Food Sources Research Articles

Unlocking the Potential of Teff for Sustainable, Gluten-Free Diets and Unravelling Its Production Challenges to Address Global Food and Nutrition Security: A Review.

Sustainable diets, as defined by the Food and Agriculture Organisation, aim to be nutritionally adequate, safe, and healthy, while optimising natural and human resources. Teff (Eragrostis tef), a gluten-free grain primarily grown in Ethiopia, has emerged as a key contender in this context. Widely regarded as a "supergrain", teff offers an outstanding nutrition profile, making it an excellent choice for people with gluten-related disorders. Rich with protein, essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fats, and fibre, and abundant in minerals like calcium and iron, teff rivals other popular grains like quinoa and durum wheat in promoting human health. Beyond its nutritional benefits, teff is a hardy crop that thrives in diverse climates, tolerating both drought and waterlogged conditions. Due to its resilience and rich nutrient content, teff holds the potential to address nine of the 17 United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1 (no poverty), SDG 2 (zero hunger), and SDG 3 (good health and wellbeing), which are tied to improving food and nutrition security. However, teff production in Ethiopia faces significant issues. Traditional farming practices, insufficient storage infrastructure, and food safety challenges, including adulteration, hinder teff's full potential. This review explores teff's dual role as a nutritious, sustainable food source and outlines the key challenges in its production to conclude on what needs to be done for its adoption as a golden crop to address global food and nutrition security.

Review perspective on advanced nutrachemicals and anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are prevalent among athletes, necessitating surgical intervention followed by comprehensive rehabilitation. Recently, the integration of nutraceuticals- bioactive compounds from food sources- into rehabilitation protocols has shown promise in enhancing recovery outcomes. This review explores the potential benefits of various nutraceuticals, including omega-3 fatty acids, collagen supplements, vitamin D, glucosamine and chondroitin, curcumin, and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), in ACL rehabilitation. These nutraceuticals offer anti-inflammatory properties, support tissue repair, and improve joint and muscle health, which are critical during the rehabilitation process. Despite encouraging preclinical findings, there is a need for robust clinical trials to confirm their efficacy and establish optimal dosages and formulations. Personalized nutrition plans and interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare providers are essential for optimizing patient care. This perspective underscores the potential of advanced nutraceuticals to revolutionize ACL rehabilitation, paving the way for faster and more effective recovery pathways.

The Rights and Rules of Birds in Islamic Jurisprudence

Mercy is considered one of the best and greatest subjects from the perspective of the sacred Islamic religion, and it is regarded as a good and commendable act. According to Islamic principles and foundations, in all circumstances individuals are obliged, even in dealing with animals, to exhibit mercy and not to act with stubbornness and anger against silent and voiceless creatures. Causing harm to animals is deemed a reprehensible and unacceptable act. Unfortunately, birds are also among the animals that are used as food sources in certain regions of the world. Birds have specific conditions and criteria; according to certain narrations, the meat of some species is considered halal (permissible), while the meat of other species is deemed haram (forbidden). In this context, comprehensive and integrated research has not yet been conducted, leading to the question of what rights birds have and which types of these birds have halal meat and which types have haram meat. Answering this question is a matter that requires further investigation; the author of the actual research has sought to reach a convincing answer regarding this issue. This research aims to explore the rights of birds and to delineate the limits of halal and haram concerning birds according to Islamic jurisprudence. Considering the title of the research and the scope of the topic, the primary research method is the descriptive method, where information has been gathered from library sources, along with an attempt to apply relevant concepts.

Movement behavior of satellite-tagged leatherback turtles from Panama in response to chlorophyll, primary productivity, temperature, and eddy kinetic energy

