Rich Fruits Research Articles

Microencapsulation using spray drying of anthoxyanins from Lannea microcarpa (African grape) fruits juice with pyrodextrin from sweet potato starch

Anthocyanins rich fruits of Lannea microcarpa (African grape) with antioxidant activity are an important food and herbal medicine in central Africa. This study sought to use response surface methodology to optimize spray drying microencapsulation of anthocyanins from L. microcarpa fruit juice, examining the influence of inlet air temperature (120—150 °C), inlet air flow rate (60—80 m3/h) and carrier agent (pyrodextrin) concentration (8 -16 g/100 g of juice), on various spray-dried powders characteristics. Moreover, the thermal stability study of L. microcarpa fruit juice powder produced at optimal process conditions was studied. The linear effect of inlet air temperature, inlet air flow rate and carrier agent concentration significantly affected the fruit powder properties (Moisture content, hygroscopicity, encapsulation efficiency) (P < 0.05), except in the case of hygroscopicity where linear effect of inlet air temperature did not. The optimum spray drying conditions to obtain the encapsulated fruit juice powder were determined as 150°C inlet air temperature, 80 m3/h inlet air flow rate and 9 g/100 g carrier agent concentration. The optimal spray dried juice powder was produced with a product yield of 72.4%, water activity of 0.281, having a poor flowability but high cohesiveness. Dynamic Vapor Sorption analysis showed sorption isotherm fitted GAB and BET models well and lower water activity (aw < 0.5) at 25 °C could be favorable for storage of L. microcarpa powders. Additionally, the stability study shown according to the degradation rate obtained that encapsulated fruit juice powder stored at 25 C exhibited greater stability with rate constant k = 0.0018 day-1 significantly lower than the same spray dried L. microcarpa juice powder stored at 35°C (k = 0.0035 day-1) (p < 0.05). These results demonstrate microencapsulation through spray drying using pyrodextrin from sweet potato was feasible for enhancing the stabilization of anthocyanins in form of powder with potential application in food and chemical industries.Graphical

Synergetic Antioxidant Efficiency of Averrhoa-carambola Fruit’s Dry Powder in Controlling Rancidity of Edible Oils

Averrhoa carambola is a phenolics rich fruit and shows antioxidant activity in scavenging free radicals. Milled raw soya bean and ground nut oils were used to study shelf life and amount of rancidity in the presence of Averrhoa carambola fruit’s dry powder. The experiment was designed to record proximate parameters using a standard method of analysis. The density and viscosity of oil samples changes slightly with the amount of dry powder of the fruit. The peroxide value of experimental oil samples SBO and GNO in the presence of 0.9g of dry powder of the fruit shows a minimum value of 110 and 107meq/kg with comparison of the blank sample, 146 and 128meq/kg respectively, during the observation period of 64 days. A sample with standard antioxidant Butylated hydroxyl toluene records peroxide values of 76 and 83meq/kg, which was the least value showing an effective control of primary oxidation of edible oils. Relatively, the antioxidant property of dry powder of star fruits conspicuously controls the rancidity by retarding the peroxidation. Paraanisidine values were recorded as the lowest values for experimental oil samples, 1.5 and 1.3 for SBO and GNO respectively, with respect to 0.9g star fruit powder compared to blank oil samples *SBO and *GNO, which give 4.9 and 4.7 respectively. The rancidity of edible oils is effectively controlled by dry powder of star fruit and the fruit is available in plenty with less cost, it can be utilized as a natural preservative to increases the shelf life of edible oil.

A comprehensive review on nutrient rich dry vegetables and fruits

A comprehensive review on nutrient rich dry vegetables and fruits

Extraction and Structural Characterization of Four Grape Polysaccharides and Their Protective Effects in Alcohol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Injury.

