F2) were the best formulation based on the hardness value, protein content, and sensory properties. The protein content of F2 increased by 6.89% from the control. CPI can be an additive ingredient in highly nutritious fish-based products with good physical and sensory properties.

A Systematic Review: Assessment of the Metabolomic Profile and Anti-Nutritional Factors of Cannabis sativa as a Feed Additive for Ruminants

Background: Cannabis sativa is a high-value crop that can be cultivated for ruminant’s feed and medicinal purposes. The demand for Cannabis and Cannabis products has increased since the beginning of 21st century. Objectives: The increase in the production cost of high-protein feeds such as lucerne has led to an urgent need to investigate alternative high-protein sources. Methods: Cannabis has been identified as an alternative to lucerne due to its high protein content. Results: However, the cultivation and uses of Cannabis and its by-products in South Africa is limited due to the strict legislation. The metabolites and nutritional value of Cannabis are influenced by growing conditions and soil type. Furthermore, the available literature has shown that Cannabis contains anti-nutritional factors that may affect feed intake or bioavailability and digestibility. Conclusion: Therefore, it is crucial to employ a processing method that can reduce anti-nutritional factors to promote the feed intake and growth rate of sheep. Fermentation, as a processing method, can reduce anti-nutritional factors found in Cannabis, which will make it a palatable alternative feed supplement for ruminants such as Dorper sheep. Overall, this review paper aimed to examine the available literature on the use of Cannabis as an alternative high-protein feed supplement for Dorper sheep in South Africa.

Exploiting 19F NMR in a Multiplexed Assay for Small GTPase Activity.

Small GTPases (smG) are a 150-member family of proteins, comprising five subfamilies: Ras, Rho, Arf, Rab, and Ran-GTPases. These proteins function as molecular switches, toggling between two distinct nucleotide-bound states. Using traditional multidimensional heteronuclear NMR, even for single smGs, numerous experiments, high protein concentrations, expensive isotope labeling, and long analysis times are necessary. 19F NMR of fluorinated proteins or ligands can overcome these drawbacks. Using indole position-specific 19F labeling of the proteins, the activities of several smGs were measured in a multiplexed fashion. We investigated 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-fluoro tryptophan containing smGs to study nucleotide binding. Distinct resonances for GDP- or GTP-bound states of three different 19F-labeled smGs, RhoA, K-Ras, and Rac1, were observed, and the kinetics of exchange and hydrolysis were measured. This multiplexed system will permit screening of nucleotide-specific ligands of smGs under true physiological conditions.

Production Performance and Nutritional Quality of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Nurtured in Different Organic Waste

Nutritionists are beginning to pay attention to black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) larvae (BSFL) as an alternative to expensive soybean and fish meal in animal feed which is abundant in different nutrients. Additionally, organic wastes including leftover food, animal excreta, and agricultural wastes, can be used to efficiently raise and spread BSFL. This study was carried out to evaluate the yield, production performance and proximate composition of BSFL nurtured on different organic waste namely, broiler starter feed (BF); rice bran (RB); market-sourced vegetable wastes (VW); chicken manure (CM) and kitchen waste (KW). The BF fed group had the highest observed larval yields (16.2 kg in total; P<0.05). Raising BSFL on BF, VW and KW resulted in the greatest body weight (0.149, 0.147 and 0.150 g, respectively) and growth rate (0.012 g), whereas the KW fed group had the longest body length (P<0.05). The fed groups that received CM and BF had the highest and lowest mortality rates, respectively (P<0.05). All fed groups except RB had improved feed conversion ratios, while VW and KW fed groups had higher protein conversion ratios (2.626 and 2.852, respectively; P<0.05). All the group had better substrate reduction rate compared to CM fed group (P<0.05). The dry matter and ash contents of BSFL reared on BF, VW and KW were higher than the RB and CM group (P<0.05). The KW supplemented BSFL had the highest ether extract level, whereas the BF fed group had the highest protein content (43.58%, P<0.05). In conclusion, BSFL can be successfully reared on kitchen and vegetable scraps. It is anticipated that the cost of black soldier fly farming and animal production will decrease since these organic waste shown favorable effects on BSFL growth performance and nutritional quality comparable to broiler feed in the current study. J. of Sci. and Tech. Res. 6(1): 139-148, 2024

Microalgae bioprospecting for the food industry: insights into the autotrophic biomass production and macromolecular accumulation of four microalgal species.

