Source Of Sugars Research Articles

Does Pictorial and Textual Health Warning Labels on Sugar-sweetened Beverages Effect Consumer Consumption: An Exploratory, Cross-sectional Study

Background: Sugar is considered to be the arch criminal of dental caries, and sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) are a common source of dietary sugar. It is an established fact that tobacco warning labels efficiently inform customers about the harmful effects of tobacco and enable individuals to reduce consumption. Lessons learnt from tobacco warning labels can be applied to developing and implementing warning labels for SSBs. Aim: To develop pictorial and textual health warning labels for SSBs and assess effectiveness among the study population regarding oral health risks and their readiness to change their consumption pattern. Methodology: An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 patients visiting a Public Dental Hospital in New Delhi. Pictorial and textual warnings for SSBs were developed and assessed for the comprehension and credibility, persuasiveness, and impact of the warning labels by a specially designed questionnaire. Results: More than 80% of the study population found both the warning labels to be easy to understand, believable, and truthful. Pictorial warning labels had very high impact that 96% of the study population was ready to reduce their consumption and more appreciably 29% of the respondents were ready to quit SSB consumption. Similarly, 95% of the study population were ready to reduce their consumption on seeing the textual warning labels (P = 0.12) with 27.5% reporting to completely give up the consumption. Conclusion: Textual and pictorial warnings have desired deterrent impact on the SSB consumers who tend to consume SSBs habitually. It can help us in achieving the sustainable development goals.

Nutritional value of gluten-free products using the front-of-pack labeling nutri-score.

Nutri-score is a useful and comprehensible system of extended nutrition labeling of food, which is intended to provide the consumer with simple guidance in choosing food products, taking into account the consumer's healthy diet. In several countries, in addition to the mandatory nutritional value of food indicated on the product packaging, the use of the so-called food traffic lights, which, based on a simple graphic display, make it easier for consumers to concentrate on choosing healthier food options. The aim of the work was to evaluate the nutritional composition of gluten-free food products based on the nutritional data indicated on the packaging of these products in order to find out how useful the use of Front-of-Pack labeling (FOPL) Nutri-score will be in distinguishing the nutritional value of products. We analyzed 206 randomly selected gluten-free food products obtained from commercial retail chains (semi-finished products, other bakery products, biscuits, flour mixtures, porridges, pasta, muesli, snacks, confectionery, etc.) intended for celiacs. Based on the obtained data, we evaluated the composition of the products using a modified algorithm for calculating the Nutri-score. We found that gluten-free products are a very rich source of energy, especially fats, carbohydrates and sugars, while the proportion of fiber and protein is very low. More than one third of the products had a nutritional score of category A or B, which are healthier variants, but over 40% of the analyzed products already fell into categories D or E. We found the lowest average energy value in the case of products classified in category B, the lowest average fat content and saturated fatty acids were found in products labeled A, the highest sugar content was found in products labeled D and E, the highest average protein content in products labeled A. The highest average salt content was found in products labeled C, fiber in products labeled B and A. Nutritional profiling can significantly contribute to several health-beneficial decisions, especially when choosing and buying healthier food options, including gluten-free foods.

New approaches for Plum (Prunus domestica L.) production in tepid climate of Kashmir valley of Jammu & Kashmir: A Review

European plum (Prunus domestica L.) is one of the most important temperate fruit crops. Its origin is unclear as wild forms are missing. The genetic base which can be used for breeding is highly diverse and provides a good base for further improvement of the fruit crop. Information on the inheritance of single traits is rarely available. Breeding focuses on resistance and fruit quality. Classical breeding is the most important method applied. Very few data is available on the genome sequence. No marker assisted selection systems are available. Genetic engineering is limited to the transformation of embryonic tissue derived from seeds. Prunus domestica is the only Prunus species where genotypes completely resistant to the Plum pox virus exist. Plums are by far the most diverse of all the Prunus species and could be the most diverse of all deciduous fruit crop species. The fruit constitutes an important source of minerals, vitamins, sugars, and organic acid in addition to protein, fat, and carbohydrate. Native species of plums exist in nearly every temperate zone in the world where there is sufficient chilling to break dormancy. With diverse genetic material, plums are the ideal species to play a central role as a fresh fruit for local or regional markets. Adapted cultivars have wider adaptability and can be found or bred for in any temperate region of the world. The results agree with P. domestica having originated as an interspecific hybrid of a diploid P. cerasifera and a tetraploid P. spinosa that itself may have been an interspecific hybrid of P. cerasifera and an unknown Eurasian plum species. The low genetic diversity and lack of true wild-types coupled with the known cultivation history of Eurasian plums imply that P. domestica may have been a product of inter-specific cross breeding and artificial selection by early agrarian Eurasian societies.