Leatherback turtles Dermochelys coriacea are globally endangered. This study tracked 30 individuals from the North Atlantic population tagged on the Caribbean Panama rookery (San San Pond Sak protected area, Bocas del Toro) over a period of 3 yr. We used satellite telemetry to investigate the probability that turtles switched between migration and foraging behavioral states as a function of environmental variables. We mapped the extensive migratory routes of these turtles and analyzed these using data derived from remote sensing, including chlorophyll, productivity, and sea surface temperature (SST), to assess how these influence their migratory and foraging behaviors. We also considered oceanographic processes, i.e. mesoscale eddies coinciding with the turtles’ migration paths, to understand their behavioral responses. Our observations revealed that while some turtles undertook extensive migrations to high-use areas in the Northeast and Northwest Atlantic, the majority remained within the boundaries of the Gulf of Mexico. The study effectively differentiated migration and feeding behavior, noting a clear positive relationship between feeding activities and chlorophyll concentration, while productivity played only a marginal role, and no influence was found for SST and mesoscale eddies. This study advances knowledge of North Atlantic leatherback turtle migrations, underscoring the importance of integrated, multidisciplinary marine conservation efforts. Understanding the impact of climate warming on migration paths and food source availability necessitates a holistic approach encompassing changes in physical oceanography, nutrient dynamics, and interactions from plankton to higher trophic levels. Additionally, as leatherback turtles traverse various international territories, the research emphasizes the need for collaborative data collection for their effective protection.

STUDI POTENSI BIOMASSA HUTAN SAGU (Metroxylon Sp) DI DESA TULEHU KECAMATAN SALAHUTU KABUPATEN MALUKU TENGAH

Sago forests (Metroxylon sp) in Tulehu Village, Salahutu District, Central Maluku Regency are one of the staple food sources of the Maluku community that have been consumed for generations. Various parts of sago from leaf stalks to trunks have been widely studied. However, research related to sago biomass has not been done much. In this regard, this paper aims to determine the potential biomass and carbon reserves stored in sago forests in Tulehu Village for the purposes of handling climate change. The biomass and carbon content reserves to be determined are sago at the pole and tree levels. The method used was 3 survey routes with 30 measurement plots using purposive sampling, observation, then analysis and estimation of biomass and stored carbon reserves. The calculation results at the pole level of sago obtained a biomass of 27 tons/ha and stored carbon reserves of 14 tons/ha. At the tree level of sago, a biomass of 42 tons/ha and stored carbon reserves of 20 tons/ha were obtained.

Morphometric Analysis and Growth Patterns of Blood Cockle (Tegillarca granosa) in Langsa Mangrove Ecosystems, Indonesia

The mangrove area is a nutrient-rich zone that serves as a food source for various aquatic organisms and as a spawning and nursery ground for species such as fish, crabs, and clams. The aim of this study is to investigate the morphometrics and growth pattern of blood cockle (Tegillarca granosa) in the mangrove area of Langsa City. Data collection for T. granosa was conducted using purposive sampling at three designated research locations with varying environmental conditions. Transects were established from the shoreline towards the mangrove vegetation at each research location. Within each transect, 1 meter x 1 meter plots were established for T. granosa sampling. The blood cockles found at the research sites were measured for shell length, shell width, and total weight. The research collected 98 individuals of T. granosa at the study location, with morphological variations including length, width, total weight, and sex. The size of the blood cockles ranged from 3 cm to 6.76 cm, the shell width ranged from T. granosa 2.50 cm to 5.52 cm, while the total weight of T. granosa ranged from 12 grams to 122 grams. Based on morphometric analysis, the growth pattern of T. granosa in the mangrove area of Langsa City is characterized by b = 2.5085, falling into the negative allometric category. This growth pattern indicates that the length of T. granosa grows faster compared to its total weight. Location 1 (Lhok Banie) showed the best growth pattern for T. granosa, the least favorable growth was found at Location 3 (Kuala Langsa). In conclusion, the morphometrics of T. granosa at the study site showed significant variation in length, width, and total weight. Morphometric analysis indicates that T. granosa exhibits a negative allometric growth pattern.

Carbohydrate intakes, food sources and tracking in Australian young children.

