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Pimenta dioica (L.) or Allspice leaves is a spicy leaf and its bio-actives, nutrient and therapeutic value, is under-exploited. In this study, the leaves were dehydrated by sun (SD), shade (SHD), cross-flow (CFD), freeze (FD), low temperature low humidity (LTLH), and vacuum (VD) drying. Our focus extended beyond mere kinetics to explore the chemometrics, volatiles and bioactivity of the leaves. Modified page and Lewis models exhibited a superior fit in describing the dehydration process with high R2 value (0.98 – 0.99), lower χ2 and RMSE, with effective moisture diffusivity ranging from 0.26 × 10−9 to 7.47 × 10−9 m2/s. SEM exemplifies the matrix of leaf microstructures. FD and CFD retained highest total polyphenol content (70.67 ± 2.13 and 65.58 ± 1.95 mg GE/g), total flavonoid content (61.58 ± 0.95 and 43.34 ± 1.23 mg RE/g), essential oil yield (3.62 ± 0.01 and 3.23 ± 0.02%), volatiles (94.47% and 99.83%) and antioxidant activities (109.43 ± 1.15 mg TE/g and 105.88 ± 2.51). GC–MS analysis revealed eugenol, β-myrcene, chavicol, limonene and 3-octenol as a major compounds and Principal Component Analysis were explained 82.2% of the data variation in volatile compounds. Although effective, FD's cost-effectiveness is challenging. Conversely, CFD emerged as a more economically viable option, preserving essential nutrients such as ash, protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vital multi-minerals, and intrinsic bioactive components. This study pioneers the exploration of Allspice leaves, unlocking promising avenues in the spice industry for diverse applications. It highlights the need to optimize dehydration methods to preserve nutritional content and bioactive properties, paving the way for further advancements in spice processing technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study evaluated the prognostic role of the advanced lung cancer inflammation (ALI) index, lung immune prognostic index (LIPI), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and systemic inflammation score (SIS) in 191 metastatic NSCLC patients receiving immunotherapy alone or in combination with chemotherapy as first-line at Santa Chiara Hospital of Trento, from 2017 to 2024. After a median follow-up of 27.7 months, a significantly longer OS was associated with an ALI score >18 vs. ≤18 (18.0 vs. 7.3 months; p = 0.00111), LIPI score 0 vs. 1 and 2 [18.9 vs. 8.2 and 4.2 months; (p = 0.001)], PNI ≥ 45 vs. <45 (22.7 vs. 9.6 months; p = 0.002), and SIS score 0 vs. 1 and 2 (27.4 vs. 7.1 and 8.6 months, respectively; p < 0.001). The study confirmed that the ALI, LIPI, PNI, and SIS represent useful tools to prognosticate survival in metastatic lung cancer patients treated with immunotherapy alone or in combination with chemotherapy. Introduction: In recent years, several inflammation-related factors and nutritional parameters have been evaluated to develop prognostic scores as potential biomarkers in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The aim of this study was to retrospectively investigate the prognostic role of the advanced lung cancer inflammation (ALI) index, lung immune prognostic index (LIPI), prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and systemic inflammation score (SIS) in metastatic NSCLC patients receiving ICI alone or in combination with chemotherapy. Methods and patients: We retrospectively included 191 patients with advanced NSCLC who received first-line ICI with or without chemotherapy from 2017 to 2024. The association between pretreatment ALI, LIPI, PNI, and SIS and overall survival (OS) was evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression models. Results: After a median follow-up of 27.7 months, significantly longer OS was associated with an ALI score > 18 vs. ≤18 (18.0 vs. 7.3 months; p = 0.00111), LIPI score 0 vs. 1 and 2 [18.9 vs. 8.2 and 4.2 months; (p = 0.001)], PNI ≥ 45 vs. <45 (22.7 vs. 9.6 months; p = 0.002), and SIS score 0 vs. 1 and 2 (27.4 vs. 7.1 and 8.6 months, respectively; p < 0.001). The OS benefit was independent of treatment (ICI vs. ICI + chemotherapy). At multivariate analysis, pretreatment albumin was positively associated with OS, while ECOG PS 1 and liver metastases were negatively associated with OS. Conclusions: Inflammatory and nutritional biomarkers such as the ALI, LIPI, PNI, and SIS represent useful tools to prognosticate survival in metastatic lung cancer patients treated with ICI alone or in combination with chemotherapy as first-line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed literature published between January 1, 1990 and October 31, 2021, to identify socioeconomic determinants that contribute to higher burden and adverse outcomes in diseases for which self-care is an important modality of treatment and prevention. We identified these diseases using over-the-counter medicines sales data sourced from IQVIA. We searched Ovid Medline, PubMed, and EMBASE databases for articles published in English using inclusion/exclusion criteria. We analyzed articles covering 42 diseases that qualified as cardiovascular disorders (219 studies including ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, and related risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia and atrial fibrillation), nutritional disorders (66 studies including malnutrition which encompasses undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, and anemia), digestive disorders (40 studies including gastroesophageal reflux disorder, inflammatory bowel disease, and dyspepsia), allergy disorders (40 studies including asthma and allergic rhinitis), pain disorders (14 studies including lower back pain, knee pain, generalized musculoskeletal pain and headaches), dermatological disorders (23 studies including atopic dermatitis [eczema], occupational dermatosis, and facial dermatitis), respiratory disorders (11 studies including chronic cough, pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, wheezing, and influenza), and gynecological disorders (29 studies including bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis vaginosis). We found that lifestyle factors were the commonly reported risk factors, and residential segregation, education, and income were the commonly reported socioeconomic determinants. A closer analysis of income within each disorder revealed that it is more often associated with health conditions that are self-limiting. Although we did not find any discernible relationship between the commonly reported socioeconomic factors and the prevalence of self-medication for the health conditions considered, income plays an important role in the burden and outcomes of conditions that require more self-care compared to those that require less self-care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, fresh whole corn plants along with half milk kernels line were treated with live and hydrolysed yeast with different concentrations before ensiling and kept in airtight bags and then into mini silos in order to achieve anaerobic conditions for proper fermentation. The buckets were opened after different time intervals to characterise the material, quick acidification, dry matter recovery, and aerobic stability of silage respectively. Moreover, mycoflora and aflatoxin contamination were also analysed. The overall result reported that the silage quality was improved by the application of live and hydrolysed yeast. The best result was reported by the application of live yeast (T2: 10 g/kg) which significantly improved the fermentative, proximate, and digestibility parameters and reduced the mycoflora and aflatoxin contamination. Our results present promising new options for the use of natural compounds that may help to improve silage quality and reduce aflatoxin contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSION This study explores enzymatic hydrolysis as a method of modifying soybean meal (SM). It can reduce the particle size, improve flavor, and convert macromolecules into absorbable nutrients. The purpose is to provide technical information regarding the use of SM. Papain alone, and a combination of papain