Proximal Component Research Articles

Effect of castration on carcass and meat quality attributes in native lambs of Bangladesh

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of castration on carcass traits and meat quality of three native region lambs. The selected sixty lambs were divided into two groups like T1 (Uncastrated) and T2 (Castrated) having 30 lambs of each group. Statistical analysis was conducted by SAS with 3×2 factorial experimental model in Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Parameter studied were carcass traits, proximate component (DM, CP, EE, and Ash), physicochemical (ultimate pH, cooked pH, cooking loss, drip loss, water holding capacity- WHC), sensory attributes (color, flavor, tenderness, juiciness, overall acceptability) and instrumental color values (CIE L*, a* and b*). The lamb type and castration had significant effect (p<0.001) on ADG, hot carcass, CP, EE, flavor, juiciness and b* values of native region lambs. The lamb type had significant effect (p<0.001) on drip loss, cooked pH, tenderness and a* values of native region lambs. The ADG and hot carcass were significantly higher (p<0.001) in uncastrated groups than castrated groups. The CP and EE% were significantly higher (p<0.001) in castrated groups than uncastrated groups. Significant higher flavor was found in castrated group whereas juiciness was higher in uncastrated group. It may be concluded that uncastrated lambs showed better in productive performance and carcass traits but castrated lambs showed better in meat quality attributes as evidence from proximate components, physicochemical traits and sensory attributes. Hence, JBL showed better performances among three native region lambs of Bangladesh.

The Comparative Study of the Proximate and Mineral Composition of Bush Okro (Corchorus olitorious L.) under the Influence of Jatropha Seed Cake, Chicken droppings and NPK fertilizer

This study compared the effects of chicken dropping, NPK fertilizer, and Jatropha seed cake on the growth of bush okro (Corchorus olitorious L.), as well as its proximate and mineral composition. In a completely randomized design with three fertilizer treatments at four levels, soil samples were homogenized with 1, 2, 4, and 8 g/bag each of Jatropha seed cake, chicken dropping, and NPK fertilizer for the growth of bush okra. Standard techniques were used to assess the compositions of the proximate and minerals. The highest percentages of ash, lipid, fiber, nitrogen, crude protein, and moisture observed in Jatropha seed cake were: 16.5% (4g/bag), 3.5% (8g/bag), 11.5% (4g/bag), 1.15% (1g/bag), 7.18% (1g/bag), and 7% (8g/bag), NPK fertilizer: 21.5% (1g/bag), 3.0% (2g/bag), 10.5% (1g/bag), 1.27% (1g/bag), 7.96% (1g/bag), and 7.5% (2g/bag), Chicken dropping: 20.5% (8g/bag), 3.5% (4g/bag), 10% (2g/bag), 1.12% (8g/bag), 7% (8g/bag), and 6.5% (2 and 8g/bag) respectively.. All of the minerals that were examined (Na, K, Ca, and Mg) were found to be present in modest amounts. The composition of Corchorus olitorious L. proximate and mineral components were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by fertilizer types. The study's findings indicate that the application of Jatropha seed cake, which is comparable to NPK fertilizer and chicken droppings at 8 g/bag, accelerates the growth of C. olitorious. The findings support the use of Jatropha seed cake as a source of organic fertilizer, which may aid in the present need for food that is produced.

Nicotine content and Dietary composition of some cultivated Species of Solanaceae family

Abstract Despite the fact that vegetables are consumed in large quantities in our environment, there is a dearth of literature that focused on the optimum benefits to man especially in the management of disease like Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Nicotine, the major phyto-constituent of Nicotiana tabacum of the family Solanaceae has been reported to be present in some other species of the family. This study investigated the nicotine content and the dietary components in the leaves and fruits of selected species of cultivated vegetable plants belonging to Solanaceae family. Edible plants from Solanaceae family were grown till the fruiting stage in the experimental farm of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, while Nicotiana tabacum was used as the control plant. Plants samples from mature leaves and fruits of each plant were harvested washed with de-ionized water, oven dried at 30°C. Powdered samples were analyzed for mineral and proximate components according to standard procedure and nicotine content were determined with GC-MS. Nicotine remained the major constituent of tobacco. Nicotyrine, a product of nicotine dehydrogenation was also detected in all the plant samples. Capsicum annum var. accuminatum fruit displayed the highest nicotine content (0.5543 mg/L) compared to the others with relatively lower quantities. Nicotyrine content was more available in the plant fruits than nicotine, with C. annum var abbreviatum displaying more of nicotyrine content (75.3456 mg/L). Solanum lycopersicum displayed the highest moisture contents (19.94 %), followed by tobacco leaf (11.88%). N. tabacum leaf displayed high quantity of protein (56.52%) than other members. The fruits of the solanaceae plant species were rich in carbohydrate, protein with very low amount of fat. This study revealed that the solanaceae plants contained more of nicotyrine than nicotine. In contrast to the previous studies, the nicotine content was higher in the eggplant leaves than the fruits. Eggplant and Capsicum species can be recommended for patient suffering from neurodegenerative diseases like PD.

