Major Source Of Carbohydrates Research Articles

Biochemical characterisation of a cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) diversity panel for post-harvest physiological deterioration; Metabolite involvement and environmental influence

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) produces edible roots, a major carbohydrate source feeding more than 800 million people in Africa, Latin America, Oceania and Asia. Post-harvest physiological deterioration (PPD) renders harvested cassava roots unpalatable and unmarketable. Decades of research on PPD have elucidated several genetic, enzymatic and metabolic processes involved. Breeding populations were established to enable verification of robust biomarkers for PPD resistance. For comparison, these PPD populations have been cultivated concurrently with diversity population for carotenoid (β-carotene) content. Results highlighted a significant variation of the chemotypes due to environmental factors. Less than 3% of the detected molecular features showed consistent trends between the two harvest years and were putatively identified as phenylpropanoid derived compounds (e.g. caffeoyl rutinoside). The data corroborated that ∼20μg β-carotene/g DW can reduced the PPD response of the cassava roots to a score of ∼1. Correlation analysis showed a significant correlation of β-carotene content at harvest to PPD response (R2 -0.55). However, the decrease of β-carotene over storage was not significantly correlated to initial content or PPD response. Volatile analysis observed changes of apocarotenoids derived from β-carotene, lipid oxidation products (alkanes, alcohols and carbonyls and esters) and terpenes. The majority of these volatiles (>90%) showed no significant correlation to β-carotene or PPD. Observed data indicated an increase (∼2-fold) of alkanes in varieties with β-carotene >10μg/g DW and a decrease (∼60%) in varieties with less β-carotene. Fatty acid methyl esters with a chain length >C9 were detected solely after storage and show lower levels in varieties with higher β-carotene content. In combination with correlation values to PPD (R2 ∼0.3; P-value >0.05), the data indicated a more efficient ROS quenching mechanism in PPD resistant varieties.

Gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) technique and its recent applications in grain research.

Grains are the primary source of food for most people worldwide and constitute a major source of carbohydrates. Many novel technologies are being employed to ensure the safety and reliability of grain supply and production. Gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) can effectively separate and sensitively detect volatile organic compounds. It possesses advantages such as speed, convenience, high sensitivity, no pretreatment, and wide applicability. In recent years, many studies have shown that the application of GC-IMS technology for grain flavor analysis can play a crucial role in grains. This article elucidates the working principle of GC-IMS technology, reviews the application of GC-IMS in grains in the past 5 years. GC-IMS technology is mainly applied in four aspects in grains. In grain classification, it distinguishes varieties, quality, origin, production year, and processing methods based on the trace differences in volatile organic compounds, thereby fulfilling various grain classification requirements such as origin tracing, geographical indication product recognition, variety identification, production year identification, and detection of counterfeit and inferior grain samples. In optimizing the processing technology of grains and their products, it can improve food flavor, reduce undesirable flavors, and identify better processing parameters. In grain storage, it can determine the storage time, detect spoilage phenomena such as mold and discoloration during storage, eliminate pests affecting storage, and predict the vitality of seeds after storage. In aroma evaluation of grains and their processed products, it can assess the impact of new raw materials, new technologies, fermentation processes, and even oral processing on the quality of grain products. This article also summarizes the characteristics of GC-IMS technology, compiles typical grain flavor compounds, and provides prospects for the future application of GC-IMS. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Chemical, structural, and techno-functional characterization of yam (Dioscorea) flour from South West Ethiopia

