Higher Amino Acid Content Research Articles

The mighty mahseers of the genera Tor, Neolissochilus and Naziritor: A review on resource distribution, biology, ecotourism and conservation

Mahseers belonging to genus Tor, Neolissochilus and Naziritor, comprise important groups of food and sport fishes in thefreshwater eco-systems. Tor mahseers being potential game fish are recognised as cultural icon in the pristine waters acrossthe globe. They also have high nutritional value with high content of DHA, EPA and amino acids which are important tohuman health. Presently, 17 species of Tor, 25 species of Neolissochilus and 2 species of Naziritor have been reported andvalidated throughout the world. However, due to several anthropogenic and natural activities, their population is dwindlingacross most of the natural ecosystems and IUCN has categorised the group as endangered. Change in temperature andmonsoon floods triggers the act of migration and spawning behaviour of mahseers in their respective ecological conditions.There are 47 species of mahseers in the world, out of which India harbours fifteen species. These species widely occur in therocky and pristine fast flowing streams of India, China, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistanand Bangladesh. The present paper embodies the status of mahseers under the genera Tor, Neolissochilus and Naziritorto understand this magnificent group of fishes having extraordinary importance in terms of balancing aquatic biodiversitysustainability, creating opportunities for increasing livelihood though utilising this fish in sports (angling and ecotourism)and draws immediate attention for its conservation in inclusive and responsible manner. Keywords: Conservation, Ecotourism, GIS, Mahseer, Resource mapping

The Effectiveness of Aloevera Compress on Changes in Breast Swelling of Breastfeeding Women in the Working Area of the Srengat Health Center

Breast swelling occurs in mothers who have given birth for the first time. Significant breast care can affect the smoothness of breast milk. Breast swelling pain that is not followed up can lead to further complications. Aloevera has many ingredients that are believed to reduce pain and swelling in the breast because it contains aloin and emodin. The purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness of aloevera compresses against breast swelling of breastfeeding mothers in the work area of the Srengat Health Center. This research method is a pre-experiment with a one group pretest-postest design approach. The population in this study was all postpartum mothers in the working area of the Srengat Health Center. The sampling technique is by taking a large number of samples, which is as many as 22 people. Based on the results of the study, it shows that the value of p = 0.000 (p< 0.05) means that the administration of aloevera compresses is effective against changes in breast swelling in breastfeeding mothers in the work area of the Srengat Health Center Office. The decrease in breast swelling scale after buying aloevera compresses occurs due to the high content of amino acids, minerals, polysaccharides in aloevera which is believed to reduce breast swelling and inflammation. And serves as an anti-inflammatory that localizes both damaged agents and damaged tissues. By doing aloevera compresses on breast swelling, it can reduce swelling in the breast optimally.

Enhancement of carbamazepine removal rate using Tetradesmus obliquus KNUA061 and NaOCl and utilization of the resulting biomass

Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) are discharged into receiving water bodies mainly from sewage treatment plants. Due to the inefficient removal in conventional wastewater treatment facilities, PPCPs have become a major concern to aquatic ecosystems, water quality, and public health worldwide since they cause harmful effects on aquatic life and human even at low doses. Among the PPCPs, carbamazepine (CBZ) is one of the most commonly prescribed anticonvulsant drugs and consumed more than 1,000 tons per year. Due to its structural complexity, CBZ is known as recalcitrant compound highly stable during wastewater treatment. Consequently, it has become one of the most frequently detected pharmaceuticals in waste water, surface water, and even drinking water. In this study, Korean indigenous microalgae strains were tested as eco-friendly and cost-effective solutions for CBZ removal. Based on the preliminary biological CBZ degradation tests, Tetradesmus obliquus KNUA061 demonstrating the best CBZ removal rate was selected for further experiments. In order to increase strain KNUA061's CBZ removal efficiency, NaOCl, which is widely accepted in the water purification process, was used as an additional stimulus to induce stress conditions. At around 20 μg L−1 CBZ, addition of 1.0 mg NaOCl resulted in approximately 20% of removal rate increase without suppressing cells growth. Roughly 90% of CBZ remained its original form and the composition of the transformed secondary metabolites was less than 10% during the biodegradation process by the microalga. Based on the results of the antioxidant enzyme activities, degree of lipid oxidation, and amino acid contents, it was concluded that the redox-defence system in microalgal cells may have been activated by the NaOCl treatment. Biomass analysis results showed that higher heating value (HHV) of strain KNUA061 biomass was higher than those of lignocellulosic energy crops suggesting that it could be utilized as a possible renewable energy source. Even though its biodiesel properties were slightly below the international standards due to the high PUFA contents, the biodiesel produced from T. obliquus KNUA061 could be used as a blending resource for transportation fuels. It was also determined that the microalgal biomass has acceptable feasibility as a sustainable dietary supplement feedstock due to its high essential amino acid contents.