Prediction of energy content of biomass based on hybrid machine learning ensemble algorithm

• Machine learning models were developed for biomass higher heating value prediction • Proximate analysis variables formed seven input combinations to the developed models • Improved prediction accuracy was achieved by integrating ensemble algorithms • Single biomass proximate analysis component cannot guarantee accurate prediction • Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system is superb in prediction model development In this study, three novel ensemble algorithms, namely, simple averaging, weighted averaging, and meta-learning ensemble algorithms were employed to predict the higher heating value of biomass. These strategies were implemented in two main stages. In the first stage, four heterogeneous standalone models: an artificial neural network, a multivariate regression, a support vector regression, and an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) were developed to predict the higher heating value. In the second stage, the outputs of the standalone models were aggregated for ensemble learning implementation. Seven input combinations of the biomass proximate analysis components formed the proposed models’ inputs. In the pre-ensemble phase, the ANFIS model having ash and volatile matter as an input combination presented the most accurate performance based on the Willmott's index of agreement of 0.9741 and the mean square error of 0.0032. The ensemble algorithms demonstrated improvement in the overall prediction performances with the meta-learning ensemble ranked superior for an average error decrease of up to 15% when ash, volatile matter, and fixed carbon served as the model's input combination. The findings of this work provide a robust foundation for the use of ensemble algorithms in the prediction of the biomass higher heating value.

A comparative analysis of the proximate and mineral composition of whole Citrus limon and Citrus clementina as a prospective alternative feed resource for livestock farming in South Africa

Citrus is a well-known vital fruit grown in South Africa. The presence of important bio-nutrients and metabolites within the different Citrus fruits indicates their significant nutritional qualities. This study is aimed to evaluate the proximate and mineral components of whole Citrus limon and Citrus clementina while considering them as prospective feed material for livestock farmers in South Africa. The nutritional evaluation was done using standard analytical procedures of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The mineral constituents of the whole citrus samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). From the result, the nutritional analysis showed that the whole C. limon contains significantly higher moisture content (14.13 ± 0.57) and fiber content (24.48 ± 0.61) than C. clementina (11.41 ± 1.24 and 20.66 ± 1.07). Meanwhile, C. clementina had a significantly higher protein value (8.65 ± 0.04) compared to C. limon (5.53 ± 0.10). Furthermore, the whole C. clementina had significantly higher K, Na, P, Zn, and Na+/K+ (1513.33 ± 16.99, 53.33 ± 4.71, 160.00 ± 0.00, 4.80 ± 0.00, and 1.09 ± 0.01) than the whole C. limon (1356.67 ± 20.55, 30.00 ± 0.00, 133.33±4.71, 1.67 ± 0.09, and 0.80 ± 0.02), respectively. While C. limon had significantly higher Ca, Mg, Mn, and Fe (593.33 ± 4.71, 160.00 ± 0.00, 1.00 ± 0.00, and 4.53 ± 0.25) compared to C. clementina (483.33 ± 4.71, 136.67 ± 4.71, 0.80 ± 1.11, and 3.43 ± 0.05). The study revealed variations in some nutritional and mineral components of whole C. limon and C. clementina; however, both citrus fruits have the potential to be explored for more significant livestock nutritional use in South Africa.

