Low Protein Content Research Articles

Phosphorus Content of Several Plant-Based Yogurts

ObjectiveIn people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), hyperphosphatemia is an independent risk factor for mortality in observational studies. Despite not having proven benefit, dietary control of phosphorus is thought to be essential in CKD. Though dietary and serum phosphorus are correlated, ingested phosphate is less bioavailable from plant-foods rich in phytate than from animal and processed foods. Yogurt is considered a useful food due to its relatively low phosphorus and high protein content but may be detrimental since the protein content is from animal sources. Instead, plant-based yogurts (PBYs) may offer similar benefits without the associated downsides of animal protein in kidney disease, but little is known about the phosphorus contents of PBYs. Design and MethodsProtein contents and phosphorus additives were obtained from nutrition labels of several, widely available PBYs of almond, cashew, oat, coconut, and soy substrates. Phosphorus content was measured via emission spectrometry by Eurofins (Madison, WI). Based on these data, phosphorus-to-protein ratio (PPR) for each PBY was calculated. ResultsPhosphorus was highest in Silk Soy Strawberry, then Silk Almond Strawberry and Siggi’s Coconut Mixed Berries. Phosphorus was lowest in So Delicious Coconut Strawberry, then Oatly Oat Strawberry, Forager Cashew Strawberry, and Kite Hill Almond Strawberry. According to the ingredient labels, Silk Soy Strawberry, Silk Almond Strawberry, and Oatly Oat Strawberry contained phosphorus additives while Siggi’s Coconut Mixed Berries contained pea protein additives. Of PBYs from the same substrate class, So Delicious Coconut Strawberry and Siggi’s Coconut Mixed Berries had the largest differences in their phosphorus and protein contents. These seven samples’ PPR ratios were higher than that of dairy yogurt values reported from the literature, including Stonyfield Organic Oikos Strawberry, Chobani Nonfat Strawberry, and Yoplait Greek Strawberry. ConclusionLow phosphorus-to-protein ratio (PPR) foods are emphasized for people with CKD. Siggi’s Coconut Mixed Berries had the lowest PPR. However, So Delicious Coconut Strawberry had the highest ratio which underscores product variability despite both using the same PBY substrate. Of the samples analyzed, Siggi’s Coconut Mixed Berries may be the most desirable for patients with CKD because its PPR was the lowest.

Study of structural and biochemıcal quality indicators in cultivated and wild barley specimens under irrigated conditions

The mass of 1000 grains, the number of grains per spike, spike weight, spike length, protein, essential amino acids - lysine and tryptophan have been analyzed in cultivated and wild varieties - Nutans, Pallidum and Nigropallidum of 21 barley specimens planted at the experimental field of the MSE of AR Genetic Resources İnstitute. In the analyzed samples, the mass of 1000 grains varied between 36.0-57.0 grams, the number of grains per spike was 26-56, the grain weight per spike – 1.07-4.5 g and the moisture content in the grain varied between 9.0 and 14.0. As seen in the table, the amount of total protein varied between 10.5 and 14.8% in the analyzed barley specimens. The highest protein content was detected in the wild barley specimen – H.vulgare subsp. vulgare var. nutans No 74 (hybrid) (14.8%), and the lowest protein content was found in the wild barley specimen – H.vulgare subsp. spontaneum AZGR-14520, No 39 (10.5%). The amount of tryptophan was the highest – 170 mg (mg per 100 g)) in H.vulgare subsp. spontaneum AZGR-14521, No 40 (similar) and the amount of lysine was the highest – 323 mg (mg per 100 g) in H.vulgare subsp. vulgare var. nutans/erectum No 47 (hybrid). Three samples that differed from the standard due to high lysine content were selected. So, the amount of lysine was highest -323mg (mg per 100 g) in H.vulgare subsp. vulgare var. nutans/erectum No 47 (hybrid) and cultivated barley specimen – H.vulgare subsp. var. nigropallidum No 44 (hybrid) – 308 mg (mg per 100 g). It has been found that the high lysine content in protein is closely related to the low amount of protein in the grain in most cases. That is, as the amount of protein in the grain decreases, the amount of lysine in its content increases. It is possible to select samples with a high amount of protein, which is considered one of the main indicators, and use them as a valuable starting material in practical selection work to create new varieties with good grain quality. Keywords: Barley, protein, lysine, tryptophan, mass of 1000 grains, biochemistry

