Official Method Research Articles

Effects of blending ratio variation on macronutrient compositions and sensory acceptability of dabi teff-field pea-based novel composite complementary flours.

The response of a mixed system is determined by the proportions of the various ingredients that add up to one, not by the combination's total amount. This research aimed at examining the effects of blending ratio variation on the macro-composition and sensory acceptability of dabi teff-field pea-based novel composite complementary flours. Standard methods (AOAC, 2016, Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists) were used to determine macronutrients. The sensory attributes were evaluated using a 5-point hedonic scale. The ingredients were constrained at 0%-30% for field pea, 20%-35% for dabi teff, and 5%-20% for maize, while the remaining were set constant at 5% linseed, 15% oats, and 25% barley. D-optimal was used to examine the effects of blending ratio variation on the responses. All the responses were significantly different (p < .05) among the blends except for fat content, ranging from 14.58% to 17.21% for protein, 4.22% to 5.59% fat, 2.01% to 2.60% ash, 2.68% to 3.96% fiber, 68.08% to 70.76% utilizable carbohydrate, and 378.82 to 386.9 kcal/100 g gross energy. The sensory acceptability score ranged from 3.4 to 4.4. The linear model was significant (p < .05) and adequate to describe variation in moisture, protein, and ash contents. An increase in the ratio of field pea significantly increased (p < .05) protein, ash, fiber, and energy. The interactive effect between dabi teff and field pea significantly increased the sensory acceptability of the blends. These findings showed that varied proportions of the ingredients had a significant effect on the responses, and were used to develop a wholesome product to combat protein-energy malnutrition among children.

Method Improvement for Quantitative Analysis of Chlorophyll Degradation Compounds, Including Pheophorbide, in Chlorella Products

An official analytical method for chlorophyll degradation compounds, including pheophorbide, in chlorella products, is described in notification Kanshoku No. 99 (May 8, 1981). However, this method has several operational issues, such as the formation of emulsion during liquid-liquid partitioning. Additionally, impurities present in the reagents (sodium sulfate decahydrate or anhydrous sodium sulfate) used to prepare saturated sodium sulfate solution can degrade pheophorbide and other related compounds, resulting in a significant decrease in analytical values. In this study, we thoroughly examined each step of the official method to enhance the operability and develop an alternative method that eliminates the need for saturated sodium sulfate solution. The developed method was evaluated for pheophorbide a and pyropheophorbide a at 100 mg%. Satisfactory analytical performance was achieved with trueness of 100% for pheophorbide a and 90% for pyropheophorbide a, and relative standard deviations of intra- and inter-day precision below 5% for both compounds. The proposed method is considered suitable for regulatory analysis of chlorophyll degradation compounds and would be useful for quality control of chlorella products.

Investigation of Genetically Modified Maize Imported into Japan in 2021/2022 and the Applicability of Japanese Official Methods

Given that the number of genetically modified (GM) maize events that have been announced as having undergone safety assessment procedures in Japan is increasing yearly, more information is needed about their actual recent domestic distribution in Japan. In this study, we investigated whether current Japanese official qualitative and quantitative methods (the current official methods) for GM maize can comprehensively target events in domestically distributed maize. For samples with the identity-preserved (IP) handling system and non-IP samples from the United States (US) and non-IP samples from Brazil, we performed event-specific real-time PCR targeting 25 authorized single GM maize events in addition to the current official methods. According to our results, 15 events targeted by the current official methods were detected, but insect-resistance (IR) Event5307 and herbicide-tolerant (HT) DAS40278, not targeted by the current official methods, were detected in the US (one out of 5 lots) and Brazilian (four out of 5 lots) non-IP samples, respectively. Nevertheless, a survey of recent GM maize acreage in recent years has revealed that more than 95% of the acreage in US maize is occupied by HT or IR/HT stacked events, and that more than 95% of the acreage in Brazilian maize is occupied by IR or IR/HT stacked events. Because the current official methods can target all stacked events related to Event5307 and DAS40278, the only undetectable events are the single Event5307 and DAS40278, whose production is estimated to be less than 5% of the total production in the producing country. Therefore, we conclude that the current official methods for the labelling of GM maize should be maintained in view of practicability.