In this study, four microalgal strains were evaluated for their biomass production capacity and macromolecule biosynthesis. These include three strains from the phylum Chlorophyta: Monoraphidium sp. LB2PC 0120, Stichococcus sp. LB2PC 0117, and Tetraselmis sp. LB2PC 0320, and one strain from the phylum Haptophyta: Isochrysis sp. LB2PC 0220. The experiments were conducted under typical laboratory-scale setups. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis based on the 18-28S rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) was performed to validate the taxonomic identity of the strains. Each strain was exposed to four different cultivation conditions based on two levels of illumination intensity [25-(LI) and 50-(HI) µmol m- 2 s- 1] and nitrogen loading [100-(LΝ) and 300-(HΝ) mg NaNO3 L- 1] in a full factorial design. All the microalgae achieved maximum biomass production under HI-HN conditions, which amounted to 1495, 919, 844, and 708mg/L for Monoraphidium sp. LB2PC 0120, Stichococcus sp. LB2PC 0117, Tetraselmis sp. LB2PC 0320 and Isochrysis sp. LB2PC 0220, respectively, after 16 days of cultivation. Among them, Stichococcus sp. LB2PC 0117 had the highest protein content (49.9% wt.) under LI-HN conditions and Monoraphidium sp. LB2PC 0120 had the highest lipid content (44.3% wt.) under HI-LN conditions. Both Monoraphidium sp. LB2PC 0120 and Tetraselmis sp. LB2PC 0320 accumulated the highest carbohydrate content (~ 37% wt.) under LI-LN and HI-LN conditions, respectively. Based on biomass and macromolecule production, Monoraphidium sp. LB2PC 0120 was identified as the most promising candidate for upscaling studies, expecting its highly manipulatable compositional profile to support multiple applications in the food industry, rendering this microalga a valuable resource.

Isolation, Characterization, and Proteomic Analysis of Crude and Purified Extracellular Vesicles Extracted from Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) produced by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) play vital roles in plant–pathogen interactions; however, the isolation of purified Foc TR4-EVs and their pathogenicity and proteomic profiles are not well studied. This study aims to isolate and characterize purified Foc TR4-EVs and compare their pathogenic effects and protein profiles with crude TR4-EVs. Foc TR4-EVs were isolated using ultracentrifugation and purified by iodixanol gradient centrifugation. After characterization and evaluation of the pathogenicity effects on banana leaves, LC-MS/MS was performed to conduct the proteomics assay. Results indicated that Fraction 2 EVs exhibited clearer spherical structures (TEM), excessive abundance (1.70 × 109 particles/mL), greater intensity (400 a.u), mean size (154.5 nm), moderate protein content (333.16 ng/µL), and protein profile (25–77 kDa), which were superior to Fractions 1, 3, and crude EVs. Crude EVs displayed significant background interference with EV structures (TEM), highest abundance (2.11 × 109 particles/mL), lower intensity (7.0 a.u), higher protein content (528.33 ng/µL), and higher molecular weight proteins (55–70 kDa) compared to gradient EVs. A non-significant biocontrol effect of Foc-EVs on the growth of TR4 spores was observed. Pathogenicity assays revealed that crude EVs caused the largest (2.805 cm2), while Fraction 2 (1.386 cm2) and Fraction 3 (1.255 cm2) resulted in moderate lesions on banana leaves. Proteomic analysis identified 807 unique proteins in Fraction 2, enriched in pathways related to EV trafficking and signaling. In comparison, crude EVs contained 179 unique non-EV proteins related to metabolism and secondary metabolites, indicating that non-EV proteins of crude EVs also influence the pathogenicity observed in banana leaves. This study emphasizes the importance of EV purification, with Fraction 2 being a critical focus for future research on Foc EV pathogenicity.