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is a versatile tuber crop that holds nutritional, cultural, and economic values. Yam is a major source of carbohydrates for tropical Countries and provides various nutrients and health benefits. This study aims to characterize the chemical, structural, and thermal properties of yam flour using various analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal analysis. Additionally, the pasting and rheological properties of yam flour were evaluated, as they are crucial for product development and enhancing the value of this unconventional vegetable. D. cayenensis complex had the highest total starch (64.63 ± 1.61 %) and soluble sugar (4.95 ± 0.46 %) content, which was significantly higher than other yam species. The amylose content of yam flours showed significant (p < 0.05) differences among the yam species. D. cayenensis flour exhibited significantly the highest peak (2923.66 cP) and steak back viscosity (2097.66 cP) among the yam species associated with their greater amylose content. There were notable variations in pasting and gelatinization parameters among the species. The peak temperatures of D. bulbifera and D. cayenensis complex were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than D. cayenensis and D. rotundata flours. The rheological measurements of yam flours demonstrated solid-like behavior with varying intensities. Furthermore, the morphology of tuber yam flour particles was oval to ellipsoidal shaped, with some appearing ovoid, and the smaller granules appearing spherical. The X-ray diffraction showed that all yam flours exhibit a B-type pattern. This study provide a better understanding of this unconventional vegetable's potential applications in the food industry and contribute to its value addition.

Impacts of Biotic and Abiotic Factors on Evaluation of Triticum aestivum L. as a Crop

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a self-pollinating annual grass which is cultivated as staple crop widely cultivated in the world belong to the family poaceae. Wheat plays a vital role in human and animal nutrition because it is a major source of carbohydrates. Drought is a generally prolonged period of dryness which creates significant damage to crops and prevents their effective growth. It can also refer to a prolonged period of extremely low precipitation, especially one that has a negative impact on growing or living conditions. The nutritional and versatile value of wheat grain recognizes it so important that it can be refined into semolina, flour, and other products such as cookies, bread, pastries, noodles, pasta and couscous also stated that wheat is largely used to make chapatti, cakes and other food products. The germplasm was comprised of test varieties or test treatments and check varieties or control treatments. The field experiment was out by utilizing augmented block design. Parameters like germination %, tillers per plant, canopy temperature, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), days to 50% heading, flag leaf area (cm2), days to maturity, plant height (cm) were evaluated. Under drought condition yield/plant had positive and highly significant correlation with number of tillers, seed weight/spike and positive non-significant with NDVI, flag leaf area, days to maturity and thousand kernel weight under drought condition.

Dietary Patterns of iTaukei (indigenous) Fijians: Preliminary Findings From a Five-Day Dietary Record in Rural Communities.

This article presents the preliminary findings from a five-day dietary record of 105 iTaukei (indigenous) Fijians in seven rural communities on remote islands, Fiji. Although the literature on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) has discussed the potential reasons for the NCD increase in Fiji, research has relied on secondary data on the consumption patterns of limited food items. Hence, this research is one of the first in the country to analyze detailed dietary patterns. A high body mass index rate in the case study communities is observed. We also find that carbohydrate sources dominate the diet of the participants, while the consumption of protein sources (including canned products) and vegetables/fruits is limited. In addition, the diversity of food items is limited. Meanwhile, the major carbohydrate sources are locally produced cassava, although rice and flour products are also consumed. We suggest integrating these factors into the determination of the cause of the NCD increase.

Water Requirement of Major Tuber Crops: A Review

One of the most crucial input required for the growth of crops is water. It is required by plants in enormous amounts and continually throughout their lifecycle. It has a significant impact on plant processes like photosynthesis, respiration, cell division, absorption, translocation, use of mineral nutrients and agriculture operations like irrigation, land husbandry, crop production, medium for spraying chemicals etc. But the future water supply is questionable due to climate change and related problems like rise in temperature. This lead to change in precipitation patterns and the entire water cycle are thrown off balance. Therefore, in the current environment, the development of water-saving agriculture is essential. As tuber crops are known for their high water use efficiency, it is having big part in water saving agriculture. Tuber crops are major sources of carbohydrates, thus play a key role in food safety. The starchy root of tuber crops can be used for various purposes like food, livestock feed, raw material in industry mainly for starch production etc. As most of the tuber crops are compatible with the farming systems, resistant to drought and withstand aberrant rainfall conditions, farmers follows rainfed cultivation of tuber crops. Anyhow water deficit stress occurring during the critical phases would adversely affect the ultimate performance of tuber crops and judicious use of water will result maximum yield. This review paper aims to know the water requirement of major tuber crops (Potato, Cassava, Sweet Potato, Amorphophallus, Taro and Tannia) and influence of water management in their yield potential.