Analysis of chemical composition and assessment of biological potential of glowing compounds extracted from an exuviae of tasar silkworm Antheraea mylitta

Aim: Analysis of chemical composition and assessment of biological potential of tasar exuviae extracts. Methodology: The biochemical components such as proteins, chitin, ash, fat, moisture, minerals and carbohydrate were estimated in the exuviae. After extraction, glowing pigments were characterized by UV-Vis and fluorescent spectra, and profiling of polyphenolic and flavonoids, free radical scavenging assay, antibacterial and anticancer potential were evaluated. Results: The proximate components such as proteins, chitin, ash, fat, moisture, and carbohydrate contents were 62, 11.52, 10.57, 3.9, 3.1 and 0.9%, respectively. Further, among different elements, calcium level was higher than other elements such as magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc and sodium. The methanolic extract exhibited free radical scavenging and anti microbial potential in concentration dependent manner. In addition to these, glowing compounds prominent cytotoxic effect against breast cancer cell lines viz. MCF7, BT474 and SKBR3. Interpretation: The action mechanism of extract could be probably due to the presence of yellow flavonoids (luteolin, catechin, epicatechin and quercetin) and phenolic acids (p-coumaric acid, gentisic acid and gallic acid), which glows during exposure of UV light and having biological potentials. Key words: Anticancer, Antheraea mylitta, Tasar exuviae

Female Sex and Supine Proximal Lumbar Lordosis Are Associated With the Size of the LLIF "Safe Zone" at L4-L5.

Retrospective chart review. Identify demographic and sagittal alignment parameters that are independently associated with femoral nerve position at the L4-L5 disk space. Iatrogenic femoral nerve or lumbar plexus injury during lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) can result in neurological complications. The LLIF "safe zone" is the anterior half to two third of the disk space. However, femoral nerve position varies and is inconsistently identifiable on magnetic resonance imaging. The safe zone is also narrowest at L4-L5. An analysis of patients with symptomatic lumbar spine pathology and magnetic resonance imaging with a visibly identifiable femoral nerve evaluated at a single large academic spine center from January 1, 2017, to January 8, 2020, was performed. Exclusion criteria were transitional anatomy, severe hip osteoarthritis, coronal deformity with cobb >10 degrees, > grade 1 spondylolisthesis at L4-L5 and anterior migration of the psoas.Standing and supine lumbar lordosis (LL) and its proximal (L1-L4) and distal (L4-S1) components were measured. Femoral nerve position on sagittal imaging was then measured as a percentage of the L4 inferior endplate. A stepwise multivariate linear regression of sagittal alignment and LL parameters was then performed. Data are written as estimate, 95% CI. Mean patient age was 58.2±14.7 years, 25 (34.2%) were female and 26 (35.6%) had a grade 1 spondylolisthesis. Mean femoral nerve position was 26.6±10.3% from the posterior border of L4. Female sex (-6.6, -11.1 to -2.1) and supine proximal lumbar lordosis (0.4, 0.1-0.7) were independently associated with femoral nerve position. Patient sex and proximal LL can serve as early indicators of the size of the femoral nerve safe zone during a transpsoas LLIF approach at L4-L5.

Functional and physicochemical properties of wheat, cassava, and bamboo shoot composite flours and bread

The need to combat food insecurity and malnutrition has seen industries focus on enriching indigenous staple foods with locally available nutritious but underutilised food crops. Bamboo shoot (BS) is one such crops that has drawn significant global interest owing to its high nutrient content, health-promoting elements and low fat. This study aimed at evaluating the proximate composition, physicochemical, and functional properties of wheat-cassava-BS composite flours and their respective loaves of bread. Five levels of BS (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10%) were substituted for wheat-cassava using 80:20 percent wheat: cassava mixture as control. The flours were analysed for water absorption capacity, Normal Falling Number (NFN) and dough softening. Bread samples were baked from each of the formulated composite flours and analysed for nutritional composition and physical properties. Water absorption increased with an increase in BS substitution while there was a reduction of 16.8% in the normal falling number from the control. Dough softening increased with an increase in BS inclusion up to 7.5%. All the bread made from BS flour had significantly different (p < 0.05) physical properties (loaf volume, density, specific volume, and Browning Index [BI]) from the control. However, the crumb BI for all the BS composite-bread samples were not significantly (p > 0.05) different. Bamboo shoots had 16.6% ash, 19.7% fibre, 29.4% crude protein, and the lowest energy-to-protein ratio of 9.78 kcal/g. The proximate components of the blended bread increased with an increase in BS substitution. Composite bread with 10% BS had the highest total ash, crude fibre, and protein at 4.51%, 5.26%, and 26.4% compared to the control that had 0.66%, 0.88%, and 1.55%, respectively. Results of this study show that BS flour can be blended with wheat-cassava composite to increase BS utilisation and improve the nutritional value of developed products, thus providing diversification in bakery products. Key words: bamboo shoots, composite bread, cassava, physicochemical, functional properties, proximate composition