Grapes, recognized as a nutritionally rich fruit, have been found through extensive research to contain various bioactive components. However, the roles of polysaccharides and their bioactive properties remain unclear. Based on this, in our research, four different grape polysaccharides were obtained using an enzymatic-assisted extraction method. We investigated and compared their physicochemical properties, antioxidant activities, and protective effects on gastric mucosa in mice. The results indicated that the monosaccharide compositions of these specific grape polysaccharides were similar; however, their molar ratios, molecular weights, and morphological characteristics varied. The results of radical scavenging tests revealed that red-fleshed grape polysaccharide (RFP) exhibited superior antioxidant properties. In vivo assessments demonstrated that RFP protects against gastric mucosal injury in mice by inhibiting inflammation and radical generation. Therefore, the polysaccharide from red-fleshed grape holds potential application value in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Study on Biochemical Composition of Sea Buckthorn Fruit Cultivated from Leh, India and its Flavor Profile by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

Sea buckthorn berries are among the most nutritious and vitamin rich fruit found in the plant kingdom. Biochemical composition of sea buckthorn berries cultivated from Leh, India was analyzed to study its suitability for making food products. Berry pulp was analyzed for sugars, acidity, TSS and pH. The results show that the sea buckthorn pulp exhibited higher acidity, lesser pH, total sugars and reducing sugars, when compared to fruits like pineapple and grapes. Calcium and potassium content of berry was found to be high when compared to other mineral content viz. sodium, iron and phosphorus. Antioxidant contents and antioxidant activity of pulp was determined and compared with other fruit pulps. Sea buckthorn fruit pulp exhibited significant antioxidant activity i.e. 88.72%, when compared to locally available fruits like grapes and pineapple. Totally 45 volatile flavour components were identified from sea buckthorn berry, which contains mainly esters, that contributes to significant berry aroma.

Kırgızistan Orijinli Bazı Biber Genotiplerinin Anter Kültürü Etkinliklerinin Belirlenmesi

Among the Central Asian countries, Kyrgyzstan is one of the important countries in terms of the rich diversity of biological resources. Among this rich diversity, vegetable and fruit genetic resources have an important place. Pepper has an important place among economically important products in Kyrgyzstan, as in countries similar to Kyrgyzstan's ecology. It is important to include genetic resources such as pepper in breeding programs in Kyrgyzstan, as in our country. Knowing the double haploid efficiency of genetic resources is advantageous in breeding programs. In this study, it was aimed to determine the anther culture efficiency of pepper genotypes originating from Kyrgyzstan. In the study, the anther culture efficiency of a total of 27 pepper genotypes, 25 from Kyrgyzstan and 2 capia type genetic materials with known anther culture efficiency as controls, was determined. According to the findings, a total of 1336 buds were cultured and 365 embryos were obtained, while 264 of these embryos turned into healthy plants. The highest plant transformation was determined in genotype BY-25. While no plants were obtained in 7 pepper genotypes, healthy plants were obtained in only 20 genotypes. While the embryo rate per bud was 14%, the conversion rate to plant per bud was determined as 15.6. The results showed that there was variation in terms of anther culture efficiency in pepper genotypes originating from Kyrgyzstan, as in other genotypes.

Iron and Vitamin A Status of Children Aged 0 to 36 Months in Thulamela Municipality, Vhembe District, South Africa.

Objective: The present study assessed the iron and Vitamin A status of children aged 0 to 36 months in Thulamela municipality, Vhembe District. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 children aged 0 to 36 months attending well-baby clinic services with their mothers. Convenience sampling was used to select study participants, and simple random sampling was used to choose clinics. Data were gathered via a questionnaire administered by the researcher and field workers from August to September 2019. Standard techniques were used to measure body weight and height. In addition, serum retinol, haemoglobin, iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, and transferrin levels were also assessed. Information on dietary diversity was gathered through a 24 h dietary recall. Results: The prevalence of underweight, wasting, and stunting was 3.6%, 2%, and 9.2%, respectively. Using serum retinol <10 µg/dL, 22% of children had vitamin A deficiency. The prevalence of anaemia was 53.6%, while 13.1% of children had iron deficiency anaemia when using serum ferritin of less than 12 μg/dL. Most children (90.8%) had an inadequate dietary diversity score, while 9.2% had sufficient dietary diversity. The most consumed food groups were grains, roots and tubers, vitamin A rich fruits and vegetable, and flesh foods. A higher percentage (44%) of children with low iron ferritin were underweight compared to those with normal iron ferritin (df = 1, p-value = 0.007). Conclusion: Iron, anaemia, and vitamin A deficiencies, accompanied by a high prevalence of stunting, were common among children in Thulamela Municipality. Thus, improving nutritional status in this area is a critical need.