Screening and optimization of starch from marine microalgae isolated from Penang sea water Malaysia

Starch is a major carbohydrate source in human staple foods and a component of raw materials for non-food applications. Microalgae are the subject of extensive investigation due to their high carbohydrate content, ease of growth, and capacity to absorb more carbon dioxide while still producing greenhouse gases during photosynthesis. Two marine microalgae strains from Malaysia's Penang Sea Water have been successfully isolated and are designated as Klebsormidium flaccidum GN-2, and Nannochloropsis oculata YG-2. K. flaccidum GN-2 produced 16.84% of starch, biomass 0.81 g/L whereas N. oculata YG-2 contained 3.06% and 0.40 g/L of starch and biomass, respectively. K. flaccidum GN-2 was selected to proceed for optimization using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The starch produced was 19.06% and 0.98 g/L of biomass under the optimized conditions of 35.53 ppt salinity, 23 h of light exposure, and a flow rate of 1 v/v of carbon dioxide. Subsequent nutrient deprivation experiments showed a decrease in biomass and starch. In conclusion, marine microalgae isolated from the Penang Sea successfully produced starch. Further study should be carried out to improve the condition and factors to produce higher starch content in K. flaccidum GN-2 and make it a new promising starch source.

Indonesian market demand patterns for food commodity sources of carbohydrates in facing the global food crisis

Global food consumption tends to rise more quickly than supply. This has to do with important global issues like population growth. Additionally, global conflicts are going to hinder the distribution of food. Indonesia has an enormous opportunity of anticipating these circumstances considering its promise as one of the largest supplies of food worldwide. Rice is still the staple food in Indonesia, but the dynamics of society are under threat from wheat food. It is possible to create strategy plans to deal with potential food scarcity by understanding the behavior of food demand trends for big carbohydrate sources like corn, cassava, sweet potatoes (as a substitution), and the development of wheat as a beneficial food. The results of the study indicate that rice, corn, cassava, and sweet potatoes—food commodities that are major sources of carbohydrates—are inelastic, which means that their prices are not affected by variations in demand. The community still relies on rice as the primary food source. Cross elasticity >0 in these non-wheat food commodities indicates mutually beneficial replacement among the foods that are sources of carbohydrates. That is, with the dynamics of an increase in income, for example, it will also increase consumption. The results of the study also demonstrate that wheat food items are only a complementary, not a staple food needed, thus concerns about wheat's dominance as a food component in industrial products actually have no impact on local food. The availability of high-yielding varieties of rice, corn, cassava, and sweet potatoes, the implementation of food reserves by the Indonesian National Logistics Agency (Bulog) from the government center to the regions, food diversification, changing preferences, and creating an awareness of local food pride with massive education are some of the anticipatory steps taken in response to the global food crisis.

Nutritional values, Nutraceutical properties, and health benefits of Arabian Date Palme fruit

The date palm is widely known as a richer nutritional source and natural medical agent. Date fruit is a major source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber, and it has contains proteins, minerals, vitamins, phenolic compounds, carotenoids, sterols, and triterpenoids. The beneficial potential of this fruit is well known in Arab countries and even in the world. Date fruit has many health benefits such as Glucose-lowering potential, anti-cancer activity, antioxidant activity, hypocholesterolemia-lowering potential, antimicrobial activity, anti-inflammatory activity, bone stimulating activity, which is attributed to the existence of bioactive substances such as carotenoids, polyphenols, triterpenoids, flavonoids, sterols, and some vitamins and minerals. Overall, Arabian date palms’ nutritional values and pharmacological activities remain to be explained. Thus, this study states the history, nutritional and health effects of Arabian date palm, highlighting the possibility of palm date components developing novel beneficial approaches for managing the above mentioned illnesses. Keywords: Arabian date palm; Arab’s tree; Nutritional values; Pharmacological activities

Effects of Consuming Heat-Treated Dodamssal Brown Rice Containing Resistant Starch on Glucose Metabolism in Humans.