Nitrogen compounds and fatty acid composition in seeds of amaranth varieties

Purpose. To determine the peculiarities of the formation of the nitrogen component and the fatty acid composition in amaranth seeds of different varieties.
 Methods. Laboratory (determination of the content of protein, amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates), calculation (integral score), mathematical and statistical.
 Results. The conducted studies show that amaranth seeds had a high protein content amounting to 16.1–24.7%. At the same time, it varied significantly over the studied varieties. Thus, significantly higher protein content was in amaranth variety ‘Kharkivskyi 1’ (24.7%) compared to other varieties. The lowest protein content was in ‘Helios’ variety (16.1%). It was found that phenylalanine dominates among essential amino acids in amaranth seeds, with the content ranging in the studied varieties between 981 and 1155 mg/100. The content of tryptophan was the lowest, 155–206 mg/100 g. The highest content of amino acids was determined in variety ‘Kharkivskyi 1’. The seeds of this variety exceeded the seeds of the ‘Helios’ variety by 30–33% in terms of the content of threonine, tryptophan, and isoleucine, by 17–20% of phenylalanine, methionine, and lysine, and by 11% of valine and leucine. In addition, the integral score for the seeds of this variety was also the highest. The highest integral score in the studied varieties was determined for methionine – 33.0–38.9%, for isoleucine – 23.1–30.7, tryptophan, lysine, phenylalanine – 19.4–26.3, leucine and lysine – 16.6–26.3%. The major fatty acid in amaranth seeds is linoleic, the content of which in the seeds of the studied varieties varied significantly, from 2.03 to 2.95 g/100 g. The share of linolenic acid in the seeds ranged from 43.2 to 55.5%. The content of oleic acid varied from 1.60 to 1.33%, with the share of this acid being equal to 23.5–34.0%. The content of linolenic acid was the lowest, 0.01–0.03 g/100 g, with a share of 0.2–0.6% of the total fatty acids.
 Conclusions. Amaranth seeds have the highest percentage of carbohydrates that reach 63.1–68.2% in the studied varieties. The protein content varies from 16.1 to 24.7%. Among essential amino acids, the content of phenylalanine in seeds of the studied varieties was the highest, 985–1155 mg/100 g. The integral score of amaranth seeds for amino acids varied from lowest to highest in the following order: leucine, lysine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, phenylalanine, isoleucine and methionine. The content of fatty acids, varied, respectively: linolenic, stearic, palmitic, oleic and linoleic. According to indicators of the nitrogen-containing component and the content of fatty acids, the seeds of the ‘Kharkivskyi 1’ variety exceed the other studied amaranth varieties.

Exploring the Amino-Acid Composition, Secondary Structure, and Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Chickpea Protein Isolates.