Optimization of the Frying Process for Maximizing Crispiness of Scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) Adductor Muscle Snacks Using Vacuum Low-Temperature Frying

Scallops, an economically important seafood, are popular as fried snacks. Vacuum low-temperature frying creates crispy, healthier foods that meet consumer demand for nutritious snacks with excellent texture. However, research on vacuum frying for shellfish products remains limited. This study aimed to optimize the process for developing a healthy, crispy snack that retains the original shape of the Yesso scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) adductor muscle using vacuum low-temperature frying technology. The effects of various frying methods on the scallops were analyzed. The vacuum low-temperature frying process was optimized based on evaluations of physical, chemical, and sensory properties. Frying conditions were optimized using response surface methodology, with temperature (X1: 90.1–109.9 °C) and time (X2: 186–774 s) as variables. Based on moisture (5.6 ± 0.1 g/100 g), hardness (1470 ± 5.0 g/cm2), and sensory chewiness (7.6 ± 0.2 points) analyses, 99.9 °C and 480 s were identified as the optimal conditions. Validation was conducted through sensory evaluation by 30 trained panelists. Scallops produced under these optimal frying conditions exhibited low water activity (aw) (0.46), desirable texture (1428 g/cm2), palatability (7.9 points), and high protein content (45.6 g/100 g). The predicted and experimental values for frying temperature and time showed strong agreement, validating the reliability of the optimization model.

Strike while the iron is hot: unravelling the impact of dietary iron on two edible insects

Abstract Edible insects are key players in the alternative protein market. Alongside their high protein content, edible insects contain abundant trace minerals, including iron. Given the lack of sustainable and bioavailable iron sources, edible insects are a promising iron source in both human and livestock diets. However, little is known about how the iron concentration in edible insects can be manipulated. This study aims to investigate the impact of dietary iron at different concentrations on the growth, survival, and nutrient composition of two edible insect species larvae: black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) and yellow mealworm (YM, Tenebrio molitor). Substrate iron content was increased using ferric ammonium citrate (FAC), ranging from 267-563 mg/kg (0 to 10 mM FAC) for YM and 323-6637 mg/kg (0 to 100 mM FAC) for BSF. Larval weight of YM was unaffected by dietary iron content, but survival rates significantly decreased by 4% at the 10 mM diet. In BSF larvae, no differences in body weight or survival were noted between dietary iron treatments, but cuticular lesions potentially indicative of iron overload appeared at 100 mM diet. When exposed to excess dietary iron, both YM and BSF showed significant increases in iron content in a dose-dependent manner, with BSF larvae exhibiting a threefold increase from 372 mg/kg to 999 mg/kg. Both species exhibited significant reductions in zinc on iron-enriched diets. Calcium levels in BSF strongly correlated with dietary iron concentration, rising by over 20% at the 100 mM diet, a phenomenon not previously reported. Finally, across all dietary iron concentrations, no significant effects on protein and fat content or soluble protein composition were observed in either species. All together data suggest that BSF larvae can act as a precious source of both iron and calcium for food and feed formulations through substrate manipulation.

The Identification of AMT Family Genes and Their Expression, Function, and Regulation in Chenopodium quinoa

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is an Andean allotetraploid pseudocereal crop with higher protein content and balanced amino acid composition in the seeds. Ammonium (NH4+), a direct source of organic nitrogen assimilation, mainly transported by specific transmembrane ammonium transporters (AMTs), plays important roles in the development, yield, and quality of crops. Many AMTs and their functions have been identified in major crops; however, no systematic analyses of AMTs and their regulatory networks, which is important to increase the yield and protein accumulation in the seeds of quinoa, have been performed to date. In this study, the CqAMTs were identified, followed by the quantification of the gene expression, while the regulatory networks were predicted based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), with the putative transcriptional factors (TFs) having binding sites on the promoters of CqAMTs, nitrate transporters (CqNRTs), and glutamine-synthases (CqGSs), as well as the putative TF expression being correlated with the phenotypes and activities of GSs, glutamate synthase (GOGAT), nitrite reductase (NiR), and nitrate reductase (NR) of quinoa roots. The results showed a total of 12 members of the CqAMT family with varying expressions in different organs and in the same organs at different developmental stages. Complementation expression analyses in the triple mep1/2/3 mutant of yeast showed that except for CqAMT2.2b, 11/12 CqAMTs restored the uptake of NH4+ in the host yeast. CqAMT1.2a was found to mainly locate on the cell membrane, while TFs (e.g., CqNLPs, CqG2Ls, B3 TFs, CqbHLHs, CqZFs, CqMYBs, CqNF-YA/YB/YC, CqNACs, and CqWRKY) were predicted to be predominantly involved in the regulation, transportation, and assimilation of nitrogen. These results provide the functions of CqAMTs and their possible regulatory networks, which will lead to improved nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in quinoa as well as other major crops.