Honeydew associated with four common crop aphid species increases longevity of the parasitoid wasp, Bracon cephi (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Abstract The absence of sugar resources can be an important factor in limiting the success of parasitoids as biological control agents. Restoring vegetation complexity within agricultural landscapes has thus become a major focus of conservation biological control efforts, with a traditional emphasis on nectar resources. Aphid honeydew is also an important source of sugars that is infrequently considered. We carried out a laboratory experiment to examine the potential effects of honeydew from six different aphid species by crop species combinations on the longevity of Bracon cephi Gahan (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), the most important biological control of the wheat stem sawfly, Cephus cinctus Norton (Hymenoptera: Cephidae), a major pest of wheat in the northern Great Plains of North America. The benefits of honeydew for parasitoid longevity varied significantly among different aphid and crop species, illustrating the complexity of these interactions. However, honeydew produced by four aphid species commonly found in wheat, pea, and canola crops significantly increased the longevity (by two- to threefold) of the parasitoid. The study suggests that honeydew provisioning could be an important mechanism underlying the benefits of crop diversification to support biological control that merits further research.

Towards a prebiotic chemoton - nucleotide precursor synthesis driven by the autocatalytic formose reaction.

The formose reaction is often cited as a prebiotic source of sugars and remains one of the most plausible forms of autocatalysis on the early Earth. Herein, we investigated how cyanamide and 2-aminooxazole, molecules proposed to be present on early Earth and precursors for nonenzymatic ribonucleotide synthesis, mediate the formose reaction using HPLC, LC-MS and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Cyanamide was shown to delay the exponential phase of the formose reaction by reacting with formose sugars to form 2-aminooxazole and 2-aminooxazolines thereby diverting some of these sugars from the autocatalytic cycle, which nonetheless remains intact. Masses for tetrose and pentose aminooxazolines, precursors for nucleotide synthesis including TNA and RNA, were also observed. The results of this work in the context of the chemoton model are further discussed. Additionally, we highlight other prebiotically plausible molecules that could have mediated the formose reaction and alternative prebiotic autocatalytic systems.

Use of copper-functionalized cotton waste in combined chemical and biological processes for production of valuable chemical compounds.

Cotton textiles modified with copper compounds have a documented mechanism of antimicrobial action against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was pronounced interest in finding new solutions for textile engineering, using modifiers and bioactive methods of functionalization, including introducing copper nanoparticles and complexes into textile products (e.g. masks, special clothing, surface coverings, or tents). However, copper can be toxic, depending on its form and concentration. Functionalized waste may present a risk to the environment if not managed correctly. Here, we present a model for managing copper-modified cotton textile waste. The process includes pressure and temperature-assisted hydrolysis and use of the hydrolysates as a source of sugars for cultivating yeast and lactic acid bacteria biomass as valuable chemical compounds.

Utilization of Rice Straw into Bioethanol through Biological Pathways

The increasing burning of fossil fuels and changes in land use and forestry increase the CO2 in the earth's atmosphere. This condition increases the earth's global temperature, thus causing climate change. In addition, the volume of rice straw waste is very abundant, and the most popular treatment is burning in rice fields. This process also contributes to air pollution and an increase in CO2 gas. Meanwhile, straw is lignocellulosic biomass containing cellulose and hemicellulose as a source of sugar to be converted into bioethanol. Lignocellulosic biomass conversion consists of three main stages, pretreatment, hydrolysis, and fermentation. The process of converting rice straw into bioethanol has been developed. However, the current obstacle is that the conversion process requires high energy, produces chemical waste, and is not environmentally friendly. A biological approach is preferred so that the rice straw conversion process becomes more sustainable. This paper reviews the pretreatment, hydrolysis, and fermentation processes in biologically converting rice straw into bioethanol. Thus it is expected to be able to respond to existing challenges through a biological and more environmentally friendly approach.