High expression of serine protease, Brachyurin in the posterior midgut of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) during horse dropping processing

ObjectiveLivestock droppings cause some environmental problems, but they have the potential to be used as effective biomass resources. The black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), is suitable for efficiently processing such resources. By using BSF larvae for the disposal of livestock droppings, we can obtain two valuable products: protein resources and organic fertilizer. However, there is insufficient research on the digestive enzymes suitable for processing this waste. Here, we aimed to construct an efficient BSF processing system using livestock droppings, and we explored the digestive enzymes involved in this process.ResultsFirst, we investigated the characteristics of transcripts expressed in the midgut of BSF larvae and found that immune response-related genes were expressed in the midgut. Then, we investigated digestive enzymes and identified a novel serine protease, HiBrachyurin, whose mRNA was highly expressed in the posterior midgut when BSF larvae fed on horse droppings. Despite the low protein content of horse droppings, larvae that fed on horse droppings accumulated more protein than those in the other groups. Therefore, HiBrachyurin may contribute to digestibility in the early stage of protein degradation in BSF larvae fed on horse droppings.

Core-shell model of the clusters of CPEB4 isoforms preceding liquid-liquid phase separation

Protein solutions can undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), where a dispersed phase with a low protein concentration coexists with coacervates with a high protein concentration. We focus on the low complexity N-terminal domain of cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding-4 protein, CPEB4NTD, and its isoform depleted of the Exon4, CPEB4Δ4NTD. They both exhibit LLPS, but in contrast to most systems undergoing LLPS, the single-phase regime preceding LLPS consists mainly of soluble protein clusters. We combine experimental and theoretical approaches to resolve the internal structure of the clusters and the basis for their formation. Dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy show that both isoforms exhibit clusters with diameters ranging from 35 to 80 nm. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy of spin-labeled CPEB4NTD and CPEB4Δ4NTD revealed that these proteins have two distinct dynamical properties in both the clusters and coacervates. Based on the experimental results, we propose a core-shell structure for the clusters, which is supported by the agreement of the dynamic light scattering data on cluster size distribution with a statistical model developed to describe the structure of clusters. This model treats clusters as swollen micelles (microemulsions) where the core and the shell regions comprise different protein conformations, in agreement with the electron paramagnetic resonance detection of two protein populations. The effects of ionic strength and the addition of 1,6-hexanediol were used to probe the interactions responsible for cluster formation. While both CPEB4NTD and CPEB4Δ4NTD showed phase separation with increasing temperature and formed clusters, differences were found in the properties of the clusters and the coacervates. The data also suggested that the coacervates may consist of aggregates of clusters.

Physicochemical Characterization of Moroccan Honey Varieties from the Fez-Meknes Region and Their Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties.

Honey, with its varied and extensive characteristics, is a complex and diverse biological substance that has been used since ancient times. The aim of this study is to thoroughly characterize the physicochemical, phytochemical, and biological properties of four floral honey varieties from the Fez-Meknes region in Morocco, with the goal of promoting the valorization of Moroccan honey in skincare and cosmetic products. The analyses of their physicochemical characteristics encompass various parameters such as pH, acidity, density, water content, Brix index, conductivity, ash content, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content, and color. The levels of polyphenols range from 22.1 ± 0.4 to 69.3 ± 0.17 mg GAE/100 g of honey, measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu method for polyphenol quantification. Additionally, the estimation of flavonoid quantities in 100 g of honey, conducted using the aluminum trichloride method, reveals values ranging from 3.6 ± 0.2 to 7.2 ± 0.6 mg QE. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that honey exhibits high levels of glucose and relatively low concentrations of proteins. The quantitative evaluation of antioxidant effects, carried out through the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free-radical-scavenging method and the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) method, highlights the strong antioxidant capacity of multifloral honey, characterized by low inhibitory concentration values (IC50 = 30.43 mg/mL and EC50 = 16.06 mg/mL). Moreover, all honey varieties demonstrate antibacterial and antifungal properties, with multifloral honey standing out for its particularly pronounced antimicrobial activity. The correlation analyses between phytochemical composition and antioxidant and antibacterial activities reveal an inverse relationship between polyphenols and IC50 (DPPH) and EC50 (FRAP) concentrations of honey. The correlation coefficients are established at R2 = -0.97 and R2 = -0.99, respectively. Additionally, a significant negative correlation is observed between polyphenols, flavonoids, and antifungal power (R2 = -0.95 and R2 = -0.96). In parallel, a marked positive correlation is highlighted between antifungal efficacy, DPPH antioxidant activity (R2 = 0.95), and FRAP (R2 = 0.92). These results underscore the crucial importance of phytochemical components in the beneficial properties of honey, meeting international quality standards. Consequently, honey could serve as a natural alternative to synthetic additives.