Effect of Vacuum Impregnation with Anthocyanin rich Fruit Juices on the Quality Characteristics of Chicken Cubes

This study was aimed to determine the effects of various fruit juices used as impregnation solutions on the physicochemical, textural and sensory properties of dried chicken meat cubes. The pH, color parameters, total phenolic, antioxidant activity, water holding capacity, textural (TPA) and sensorial properties of the cubes were tested. Impregnation solutions used in the treatment groups were prepared with pomegranate, black grape and black mulberry juices, and salt solution (control). Impregnation was performed in two replicates and two samples were analyzed per replicate. The cubes were immersed in the solutions and the 10 min vacuum (250 mbar absolute pressure) − 10 min atmospheric pressure cycle was repeated at 4 °C for 2 h. pH values decreased (P < 0.01) by impregnation with various anthocyanin-rich fruit juices. Total phenolic and antioxidant activity were the highest (P < 0.01) in samples impregnated with pomegranate juice and were 720.71 mg GAE/kg and 840.22 mg TE/kg, respectively. The use of anthocyanin-rich fruit juices as impregnation solution decreased a* and b* values of samples (P < 0.01; P < 0.05, respectively). The TPA results indicated that impregnation with pomegranate, black grape and black mulberry juices induced lower (P < 0.01) hardness and higher (P < 0.05) adhesiveness values compared to the control. Consequently, the impregnation with anthocyanin-rich fruit juices such as pomegranate, black grape and black mulberry has the potential to improve the quality properties of dried chicken cubes.

Dietary diversity among women with depressive and generalized anxiety symptoms in Nepal

This study sought to determine whether there was any correlation between the dietary diversity score and symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in Nepali women who were of reproductive age. In a national cross-sectional population-based survey of women (15–49 years) (N = 7442) in Nepal, MDD was assessed with the PHQ-9 and GAD with the GAD-7, and dietary diversity with a 24 h food consumption recall of 10 food groups. Multinominal and logistic regression were used to estimate predictors of MDD and GAD symptoms. The prevalence of mild and moderate-to-severe MDD symptoms was 15.7% and 5.4%, respectively, and the prevalence of mild and moderate-to-severe GAD symptoms was 20.8% and 7.5%, respectively. The overall dietary diversity mean score was 4.66 (SD = 1.67). In the final multivariable model, adjusted for relevant confounders, dietary diversity was inversely associated with moderate-to-severe MDD symptoms (Adjusted Incidence Risk Ratios-AIRR: 0.90, 95% CI 0.84–0.97), and with moderate-to-severe GAD symptoms (AIRR: 0.86, 95% CI 0.80–0.92). Furthermore, in the fully adjusted regression model, pulses (Adjusted Odds Ratio-AOR: 0.77, 95% CI 0.60–0.98) and Vitamin A rich fruits and vegetables (AOR: 0.69, 95% CI 0.51–0.94) were inversely associated with MDD symptoms. In addition, Vitamin A rich fruits and vegetables (AOR: 0.57, 95% CI 0.43–0.75), dairy (AOR: 0.80, 95% CI 0.67–0.97), and pulses (AOR: 0.69, 95% CI 0.56–0.85) were inversely associated with GAD symptoms. Dietary diversity was inversely associated MDD and GAD symptoms.

Food consumption patterns and risk of gallstone disease (GD): Case and Control Study in Rosario Argentina.

