Showing papers in "Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences in 2017"

Qualitative and Quantitative Phytochemical Screening of Some Plants Used in Ethnomedicine in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract: Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening of six plants used in ethnomedicine in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria was carried out to identify and quantify the bioactive compounds present in these highly medicinal plants. The plants studied were Phyllanthus amarus Schum and Thonn, Euphorbia heterophylla Linn., Senna occidentalis L., Piper nigrum L., Ageratum conyzoides L. and Gongronema latifolium Benth. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of leaves of the plant species were screened for the presence of alkaloid, anthraquinone, coumarin, flavonoid, phenol, quinone, saponin, tannin, sugar and glycoside and quantitative study was also carried out using Standard method. Qualitative study indicated the presence of all the phytochemicals in the ethanolic extracts of P. amarus and E. heterophylla, and absence of anthraquinone in S. occidentalis, P. nigrum, A. conyzoides and G. latifolium. Also, absence of coumarin in S. occidentalis, and phenol in G. latifolium. The aqueous extract indicated the presence of all the phytochemicals in A. conyzoides and presence of alkaloid, tannin, sugar and glycoside in other plant species studied. Quantitative analysis showed variable amounts of pharmacologically important secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, tannins, flavonoid, saponins and phenol in all the plants investigated. The different phytochemicals are shown to perform different biological activities in humans and animals. These compounds can be harnessed for industrial and pharmaceutical utilization.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Wild Edible Plants and Their Contribution for Food Security Used by Gumuz People in Kamash Woreda; Benishangul Gumuz Regional State; Ethiopia

Abstract: The aims of this study was documenting and assessing the utilization of the food plants used by the Gumuz community in western Ethiopia. Informants were sampled from selected kebeles randomly. Semi-structured interview, questionnaires, focus group discussion and field observations were tools of data collection. Descriptive statistics, preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, and informant consensus were used to analyze the data. Total of 35 families, 49 genera with 60 species of wild edible plants were collected in the study area. Most of them are shrubs (36.67%) followed by trees and herbs with 28.33 % and 28.33% respectively. Oxythenantra abysinica was the most preferred species. Wild edible plants are threatened due to various human and natural causes. Thus, public awareness and community based management is need to be encouraged by government and Non Government Organizations at all levels.

Introduction and Safety Evaluation of Citrinin in Foods

Abstract: Citrinin is a kind of mycotoxin, which is produced during Monascus fermentation to produce Monascus Pigments. Studies have shown that citrinin has certain nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity, which can cause tumor, induce mutation and so on. The pretreatment of samples was carried out by ultrasonic assisted extraction centrifugal separation and nitrogen blowing concentration, and HPLC with fluorescence detection was used to detect 4 types samples of food raw materials including Monascus food additives (a total of 57 samples). The results showed that citrinin was 23 positive and the positive rate was 40.4% (Below the detection limit is negative, opposite positive). The pollution level reached 0.096~0.24 mg/kg and the average pollution level is 0.16 mg/kg. The problem of citrinin should be paid enough attention to in the Monascus production industry, and it may be possible to solve the problem of citrinin in Monascus by biological, physical or chemical methods.

The Use of Consciousness Energy Healing Based Herbomineral Formulation for Skin Anti-Aging Strategies

Abstract: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of a Consciousness Energy Healing (The Trivedi Effect®) Treatment based test formulation and medium (DMEM) against skin health parameters using HFF-1, HaCaT, and B16-F10 cells. The test formulation and DMEM were divided into two parts. One part of the test formulation and one part of the DMEM received the Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment by Vaibhav Rajan Parulkar and were defined as the Biofield Energy Treated samples, while the other parts were denoted as the untreated test samples. Cell viability using MTT assay showed more than 75% cells were viable in all the tested concentrations in three cells, indicating that the test formulation was safe and nontoxic. The percent cell proliferation by BrdU assay was significantly increased by 434.14%, 244.77%, and 268.53% in the UT-DMEM + BT-Test Formulation, BT-DMEM + UT-Test Formulation, and BT-DMEM + BT-Test Formulation groups, respectively at 8.75 µg/mL in relation to the UT-DMEM + UT-Test Formulation group. Elastin was significantly (p≤0.001) increased 93.52% and 75.81% in the UT-DMEM + BT-Test Formulation and BT-DMEM + UT-Test Formulation groups, respectively at 10 µg/mL compared to the UT-DMEM + UT-Test Formulation group. Hyaluronic acid was significantly increased by 100.07% (p≤0.05), 41.60%, and 50.10% in the UT-DMEM + BT-Test Formulation, BT-DMEM + UT-Test Formulation, and BT-DMEM + BT-Test Formulation groups, respectively at 0.625 µg/mL in relation to the UT-DMEM + UT-Test Formulation group. Melanin was decreased by 10.09% and 6.51% in the UT-DMEM + BT-Test Formulation and BT-DMEM + UT-Test Formulation groups, respectively at 0.125 µg/mL compared to the UT-DMEM + UT-Test Formulation group. Protection of skin cells after UV-B exposure data displayed that the cell viability was increased by 7.22%, 5.75%, and 8.15% in the BT-DMEM + BT-Test Formulation at 0.625%, 1.25%, and 2.5% µg/mL, respectively compared to the UT-DMEM + UT-Test Formulation group. Wound healing data exhibited significant wound closure and cell migration activities in the HFF-1 cells compared to the UT-DMEM + UT-Test formulation group. Overall, the data suggests that the Biofield Energy Treated DMEM and test formulation demonstrated better skin protection action compared to the untreated DMEM and test formulation. Therefore, the Biofield Energy Treated test herbomineral formulation could be useful for the development of effective cosmetic products for the prevention and treatment of several skin problems such as erythema, contact dermatitis, skin aging, wrinkles and/or change in the skin color, etc.