Assessment of Genetic Variability and Trait Associations in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Germplasms for Targeted Breeding Strategies

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a pivotal legume crop with substantial contributions to global food security and agricultural sustainability due to its high protein content, adaptability and nitrogen-fixing ability. The efficiency of breeding programs in enhancing chickpea productivity and resilience relies heavily on understanding and utilizing genetic variability within the germplasm. This study investigates the extent of genetic variability among forty-three chickpea genotypes, focusing on key traits such as number of pods (NPP), biological yield (BY), harvest index (HI), days to flowering (DTF), days to maturity (DTM), that influence yield and other agronomic characteristics. Analysis of variance showed significant variability among genotypes for various traits. Higher phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) compared to genotypic coefficients (GCV) indicated the presence of environmental influence, particularly for traits like number of pods per plant (NPP) and biological yield (BY). High heritability was observed for days to flowering (DTF) and maturity (DTM), while genetic advance as percent of mean (GAM) varied, indicating additive gene action for some traits. Correlation and path analysis revealed positive relationships between plot yield and traits such as Days to Flowering (DTF), plant height (PH), and harvest index (HI). Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis indicated significant genetic diversity, grouping genotypes into clusters and identifying top performers like GJG1801 and NBEG 924. This study emphasizes the importance of genetic variability in breeding programs, aiding in the selection of elite genotypes for targeted traits improvement.

Methodologies of meat analogue production and nutritional perspectives: a review

With increasing global population and environmental concerns, the development of meat analogues, including plant-based proteins and cultivated meat, has become a solution for elevating global protein production and addressing sustainability issues. North America and Europe lead the meat analogue market, driven by elevated consumer awareness of health and environmental concerns. Under the influence of western diet, the Asian market is also poised for growth. While cultivated meat industry remains immature, advancements in production and cost reductions are expected to boost its market share over time. Although research on meat analogue methodology has increased in recent years, reviews that combine production methodologies and nutritional perspectives remain uncommon. This review comprehensively analyses the production methods, nutritional values, and market prospects of meat analogues. Meat analogue production has great potential in reducing water consumption, promoting sustainability, and improving animal welfare. Meat analogue provides high protein content and balanced amino acid profile, though certain micronutrient deficiencies due to production processes. This review outlines directions for further research in meat analogue production, emphasizing the importance of enhancing production efficiency and nutritional fortification to address food insecurity and environmental damage.

New Insights into Red and White Quinoa Protein Isolates: Nutritional, Functional, Thermal Properties

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) seeds, renowned for their nutritional richness and balanced amino acid profile, offer promising potential as food ingredients. This study focused on extracting and characterizing the protein isolates from red and white quinoa varieties to evaluate their physicochemical and functional properties. Protein isolation involved alkaline solubilization and isoelectric precipitation, followed by characterization through amino acid analysis, phenolic profiling, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential measurement, particle size distribution analysis, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and rheological studies. The results showed that both the red and white quinoa protein isolates exhibited high protein content and essential amino acids, with notable differences in their amino acid compositions. The phenolic and flavonoid content varied between the red and white quinoa seeds, highlighting their potential antioxidant properties. SEM revealed distinct microstructural differences between the red and white quinoa protein isolates. Zeta potential measurements indicated the negative surface charges, influencing the stability in the solution. A particle size distribution analysis showed the monomodal distributions with minor variations in the mean particle size. The DSC profiles demonstrated multiple denaturation peaks, reflecting the complex protein compositions. Rheological studies indicated diverse gelation behaviors and mechanical properties. Overall, this comprehensive characterization underscores the potential of quinoa protein isolates as functional food ingredients with diverse applications in the food industry.

