Potential Health Benefits of Fenugreek With Multiple Pharmacological Properties

Fenugreek is one of the familiar spices found in human food and has been used extensively for curing numerous disorders. It provides natural food fibers and other nutrients required in the human body. It is used in functional foods, traditional foods, and nutraceuticals as well as in physiological uses such as antidiabetic agent, antibacterial, hypocholesterolemic, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, enzymatic pathway, and modifier gastric stimulant. It has a valuable influence on digestion and also has the capability to modify food texture. In modern food technology, it is used as a food stabilizer, adhesive, and emulsifying agent due its fiber, protein, and gum content. Recent pharmocological exploration of the seed extract of this plant discovered anticancer properties. Although it has many potential effects, there are some side effects as well; therefore, there is a greater need to study the pharmacological and toxicological effects of fenugreek to examine its clinical efficacy and safety.

Contemporary issues in fisheries and aquaculture: a review on non – conventional feed ingredients for fish feed in Nigeria

In Africa, Nigeria offers the largest market for fisheries products. Fish culture is gaining importance in Nigeria as locally available raw materials such as yam, plantain, banana, cowpeas, mucuna, maize, cassava, millet, sorghum, groundnut, sunhemp seed and brewery wastes are considered as potential materials for fish feed. Non–conventional feeds are locally available feedstuff which are not standardized and the usage is not widely-spread. In most cases, they are not consumed by man. Sadly, Nigerian economy had depended on imported feedstuffs to supplement the domestic conventional feedstuffs, however, the country is currently looking into a way of improving local feedstuffs production to minimize importation. In Fisheries and Aquaculture, there are many contemporary issues but this paper focuses on the use of non–conventional feed ingredients like Typha flour in fish feed. Several parts of Typha are edible including the rhizome. Research has shown that the plant is rich in energy, carbohydrates, sugars, dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals and water. The competition for the conventional feed ingredients for human and animal consumption has resulted in significant price escalations hence the need for on-going research on alternativeingredients for use in aquafeed. Thus, great attention is given to the production of effective and cheap feed that will benefit fish farmers in Africa because fish feed is very important. Despite the fact that several studies have been done in Nigeria to replace fishmeal with other proteins of plant & animal origin but the results have been range from poor to very good in terms of fish growth and fish conversion efficiency.

A Recombinant Adenoviral Vector With a Specific Tropism to CD4-positive Cells: a New Tool for HIV-1 Inhibition

Gene therapy can be an option to overcoming the side effects of chemotherapy and preventing the development of drug-resistant HIV viruses in HIV-infected patients. The need to develop a safe and efficient vector for gene transfer is always necessary and an appropriate option might be adenovirus (Ad). the use of Ad vectors in the gene delivery applications is limited due to the semi-specific tropism. A strategy to overcome this tropism limitation may be the modification of fiber protein domain involved in the viral binding to cells. Therefore, we designed an Ad5 vector with a specific tropism to CD4+ cells containing an expression system limited to HIV-infected cells. We replaced the knob region of Ad5 fiber protein with the extracellular region of HIV-1 envelope. We also used a specific Tat-inducible promoter to express two anti-HIV-1 shRNAs. Tropism of recombinant Ad5 was assayed by comparison of shRNA expression level in CEM and PBMC cells (as CD4+ cells) and HEK293 cells (as CD4- cells). HIV-1 inhibition was assayed by determination of p24 antigen in the HIV-infected CEM cells transduced with the recombinant Ad5 vector. Our results showed that shRNA expression was significantly higher in CEM and PBMC cells than HEK293 cells when were transduced with recombinant Ad5 vector. This new Ad5 vector also inhibited HIV-1 proliferation in a Tat-inducible manner. Our new recombinant Ad5 vector has a specific tropism to CD4-positive cells that can effectively suppress the HIV-1 replication.

Investigation of Nutritional and Antioxidant Properties of Anatolian Bee Bread

Bee bread is a bee product produced by bees in which they combine pollen with their digestive enzymes and place them in the comb cells. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the nutritional and antioxidant properties of Anatolian bee bread and present an examination of regional differences. In order to emphasize the bioavailability of bee bread and to determine its phenolic, flavonoid content, antioxidant activity and nutritional quality, ten samples were collected from different parts of Anatolia. Seven of them were from Muğla (prominent city in terms of honey production), one was from Van representing the Eastern Anatolia region, one was from Sivas representing the Central Anatolia region and one was from Kırşehir. Ten samples were analyzed for total phenolic, flavonoid, antioxidant and moisture content, and the mixture representing ten samples were analyzed for nutritional content (carbohydrate, fat, saturated fat, fiber, protein, salt, ash, iron and zinc). Total phenolic content, flavonoid, antioxidant content and moisture content of the samples were determined as 11.90 – 14.77 mg GAE/g, 1.30 – 6.30 mg CE/g, 20.03 – 35.43 mg TEAC/g and 10.13 – 18.10%, respectively. The highest phenolic, flavonoid and antioxidant content was observed in Muğla2 samples. The study’s results were compared to results found in literature, and it was concluded that Anatolian bee bread has high antioxidant content and nutritional value, especially, in terms of carbohydrates, iron and zinc.