This study examined the amino-acid profile, secondary structure, and physicochemical and functional properties of proteins isolated from Anatolian chickpea landraces. Secondary objective of the study was to determine whether a relationship exists between the amino-acid composition and physicochemical and functional properties. Aspartic acid and glutamic acid were the dominant amino acids, while the isolates were deficient in methionine. Secondary structures were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, where the β-sheet was shown to be dominant. The denaturation temperature of the isolates was between 87 and 145 °C, and the highest net surface charge (≃28.6 mV) and solubility (∼95.0%) were observed at pH 9.0-10.0. The isolates' water-holding capacity varied between 2.1 and 2.7 g water/g protein, whereas their oil-holding capacity ranged between 3.4 and 4.4 g oil/g protein. Emulsion capacity, emulsifying activity, and the stability indices of isolates were found to be between 401.2 and 469.1 g oil/g protein, 14.5 and 25.7 m2/g, and 45.7 and 146.9 min, respectively. Isolates of Hisar and Erzincan chickpeas exhibited good emulsifying properties. The Yasa isolate had a relatively high hydrophobic amino-acid content and delivered the best gelation performance. Overall, significant differences in the characteristics of proteins were observed among the different chickpea landraces studied.

A Sustainable Approach Based on the Use of Unripe Grape Frozen Musts to Modulate Wine Characteristics as a Proof of Concept

Aiming to develop a sustainable methodology for must acidity correction in winemaking, particularly needed in warm regions, the present study intends to fulfill the circular economy values. Antão Vaz white wines were produced using two different strategies for must acidity correction: (i) the addition of a mixture of organic acids (Mix*) commonly used in winemaking; and (ii) the addition of previously produced unripe grape must (UM*) from the same grape variety. In addition, a testimonial (T*) sample was produced with no acidity correction. For all wines produced, oenological parameters were determined, and both amino acid (AA) content and volatile composition were evaluated. A higher AA content was found in the Antão Vaz T* wine, followed by UM* wines. The volatile profile was also affected, and LDA demonstrates a clear separation of wines with different acidity corrections. Results obtained indicate that unripe grape musts—a vital waste product containing several compounds with important biological activity—can be used to increase musts acidity without a negative impact on wine characteristics. Furthermore, this work also shows that the use of unripe must may be a valuable tool for reducing the alcoholic content of wines.

The Structural and Functional Differences between Three Species of Fish Scale Gelatin and Pigskin Gelatin.

In this paper, gelatin was extracted from the scales of Coregonus peled, Carp and Bighead carp by the acid method, and the structure and functional properties of the obtained scale gelatin and food-grade pigskin gelatin (FG) were compared. The results showed that all gelatins exhibited relatively high protein (86.81-93.61%), and low lipid (0.13-0.39%) and ash (0.37-1.99%) contents. FG had the highest gel strength, probably because of its high proline content (11.96%) and high average molecular weight distribution. Low β-antiparallel was beneficial to the stability of emulsion, which led FG to have the best emulsifying property. The high content of hydrophobic amino acids may be one of the reasons for the superior foaming property of Bighead carp scales gelatin (BCG). The gel strength of Carp scales gelatin (CG) and BCG, the ESI of Coregonus peled scales gelatin (CPG) and the foaming property of BCG indicate that fish gelatin has the potential to be used in food industry as a substitute for pig skin gelatin.

Türkiye’de Karadeniz’in Farklı Bölgelerinde Üretilen Balık Unlarının Hayvan Besleme Açısından Değeri