Glycemic Index of Sweet Corn and the Characteristics of their Flakes by Adding the Red Bean

Consuming foods with a low glycemic index, such as sweet corn (Zea mays Saccharata), which has a high fiber content, can help lower the risk of diabetes. According to previous research, sweet corn is predicted to have a low glycemic index (GI). The study's goals were to determine the value of the glycemic index of corn and to produce low glycemic index instant flake products made from sweet corn and red beans. The glycemic index value of sweet corn was determined using a glycemic index test technique based on ISO 26642:2010E. The flakes was made with the addition of red beans reported to have the lowest glycemic index among legume, i.e. 26 in order to enhance the crude protein content of the flakes. Flakes were made in two formulas based on the proportion of red beans to sweet corn, namely formula 1 (30:70) and formula 2 (70:30). Proximate analysis was done according to AOAC 2005, total dietary fiber analysis according to AOAC Official Methods 985.29, and total starch analysis according to AOAC 2002.02. Texture analysis of the flakes was carried out using a texture analyzer and color analysis using a chromameter. The sweet corn was found to have a low GI (&lt;55) i.e. 36. Formula 1 flakes contained more fat (db), carbohydrate (db), and total starch (db); while formula 2 flakes had more moisture, protein (db), and resistant starch (db). The resulting flakes have crispy texture (hardness of 553±5.09 gf for formula 1 and 519.05±6.86 gf for formula 2) and have yellow color (both are included in the yellow chromatic area).

One-step extraction versus QuEChERS for pesticide analysis in selected fruits and vegetables

This research was focused on the performance evaluation of a simple sample preparation involving acetonitrile extraction followed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis. Simplified method validation parameters, along with several other features, were compared to those of the citrate QuEChERS for 19 pesticides analyzed in four representative fruits and vegetables. The results showed comparable performances of the two methods for 5 of the 6 investigated validation parameters. The simplified method had better performance regarding the selectivity, since three analytes experienced a selectivity issue in one of four QuEChERS-treated matrices. Overall, results lead to an assumption that acetonitrile extraction could be reasonably implemented in certain cases of pesticide analysis, as an efficient and economical alternative to the official method. Since the research provides an insight into acetonitrile extraction capabilities in the domain of pesticide analysis in complex matrices, scientists, researchers or analytical practitioners can determine which method is most beneficial for a particular analysis.

Sugar Profile Method by High-Performance Anion-Exchange Chromatography with Pulsed Amperometric Detection in Food, Dietary Supplements, Pet Food, and Animal Feeds: Interlaboratory Validation Study, Final Action 2018.16.

A method for sugar profile analysis granted First Action 2018.16 was subjected to a multi-laboratory study. Perform a multi-laboratory study with this method to determine the performance parameters of repeatability and reproducibility against the AOAC Standard Method Performance Requirements (AOAC SMPR 2018.001) for Final Action status. Eleven laboratories from three different countries participated in the study. Each laboratory was provided practice materials for successful method setup. Each laboratory then proceeded with analysis of blind duplicates of 10 different products covering the scope of the method. Results were reported to the study directors with any modifications and assessed following the procedures of Appendix D of the AOAC Official Methods of AnalysisSM (guidelines for collaborative study procedures). The majority of results from the study met the SMPR requirements. The data is presented along with any outlying observations or modifications. The method was proven to be flexible across different instrumentation and laboratories, and the method was updated to provide further system suitability and guidelines to maintain the performance of the method across the large scope of matrixes. The results from the collaborative study supported the method for Final Action status. The Expert Review Panel reviewed and voted to move the method forward to Final Action and was followed by review from the Official Methods Board and granted approval. The method was granted Final Action Official Methods status.