Nutritional and lipid composition of Avena sativa, Hordeum vulgare and Echinochloa frumentacea

The antidiabetic and hypoglycaemic effect of Avena sativa, Hordeum vulgare and Echinochloa frumentacea has been explored and proved. The aim of this study was to investigate proximate, essential fatty acids and quantitative analysis of phytochemicals in Avena sativa, Hordeum vulgare and Echinochloa frumentacea. These cereals not only help to prevent many diseases but also used as functional ingredients. This study includes the estimation of moisture, ash, fat, fiber, protein, CHO, vitamin C, calcium of Avena sativa, Hordeum vulgare and Echinochloa frumentaceawere determined by titerametric method and zinc, phosphorous and iron were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer method (AAS). Quantitative analysis of differential nutrient components was performed by standard methods and estimation of lipid profile were also done. Results indicate that protein and phosphorous of Avena sativa (13.7g/100g, 380.3mg/100g) Hordeum vulgare (11.5g/100g, 214.7mg/100g) and Echinochloa frumentacea(11g/100g, 281.6mg/100g) were observed to be higher. Thus, the study concluded that these cereals contain many differential nutrients component and minerals which plays an important role in nerve signal transmission, which is how your brain and muscles communicate. These cereals are packed with protein, antioxidants and nutrients. Furthermore, its gluten free, an excellent choice for peopleof celiac disease who follow a gluten free diet.

Peningkatan Nilai Protein dan Serat pada Pengembangan Boba Substitusi Biji Labu Kuning

Obesity or being overweight is a risk factor for degenerative diseases. Excess sugar consumption is one of the factors causing obesity. 11.8 percent of Indonesians consume sugar in an amount greater than 50gr / person / day. The young adult age group (greater than 19 years) is the proportion of the population who consume the most excess sugar with a percentage of greater than 13 percent. Cucurbita moschata seeds or commonly known as pumpkin, contain high fiber, protein, and mineral and antioxidant content. This study aims to develop a boba formulation with pumpkin seed flour substitution, and to find out the levels of protein and fiber contained in it, with the hope of increasing daily intake of fiber and protein, which are important nutrients in the management of obesity, as well as an alternative sweet drinks topping that have more nutritional value. This research is an experimental study using a completely randomized research design (CRD), with 2 repetition. ANOVA test results showed a significant difference in both the protein content with a p-value of 0.001 and also the fiber content with a p-value of 0.000 between boba and pumpkin seed flour substitution with boba formulation without pumpkin seed flour substitution. The higher the pumpkin flour substitution formulation added, the greater the protein and fiber content from boba. The 30 percent substitute boba formulation with pumpkin seed flour had the highest protein (4.95 percent) and fiber (7.7 percent) content compared to other formulations. This is because pumpkin seeds have a high protein and fiber content. Abstrak: Obesitas atau kelebihan berat badan merupakan salah satu faktor risiko penyakit degeneratif. Konsumsi gula berlebih merupakan salah satu faktor penyebab terjadinya obesitas. Sebesar 11,8 persen masyarakat Indonesia mengonsumsi gula dengan jumlah lebih besar dari 50 gr/orang/hari. , kelompok umur dewasa muda ( lebih besar dari 19 tahun) merupakan proporsi penduduk yang paling banyak mengonsumsi gula berlebih dengan persentase lebih besar dari 13 persen. Biji Cucurbita moschata atau biasa dikenal sebagai labu kuning, memiliki kandungan serat, protein, dan kadar mineral serta antioksidan yang tinggi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan formulasi boba dengan substitusi tepung biji labu kuning, dan mengetahui kadar protein dan serat yang terkandung di dalamnya, dengan harapan dapat meningkatkan asupan serat dan protein harian yang merupakan zat gizi penting dalam tata laksana kejadian obesitas, serta sebagai alternatif topping minuman manis yang memiliki nilai gizi lebih. Penelitian merupakan studi eksperimental menggunakan rancangan penelitian acak lengkap (RAL), dengan pengulangan sebanyak 2 kali. Hasil Uji ANOVA menunjukkan adanya perbedaan yang signifikan baik dari dari kadar protein dengan p-value 0.001 dan juga kadar serat dengan p-value 0.000 antara boba dengan substitusi tepung biji labu kuning dengan formulasi boba tanpa substitusi tepung biji labu kuning Formulasi boba substitusi tepung biji labu kuning 30 persen memiliki kadar protein (4.95 persen) dan serat (7.7 persen) paling tinggi dibandingkan formulasi lainnya. Hal ini dikarenakan biji labu kuning memiliki kandungan protein dan serat yang tinggi.

