Higher Protein Percentage Research Articles

Assessing calorie and protein recommendations for survivors of critical illness weaning from prolonged mechanical ventilation – can we find a proper balance?

SUMMARYBackground & aims:Survivors of critical illness requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) are predisposed to malnutrition, muscle wasting, and weakness. There is a lack of data regarding nutrition adequacy among these patients, and although nitrogen balance has been studied as a marker of adequate protein intake in healthy individuals and acutely critically ill patients, it has not been well studied in critically ill patients with PMV. The purpose of this study was to determine if patients requiring PMV admitted to a long-term acute care hospital (LTACH) achieved registered dietitian (RD) recommended goals for energy and protein intake and if the recommendations were adequate to avoid negative nitrogen balance.Methods:Using a retrospective, cohort study design, patients requiring PMV who had orders for 24-h urine collections for urea nitrogen (24hrUUN) were included. Energy and protein intake was calculated from chart documentation of dietary intake for the 24-h period during which patients underwent a 24hrUUN. Nitrogen intake was estimated from protein intake. Dietary intake was compared to RD-recommendations to determine the percentage of RD-recommendations achieved. Nitrogen balance was calculated as nitrogen intake minus nitrogen loss, with negative balance categorized as less than −1.Results:Subjects (n = 16) were 38% male and 75% African American (mean age 61.5 ± 3.2 years; mean BMI 27.5 ± 2.5 kg/m2). Duration of LTACH hospitalization was 26.5 (6–221) days. Mean energy and protein intake was 21.7 ± 2.9 kcal/kg/d and 1.1 ± 0.1 g/kg/d, respectively, which corresponded to 86% of both RD energy and protein recommendations. Ten patients achieved a positive nitrogen balance (mean 0.9 ± 1.1 g). In addition, there was a positive linear relationship between protein intake and nitrogen balance (r = 0.59, p = 0.016).Conclusion:Survivors of critical illness requiring PMV achieved a high percentage of RD-recommended protein and calories, and prevented a negative nitrogen balance in a majority of patients. Increasing protein intake can prevent a negative nitrogen balance. Future studies should evaluate whether these patients are able to maintain a steady state of nitrogen intake and excretion over time and how this affects time to and/or success of weaning.

Grain productivity and quality of the facultative barley variety ‘Marusya’ when sowing in winter and spring

The current study was carried out on ordinary blackearth (chernozem) in the southern part of the Rostov region in the FSBSI “ARC “Donskoy” (2017–2020 agricultural years). The purpose of the work was to identify the effect of autumn and spring sowing periods on grain productivity and quality of the facultative barley variety ‘Marusya’ according to various forecrops. There has been considered the dynamics of the productivity of the variety ‘Marusya’ depending on the sowing time when sown after maize for grain and sunflower. There has been established high adaptability of the variety ‘Marusya’ after nonfallow forecrops. It has formed a high productivity when sown in autumn at various times. There has been found out a positive reaction of the variety to sowing on September 10, 20 and 30, where the maximum productivity when sown after maize for grain was 6.76–6.91 t/ha. When sowing at later time, there was a slight decrease in productivity. When sown in spring, the highest protein percentage in grain was 11.0 and 11.6%. However, due to the highest productivity, the maximum protein yield was when sowing in autumn, up to 0.71 t/ha. The calculation of the economic efficiency of grain production showed that the highest profitability (214.1 and 214.4%) was obtained when the variety ‘Marusya’ was sown on September 10 and 20 after maize for grain. On average, over the years of study, the maximum conditional net income according to the forecrop, depending on the sowing time, was from 59658 to 84261 rubles/ha when sown in winter and from 48881 to 59170 rubles/ha in spring. The minimum profitability 62.1–75.2% was identified when sown in spring in 10 days after the soil was physically mature.