Nutritional Composition and Effects of Cultural Processing on Anti-nutritional Factors and Mineral Bioavailability of Colocasia Esculenta (Godere) Grown in Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract: Taro corms of Boloso variety grown in southern region of Ethiopia was exposed to processing such as boiling, frying and fermentation were investigated for proximate, mineral and anti-nutritional factors. Proximate compositions of Boloso raw were found to contain moisture- 67.64%, crude ash-3.92%, crude fiber-5.8%, crude protein-6.62%, crude fat-0.67%.Macro nutrients such as phosphorous, sodium, Potassium, and calcium were 60.63mg/100g, 37.61 mg/100g, 710 mg/100g and 186 mg/100g respectively. The mineral composition of micro nutrients found to be copper-0.76 mg/100g, zinc-14.27 mg/100g, iron-10.57 mg/100g for Bolos raw. Anti-nutrient factor of Boloso raw analyzed in this study were oxalate-187 mg/100g, Phytate-78.11 mg/100g, tannin- 67.07 mg/100g. Potassium was the most abundant macro mineral (710mg/100g) in the unprocessed tubers. Processing significantly reduced its content. The effect of processing on calcium showed significant increase upon fermentation and decrease on frying process. However, boiling did not significantly reduce the calcium content. When compared with Boloso raw, processing resulted in significant increase phosphorous and sodium content. Bolo raw has the highest zinc content. Frying process significantly reduced micronutrients where as fermentation process significantly reduced zinc and iron content. Boiling process significantly increased copper content but it decreased iron content significantly. Boloso raw is rich in calcium oxalate. Anti-nutrient factors were significantly reduced by the effects of various domestic processing (boiling, frying and fermentation) on Bolos raw taro. Of the three different treatments boiling appears to be effective in reducing oxalate, fermentation in phytate and frying in tannin content.

Effect of Processing on Proximate and Mineral Composition of Hepho, a Black Climbing Bean ( Lablab purpureus L.) Flour

Abstract: Legumes represent major sources of nutrients and their nutritive value depends upon the processing methods applied. The objective of this study was to determine the effect processing on proximate and mineral compositions of ‘hepho’ (Lablab purpureus L.). Hepho is the Afan Oromo name for black climbing bean Lablab purpureus L. which is an indigenous legume in Ethiopia. The processing techniques employed were traditional cooking (TC) and pressure cooking (PC) of the dehulled and undehulled hepho bean while the raw sample was served as a control. The protein content was retained in all the processing methods while other proximate compositions showed deviations from the raw. Both PC and TC caused a significant (p < 0.05) difference in carbohydrate, fat, fiber, ash and energy content. The results also showed that the processing methods caused a significant (p < 0.05) difference in all the minerals (Ca, P and Zn) except the iron (Fe) content that was retained during all the processing employed. This legume was reach in minerals and proximate compositions and after processing the protein and iron content were determined to be stable. The high amount of iron in lablab beans and its retention during processing was noteworthy as diets in many developing countries are iron deficient. Hence, hepho or lablab can be an alternative and cheaper source of supplemental protein and other nutrients to solve protein energy malnutrition which is a prevalent problem in developing countries like Ethiopia.

Phytochemicals for Non-insulin Diabetes Mellitus: A Minireview on Plant-Derived Compounds Hypoglycemic Activity

Abstract: Diabetes mellitus (DM), a group of chronic metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin action and/or insulin secretion. It represents one of the main contributors to ill health and premature mortality worldwide and its prevalence has been rising during the last decades. Unfortunately, many antidiabetic agents for diabetes either have inadequate efficacy or significant mechanism-based side effects. A great deal of interest has been developed to the various natural bioactive compounds isolated and characterized from medicinal plants. This review focuses specifically on four nature phytochemicals such as polysaccharides, flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids whose properties are potencial to antidiabetic remedy.

