Content Values Research Articles

Modulation of phenolic content and antioxidant properties of barley using solid state fermentation

Barley grains of different varieties were subjected to solid-state fermentation (SSF) using Aspergillus awamori, and the subsequent enhancement of phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties was investigated. Among the control samples (Unfermented barley grains), variety BH-393 exhibited the highest total phenolic content (TPC) value (3.03 mg/g GAE dwb). Fermentation led to a significant increase in studied properties. On the 10th day of fermentation, variety BH-902 displayed the highest increment in TPC value (2.71–11.56 mg/g GAE dwb). Barley grains subjected to biotransformation exhibited superior characteristics compared to their unfermented counterparts. The improvement in TPC values corresponded to an augmentation in the antioxidant capabilities of the fermented barley.

Effects of Three Sources of Astaxanthin on the Growth, Coloration, and Antioxidant Capacity of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during Long-Term Feeding

Astaxanthin is an important pigment for the rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different sources of dietary astaxanthin on the growth, coloration, and antioxidant capacity of the commercial-sized O. mykiss during long-term feeding. Haematococcus pluvialis (HP), yeast Phaffia rhodozyma (PR), and synthetic astaxanthin (SA) were added to the basic feed (no astaxanthin, NA) to prepare the isonitrogenous and isolipidic experimental diets; the actual astaxanthin content values in the diets were 31.25, 32.96, and 31.50 mg/kg, respectively. Eighteen hundred O. mykiss, averaging 670 ± 20 g, were randomly divided into four groups and then fed with the experimental diet for four months. Dietary supplementation of P. rhodozyma and synthetic astaxanthin had no significant effects on the growth and tissue indexes of O. mykiss. In contrast, dietary supplementation with astaxanthin from H. pluvialis significantly increased the weight gain rate after four months of feeding. The fillet lightness of O. mykiss in the PR and SA was statistically lower than that in the NA and HP; the redness and astaxanthin content of fillet in the HP, PR, and SA groups were statistically higher than those in the NA. The total antioxidant capacity of the liver and serum in the HP was statistically higher than that in other diet groups, and a higher liver total superoxide dismutase activity was detected in the HP compared with the PR. Dietary supplementation of astaxanthin significantly increased the glutathione peroxidase activity in the liver and serum, and the highest serum glutathione peroxidase activity was detected in the HP, while dietary astaxanthin significantly decreased the malondialdehyde content in the liver and serum. Dietary supplementation of PR significantly increased the fillet ash content, while the highest fillet total lipid content was detected in the HP. Dietary astaxanthin significantly improved fillet redness and antioxidant capacity, among which H. pluvialis astaxanthin has greater effects on improving weight gain, antioxidant capacity, and fillet total lipid content.

Development and characterization of novel EST-SSR markers for Gentiana straminea Maxim., a traditional Tibetan herb in China and cross-amplification in related species

Abstract Gentiana straminea Maxim. (Gentianaceae) is an important traditional Tibetan herb that is mainly distributed on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Despite its agricultural and pharmacological importance, there remains a paucity of microsatellite markers, particularly expressed sequence tag-simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers, available for this local endemic species. In this study, based on previous Illumina transcriptome data of G. straminea, a total of 96 EST-SSR markers were initially designed and tested. Thirty-two of 96 loci (33.33%) were successfully amplified and verified for validation. Among them, 10 were polymorphic and had clear bands. The polymorphism information content values were 0.09–0.799, the number of alleles per locus ranged from 3 to 14, and the levels of observed and expected heterozygosity were 0.078–0.722 and 0.238–0.884, respectively, which suggested a high level of information. Moreover, cross-amplification was successful for 10 loci in two other related species, Gentiana macrophylla Pallas and Gentiana dahurica Fischer. These EST-SSR markers provide a valuable tool for investigating the genetic diversity related to quantitative traits and population genetic studies on G. straminea and related species in sect. Cruciata Gaudin.

Losartan potassium liquid formulation for paediatric hospital use: development and stability evaluation

ObjectivesThis study aimed to develop a liquid oral formulation containing losartan potassium, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist drug used for its antihypertensive activity, and to perform a preliminary stability assessment...