From Palm to Plate: Unveiling the Potential of Coconut as a Plant-Based Food Alternative.

This review investigates coconut as a sustainable and nutrient-rich plant-based alternative to traditional animal-based food sources. We have explored the nutritional profile, culinary versatility, particularly focusing on the use of coconut meat, milk, cream, and oil in diverse dietary contexts when consumed in balance. Comparative analysis with animal-derived products reveals the high content of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), essential vitamins, and minerals in coconut, contrasted with its lower protein content. Researchers have underscored the environmental sustainability of coconut, advocating for its role in eco-friendly food production chains. We have also addressed challenges like potential allergies, nutritional balance, sensory attributes, and consumer motivations for coconut-based products, in terms of understanding the market dynamics. In conclusion, this review positions coconut as a promising candidate within sustainable diet frameworks, advocating for further research to augment its nutritional value, sensory characteristics, and product stability, thereby facilitating its integration into health-conscious and eco-centric dietary practices.

Experimental design of size variation in albumin nanoparticles synthesized by electron beam

Protein-based nanoparticles have garnered significant interest for their potential in theranostic applications, including cancer treatment and nuclear medicine. Plasma proteins are particularly appealing due to their ability to bypass the rapid clearance typically associated with synthetic particles. Human serum albumin (HSA), for example, is already utilized in diagnostic procedures such as lymphoscintigraphy and sentinel lymph node detection and in cancer treatments where it delivers therapeutic agents in nanoparticulate form. Among the various techniques for synthesizing protein nanoparticles, ionizing radiation stands out for its ability to maintain good size control and preserve the protein's three-dimensional structure. Factors such as the reaction precursor, pH, protein concentration, presence of a stabilizer, and irradiation dose can all influence the size and shape of the resulting nanoparticles. This study sought to identify a correlation between the size of albumin nanoparticles and reaction parameters, including protein concentrations, the ionic content of the buffer solution, and the e-beam irradiation dose. We conducted different synthesis methods with varying BSA concentrations, using two different buffers and varying radiation doses. The resulting nanoparticles were evaluated using Dynamic Light Scattering. The size data were statistically analyzed using SAS Studio, SAS JMP, and WEKA software to identify correlations among the synthesis variables. Our observations primarily revealed that lower protein concentrations consistently resulted in smaller particles. Additionally, using Tris-HCl buffer as a medium led to a more proportional growth of particles with increases in concentration and irradiation dose. These findings suggest that Tris buffer is more suitable for BSA nanoparticle synthesis, as increased albumin concentration and radiation dose resulted in more consistent size control.