Nutritional exposure is considered the main environmental influence that contributes to gallstone disease (GD). The aim of this study was to determine food intakes patters and estimate risk of GD. A nested case-control study was carried out within the framework of a previous screening study conducted on a representative sample in Rosario, Argentina. Participants underwent a personal interview. Average amount of each food intake and quantity nutrients were estimated applying a food-frequency questionnaire. Food consumption patterns were identified by principal component analysis, and logistic regression analysis was used to estimate risks. The sample was conformed by 51 cases and 69 controls. Two dietary patterns were identified. Cases were characterised by the unhealthy intake pattern (high intakes of animal fats, sugar, cereals, grains, cold cuts, processed meats, chicken with skin, fat beef and low intake of red vegetables and yellows, cabbages, fruits and fish). Controls were characterised by the healthy intake pattern (high intake of skinless chicken, nuts, lean beef, vitamin A and C rich fruits, and low consumption of chicken with skin, green leaves vegetables and sprouts). The unhealthy pattern showed an increased risk of developing GD while healthy patter behaved as a protective factor.

Dietary diversity among children aged 6-59 months from settled pastoral communities in Marsabit County, Kenya

Settlement among pastoralists is expected to facilitate access to social amenities. However, information on its impact on dietary changes and undernutrition under five children is limited. This study aimed to determine dietary diversity among children aged 6-59 months in settled pastoral households. In a cross sectional survey, 394 households with index child were randomly sampled using multistage technique. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect information on population characteristics and dietary diversity. A dietary diversity score and minimum dietary diversity of the children were then calculated by summing the number of food groups from 0 to 7 eaten by the child 24 hours from the previous day. Categorical data was presented as proportions, while continuous variables mean ± standard error. Chi-square and analysis of variance were used to establish population differences. Linear regression was used to assess the relationship between population characteristics and dietary diversity. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between food groups and child nutritional status. Results showed that 51.5% of children never met minimum dietary diversity. Cereals, roots and tubers were the most frequently consumed food group at 97%. Distance to market (P&lt;0.05), household head education (p&lt;0.05), caregiver occupation (p&lt;0.05) and income were associated with dietary diversity. Eating legumes (OR= 0.50, 95% C.I (0.30, 0.85); p = 0.010) and vitamin A rich fruits and vegetables (OR= 0.50, 95% C.I (0.30, 0.85); p = 0.010) showed reduced odds of stunting while dairy products reduced the risk of a child becoming underweight [AOR=.2.09, 95% C.I (1.16 - 3.79); p = 0.015]. Overall, the findings highlight significant gaps in meeting dietary diversity recommendations among children in settled pastoral areas. Household head and caregiver attributes were identified as key influencing factors. It is recommended that county governments in northern Kenya promote optimal complementary feeding guidelines among settled pastoral caregivers to improve child nutrition. Key words: Pastoralists, children, under-five, dietary diversity, stunting, wasting, underweight, northern Kenya

Interpersonal relationships, PNI, and health: Seeds in the 1980s, fruiting trees today

In this contribution to the Special Issue, I highlight how Janice Kiecolt-Glaser's research in the 1980s planted the seeds for two areas of social relationships and health research: loneliness and intimate/marital relationships. I review the foundational “seed” studies from the mid-to late-1980s, the research “saplings” that sprouted and grew during the subsequent twenty years, and the “mature trees” that have gone on to fruit and grow their respective areas of inquiry over the past twenty years. In addition to highlighting the mature trees that have borne rich empirical fruit, my other goal for this contribution is to draw attention to ideas and concepts from Kiecolt-Glaser's work and writing that merit further conceptual and empirical examination in the next generation of research on social relationships, psychoneuroendocrinology, psychoneuroimmunology, and health.