Green Bean, Pea and Mesquite Whole Pod Flours Nutritional and Functional Properties and Their Effect on Sourdough Bread

In this study, proximal composition, mineral analysis, polyphenolic compounds identification, and antioxidant and functional activities were determined in green bean (GBF), mesquite (MF), and pea (PF) flours. Different mixtures of legume flour and wheat flour for bread elaboration were determined by a simplex-centroid design. After that, the proximal composition, color, specific volume, polyphenol content, antioxidant activities, and functional properties of the different breads were evaluated. While GBF and PF have a higher protein content (41–47%), MF has a significant fiber content (19.9%) as well as a higher polyphenol content (474.77 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant capacities. It was possible to identify Ca, K, and Mg and caffeic and enolic acids in the flours. The legume–wheat mixtures affected the fiber, protein content, and the physical properties of bread. Bread with MF contained more fiber; meanwhile, PF and GBF benefit the protein content. With MF, the specific bread volume only decreased by 7%. These legume flours have the potential to increase the nutritional value of bakery goods.

Virulent Drexlervirial Bacteriophage MSK, Morphological and Genome Resemblance With Rtp Bacteriophage Inhibits the Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria

Phage-host interactions are likely to have the most critical aspect of phage biology. Phages are the most abundant and ubiquitous infectious acellular entities in the biosphere, where their presence remains elusive. Here, the novel Escherichia coli lytic bacteriophage, named MSK, was isolated from the lysed culture of E. coli C (phix174 host). The genome of phage MSK was sequenced, comprising 45,053 bp with 44.8% G + C composition. In total, 73 open reading frames (ORFs) were predicted, out of which 24 showed a close homology with known functional proteins, including one tRNA-arg; however, the other 49 proteins with no proven function in the genome database were called hypothetical. Electron Microscopy and genome characterization have revealed that MSK phage has a rosette-like tail tip. There were, in total, 46 ORFs which were homologous to the Rtp genome. Among these ORFs, the tail fiber protein with a locus tag of MSK_000019 was homologous to Rtp 43 protein, which determines the host specificity. The other protein, MSK_000046, encodes lipoprotein (cor gene); that protein resembles Rtp 45, responsible for preventing adsorption during cell lysis. Thirteen MSK structural proteins were identified by SDS-PAGE analysis. Out of these, 12 were vital structural proteins, and one was a hypothetical protein. Among these, the protein terminase large (MSK_000072) subunit, which may be involved in DNA packaging and proposed packaging strategy of MSK bacteriophage genome, takes place through headful packaging using the pac-sites. Biosafety assessment of highly stable phage MSK genome analysis has revealed that the phage did not possess virulence genes, which indicates proper phage therapy. MSK phage potentially could be used to inhibit the multidrug-resistant bacteria, including AMP, TCN, and Colistin. Further, a comparative genome and lifestyle study of MSK phage confirmed the highest similarity level (87.18% ANI). These findings suggest it to be a new lytic isolated phage species. Finally, Blast and phylogenetic analysis of the large terminase subunit and tail fiber protein put it in Rtp viruses’ genus of family Drexlerviridae.

Chemical Profile and Proximate and Elemental Composition of Ocimum basilicum Grown in Sudan

This study aimed to investigate the chemical profile, proximate and elemental composition of leaves and flowers of Ocimum basilicum grown in Sudan. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) was used for the analysis of the n-hexane extracts. Results showed that fifty six compounds were detected from the aerial part of the plant. Most of the identified compounds were terpenoids. Monoterpenes represented 47.19%of the n-hexane extract while sesquiterpenes were 32.51%. The major compounds were linalool (18.16%), methyl eugenol (16.18%), α-terpineol (10.02%), and Eucalyptol (8.51%) respectively. Chemical proximate analysis was carried using standard analytical methods. Results showed that the plant was rich in moisture content, total ash, crude fiber and fiber protein. Elemental analysis was performed using the Atomic Absorption Spectrometer and flame emission for the detection of Ca, Fe, Na, K, Mg, Pb and Mn. Results demonstrated higher calcium and potassium contents. In conclusion O. basilicum grown in Sudan was a good source of food and therapeutic agents which could be of use in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Intake of Potatoes Is Associated with Higher Diet Quality, and Improved Nutrient Intake and Adequacy among US Adolescents: NHANES 2001–2018 Analysis

Potatoes are nutrient rich white vegetables, however, research on their impact on public health is limited. The objective of this study was to provide updated evaluation of the cross-sectional association between potato consumption and diet quality, nutrient intake and adequacy. Twenty-four hour diet recall data from adolescents (n = 16,633; age 9–18 years) were used to assess intakes. Usual intakes of nutrients were determined using the National Cancer Institute method and diet quality was calculated using the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) after adjusting for demographic factors. Consumers of potatoes (baked or boiled potatoes, mashed potatoes and potato mixtures, fried potatoes, and potato chips) had higher (p < 0.05) HEI-2015 total score and subcomponent scores for total vegetables, total protein foods, and refined grain than non-consumers. Consumers also had higher (p < 0.05) intake of energy, dietary fiber, protein, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, zinc, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin K and total choline; and higher (p < 0.05) adequacy for protein, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, thiamine, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and vitamin K than non-consumers. In conclusion, adolescent potato consumption was associated with higher diet quality, nutrient intake, and adequacy and therefore encouraging their consumption may be an effective strategy for improving nutritional status.