Estimation of the parameters of the ecological adaptability of the alfalfa samples according to the traits ‘green mass productivity’ and ‘raw protein percentage’

The current paper has presented the estimation results of ecological adaptability of the alfalfa samples. The purpose of the work was to assess the productivity and quality of green mass of the alfalfa samples from the IPI plant genetic resources gene bank and to identify the most adaptive ones according to the trait ‘green mass productivity’ and ‘raw protein percentage’. The study of the collection alfalfa samples was carried out in the southern part of the Rostov region on the plots of the “ARC “Donskoy” in the breeding crop rotation of perennial grasses in 2016–2018. The objects of study were 30 alfalfa samples from the collection of N.I. Vavilov IPI from different countries (Canada, the USA, Peru, France). The variety ‘Rostovskaya 90’ was used as a standard one. The estimation of alfalfa samples on the presence of adaptive properties in them according to the trait ‘green mass productivity’ showed that the most valuable samples in present practical breeding work are the samples ‘K-32873’, ‘K-33299’, ‘K-42684’, ‘K-42249’, ‘K-78803’ with weak responsiveness to changes in environmental conditions; the samples ‘K-36104’, ‘K-48778’, ‘K-42694’, ‘K-45715’, ‘K-47800’, ‘K-47802’, ‘K-43260’ with high resistance to stress; the samples ‘K-43272’, ‘K-50545’, ‘K-47806’, ‘K-47807’ with genetically flexible genotypes. When breeding according to the trait ‘raw protein percentage’, the samples ‘K-47807’, ‘K-47804’, ‘K-42712’ possessing a high raw protein percentage and resistance to changes in this trait are important for further work.

Pathogen Moonlighting Proteins: From Ancestral Key Metabolic Enzymes to Virulence Factors

Moonlighting and multitasking proteins refer to proteins with two or more functions performed by a single polypeptide chain. An amazing example of the Gain of Function (GoF) phenomenon of these proteins is that 25% of the moonlighting functions of our Multitasking Proteins Database (MultitaskProtDB-II) are related to pathogen virulence activity. Moreover, they usually have a canonical function belonging to highly conserved ancestral key functions, and their moonlighting functions are often involved in inducing extracellular matrix (ECM) protein remodeling. There are three main questions in the context of moonlighting proteins in pathogen virulence: (A) Why are a high percentage of pathogen moonlighting proteins involved in virulence? (B) Why do most of the canonical functions of these moonlighting proteins belong to primary metabolism? Moreover, why are they common in many pathogen species? (C) How are these different protein sequences and structures able to bind the same set of host ECM protein targets, mainly plasminogen (PLG), and colonize host tissues? By means of an extensive bioinformatics analysis, we suggest answers and approaches to these questions. There are three main ideas derived from the work: first, moonlighting proteins are not good candidates for vaccines. Second, several motifs that might be important in the adhesion to the ECM were identified. Third, an overrepresentation of GO codes related with virulence in moonlighting proteins were seen.

Effects of freezing periods and polythene packaging with or without turmeric powder paste on proximate composition of Labeo bata fish

The study was designed to investigate the effects of freezing periods and the combination of packaging with or without turmeric on the proximate composition of whole and sliced Labeo bata. The samples were subjected to 28 days of frozen (-20 °C) storage periods and analyzed for proximate composition such as moisture, protein, lipid and ash at intervals of 0, 14 and 28 days. Data obtained was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 95% significant level. Different preservation periods and methods significantly affected the nutritional composition of fresh fish. Moisture, protein, lipid and ash content decreased with increasing storage periods when compared to the fresh fish as control. The highest percentage of protein was found in turmeric-treated whole fish preserved in polythene, C4, after the 14th (15.70±0.14) and 28th (15.27±0.21) day. On the other hand, the lowest percentage (14.01±0.10 and 13.22±0.18 for the 14th and 28th day, respectively) was found in sliced fish preserved without polythene, C5. In conclusion, the turmeric-treated whole fish preserved in polythene retained fish nutrients and ensured its good quality and composition longer than other treatments, thereby extending the shelf life during frozen storage.

Effect of flour particle size on the qualities of semi‐dried noodles and fine dried noodles

The qualities of semi-dried noodles (SDNs) and fine dried noodles (FIDNs) made of three kinds of wheat flour with different particle sizes were investigated. Rheological analysis showed that the dough of fine flour (D90: 55.8 µm) had better elasticity. The dried noodles of fine flour had high percentage of large polymeric proteins and ordered secondary structure of gluten protein. SDNs of fine flour contained stronger gluten network and had higher hardness and tensile strength. However, the flour particle size of FIDNs with good texture characteristic was larger than that of SDNs, and increasing dryness reduced the strength of gluten network. The dense internal structure was observed in dried noodles of fine flour, and the noodles had lower cooking loss and the best sensory evaluation. For reducing the adverse effect of drying on noodles, fine flour (D90: 55.8–66.8 µm) was required in the production of SDNs and FIDNs. Novelty impact statement Semi-dried noodles (SDNs) made of fine flour (D90: 55.8) contained strong gluten network, and their hardness, springiness, chewiness, and tensile strength were at high level. However, the flour particle size (D90: 66.8) of fine dried noodles (FIDNs) with good texture characteristic was larger than that of SDNs. Moreover, the dense internal structure was observed in SDNs and FIDNs made of fine flour, and they had lower cooking loss and the best organoleptic property.