Carbohydrate intake and key food sources of carbohydrates in early childhood are poorly understood. The present study described total carbohydrate intake and subtypes (i.e. starch, sugar), their primary food sources and their tracking among young Australian children. Data from children at ages 9 months (n 393), 18 months (n 284), 3·5 years (n 244) and 5 years (n 240) from the Melbourne InFANT Program were used. Three 24-hour recalls assessed dietary intakes. The 2007 AUSNUT Food Composition Database was used to calculate carbohydrates intake and food groups. Descriptive statistics summarised total carbohydrate and subtype intake and their main food sources. Tracking was examined using Pearson correlations of residualised scores between time points. Total carbohydrate, starch and sugar intakes (g/d) increased across early childhood. The percentage of energy from total carbohydrates (% E) remained stable overtime (48·4-50·5 %). From ages 9 months to 5 years, the %E from total sugar decreased from 29·4 % to 22·6 %, while the %E from starch increased from 16·7 % to 26·0 %. Sources of total carbohydrate intake changed from infant formula at 9 months to bread/cereals, fruits and milk/milk products at 18 months, 3·5 and 5 years. Across all time points, the primary sources of total sugar intake were fruit, milk/milk products and cakes/cookies, whereas main food groups for starch intake included bread/cereals, cakes/cookies and pasta. Weak to moderate tracking of total carbohydrates, total sugar and starch (g/d) was observed. These findings may have the potential to inform the refinement of carbohydrate intake recommendations and design of interventions to improve children's carbohydrate intake.

Assessing the economic and nutritional value of pollination services in Nepal

Pollination is a key ecosystem service crucial for supporting agricultural production, economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection. Understanding the economic value of pollination and its impact on human health and nutrition is essential for effective pollinator conservation and management. This study evaluates the economic and nutritional value of pollination services in Nepal and quantifies historic changes in pollinator reliance. Using public data on agricultural production and commodity prices, in combination with published nutritional composition values, we employ the dependency-ratio method to quantify economic and nutritional value across different regions of the country and through time. We conservatively estimate the annual economic value of pollination services in Nepal at US $477 million, representing 9% of total agricultural revenue. Pollinator-dependent crops, particularly fruits and vegetables are the source of essential nutrients; 40% of plant-based vitamin A and 14% of vitamin C are directly attributable to insect pollination. The cultivated area of these pollinator-dependent crops has increased by 91% in Nepal over 20 years – 3.7 times faster than equivalent increases in non-pollinator-dependent crops. The decline in wild pollinators during the same time period poses a threat, leading to potential pollination deficits and crop losses. Our study underscores the importance of conserving and managing pollinators to ensure sustainable agriculture, food security, and nutrition. Targeted efforts, including policy interventions and conservation strategies, are needed to safeguard pollinator populations and enhance pollination services.

The effect of leaf leachates addition on denitrification in subsurface flow constructed wetlands is shaped by the bed substrate type

In constructed wetlands (CWs), bed substrate and leaf leachates from vegetation may correct the low C/N ratio that constrains heterotrophic denitrification and nitrate removal from irrigated agricultural drainage water. However, the interactive effects of bed substrate type and leaf leachates on denitrification are still unknown. By focusing on a CWs pilot plant, we designed a laboratory experiment to evaluate i) wether denitrification potential rates varied among bed substrates: calcareous gravel (a conventional substrate), gravel+soil from a natural wetland (silty loam Solonchak, 1.5 % of organic C) and gravel+biochar from pyrolyzed ornamental plants (75 % of organic C); and ii) the response of denitrification within each bed substrate to the addition of their respective leaf leachates. We found that denitrification potential rates were lower in gravel beds (0.011 ± 0.006 μgN2O-N gDM−1 h−1) than those observed with the addition of biochar (0.06 ± 0.03) and especially soil (0.78 ± 0.04), with soil being the most advantageous option. Besides, leaf leachates addition boosted denitrification rates in all cases. Nevertheless, the effect of leachates was relatively higher in gravel beds than in the other substrates (15 times higher vs. 2 and 4 times with soil and biochar, respectively). Our outcomes highlight limited denitrification when using gravel substrate not only by low C but also due to essential macro- and micro-elements, and support the role of plant leaves as internal and self-sustainable source of nutrients.

Unlocking epigenetic breeding potential in tomato and potato

AbstractTomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and potato (Solanum tuberosum), two integral crops within the nightshade family, are crucial sources of nutrients and serve as staple foods worldwide. Molecular genetic studies have significantly advanced our understanding of their domestication, evolution, and the establishment of key agronomic traits. Recent studies have revealed that epigenetic modifications act as “molecular switches”, crucially regulating phenotypic variations essential for traits such as fruit ripening in tomatoes and tuberization in potatoes. This review summarizes the latest findings on the regulatory mechanisms of epigenetic modifications in these crops and discusses the integration of biotechnology and epigenomics to enhance breeding strategies. By highlighting the role of epigenetic control in augmenting crop yield and adaptation, we underscores its potential to address the challenges posed by a growing global population as well as changing climate.