EFFECT OF POLYMER CONCENTRATION AND SURFACTANTS ON PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS, DRUG RELEASE AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF GLUTATHIONE-KAPPA CARRAGEENAN NANOSPHERES

Objective: Glutathione is one of the antioxidants widely used as an antiaging and skin lightener. Glutathione at a dose of 250 mg/d orally proved useful as an antiaging. At the same time, glutathione topical night cream is effective at a dose of 0.1% for the skin of Indonesian women. Glutathione is one of the antioxidants that has easily oxidized properties in storage. Research purpose to optimize the concentration of kappa carrageenan polymer and surfactan to obtain the optimal physical characteristics of nanosphere system analyzed based on size, PDI, yield, drug loading, entrapment efficiency, dissolution and antioxidant activity. Methods: The most commonly used method of making nanospheres is ionotropic gelation because it has proven effective, easy, and easy to apply. Ionotropic gelation is depend on the tendency of polyelectrolytes to cross connect to develop hydrogel beads often called gelispheres in the existence of counter ions. Nanospheres were prepared by aerosolization ionotropic gelation technique followed by freeze-drying. This method uses carrageenan polymers of 0.5% and 1.0% with the addition of surfactant as a stabilizer. Evaluation parameters are particle size, entrapment efficiency, drug loading, drug release and antioxidant activity. Results: The results of the nanospheres obtained were tested physically and drug activity. Nanospheres successfully formed, with size 382.67±52.24 nm, F2 325.20±4.62 nm, F3 495.39±30.61 nm, and F4 409.80±4.11 nm. The greater the polymer concentration, the greater the value of entrapment efficiency and drug content in the nanosphere. The morphology of the nanosphere is quite good, spherical, with a smooth surface. The release profile shows that glutathione release is quite good but takes a long time, namely F1 73.91±2.17%, F2 75.91±2.76%, F3 78.56±2.82%, and F4 79.56±1.34% in 480 min or 8 h. Antioxidant activity of glutathione-Kappa carrageenan nanospheres with the DPPH method showed that nanospheres have medium or medium category antioxidant activity. Conclusion: The most optimal formula is F4 with 1% kappa-carrageenan concentration and 0.6% KCl.

Curcuma aromatica rhizomes ethanol extract: A potential therapeutic agent against HepG2 Hepatoma cells

Curcuma aromatica, a Vietnamese medicinal plant, exhibits diverse therapeutic applications including blood loss, blood stasis, bloody urination, bloody vomiting, irregular menstruation, epilepsy, and cancer treatment. C. aromatica rhizomes ethanol extract and curcumol content have been shown strong inhibition of cancer growth. HepG2 cells were exposed to different doses of ethanol extract and curcumol extract. The degree of cell growth inhibition was determined using the WST-1 assay, and Hoechst 33258 spectrofluorometric assay, while the rate of cell death by apoptosis was assessed using the annexin-propidium iodide double-staining assay. Flow cytometry was employed to study the cell cycle, while the transwell assay was used to assess cell migration and invasion. The expression of bax and bcl-2 genes was analyzed using real-time reverse transcription-PCR. C. aromatica rhizomes ethanol extract (CE) consisted of a total phenolic content value of 15.02±0.18 (mg/g extract) and a curcumol level of 849.8 ± 23.73 (?g/g extract). The growth of HepG2 cells was suppressed in a dose-dependent manner by C. aromatica rhizomes ethanol extract. Following a 72-hour exposure to an (CE) concentration of 100 ?g/mL, the inhibition rate was measured to be 34.559 ± 0.456 %, the IC50 value was determined to be 44.79 ?g/mL and the inhibition of curcumol was 50.961± 0.641 %, and the IC50=93.48. The application of CE induced late apoptosis in HepG2 cells. The CE also induced programmed cell death (apoptosis) in HepG2 cancer cells, effectively suppressing their growth, movement, and invasion by controlling the synthesis of Bcl-2 mRNA. This work gives novel insights into the antihepatoma action of (CE) and establishes a foundation for the development of preliminary anticancer medications.