Rice is a major source of carbohydrates. Resistant starch (RS) is digested in the human small intestine but fermented in the large intestine. This study investigated the effect of consuming heat-treated and powdered brown rice cultivars 'Dodamssal' (HBD) and 'Ilmi' (HBI), with relatively high and less than 1% RS content, respectively, on the regulation of glucose metabolism in humans. Clinical trial meals were prepared by adding ~80% HBI or HBD powder to HBI and HBD meals, respectively. There was no statistical difference for protein, dietary fiber, and carbohydrate content, but the median particle diameter was significantly lower in HBI meals than in HBD meals. The RS content of HBD meals was 11.4 ± 0.1%, and the HBD meals also exhibited a low expected glycemic index. In a human clinical trial enrolling 36 obese participants, the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance decreased by 0.05 ± 0.14% and 1.5 ± 1.40% after 2 weeks (p = 0.021) in participants in the HBI and HBD groups, respectively. The advanced glycation end-product increased by 0.14 ± 0.18% in the HBI group and decreased by 0.06 ± 0.14% in the HBD group (p = 0.003). In conclusion, RS supplementation for 2 weeks appears to have a beneficial effect on glycemic control in obese participants.

Amino acid score of some products for younger school children nutrition

Introduction. Wholesome nutrition is one of the most important factors in shaping a person's somatic and mental health. Eating habits are formed in childhood and consolidated in adulthood. They can also have an impact on the development of future chronic diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of the work is to evaluate the amino acid score of the main food products of children of primary school age.&#x0D; Material and methods. The research was carried out during 2016 - 2021. Food menus for 1000 of children aged 6-9 years old living in the South of Ukraine (cities Odessa and Mykolaiv, suburban villages and villages far from the regional centres). The study was carried out during the spring-summer (May-June) and autumn-winter (November-December). Field studies of the amino acid content in 24 products, which were included in the first two deciles in terms of frequency of consumption, were also conducted. The results. The distribution of food products was marked by a certain constancy and depended little on the season of the year. Most foods are a major source of carbohydrates. Only 8 out of 24 products were a source of protein and essential amino acids. The overall consumption of protein-rich foods by younger schoolchildren was low. Conclusion. Children 6-10 years old should consume protein in the amount of 0.95 g/kg/day. Our research shows that even such an understated standard of need may not be fulfilled under the current state of affairs. The main sources of protein for children of primary school age in Southern Ukraine are milk, cheese, chicken, river fish and legumes. Dairy products, eggs and chicken have the highest value in terms of amino acid content, and pork has the lowest value. Legumes have a high amino acid content, but they are inferior to products of animal origin.

Detection of cassava brown streak ipomoviruses in aphids collected from cassava plants