Unveiling Key Correlation Studies in Local Germplasm of Green Gram [Vigna radiata (l.) Wilczek

The present investigation entitled “Unveiling key correlation studies in local germplasm of green gram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]” was conducted at Agricultural Botany section farm, College of Agriculture, Dhule during kharif-2022. The experimental material included 42 genotypes of mungbean which were evaluated in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with two replications, representing different eco-geographic regions and the source of material was Assistant Pulse Breeder, Oilseed Research Station, Nimkhedi, Jalgoan and local collection from Dhagdaon, Akkalkua, Nandurbar of Maharashtra state. Genotypes were evaluated for twelve diverse characters and correlation coefficient studies were conducted. The weight of 100 seeds (0.5054), the number of seeds per pod (0.4168), the thickness of the pods (0.339), the number of clusters per plant (0.2602), the number of pods per plant (0.2232), and the seed output per plant were the most significant and favourable relationships. It has a negative and non-significant correlation with the number of pods per cluster (-0.0534), but a positive correlation with plant height (0.1748), pod length (0.1737), protein content (0.159), 50 per cent flowering (0.0282) and days to maturity (0.0071). Based on the results, the highest yield of mungbean may be obtained from genotypes with higher protein content, early flowering and ripening, maximum plant height, long and thick pod size, more seeds per pod, and superior seed weight.

Neuroprotective effect of mealworm protein hydrolysate-derived bioactive peptides in human microglial cells

Abstract The larva of Tenebrio molitor, better known as mealworm, is one of the most studied insects today, since it was recently classified as safe for human consumption. Specifically, its high protein content makes it a splendid candidate for the search for bioactive peptides, with properties ranging from anti-inflammatory to neuroprotective. In this study, the effect of a digested hydrolysate on microglia cells (which previously demonstrated high anti-inflammatory activity in intestinal CACO-2 cells) was analysed, specifically on their levels of gene expression of various cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-10, or IL-1β, among others. In addition, four chemically synthesised peptides, selected from this digested hydrolysate based on in silico analysis, including the estimation of the bioactive properties of these peptides, their physicochemical properties and their toxicokinetic, were evaluated in the microglia cells as well. In addition, molecular docking assays of the peptides were performed with two receptors relevant to inflammation. Relevant changes in the expression of IL-6, IL-1β, and BDNF were observed due to the action of the peptides, especially in the case of IYVDAVIN and SLPSLPEPV. These results provide an insight on how specific peptides found in Tenebrio molitor could be used as therapeutics agent in the immunomodulation of brain cells.

Variability Studies in Soybean Genotypes under Different Water Regimes

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is economically one of the most important oilseed crop worldwide which have high protein and oil content. Its productivity is frequently affected due to drought occurrence in India. Variability for root shoot traits under early seedling stage under drought stress may be important selection criteria for development of drought tolerant genotypes. The present investigation was carried out at Net house of Experimental Farm, Mandsaur University, Mandsaur. Sixty genotypes, procured from ICAR-IISR, were used to know the extent of genetic variability under different water regimes [normal, 100 ml (100%), S1, 50 ml (50%), S2, 25 ml (25%) and S3,0 ml (0%)] for root-soot traits and relative leaf water content under early seedling stage. Significant genetic variability was recorded for all the traits among genotypes studied under normal and water stress conditions respectively which showed the presence of ample variability in studied material. High Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation than their corresponding Genotypic Coefficient of Variation for the entire trait under different water regimes denoted influence of environment on these traits. The large genetic variation found in these genotypes may be used to develop varieties with better drought tolerance behavior and used as drought donor lines in drought breeding programs. We measured high heritability for selected characters under non water stress condition (75.05% to 100%) and water stress conditions S1 (81.40% to 100%), S2 (85.69% to 100%) and S3 (92.60% to 99.26%) respectively. Additive gene action interacted to control characters under different water regimes because high broad sense heritability along with high genetic advance as percentage of mean were recorded for most of traits. It is indicating that simple phenotypic selection would be effective for these traits under water stress condition.

A flavoromics approach to investigate the effect of Saskatoon berry powder on the sensory attributes, acceptability, volatile components, and electronic nose responses of a low-fat frozen yogurt