and acid protease, and a mixture of papain, acid protease, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum were employed for the enzymatic hydrolysis of SM.Sensory evaluation and nutritional and flavor analyses were performed with yogurt produced after SM enzymatic hydrolysis. The enzymatic hydrolysis improved yogurt quality significantly in comparison with non‐enzymatically hydrolyzed soybean meal yogurt (SMY) by accelerating the decrease in pH and shortening the duration of fermentation. Enzymatic hydrolysis also reduced beany flavors and bitterness and enhanced the aromatic compound, flavor‐related amino acid, and organic acid content, rendering the yogurt more appealing to consumers. Microstructural analysis revealed favorable characteristics that textural and rheological properties of the yogurt produced after enzymatically hydrolyzed SM were improved.In this study, the biotechnological approach was used to demonstrate the efficacy of enzymatic hydrolysis in improving the quality and value of SM, promoting the efficient application of SM in the food industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Huasteca region of Mexico, certain food plant species have been neglected due to public policies that have reduced support for family agriculture and favored the commercialization of processed and ultra-processed foods. It is important to identify and characterize these underutilized food plant species in the context of climate change and food and nutritional poverty. A survey was conducted among 45 participants in four rural localities, and field visits were carried out. The data obtained were analyzed thematically and through descriptive statistics. The study area is experiencing a progressive abandonment of species, resulting in a loss of germplasm and the traditional knowledge that underlies it. The reintroduction of these species into agroecosystems can be achieved by incorporating them into the local culinary practices. This will promote the resilience of agroecosystems and contribute to the food and nutritional security of society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Complementary feeding is the corner stone of child’s nutrition. Most malnourished children had their predicament originating from the period of transition from breast-feeding to family diet. Objectives: To determine the complementary feeding practices and nutritional status of young children in Gwiwa community. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Gwiwa community, Wam- makko LGA, Sokoto State between January and June, 2018. Three hundred and ten mothers with their children aged 6 – 36 months were interviewed using structured interviewer administered questionnaire and the children’s nutritional status was assessed using WHO classification of malnutrition. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22.0.A pvalue ≤0.05 was taken as significant Results: One hundred and forty (45.2%) respondents were aged 15 – 24years and 168(54.2%) were of low socio- economic class. There were 190 males and 120 females with 66 (21.3%) children exclusively breast fed for 6months. The mean age of cessation of breast feeding was 17.8 ±3.6 months. One hundred and sixty-nine (54.5%) children commenced complementary feeding at 6 - 8month of age with the mean age of 5.7(±2.6) months. One hundred and eighty- four (59.4%) used plain pap with 41.2% fed more than 3 times per day. Eighty – two (26.5%), 56(18.1%) and 76 (24.5%) children were under weight, wasted and stunted respectively. Conclusion: The complementary feeding practices were suboptimal in this community and might explain the poor nutritional status of their under fives. Efforts should be geared towards optimal complementary feeding practices in this community.

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Introduction: cancer and its treatments have been associated with poor nutritional status in children and adolescents. Objective: to establish the nutritional risk of pediatric patients and the degree of food and nutritional insecurity in the homes of children and adolescents with cancer who have been hospitalized in a high complexity pediatric oncology center. Methods: a prospective observational study conducted at the Fundación Hospital Pediátrico la Misericordia - HOMI. It included a sample of 41 children and adolescents aged 0 to 17 years and 11 months with a diagnosis of childhood cancer during the study period. The participants recruited during hospitalization had the application of the SCAN nutritional screening tool for childhood cancer, Spanish version, validated in HOMI and the Latin American and Caribbean Scale of Food and Nutritional Security - ELCSA, adapted and validated in Colombia. Results: 76 % (n = 31) of the patients were classified as "At risk of malnutrition" using the SCAN-SP nutritional screening tool. It was observed that 56 % of all households had a proportion of food insecurity, of which the classification of food insecurity was mild in 29 %, moderate in 20 % and severe in 7 % of households with children under 18 years of age. Conclusion: in the framework of the nutritional care process, it is important to take into account factors that include a complete nutritional risk assessment and evaluation that includes the measurement of food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated nutritional properties and sensory attributes of formulated, ready-to-use maize-based complementary foods. The study adopted experimental research design. Three composite flour samples with the ratios of 8:4:2 1:5, 9:5:1:4 and 10:51:1:4 of maize soybean, yeast, moringa seed and date fruit (sample 1, sample 2 and sample 3) respectively were formulated and subjected to nutrients analysis using standard procedures. Twenty-member panel of judges was employed to determine the organoleptic attributes, using a 9-point hedonic scale. Mean, one-way analyses of variance (ANOVA), Fishers Least Significant Difference (LSD) were used for data analysis. Results show that sample 1had highest ash (36.44±0.52g/100g),fat (15.45±0.27g/100g) and protein (3.52±0.44g/100g) content whereas the highest crude fibre (2.37±0.03g/100g),carbohydrate (44.18±0.03g/100g) and moisture (8.82±0.44g/100g) values were recorded in sample 3. Sample 1 had the highest concentration of all the vitamins analyzed with the exception of pro-vitamin A(beta-carotene) which was highest in sample 3 (0.018±0.0mg/100g). Result on mineral composition indicated that sample 1had the highest (p<0.05) zinc (3.37±0.14mg/100g), magnesium (383.05±10.07mg/100g and potassium (643.10±4.84mg/100g) whereas sample 3 recorded the highest (p<0.05) calcium (232.05±1.01mg/100g) and iron (10.15±0.15mg/100g) values. Sample one formulation yielded the most acceptable gruel (8.20±0.95a). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The depletion of freshwater resources, as well as climate change and population growth, are threatening the livelihoods of thousands of people around the world. The introduction of underutilized crops such as quinoa may be important in countries with limited productivity and/or limited access to water due to its resistance to different abiotic stresses and its high nutritional value. The aim of this review is to assess whether techniques such as germination, malting and fermentation would improve the nutritional and bioactive profile of quinoa. The use of nitrogen oxide-donating, oxygen-reactive and calcium-source substances increases germination. The ecotype used, temperature, humidity and germination time are determining factors in germination. The presence of lactic acid bacteria of the rust-type phenotype can improve the volume and texture during baking of the doughs, increase the fiber content and act as a prebiotic. These techniques produce a significant increase in the content of proteins, amino acids and bioactive compounds, as well as a decrease in anti-nutritional compounds. Further studies are needed to determine which conditions are the most suitable to achieve the best nutritional, functional, technological, and organoleptic quinoa properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apple pomace