Cassava is an important staple food in Africa and a major source of carbohydrates for 800 million people globally. However, cassava suffers severe yield losses caused by many factors including pests and diseases. A devastating disease of cassava is cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) caused by the cassava brown streak ipomoviruses (CBSIs) (family Potyviridae), Cassava brown streak virus (CBSV), and Ugandan cassava brown streak virus (UCBSV). Spread of CBSD is mainly through planting infected stem cuttings used for propagation. Transmission of CBSIs by the insect vector (Bemisia tabaci) has been reported. However, experimental transmission efficiencies of CBSIs are usually low. Recent research has showed the occurrence of a DAG motif associated with aphid transmission in other potyviruses, within the coat protein gene of CBSV. Consequently this study aimed to explore the possibility that besides whiteflies, aphids may transmit CBSIs. Cassava plants were assessed during a survey for occurrence of CBSD and aphids as potential alternative CBSIs vectors. We collected aphids from CBSD-symptomatic and symptomless cassava plants within farmers' fields in Uganda during April–July 2020. The aphids were analyzed for the presence of CBSIs by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and to determine aphid species using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (mtCOI) barcoding. Unusual aphid infestation of cassava plants was observed at 35 locations in nine districts across Uganda and on 11 other plant species within or adjacent to cassava fields. This is the first report of aphids infesting cassava in Uganda. Molecular analysis of the aphid confirmed presence of three different aphid species in the surveyed cassava fields, namely, Aphis solanella, Aphis fabae mordvilkoi, and Rhopalosiphum sp. mtCOI nucleotide sequences for the aphids in which CBSIs were detected are deposited with Genbank under accession numbers OP223337-40. Both UCBSV and CBSV were detected by RT-PCR in aphids collected from cassava fields with CBSD-affected plants. The CBSIs were detected in 14 aphid samples collected from 19 CBSD-symptomatic cassava plants. These results suggest the ability of aphids to acquire CBSIs, but transmission experiments are required on their vector potential.

Whole-exome sequencing of selected bread wheat recombinant inbred lines as a useful resource for allele mining and bulked segregant analysis.

Although wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the main staple crop in the world and a major source of carbohydrates and proteins, functional genomics and allele mining are still big challenges. Given the advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, the identification of causal variants associated with a target phenotype has become feasible. For these reasons, here, by combining sequence capture and target-enrichment methods with high-throughput NGS re-sequencing, we were able to scan at exome-wide level 46 randomly selected bread wheat individuals from a recombinant inbred line population and to identify and classify a large number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). For technical validation of results, eight randomly selected SNPs were converted into Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers. This resource was established as an accessible and reusable molecular toolkit for allele data mining. The dataset we are making available could be exploited for novel studies on bread wheat genetics and as a foundation for starting breeding programs aimed at improving different key agronomic traits.

Effect of particle size of ragi flour on physico-chemical and sensory profile of ragi mudde

Ragi mudde is a traditional food made with ragi (finger millet) flour. It is a major source of carbohydrate, calcium, iron, protein and well balanced amino acids and is a staple diet in rural parts of South India. The consistency of Ragi mudde depends on the particle size of its flour and water uptake during cooking. Ragi flour (RF) particle size was determined by particle size analyzer. The physical properties of Ragi mudde such as bulk density (RF), water uptake during cooking ( Ragi mudde ) were also measured. Traditionally cooked Ragi mudde was characterized for color and texture by sensory and instrumental analysis. The coarseness or fineness of the RF was found to have tremendous effect on the physical and sensory profile of Ragi mudde , such as hardness, stickiness, cooking quality, color and texture. Ragi flour with different particle size, viz., 150 (S1), 300 (S2), 450 (S3), 600 (S4) and 750 (S5) µm were used in the preparation of Ragi mudde . Color values, expressed as L*, a* and b*, showed significant difference among the samples. Texture profile analysis (TPA) of the samples showed positive correlation to hardness and stickiness. The results of quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) revealed that the samples S4 and S5 scored high for the overall quality. Considering the above parameters, RF with particle size 600-750 µm, suits best and ideal for the preparation of Ragi mudde .