Effect of roasting temperature and soaking time on the nutritional, antinutrional and sensory properties of protein-based meat analog from lupine

White lupine is a legume crop rich in adequate valuable nutrient profiles especially used as a possible source of proteins where animal-based proteins are scarce. However, there is little documented information about the effect of processing conditions to produce lupine protein-based meat analog. This study explores the impact of roasting temperature (raw, 130, 140, and 150 °C) and soaking time (raw, 2, 4, and 6 days) on the chemical compositions, physical quality, and sensory attributes of meat analog. The result showed that roasting at 140 °C and soaking for 4 days significantly increased (p˂0.05) the proximate and mineral contents of the meat analog. The highest protein content (82.46 %) was obtained at T2t2 (roasted at 140 °C and soaked for 4 days). While the lowest protein content (62.47 %) was observed at T3t3 (roasted at 150 °C and soaked for 4 days). Similarly, the highest (93.17 %) and lowest (79.47 %) cooking yields were obtained at T2t2 and T3t3 respectively. Roasting and soaking conditions also showed a significant effect (p˂0.05) on the anti-nutrient contents of meat analog. The highest overall sensory acceptability (6.40) of the meat analog was observed at T2t2. The research suggests that suitable processing conditions can enhance the nutritional profiles of lupine protein-based meat analog, potentially enabling its industrial production and global market entry.

Diet-induced changes in the jejunal microbiota of developing broilers reduce the abundance of Enterococcus hirae and Enterococcus faecium

Modern broiler breeds allow for high feed efficiency and rapid growth, which come at a cost of increased susceptibility to pathogens and disease. Broiler growth rate, feed efficiency, and health are affected by the composition of the gut microbiota, which in turn is influenced by diet. In this study, we therefore assessed how diet composition can affect the broiler jejunal gut microbiota. A total of 96 broiler chickens were divided into four diet groups: control, coated butyrate supplementation, medium-chain fatty acid supplementation, or a high-fibre low-protein content. Diet groups were sub-divided into age groups (4, 12 and 33 days of age) resulting in groups of 8 broilers per diet per age. The jejunum content was used for metagenomic shotgun sequencing to determine the microbiota taxonomic composition at species level. The composed diets resulted in a total of 104 differentially abundant bacterial species. Most notably were the butyrate-induced changes in the jejunal microbiota of broilers 4 days post-hatch, resulting in the reduced relative abundance of mainly Enterococcus faecium (-1.8 l2fc, Padj = 9.9E-05) and the opportunistic pathogen Enterococcus hirae (-2.9 l2fc, Padj = 2.7E-08), when compared to the control diet. This effect takes place during early broiler development, which is critical for broiler health, thus exemplifying the importance of how diet can influence the microbiota composition in relation to broiler health. Future studies should therefore elucidate how diet can be used to promote a beneficial microbiota in the early stages of broiler development.

Honey bee protein and lipid nutrition in avocado and blueberry agroecosystems with conventional and organic management

Honey bees play a crucial role in agricultural production. Farmers rely on commercial bee pollination to obtain optimal yields, and beekeepers on the income from pollination fees. However, commercial pollination confronts honey bees with pests and pathogens, pesticides, and low-quality food, which in many cases do not fulfill the minimal nutritional requirements of honey bees. In this work, we evaluated honey bee nutrition in avocado and blueberry plantations under organic and conventional management, by assessing the nutritional quality of pollen and bee bread based on their protein, fatty acid, and microbial content, and by analyzing honey bee health through the examination of abdominal fatty acid profiles and head protein content. Low protein content in honey bee hemolymph was evident under conventional management. Regardless of management, avocado pollen showed higher protein levels, which were translated into higher honey bee head protein levels being 60% higher in avocado under conventional management when compared to blueberry under the same management. However, higher protein levels in avocado pollen were also translated into lower amounts of fatty acids in bee bread and in honey bee fat. In particular, the total amount of fatty acids in bee bread from conventional management was 50% lower than that from organic management. Additionally, the saturated fatty acids in conventional blueberries were lower compared to that of organic blueberries. Crop system and bee bread microbial composition altered the plant-honey bee nutrition cascades transforming pollen to bee bread with increased amount of saturated, unsaturated, and total fatty acids. In conclusion, both crop species and crop systems determine honey bee nutrition through alterations in the pollen transformation, affecting protein and fatty acid assimilation.