Evaluation of raspberry drought tolerance

Physiological parameters of drought tolerance of fi ve raspberry varieties (‘Meteor’, ‘Gusar’, ‘Lavina’, ‘Patricija’, and ‘Ulyabka’) and seven selected raspberry forms (4-122-2, 6-125-3, 1-76-1, 6-125-4, 2-83-21, 1-76-25, 2-90-3) were investigated. Experiments were conducted in 2022–2023 at the Kokinsky experimental station of the Federal Horticultural Center for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery (Bryansk Oblast) and at the Center for Collective Use of Bryansk State Agrarian University. Drought tolerance was assessed based on the indices of total leaf water content, water defi cit, and water-retaining capacity in the phenophases of budding (May) and fruiting (July). The analysis showed that within one vegetation period, the total leaf water content and water-retaining capacity decreased from the phase of budding to that of fruiting, compared to water defi cit, which showed an inverse trend. The water-retaining capacity of the studied varieties was found to be higher in a drier season than in a moderatelyhumid year. A signifi cant variability among genotypes was observed in terms of water regime. During the fruiting phase, the total leaf water content decreased to an average level in all the studied genotypes (less than 70.0 %), except for the ‘Gusar’ and ‘Lavina’ varieties which demonstrated lower levels (less than 60.0 %). Forms outperforming in a number of leaf water regime parameters were identifi ed. Thus, the ‘Meteor’ variety, although showing high values of water content in the budding phenophase, was characterized by low water losses after 6-hour wilting (less than 30.0 %) and a leaf water defi cit (less than 10.0 %). Water defi cit in the ‘Ulyabka’ variety, as well as 6-125-4 and 2-90-3 selected forms, exceeded 10.0 % in the fruiting phenophase, corresponding to the average level of drought tolerance. The 2-83-21 form showed a reduced water-retaining capacity in the fruiting phenophase (water losses exceeded 30.0 %).

KINETICS AND THERMODYNAMIC ASSESSMENT OF RICE HUSK IN AN INERT ATMOSPHERE AS A FEEDSTOCK FOR ALTERNATIVE FUEL PRODUCTION

The utilisation of rice husk as a feedstock for alternative fuel production is an area of growing interest due to its abundance and potential as a renewable energy source. This study reports investigation of kinetics and thermodynamics of rice husk pyrolysis in an inert atmosphere. Experimental analysis, including proximate, ultimate, structural composition and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), were conducted to determine the proxanal, ultanal, chemical composition and pyrolysis characteristics of rice husk under inert conditions. Kinetics of the pyrolysis process was evaluated using distributed activation energy model (DAEM) while thermodynamic parameters such as activation energy (E A), changes in enthalpy (ΔH), entropy (ΔS),and Gibbs free energy (ΔG) were computed to provide insights into the reaction mechanisms. The feedstock exhibited ash content, fixed carbon, volatile matter, and higher heating value on dry basis of 13.56wt%, 16.37wt%, 70.07wt% and 15.22MJ/kg respectively while the result of ultimate analysis showed carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulphur and oxygen content of 40.95, 5.67, 0.22, 0.09 and 52.17wt%. The chemical composition result (water extractives-free) indicated cellulose, hemicellulos and lignin content of 39.12, 17.56 and 22.43 wt%. The kinetics analysis revealed that the pyrolysis process followed a single-order reaction mechanism and irreversible, suggesting that the pyrolysis reactions proceed in a direction that favors the formation of products. The average E A, ΔH, ΔS and ΔG required for the pyrolysis reactions was established to be 140.56 kJ/mol, 137.00 kJ/mol, -135.25 J/mol and 222.38 kJ/mol respectively. The comprehensive assessment of the feedstock affirms its suitability for alternative fuel production towards a greener energy landscape.

The Effect of Milkfish Bone Meal (Chanos chanos) Addition and Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3) Concentration on the Physicochemical and Organoleptic Characteristics of Tortilla Chips

Tortillas are a corn-based snack, yellow, and have a thin shape and crunchy texture. The addition of fish bone meal can increase calcium levels but also decrease the texture of the tortilla. The addition of sodium bicarbonate aims to improve the texture by increasing the swelling power and crispness of the product. This research aims to determine the effect of the substitution of milkfish bone meal with the addition of sodium bicarbonate on the physicochemical and organoleptic characteristics of tortilla chips. This study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with two factors and two replications, factor I was the concentration of milkfish bone meal (10%, 15%, and 20%) and factor II was the concentration of sodium bicarbonate (0.25%, 0.50 %, and 0.75%). The data obtained were analyzed using ANOVA and continued with the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at the 5% level. The results of the research show that there is a real interaction with ash content, protein content, fat content, and calcium content. The research results of the best treatment based on physicochemical parameters were tortilla chips with the addition of fish bone meal 10% and a sodium bicarbonate concentration of 0.75%. This is the best-treated tortilla chip product with a water content value of 5.080%; ash content 2.995%; protein content 5.87%; fat content 5.380%; carbohydrates 82.521%, calcium 3.396%, expansion volume 19.912%; breaking power 278,350 gf; amylose 37.750%; and starch content 62.516%;