Physiological and Genomic Analysis of Bacillus pumilus UAMX Isolated from the Gastrointestinal Tract of Overweight Individuals.

The study aimed to evaluate the metabolism and resistance to the gastrointestinal tract conditions of Bacillus pumilus UAMX (BP-UAMX) isolated from overweight individuals using genomic tools. Specifically, we assessed its ability to metabolize various carbon sources, its resistance to low pH exposure, and its growth in the presence of bile salts. The genomic and bioinformatic analyses included the prediction of gene and protein metabolic functions, a pan-genome and phylogenomic analysis. BP-UAMX survived at pH 3, while bile salts (0.2–0.3% w/v) increased its growth rate. Moreover, it showed the ability to metabolize simple and complex carbon sources (glucose, starch, carboxymethyl-cellulose, inulin, and tributyrin), showing a differentiated electrophoretic profile. Genome was assembled into a single contig, with a high percentage of genes and proteins associated with the metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. Antibiotic resistance genes were detected, but only one beta-Lactam resistance protein related to the inhibition of peptidoglycan biosynthesis was identified. The pan-genome of BP-UAMX is still open with phylogenetic similarities with other Bacillus of human origin. Therefore, BP-UAMX seems to be adapted to the intestinal environment, with physiological and genomic analyses demonstrating the ability to metabolize complex carbon sources, the strain has an open pan-genome with continuous evolution and adaptation.

The study of collection durum winter wheat samples according to grain quality in the Rostov region

The success of any agricultural crop breeding, including winter durum wheat primarily depends on the initial material at the breeder’s disposal, its value, and the degree of study. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate collection samples of winter durum wheat according to quality indicators and to select the best ones for use in breeding programs. In the Rostov region there were studied 159 winter durum wheat samples of different ecological and geographical origin according to grain quality (protein percentage, gluten content, amount of carotenoid pigments, kernel hardness, nature weight). The winter durum wheat samples had a high protein percentage and belonged to the 1-st quality class. According to gluten content in grain there were identified 17 (10.7%) samples. The following samples had the maximum values of trait ‘SDS-sedimentation’: ‘588/15’ (Russia) with 50 ml; ‘SAHINBEY’ (Turkey), ‘SARI BUGDAY 2’ (Turkey), ‘543/15’ (Russia) with 49 ml; ‘ANKARA 98’ (Turkey) with 48 ml. The following 43 winter durum wheat samples (more than 85%) had large kernel hardness in the trial: ‘663/17’, ‘1121/12’, ‘Novinka 4’, ‘Alena’ (Russia), ‘C1252’ (Turkey), ‘SN TURK MI 82-83 90 / GUTROS-2’, ‘DF 28.82.84 / DAB-18’, ‘P 1290493 // HUI // AV79’ (Mexico), ‘K-61869’ (Moldova). Over the years of study, a large amount of carotenoid pigments was identified in the following samples: ‘Novinka 4’ with 705 μg /%, ‘535/17’ with 689 μg /%, ‘543/15’ with 664 μg /% (Russia), ‘OSU-3880001 / 4AOS / SNIP / 3 / MEDIUM / KIF // SAPI’ with 704 μg /% (Mexico), ‘Winter Gold’ with 697 μg /% (Germany). According to the complex of qualitative indicators, there were identified 5 winter durum wheat samples, which are recommended to be included in the breeding programs of the Rostov region.