Valorization of Bombyx mori pupae and Moringa oleifera leaf as sources of alternative protein: Structural, functional and antioxidant properties

This study compared protein concentrates extracted from silkworm pupae (SPP) and moringa leaf (MLP) using alkaline extraction followed by isoelectric precipitation with commercial whey protein concentrate (WPC). SPP demonstrated higher protein extraction yield of 5.99 % and protein recovery of 66.02 % compared to MLP (4.39% and 55.27% of extraction yield and protein recovery, respectively). Proximate composition analysis revealed that SPP contained high protein of 65.40 % with ∼13 % fat content, while MLP had lower protein (48.70%) and fat content (0.33%). Particle size analysis showed small mean diameters of ∼123 nm for WPC, ∼192 nm for SPP, and ∼1485 nm for MLP with low polydispersity index (0.35 to 0.51). Secondary structure analysis highlighted β-sheet as predominant in WPC and MLP, while SPP exhibited a major β-turns structure. Solubility studies indicated that SPP had lowest solubility compared to others. In terms of functional properties, MLP exhibited the highest water and oil holding capacities, and foaming capacity, while SPP showed the greatest emulsifying capacity and stability. After passing simulated intestinal digestion, SPP exhibited the highest recovery of TPC, ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP. This study emphasizes the feasibility and advantages of utilizing SPP and MLP as food ingredients for various food applications.

Influence of the season on the main components of cow milk in Ukraine

The quality of dairy products depends on the safety and quality of raw materials, therefore, the analysis of physicochemical and sanitary indicators of raw cow milk is of great importance. The composition of bulk milk of three technological groups of cows: early lactation (5–60 days in milk), primiparous cows and all other cows starting from the second lactation was studied according to seasons. Regardless of the group of animals, the fat content in bulk milk was significantly lower in summer than in other seasons of the year, and the highest in winter. In each group of animals, the lowest somatic cell count was observed in the fall, while the highest indicator of the study of bulk milk of cows in early lactation and primiparous was determined in the winter, and in the spring of cows from the second lactation. The lowest milk urea content in all groups of animals was noted in summer. The lowest protein level was observed in autumn (3.27 ± 0.11%), and the highest in winter (3.39 ± 0.11%) in the bulk milk of cows in early lactation. The ratio of fat to protein in summer 1.12 ± 0.03 was significantly lower compared to other seasons of the year. The highest level of somatic cells was recorded in this group in winter (290 ± 82 * 103 cells/mL), which was twice as much as in autumn (141 ± 54 * 103 cells/mL), and by 56.8% more than in summer (185 ± 39 * 103 cells/mL). The milk urea content in the summer was 194.0 ± 17.6 mg/kg, which is significantly lower than the indicators in other seasons of the year in the group of early lactation. In the summer period, the lowest protein content (3.23 ± 0.06%) in the bulk milk of primiparous cows was observed compared to other seasons of the year. The winter was characterized by the highest level of somatic cell count in milk (221 ± 49 * 103 cells/mL), which was almost twice as high as the autumn period (116 ± 31 * 103 cells/mL). The highest urea content in the milk of primiparous cows was found in autumn (228.6 ± 21.9 mg/kg), which exceeded the summer figure by 14.5%. The lowest protein content (3.29 ± 0.06%) and the highest in winter (3.44 ± 0.09%) was observed in the bulk milk of cows of the second lactation and older. The somatic cell count in milk in autumn (160 ± 69 * 103 cells/mL) was lower than the winter and spring indicators by 37.5% and 49.3%, respectively. The milk urea content in the summer (198 ± 22 mg/kg) was significantly lower than the autumn and winter indicators. In further studies, to improve the sanitary quality of milk, it is planned to use different hygienic means for processing the udder of cows depending on the season.

The Potential of Using Bisr Date Powder as a Novel Ingredient in Biscuits Made of Wheat Flour Only or Mixed with Barley.