Assessment of the effectiveness of tax control in the Nizhny Novgorod region: theory and practice

The issues of increasing the effectiveness of tax control carried out by the territorial tax authorities of the Federal Tax Service of Russia are an integral element of comprehensive measures aimed at improving tax administration. The main tool of tax control are tax audits: desk and field. Based on the analysis of existing official and author's methods for assessing the effectiveness of tax control, a system of indicators is proposed, using which the author assessed the control activities of tax authorities in the Nizhny Novgorod region for the period 2018-2022.. Both quantitative and qualitative indicators characterizing the achievements of tax audits were used as indicators of the effectiveness of tax control.

Detection of microplastics particles in the aquatic environment by staining

Introduction. Microplastics are among the most common environmental contaminants worldwide, which levels of pollution and harm to health have begun to be assessed only recently. Biological activity of microplastics has been established in "in vivo" and "in vitro": studies: they were found to impair the development and functioning of the digestive, reproductive, central nervous, immune, and circulatory systems, induce tissue and organ dysplasia, be geno-, neuro-, and cytotoxic. The findings necessitate monitoring of microplastics in water by supervisory authorities and business entities. Yet, there is no official method for determining microplastics in the aqueous environment in the Russian Federation.&#x0D; Our objective was to apply an express method for the qualitative determination of microplastics in surface waters and treated water before supply.&#x0D; Materials and methods. We analyzed water samples taken from two regional reservoirs and at water treatment plants before supply to the centralized system in two industrial cities of the Sverdlovsk Region by Nile red staining and subsequent identification of microplastics using a phase-contrast fluorescence microscope.&#x0D; Results. We found microplastics in both surface and treated water samples, and established their shape and size.&#x0D; Limitations. This method evaluates only qualitative characteristics of microplastics without establishing their chemical composition; the resolution of a microscope determines analytical accuracy.&#x0D; Conclusions. The applied method has enabled us to find microplastics in surface waters sampled at different depths and in the treated water before supply. Round and rod-shaped particles were observed in both types of water while those in the form of elongated filaments were detected only in surface water samples.

Antibiotic residues: fresh milk from expansion tanks in Alagoas

Milk is a food widely consumed by the population, so it is important that it is produced under appropriate hygienic conditions and free from chemical contaminants of various origins. The objective of this study was to test for antibiotic residues in fresh milk from municipal expansion tanks in the State of Alagoas. 42 milk samples were collected in sterile bottles of approximately 50 mL. These samples were frozen and sent to be subjected to the official analysis methods of the Ministry of Agriculture. In the laboratory, qualitative analysis of multi-residues in different matrices and determination of beta-lactam antibiotic residues in bovine milk by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were performed. In 95.2% (40/42) of the samples analyzed, the presence of antibiotic residues was not detected; however, in two samples (4.8%), the presence of residues was detected, but at levels that could not be quantified. Samples were within the limits established by Brazilian legislation. This study concluded that there were no antibiotic residues at quantifiable levels in the samples analyzed. This study concludes that there were no antibiotic residues at quantifiable levels in the samples analyzed. It is therefore suggested that these antimicrobials be monitored in milk to ensure the absence of these residues and to guarantee a quality product, which is essential for public health.

Establishment of a GC-HRMS-IDMS-based modified QuEChERS approach for rapid, reliable, and simultaneous determination of organochlorine pesticides in soil

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), a class of organic pollutants, are highly toxic and persistent in soil and can have harmful effects on humans, organisms, and agricultural environments when bioaccumulated through the food chain. The existing methods for OCP analysis are complex and time consuming; thus, developing a rapid and reliable method for quantifying and monitoring soil-bound OCPs is essential. This study demonstrates the feasibility of replacing the existing official method for OCP analysis with a modified QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) method based on GC-HRMS-IDMS. In this modified QuEChERS method, acetonitrile was replaced with ethyl acetate as the extraction solvent. We also assessed the optimal extraction salt (Original, AOAC, and EN) and dispersive solid-phase extraction clean-up sorbent. The limits of detection (LODs) and quantification (LOQs) of the modified QuEChERS method for 24 OCPs ranged from 0.02 to 0.24 ng/g and from 0.06 to 0.3 ng/g, respectively. The recovery rates at the LOQ level were 59.6–115.9 % for the Original method, 60.5–112.5 % for the AOAC method, and 59.6–115.9 % for the EN method. Furthermore, soil samples contaminated with endosulfan were analyzed using the three QuEChERS methods to compare their contents and deviation. EN exhibited more accurate results than Original and AOAC. Thus, the sample processing method using QuECHERS can replace the existing method.