resulting from juice processing and thermal processing (50 °C/12 h and 80 °C/5 h) were optimized in order to obtain apple pomace powders with an organoleptic profile suitable as ingredients in food products. Proximate composition (moisture, titratable acidity, ash, soluble substances, and fat content) was analyzed using ISO standard methods. The Folin–Ciocâlteu method, a DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) test, and flavonoid determination were used to assess antioxidant potential and bioactive compound contents. Antimicrobial potential and cytotoxic and anti-proliferative potential were also assessed. Aroma was characterized by a volatile compound analysis performed using ITEX/GC-MS for the by-products, the powder, and some muffins developed with the proposed functional ingredient. For the sensory analysis of muffins, the acceptability was evaluated using the hedonic test and texture analysis was done using the CT3 Texture Analyzer. The cytotoxic potential of the methanol extracts of the by-products ranged between 70.42 and 78.80%. The hedonic test revealed that the evaluators highly appreciated the aroma, which was attributed to the volatile compounds responsible for the pleasant aroma. The addition of 20% apple pomace powder led to similar texture and sensory scores to the reference samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While research on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for the general population is expanding, there remains a scarcity of studies investigating the efficacy and utilisation of CAM practices, specifically in the paediatric population. In accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of the parental utilisation of CAM in their dependents is estimated to reach up to 80%. This literature review identified broad, heterogeneous, and inconclusive evidence regarding CAM's applications and effectiveness, primarily attributed to variance in sociodemographic factors and differences in national healthcare systems. Additionally, the review identified a lack of consensus and polarised positions among mainstream professionals regarding the mechanisms of action, applications, and effectiveness of CAM. This narrative review presents varied results concerning the efficacy of most CAM therapies and their applications; however, some evidence suggests potential benefits for acupuncture, yoga, tai chi, and massage in improving physical and mental health. Moreover, the available evidence indicates that meditation may enhance mental health, while reiki may only influence patients' perceptions of comfort. In light of the intricate and multifaceted nature of herbal medicine, it is imperative to assess its efficacy on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific compounds and procedures involved. This comprehensive review serves as a valuable resource for health professionals, offering guidance for personalised healthcare approaches that consider the values and beliefs of patients, thereby facilitating integrated, evidence-based practices aimed at enhancing the quality of healthcare services and patient satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic diseases have emerged as a formidable global health concern, with their prevalence steadily rising over the years. Several approaches to addressing these concerns include the use of medications, which are often expensive, contain synthetic chemical substances, and have reported adverse effects. The use of foods, especially proteins, as an alternative approach to addressing chronic health concerns by treating and managing chronic diseases is increasing. This review evaluates the intriguing role of food proteins in mitigating chronic diseases and improving our understanding of the therapeutic potential of different protein types, including those derived from legumes, nuts, and seeds, dairy, fish, and numerous other sources. They have been reported to offer promising avenues for managing chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic inflammation, weight management, bone health, glycemic control, muscle preservation, and many other health benefits. Although the exact mechanisms for these actions are still not properly elucidated, it is, however, understood that food proteins exert these health-beneficial effects by their unique nutritional and bioactive profiles, especially their bioactive peptides and amino acids. Practical applications are also discussed, including dietary interventions that are tailored towards incorporating protein-rich foods and the development of functional foods for disease prevention and management. Food proteins are a promising approach to combating chronic diseases that can turn around public health practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tropical and subtropical regions of the world support the growth of the Indian plant Moringa oleifera. It usually goes by the name drumstick tree or horseradish tree and thrives in warm climates. The leaves of the M. oleifera tree are now frequently used as nutrients and nutraceuticals due to their availability of various minerals. While having only very minor antinutritional effects, the leaves are abundant in many beneficial compounds. A recent review of the bioactive components and activity of moringa leaves has focused on both in vivo and in vitro studies. Drumstick leaves have antidiabetic qualities, anti‐inflammatory, anticancer, and antibacterial qualities among other health benefits. Phytochemicals, in addition to minerals and vitamins, are abundant in this vegetable. The majority of these effects, according to a review in the literature, are mostly brought on by the presence of carotenoids, glucosinolates, and phytochemicals. As a value‐added component in the production of wholesome meals, moringa is becoming more popular. Despite extensive research into locating and quantifying these advantageous elements in drumstick leaves, bioavailability and bioaccessibility studies were carried out. Beneficial photochemicals are absorbed and digested through incredibly intricate processes that involve several physicochemical and physiological interactions. Therefore, the biological impact of food may be attributed to its various metabolites that can access particular areas of action rather than its original substances. This body of literature offers the most recent findings in scientific research on the bioavailability, health advantages, nutritional profiles, and bioactive activities of moringa leaves as they relate to their use in a range of food products. Drumsticks are frequently used as a food element that promotes health because of their potent protection against a variety of ailments and the presence of environmental pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tacca tubers (Tacca leontopetaloides) are a tuber plant variety that is neglected and underutilized. Understanding tacca tubers' nutritional and anti-nutritional composition is necessary as a scientific basis for their development in the food industry. This study aims to evaluate the proximate composition, nutritional, and anti-nutritional compounds of tacca tubers grown in various regions in Indonesia, in particular Garut, Bangkalan, and Sumenep. As a result, the growing location did not affect the proximate composition (crude protein, ash, crude fiber, and fat) of tacca tubers except for water content. Significant differences were observed in starch content (25.77-32.43 %), vitamin C (11.85-14.32 mg/100 g), and vitamin E (0.25-0.42 mg/100 g). The growing location also significantly influences tacca tubers' mineral components (phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, sodium, and potassium). In addition, anti-nutritional compounds such as phytic acid (633.25-538.80 mg/100 g), tannin (45.43-64.03 mg/100 g), oxalate (201.14-338.01 mg/100 g), cyanide (2.17-3.05 mg/100 g), alkaloids (253.68-487.91 mg/100 g) and saponins (97.54-105.24 mg/100 g) in tacca tubers identified in different amounts at each growing location. In conclusion, tacca tubers Indonesia from Garut contain a high starch component. This potential can be an energy source, especially for