An overproducing date fruit with limited industrial utilization leads to significant waste and losses, especially in the early stage of date maturity known as bisr. This study aimed to investigate the potential use of bisr date powder (BDP) at different concentrations (25%, 50%, and 100%) as a natural sweetener instead of sugar and barley flour as a source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals instead of wheat flour (50%) in biscuit production over storage periods of 7, 14, and 21 days. The analysis revealed that the bisr Al-Khalas powder sample had a moisture content of 11.84%, ash content of 2.30%, and crude fiber content of 10.20%. Additionally, it had a low protein (2.50%) and fat (0.77%) content, with total carbohydrates at 82.59%. The gradual substitution of bisr Al-Khalas in biscuit production resulted in an increased moisture, ash, fat, protein, crude fiber, and iron content, as well as a decrease in total carbohydrate percentage. A chemical analysis of bisr Al-Khalas powder demonstrated high levels of antioxidants, with 248.49 mg gallic acid/g of phenolic compounds, 31.03 mg quercetin/g of flavonoids, and an antioxidant activity ranging from 42.30%, as shown by the DPPH test. The peroxide content was 0.009 mg equivalent/kg. Biscuit samples with different proportions of bisr Al-Khalas showed an improved resistance to oxidation compared to samples without bisr Al-Khalas, with increased resistance as the percentage of replacement increased during storage. Physical properties such as the diameter, height, and spread percentage, as well as organoleptic properties like color, flavor, aroma, and taste, were significantly enhanced with higher levels of bisr Al-Khalas in the mixture. Biscuit samples fortified with 100% pure bisr Al-Khalas powder were found to be less acceptable, while samples with a 25% substitution did not negatively impact sensory properties. In addition, acrylamide and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) were not detected in bisr powder and biscuit samples prepared at different concentrations (25%, 50%, and 100%). In conclusion, the study suggests that bisr Al-Khalas powder, an underutilized waste product, has the potential to add value to commercial biscuit production due to its high nutritional value and extended storage period resulting from its potent antioxidant activity.

Juvenile Cellulitis in a Labrador retriever- A case report

A labrador retriever pup aged 50 days was brought to Madras Veterinary College Small animal outpatient Unit with a history of anorexia, pyrexia, dullness with papules and pustules over muzzle and ear pinnae since three days. Facial edema, periocular edema and enlargement of pre scapular and submandibular lymphnodes were noticed on clinical examination. After complete physical examination, blood samples, skin scrapings, samples for bacterial culture and cytology were taken. Hemogram revealed anemia, serum biochemistry revealed low serum total protein concentration, skin scrapings were negative for parasites, no growth was present on bacterial culture from aspirated pustules, cytology from moist lesions showed presence of neutrophils and cocci. Based on the physical examination, hematological, biochemical and microbiological investigations, the present case was diagnosed as Canine Juvenile cellulitis and treatment initiated with antibiotic and corticosteroid parenterally for three days. There was a remarkable improvement noticed with reduced facial edema, reduced periocular edema and dry external ear pinnae. Treatment was continued with oral antibiotic for seven days and the pup recovered uneventfully.

Psychosocial experiences are associated with human brain mitochondrial biology

Psychosocial experiences affect brain health and aging trajectories, but the molecular pathways underlying these associations remain unclear. Normal brain function relies on energy transformation by mitochondria oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos). Two main lines of evidence position mitochondria both as targets and drivers of psychosocial experiences. On the one hand, chronic stress exposure and mood states may alter multiple aspects of mitochondrial biology; on the other hand, functional variations in mitochondrial OxPhos capacity may alter social behavior, stress reactivity, and mood. But are psychosocial exposures and subjective experiences linked to mitochondrial biology in the human brain? By combining longitudinal antemortem assessments of psychosocial factors with postmortem brain (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) proteomics in older adults, we find that higher well-being is linked to greater abundance of the mitochondrial OxPhos machinery, whereas higher negative mood is linked to lower OxPhos protein content. Combined, positive and negative psychosocial factors explained 18 to 25% of the variance in the abundance of OxPhos complex I, the primary biochemical entry point that energizes brain mitochondria. Moreover, interrogating mitochondrial psychobiological associations in specific neuronal and nonneuronal brain cells with single-nucleus RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed strong cell-type-specific associations for positive psychosocial experiences and mitochondria in glia but opposite associations in neurons. As a result, these "mind-mitochondria" associations were masked in bulk RNA-seq, highlighting the likely underestimation of true psychobiological effect sizes in bulk brain tissues. Thus, self-reported psychosocial experiences are linked to human brain mitochondrial phenotypes.