Phytochemistry of Punica granatum Fruit: Its Nutritional and Biological Potential

The present review provides a comprehensive overview of the phytochemistry, nutritional composition, and therapeutic implications associated with the consumption of pomegranate (Punica granatum) fruit, renowned for its dual role as a taste delicacy and a medicinal agent. A detailed exploration of the phytochemical composition is undertaken. Recognized for its myriad health benefits, this fruit has been historically employed as a remedy for diverse disorders, with its leaves, peel, and bark demonstrating efficacy in treating gastrointestinal issues leading to diarrhea. Notably, pomegranate juice has been utilized in treating cholera, while the oil extracted from seeds exhibits notable efficacy in addressing skin and breast cancer. The review underscores the presence of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, ellagitannins, catechin, and phenols, across various species of P. granatum. In addition to its rich phytochemical profile, pomegranate emerges as a nutritionally rich fruit, boasting significant quantities of vitamins C and D, magnesium, potassium, and dietary fibers. Its nutritional composition aligns with its therapeutic properties, encompassing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial attributes. Notably, a single cup of pomegranate arils contains 72 calories, 16 g of carbohydrates, and 3 g of dietary fiber. This review serves to deepen our understanding of the multifaceted nature of pomegranate, and addresses emerging and technological advancements in pomegranate phytochemistry.

Disease detection and classification in pomegranate fruit using hybrid convolutional neural network with honey badger optimization algorithm

ABSTRACT Fruit cultivation plays a pivotal role in improvement of the agricultural economy. Pomegranate is a nutritionally rich fruit that is highly valuable because of its excellent antioxidant properties, richness in vitamins and fiber. Pomegranate is affected by diseases, which can severely affect its yield and quality. Timely disease detection is vital for effective disease control in pomegranate orchards. This study presents a novel approach for disease detection in pomegranate and categorization of pomegranate using a hybrid Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) coupled with the Honey Badger Optimization Algorithm (HBOA). The proposed hybrid CNN-HBOA approach leverages the strengths of both CNN and metaheuristic optimization algorithm HBOA. The CNN model was designed to extract high-level features from images of pomegranate affected by various diseases, and HBOA was employed to fine-tune the CNN parameters to improve the accuracy and robustness of the model. Initially, the quality of the images was enhanced using a contrast enhancement technique, and the images were segmented using the Detectron2 algorithm. Finally, the extracted features were fed as input to the disease detection stage wherein the CNN classifies the disease. Furthermore, the classification accuracy of the CNN model was enhanced using the HBOA algorithm. The performance of the hybrid CNN-HBOA algorithm was evaluated using a vast collection of images depicting multiple disease categories of pomegranate. Experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the hybrid CNN-HBOA system, which achieves a detection accuracy of 99.58%, precision of 100%, recall of 99.71% and F1 score of 99.75% compared to other existing state-of-the-art models.

Inhibition of SARS CoV 2 using Microbial Metabolites derived from Tannin Rich Fruit Kernels

Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV2) is a highly pathogenic RNA virus. Inhibition of SARS CoV 2 by molecular docking using the microbial metabolites of tannin rich fruit kernels of Punica granatum, Mangifera indica, Phyllanthus emblica and Syzygium cumini produced using a probiotic bacterium Bacillus coagulans. SARS CoV2 uses its spike proteins to inhibit the viral entry and uses main protease and chymotrypsin like protease to inhibit protein transcription, translation, maturation and replication. The accelerated immune response which is cytokine storm, can be managed by inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Excess of tissue deposition on the lung causing fibrosis can be treated by inhibiting the fibrotic pathological pathway targeting the G coupled receptor protein mediator 40 and 84 (GPR40 and GPR84) to prevent fibroblast. “Autodocking of metabolites extracted from kernel Punica granatum and Mangifera indica results in identifying 1H-Purin-6-amine, [(2-fluorophenyl) methyl] and tricarbonyl (N-cyclopent-2-en-1-yl-N-phe nyl-1-4-.eta.-cyclohexa-1,3-dienecarboxamide)iron of which 1H-Purin-6-amine, [(2-fluorophenyl)methyl] or 6-(3-fluorobenzylamino) purine appears to be very effective against SARS CoV-2 inflammation and fibrosis as evidenced by molecular docking. The role of probiotic bacteria in the synthesis of bioactive metabolites is established as very significant.

INFLUENCE OF FOLIAR APPLICATION OF ZINC AND BORON ON SEEDLING GROWTH OF PAPAYA (Carica papaya L.)