Assimilation of arabinogalactan side chains with novel 3-O-β-L-arabinopyranosyl-α-L-arabinofuranosidase in Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum.

Aim: Dietary plant fibers affect gut microbiota composition; however, the underlying microbial degradation pathways are not fully understood. We previously discovered 3-O-α-D-galactosyl-α-L-arabinofuranosidase (GAfase), a glycoside hydrolase family 39 enzyme involved in the assimilation of side chains of arabinogalactan protein (AGP), from Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum (B. longum) JCM7052. Although GAfase homologs are not highly prevalent in the Bifidobacterium genus, several Bifidobacterium strains possess the homologs. To explore the differences in substrate specificity among the homologs, a homolog of B. longum GAfase in Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum MCC10289 (MCC10289_0425) was characterized. Methods: Gum arabic, larch, wheat AGP, and sugar beet arabinan were used to determine the substrate specificity of the MCC10289_0425 protein. An amino acid replacement was introduced into GAfase to identify a critical residue that governs the differentiation of substrate specificity. The growth of several Bifidobacterium strains on β-L-arabinopyranosyl disaccharide and larch AGP was examined. Results: MCC10289_0425 was identified to be an unprecedented 3-O-β-L-arabinopyranosyl-α-L-arabinofuranosidase (AAfase) with low GAfase activity. A single amino acid replacement (Asn119 to Tyr) at the catalytic site converted GAfase into AAfase. AAfase releases sugar source from AGP, thereby allowing B. pseudocatenulatum growth. Conclusion: Bifidobacteria have evolved several homologous enzymes with overlapping but distinct substrate specificities depending on the species. They have acquired different fitness abilities to respond to diverse plant polysaccharide structures.

Physicochemical and Sensory Parameters of Vegan Water Kefir Beverages Fermented with Different Fruits

Fermented foods have drawn the attention of the consumers due to their health advantages particularly after Covid-19 pandemic. Water kefir is one of these fermented foods which is produced by fermenting water-based solution containing sugar source, fruits and/or vegetables with water kefir grains. It is a slightly fizzy and sour beverage with low sugar fruity taste satisfying the needs of consumers who are vegan or having lactose intolerance/sensitivity. Although there are many fruit/vegetable alternatives that can be used in water kefir, figs are stated to be the most used and popularity is not understood fully. Therefore, in this study water kefir was produced with different fruits, namely fig, apricot, peach, mulberry and grapes and the effects on physicochemical properties during fermentation of 3 days were studied. Sensory analysis of beverages made with both dried and fresh peach, apricot and grapes was carried out to see the impact of the use of dried form. pH decreased for all samples and brix increased for all beverages except the one prepared with dried mulberry. L* value increased, b* value decreased for all samples and a* value decreased for the samples with dried figs, dried peach, dried grapes and fresh peach, increased for the one fermented with fresh grapes and remained same for the other beverages. Water kefir drinks made with fresh grapes, dried peach and dried apricot had the top three scores for color; samples with fresh grapes, dried peach and fresh apricot had the top three scores for smell; beverages with dried grapes, fresh grapes and fresh apricot had the top three scores for mouthfeel; samples with fresh and dried grapes and fresh apricot had the top three scores for taste; kefirs with fresh and dried grapes and fresh apricot had the top three scores for carbonation and water kefirs prepared with fresh fruits had the highest rankings for preference.