Nutritional, anti-nutrient, stability and organoleptic characterisation of plant-based milk alternatives derived from adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) and mung bean (Vigna radiata)

Adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) and mung bean (Vigna radiata) were investigated for their potential as plant-based milk alternatives. Their nutritional, anti-nutrient, stability, and organoleptic characteristics were compared with commercial soymilk and bovine milk. Results showed that both adzuki bean milk (ABM) and mung bean milk (MBM) demonstrated lower protein (ABM: 2.19 ± 0.10 %; MBM: 1.63 ± 0.05 %) and carbohydrate contents compared to soymilk. Additionally, they exhibited magnesium contents similar to bovine milk and iron levels comparable to both soymilk and bovine milk. While total amino acid content was lower in ABM and MBM, their phytic acid and purine contents were significantly lower than in soymilk. Fewer volatile compounds associated with beany flavours were also present in ABM and MBM, and ABM emerged as a palatable choice from the sensory analysis. These findings suggest that ABM and MBM have the potential to offer diverse and palatable plant-based milk options for consumers.

Nutritional Quality Assessment of Miscellaneous Cassava Tubers Using Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis.

Cassava is a staple crop in developing countries because its starchy roots provide essential dietary carbohydrates. The aim of this research was to conduct a comprehensive inquiry and scientific evaluation of the nutritional value of cassava tubers. Eight nutritional characteristics were examined in native and imported cassava variants: starch, reduced sugar, anthocyanins, protein, dietary fiber, quinic acid, vitamin C, and dry matter content. Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to minimize the dimensionality of the nutritional markers. A scientific assessment technique was developed to calculate a composite score for the various cassava samples. Analysis of the data revealed noticeable variance among the samples' nutritional indicators, suggesting varying degrees of association. Starch had a substantial positive link with lower sugar, protein, and dry matter content (p < 0.01). Anthocyanins and quinic acid interacted favorably (p < 0.05), and a positive link between protein and dry matter content was observed (p < 0.05); however, protein and dietary fiber interacted negatively (p < 0.05). The contribution rate of the top three PCA factors was over 76%, demonstrating that these factors incorporated the primary information acquired from the eight original nutritional indices, while maintaining excellent representativeness and impartiality. The experimental results showed a preliminary nutritional grade for 22 cassava tuber samples. The top five types were Guangxi Muci, Gui Cassava 4, Glutinous Rice Cassava, Huifeng 60, and Dongguan Hongwei. In the cluster analysis, the levels of similarity between the data showed that the 22 types of cassava tubers could be grouped into five categories, each with their own set of nutrients. This study promotes the directed breeding of cassava species and offers a theoretical foundation for creating and using various cassava varieties. Furthermore, this work lays the groundwork for a systematic and dependable technique for the quality assessment, comprehensive evaluation, and reasonable classification of cassava species and similar crops.

Short-term aerobic exercise prevents development of glucocorticoid myopathic features in aged skeletal muscle in a sex-dependent manner.

Older adults are vulnerable to glucocorticoid-induced muscle atrophy and weakness, with sex potentially influencing their susceptibility to those effects. Aerobic exercise can reduce glucocorticoid-induced muscle atrophy in young rodents. However, it is unknown whether aerobic exercise can prevent glucocorticoid myopathy in aged muscle. The objectives of this study were to define the extent to which sex influences the development of glucocorticoid myopathy in aged muscle, and to determine the extent to which aerobic exercise training protects against myopathy development. Twenty-four-month-old female (n = 30) and male (n = 33) mice were randomized to either sedentary or aerobic exercise groups. Within their respective groups, mice were randomized to either daily treatment with dexamethasone (DEX) or saline. Upon completing treatments, the contractile properties of the triceps surae complex were assessed in situ. DEX marginally lowered muscle mass and soluble protein content in both sexes, which was attenuated by aerobic exercise only in females. DEX increased sub-tetanic force and rate of force development only in females, which was not influenced by aerobic exercise. Muscle fatigue was higher in both sexes following DEX, but aerobic exercise prevented fatigue induction only in females. The sex-specific differences to muscle function in response to DEX treatment coincided with sex-specific changes to the content of proteins related to calcium handling, mitochondrial quality control, reactive oxygen species production, and glucocorticoid receptor in muscle. These findings define several important sexually dimorphic changes to aged skeletal muscle physiology in response to glucocorticoid treatment and define the capacity of short-term aerobic exercise to protect against those changes. KEY POINTS: There are sexually dimorphic effects of glucocorticoids on aged skeletal muscle physiology. Glucocorticoid-induced changes to aged muscle contractile properties coincide with sex-specific differences in the content of calcium handling proteins. Aerobic exercise prevents glucocorticoid-induced fatigue only in aged females and coincides with differences in the content of mitochondrial quality control proteins and glucocorticoid receptors.