Enhanced anti-biofilm and anti-caries potential of arginine combined with calcium glycerophosphate and fluoride

ObjectiveThe aim of this work was to evaluate the antibiofilm and anticaries properties of the association of arginine (Arg) with calcium glycerophosphate (CaGP) and fluoride (F). MethodsAn active attachment, polymicrobial biofilm model obtained from saliva and bovine teeth discs were used. After the initial biofilm growth period, the enamel discs were transferred to culture medium. The treatment solutions were added to the culture media to achieve the desired final concentration. The following groups were used: negative control (Control); F (110 ppm F); CaGP (0.05 %); Arg (0.8 %) and their associations (F + CaGP; Arg + F; Arg + CaGP; Arg +F + CaGP). The following analyses were carried out: bacterial viability (total bacteria, aciduric bacteria and mutans streptococci), pH assessment of the spent culture medium, dry weight quantification, evaluation of surface hardness loss (%SH) and subsurface mineral content. Normality and homoscedasticity were tested (Shapiro-Wilk and Levene's test) and the following tests were applied: two-way ANOVA (acidogenicity), Kruskall-Wallis (microbial viability) and one way ANOVA (dry weight, %SH, mineral content). ResultsThe association Arg + F + CaGP resulted in the lowest surface hardness loss in tooth enamel (-10.9 ± 2.3 %; p < 0.05). Arg +F + CaGP exhibited highest values of subsurface mineral content (10.1 ± 2.9 gHAP/cm3) in comparison to Control and F (p < 0.05). In comparison to Control and F, Arg +F + CaGP promoted the highest reduction in aciduric bacteria and mutans streptococci (5.7 ± 0.4; 4.4 ± 0.5 logCFU/mL, p < 0.05). ConclusionsThe Arg-F-Ca association demonstrated to be the most effective combination in protecting the loss of surface hardness and subsurface mineral content, in addition to controlling important virulence factors of the cariogenic biofilm. Clinical significanceOur findings provide evidence that the Arg-F-Ca association showed an additive effect, particularly concerning protection against enamel demineralization. The combination of these compounds may be a strategy for patients at high risk of caries.

Genetic diversity studies between Ipomoea wild species and cultivated sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) using SSR markers

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) is one of the major tuber crops in Asian countries, including India, yet the interrelationship and genetic variability among the cultivar and its crop wild relatives remain obscure. The wild relatives of sweet potato represent a vital source of untapped genetic diversity in the breeding programs. In this study, a set of 12 Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) markers were utilized to understand the extent of genetic diversity and relationship within and between 20 sweet potato accessions, 23 wild Ipomoea species and two Merremia species for utilization in breeding programmes. The SSR primers produced 84 polymorphic alleles within the range of 105–393 bp, collectively showing an average polymorphism of 94.5 %. The average Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) value of 0.67 showed that all the primers were polymorphic in nature. Similarity coefficient based dendrogram and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) scatter plot clearly differentiated all the cultivars and wild species. The cluster dendrogram analysis revealed the close relationship of cultivars with I. triloba and I. trifida at a similarity index of 0.75. Our analysis showed a high degree of genetic variability within and between hexaploid sweet potato and diploid wild species, whereas lower within the cultivars, which shows that there is a high level of genetic diversity exists within the Ipomoea species for its utilization in breeding programs. Thus, the two wild species, I. trifida and I. triloba could be used in hybridization for improvement of sweet potato through ploidy manipulation.

An Analysis of the Main Nutrient Components of the Fruits of Different Macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) Cultivars in Rocky Desertification Areas and a Comprehensive Evaluation of the Mineral Element Contents