Balık unu gerek insan tüketimine uygun olmayan balıkların, gerekse balıkçılık endüstrisinde arta kalan atıkların işlenip 
 kurutulması veya çeşitli teknolojik işlemlerden geçirilmesi sonucu elde edilmektedir. Balıkçılık endüstrisinin iki ana temel 
 ürünlerinden biri olan balık unu, yüksek aminoasit, vitamin ve mineral madde içeriğiyle yüksek sindirilebilirliğe sahip bir protein 
 kaynağı olarak yemlerde kullanılmaktadır. Balık ununu diğer yem hammaddelerinden üstün kılan en önemli özelliklerden biri de 
 içerdiği esansiyel aminoasitler ve uzun zincirli çoklu doymamış yağ asitleridir. Balık ununun rasyona katılması ile genç 
 hayvanlarda performans ve bağışıklık sistemi olumlu etkilenmektedir. Balık ununun kanatlı rasyonlarına %3-10, sığır ve koyun 
 rasyonlarına %5, domuz rasyonlarına da %10 katılabileceği ifade edilmektedir. Türkiye’de balık unu ve yağı üretiminin önemli 
 kısmı Karadeniz Bölgesinde yapılmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, Karadeniz Bölgesinde yer alan dört farklı balık unu fabrikasında alınan 
 balık unlarının besin madde içeriği değerlendirilmiştir. Buna göre en yüksek değerler; kuru madde (KM) %95.90 (p<0.0001) ve 
 ham kül (HK) %17.20 (p<0.0001) ile D, ham protein (HP) %73.40 (p<0.0001) ile A, ham yağ (HY) %11.33 (p<0.01) ile B, 
 metabolik enerji (ME, kanatlı) 3537.5 Kcal kg-1
 (p<0.001) ile B fabrikasında tespit edilmiştir. Çalışmada genel olarak bütün 
 amino asitler bakımından en yüksek değerler A fabrikasında, en düşük değerler D fabrikasında elde edilmiştir (p<0.0001). 
 Esansiyel yağ asitlerinden linoleik ve linolenik asit miktarları bakımından fabrikalar arasında istatistiksel bir farkın olmadığı 
 (p˃0.01), palmitik asit, palmitoleik asit ve oleik asit düzeylerinin ise önemli düzeyde (p˃0.001) B fabrikasında görüldüğü tespit 
 edilmiştir. Ülkemizde yaygın olarak Karadeniz Bölgesinde üretilen balık unları arasında besin madde bileşenleri açısından 
 farklılık olduğu belirlenmiştir

Preference and performance of the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae on three Brassicaceae vegetable plants and its association with amino acids and glucosinolates.

The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) is a generalist pest of various host plants, whose feeding preference and growth performance mainly depends on the quantity and quality of nutrients and defensive metabolites in host plants. Here, we studied the preference and performance of M. persicae on three major Brassicaceae vegetables in China and measured nutrient (amino acids) and defensive metabolites (glucosinolates) in these plants. We found that M. persicae preferred and performed better on Chinese cabbage than cabbage and radish, which may be due to the relatively higher concentration of amino acids and lower levels of indole glucosinolates in their leaves. The glucosinolates level in cabbage leaves was ten times higher than the other two plants, while the amino acid concentration in radish was only half of the cabbage or Chinese cabbage. The higher concentration of indole glucosinolates in cabbage and lower levels of amino acids in radish may account for the poorer preference and growth of M. persicae on these two plants. These results suggest that both amino acids and glucosinolates in plants may play important roles in the preference and performance of M. persicae, which provide new knowledge for the cultivation and breeding of Brassicaceae vegetables.

The Crop Production Capacity of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)—A New Field Crop for Russia in the Non-Chernozem Zone of Moscow’s Urban Environment

The article presents the research findings from the analysis of the growth, development, and yield formation characteristics as well as grain amino acid composition of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.). The aim of this research was to assess the adaptability of quinoa, a new alternative crop for the Non-Chernozem conditions of Moscow’s urban region. Five quinoa cultivars were tested, namely Brighest Brillian, Red Faro, Cherry Vanilla, Titicaca, and Regalona and were grown on sod-podzolic soil with wide-row hill-drop planting. For four years, the quinoa cultivars produced high yields without fertilizer and pesticide application—on average, 2.08–2.59 tons of grain per hectare—with a high content of protein and essential amino acids, primarily valine, lysine, and threonine. The Cherry Vanilla and Regalona cultivars had the highest grain yield on average (2.59 and 2.39 t/ha, respectively). Being able to produce crops in years with different temperatures and moisture supply, they were described as cultivars with high flexibility. However, none of the studied cultivars provided a sustained yield. The total protein content in the quinoa grains grown in 2020 ranged from 12.50 to 13.96% with high essential amino acids scores, such as valine, lysine, and threonine. The cultivar Red Faro was characterized by the highest ecological plasticity, stability, and resistance to the environmental conditions of Moscow’s urban region.