Relative validity of a glycemic index extended food-frequency questionnaire

Background and aimsThe dietary glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) are increasingly recognized as important for the prevention and management of diabetes mellitus. To extend the portfolio of assessment methods for large-scale epidemiological studies, we propose a GI-specific addition to an already established FFQ. Methods and resultsThe German version of the EPIC-FFQ was extended by GI-specific questions for major carbohydrate sources varying notably in GI (breakfast cereals, bread, pasta, rice, potato etc.). We performed relative validation analyses comparing the GI-extended FFQ to three to four 3-day weighted dietary records (3-d WDR) in 100 middle-aged individuals with diabetes mellitus participating in the German Diabetes Study (GDS). Level of agreement between the two methods was assessed by correlation and cross-classification analyses as well as Bland-Altman-Plots, conducted separately for women and men.Spearman correlation analysis for female participants suggested good agreement between the GI-extended FFQ and 3-d WDRs for energy adjusted dietary GL (r = 0.52, p = 0.0004). For both women and men, agreement with the estimations of dietary GI, GL (for men) and carbohydrates from low and higher-GI food sources from the GI-extended FFQ was acceptable (r: 0.28–0.45). Classification of the dietary GI and GL in the opposite quartile was <10% comparing the GI-extended FFQ and 3-d WDR. Bland-Altman plots suggested a tendency for an overestimation of the dietary GI from the GI-extended FFQ in the lower GI-ranges, particularly for men. ConclusionCompared to the 3-d WDR, the GI-extended FFQ showed a moderate to good relative validity for parameters of carbohydrate quality.

Moderate Exercise Training Combined With a High-Fat and Sucrose Diet Protects Pancreatic Islet Function in Male C57BL/6J Mice.

Obesity is mainly caused by excess energy intake and physical inactivity, and the number of overweight/obese individuals has been steadily increasing for decades. Previous studies showed that rodents fed westernized diets exhibit endocrine pancreas deterioration and a range of metabolic disorders. This study evaluated the effects of moderated aerobic treadmill exercise training on pancreatic islet cell viability and function in mice consuming a high-fat and sucrose diet. In the present study, 60-day-old male C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups: control (C), fed a standard diet AIN-93M (3.83 kcal/g; 70% carbohydrate (cornstarch and dextrinized starch were chosen as the major source of carbohydrate for the AIN-93 diet. In addition, a small amount of sucrose), 20% protein (casein), and 10% fat (soybean) with no training (i.e., sedentary); C + training (CTR, fed the standard diet with eight weeks of exercise; high-fat diet + sucrose (HFDS), fed a high fat and sucrose diet (5.2 kcal/g; 20% carbohydrate (cornstarch and dextrinized starch were chosen as the major source of carbohydrate), 20% protein (casein), 60% fat (Lard was chosen as the major source of fat and a small amount of soybean) + 20% sucrose diluted in drinking water with no training; and HFDS + training (HFDSTR). After eight weeks, the HFDS mice displayed increased body weight (P<0.001) and epididymal, inguinal and retroperitoneal adipose tissue mass (P<0.01). These mice also presented insulin resistance (P<0.01), glucose intolerance (P<0.001), impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and were less responsive to the physiological net ROS production induced by glucose stimulus. The HFDS group’s pancreatic islet cells were 38% less viable and 59% more apoptotic than those from the C group (P<0.05). The HFDSTR improved glucose tolerance, body mass, insulin sensitivity and GSIS (P<0.05). Furthermore, HFDSTR mice had 53% more viable isolated pancreatic islets cells and 29% fewer apoptotic cells than the HFDS group (P<0.01). Thus, exercise training may slow down and/or prevent adverse metabolic effects associated with consuming a westernized diet.

Colorimetric sensing of lactose through formation of gold nano-particles

The lactose is sugar of the animal milk and a major source of carbohydrate. Either it is cow milk or buffalo milk or goat milk, lactose is found in all of the above mentioned sources of animal milk. One of the adulterations in the animal milk is playing with lactose concentration by either diluting it or completely replacing it with synthetic chemicals. Hence lactose sensing in the milk becomes very important. The present work reports colorimetric sensing of lactose using gold nano-particles (GNP). The GNPs have been synthesized and verified by UV–vis spectroscopy (UVS), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Selected area electron diffraction pattern (SAED). The different amount of synthetic lactose (0.5 to 100 mM) was sensed by the color change of the GNP seed solutions (colorimetric sensing) and the absorbance (absorption coefficients) in UVS. Based on absorbance of the seed solutions, kinetic and time dependent studies are also performed. Though this work focuses on synthetic lactose sensing, the real milk samples will be tested for lactose concentration in the next phase of this work.