Characterization of arsenic-resistant endophytic Priestia megaterium R2.5.2 isolated from ferns in an arsenic-contaminated multi-metal mine in Vietnam

Bioremediation is a biological process to remove or neutralize environmental pollutants. This study was carried out to investing at the efficacy of arsenic resistant endophytic bacteria isolated from Pteris vittata, Pityrogramma calomelanos, Blenchum orientale, and Nephrolepis exaltata, which grow in a highly arsenic (As) contamination mining site in Vietnam. Their segmented roots, stems, and leaves were homogenized separately and inoculated on LB agar plates containing 5mM As(III) and As(V). A total of 31 arsenic resistant endophytic strains were selected, in which strain R2.5.2 isolated from the root of P. calomelanos had the highest arsenic resistant capability. Strain R2.5.2 tolerated up to 320 mM and 160 mM of arsenate and arsenite, respectively. The strain developed well on a media of 0.1 5% NaCl, at 20-40ºC and pH 5 9, and actively utilized most of the sugar sources. It had a high IAA biosynthesis capacity with an average concentration of 19.14 mg/L, tolerated to 0.5-16 mM concentration of Ag+, Hg2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Cr4+, and reduced As(V). Based on 16s rDNA, R2.5.2 was identified as Priestia megaterium. The ars C gene coding for arsenate reductase catalyzing reduction of As(V) was successfully amplified in P. megaterium R2.5.2. The selected strain may have potential use for bioremediation practice.

Lactose Mother Liquor Stream Valorisation Using an Effective Electrodialytic Process.

The integrated electrodialysis (ED) process supports valorisation of a lactose-rich side stream from the dairy industry, creating an important source of milk sugar used in various branches of the industry. This work focuses on the optimization of the downstream processes before the crystallization of lactose. The process line includes a pre-treatment and desalination by ED of the industrial waste solution of the lactose mother liquor (LML). The LML was diluted to 25% total solids to overcome hydraulic issues with the ED desalination process. Two different levels of electrical conductivity reduction (70% and 90%) of the LML solutions were applied to decrease the mineral components and organic acids of the LML samples. The ED performance parameters such as ash transfer rate (J), the specific capacity (CF) of the ED and specific electric energy consumption (E) were determined and the influence of the LML solution on the monopolar ion-exchange membranes has been investigated. A higher degree of desalination is associated with higher electric energy consumption (by 50%) and lower specific capacity (by 40%). A noticeable decrease (by 12.8%) in the resistance of the anion exchange membranes was measured after the trials whereas the resistance of the cation exchange membranes remained practically unchanged. Any deposition of the alkaline earth metals on the membrane surface was not observed.

Effect of Fermentation Period on Alcohol Content, pH, TSS and Titrable Acidity during Microbial Processing of Coconut Water for the Development of Coconut Wine

Background: Saccharomyces cerevisiae is one of the important yeast found to be superior in the fermentation technology. Methods: The present study was undertaken to study the periodical changes in TSS, pH, acidity and alcohol content during the fermentation process of wine preparation from coconut water. With different TSS levels (7, 9, 11 and 13°Brix) adjusted with sugar and 9°Brix was the optimized sugar level. Result: TSS in wine was constantly reduced until fermentation was complete. Though the TSS reduced significantly during the first stage of fermentation, it continued to decline at a considerably slower rate until the fermentation was complete. It was observed that the TSS level does not affect the pH of coconut wine, but pH decreased with the increase in fermentation period because of increase in titrable acidity and alcohol. It was also noticed that the titratable acidity was found least at 6th day and maximum at 12th day, titratable acidity increased as fermentation progressed which was consistent with the fall in pH. The higher the TSS levels yields high titratable acidity during fermentation. Immediately after inoculation, the yeast count rises sharply on the first day of fermentation. It then tends to rise drastically till the third day, after which the yeast count is found to have declined until the end of fermentation. The coconut wine was prepared from coconut water added with sucrose as a source of sugar. Saccharomyces cerevisiae (MTCC 171) was used as reference strain and yeast isolate BRYI-1 produced the best results of alcohol content and sensory characteristics when compared to reference yeast strain.