The new early maturing spring barley variety ‘Fedos’

In recent years, the spring-summer period of the Rostov region is characterized with a lack of moisture supply in the initial period of plant growing and formation of generative organs, as well as in the filling period of spring barley grain. The highest productivity under these conditions, according to the study of previous years, has been formed by the middle-early and early-maturing varieties. The breeding work for the development of early-maturing spring barley varieties has been going on for many decades in the FSBSI Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy”. The purpose of the current study was to develop a new highly productive early-maturing spring barley variety, adapted to the arid soil and climatic conditions of the south of Russia. The current paper has presented characteristics of the new early-maturing spring barley variety ‘Fedos’, adapted to the soil and climatic conditions of the arid Russian regions and resistant to negative environmental stress factors. The new variety was characterized by high yields (+0.4 t/ha to the standard one), large kernel (1000 kernel weight was more than 47 g), fairly high protein percentage in grain (+1.3% to the standard one). In comparison with the standard variety, the new variety has formed higher yields due to the increased number of productive stems per 1 m2 (on 12 pcs. more) and kernel weight per head (+0.2 g). In addition, the variety ‘Fedos’ produced large, well-filled kernel even in severely arid years (+5.6 g to the standard one). The new variety is more resistant to major leaf diseases than the standard one.

NUTRIENT CONTENT OF RHYNCHOPHORUS PHOENICIS AND ITS APPLICATION IN COMPLEMENTARY FOOD FORMULATION

Palm weevil ( Rhynchophorus phoenicis ) is an edible insect that is highly exploited as food. This study investigated variability in nutritional content during three developmental stages: early larva (ESL), late larva (LSL) and adult stage (ADS) and application of early larva stage in the formulation of complementary foods from the blend of broken rice and soybean flour at different proportions: A (100:0), B (94.5:5.5), C (89.5:10:5), (85.3:14.7), E (75.5:24.5) and F (70:30). Samples were assessed for proximate and mineral content while anti-nutritional factors and sensory analysis were conducted on the complementary food samples. Standard methods of analysis were used in all determinations. Results of proximate analysis indicated protein and lipid content were significantly different (p<0.05) among the developmental stages. Higher lipid content were noted in early larva (49.59%) and late larva stage (47.06%). The early larva stage was superior in ash and energy content while adult weevil had the highest percentage of protein (36.19%), carbohydrate (9.46%), fibre (9.43%) as well as micro mineral of Zn and Fe. Proximate composition of complementary foods indicated a significant (p<0.05) increase in the values for moisture, protein, lipid, ash and fibre content as the percentage of palm weevil flour increases in the formulated food samples. The recommended dietary levels for Zn and Fe in complementary foods were met with addition of 24.5% and 30% palm weevil flour without any further fortification. Anti-nutritional factors present in all complementary food samples were within safe levels. Sensory results showed that sample E with 24.5% and sample F with 30% palm weevil flour were more acceptable in all the sensory attributes determined.

Effect of finishing diet on carcass characteristics and meat quality of Mos cockerel

Aim of study: To evaluate the effect of different diets on carcass characteristics and meat quality from Mos free-ranged cockerel.Area of study: Galicia (NW Spain).Material and methods: Cockerels (n=75) were allocated to 3 groups (n=25) according to finishing diets: commercial fodder (CF), 50% wheat and 50% corn (WH) and 33% wheat and 66% corn (CR). Meat quality was assessed in terms of physicochemical, and nutritional features.Main results: The highest live and carcass weight were obtained in CF group. Meat from CF and CR groups were similar in moisture, protein and cholesterol content in drumstick cut, meanwhile in breast piece there were no significant differences (p>0.05) in intramuscular fat (IMF), ash, and lightness (L*). On the other hand, finishing diet affected L* and redness (a*) values, showing the highest L* values in meat samples from CF treatment (49.94 for drumstick) (p<0.01), whereas a* was superior in WH samples (11.30 and 4.61, for drumstick and breast, respectively) (p<0.001). Meat shear force test was not affected (p>0.05) by diets. Finally, the finishing feed affected (p<0.05) the fatty acid and amino acid profile in both cuts (drumstick and breast).Research highlights: Present study allowed to characterize for the first time Mos cockerels fed with different diets. Some carcass features obtained were higher than previous studies with other Mos categories, and some autochthonous and industrial breeds. Meat from cockerels was characterized by a high protein percentage and lower IMF.

Effect of the Mixture of Polymers on the Rheological and Technological Properties of Composite Films of Acoupa Weakfish (Cynoscion acoupa) and Cassava Starch (Manihot esculenta C.)