This study aims to understand the main nutrient composition and comprehensively evaluate the differences in the mineral element contents of fruits of different macadamia cultivars, as well as screen good cultivars that are suitable for use in rocky desert mountains. Nine macadamia nut cultivars were selected as test materials in rocky desert mountain orchards. The contents of crude fat, crude protein, and total soluble sugar in kernels and N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, and B in peels and kernels were determined, respectively. Then, the kernels’ mineral element contents were comprehensively evaluated based on principal component analysis. The results showed that the kernels were rich in crude fat, protein, and soluble sugar, with the crude fat content reaching 75% or greater, and the variation among cultivars was small. However, the variation in soluble sugar content was extensive. The content of mineral elements varied in different cultivars and parts of the fruit, with the average macronutrient content being K &gt; N &gt; Ca &gt; P &gt; Mg in the pericarp and N &gt; K &gt; P &gt; Mg &gt; Ca in the kernel, and the content of micronutrients in the pericarp and the kernel being Mn &gt; Fe &gt; Zn &gt; Cu &gt; B. By principal component analysis, the 10 mineral nutrient indexes were calculated as four principal components, with a cumulative contribution rate of 88.051%. Using the affiliation function value method and the calculation of the comprehensive evaluation value, the nine cultivars could be classified into three categories. The cultivar with the highest comprehensive evaluation value of the mineral element content was O.C. The one with the lowest value was H2, which indicated that O.C is a suitable variety for popularization in rocky desert mountainous areas. Stepwise regression analysis concluded that P, K, Fe, Mn, and Cu were the indicators significantly influencing the mineral element content of macadamia nuts and fruits in rocky desert mountains.

An approach to optimizing dietary protein to growth and body composition in walking catfish, Clarias batrachus (Linneaeus, 1758).

Clarias batrachus is a commercially important food fish. In the present study, effect of varying dietary protein levels was evaluated on the survival, growth parameters and proximate composition of C. batrachus. Diets comprising 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, and 50% crude protein (CP) were supplied to fish in T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6, respectively, at the rate of 5% of fish body weight for the entire 90 days, twice daily. Size of each stocked C. batrachus was recorded after 15 days. Results revealed 100% survival rate of C. batrachus in all treatments. Significantly highest (P<0.001) mean value of weight gain (g/fish), percent weight gain, daily growth rate, specific growth rate and protein efficiency ratio (PER) in C. batrachus were recorded, reared in T4 by feeding 40% CP in diet. The best FCR value (1.90±0.02) for C. batrachus was obtained in T4 by feeding 40%CP in diet. Mean value of water, ash, fat and protein contents (wet mass) were ranged 74.10-79.23%, 3.12-4.68%, 3.90-4.43% and 13.09-16.79% for C. batrachus in the studied treatment groups. Water content (%) was found significantly (P<0.05) higher in the body of C. batrachus for T1, T2, T3 and T6 than for T4 and T5. Ash was found significantly (P<0.05) higher in the fish reared in T4 and T5. Fat content in the wet body mass of C. batrachus was found significantly higher in T4 and T1. While, significant higher (P<0.05) values of mean protein content was noted in C. batrachus reared in T4 and T5. Body composition of C. batrachus was also categorically affected by body size, however, condition factor showed non-significant correlation in most of the relationships in the present study. Overall, results indicated that feeding appropriate diet (containing 40% CP) to the fish resulted good growth performance, lower FCR and higher protein content in the fish. Present study provides valuable knowledge of optimal dietary protein level in C. batrachus which will help in commercial success of aquaculture.

Effects of the fermentation quality and microbial community of waxy maize mixed with fodder soybean silage.

Waxy maize (Zea mays L. sinensis Kulesh) is highly regarded for its high nutritional content and unique taste. Although the stalks and leaves contain high carbohydrate levels after ear harvesting, inadequate crude protein (CP) limits the utilization and promotion of waxy maize silage in animal husbandry. In this study, waxy maize and fodder soybeans were mixed for sowing in different proportions [1:0 (CK), 1:1 (A1), 1:2 (A2), 1:3 (A3), and 1:4 (A4)] to investigate the effects of different mixing ratios on the growth of the waxy maize, the chemical indices, fermentation quality, and the microbial community of the mixed silage after ear harvesting. The mixed planting of waxy maize and fodder soybeans in different proportions had no effect on the yield and quality of the waxy maize ears and increased the aboveground biomass after ear harvesting. After ear harvesting, the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents significantly decreased, and the CP content and relative feeding value (RFV) gradually increased in the mixed silage. The pH of the treatments was lower than 4.2 except for A4, and the lowest ammonia nitrogen (AN) concentration was observed in A3. With increasing proportions of fodder soybeans, the abundance of beneficial bacteria increased and that of harmful bacteria decreased; Firmicutes and Lactobacillus were the dominant phylum and genus, respectively, and both increased gradually. Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that the fermentation indices affecting the microbial community composition in the silage were inconsistent among the different mixed sowing combinations. The Mantel test showed that the composition of the microbial communities in the treatments was significantly correlated with the ADF, water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC), and propionic acid (PA) contents. Comprehensive analysis revealed that the optimal mixed sowing ratio of waxy maize to fodder soybeans was 1:3, and waxy maize and fodder soybeans silage can increase the utilization of aboveground biomass and improve the fermentation quality and feeding quality of silage by changing the microbial community. These findings lay a certain theoretical foundation for improving the utilization of waxy maize.