Phytochemical and Nutritional Profile of Ficus Capensis Stem Collected from Agbani, Enugu, South East Nigeria

Ficus capensis commonly called bush fig tree belongs to the family Moraceae and have been used for different medicinal purposes. This study aimed at determining the Proximate, Phytochemical, Vitamin and Mineral Compositions of Ficus capensis stem. The analyses were done using standard biochemical methods. The results of Proximate composition showed that the stem contained moisture (21.94 ± 0.10 %), Crude Fat (2.45 ± 0.21 %), Crude protein (15.24 ± 0.05%), Crude Fiber (32.55 ± 0.06 %), Carbohydrate (18.79 ± 0.34 %) and Ash (9.04 ± 0.12 %). The Total energy value was 158 KCal/100g. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of Tannin (1.32 ± 0.01 mg/g), Alkaloid (0.55 ± 0.00 mg/g), Saponin (2.17 ± 0.00 mg/g), Glycoside (1.13 ± 0.00 mg/g), Terpenoids (0.10 ± 0.00 mg/g), Flavonoids (2.42 ± 0.02 mg/g), Steroids (0.54 ± 0.00 mg/) and Phenol (0.97 ± 0.00 mg/g). The result also revealed that the stem contained vitamins A (0.57 ± 0.02 mg/g), β-carotene (1.27 ± 0.02 mg/g), B1 (0.89 ± 0.02 mg/g), B2 (1.14 ± 0.01 mg/g), B3 (0.96 ± 0.01 mg/g), B6 (0.85 ± 0.01 mg/g) and B9 (1.28 ± 0.04 mg/g), C (0.81 ± 0.01 mg/g), D (0.26 ± 0.01 mg/g), E (0.85 ± 0.02 mg/g) and K (1.10 ± 0.02 mg/g). The Mineral composition include Calcium (34.01 mg/kg), Phosphorus (0.57 mg/kg), Chloride (2.56 mg/kg), Potassium (21.40 mg/kg), Sulphur (0.26 mg/kg), Iron (0.89 mg/kg), Manganese (0.07 mg/kg), Copper (0.28 mg/kg), Zinc (0.07 mg/kg), Cobalt (0.02 mg/kg) and Selenium (0.52 mg/kg). These results have shown that stem of Ficus capensis is a potential source of nutrients and bioactive compounds which are found useful in nutrition and therapy.

Exploring the synergy of enzymes, nutrients, and gene networks in rice starch granule biogenesis.

Rice is a primary food source almost for more than 50% of the total world's population. Glycemic index (GI) is high in most of the rice varieties, limiting their consumption by diabetic and obese people. As a result, developing new rice varieties with low GI necessitates a thorough understanding of starch biogenesis gene expression and its interrelationship. A total 200 rice genotypes were analyzed for total starch content (TSC), amylopectin content (APC), and amylose content (AC). The clustering of these rice genotypes was done based on their AC. Further, these genotypes were categorized into three groups up to 10% amylose-low, 10-26% amylose-medium, and more than 26% amylose-high. Among them, six genotypes 1 from low AC (NJ-72), 2 from medium AC (UPRI-2003-18, PRR-126), and 3 from high AC (RNRM-7, Urvashi and Ananga) were selected. The genotypes selected from the medium and high AC groups were having 2% amylose variation among themselves respectively and they were further used to study the level of RS, protein content (PC), fatty acid (FA) profiles, and granule morphology along with low group sample. Resistant starch (RS) content ranged from 0.33-2.75%, and fatty acid profiling revealed high levels of palmitic, linoleic, and oleic acids. The degree of crystallinity and APC% were found to be positively correlated. Ananga, the genotype with the highest RS, displayed compact starch granules. Further, NJ-72 showing low RS and Ananga with high RS were selected for investigation of enzymatic activities of starch biosynthesis, metabolites accumulation, and expressions of 20 starch biogenesis genes in developing endosperm. Starch branching enzymes (SBE) and starch synthase (SS) activities peaked at 13 days after anthesis (DAA), while starch debranching enzymes (DBE) were most active at 18 DAA. In Ananga, TSC, AC, APC, and RS levels progressively increased from 3 to 23 DAA. Ananga showed 1.25-fold upregulation of granule-bound starch synthase I (GBSSI) at 18DAA. Higher expressions of SSI and SBEIIb were observed in NJ-72 at 13DAA. PUL2 was predominantly expressed followed by ISA1. GBSSI was positively correlated with both AC and RS while SS, SBE, and DBE were positively related to APC. This research could lead to the development of rice varieties with improved nutritional qualities, such as higher RS content, which is beneficial for human health due to its role in lowering glycemic response and promoting gut health. Additionally, the study provides insights into how the modulation of key genes and enzymes can affect starch composition, offering strategies to breed rice varieties tailored for specific dietary needs or industrial applications.