Comparative study for chiral separation of Atracurium besylate isomers: Eco-friendly HPLC using Lux Cellulose-3 chiral column, and TLC-Densitomerty approaches

Liquid chromatography offers an efficient strategy for chiral drug separation using specific stationary phases or mobile solvent additives. Two approaches are performed for Atracurium besylate (ATR) chiral separation involving three isomers (cis-cis, cis-trans, trans-trans isomers). The initial method depended on reversed phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) employing Lux Cellulose-3 as a chiral stationary phase (CSP) and acetonitrile: water (90:10, v/v) as a mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.7 mL min−1 with UV detection at 280.0 nm. The obtained peaks of ATR isomers were fairly separated with excellent resolution values. The isomer ratio was found to be 57.89% cis-cis, 36.57% cis-trans, 5.54% trans-trans (expected ratio 55.0–60.0%: 34.5–38.5%: 5.00–6.50%, respectively). Linearity, precision and accuracy were proven to be acceptable over the concentration range of (10.0–100.0 μg mL−1) ATR. Utilizing CSP provided the best separation within short analysis time (3 min) and decreased the waste generation when compared to other reported methods. The alternative method was based on thin layer chromatography (TLC) chiral separation using β-cyclodextrin sulphated sodium salt (S-β-CD) as a chiral mobile phase additive. The separation was achieved on silica gel plates using acetonitrile: methanol: water: ethyl acetate: 1% acetic acid (5:2:1.5:1:0.5, by volume) as a developing system. The linear regression analysis data were assessed for the regression line in the range (1.0–15.0 μg band−1) of racemic ATR. The two proposed methods have been validated for ATR chiral separation in commercial vials, following the relevant FDA and ICH guidelines. The obtained results were statistically compared with those of the official HPLC method showing that there was no significant difference.

Determination of proximate composition, energy and glycemic index values of stiff porridge prepared from composite flours

Background : The glycemic index (GI) measures how fast or slow the blood sugar rises after the consumption of a food rich in carbohydrates. The prevalence of diabetes in Kenya is about 3% of adults. Among the regimens of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is glycemic control using diet, although only a few diabetic persons (7%) practice it due to limited data on the GI of local foods such as stiff porridge (ugali) which is among the chief staple foods in Kenya. This study determined the proximate composition, energy and GI values of ugali from blends of cassava-millet, cassava-sorghum, cassava-millet-sorghum, whole maize-millet and maize-sorghum flour.&#x0D; Methods : Ugali was prepared in the ratio of 3:5 (w/v), flour to water. Proximate composition was determined using the Association of Official Analytical Chemists methods. Carbohydrate content was determined by difference (100-moisture+fat+protein+ash+fiber content). Energy values were determined using the Atwater method. The GI was determined based on Brouns' recommendation.&#x0D; Results : The moisture content, fat and protein content of maize-millet ugali was the highest at 67.5%, 5.7% and 9% respectively. Cassava ugali had the lowest fat (0.7%) and protein (1.2%). Cassava-millet ugali had the highest ash (3.1%) and fiber (11.5%) content whereas cassava-sorghum-millet ugali had the lowest ash (1.7%) and fiber (1.3%). Cassava ugali had the highest carbohydrate content (92.9%) whereas maize-sorghum ugali was the lowest (76.9%). Maize-millet ugali had the highest energy content (422.1 Kcal) while cassava ugali was the least (394.2 Kcal). Ugali from cassava-sorghum, cassava-millet, maize-millet, maize-sorghum and cassava-sorghum-millet flour recorded a GI of 46, 45, 47, 45 and 57 respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion : Cassava-sorghum, cassava-millet, maize- millet and maize-sorghum ugali have low GI and thus can be recommended in the management and prevention of T2DM.