Papaya is one of the important nutrient rich tropical fruit that is preferred and &#x0D; cultivated almost in majority of the states of India. Choice of variety, proper &#x0D; nutrition and disease management are the key operations for successful &#x0D; commercial papaya cultivation. Micronutrient deficiency starting from the early &#x0D; stage of growth can cause poor growth and yield reduction. Thus a potted plant &#x0D; experiment was conducted to study the influence of zinc and boron as foliar &#x0D; application on seedling growth of papaya. The experiment was laid out in a &#x0D; completely randomized design with nine treatments comprising of zinc sulphate &#x0D; @ 0.2 and 0.4%, and borax @ 0.2 and 0.4% and their combinations along with &#x0D; a control treatment (distilled water spray). The seedlings were raised in &#x0D; polythene bags filled with growing media (soil: sand: FYM @ 4:2:1) and sprayed &#x0D; with the micronutrients as per treatment, adjusting neutral pH at 15 day’s &#x0D; interval after germination. The application of ZnSO4 @ 0.4% + borax @ 0.2% &#x0D; improved seedling growth of papaya in terms of height, girth, number of leaves &#x0D; and leaf size. Also, the fresh and dry weights of shoot and root also showed &#x0D; significant improvement. Thus the foliar application of ZnSO4 @ 0.4% + borax &#x0D; @ 0.2% can be recommended for better seedling growth of papaya.

Investigation of the Bioaccessibility of Functional Ice Cream with Blueberry Enriched with Whey Protein Gel

Ice cream is a complex product obtained by blowing air through special equipment and then freezing a physicochemical mixture consisting of milk, sugar, emulsifier, stabilizer, oil, color and flavoring substances. Recently, especially with the pandemic experienced all over the world, consumers have begun to turn to functional foods that have high nutritional value and are important for health. Functional foods, in addition to its nutritional effects, are defined as foods that have health protective, corrective and/or disease risk reducing effects, depending on one or more effective ingredients, and these effects are scientifically and clinically proven. In order for a product to have functional properties, it must contain bioactive ingredients, probiotic microorganisms and also have a prebiotic effect. For this reason, our study aimed to provide functional properties to ice cream with blueberries, which are rich in phenolic compounds, and to examine the phenolic substance bioaccessibility of this functional ice cream under mouth, stomach and small intestine conditions simulated with the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion model system. In this context, functional ice cream was produced by trapping the phenolic rich blueberry fruit in six different concentrations of whey protein gel, and the amount of phenolic substance and protein amount were determined after in vitro digestion. While the phenolic substance content of protein gel ice cream in the small intestine environment was between 261-485 µg/100 g and an average of 114 µg/100 g in the control sample, in the oral environment these values were determined as 85-251 µg/100 g in protein gel ice cream and 291 µg/100 g in the control sample. As a result of our study, it was determined that the amount of gallic acid phenolic substance and bioaccessibility of ice cream samples produced with protein gel increased from the oral environment to the small intestine. In the control sample (blueberry ice cream without protein gel), it was observed that the amount of phenolic substance was highest in the oral environment and decreased as it went to the small intestine environment. According to the FAO Guidelines for Use of Nutrition Claims, samples with a whey protein gel ratio of 16%, 18% and 20% can be considered as "protein sources". Thus, in this study, functionalized in terms of protein content and phenolic substance, increased bioaccessibility and high protein ice cream production was carried out.

Revelation of enzyme/transporter-mediated metabolic regulatory model for high-quality terpene accumulation in developing fruits of Lindera glauca