Production and Characterization of Bacterial Cellulose Nanofiber by Acetobacter Xylinum 0416 Using Only Oil Palm Frond Juice as Fermentation Medium

ABSTRACT Renewable fermentation feedstock from a freshly cut oil palm frond (OPF) is a promising medium for bacterial cellulose (BC) production. Herein, this study assessed its suitability as a solitary medium for the production of BC using Acetobacter xylinum 0416 in a static culture. The proximate composition and components analysis revealed up to 36.2 g/L of fermentable sugars and vital nutrients were available in OPF juice. Meanwhile, the effect of OPF juice concentration and initial pH arrangement shows that the maximum yield of BC (2.33 g/L) was obtained using 60% v/v of OPF juice concentration at initial pH 3.5 and incubated at 30℃ for 14 days. Besides, pure OPF juice showed a minimum in BC production due to the presence of inhibitory component suspected to be the lignin content. The kinetic study was elucidated for BC produced from OPF juice and compared with coconut water medium. The FT-IR and XRD spectra, and FE-SEM micrograph analysis for the BC showed the typical peaks represent in cellulose with a crystallinity index of 82.4% and threadlike microfibrils structure ranging from 35.6.5 nm to 77.5 nm. Thus, OPF juice is a solely sufficient medium that offers a positive alternative to BC production.

Species, nutritional value, and elemental content of Stenochlaena distributed in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract. Chotimah HENC, Muliansyah, Widyawati W, Pitrama, Suparto H. 2022. Species, nutritional value, and elemental content of Stenochlaena distributed in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 5367-5372. Stenochlaena J. Smith is belonging to the family of Blechnaceae, consisting of only seven species and widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. In Central Kalimantan Indonesia, Stenochlaena is also widely distributed and abundant in this province. The paper will deliver the diversity of species, and chemical composition value of Stenochlaena in Central Kalimantan. The method used was a survey conducted in the tree district of Central Kalimantan namely Barito Selatan, Kapuas, and Palangka Raya. The key to species determination used was a paper published by Chamber (2013). Chemical composition was measured by proximate analysis while elemental content was established by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. This is the first report on the proximate and element components of some Stenochlaena species, other than Stenochlaena palustris. The results showed that there were four species of Stenochlaena found in Central Kalimantan, namely Stenochlaena palustris, Stenochlaena tenuifolia, Stenochlaena milnei and Stenochlaena cumingi. Stenochlaena palustris had the greatest moisture and proteins while S. cumingii had the highest content of ash. The biggest content of lipids was owned by S. milnei meanwhile S. tenuifolia had the most content of fiber. Stenochlaena palustris also had the highest N, P, K, Mg meantime, the highest Ca and Fe were in S. cumingii and S. milnei, respectively.

Effect of grazing and stall feeding on the productive performance, carcass traits and meat quality attributes of Jamuna basin lambs

The aim of this study was to evaluate the productive performance, carcass traits and meat quality under two rearing system of Jamuna basin lambs. Twenty selected lambs were divided into two treatments like T1 (grazing) and T2 (stall feeding) having ten lambs per treatment. Data was analyzed with unpaired t-test along with GLM procedure of SAS statistical packages. Traits evaluated were carcass traits, proximate components viz. dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE) and ash, physicochemical (Ultimate pH, cooked pH, cooking loss, drip loss, water holding capacity-WHC), sensory analysis (color, flavor, tenderness, juiciness, overall acceptability) and instrumental color value (L*, a* and b*). Average daily gain (ADG), hot carcass, skin, viscera, head, pluck, neck, heart, lung, and spleen wt. were found significantly differed (p<0.05) in both treatments. Dressing% and EE% was significantly (p<0.001) higher in grazing than stall feeding. Instrumental color values CIE L*, a* and b* were found significantly higher (p<0.001) in grazing. It may be concluded that grazing group had positive effects on ADG, carcass traits, proximate components, physicochemical, sensory evaluation and instrumental color value in Jamuna basin lamb.