Influence of Maceration Solvent on Chemical Composition of Gemmotherapy Macerates—A Case Study on Olea europaea Young Shoots

Gemmotherapy, a natural therapy based on bud macerates, has recently gained importance in the field of food supplements. However, two coexisting extraction methods employ a glycerin-based solvent, either in a binary or ternary solvent mixture. The absence of an official method for bud preparation leads to non-standardized bud macerates. Given this context, this study aimed to (i) assess the influence of solvent composition on the chemical profile of olive young shoot macerates obtained using glycerin-based solvents or using different solvent extractions and (ii) to compare the two coexisting traditional bud extraction methods described by Dr Pol Henry and by the European Pharmacopoeia. A comprehensive phytochemical analysis of all macerates was conducted using HPLC-DAD-ELSD-MS2, identifying 50 metabolites divided into 7 classes through dereplication. The extracts obtained with the solvent described by the European Pharmacopoeia (ethanol/glycerin) and by Dr Pol Henry (water/ethanol/glycerin) appeared to be the most diversified in terms of metabolite distribution and possessed higher rates of secondary metabolites. These observations reinforce the interest in a glycerin-based solvent mixture for bud extraction in gemmotherapy. In addition, the difference in composition between the two traditional solvents was highlighted. Indeed, iridoids were predominant in both macerates, representing about 50% of the chemical composition, but differences were observed from one macerate to another regarding the proportions of the other chemical classes. This emphasizes the necessity for standardized gemmotherapy macerates.

Influence of heavy metal ions and storage time on hydroxymethylfurfural formation in honey collected from Ilu Woreda, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

The effect of heavy metals on the formation of hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) from degradation of reducing sugars in honey collected from Ilu Woreda, West Shewa Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia were studied. The concentration level of Pb, Cd, Cr and Ni in honey sample was determined using AOAC Official Method. The concentration of HMF in honey was determined using international honey commission standards. The concentrations of heavy metals in fresh honey were 11 ± 0.001, 454 ± 0.002, 630 ± 0.001 and 1 ± 0.001 µg kg-1 for Pb, Cr, Ni and Cd, respectively. The influence of heavy metals on the formation of HMF in honey samples was studied on 5, 30 and 60 days after spiking at concentration level of 10,000 µg kg-1 of each heavy metal. The concentration of HMF for untreated honey samples was ranged 1380-2200 µg kg-1 for the storage time of 5, 30 and 60 days. The concentration of HMF in honey samples spiked with Pb, Ni, Cr and Cd were found to be in the range of 2100-2150, 1900-2430, 2100-2270 and 2050-2330 µg kg-1, respectively. The results of this study indicate that contamination of honey with heavy metal facilitate the formation of HMF.&#x0D; KEY WORDS: Fresh honey, HMF, Heavy metal ions, HPLC-DAD and Honey quality&#x0D; Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(1), 1-10. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i1.1

Ionophore-Based Polymeric Sensors for Potentiometric Assay of the Anticancer Drug Gemcitabine in Pharmaceutical Formulation: A Comparative Study.