Florida Crop/Pest Profile: Sugarcane

Sugarcane (Saccharum interspecific hybrids) is the main source of sugar in the world. It is grown in more than 90 countries in tropical and subtropical regions. Cultivation techniques and production challenges vary by location. This document discusses character- istics of the sugarcane crop and pests affecting its production in Florida, which is the largest producer of sugarcane in the United States

Factors that influence the enzymatic hydrolysis of agricultural wastes for ethanol production: a review

Lignocellulosic biomass, such as agricultural and forestry residues, can be reused and serve as sources of sugars for the production of second-generation ethanol (2G) and other bioproducts. However, these wastes are composed by molecules of difficult degradation, which require steps of pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis for their bioconversion into fermentable sugars. At the same time, chemical substances with a potential inhibitory effect on the microbial metabolism can also be produced after the pretreatments and hinder the overall yield of the hydrolytic process. For an efficient and low-cost hydrolysis, homemade enzymes produced from agroindustrial residues, such as sugarcane bagasse, can be employed. However, a set of parameters might be adjusted, such as: kind of pretreatment, enzyme load, solids load, hydrolysis time and use of additives, to improve the yields in free sugars using these onsite enzymatic preparations. In this sense, studies involving the optimization of the conditions of pretreatment and saccharification are essential to increase the bioconversion rate of lignocellulose. These strategies are important for the production of value-added products from these wastes and, consequently, offer a correct and profitable destination to them. Hence, this study presents a review of the main features that influence the enzymatic hydrolysis of agricultural wastes and the yield in reducing sugars for ethanol production.

A critical review on the assessment of the quality and authenticity of Tequila by different analytical techniques: Recent advances and perspectives

Currently, the authenticity and traceability of Tequila are determined in an inspection process carried out by the Tequila Regulatory Council. However, in recent years, the authorities have seized illegal alcoholic products that are marketed as Tequila without being so, making it necessary to strengthen the current methods of detecting counterfeiting and/or adulteration. Therefore, it is important to establish a review of the current analytical techniques that have been proposed to solve this problem. In this review, emphasis is placed on the analysis of the analytical techniques that have been used to consolidate a profile of authenticity and quality in Tequila, thus highlighting new auxiliary analytical techniques to the current verification process, establishing future validation opportunities in terms of international quality control. The use of isotopic ratios stands out as the most robust technique because it establishes the type of sugar source used and the maturation time of the manufacturing process.

Batch growth studies of industrially important fungal strains under pure sugar treatment

The genus Trichoderma, Aspergillus and Neurospora are the most important filamentous fungal genera widely used in the fermentation industry. In fungal system, it is very difficult to measure the growth due to their filamentous and non homogeneous nature. In the present comparative studies, we are trying to measure the growth rate of fungal system by investigating cell biomass in terms of cell dry weight (g/L). Batch experiments were executed with dextrose, xylose, maltose, sucrose and lactose based medium respectively at 300C and 180 rpm. All of the strains are intensely involved in liquid waste management through biosorption and biodegradation process as well. Ultimately, these organisms have a high industrial and environmental interest, hence it is necessary to study the growth rate and pattern of these organisms under varying sugar sources for their extensively industrial uses.

Potential of cellulolytic fungi isolated from the intestine of Asiatic rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros)

Cellulose is a potential source of fermentable sugars and a promising cost-effective source for biofuel production. This study aimed to obtain potential cellulolytic fungi from the intestine of Asiatic rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros L.). The cellulolytic fungi were isolated using Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) media using spread plate method. Qualitative and quantitative screening tests were carried out using 1% of CMC (w/v) as a sole carbon source. Twelve isolates were recovered with varying cellulolytic capabilities. The highest cellulolytic activity was obtained from KOr-15J with an index of 1.93 while KOr-23J produced the lowest cellulolytic index (1.01) based on the qualitative screening. The highest cellulase activity assayed using DNS (3,5-Dinitrosalicylic acid) method revealed KOr-21J with an activity of 0.018 U/mL while three isolates (KOr-16J, KOr-19J and KOr-22J) produced the lowest activity (0.003 U/mL). This study provides multiple verifications of the potential ability of cellulolytic fungi and their cellulase activity in the intestine of Asiatic rhinoceros beetle.