coastal communities. Thus, tacca tubers can support creating a sustainable food system in Indonesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sports performance could be affected by placebo and nocebo effects. The last literature review on placebo and nocebo effects on sports and exercise performance was published in 2019. In the past five years, several new studies have been published. This review aimed to update the previous synthesis and evaluate the results of new studies focusing on placebo or nocebo interventions in sports and exercise by determining the form and magnitude of their effect. Hence, we searched for empirical studies published from 2019 until the end of May 2024 indexed in PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Google Scholar databases. The search yielded 20 eligible studies with control or baseline-control conditions, focusing on nutritional, mechanical, and other mixed ergogenic aids. They yielded small to large placebo effects (Cohen's d) for nutritional (d = 0.86), mechanical (d = 0.38), cream and gel (d = 0.05), and open-label placebo (d = 0.16) interventions. The pooled effect size for placebo effects was moderate to large (d = 0.67), larger than in the earlier review, suggesting that placebo effects can improve motor performance even more than previously reported. However, based on five measures from three studies, the nocebo effects were almost twice as large (d = 1.20). Accordingly, the current findings support and expand the last review in the field by yielding additional support for placebo and nocebo effects in sports and exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of a nation hinges upon the health and well-being of its populace. However, tribal communities, often marginalized and neglected, face numerous challenges due to their reluctance to engage with other communities for essential services. Understanding the health status of these communities is paramount. This study aims to evaluate the health status, nutrition, and dietary practices among the tribes of Heggadadevanakote (HD Kote), located in the Mysore district of Karnataka, India, focusing on the anemic population. This study was a baseline analysis of the project titled "Evaluation of efficacy and tolerability of select Ayurveda formulations in moderate Iron Deficiency Anemia", conducted as a part of the Tribal Health Care Research Programme (THCRP) under the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Minsitry of AYUSH. The trial was conducted as an outreach activity to address the health needs of the tribal population of HD Kote village, Karnataka. A survey was conducted among 370 participants aged 18 to 55 years, comprising 77 males and 293 females. Clinical screening for anemia and associated symptoms was performed following the World Health Organization classification. Statistical analysis using MS Excel was employed to determine the prevalence of various health issues within the tribal population. The findings reveal a significant prevalence of physiological complications among the tribal population, particularly among women, where the majority are affected by anemia, indicating an urgent need to address their health status. To address these challenges and raise awareness, the Ministry of Ayush, along with health professionals, has identified causative factors and implemented various frontline demonstrations, schemes, and promotive and therapeutic activities using Ayurveda to enhance the overall well-being of the tribal community. This study highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the health needs of tribal populations, emphasizing the necessity for targeted interventions to improve their health status and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To learn more about the nutritional composition and health benefits for human consumers of peas, we used a widely targeted metabolomics-based approach to reveal the metabolite components from three main varieties, and a total of 1095 metabolites were identified. A comparison of 487 differentially accumulated metabolites shared among three varieties of fresh and dried peas found most of the amino acids and derivatives were downregulated and most of the lipids and flavonoids were upregulated in dried peas. Furthermore, comparing the main nutrient profiles exclusively showed that there were few differences in free fatty acids, sugars, vitamins, and alkaloids between dried and fresh peas. Peas are especially enriched with B-group vitamins. Through detailed identification and classification, the flavonoid pathway of peas was revealed; a variety of glycosylated derivatives from kaempferol, quercetin, and luteolin were confirmed to be abundant in peas. It was also found that isoflavones are richer in peas than in many other plants, and putatively the isoflavone synthesis pathway originates from liquiritigenin and naringenin. Our study not only offers guidance for understanding the nutritional components of peas, but also provides the basis for healthy diet analysis of the edible value and health benefits of peas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black cumin (Nigella sativa) is an herbaceous spice that is grown worldwide, including in Ethiopia. To date, only small numbers of improved varieties of black cumin seeds have been produced by farmers in Ethiopia, and their composition has not been studied. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the composition of such improved varieties since black cumin seeds are often affected by geographical differences, climate, soil, harvesting and storage. This study investigated the nutritional and ant-nutritional composition of Improved Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) Seeds and the physicochemical properties and antioxidant profiles of the oil. All the analyses were conducted according to official standard procedures with grade chemicals and reagents. The results of the study showed that the proximate composition (mg/100 g dwb) significantly (P

This study investigated the nutritional, antinutritional, functional, and antioxidant properties of six different soybean seed varieties collected from the Bako Agricultural Research Center (BARC), Ethiopia. The proximate composition of the soybean seed varieties varied significantly from one variety to another. The moisture content ranged from 8.44 to 9.66 g/100 g dry weight basis, crude protein ranged from 35.31 to 47.63 g/100 g, crude fat ranged from 17.53 to 23.75 g/100 g, crude fiber ranged from 5.85 to 11.43 g/100 g, crude ash ranged between 3.4 to 4.8 g/100 g, utilizable carbohydrate ranged from 4.16 to 27.19 g/100 g, and gross energy ranged from 409.82 Kcal/100g to 429.98 Kcal/100g. The minerals in mg/100 g of seeds of soybean varieties also had the following ranges: sodium 2.94 to 4.06, potassium 1062.04 to 1360.80, calcium 174.16 to 268.84, magnesium 153.30 to 204.54, iron 9.84 to 14.30, copper 1.16 to 1.93, zinc 3.24 to 4.61, and phosphorus 691.73 to 1124. In particular, Gute-19 soybean varieties contained significantly high amounts of crude protein, ash, crude fat, calcium, iron, and zinc. Principal component analysis showed nutritional variability and six independent clusters in varieties; this category was useful for preparing products such as soymilk. The antinutrient in mg/100 g of soybean varieties ranges as follows: phytate 198.53 (Keta) to 271.84 (Gute-19), oxalate 1580 to 2020, and tannin 134.93 to 191.62. The molar ratios of the soybean varieties in this study were below the critical/standard value, except for the phytate: Fe ratio. The soybean varieties had total phenol ranges from 1.19 to 2.02 mg GAE/g and total flavonoids from 0.25 to 0.81 mg CE/g. The IC50 values (mg/mL) of the soybean varieties were as follows: DPPH scavenging is 2.10-10.30. The antioxidant activity of all soybean varieties was high, with Gute-19 exhibiting the highest antioxidant activity. Hence, increasing the cultivation, promotion, and consumption of soybean in the country could help in new product development, in addition to soymilk and food supplementation, and mitigate food insecurity and alleviate malnutrition in the country.