Prediction of chicken meatball quality through NIR spectroscopy and multivariate analysis

Near Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy leads a great opportunity to replace the expensive and time-consuming chemical conventional analysis for determination of the quality of meat products. This study was conducted aiming to evaluate the feasibility of NIRS and to establish a rapid assessment method to easily predict the quality of chicken meatball. Samples of meatball (n=123) were collected from Golden Harvest Company of Bangladesh. After collecting sample, spectra were obtained prior to analysis and a total of 369 NIRs were collected and stored in computer by DLP NIR scan Nano Software. To generate reference data 123 meatball samples were analyzed for proximate components, instrumental color CIE L*, a*, b*, and pH of meatball. After that a partial least square regression model for calibration and cross validation were developed for data analysis using The Unscrambler X software. Accuracies of the calibration models were evaluated using the root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC), root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSECV), coefficient of calibration (R²C) and coefficient of cross validation (R2 CV). Calibration equations were developed from reference data using partial least squares regressions. The standard deviation is 2.41, 0.14, 2.1, 0.41, 1.31, 0.31, 1.26, 0.38, and 0.38 for L*, a*, b*, pH, DM, moisture, CP, EE and ash respectively which indicates that all values are adequate for analytical purposes. Predictive ability of the models was assessed by coefficient of determination of cross-validation (R2 CV) and root mean square error of cross-validation. Predictions were good (R2 CV=0.84) for lightness (L*), (R2 CV=0.72) for redness (a*), (R2 CV=0.77) for yellowness (b*), (R2 CV=0.78) for pH, (R2 CV=0.73) for CP, (R2 CV=0.83) for EE (R2 CV=0.72) for moisture, (R2 CV=0.72) for DM and (R2 CV=0.74) for ash. From the results, it can be concluded that NIRS can be used for the rapid assessment of physico-chemical traits of chicken meatball.

CNap1 bridges centriole contact sites to maintain centrosome cohesion.

Centrioles are non-membrane-bound organelles that participate in fundamental cellular processes through their ability to form physical contacts with other structures. During interphase, two mature centrioles can associate to form a single centrosome—a phenomenon known as centrosome cohesion. Centrosome cohesion is important for processes such as cell migration, and yet how it is maintained is unclear. Current models indicate that pericentriolar fibres termed rootlets, also known as the centrosome linker, entangle to maintain centriole proximity. Here, I uncover a centriole–centriole contact site and mechanism of centrosome cohesion based on coalescence of the proximal centriole component cNap1. Using live-cell imaging of endogenously tagged cNap1, I show that proximal centrioles form dynamic contacts in response to physical force from the cytoskeleton. Expansion microscopy reveals that cNap1 bridges between these contact sites, physically linking proximal centrioles on the nanoscale. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS)-calibrated imaging shows that cNap1 accumulates at nearly micromolar concentrations on proximal centrioles, corresponding to a few hundred protein copy numbers. When ectopically tethered to organelles such as lysosomes, cNap1 forms viscous and cohesive assemblies that promote organelle spatial proximity. These results suggest a mechanism of centrosome cohesion by cNap1 at the proximal centriole and illustrate how a non-membrane-bound organelle forms organelle contact sites.

Proximate and antinutritional analysis of locally produced condiment (Cwande) in Zuru Local Government Kebbi State, Nigeria

This study aimed to analyse the proximate and anti-nutritional components of Cwande in Zuru Local Government, Kebbi State. Five (5) samples in four (4) collection areas were collected and transported to Botany Laboratory Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero for analysis. The proximate and antinutrient parameters were analysed using the recommended AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists) techniques. The results of the study showed that Cwande had high protein content (37.29±0.50%), followed by moisture (32.07±0.58%), fibre (14.80+3.06%), carbohydrate (7.62+0.81%), lipid (5.18+0.52%) and ash (3.02+1.76%). While the results of anti-nutritional composition showed that Cwande had high phytate composition (5.76 + 0.72) followed by saponins (5.51 + 0.61), cyanide (4.76 + 0.28) and oxalate (4.03 + 0.20). From these findings, it was discovered that Cwande condiments locally produced by Zuru people have good nutritional profile levels. However, the level of anti-nutrient contents in Cwande condiments is reduced. Further studies should be carry out to know the incidence of microbial flora of Cwande and also the toxins substances known to cause harmful effects to humans and animals.