Natural sugar feeding rates of Anopheles mosquitoes collected by different methods in western Kenya

Attractive targeted sugar baits (ATSBs) are a potential vector control tool that exploits the sugar-feeding behaviour of mosquitoes. We evaluated the sugar-feeding behaviour of Anopheles mosquitoes as part of baseline studies for cluster randomised controlled trials of ATSBs. Mosquitoes were collected indoors and outdoors from two villages in western Kenya using prokopack aspirations, malaise tent traps and ultraviolet (UV) light traps. Individual mosquitoes were subjected to the cold anthrone test to assess the presence of sugar. Overall, 15.7% of collected mosquitoes had fed on natural sugar sources. By species and sex, the proportion sugar-fed was 41.3% and 27.7% in male and female Anopheles funestus, 27.2% and 12.8% in male and female An. arabiensis, and 9.7% and 8.3% in male and female An. coustani, respectively. Sugar-feeding was higher in unfed than blood-fed mosquitoes and higher in male than gravid mosquitoes. Anopheles mosquitoes obtained sugar meals from natural sources during all physiological stages, whether they rest indoors or outdoors. These findings offer a potential avenue to exploit for the control of mosquitoes, particularly with the advent of ATSBs, which have been shown to reduce mosquito densities in other regions.

Process modelling and environmental assessment on the valorization of lignocellulosic waste to antimicrobials

The Sustainable Development Goals defined by the United Nations established a roadmap on the way to a sustainable society based on a circular economy in which the residual fractions of process streams emerge as raw materials for the provision of material goods and services. In this context, the approach of biorefineries as the technological scheme for processing integrally renewable resources stands out. Among the different target products, "bioactive" compounds have aroused great interest given their high added value. This work evaluates the environmental profile associated with the valorization of residual lignocellulosic waste streams: olive pruning and eucalyptus residues for the biotechnological production of nisin, an antimicrobial compound produced by Lactoccocus lactis with application in the food preservation and biomedical sectors. Process modelling in combination with Life Cycle Analysis allowed addressing the conceptual design and the environmental assessment of a full-scale production process. As a main conclusion, the technological feasibility of the valorization of waste fractions as sources of fermentable sugars in the biotechnological process has been demonstrated. Moreover, the integral use of the raw materials can allow not only the production of nisin as an economic driver, but also of other biotechnological products such as lactic acid and energy for the self-supply of the process. The main novelty of this manuscript is based on rethinking the valorization of lignocellulosic waste beyond energy recovery to obtain bioproducts with high added value in the market with applicability in the food sector. Although energy recovery is the most widely implemented end-of-life option, the use of lignocellulosic waste as fermentable sugars has been shown to improve sustainability and circularity outcomes.

The Effect of Different Growth Stages of Black Chokeberry Fruits on Phytonutrients, Anti-Lipase Activity, and Antioxidant Capacity.

The present study investigated the nutrients, biologically-active compounds, as well as antioxidant and anti-lipase activities of chokeberry fruits across four different stages of development, from the unripe green to mature black forms. The highest content of total phenolics (12.30% dry weight (DW)), including proanthocyanidins (6.83% DW), phenolic acids (6.57% DW), flavanols (0.56% DW), flavonols (0.62% DW), and flavanones (0.10% DW), was observed in unripe fruits. The unripe green fruits were also characterized by the highest content of protein (2.02% DW), ash (4.05% DW), total fiber (39.43% DW), and chlorophylls (75.48 mg/100 g DW). Ripe black fruits were the richest source of total carotenoids (8.53 mg/100 g DW), total anthocyanins (2.64 g/100 g DW), and total sugars (33.84% DW). The phenolic compounds of green fruits were dominated by phenolic acids (above 83% of the total content), the semi-mature fruits by both phenolic acids and anthocyanins (90%), while the mature berries were dominated by anthocyanins (64%). Unripe fruits were the most effective inhibitor of pancreatic lipase in triolein emulsion, scavenger of 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation, and reducer of ferric ion. Biological activities were mainly correlated with total proanthocyanidins and total phenolics. Considering their strong anti-lipase and antioxidant activities, unripe chokeberry fruits may have potential applications in nutraceuticals and functional foods.