Gemcitabine is a chemotherapeutic agent used to treat various malignancies, including breast and bladder cancer. In the current study, three innovative selective gemcitabine hydrochloride sensors are developed using 4-tert-butylcalix-[8]-arene (sensor 1), β-cyclodextrin (sensor 2), and γ-cyclodextrin (sensor 3) as ionophores. The three sensors were prepared by incorporating the ionophores with o-nitrophenyl octyl ether as plasticizer and potassium tetrakis(4-chlorophenyl) borate as ionic additive into a polyvinyl chloride polymer matrix. These sensors are considered environmentally friendly systems in the analytical research. The linear responses of gemcitabine hydrochloride were in the concentration range of 6.0 × 10-6 to 1.0 × 10-2 mol L-1 and 9.0 × 10-6 to 1.0 × 10-2 mol L-1 and 8.0 × 10-6 to 1.0 × 10-2 mol L-1 for sensors 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Over the pH range of 6-9, fast-Nernst slopes of 52 ± 0.6, 56 ± 0.3, and 55 ± 0.8 mV/decade were found in the same order with correlation regressions of 0.998, 0.999, and 0.998, respectively. The lower limits of detection for the prepared sensors were 2.5 × 10-6, 2.2 × 10-6, and 2.7 × 10-6 mol L-1. The sensors showed high selectivity and sensitivity for gemcitabine. Validation of the sensors was carried out in accordance with the requirements established by the IUPAC, while being inexpensive and easy to use in drug formulation. A statistical analysis of the methods in comparison with the official method showed that there was no significant difference in accuracy or precision between them. It was shown that the new sensors could selectively and accurately find gemcitabine hydrochloride in bulk powder, pharmaceutical formulations, and quality control tests. The ionophore-based sensor shows several advantages over conventional PVC membrane sensor sensors regrading the lower limit of detection, and higher selectivity towards the target ion.

Application of multivariate chemometrics tools for spectrophotometric determination of naphazoline HCl, pheniramine maleate and three official impurities in their eye drops

This work is concerned with exploiting the power of chemometrics in the assay and purity determination of naphazoline HCl (NZ) and pheniramine maleate (PN) in their combined eye drops. Partial least squares (PLS) and artificial neural network (ANN) were the chosen models for that purpose where three selected official impurities, namely; NZ impurity B and PN impurities A and B, were successfully determined. The quantitative determinations of studied components were assessed by percentage recoveries, standard errors of prediction as well as root mean square errors of prediction. The developed models were constructed in the ranges of 5.0–13.0 μg mL−1 for NZ, 10.0–60.0 μg mL−1 for PN, 1.0–5.0 μg mL−1 for NZ impurity B and 2.0–14.0 μg mL−1 for two PN impurities. The proposed models could determine NZ and PN with respective detection limits of 0.447 and 1.750 μg mL−1 for PLS, and 0.494 and 2.093 μg mL−1 for ANN. The two established models were compared favorably with official methods where no significant difference observed.

Juglans regia and Carya illinoinensis: safety, chemical composition, and preference

This study aimed to investigate the global scientific production of Chilean walnuts and pecans, analyze the efficiency of hygienic-sanitary treatments, compare both nuts for chemical composition and preference, perform chemical analyses of the pecan nutshell, prepare food bars with nuts and shells, and test their acceptability. Studies were consulted in the Scopus database and then directed to bibliometric analysis. Hygienic-sanitary treatments were performed by placing the nuts in the shell in hot water, cold water with hypochlorite, hot water with hypochlorite, and microwave. The proximate composition followed the official methods, and the sensorial analysis of the nuts was performed through a bilateral paired affective test. Food bars were prepared, tested by an affective acceptability test, and analyzed for chemical composition. After refining the research, we observed more publications for the walnut and its satisfactory hygienic-sanitary treatment with hot water of mesophilic aerobic bacteria, molds, yeasts, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and mycotoxins. Regarding the physicochemical composition, the results differed significantly except for the ether extract; the untrained tasters preferred pecans. The pecan nutshell showed expressive amounts of carbohydrates and fiber, and the food bars were accepted by the tasters.