Effect of Litsea cubeba and Cinnamon Essential Oil Nanoemulsion Coatings on the Preservation of Plant-Based Meat Analogs.

Plant-based meat analogs (PBMAs) are promising sustainable food sources. However, their high moisture and protein contents make them prone to microbial deterioration, limiting their shelf life and sensory appeal. This study explored enhancing PBMAs' shelf life using nanoemulsions of Litsea cubeba and cinnamon essential oils, emulsified with chitosan and Tween 80. The composite nanoemulsion, produced through high-pressure homogenization, exhibited a droplet size of 4.99 ± 0.03 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.221 ± 0.008, and a zeta potential of 95.13 ± 2.67 mV, indicating remarkable stability (p < 0.05). Applied to PBMAs stored at 4 °C, it significantly improved color and pH balance and reduced thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and cooking loss. Most notably, it inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, curbing spoilage and protein oxidation, thereby extending the products' shelf life and preserving sensory quality. As shown above, the encapsulation of LCEO/CEO in nanoemulsions effectively inhibits spoilage and deterioration in PBMAs, improving flavor and quality more than direct addition. Future studies should explore using various essential oils and emulsifiers, as well as alternative encapsulation techniques like microcapsules and nanoparticles, to further prevent PBMA deterioration.

Investigation of The Effects of Extraction Polarity Change on the Bioactivity of Eruca Vesicaria

Eruca vesicaria (arugula) plant is frequently used today as a daily food source that contains a rich variety of minerals and vitamins, especially vitamin C. It also contains a high percentage of phenolic compounds which are structures that plants develop to protect themselves from harmful organisms. Phenolic compounds found in plants are obtained by different extraction methods and have a high antioxidant effect. In this study, we report, anticancer activity extract from Eruca vesicaria against human prostate cancer cells (PC-3) in vitro. The phenolic substances contained in the plant were obtained in different concentrations by the extraction technique based on the polarity difference. HPLC and total phenol content were determined to perform extraction content analysis. According to in vitro MTT cell proliferation assay, it acted at high concentrations, regardless of polarity differences. The highest cytotoxic effect was observed in extract extracted with 50% ethanol concentration. It has been observed that it has an anticancer effect compared to the determination of total phenol content. Also, as a result of 24-hour MIC analysis, it shows antibacterial properties according to agent concentration. As a result of this study, it adds many new information to the literature, but also provides guidance for future research.

The loss of rural vital places: A case study using the social determinants of health framework

Healthy food sources, recreational facilities, and social spaces serve as vital places for supporting health. Less is known about what happens when vital places are lost, especially in rural contexts that have experienced disinvestment and population decline. In this paper we use a case study of a small rural community in Pennsylvania that lost a substantial share of its vital places over a short period of time to explore the experiences of local residents. Using qualitative interviews with 26 local residents we show that the loss of vital places, which are part of the neighborhood and built environment, intersected with other social determinants of health with potential consequences for health and well-being. This was often because vital places were essential (i.e., few or no alternatives existed) and multifunctional (i.e., supporting health through multiple behavioral and social mechanisms). Examining experiences of local residents following the loss of vital places through a social determinants of health lens helps to identify consequences and inform adaptation strategies. We also use the findings to refine the vital places framework for rural contexts.