Biopolymers, such as proteins and carbohydrates, can be used for the production of biofilms, as they are biodegradable, biocompatible, and capable of providing adequate technological characteristics for films. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different concentrations of fish myofibrillar proteins and cassava starch on the rheological and technological properties of filmogenic solutions (FS) and films. FS were prepared with 1% protein (fish residue) (F1), 4% starch (F2), 0.5% protein + 2% starch (F3), 1% protein + 2% starch (F4), and 0.5% protein + 4% starch (F5) all with 30% glycerol. Rheological analyzes of apparent viscosity were performed on the filmogenic solutions and were evaluated the technological properties, thermogravimetric (TGA/DTG and DSC), x-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), microscopy (SEM), and spectroscopy (EDS) in elaborate films. The FS showed a non-Newtonian behavior (n ≠ 1), with dilating and pseudoplastic fluids for proteins and starch, respectively, both model Herschel-Bulkley. The color of the raw materials influenced the color of the films (p ≤ 0.05). Composite films (F3, F4, and F5) showed better barrier properties in the visible range (350–800 nm), with starch (F1) being the most transparent (p ≤ 0.05). F4 film showed the best technological properties: PVA, solubility and mechanics. The films with the highest percentage of protein, F1 and F4, presented higher (p ≤ 0.05) thermal resistance. In addition, starch favored the crystallinity of films (F3, F4, and F5), providing more orderly matrices. The FTIR and EDS analyzes of the films confirmed the successful interaction of proteins and starch. Therefore, the properties of the elaborated composite films indicate that the interaction between biopolymers is positive to produce packaging for different types of food.

6-BENZYLAMINOPURINE AND 2, 4-DICHLOROPHENOXYACETIC ACID EFFECT ON CALLUS GENESIS OF Brosimum alicastrum

Brosimum alicastrum seeds contain a high percentage of protein and essential amino acids that contribute to a proper nutrition. This tree is an alternative in the so-called crusade against hunger and its management does not involve the use of agrochemicals. The objective of this research was to evaluate the morphogenic response of foliar explants with two growth regulators, 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid (2,4-D) in the induction of calli. Results demonstrated that the combination of 1.5 mg L-1 BAP and 1 mg L-1 2,4-D (TM) and 1.5 mg L-1 BAP with 2 mg L-1 2,4-D (TN) favored callus growth in 100% of foliar explants. Calli were grown in a period of 20 d, in a culture room at 25 ± 4 °C, with 16 h of illumination. Under these conditions, calli remained in slow growth for four weeks. Those explants that generated callus were sub-cultured in fresh medium without activated charcoal. In TM and TN treatments, the multiplication of the cell mass was favored; in TN globular structures were formed. However, explants the same treatments TM and TN with activated charcoal, and under ambient 29 ± 4 °C conditions increased callus growth, but became friable at two weeks. Thus, TM and TN were the better treatments, but activated charcoal was determined to have a negative effect on callus growth.

Effect of different yeast mannoproteins on the interaction between wine flavanols and salivary proteins

Unbalanced wine astringency, caused by a gap between phenolic and technological grape maturities, is one of the consequences of the global climate change in the vitiviniculture. To resolve it, potential strategies are being currently used, like the addition of commercial yeast mannoproteins (MPs) to wines. In this work, the main interactions responsible for the wine astringent sensation, namely, interactions between human salivary proteins and wine flavanols have been studied by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and liquid chromatography coupled to DAD and MS detectors (HPLC–DAD–MS), in presence or absence of two MPs with different saccharide/protein ratio. The results indicate that there are differences on the substrate specificity for each mannoprotein and that its action mechanism could change not only depending on the mannoprotein composition but also on the flavanol structure. MPs with elevated carbohydrate content could act thought the stabilization of soluble aggregates with human salivary proteins and flavanols, mainly non-galloylated flavanol oligomers, whereas MPs with higher protein percentage mostly could precipitate flavanols (mainly non-galloylated ones with low degree of polymerization) which partially prevents the formation of insoluble flavanol–salivary protein aggregates.