Genetic Approaches for Iron and Zinc Biofortification and Arsenic Decrease in Oryza sativa L. Grains.

Rice is the staple diet to half of the world's population, being a major source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and some essential elements. However, rice naturally contains low amounts of essential minerals such as iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), which are drastically decreased after milling. Thus, populations that consume mostly rice may have micronutrient deficiency, which is associated with different diseases. On the other hand, rice irrigated by flooding has a high ability to accumulate arsenic (As) in the grain. Therefore, when rice is grown in areas with contaminated soil or irrigation water, it represents a risk factor for consumers, since As is associated with cancer and other diseases. Different strategies have been used to mitigate micronutrient deficiencies such as Fe and Zn and to prevent As from entering the food chain. Each strategy has its positive and its negative sides. The development of genetically biofortified rice plants with Fe and Zn and with low As accumulation is one of the most promising strategies, since it does not represent an additional cost for farmers, and gives benefits to consumers as well. Considering the importance of genetic improvement (traditional or molecular) to decrease the impact of micronutrient deficiencies such as Fe and Zn and contamination with As, this review aimed to summarize the major efforts, advances, and challenges for genetic biofortification of Fe and Zn and decrease in As content in rice grains.

BnaC7.ROT3, the causal gene of cqSL-C7, mediates silique length by affecting cell elongation in Brassica napus.

Siliques are a major carbohydrate source of energy for later seed development in rapeseed (Brassica napus). Thus, silique length has received great attention from breeders. We previously detected a novel quantitative trait locus cqSL-C7 that controls silique length in B. napus. Here, we further validated the cqSL-C7 locus and isolated its causal gene (BnaC7.ROT3) by map-based cloning. In 'Zhongshuang11' (parent line with long siliques), BnaC7.ROT3 encodes the potential cytochrome P450 monooxygenase CYP90C1, whereas in 'G120' (parent line with short siliques), a single nucleotide deletion in the fifth exon of BnaC7.ROT3 results in a loss-of-function truncated protein. Sub-cellular localization and expression pattern analysis revealed that BnaC7.ROT3 is a membrane-localized protein mainly expressed in leaves, flowers and siliques. Cytological observations showed that the cells in silique walls of BnaC7.ROT3-transformed positive plants were longer than those of transgene-negative plants in the background of 'G120', suggesting that BnaC7.ROT3 affects cell elongation. Haplotype analysis demonstrated that most alleles of BnaC7.ROT3 are favorable in B. napus germplasms, and its homologs may also be involved in silique length regulation. Our findings provide novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms of natural silique length variations and valuable genetic resources for the improvement of silique length in rapeseed.

Efficacy of breadfruit flour meal in the management of Diabetes Mellitus

The main objective of this study was to determine the potency of meals prepared from breadfruit flour as a major source of carbohydrate in the management regime of type II diabetes mellitus. Ten (10) diabetic patients were involved in the study. After feeding the patients with cake, biscuits and puddings made from breadfruit flour as a major food ingredient, for a period of three days, the results showed that there was a significant reduction in the collective blood sugar levels of the patients. The mean blood sugar level of the patients was observed to drop from 20.19 mol/L to 18.75 mol/L. The glucose response curve revealed that diabetic patients who were fed with breadfruit flour meal showed positive post prandial effect as a result of reduced sugar level. In conclusion, the observation of the response glucose curve and glycemic index of breadfruit gives a supportive clue as to why breadfruit flour meals should be adopted in the menu list of diabetic patients as a control towards the management of diabetes mellitus conditions.