Proximate Composition, Mineral Element Profile and Antioxidant Properties of the Edible Kenyan Mushroom, Auricularia polytricha

The indigenous Kenyan Auricularia polytricha is a known delicacy to the communities residing around Kakamega forest in Western Kenya. The objective of the present study was to carry out proximate analysis, determine selected mineral element levels and radical scavenging capacity of the fruiting bodies of Auricularia polytricha. Proximate analysis which included determination of total carbohydrates, crude protein, crude fibre, crude fat, ash and moisture contents was done according to the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods. The minerals (Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, Pd, Cd) in the dried mushroom sample were determined using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) while Na and K were determined by flame emission photometry. Phosphorus was estimated by spectrophotometric method. The antioxidant activity of the crude mushroom extracts was evaluated by measuring their scavenging capacity on the stable radical, DPPH (2,2- Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl) using UV-Vi’s spectrophotometer at 517 nm. The mushroom was found to contain 64.53% total carbohydrates, 43.12% crude fibre, 11.67% crude proteins, 4.75% crude fat and 4.69% ash content on dry matter basis. The moisture content of the mushroom was found to be 80.33% of the fresh weight, which is typical of fresh foods and vegetables. A methanol extract of the mushroom exhibited antiradical activity against DPPH in a dose dependent manner with the highest radical scavenging capacity (40.84%) obtained at a concentration 500 µg/mL. For the mineral profile, the variations and concentrations of the essential and trace elements under study decreased in the order K˃Na˃Mg˃Ca˃Fe>P>Zn>Mn. The selected hazardous heavy metals Cd and Pb were not detected in the mushroom sample. Implications of the mineral concentrations on the nutritional value of the mushroom have been highlighted. In conclusion, the obtained results suggest that the mushroom, which has good amounts of the required proximate components, minerals and antiradical constituents, is a potentially healthy, safe and functional food.

Development and quality evaluation of low calorie cake and biscuit prepared with jackfruit seed flour

Cake and biscuits are the most consumed bakery products all over the world due to their nature, affordable cost and availability in different varieties. As high ratio bakery products contain high calories, the challenge is to find new sources that will reduce calorie content as well as add to the nutrition of the products. In our study we made composite jackfruit seed flour (JSF) to formulate low calorie cakes and biscuits. Each of the products was prepared with 10%, 20% and 30% JSF and compared the calorific value and proximate component of the products with control (without JSF). The crude fiber, crude protein, ash and nitrogen free extract (NFE) content of cake samples significantly increased with the addition of JSF where 30% JSF blended cake had the highest value at these proximate component as 2.06%, 8.65%, 1.69% and 47.9%, respectively and control cake had the lowest value as 0.15%, 8.4%, 1.44% and 46.6%, respectively. The calorie content, crude fat and moisture content were found to be gradually lowered in JSF treated cake samples and the lowest value was found in 30% JSF blended cake sample as 4.23 Kcal/g, 9.27% and 30.35%, respectively where as the control cake sample had 4.87 Kcal/g, 10.86% and 33.25% respectively. In the case of biscuits, the calorific value was found lower in 20% JSF blended cake (4.21 Kcal/g) compared to the control cake (4.39 Kcal/g). The moisture, protein and fat content were found lower in JSF treated biscuit samples where the lowest value found in the 30% blend at 2.83%, 10.85% and 12.19% compared to control biscuit as 3.16%, 11.2% and 12.57%, respectively. All the proximate components statistically varied (p C3> C2> C0 (cake) and B1> B2> B3> B0 (biscuit).

Dynamic cell cycle–dependent phosphorylation modulates CENP-L–CENP-N centromere recruitment

The kinetochore is a macromolecular structure that is needed to ensure proper chromosome segregation during each cellular division. The kinetochore is assembled upon a platform of the 16-subunit constitutive centromere-associated network (CCAN), which is present at centromeres throughout the cell cycle. The nature and regulation of CCAN assembly, interactions, and dynamics needed to facilitate changing centromere properties and requirements remain to be fully elucidated. The CENP-LN complex is a CCAN component that displays unique cell cycle-dependent localization behavior, peaking in the S phase. Here, we demonstrate that phosphorylation of CENP-L and CENP-N controls CENP-LN complex formation and localization in a cell cycle-dependent manner. Mimicking constitutive phosphorylation of either CENP-L or CENP-N or simultaneously preventing phosphorylation of both proteins prevents CENP-LN localization and disrupts chromosome segregation. Our work suggests that cycles of phosphorylation and dephosphorylation are critical for CENP-LN complex recruitment and dynamics at kinetochores to enable cell cycle-dependent CCAN reorganization.