Effect of Substitution of Cowpea Sprouts Flour (Vigna unguiculata L.) and Sorghum Flour (Sorghum bicolor L.) of Chemical Quality and Organoleptic Quality on Biscuits as Supplementary Feeding Recovery for Protein Energy Malnutrition School Age Children

Abstract: Malnutrition status in school-age children (5 – 12 years) based on BMI/U nationally reaches 9.2% (very thin category 2.4% and thin 6.8%) while the prevalence of malnutrition in East Java Province is 8% and Malang city region is 7.69%. Overcoming PEM in school-age children by providing diet therapy in the form of Providing Supplementary Food to School Children (PMT-AS). Additional food based on local food ingredients using cowpea sprout flour (Vigna unguiculata L.) and sorghum flour (Sorghum bicolor L.). The aim of the research was to analyze the effect of substitution of cowpea sprout flour and sorghum flour on the chemical quality and organoleptic quality of biscuits as PMT for PEM school-age children. This type of experimental research with a RAL design consists of 4 treatment levels with 3 repetitions, namely P0 (100:0:0), P1 (40:55:5), P2 (40:45:15), P3 (40:35:25). The chemical quality results of biscuits using the calculated value method are carbohydrate content (59.27 – 62.27 g/100 g), protein content (7.31 – 10.56 g/100 g), fat content (16.16 – 16.64 g/100 g), and energy value (423.75 – 428.45 Kcal). The organoleptic quality of biscuits had a significant effect on the panelists’ liking for color (p=0.000), taste (p=0.000), and aroma (p=0.000) but did not have a significant effect on texture (p=0.221). The best formulation of PMT biscuits with the substitution of cowpea sprout flour and sorghum flour for PEM school-aged children is treatment P2 (40:45:15).

Characterization of Red Cabbage Extracts incorporated in Green Based Gelatin Active Films

This study aimed to assess red cabbage extracts obtained using solvents with different pH levels and alcohol concentrations, comparing their phytochemical quantities and functional characteristics. Solvents—purified water (PW, pH 7), 70% and 99% ethanol (70%E and 99%E, pH 6.5), and acidified ethanol (AE, pH 2)—were employed for extraction. When the different pH solutions were applied to the red cabbage extracts, they altered the extract's color, ranging from pink to yellow, influenced by various anthocyanin forms responsive to pH levels. The AE-extracted red cabbage displayed the highest UV and visible light barrier and total phenolic content (TPC). Then, the AE extract was used to formulate the green-based gelatin active films, alongside the 99%E extract, which had similar alcohol content and TPC values. The films averaged 20-21 μm in thickness. Moreover, incorporating both extracts into the gelatin films increased moisture content and water solubility, though the change in water vapor permeability was not significant compared to the neat gelatin film. The gelatin film incorporating AE-extracted red cabbage (GAE) showed higher water solubility than that incorporating the 99%E extract (GE). Both green-based gelatin active films showed differences in appearance color in the third week. The GAE film exhibited greater color stability, attributed to anthocyanin's distinctive chemical structures favoring acidic environments. This gelatin film incorporating red cabbage by AE-extracted holds promise as an eco-friendly active food packaging material.

Phenotypic characterization and analysis of genetic diversity between commercial crossbred and indigenous chickens from three different agro-ecological zones using DArT-Seq technology.