Application of Trichoderma sp. to leaf litter decomposition (Rhizophora mucronata) on various salinity levels in Belawan

Mangroves can be defined as forest vegetation that grows between tidal lines or is affected by tides. Trichoderma sp. is one type of fungus that is found in almost all types of soil and in various habitats which is one type of fungus that can be used as biological agents controlling soil pathogens. The purpose of this research is to know the acceleration of the decomposition rate of R. mucronata leaf litter by Trichoderma sp. at various levels of salinity in Belawan and test the carbohydrate and protein content. The research was conducted in December 2019-March 2020. The technique of placing the sample in a litter bag is placed at 3 points of the observation station based on differences in salinity. Decomposition rate values obtained were 10.20 at station I, 8.50 at station II and 7.05 at station III from the initial weight of observation on the days-15 to the observation period on the 90 day. The highest carbohydrate content was at Station I on the days-60 which was 13% and the lowest carbohydrate yield on the station III on the days-15 was 2.42%. The highest percentage of protein is 9.7% on the days-15 at station III and the lowest percentage of protein is 4.83% on the days-15 at station I.

Sea Bass Side Streams Valorization Assisted by Ultrasound. LC-MS/MS-IT Determination of Mycotoxins and Evaluation of Protein Yield, Molecular Size Distribution and Antioxidant Recovery

Sea bass side streams obtained from the fish industry can be a good source of nutrients such as high-quality protein, lipids, and antioxidants. In this context, it is interesting to develop innovative approaches to extract the added-value compounds from fish side streams. In this study, a strategy to obtain valuable compounds and to minimize the presence of toxins from fish side streams assisted by ultrasound technology is presented. For this purpose, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) conditions have been optimized based on a response surface methodology (RSM) with the dependent variables: time (0.5–30 min), pH (5.5–8.5), and temperature (20–50 °C). After the treatment, protein extraction and antioxidant activity were evaluated in the extracts obtained from sea bass side streams using some spectrophotometric and fluorometric methods. Furthermore, mycotoxin presence was evaluated by LC-MS/MS-QTRAP. The results obtained revealed a high recovery percentage of proteins and antioxidant activity in the UAE extracts, especially those obtained from viscera, when the time and temperature increased to 30 min and 50 °C. Furthermore, none of the analyzed mycotoxins were detected in the sea bass side streams extracts under the studied variables. The experimental values obtained were close to the expected values, confirming the validity of the model employed to establish the optimal UAE conditions.

Proteomic and transcriptomic analyses of saliva and salivary glands from the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri

Salivary secretions play critical roles in interactions among insects, insect-vectored pathogens, and host plants. The Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri is a sap-sucking Hemipteran that serves as a vector for Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the causal agent of citrus greening disease (“Huanglongbing” or HLB). D. citri continuously injects saliva into host plants using specialized stylets so as to feed and transmit the HLB pathogen. Knowledge on the composition and function of salivary proteins of this pest is very limited. In this study, proteomic and transcriptomic approaches were adopted to characterize the protein composition of the saliva and salivary glands in D. citri. A total of 246 and 483 proteins were identified in saliva and dissected salivary glands, respectively, via LC-MS/MS analyses. Comparative analyses of the identified proteins were performed between D. citri and other reported Hemipteran insect species. Transcription levels of the genes coding for the identified proteins were determined via RNA-sequencing among different tissues including salivary glands and other digestive tissues. Identification of putative effectors that are expressed exclusively or abundantly in salivary glands provides the foundation for future functional studies towards the understanding of their roles in interactions among D. citri, HLB pathogen, and their citrus host. Biological significanceThis is a systematic analysis on proteins in saliva and dissected salivary glands. A high percentage of novel proteins have been identified due to the large amounts of samples collected. This report gives a more comprehensive repertoire of potential effector proteins that may be possibly involved in modulating host defense, altering nutrient metabolism, and facilitating Ca. L. asiaticus transmission.

Genetic Improvement in Different Crop Plants using Induced Mutagenesis with Special Reference to Pulses and Cereals: A Review