Amino acid content in the grain of naked oats under various cultivation conditions

The results of studying the formation of yield and amino acid content in the grain of naked oats varieties of different ripeness groups under the influence of different sowing dates are presented. The research was carried out in 2018-2020 in field and laboratory experiments on the medium early Gavroche variety and the mid ripening Ofenya variety in Western Siberia. A significant advantage of early sowing dates of naked oats varieties has been revealed: the Gavroche variety has an average of 25.9-29.6%, the Ofenya variety has 16.2-21.6% relative to later dates. At the same time, a significantly higher yield was formed in the mid ripening variety Ofenya, by 0.1-0.4 t/ha. A greater number of essential amino acids in the Gavroche variety was noted at a late sowing period – 4.51% (at an early and average term of 4.39 and 4.45%, respectively), and interchangeable amino acids – at an early term – 8.83% (at an average and late – 7.80 and 8.46%, respectively). In the Ofenya variety, the content of essential amino acids was 4.82-6.49 g/kg, interchangeable 7.28-9.49%. At the same time, this variety has a tendency to increase the quantitative composition of amino acids in the grain from the early sowing period to the late one. Differences in the influence of moisture conditions on the accumulation of amino acids in the varieties of naked oats were revealed. The highest content of essential and interchangeable amino acids in the medium-ripened variety Ofenya is formed at elevated values of the hydrothermal coefficient (HTC) in the period of seedling – tillering (r = 0.9467 ... 0.9999 at R = 0.6660), reduced values in the period of booting – flowering (r = -0.9338...-0.9987 at R = 0.6660), with an increase in HTC during the filling – ripening period (r = 0.4335... 0.7888 at R = 0.6660). In the early-maturing Gavroche variety, a higher content of essential amino acids was noted at an early sowing period under conditions of low values of HTC during the period of seedling – tillering, increased - during the period of booting-flowering and arid conditions of the period of filling–ripening - r = -0.8812, 0.8626, -0.6087 at R = 0.6660, respectively. The high content of interchangeable amino acids in the Gavroche variety was formed at late periods in the years with reduced values of HTC during the period of seedling – tillering, the presence of precipitation during flowering and their absence during the period of filling-ripening (r = -0.8287, 0.8068, -0.6860 at R = 0.6660, respectively).

Yield and amino acid composition of grain varieties of spring barley, depending on the use of biological products

Relevance and methodology. Grain quality of crops is largely determined by the content and composition of proteins. The content of protein and amino acids in grain varies due to specific and varietal characteristics of the crop. The study of the effect of organo-mineral biological preparations on the yield and amino acid composition of grain of spring barley varieties proves to be relevant. The research was carried out in 2020–2021 in the conditions of experimental fields of the Bryansk State Agrarian University on gray forest medium loamy soil. The research object is spring barley varieties Raushan, Vladimir, Yaromir. The agricultural technique of cultivating spring barley is generally accepted for the region. There were the variants with biological preparations Geotone, Gumistim, Bioagro-PP, Bioagrogum-B, control (without treatment). The total nitrogen content in the grain was valued by the indophenol method and amino acids were assessed by capillary electrophoresis with the instrument "Kapel 105".Results. According to the results obtained, the highest grain yield of 6.82 t/ha and 7.35 t/ha of the barley varieties Vladimir and Yaromir was in the variants with Bioagro-PP, and the yield of 6.82 t/ha of the variety Raushan was in the variant with Gumistim. The application of biological preparations in barley cultivation contributed to an increase in the content of nitrogen in barley grain. It is established that the application of biological preparations contributed to an increase in the content of amino acids in the grain, including essential ones. Assessing the varietal characteristics of barley, it should be noted that the largest number of amino acids was in the grain of the variety Raushan, and the variety Yaromir had the smallest number. In the grain of Raushan the highest content of amino acids of 15.50 and 15.74 g/100 g of dry matter was recorded in the variants with Geotone and Bioagrogum-B.

Carcass Characteristics, Meat Quality and Nutritional Composition of Kadaknath, a Native Chicken Breed of India.