AbstractBread is extensively consumed food that could benefit from being supplemented with a variety of nutrients that are lacking. Making bread with samma leaf flour could be one way to combat malnutrition, particularly in regard to shortages in protein and minerals. The current study aimed to fortify wheat bread with samma leaves flour. The samma leaves flour (sun and oven dried) at three fortification levels [5, 10, and 15% (w/w)] were added using factorial experiment and were blended and co-fermented for bread baking using 100% wheat flour as a control. The breads were subjected to analysis of physical properties, proximate composition, minerals, vitamin C, β-carotene contents, and sensory evaluation. The results revealed that wheat bread substituted with samma leaves flour at 5, 10, and 15% showed a significant (p

Nowadays, virtually all major food stores offer a wide selection of plant-based milks made from almonds, oats, cashews, macadamia nuts, coconut and our old friend, the soy-bean. These forms of milk are typically lower in calories than dairy milk, and they do not contain saturated fat. Consequently, the objective of this paper is to investigate the preparation and nutritional evaluation of soursop juice milk as partial replacement for dairy milk in yoghurt production using appropriate standard methods. Data obtained shows that yoghurt enriched with soursop juice received a colour score of 7.57, which was slightly higher than that of plain cow milk yoghurt, indicating a positive contribution to colour acceptability. Aroma and taste ratings for soursop-supplemented yoghurt were above 7, placing them in the “I like it” category, suggesting favourable sensory attributes. Furthermore, it achieved an overall acceptability score of 7.00, indicating strong consumer preference and potential market appeal. The addition of soursop juice provided additional nutritional value, including increased dietary fibre and ash content of 1.98 and 2.00 respectively. This enrichment may offer enhanced health benefits compared to plain cow milk yoghurt. The presence of dietary fibre from soursop juice improved the stability of the yoghurt, reducing whey separation and enhancing texture. This suggests that the addition of soursop juice contributes to a more stable and desirable product. Soursop juice enhances the sensory attributes, nutritional profile, and stability of yoghurt compared to plain cow milk yoghurt. These improvements suggest that yoghurt with soursop juice may offer a competitive edge in the market, appealing to consumers seeking both better taste and nutritional benefits.

This study classifies foods based on their nutritional content using K-Means and DBSCAN clustering methods. The clustering quality was evaluated using the Davies-Bouldin Index (DBI) and Silhouette Score. K-Means was tested with different k values, while DBSCAN was analyzed with varying min_samples parameters. Additionally, a function was developed to group foods into three categories: Weight Gain, Obesity Prevention, and Weight Loss, based on calories, protein, fat, and carbohydrate content. The results show that K-Means is more effective than DBSCAN in clustering foods by nutritional content, yielding lower DBI values and higher Silhouette Scores. For example, K-Means with k = 3 achieved a DBI of 0.694930 and a Silhouette Score of 0.538921, while DBSCAN with eps = 0.75 and min_samples = 4 produced a DBI of 0.34546577 and a Silhouette Score of 0.492830814. This study concludes that K-Means provides superior clustering performance, enabling more specific dietary recommendations tailored to individual nutritional needs.

Introduction and purpose: In the past, fungi were considered a very low-value meal, however in modern literature, they are increasingly more frequently studied for their nutritional and medical properties. They are being currently reconsidered as an abundant source of nutrients that may be incorporated in diets of individuals of special medical needs, such as obese and diabetic patients. The purpose of this review is to evaluate one of the most common edible mushroom species, Cantharellus cibarius (girolle, golden chanterelle) for its health promoting properties with particular emphasis on its vitamin D content. It was of considerable importance for us to analyse the amount of vitamin D in the mentioned mushroom, as this micronutrient deficiency is fairly common in the human population. Material and method: The available literature was reviewed as provided by PubMed database and Google Scholar, with the use of keywords. State of knowledge: Golden chanterelle mushroom is a valuable source of proteins, mineral ingredients like potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and calcium, while containing low amounts of sodium and fat. The mushroom is especially valuable for its rich content of vitamin D, ranging up to 63 μg/100g fresh weight. Conclusions: This paper may help other scientists expand their research on golden chanterelle properties. Moreover, girolle, as naturally containing many pro-health metabolites, may serve as natural supplementation of microelements.

BackgroundThe combined effect of depression and nutritional-inflammatory status on mortality in the chronic kidney disease (CKD) population is unclear.MethodsWe prospectively analyzed 3,934 (weighted population: 22,611,423) CKD participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007–2018). Depression and nutritional-inflammatory status were assessed with Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) and Advanced Lung Cancer Inflammation Index (ALI), respectively. Weighted multivariate COX regression models, restricted cubic splines (RCS) models, and stratified analyses were used to investigate the association of PHQ-9 scores and ALI with all-cause mortality.ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 5.8 years (interquartile range 3.4–8.6 years), a total of 985 patients died (25.0%). Each point increase in a patient’s PHQ-9 score increased the risk of all-cause mortality by 4% (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02–1.06; p 0.05 for interaction).ConclusionIn a nationally representative sample of US patients with CKD, coexisting depression and poorer nutrition-inflammation were associated with a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality.

Abstract Hylocereus undatus, occasionally referred to as the dragon fruit or white‐fleshed pitaya, is a rich in nutrients fruit appreciated because of its colorful look and health benefits. It is inexpensive in calories but packed with minerals like iron, magnesium, and calcium in addition to essential nutrients like vitamin C and B vitamins. Similarly rich in dietary fiber, particularly promotes gut wellness and improves digestion, is pitaya. It additionally contains antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and betalains, which help with scavenging free radicals and reducing the detrimental effects of oxidative stress on the human body. The substantial amount of betalains in Hylocereus undatus phytochemical composition is notable because it contributes to the plant's anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties. There has been an association among these phytochemicals and a decreased likelihood of contracting long‐term conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Omega‐3 fatty acids and omega‐6 fatty acids, in particular, that reduce cholesterol levels while improving blood circulation, are plentiful in the fruit's seeds and are beneficial to heart wellness. The objective of this review is to highlight the nutritional profile, phytochemical and health benefits of Hylocereus undatus in detail.

Peanut is a worldwide oilseed crop and the need to assess germplasm in a non-destructive manner is important for seed nutritional breeding. In this study, Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) was applied to rapidly assess germplasm variability from whole seed of 699 samples, field-collected and assembled in four genetic and environment-based sets: one set of 300 varieties of a core-collection and three sets of 133 genotypes of an interspecific population, evaluated in three environments in a large spatial scale of two countries, Mbalmayo and Bafia in Cameroon and Nioro in Senegal, under rainfed conditions. NIR elemental spectra were gathered on six subsets of seeds of each sample, after three rotation scans, with a spectral resolution of 16 cm-1 over the spectral range of 867 nm to 2530 ​nm. Spectra were then processed by principal component analysis (PCA) coupled with Partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). As results, a huge variability was found between varieties and genotypes for all NIR wavelength within and between environments. The magnitude of genetic variation was particularly observed at 11 relevant wavelengths such as 1723 ​nm, usually related to oil content and fatty acid composition. PCA yielded the most chemical attributes in three significant PCs (i.e., eigenvalues >10), which together captured 93% of the total variation, revealing genetic and environment structure of varieties and genotypes into four clusters, corresponding to the four samples sets. The pattern of genetic variability of the interspecific population covers, remarkably half of spectrum of the core-collection, turning out to be the largest. Interestingly, a PLS-DA model was developed and a strong accuracy of 99.6% was achieved for the four sets, aiming to classify each seed sample according to environment origin. The confusion matrix achieved for the two sets of Bafia and Nioro showed 100% of instances classified correctly with 100% at both sensitivity and specificity, confirming that their seed quality was different from each other and all other samples. Overall, NIRS chemometrics is useful to assess and distinguish seeds from different environments and highlights the value of the interspecific population and core-collection, as a source of nutritional diversity, to support the breeding efforts.

