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The cashew plant is an allogamous plant that produces two types of fruits: the nut and the cashew apple. The present study was conducted to perform a comparison of proximate and phytonutrient compositions of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) nuts and apples from different geographical areas of Burkina Faso. For this purpose, 60 samples of apples and kernels were collected from the three main cashew cultivation areas. The nutritional potential of cashew nuts and apples produced was evaluated to enhance their food processing. Protein, carbohydrates, lipids, dietary fibers, ascorbic acid, tannins, anthocyanins, chlorophyll, lycopene, and β-carotene contents were assessed. The results revealed high contents of lipids (50.42 ± 2.3 g/100 gDW), proteins (22.32 + − 1.8 g/100 gDW), and starch (12.05 ± 1.27 g/100 g DW) in almonds. Apples, on the other hand, are rich in lipids, ascorbic acid (387.45 ± 17.4 mg/100 g), soluble sugars (387.45 ± 17.4 mg/100 g,), and pigments (lycopene, anthocyanin, β-carotene, and chlorophyll). In summary, almonds may be suitable as a source of lipids and related products. Apples can be used as natural antioxidants and produce juices. All of these data are important clues for cashew by-product processing. These results obtained provide a scientific basis for their food and economical valorization of cashew fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inactivation of rabies virus is essential for rabies vaccine preparation where the inactivating compound that is currently recommended for rabies vaccine preparation is β-propiolactone (β-PL). This compound is considered better than phenol and formalin but it is expensive and potentially carcinogenic. Data revealed that Ascorbic acid (AA) with cupric ions could yield complete and irreversible inactivation of rabies virus without adversely affecting its antigenicity. Additionally, the results of testing the vaccine potency with the selected inactivating compounds were comparable (P<0.05), and ED50 was higher than the recommended World Health Organization (WHO) limits. The use of HemaGel (plasma substitute) for testing vaccine stabilization was compared with the currently used vaccine stabilizers (human albumin and lactose). HemaGel yielded better stability than the other tested stabilizers. Monitoring of cellular and humoral immune responses indicated that both the total IgG level against rabies vaccine and the IFN and IL5 levels obtained with the HemaGel-stabilized vaccines were higher than those obtained with human albumin- and lactose-stabilized vaccine candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]