FMORT: The Meta-Heuristic routing method by integrating index parameters to optimize energy consumption and real execution time using FANET

Decreasing energy consumption in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) while simultaneously enhancing their reliability and processing capabilities is considered a fundamental challenge. The routing mechanisms employed in Flying Ad Hoc Networks (FANETs) are more complex compared to those in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) and Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs), a challenge addressed by the FMORT method. To tackle these complex routing challenges, clustering techniques that utilize hybrid Meta-heuristic algorithms can be applied. Data analysis within the FMORT framework identified factors influencing service integration, leading to a reduction in redundant request transmissions and overall redundancy in the proposed method. The identification of food sources in the hybrid Meta-heuristic algorithm of the FMORT method is achieved through the integration of the Sparrow and Dragonfly algorithms. These algorithms work simultaneously to increase energy efficiency and increase network lifetime. This strategy optimizes information exchange by selecting an intelligent threshold detector and categorizing inputs, thereby minimizing node mobility. As a result, it improves performance metrics and decreases delivery costs, energy consumption, and delays. In the proposed method, a balanced performance is achieved by comparing existing methods in terms of transmission delay, Packet Delivery Ratio( PDR), throughput, and energy consumption. Simulation results show that the FMORT approach provides effective and stable outcomes in terms of reliability, decreased delays, and improved packet delivery rates. The FMORT framework includes principles for neighbor selection, determining suitable cluster heads, and scoring based on the average Euclidean distance. Additionally, it manages topology access, ensures proper distribution, guarantees data connectivity, and accurately categorizes inputs. By optimizing the sensitivity rate, this method minimizes the average delays and meekly values input data through effective load balancing. Key parameters considered for real time optimization of overall performance include the number of cluster heads during re-clustering, the ratio of request-to-acknowledgment packet transmission, node, and network lifetime, end-to-end delay, and energy consumption. Ultimately, the simulation results show that compared to the MWCRSF algorithm, the average optimization of index parameters,% 0.73 decrease in energy consumption,% 2.23 network lifetime, 1.35 re-cluster construction time and also% 0.11 re-cluster lifetime has increased.

NOVA FOOD ACQUISITION AND CONSUMPTION AMONG RURAL AND URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN SOUTH AFRICA AND GHANA.

This study aims to determine differences in food consumption by the NOVA food categories in South Africa and Ghana and how they relate to poverty and food supply systems. This study used a cross-sectional design to assess household food acquisition and lived poverty index. The study was conducted in Khayelitsha and Mount Frere, urban and rural communities in South Africa, respectively, and Ahodwo and Ejuratia, urban and rural communities in Ghana, respectively. An adult in charge of or knowledgeable about household food acquisition and consumption was selected to participate in the study. A total of 1299 households participated in the study. Supermarkets were a prominent source of ultra-processed foods for households in South Africa, while informal outlets were an important source of ultra-processed foods in Ghana. Consumption of unprocessed foods was higher among South African households (58.2%) than Ghanaian households (41.8%). In South Africa, deprivation was associated with increased odds of infrequent consumption of both unprocessed foods (OR 3.431 p<0.001) and ultra-processed foods (OR 2.656 p<0.001) compared to non-deprivation. In Ghana, no significant associations were observed between household deprivation and consumption of the NOVA food classes. Different food supply systems and poverty are associated with household acquisition of the different NOVA food classes. Policies should be geared towards formal shops in South Africa and informal shops in Ghana to reduce the consumption of key obesogenic foods.

Sinapinic acid as a potential therapeutic agent for epilepsy through targeting NMDA receptors and nitrite level