Flammulina elastica is a white-rot basidiomycete fungus sheltered in the Northern Hemisphere. Although F. filiformis, popularly known as the enoki mushroom, is widely cultivated, few attempts have been made to produce F. elastica in South Asia. In this study, we examined the relationships between the taxa of Flammulina based on the ribosomal Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence and taxonomic characteristics. The morphological studies and ITS-based molecular results confirm the species as F. elastica. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that F. elastica belongs to a distinct clade. The species showed a large cap size and thick pileus with high fruit body weight. The lamellae of F. elastica are adnate, whitish to yellowish brown. The present study successfully standardised the cultivation technology of F. elastica under controlled growth conditions, with 18.6% biological efficiency on wheat straw-based substrate. The fruit bodies comprise 51.4% total carbohydrates and 24.5% protein on a dry weight basis. Higher β-glucan (47.3% w/w) was also reported in the fruit body, with considerable antioxidant activity. Moreover, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) studies revealed the presence of higher functional groups compared to F. filiformis. The experimental findings will popularise the cultivation of this mushroom in South Asian countries and temperate regions of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild olive tree, or oleaster (var. sylvestris), native to the Mediterranean region, is considered a traditional source of healthy food. Wild olive fruit (WOF) exhibits several biological properties associated with its chemical composition. Although Greece has important olive genetic resources, including oleaster populations, limited information is available on the chemical characterization of WOF. Therefore, the present investigation was undertaken to study the nutritional, bioactive (phenolics, tocopherols, and pigments), volatile profile, and antioxidant properties of WOF collected from Greece. Moreover, eco-friendly processes, including ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), were applied to obtain oleuropein-rich extracts from WOF. Evaluation of phenolic composition in WOF extracts was carried out by LC-DAD-ESI-MS, while antioxidant activity was evaluated by applying DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods. Our outcomes show that Greek WOF is rich in oleic acid (71.55%), total phenolics (64.89 mg GAE/g dw), tocopherols (107.05 mg/kg dw), and carotenoids (85.90 mg/kg dw). Oleuropein (72.03 mg/g dw) was the main phenolic compound in the WOF extracts. Also, the WOF was characterized by an increased level of volatile compounds, mainly terpenoids (46.73%). UAE was more efficient than MAE and ASE for recovering oleuropein-rich extracts with high antioxidant activity. These results emphasized the high potential of WOF as an alternative bioactive ingredient for use in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salmonellosis continue to be a major problem for the United States poultry industry. Salmonella outbreaks have been linked to commercial farms and backyard flocks in multiple states over the last five years. New serotypes, antimicrobial resistance, and the ability to persist without causing clinical symptoms and flourish when favourable conditions arise are major challenges to control Salmonella. Furthermore, environmental and management conditions and changes in diet can make hens more susceptible to Salmonella infections. Once laying hens acquire Salmonella, it can persist throughout the course of their production. A multifaceted strategy like effective rodent control, Salmonella free facility, appropriate cleaning and sanitising and vaccinations are crucial to control Salmonella infections. The adoption of good hygiene practices and hazard analysis and critical control points also have a significant role in controlling Salmonella at any production level. The use of vaccines has also shown to be effective in controlling Salmonella infection in laying hens. In addition, various nutritional strategies like probiotics, prebiotics and symbiotics are now available to control Salmonella infections. Modulation of gut microbiome could reduce the colonisation of Salmonella in hens. Recent studies have been focused on understanding the effect of intervention strategies on hens' microbiome and identifying the role of microbiome in preventing Salmonella infections. This review provides an overview on current challenges in controlling Salmonella, interventions that are commonly used to control this infection, as well as the role of microbiome in Salmonella infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Symptom management remains challenging in cancer care. Emerging from nutritional science, nutritional metabolomics has seen exponential growth over recent years, aiming to discern the relationship between dietary habits and health consequences. This protocol aims to present the rationale and methodology for conducting a scoping review to summarize the extent of evidence on synbiotics utilization in cancer symptom management among adults. The scoping review will be undertaken in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) principles and the research process guided by the PRISMA 2020 scoping reviews extension. The following electronic databases will be searched from the inception: PubMed, Cinahl, Web of Science and Scopus. The authors expect to map the literature regarding the clinical outcomes, including patient-report measures and patient-experience measures, on which the effects of probiotics were tested, and identify potential gaps. This protocol presents a rigorous methodological approach to map the literature on the clinical outcomes that the utilization of synbiotics might improve. This analysis will shape future researchers to examine the efficacy of probiotics on specific clinical outcomes in oncology care. Nurses are uniquely positioned to influence cancer symptom management through the selection and use of appropriate interventions in the field of nutritional supplements, along with nutritional counseling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoalbuminemia associates with poor acute ischemic stroke (AIS) outcomes. We hypothesised a non-linear relationship and aimed to systematically assess this association using prospective stroke data from the Norfolk and Norwich Stroke and TIA Register. Consecutive AIS patients aged ≥40 years admitted December 2003–December 2016 were included. Outcomes: In-hospital mortality, poor discharge, functional outcome (modified Rankin score 3–6), prolonged length of stay (PLoS) > 4 days, and long-term mortality. Restricted cubic spline regressions investigated the albumin–outcome relationship. We updated a systematic review (PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases, January 2020–June 2023) and undertook a meta-analysis. A total of 9979 patients were included; mean age (standard deviation) = 78.3 (11.2) years; mean serum albumin 36.69 g/L (5.38). Compared to the cohort median, albumin < 37 g/L associated with up to two-fold higher long-term mortality (HRmax; 95% CI = 2.01; 1.61–2.49) and in-hospital mortality (RRmax; 95% CI = 1.48; 1.21–1.80). Albumin > 44 g/L associated with up to 12% higher long-term mortality (HRmax1.12; 1.06–1.19). Nine studies met our inclusion criteria totalling 23,597 patients. Low albumin associated with increased risk of long-term mortality (two studies; relative risk 1.57 (95% CI 1.11–2.22; I2 = 81.28)), as did low-normal albumin (RR 1.10 (95% CI 1.01–1.20; I2 = 0.00)). Strong evidence indicates increased long-term mortality in AIS patients with low or low-normal albumin on