IntroductionSaskatoon berries are grown in Canada and some northwestern states in the United States, and are notable for containing abundant antioxidant polyphenols, vitamins, metal elements, and fiber. To increase consumer interest in and accessibility to Saskatoon berries, some producers have begun to develop processes for refining Saskatoon berries into a powder with an extended shelf life that can be incorporated into a variety of value-added food products. To assess the desirability of this approach, this study sought to determine how the sensory attributes, consumer acceptability, and volatile and non-volatile composition of a plain, Greek-style frozen yogurt (PY) changed when fortified with 16% Saskatoon berry powder (SBP). Greek-style frozen yogurt was chosen as the food to be fortified for this study due to its low fat and relatively high calcium and protein content as well as its popularity among consumers.ResultsDescriptive analysis of the two yogurt formulations by 11 participants determined that SBY was higher in berry aroma, berry flavor, and sweetness, and lower in cream aroma, dairy aroma, and sourness compared to PY. SBY was lower in iciness and degree of smoothness and higher in viscosity and mouth coating compared to PY. Untrained participants (n = 112), found no significant differences in color, flavor, and overall acceptability between SBY and PY. However, SBY was significantly less acceptable than PY for texture and aroma. Iciness was the most influential variable related to texture acceptability. For aroma acceptability, berry flavor (negatively related) and berry aroma (positively related) were the most influential attributes. The exposure of Saskatoon berry powder (SBP), PY, and SBY to e-nose sensors showed consistencies in replicate analysis (n = 25 measurements/sample), and cross validation of the PCA showed that the model could sort samples into the correct class with 98.7% accuracy. Key volatile organic compounds (VOCs) responsible for berry and fruity aroma in SBP were also found to be retained in the SBY. Several key phenolic compounds with therapeutic effects such as baicalein, chlorogenate, gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, and syringic acid were also identified in both SBP and SBY samples, potentially indicating that the SBY may retain some of the health benefits associated with the consumption of raw Saskatoon berries.

Influence of Varied Nutrient Management Strategies on Yield, Nutrient Absorption and Grain Protein Content in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Background: Chickpea is an important global legume crop, known for high protein content and ability to fix atmospheric N. Achieving optimal chickpea yields in Bundelkhand region is often limited by various biotic and abiotic factors, including nutrient deficiencies in the soil. Thus, proper nutrient management, through inorganics and organics, is a prerequisite for obtaining better yields and quality produce in chickpea. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi during rabi season 2022-2023 on different nutrient managements in chickpea. The field experiment was done in a completely randomized block design with nine treatments replicated thrice viz, control (T1), 100% RDF (T2), 75% RDF (T3), 100% RDF + 5 t ha-1 FYM (T4), 75% RDF + 5 t ha-1 FYM (T5), 100% RDF + 5 t ha-1 vermicompost (T6), 75% RDF + 5 t ha-1 vermicompost (T7), 100% RDN through FYM (T8) and 100% RDN through vermicompost (T9). Result: Yield and total uptake of N, P and K were significantly (p less than 0.05) higher in T6 followed by T4, whereas total S uptake was highest in T4. Grain protein content and protein yield were significantly (p less than 0.05) higher in T4 followed by T6. It was concluded that combined application of inorganic and organic inputs can lead to dual benefits: increased crop yield and improved protein content in harvested chickpea grains.

Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) powder ameliorates pituitary-liver-axis regulation and anti-inflammatory activity in malnourished rats

The endocrine system is critical for adapting to malnutrition, which can disrupt the pituitary-liver axis and induce inflammation, leading to health complications. Lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus L.), known for their high protein content and anti-inflammatory properties, present a potential nutritional intervention. This study investigated the effects of lima bean powder on pituitary-liver axis regulation and anti-inflammatory activity in malnourished rats. Rats were divided into four groups: Normal (N), Malnourished (MAL), MAL treated with 25% lima bean flour (MAL + 25% LB), and MAL treated with 50% lima bean flour (MAL + 50% LB) for 6 weeks. Proximate composition was determined to analysed its major nutrients and metabolites in the methanol extract were analysed through LC–MS/MS. Parameters such as weight gain, serum albumin, total protein levels, Growth Hormone (GH), Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF1), and liver inflammation markers were measured. Bioactive compounds such as L(-)-pipecolinic acid, choline, trigonelline, L-phenylalanine, and oleamide were identified, highlighting the nutritional and therapeutic potential of lima beans. Compared to the N group, the MAL group showed significant decreases in body weight gain, serum albumin, and total protein levels. However, both MAL + 25% LB and MAL + 50% LB groups demonstrated significant improvements in these parameters, approximating the levels observed in the N group. Lima bean supplementation appeared to regulate GH at both the cellular and mRNA levels, positively impacting the pituitary-liver axis. Additionally, the study revealed reduced liver inflammation in the MAL + 25% LB and MAL + 50% LB groups, suggesting the anti-inflammatory properties of lima beans. These findings indicate that lima bean flour supplementation can ameliorate disruptions in the pituitary-liver axis and reduce inflammation in malnourished rats.Graphical