Nutrition, Phytochemicals, Antioxidants, and Cytotoxicity of Sweet Potato Leaf Tea

Due to their nutritional loadings and the value-added aspect, fresh leaves of 5 sweet potato varieties were screened for phytochemicals and used to produce herbal teas. The teas were observed for their proximate components, antioxidants, antioxidative activity, cytotoxicity and colour parameters under brewing at 60, 80 and 100 ºC for 3, 5, 7 and 10 min. Tannins, phenolic compounds, saponins, flavonoids, phytosterols and alkaloids were contained in almost all varieties, whereas cardiac glycosides were dominant only in WP (white skin and purple flesh root) fresh leaves. Results for proximate components found that WP tea was prominent with the enrichment of crude fat (16.71 g/100 g of tea), chlorophyll b (29.41 mg/100 g of tea), cyanidin-3-glucoside (83.59 mg/100 g of tea), pelargonidin-3-glucoside (72.30 mg/100 g of tea) and tannins (1,994.81 mg TAE/100 g of tea). This was followed by RO (red skin and orange flesh root) with more protein content (0.13 g/100 g of tea). In the antioxidant test, OO (orange skin and orange flesh root) had the highest total phenolic content (1,260.92 mg GAE/100 g of tea) and offered the greatest potential of antioxidative activity (12,218.44 mg GAE/100 g of tea). No teas showed any signs of cytotoxicity (LC50 > 1,000 µg/mL). Almost all the tea was green in colour, but a yellow colour indicating lutein or its influence was also detected. In conclusion, WP, RO and OO tea were predominantly served as a low-price healthy beverage with high nutrient levels and antioxidative properties.
 HIGHLIGHTS
 
 Edible sweet potato leaves can be served as a low-cost healthy tea beverage
 Sweet potato leaf teas enrich of medicinal bioactivities such as cyanidin-3-glucoside, pelargonidin-3-glucoside, tannins, and total phenolic compounds
 Sweet potato leaf teas have strong antioxidative activity
 
 GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

68. Female sex and supine proximal lumbar lordosis is associated with the size of the LLIF ‘safe zone’ at L4-5

68. Female sex and supine proximal lumbar lordosis is associated with the size of the LLIF ‘safe zone’ at L4-5

The role of soaking, steaming, and dehulling on the nutritional quality of Bambara groundnuts (Vigna subterranea (L) Verdc.)

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L) Verdc.) is a leguminous plant that is widely cultivated in West Africa for its nutritious seeds. However, the hard-to-cook phenomenon of this legume affects its patronage by consumers. The quality and bioavailability of nutrients are affected by processing techniques during cooking. This study evaluated the effects of processing techniques on the nutritional quality of two Bambara groundnut varieties (namely, Simbi-bile and Sinkpili-zee). For this, each variety was subjected to four processing techniques, namely, (i) dehulled and soaked in water, (ii) dehulled and soaked in 1% NaHCO3 + 1% NaCl, (iii) dehulled and steamed, and (iv) Control. After sample processing, the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC) standard protocols were used for chemical analysis. The results on proximate composition, anti-nutritional factors, and seed minerals composition showed significant variations among treatments. The main effects of variety and processing technique markedly influenced the parameters measured. Soaked Bambara groundnut with NaHCO3 reduced anti-nutritional factors. Steamed treatments yielded highest amount of protein (25.87%) while dehulled treated Bambara groundnut produced the highest amount of carbohydrate (42.77%). Calcium, potassium, and iron showed significant reduction (p ≤ 0.05) when dehulled. Additional sodium in processing Bambara increased mineral content of the crop. Anti-nutritional factor levels were also reduced significantly in simbi-bile when soaked. Proximate components (crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, carbohydrate, and water) had significant changes in their compositions across all the processing techniques. From the correlation analysis, oxalate and phytate have some levels of effect in all varieties on every nutritional or mineral component. Total ash correlated negatively with crude fat and positively with phytate and oxalate. Dehulled and control did not reduce the anti-nutritional factors compared to NaHCO3 + NaCl. From the results, soaking of Bambara groundnuts in 1% NaHCO3 + 1% NaCl prior to cooking was effective in improving nutritional quality while overcoming the hard-to-cook phenomenon. The findings highlight the need to adopt correct processing techniques that conserve the nutritional benefits of these edible seeds. Soaking Bambara groundnut in NaHCO3 + NaCl as a processing technique increases mineral content while reducing anti-nutritional factors, and hence should be adapted.