Lindera glauca with rich resource and fruit terpene has emerged as potential material for utilization in China, but different germplasms show a variation for essential oil content and volatile profiling. This work aimed to determine key regulators (enzymes or transporters) and unravel mechanism of governing high production of essential oil of L. glauca fruit (EO-LGF). Temporal analysis of fruit growth and EO-LGF accumulation (yield, volatile compounds and contents) during development revealed a notable change in the contents of EO-LGF and its 45 compounds in developing fruits, and the major groups were monoterpene and sesquiterpene, showing good antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. To highlight molecular mechanism that govern such difference in terpene content and compound in developing fruits, Genome-wide assay was used to annotate 104 genes for terpene-synthesis pathway based on recent transcriptome data, and the comparative associations of terpene accumulative amount with gene transcriptional level were conducted on developing fruits to identify some crucial determinants (enzymes and transporters) with metabolic regulation model for high-quality terpene accumulation, involving in carbon allocation (sucrose cleavage, glycolysis and OPP pathway), metabolite transport, isoprene precursor production, C5-unit formation (MEP and MVA pathways), and mono−/sesqui-terpene synthesis. Our findings may present strategy for engineering terpene accumulation for utilization.

Perception of affordable diet is associated with pre-school children’s diet diversity in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: the EAT Addis survey

BackgroundDespite improvements in food access and nutrition security over the last few decades, malnutrition remains a major public health problem. One of the significant contributors to these problems is affordability of nutritious food. This study aimed to examine the association between perceived food affordability and pre-school children’s diet diversity in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsCross-sectional data from 2017 to 18 were used for the analysis. A 24-hour dietary recall assessment was done to assess children’s dietary diversity (DD). We used a modified operational definition of affordability indicator called perceived affordability of dietary diversity (afford-DD) to evaluate the impact of the food environment in terms of affordability at the household level. A sample (n 4,898) of children aged 6–59 months representative of households in Addis Ababa was randomly selected using a multistage sampling procedure including all districts in the city. Mixed-effects linear regression models were used to assess the association between children’s DD and afford-DD.ResultsThe survey revealed that the mean (standard deviation [SD]) of children’s DD was 3.9 [± 1.4] while the mean [SD] of afford-DD was 4.6 [± 2.1]. Overall, 59.8% of children met the minimum dietary diversity (≥ 4 food groups). White roots and tubers were the most commonly consumed food groups regardless of their affordability. Considerable variations were observed between households that reported the food item affordable and not affordable in consumption of Vitamin A rich vegetables and fruits, meat and fish, egg, and dairy. The children’s DD was positively associated with afford-DD after adjusting for maternal education, household wealth status and other relevant confounding. Higher maternal education modified the association between affordability and children’s diet diversity.ConclusionsThis study suggests higher perceived food affordability was associated with better diet diversity in children. A higher level of maternal education had the potential to mitigate affordability challenges in meeting the children’s dietary diversity needs. Our study emphasizes the need for inclusive food programs and nutrition interventions addressing social differences, intensifying efforts to make nutrient-rich diets affordable for the less privileged, and highlights the potential benefits of targeting maternal education in addressing child dietary diversity.

The late middle Eocene palynoflora of Hareø, West Greenland: polar forests in a vanishing greenhouse world

Middle Eocene interbasaltic deposits of Hareø, West Greenland, have yielded a rich leaf and fruit record, which was described in the second half of the nineteenth century. In this study, we describe dispersed spores and pollen from the Aumarûtigssâ Member of the Hareøen Formation in order to obtain a more comprehensive picture of the late middle Eocene vegetation of West Greenland. The spore/pollen assemblage, derived from a resinite-rich coal bed, comprises 123 taxa, of which 14 belong to mosses, ferns and fern-allies, 14 to gymnosperms, and 95 to angiosperms. The most diverse groups of angiosperms are Fagales, comprising 27 taxa, and Rosales, represented by nine taxa. Along with conifers belonging to Pinaceae, these groups reflect the temperate character of the Hareø flora. In addition, a few ‘exotic’ elements include cycads probably belonging to an extinct temperate lineage that was widespread across the Northern Hemisphere during the Paleogene, palm trees, members of Mastixioideae and Santalaceae, both of which were characteristic elements of more southern warm temperate floras of Europe. A detailed comparison with macrofossil and spore/pollen assemblages of roughly coeval sites from Axel Heiberg Island (Canada), Spitsbergen (Arctic Ocean), and ODP site 151-913B in the Norwegian-Greenland Sea, show a highly consistent picture of the vegetation during this time.