The study was carried out to investigate the carcass and meat quality traits and nutritional profile of the meat of the Kadaknath, a unique native chicken breed in comparison with commercial broilers. The yield of the carcass, breast and giblets of the Kadaknath was lesser (p < 0.01), while that of the legs, wings, back, and neck was higher (p < 0.01) than broilers. The meat of the Kadaknath was significantly (p < 0.0001) darker (42.44, 50.92) and more yellow (6.23, 8.99) than broilers. The decline in pH of the meat was lower (p < 0.001) in the Kadaknath compared to broilers. Kadaknath meat had more protein and less fat, moisture and ash content than broilers (p < 0.01). Furthermore, it was richer (p < 0.01) in 11 amino acids, including those which are known to impart a sweet and umami taste, than the meat of broilers (3 amino acids). Both genotypes were almost similar in meeting the daily requirements of indispensable amino acids of adult human. The study concluded that the Kadaknath differed in carcass and meat quality characteristics from the broilers, and the nutritional quality of Kadaknath meat in terms of high protein and less fat and higher content of amino acids (tasty type) was better in Kadaknath meat as compared to broiler meat.

Nutritive, chemical and technological properties of liver pate formulated with beef offal, sheep tail fat and licorice and ginger root

In the present study, incorporation of sheep tail fat, beef heart, kidneys, and herbal ingredients (grounded licorice and ginger root, pumpkin, carrots, and onions) into liver pate formulations was investigated. Four types of liver pate were prepared: control sample containing only liver and butter; experimental sample S1 - pate with sheep tail fat (5%), ground dried licorice root (1%) and ginger (2%); experimental sample S2 - pate with sheep tail fat (8%), ground dried licorice root (2%) and ginger (3%); experimental sample S3 - pate with sheep tail fat (10%), ground dried licorice root (3%) and ginger (4%). Inclusion of the above-mentioned ingredients in the pate recipe did not cause significant changes in the mass fraction of table salt and protein (P > 0.05) and, conversely, significantly increased the moisture content, carbohydrates, fat and be-ta-carotene in the test sample (P < 0.05). In the experimental samples, the number of amino acids decreased with the exception of arginine. Among the experimental samples, the highest content of amino acids (18 g / 100 g) and essential amino acids (8.89 g/ 100 g) was detected in S1. The results of determining the fatty acid composition showed significant changes in the composition of experimental samples com-pared with the control. The total content of saturated acids in the experimental samples decreased while the content of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids increased (P ˂ 0.05). Textural characteristics, such as hardness, cohesiveness and adhe-siveness in the test sample have changed significantly (P < 0.05). However, the elasticity (springiness) and stickiness of the paste mass were almost the same for the control and experi-mental samples. The introduction of the above-mentioned ingredients in the experimental sam-ples increased the pH and water-binding capacity) values, which suggests an increase in juici-ness. The conducted studies have confirmed the prospects for improving the chemical compo-sition without deterioration of the consistency and structure of the finished product.

M. tuberculosis curli pili (MTP) facilitates a reduction of microbicidal activity of infected THP-1 macrophages during early stages of infection

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) curli pili (MTP) is a surface located adhesin, which is involved in the initial point-of-contact between the pathogen and the host. Host-pathogen interaction is essential for establishing infection. M. tuberculosis has the ability to infect various host lung cell types, which includes both the epithelial cells and macrophages, and subsequent differences in their cellular function will be evident in their metabolic profiles. Understanding the differences between these cell types and their individual metabolic response to M. tuberculosis infection, with and without the presence of the MTP, will aid to better elucidate the role of this adhesin in modulating metabolic pathways during infection. This may further contribute to the development of improved diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, much needed at present in order to improve control the global tuberculosis (TB) epidemic. This study used a two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOFMS) metabolomics approach to compare the metabolite profiles of A549 epithelial cells to that of THP-1 macrophages, infected with M. tuberculosis, in the presence and absence of MTP. Significant metabolites were identified using various univariate and multivariate statistical analysis. A total of 44, 40, 50 and 34 metabolites were differentially detected when comparing the (a) uninfected A549 epithelial cells to uninfected THP-1 macrophages, (b) wild-type infected A549 epithelial cells to wild-type infected THP-1 macrophages, (c) ∆mtp-infected A549 epithelial cells to ∆mtp-infected THP-1 macrophages (d) complement-infected A549 epithelial cells to complement-infected THP-1 macrophages, respectively. These included metabolites that were involved in amino acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, general central carbon metabolism, and nucleic acid metabolism. In the absence of the M. tuberculosis MTP adhesin, the THP-1 macrophages predominantly displayed higher concentrations of amino acids and their metabolic intermediates, than the A549 epithelial cells. The deletion of MTP from M. tuberculosis in the host infection models potentially elicited a pro-inflammatory phenotype, particularly in the macrophage model. In the presence of MTP, the metabolite profile changes indicate potential regulation of host defence mechanisms, accompanied by a reduction in microbicidal abilities of host cells. Hence MTP can be considered a virulence factor of M. tuberculosis. Therefore, blocking MTP interaction with the host may facilitate a faster pathogen clearance during the initial stages of infection, and potentially enhance current therapeutic interventions.