admission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish oils are widely consumed around the world to increase omega-3 fatty acid intake. Due to negative impacts on marine resources and ecosystems from an increasing demand for fish, alternative sustainable sources are under investigation. Squid viscera contains up to 10% oil by mass and is available as a byproduct from squid processing. Squid viscera oil is a source of EPA and DHA and contains the xanthophyll carotenoid astaxanthin, known for its significant anticancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and cardiovascular properties. In the raw form, squid viscera oil has a high free fatty acid (FFA) content, so conventional alkaline refining results in low yield and loss of astaxanthin. As a higher-yielding alternative, the current study optimized lipase-catalyzed glycerolysis of squid viscera oil to convert FFA into acylglycerol using a custom-built one-liter immobilized enzyme reactor. To monitor the reaction progress and assess its impact on the oil, we analyzed lipid classes, fatty acid composition and astaxanthin levels. Under optimized conditions, FFA was reduced from 40% to 2.7% in 10 h and 1.7% in 24 h, with no significant effect on EPA and DHA levels, and astaxanthin being retained. Squid viscera presents a safe and sustainable additional source of marine-derived EPA and DHA oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peanut is a worldwide oilseed crop and the need to assess germplasm in a non-destructive manner is important for seed nutritional breeding. In this study, Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) was applied to rapidly assess germplasm variability from whole seed of 699 samples, field-collected and assembled in four genetic and environmentbased sets: one set of 300 varieties of a core-collection and three sets of 133 genotypes of an interspecific population, evaluated in three environments in a large spatial scale of two countries, Mbalmayo and Bafia in Cameroon and Nioro in Senegal, under rainfed conditions. NIR elemental spectra were gathered on six subsets of seeds of each sample, after three rotation scans, with a spectral resolution of 16 cm-1 over the spectral range of 867 nm to 2530 nm. Spectra were then processed by principal component analysis (PCA) coupled with Partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). As results, a huge variability was found between varieties and genotypes for all NIR wavelength within and between environments. The magnitude of genetic variation was particularly observed at 11 relevant wavelengths such as 1723 nm, usually related to oil content and fatty acid composition. PCA yielded the most chemical attributes in three significant PCs (i.e., eigenvalues >10), which together captured 93% of the total variation, revealing genetic and environment structure of varieties and genotypes into four clusters, corresponding to the four samples sets. The pattern of genetic variability of the interspecific population covers, remarkably half of spectrum of the core-collection, turning out to be the largest. Interestingly, a PLS-DA model was developed and a strong accuracy of 99.6% was achieved for the four sets, aiming to classify each seed sample according to environment origin. The confusion matrix achieved for the two sets of Bafia and Nioro showed 100% of instances classified correctly with 100% at both sensitivity and specificity, confirming that their seed quality was different from each other and all other samples. Overall, NIRS chemometrics is useful to assess and distinguish seeds from different environments and highlights the value of the interspecific population and core-collection, as a source of nutritional diversity, to support the breeding efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snake bite remains a public health problem in many countries including Nigeria; hence search for snake antivenom has intensified. One plant that is potentially useful in this regard is Pachycarpus bisacculatus roots (bitter butter). This study determined; proximate, phytochemical, of the aqueous, n-hexane, methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of Pachycarpus bisacculatus roots. These extracts obtained by maceration were subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening. Proximate, elemental, anti-nutritional compositions of this plant were carried out using standard methods. Results obtained were: moisture content (71.56±0.06, 7.53±0.37)%, crude protein (3.19±0.19, 1.92±0.05)%, crude fibre (11.33±0.31, 3.98±0.28)%, crude fat (1.05±0.07, 0.30±0.03)%, Ash (4.68±0.17, 2.32±0.32)%, carbohydrate (72.21±0.24, 19.92±0.48)% for the dried and fresh roots respectively. Elemental content showed that level of Ca was highest while that of Zn was the lowest. Al, Si, V, Pb were not detected. Anti-nutritional composition showed: oxalate (1.68±0.02 mg/100g), tannins (7.10±0.78 mg/100g), phytate (8.47±0.25 mg/100g) and cyanogenic glycosides (0.03±0.01 mg/100g). Extraction yields were 21.068% in aqueous solution, 1.6391% in ethyl acetate. The results indicate that root extracts of Pachycarpus bisacculatus contain bioactive chemicals and micronutrients which may be responsible for the medicinal properties reported for the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seed of Citrullus lanatus mucosospermus, known as egusi, is versatile and explored for its oil and flour functionality. Raw flour can be used as a raw material in a nutritional program due to its oil-rich, remarkably high protein content, and richness in omega-6 fatty acids. There is a need to explore eco-friendly defatting methods using the supercritical CO2 extraction method (SFECO2) to preserve this seed's generic richness and to control the flour–oil ratio in processing formulations. The supercritical fluid extraction method uses temperature, pressure, and CO2 flow rate to determine the best yield and extraction parameters. Defatted egusi flour (DEF) was extracted using three runs. Firstly, at 60 °C, 30 g/h, and 450 bar (DEF1); secondly, at 55 °C, 30 g/h, and 600 bar (DEF2); and thirdly, extraction was performed at 75 °C, 30 g/h and 600 bar (DEF3). Trace and major elements were analysed using Agilent 7700 quadruple ICP-MS (Agilent Technologies Network, Palo Alto, CA, USA) and Thermo Cap 6200 ICP-AES (Thermo Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA), respectively. The sugar was separated on a gas chromatograph coupled to a Mass Selective Detector (MSD). The fundamental pasting property measurements were performed using a Rapid Visco Analyser RVA 4500 Perten instrument Sin 214 31208-45 Australia. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS version 29 software (v. 2022). The protein content of defatted egusi flour ranged from 48.4 for DEF2 to 60.4% w/w for DEF1 and differed significantly, with a rich amino acid high in glutamine ranging from 9.8 to 12.9 g/100 g). DEF2 (512.0 cP) showed the highest peak viscosity and was the most viscous among the samples. Defatted flour with lower temperature and lower pressure (60 °C and 450 bar) offered the best nutritional properties, proffering defatted egusi flour from SFECO2, a novel flour for dietary programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Barley has played a critical role in mankind civilisation. Despite being underexploited, highland barley (HB) is an economical crop demonstrating superior nutritional and health benefits compared to most common cereals. In recent years, germination has drawn a great attention because of its ability to increase nutrients in grains. This review aimed to elucidate the implication of germination in improving the qualities of HB. Because of germination, amelioration in nutrients and digestibility was observed in germinated HB (GHB) than ungerminated HB, due to activation of various enzymes. An increase in polyphenols and antioxidant activity was achieved in GHB. GHB‐based products exhibited better water‐holding capacity, water solubility index, oil‐holding capacity, sensory attributes and cooking time. However, excessive germination may have negative impact on starch‐protein network, which might be detrimental during food processing. Overall, controlled‐germination could be a viable approach to improve the digestibility, palatability, acceptability and shelf‐life of HB‐based products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, nutritional composition of ajwain seed, bioactive components of different solvent extracted ajwain essential oil and nutritional composition, textural attributes and sensory properties of ajwain essential oil fortified cookies were investigated. Ajwain seed has shown to have higher amount of carbohydrate (55.38%), fat (10.08%) and protein (15.73%) and also significant ash content (7%) and crude fibre content (18.98%). Furthermore, it contains potential functional qualities, including TFC (2.0608 mg quercetin/gm), TPC (126.021 mg GAE/100 gm), and antioxidant content of 36.36 g/ml. Essential oil extracted by using solvent extraction method with the application of different solvents and its combination was analysed in terms of yield and characterization of bioactive constituents using GC-MS technique. Maximum yield was found in combination of nhexane and petroleum ether (3.2%). Thymol was found as dominant bioactive constituents both by using petroleum ether (75.831%) and combination of n-hexane and petroleum ether (71.372%) whereas p-cymene showed the least by using combination of combination of n-hexane and petroleum ether (1.602%). Nutritional constituents in terms of carbohydrate (51.89%), fat (31.004%), protein (7.14%), crude fibre (3.14%), Ash (2.59%) and moisture content (4.23%) of 1 ml essential oil fortified ajwainjeera cookies were found as satisfactory. Moreover, fortified cookie was shown best sensory acceptability using 9-point hedonic rating test. Texture profile analysis of essential oil fortified cookie results satisfactory values. Experimental investigation revealed that antimicrobial potential of the essential oil and essential oil fortified cookie against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and E. coli were highly satisfactory. (If we are reducing word count then some of part missed in abstract.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The peach fruit moth, Carposina sasakii Matsumura, is a significant fruit-boring pest that negatively impacts the East Asian agricultural economy. To aid the development of pest control strategies, peach fruit moths are raised and studied for multiple generations in laboratory. It is important when maintaining a laboratory moth colony to consider the effects of nutrition on the colony's growth, survival, and reproduction. In this study, adult peach fruit moths (F0) were divided into separate groups, and each group was fed one of seven different nutrient solutions under laboratory conditions. The development and fitness of the moths' offspring (F1) were then analyzed. The results showed that F0 adult peach fruit moths fed with 10 grams per liter sucrose had F1 offspring with significantly higher fitness and reproductive parameters, suggesting that this concentration of sucrose is more suitable for raising laboratory peach fruit moths. Thus, appropriate nutrition during the adult stage of the peach fruit moth's life cycle could play an important role in the development of future offspring in laboratory studies and in turn influence the future of East Asian agriculture. Nutrients consumed during the adult stage are a key factor affecting the growth, development, and reproduction of insect offspring and thus could play an important role in insect population research. However, there is absence of conclusive evidence regarding the direct effects of parental (F0) nutritional status on offspring (F1) fitness in insects. Carposina sasakii Matsumura is a serious, widespread fruit-boring pest that negatively impacts orchards and the agricultural economy across East Asia. In this study, life history data of F1 directly descended from F0 C. sasakii fed with seven different nutrients (water as control, 5 g·L−1 honey solution, 10 g·L−1 honey solution, 5 g·L−1 sucrose solution, 10 g·L−1 sucrose solution, 15 g·L−1 sucrose solution, and 20 g·L−1 sucrose solution) were collected under laboratory conditions. The growth and development indices, age-stage specific survival rate, age-stage specific fecundity, age-stage specific life expectancy, age-stage specific reproductive value, and population parameters of these offspring were analyzed according to the age-stage, two-sex life table theory. The results showed that the nutritional status of F0 differentially affects the growth, development, and reproduction of F1. The F1 offspring of F0 adult C. sasakii fed with 10 g·L−1 sucrose had significantly higher life table parameters than those of other treatments (intrinsic rate of increase, r = 0.0615 ± 0.0076; finite rate of increase, λ = 1.0634 ± 0.0081; net reproductive rate, R0 = 12.61 ± 3.57); thus, 10 g·L−1 sucrose was more suitable for raising C. sasakii in the laboratory than other treatments. This study not only provides clear evidence for the implications of altering F0 nutritional conditions on the fitness of F1 in insects, but also lays the foundation for the implementation of feeding technologies within the context of a well-conceived laboratory rearing strategy for C. sasakii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transfusion dependent β thalassemia is a chronic inherited hemolytic anemia with defective hemoglobin β-chain. Nutritional deficiencies associations are being recognized in recent research. Although it is not fully understood, it might be related to increased nutrients needed, secondary hemochromatosis, endocrinopathies, and decreased Red Cells’ life span. The aim of this study is to assess the nutritional deficiencies in Beta thalassemia major. Methods: A cross-sectional study on fifty transfusion dependent β thalassemia major patients ranging in age from 19 to 42 years old that were recruited from Benha Hematology Outpatient Clinic and Internal Medicine Admission wards, Benha University Hospitals, Egypt from February 2022 to November 2022. Hematological Indices like Hemoglobin, Platelets, and White Blood Cells were evaluated. Ferritin was tested in addition to Vitamin D 3 assay, Parathyroid hormone, Hb A1c, thyroid stimulating hormone, and DEXA scan. Also, extensive nutritional laboratory tests such as serum total protein, albumin, folate, calcium, Phosphorus, and Magnesium were investigated. In addition to height, weight, and routine laboratory evaluation, comprehensive history was taken. Results: Serum Vitamin D, folate and PTH were the most deficient in our studied patients representing 82 %, 28 %, and 20 % respectively. Also, bone mineral density was abnormal in 6 (12%) patients who had either osteopenia or osteoporosis. An increased prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (14%) was noted. No significant association between serum ferritin level and nutritional deficiency was found. Conclusions: Early assessment of nutritional deficiencies in Transfusion dependent β thalassemia is a critical step in their evaluation. Because our adult thalassaemic patient showed a lesser prevalence of the underweight category, BMI might be an inaccurate method for nutritional assessment. The vitamin D essay, serum calcium, Hb A1c, and DEXA scan should be the first screening investigations in the thalassemia patient’s evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]