Current world scenario of hunger and malnutrition problem is posing a great threat to the human civilization. Millions of people are undernourished globally according to the reports of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, 2015). Pulses and cereals have been used for their high percentage of proteins and carbohydrates in seeds. Pulse crops also have the ability to enrich the soil fertility due to their nitrogen fixing ability of their root nodules. Further, it is not only the high protein content of pulses for which they are important, but the amino acid profile of these proteins is such that the mixed diet of cereals and pulses has superior biological value than either of the components alone. However, with increase in population, per capita availability of pulses is getting reduced. As against recommended daily requirement of 50-60 grams, current per capita availability of pulses in India is less than 30 grams per day. India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses and depends mostly on pulses and cereals for their food. Urbanization and drastic climatic changes like drought, global warming, different environmental stresses etc. have led to considerable loss of crop productivity throughout the world leading to food insecurity. Scientists all over the world are using sophisticated approaches in developing improved varieties of crop plants that are high yielding and show considerable resistance to drastic environmental changes. Physical and chemical mutagenesis has been proved to be a convenient tool compared to other conventional processes in inducing desirable variability in crop plants related to yield and other components. In the light of above all, it is necessary for a scientist to study in detail the all aspects of different approaches that are used to increase the yield and productivity in different crop plants. The current review covers all aspects of study during the different approaches of physical and chemical mutagenesis for increasing food security and developing high yielding and stress resistant plants.

Physicochemical characteristics of surimi-like material made from the muscle tissues of freshwater mussels (Sinanodonta woodiana Lea, 1834)

The aim of the study was to determine selected characteristics of surimi-like material (SLM) made from the muscle tissues of Sinanodonta woodiana (Lea, 1834) freshwater mussels. The research material consisted of unwashed mussel muscle homogenate as the control sample—C, mussel muscle tissue twice washed with water (SLM-W) and sample washed with NaCl at a concentration of 0.169 mol/L as well as water (SLM–S). A raw control sample and surimi like-materials were analysed using the SDS-PAGE technique. They were also tested using the DMTA method (dynamic mechanical thermal analysis) while heating the samples up to 80 °C and cooling to 20 °C. The thermal drip and texture of gels after heating (75 °C, 30 min) were also determined. The washing procedure had a significant impact on the protein composition of the SLMs. A significantly (p < 0.05) higher percentage of proteins with molecular weights of 270–273 kDa and 105–110 kDa (corresponding to specific filamin isoforms), as well as 42–43 kDa (corresponding to actin), were found in the SLMs compared to sample C. Ccorrelation analysis confirmed a strong positive relationship between the percentage share of the above proteins and the values of the elasticity modulus (r ≥ 0.84) and firmness (r ≥ 0.88) of SLM gels. The SLM-S sample was characterised by the lowest significant (p < 0.05) thermal drip values. During heating, the rheological traits of all samples changed at two stages: from 20 to 50 °C and over 50 °C. The highest dynamics of variation in the elasticity modulus (G′) value were noticed at temperatures exceeding 50 °C in all samples. The G′ values in the SLM samples were significantly greater than the values in sample C. The analysis revealed a strong correlation (r ≥ 0.81) between the determinants of the texture of the SLM samples and their rheological parameters. Sample SLM-W was the one with the highest firmness and elasticity values. The analysis showed that the textural properties of the SLM samples mainly resulted from the reaction of spatial matrices to mechanical interactions.

Effect of Cooking Methods on Bioactive Compounds of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) and its Use in Preparing and Evaluating Frozen Baba Ghanoush Product During Storage

This research was undertaken to find out the effects of different cooking methods on bioactive compounds of eggplant. The effect of freezing and storage on microbial growth and sensory properties of the common Egyptian dish called Baba ghanoush were also studied. The results showed that eggplant contained a high percentage of crude fiber, crude protein, crude fat, and total ash. It can be noted that the mineral contents of fresh eggplant were Ca, Mg, Na and K as the major minerals. On the other hand, the results of total phenolics in the fresh, dry fresh, oven and steamed samples were 9.32, 75.78, 42.31 and 41.53 mg/100 g, respectively as gallic acid equivalent. The total flavonoids of the different eggplant treated samples varied between 0.46 to 0.7 mg equivalents of quercetin per 100 g. The results indicated that the antioxidant activity as well as IC50 of fresh, dry fresh, oven and steamed samples were 8.82, 87.20, 82.78, 90.23 and 10.86, 1.18, 1.21 and 1.12, respectively. Also, eighteen phenolic compounds were identified by HPLC. The color attributes L*, a*, and b* in case of Baba ghanoush prepared from oven eggplant slightly decreased with increasing the storage period. Significant reduction was noted in microbial growth with increasing the storage period up to 4 months in case of Baba ghanoush prepared either from oven and steamed eggplant. Sensory attributes of Baba ghanoush were well accepted by the panelists even after 4 months of storage.