Indigenous and were used to study genetic diversity and population structure analyses. Polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.0 to 0.5, with 21,285 SNP markers (35%) being in the lowest PIC value range (0 to 0.15) while 13,511 (commercial chickens have developed unique adaptations to their environments, which may include nutrition, pathogens, and thermal stress. Besides, environmental pressures and artificial selection have generated significant genome-wide divergence in chickens, as those selection pressures contribute a considerable evolutionary force to phenotypic and genotypic differentiation. Herein, we determined genomic diversity of indigenous chickens from semi-deciduous rainforest (SDR), coastal savannah (CS) and Guinea savannah (GS) agro-ecological zones (AEZs) in Ghana and commercial crossbreds (CC) reared at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). We generated SNP markers from 82 chickens (62 indigenous chicken ecotypes and 26 commercial crossbred ecotype) using DArT-Seq technology. A total of 85,396 SNP markers were generated and after filtering the data, 58,353 markers 21%) were in the highest PIC value range (0.45 to 0.50). The CC were more genetically diverse than the indigenous birds, with the highest expected heterozygosity value of 0.220. Between the commercial crossbreds population and the indigenous ecotypes, pairwise FST values were estimated to be 0.105 between CS, 0.096 between SDF, and 0.133 between GS. Furthermore, PCA analysis showed that the CC, SDF and GS chickens clustered together and are genetically distant from the commercial crossbred. We herein show that chickens from the AEZs studied can be considered as one population. However, due the abundance of agro-byproducts in the SDR compared to the CS and GS, chickens from the SDR AEZ had better growth compared to their counterparts. It is suggested that the genetic diversity within the local ecotypes could form the basis for genetic improvement.

Phenolic Compounds Profile and Antioxidant Capacity of Plant-Based Protein Supplements.

The study aimed to determine the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of five protein supplements of plant origin. The content and profile of phenolics were determined using the UHPLC-DAD-MS method, while antioxidant capacity (ABTS and DPPH assays) and total phenolic content (TPC) were evaluated using spectrophotometric tests. In the analyzed proteins, twenty-five polyphenols were detected, including eleven phenolic acids, thirteen flavonoids, and one ellagitannin. Hemp protein revealed the highest individual phenolics content and TPC value (1620 μg/g and 1.79 mg GAE/g, respectively). Also, hemp protein showed the highest antioxidant activity determined via ABTS (9.37 μmol TE/g) and DPPH (9.01 μmol TE/g) assays. The contents of p-coumaric acid, m-coumaric acid, kaempferol, rutin, isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, and TPC value were significantly correlated with antioxidant activity assays. Our findings indicate that plant-based protein supplements are a valuable source of phenols and can also be used in research related to precision medicine, nutrigenetics, and nutrigenomics. This will benefit future health promotion and personalized nutrition in the prevention of chronic diseases.

Selection of a stress‐based soil compaction test to determine potential impact of machine wheel loads

AbstractThe use of heavy machinery is increasing in agricultural industries, and in particular cotton farming systems in Australia, which induces an increased risk of soil compaction and yield reduction. Hence, there is a need for a technical solution to use available tools to measure projected soil compaction due to farm machinery traffic. The aim of this work was to compare the effects of static and dynamic loads on soil compaction. In this study, three Vertisols (soils commonly used for cotton production in Australia) were selected to examine soil compaction under a range of static and dynamic loads, respectively, using uniaxial compression equipment and a modified Proctor test. In general, soils behaved similarly under static and dynamic loads with no significant difference between bulk density values for all moisture contents with a high index of agreement (d = 0.96, RMSE = 0.056). The results further indicate better agreement between soil compaction produced under static and dynamic loads. Uniaxial compression test (static loads) produced greater compaction compared with the modified Proctor test (dynamic loads), in particular at moisture contents less than the plastic limit condition. The variation in soil compaction for static and dynamic loads was often evident for loads ≥600 kPa, with the greatest soil compaction induced under loads ≥1200 kPa. The findings of this study confirm the suitability of a modified Proctor method to assess soil compaction as an alternative tool under a range of moisture contents and machinery loads for Vertisols.

Effect of different encapsulation techniques on the pH, thermal and storage stability of vitexin

In this study, vitexin was encapsulated in chitosan microparticles and phytosome nanoparticles, in order to enhance its stability and bioavailability. The effect of types of carrier agents on the pH stability, thermal stability and shelf-life stability of vitexin-loaded particles was investigated. The free vitexin (V) was degraded at pH 7 due to its lowest value of total phenolic content (TPC), whereas vitexin-loaded chitosan microparticles (V-CHM) and vitexin-loaded phytosome nanoparticles (V-PHN) could improve the stability of vitexin at pH 7. After heat treatment at 120 and 150 °C, the V-CHM and V-PHN gave higher release of TPC and antioxidant activity. V-CHM and V-PHN could prolong the release of TPC and antioxidant activity values of vitexin during storage time of 60 days. The results suggest that chitosan microparticles and phytosome nanoparticles has ability to overcome the limitation and enable the application of vitexin.