Epilepsy, a widespread neural ailment considered by prolonged neuronal depolarization and repetitive discharge, has been linked to extreme stimulus of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). Despite the availability of approved anti-seizure medications (ASMs) in many developed nations, approximately 30% of epilepsy patients continue to experience drug-resistant seizures. Thus, a growing interest in discovering natural compounds as potential sources for new medications is growing. Sinapinic acid, a natural derivative of cinnamic acid found in food sources, is known for its neuroprotective properties. This study investigated how sinapinic acid interacts with NMDA receptors and its potential role in providing anticonvulsant effects. Male mice were randomly allocated into nine groups: a control group receiving normal saline (1 ml/kg), groups treated with sinapinic acid at doses of 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg, a group treated with diazepam at 10 mg/kg, a group treated with an NMDA agonist at 75 mg/kg, a group treated with an NMDA antagonist at 0.5 mg/kg, a group receiving the ineffective dose of sinapinic acid (1 mg/kg) along with the NMDA antagonist, and a group receiving the effective dose of sinapinic acid (10 mg/kg) along with the NMDA agonist. Sinapinic acid and other treatments were administered intraperitoneally 30 min prior to inducing seizures with PTZ injection. Seizure onset time was recorded following PTZ injection. Blood and brain samples were collected after anesthesia to determine serum and brain nitrite levels. Real-time PCR assessed NMDAR gene expression in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Data were analyzed using Prism software. The time seizures began was notably extended in groups treated with sinapinic acid at doses of 3 and 10 mg/kg compared to those treated with saline (P < 0.05). Additionally, in the receiving group of an ineffective dose of sinapinic acid alongside ketamine, the beginning of seizure time was significantly prolonged compared to the group that received the ineffective dose of sinapinic acid alone (P < 0.05). Serum and prefrontal cortex (PFC) nitrite levels were significantly lower in mice treated with sinapinic acid at doses of 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg compared to the saline-treated group (P < 0.05). The gene expression of the NMDAR NR2B subunit in the PFC was decreased in groups treated with sinapinic acid at 1 and 10 mg/kg compared to the saline-treated group. Furthermore, co-administration of sinapinic acid (10 mg/kg) with NMDA resulted in significantly lower NR2A gene expression than the group treated with 10 mg/kg of sinapinic acid alone. Conversely, co-administration of ketamine with sinapinic acid (1 mg/kg) significantly increased NR2B subunit gene expression compared to the group treated with sinapinic acid at 1 mg/kg alone. Sinapinic acid showed anticonvulsant effects through reduced serum and PFC nitrite and modulation of glutamatergic signaling.

Near-atomic structures of RHDV reveal insights into capsid assembly and different conformations between mature virion and VLP.

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) poses a significant threat to rabbits, causing substantial economic losses in rabbit farming. The virus also endangers wild populations of rabbit species and the predatory animals that rely on rabbits as a food source, thereby disturbing the ecological balance. However, the structural understanding of RHDV has been limited due to the lack of high-resolution structures. Here, we present the first high-resolution cryo-EM structures of the mature virion and virus-like particles (VLPs) derived from both full-length and N-terminal arm (NTA)-truncated VP60. These structures reveal intricate structural details of the icosahedral capsid and crucial NTA-mediated interactions essential for capsid assembly. In addition, dramatic conformational differences are unexpectedly observed between the mature virion and VLP. The protruding spikes of the A-B dimers adopt a "raised" state in the mature virion and a "resting" state in the VLP. These findings enhance our understanding of the structure, assembly, and conformational dynamics of the RHDV capsid, laying the essential groundwork for further virological research and therapeutic advancements.IMPORTANCERHDV is a pathogen with significant economic and ecological impact. By presenting the first high-resolution cryo-EM structures of RHDV, we have uncovered detailed interactions among neighboring VP60 subunits of the icosahedral capsid. The NTA of VP60 is uniquely clustered around the threefold axis of the capsid, probably play a critical role in dragging the six VP60 dimers around the threefold axis during capsid assembly. Additionally, we observed dramatic conformational differences between the mature virion and VLPs. VLPs are commonly used for vaccine development, under the assumption that their structure closely resembles that of the mature virion. Our findings significantly advance the understanding of the RHDV capsid structure, which may be used for developing potential therapeutic strategies against RHDV.

Food Sovereignty and Food Rights

What is food sovereignty? What is food rights? In the recent past I have had the privilege to attend two amazing events here in Nairobi. One, the graduation of the third cohort of African Food Fellows started by scholars at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, and the other at the World Agroforestry Centre's Gigiri campus in Nairobi as African Plant Breeding Academy Fellows graduated the third cohort. My one common observation is that we have amazing programs elevating brilliant young Africans to a level where they can confidently address issues of hunger, malnutrition and poverty. African food fellows are made to provide leadership in this sector and only do so once they have been equipped with the appropriate tools and knowledge. The plant breeders are equipped with new skills in breeding that enable them to expand their performance and work. In both situations and I am sure in many more, governance and policies still come out as real concerns. In all this I see young people who are passionate about making a difference in their countries and on the continent, about impacting the ground and wanting to ensure food rights for the vulnerable amongst us. These young people will understand that food sovereignty means us valuing and protecting our food culture and food sources, and providing for the vulnerable: elderly, the disabled, and the income-less. The young people need to be passionate about food rights and hopefully will be in decision making positions where they ensure that nobody ever goes to bed hungry. They will do so because unlike now, they will understand the issues. What we need now is help for more capacity building programs.