Seed Waste from Custard Apple (Annona squamosa L.): A Comprehensive Insight on Bioactive Compounds, Health Promoting Activity and Safety Profile

Annona squamosa L. (custard apple or sugar apple), belonging to the Annonaceae family, is a small tree or shrub that grows natively in subtropical and tropical regions. Seeds of the custard apple have been employed in folk medicines because of the presence of bioactive chemicals/compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids and phenolic compounds and acetogenins and cyclopeptides that are responsible for various biological activities. The seeds also show the presence of tannins, vitamin C, vitamin E and a higher content of amino acids. From investigations, it has been shown that the seeds of A. squamosa have considerable potential to be used as an antibacterial, hepatoprotective, antioxidant and antitumor/anticancer agent. Cyclosquamosin B, extracted from the custard apple seed, possesses vasorelaxant properties. Tocopherols and fatty acids, notably oleic acid and linoleic acid, are also found in the seed oil. A. squamosa seeds contain a high amount of annonaceous acetogenins compounds, which are potent mitochondrial complex I inhibitors and have high cytotoxicity. A survey primarily based on the nutritional, phytochemical and biological properties showed that A. squamosa seeds can be used for the discovery of novel products, including pharmaceutical drugs. Although there are sufficient in vitro and in vivo experimental investigations supporting the benefits of seeds, clinical investigations/trials are still needed to determine the health contributing benefits of A. squamosa seeds.

Growth-Promotion Effects of Dissolved Amino Acids in Three Species of Hynobius Salamander Hatchlings.

It has been suggested that aquatic vertebrates may be able to meet their energy requirements by using the amino acids dissolved in environmental water. If this ability can be applied to aquatic organisms generally, then conventional ecological theories related to food web interactions should be revisited, as this would likely bring about significant advances in applications. Here, we prepared two 1 mM amino acid (phenylalanine and glycine) solutions in environmental water and conducted laboratory experiments to demonstrate the utilization of dissolved amino acids by hatchlings of three salamander species (Ezo: Hynobius retardatus, Tohoku: Hynobius lichenatus, and Japanese black: Hynobius nigrescens). Compared to controls (no amino acids in environmental water), the growth rate for Ezo salamanders was higher when larvae were reared in phenylalanine solution, while that for Japanese black salamanders was higher in glycine and phenylalanine solutions. Amino acids in environmental water had no effect on the growth of Tohoku salamanders. However, when growth was divided into early (days 1 to 5) and late (days 5 to 7) developmental stages, growth in early-developmental stage individuals was improved by phenylalanine treatment, even in Tohoku salamanders. The results showed that the growth of salamander larvae was improved when salamanders were reared in environmental water with high amino acid concentrations. Although aquatic bacteria may not have been removed completely from the environmental water, no other eukaryotes were present. Our results suggest an overlooked nutrient pathway in which aquatic vertebrates take up dissolved amino acids without mediation by other eukaryotes.

Kinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Unu ile Zenginleştirilen Muffin Keklerin Bazı Fizikokimyasal ve Duyusal Özellikleri

Kinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) yapısındaki yüksek orandaki protein ve dengeli amino asit içeriği nedeniyle tahıl ürünlerinin zenginleştirilmesi açısından önemli bir kaynaktır. Özellikle birçok tahılda sınırlı düzeyde bulunan lisin, metionin ve treonin amino asidini fazla miktarda içermesi kinoanın önemini arttırmaktadır. Bu çalışmada %100 buğday unundan üretilen kontrol grubu örnek ve buğday ununa farklı oranlarda (%25 ve 50) kinoa unu ikame edilmesi ile üretilen muffin keklerde meydana gelen fizikokimyasal ve duyusal değişimler araştırılmıştır. Muffin kek formülasyonunda kinoa unu ikame oranı arttıkça örneklerin protein, yağ, kül ve amino asit içerikleri ile tekstür profil analizi sonucunda elde edilen sertlik değerlerinde artış meydana gelirken, karbonhidrat içeriğinde ve spesifik hacimde azalma meydana gelmiştir. Muffin kekler renk değerleri bakımından incelendiğinde, kinoa unu ikame oranı arttıkça dış renk L* değerinde ve iç renk a* değerinde artış gözlenirken, iç renk L* değerinde azalış olduğu belirlenmiştir. Duyusal özellikler bakımından %50 oranında kinoa unu ikame edilmiş örnekte gözeneklilik, tekstür, tat ve genel beğeni puanlarında anlamlı düzeyde azalma (p

Chemical composition of the foliage meal of Tithonia diversifolia

With the objective of determining the nutritional constituents, amino acids and the content of secondary metabolites of the foliage meal of Tithonia diversifolia. For this, plant material was collected 70 days after regrowth. The percentages of DM, CP, P, Ca, Si, CF, NDF, ADF, ADL, Cel, Hcel, CC were determined; amino acid profile (methionine, cystine, methionine + cystine, lysine, threonine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, proline, glycine, alanine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, serine, phenylalanine, arginine, histidine), and content of TT, TP, TCT, TBCT, FCT, Flv, Sap, Alk, Trit and TS. For statistical processing, descriptive techniques (mean and standard deviation) were used. The plant material of Tithonia diversifolia analyzed showed percentages of 22.23, 2.62, 0.013, 45.7, and 29.8% and 6.09 MJ/kg (CP, Ca, P, NDF, ADF and ME). For the secondary metabolites, they presented concentrations of 5.35, 12.38, 13.7, 9.58, 4.15, 24.49, 0.86, 1.36, 7.71 and 10.75 g/kg MS for total tannins, total phenols, total condensed tannins, total bound condensed tannins, free condensed tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, triterpenes and total steroids). The highest concentrations of amino acids were for lysine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, proline, glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, serine and phenylalanine with values ​​of 13-30 g/kg of protein. It is concluded that the foliage meal of Tithonia diversifolia presents an adequate relation in its quality.

Determination of amino acid content, fatty acid profiles, and phenolic compounds in non-conventional edible fruits of seven species of palm trees (Arecaceae) native to the southern half of South America

The fruits of palm trees (Arecaceae) are a very important food source for fauna and for humans, despite the still incipient role of these fruits in conventional diet. Seven palm tree species (plus one variety) that are native to the southern half of South America located east of the Andes (Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and the southern states of Brazil) were studied. For the first time, the fatty acid profiles of palm seeds and the content of both amino acids and phenolic compounds present in the pulp (yellowish fleshy mesocarps) of the fruits were determined. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was used to screen and quantify thirty-two phenols and HPLC was used to determine the amino acid contents and fatty acids profiles of the species. Twenty-five percent of the fatty acids in the seeds of B. lallemantii, Butia odorata (var. pulposa), B. witeckii, and Syagrus romanzoffiana were found to be unsaturated. One species (B. lallemantii) had a high and well-balanced amino acid content (28,900 mg/kg), while six species (B. odorata, B. catarinensis, B. witeckii, Euterpe edulis, and Syagrus romanzoffiana) contained more than 14,000 mg/kg of amino acids. A high content of the phenolic compounds ferulic acid, luteolin, quercetin-3-rutinoside, isoquercetin, and isorhamnetin were found in many species, most notably in B. odorata, B. catarinensis, and B. witeckii.