Evaluation of anthocyanin-enriched wheat varieties (black, blue, purple) for enhanced antioxidant content and premium biscuit quality

The anthocyanin-enriched wheat varieties were explored for their health benefits and development of antioxidant-rich biscuits. In the present study, around 35 advanced lines, showcasing different colors (7 white, 9 purple, 11 black, 8 blue), and robust yield potential under local climatic conditions were selected. The wheat lines were screened for yield, grain hardness, protein, dough quality, biscuit baking and sensory quality attributes. The two advanced black wheat lines (black-1 and black-6) showed low grain hardness indices (49.8 and 32.4) and protein content (9.1 and 8.2%). The dough obtained from these wheat lines exhibited excellent parameters including low hardness and high springiness. The black-1 (soft texture) and black-6 (very soft texture) lines exhibited superior biscuit-making quality with a high spread ratio (13.2 and 14), mirroring the positive controls {white-6 (vs)-15}, and surpassing the average (8.9) and negative controls {white-C3 (7.7) and white-C4 (8.4)}. Despite a reduction in anthocyanin content during baking, both lines demonstrated a 1.3-fold higher antioxidant activity compared to the control. These black wheat lines present significant potential for commercialization, offering an avenue to enhance the quality and nutritional profile of biscuits in the food industry.

Microwave processing effects on physico-chemical, functional properties, phenolic profile, and Maillard products of flaxseed flour and flaxseed press cake flour

Microwave processing (MwP) is an energy-efficient and impressive method for modifying the functional properties and enhancing the availability of nutrients and bioactive constituents in flaxseeds (FS). The comprehensive and comparative evaluation of FS flour and flaxseed press cake (FPC) flour after MwP is required for large-scale industrial processing and utilization of flaxseeds. In this study, the changes in phenolic composition, Maillard products, physicochemical and functional properties of FS flour and FPC flour after MwP of flaxseeds at 180 W, 360 W, and 540 W for 5, 10, and 15 min were investigated. The unprocessed FS and FPC flour differed in the level of ash, fat, minerals, phenolics, flavonoids, and functional properties. The oil absorption capacity, protein, zinc, and copper augmented in FPC flour and declined in FS flour upon increasing MwP conditions. The phenolic acids (free gallic, protocatechuic, syringic, and caffeic acid, bound protocatechuic and vanillic acid), flavonoids (free rutin, bound epicatechin, and kaempferol), Maillard products, and browning index augmented in FS and FPC flours upon MwP at 540 W for 15 min. However, the L* and b* values, magnesium, potassium, selenium, bound catechin, free epicatechin, and free quercetin declined in FS and FPC flours upon MwP at higher power and time. The FPC flour obtained after MwP at 540 W for 15 min exhibited higher ash (5.71 %), protein (29.46 %), and water absorption (7.17 g/g), lowest emulsifying activity (20.03 m2/g), emulsifying stability (14.66 min) and water solubility (3.95 %) indexes. While the FS flour obtained upon MwP at 540 W for 15 min showed the highest fat content (37.52 %) and water solubility (6.20 %), lowest protein content (24.03 %), minerals, color values, oil absorption (1.69 g/g), emulsifying activity (41.38 m2/g) and stability (21.82 min). In conclusion, the MwP of flaxseeds can be used in industries to improve phenolic profile, Maillard products and modify functional properties of FS and FPC flour for possible utilization in food products.