Quantitative physiology and biomass composition of Cyberlindnera jadinii in ethanol-grown cultures

BackgroundElimination of greenhouse gas emissions in industrial biotechnology requires replacement of carbohydrates by alternative carbon substrates, produced from CO2 and waste streams. Ethanol is already industrially produced from agricultural residues and waste gas and is miscible with water, self-sterilizing and energy-dense. The yeast C. jadinii can grow on ethanol and has a history in the production of single-cell protein (SCP) for feed and food applications. To address a knowledge gap in quantitative physiology of C. jadinii during growth on ethanol, this study investigates growth kinetics, growth energetics, nutritional requirements, and biomass composition of C. jadinii strains in batch, chemostat and fed-batch cultures.ResultsIn aerobic, ethanol-limited chemostat cultures, C. jadinii CBS 621 exhibited a maximum biomass yield on ethanol (YX/Smax) of 0.83 gbiomass (gethanol)−1 and an estimated maintenance requirement for ATP (mATP) of 2.7 mmolATP (gbiomass)−1 h−1. Even at specific growth rates below 0.05 h−1, a stable protein content of approximately 0.54 gprotein (gbiomass)−1 was observed. At low specific growth rates, up to 17% of the proteome consisted of alcohol dehydrogenase proteins, followed by aldehyde dehydrogenases and acetyl-CoA synthetase. Of 13 C. jadinii strains evaluated, 11 displayed fast growth on ethanol (μmax > 0.4 h−1) in mineral medium without vitamins, and CBS 621 was found to be a thiamine auxotroph. The prototrophic strain C. jadinii CBS 5947 was grown on an inorganic salts medium in fed-batch cultures (10-L scale) fed with pure ethanol. Biomass concentrations in these cultures increased up to 100 gbiomass (kgbroth)−1, with a biomass yield of 0.65 gbiomass (gethanol)−1. Model-based simulation, based on quantitative parameters determined in chemostat cultures, adequately predicted biomass production. A different protein content of chemostat- and fed-batch-grown biomass (54 and 42%, respectively) may reflect the more dynamic conditions in fed-batch cultures.ConclusionsAnalysis of ethanol-grown batch, chemostat and fed-batch cultures provided a quantitative physiology baseline for fundamental and applied research on C. jadinii. Its high maximum growth rate, high energetic efficiency of ethanol dissimilation, simple nutritional requirements and high protein content, make C. jadinii a highly interesting platform for production of SCP and other products from ethanol.

Variation of Some Agro-Physiological and Biochemical Parameters of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Varieties in Response to Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates at Djirataoua in Southern Niger Republic

Nitrogen is the most limiting plant nutrient element of soils in Niger. Farmers apply nitrogen to increase yield of cereal crops. A survey conducted at Djirataoua in southern Niger, revealed that wheat growers applied nitrogen fertilizer with less technical knowledge resulting in low response on growth and yield. To produce suitable recommendations to farmers, a field experiment was conducted during two dry seasons (2016/2017 and 2017/2018) at Djirataoua (13°25’59’’N, 7°8’12’’E). The aim of the study was to determine the optimum level of Nitrogen for highest yield and agro-physiological parameters of wheat varieties. Four Nitrogen levels (0, 100, 150 and 200 kg N ha-1) and four wheat varieties were evaluated in this study. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with three replications. Data collected on grain yield, chlorophyll, Nitrogen uptake and protein content were subjected to the analysis of variance and mean comparison. The results showed that application of 150 kg N ha-1 Nitrogen resulted in highest grain yield (3202 kg ha-1), chlorophyll content (50.9 SPAD) N uptake (72.63 kg ha-1), and protein content (135.5 g kg-1). The wheat varieties were significantly different in these parameters. Reyna-28 and Sokoll/3/ produced higher grain yield and Nitrogen uptake. Higher protein content was observed in Norman and Sokoll/3/. Significant interactions were observed between Nitrogen rates and variety on yield characters, Nitrogen uptake and protein content. The highest grain yield, Nitrogen uptake and chlorophyll content were achieved by interaction of Reyna-28 and Sokoll/3/ with 150 kg N ha-1. Therefore, application of 150 kg N ha-1 and using varieties Reyna-28 or Sokoll/3/ is recommended to farmers for maximum grain yield and high protein content.