Zirconium Oxide Nanostructure Integrated Screen-Printed Mirabegron Voltammetric Sensors

The present study introduced the fabrication and electroanalytical characterization of a novel mirabegron (MIR) voltammetric screen-printed sensor. The sensing platform was based on zirconium oxide nanoparticles (ZrO2NPs) integrated printing carbon ink with enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards the electrooxidation of the MIR molecule at the electrode surface. Under the optimum measuring parameters, MIR exhibited an irreversible oxidation peak at 0.922 V with a diffusion-controlled reaction and the participation of one electron/proton in the electrooxidation process. The zirconium oxide nanoparticles based screen-printed electrodes (ZrO2NPs/SPEs) showed improved performance within the linear MIR concentration ranged from 10.0 to 261.8 ng ml−1 and limit of detection (LOD) value of 2.72 ng ml−1. The introduced ZrO2NPs/SPEs offered higher sensitivity with the possibility of mass production and miniaturization compared with other MIR sensors. Based on the achieved selectivity, the presented electrodes can be applied for the simultaneous differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) monitoring of MIR in the presence of various degradation contaminates and excipients. Furthermore, the presented electroanalytical approach was tested for the sensitive quantification of MIR in biological samples and pharmaceutical formulations with acceptable recovery values in agreement with the official method.

Carbonic maceration vinification: A tool for wine alcohol reduction.

The increase in alcohol content in wine due to climate change is one of the main challenges that winemakers face today. Previous studies have indicated that carbonic maceration processing can be used to obtain a wine fraction with lower alcoholic strength. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of this technique in obtaining wines with lower alcohol content. For this purpose, seven trials were carried out, studying a total of 63 wines. The physico-chemical, phenolic and aromatic composition of the wines was analysed using official methods and gas chromatography. The results showed that it is possible to obtain a fraction of carbonic maceration wine (25-35% of the total) with a reduction in alcohol content of up to almost 4% depending on the vinification conditions and the grape variety used. Therefore, this CM fraction, marketed on its own, could be a low-alcohol alternative to red wines.

Variations in the Major Nutrient Composition of Dominant High-Yield Varieties (HYVs) in Parboiled and Polished Rice of Bangladesh.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the principal staple food, a fundamental component of food security, a significant source of energy and major nutrients, and a key player in the overall nutritional status in Bangladesh. Parboiling is a common rice-processing treatment in Bangladesh. Recently, polishing has also become a common practice among millers seeking to attract consumers. Polishing may influence the nutrient composition of rice. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of parboiling and polishing on the nutritional content of the five High Yield Varieties (HYVs) of rice (BR11, BRRI dhan28, BRRI dhan29, BRRI dhan49, and BRRI dhan84) and their percent contributions to the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) of vitamins and minerals. All of the rice samples were analyzed for proximate parameters, vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, and folate), and minerals (Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Na, K, P). Moisture, ash, fat, and total dietary fiber (TDF) were determined gravimetrically, according to the AOAC Official Methods; protein was measured by the Kjeldahl method; B-group vitamins were measured using Ultra Pressure Liquid Chromatography; and mineral content was determined by ICP-OES. The energy, protein, fat, and total dietary fiber (TDF) content of the samples ranged between 342-357 kcal/100 g, 6.79-10.74 g/100 g, 0.31-1.69 g/100 g, and 2.59-3.92 g/100 g respectively. Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxin, and folate content ranged from 0.11-0.25 mg/100 g, 0.01-0.05 mg/100 g, 2.82-6.42 mg/100 g, 0.12-0.30 g/100 g, and 5.40-23.95 g/100 g respectively. In a comparison of parboiling and polishing, macronutrients and vitamin retention were higher in parboiled unpolished rice than in polished unparboiled rice. The minerals (mg/100 g) Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Na, K, and P were in the ranges 32.82-44.72, 30.69-58.34, 0.51-0.70,1.83-2.79, 5.00-5.36, 106.49-112.73, and 162.23-298.03. Minerals of BRRI dhan84 were unaffected by polishing and parboiling. BRRI dhan84 contributed a higher percentage of RDA of all B vitamins and minerals. Therefore, to reduce nutrient loss in rice, industries and consumers should be encouraged to avoid polishing or limit polishing to 10% DOM and to consume unpolished rice, either parboiled or unparboiled.