Milling and Physical Characteristics of Pigmented Rice Varieties

Abstract: In the present study, four different pigmented rice varieties, namely glutinous white rice, black rice and two red rice varieties (TPS-1 and TKM-9) were evaluated for various quality aspects in terms of milling and physical characteristics such as hulling percentage, milling percentage, whole kernel recovery, milling loss, thousand grain weight, grain volume, bulk density, true density, grain length, grain width and L/B ratio. Among the four rice varieties TPS-1 had the highest hulling percentage, milling percentage, whole kernel recovery percentage. While as, glutinous white rice had the lowest milling loss. Thousand grain weight, grain volume was higher in glutinous white rice variety. Bulk density and true density were found to be highest for glutinous white rice followed by TPS-1, TKM-9 and black rice. Milling characteristic in terms of hulling percentage, milling percentage, whole kernel recovery and milling loss showed significant difference between the varieties. L/B ratio was found to be highest for glutinous white rice followed by TPS-1, TKM-9 and black rice variety. Grain length and grain width observed range from 5.38 – 6.38 mm and 1.90 – 2.24 mm.

Physico Chemical, Antioxidant and Pasting Properties of Pre-heated Purple Sweet Potato Flour

Abstract: Purple sweet potatoes contain anthocyanins which could function as a natural food colorant, and an antioxidant One of the problems in handling the fresh roots is their susceptibility during storage, and to extend their uses, fresh purple sweet potato could be processed into flour However, during flouring process, the properties of the purple sweet potato may undergo some changes such as partial gelatinization of the starch and discolorization Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of pre-heating treatment during flouring process on degree of gelatinization, the anthocyanin content, the antioxidant activity and the total phenolic content of heat treated purple sweet potato flour Other objectives were to observed the changes in the starch properties such as rheological properties, granular appearance of the heat treated- purple sweet potato flour Pre-heating treatment of purple sweet potato flour was prepared by heating grated purple sweet potato in a single rotary drum cooker at 90°C for 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 min, followed by drying in a cabinet dryer at 60°C for 8 h The results showed the longer pre-heating time at 90°C had caused increase in the degree of gelatinization, increase in total phenolic and anthocyanin retention In addition, differences in gelatinization temperature, maximum viscosity, paste stability and retrogradation, and differences in scanning electron microscope (SEM) of granular appearance were also observed The overall results indicated that pre-heating treatment can be used for modifying the physical, chemical and rheological properties to suit various applications and preserving functional properties of purple sweet potato flour

Weed Identification in Sugarcane Plantation Through Images Taken from Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) and kNN Classifier

Abstract: The sugarcane is one of the most important crops in Brazil, the world´s largest sugar producer and the second largest ethanol producer. The presence of weeds in the sugarcane plantation can cause losses up to 90% of the production, caused by the competition for light, water and nutrients, between the crop and the weeds. Usually sugarcane plantations occupy large fields, and due to this, the weeds control is mostly chemical, which is more practical and cheaper than mechanical control. In the chemical control, the dosage and type of herbicides has been calculated by sampling, which causes problems of waste and misapplication of herbicides, since the degree of infestation may be variant from one location to another, as well as the species presents in the plantation. In order to avoid unnecessary waste in the herbicides application, there are some studies about weed identification using images taken from satellites, solution that have proved to have the advantage of covering the whole plantation, solving the problems of sample surveying, nevertheless, this method its dependent of a high weed density to ensure a good pattern recognition and its affected by the influence of clouds in the imagery quality. This work proposes a system for weed identification based on pattern recognition in imagery taken from a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). The RPA is able to fly at low altitude, so it is possible to take images closer to the plants and make the weed identification even in low infestation levels. In an initial evaluation, the system reached an overall accuracy of 83.1% and kappa coefficient of 0.775, using k-Nearest Neighbors (kNN) classifier.

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome Among Diabetes Patients in Central Regional Hospital, Cape Coast, Ghana

Abstract: Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a combination of complex group of cardiovascular risk factors, which include central adiposity, high blood pressure, dyslipidaemia and elevated fasting blood glucose. Generally, the prevalence of MetS in diabetes patients is high and the syndrome tends to promote the development of diabetes and other chronic diseases. Diabetes is characterised by high random plasma glucose as well as polyuria, polydipsia and weight loss etc. Aim: This study aims to determine the prevalence of MetS in diabetics’ patients using the National Cholesterol Education Programme (NCEP) ATP III criteria, World Health Organisation and International Diabetes Federation definitions in quantifying the syndrome. Method: This cross-sectional study involved 103 diabetes patients in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Central Region. Anthropometric measurements and fasting blood samples for blood sugar and lipids were taken. Blood pressures were recorded from their personal health record files. The NCEP ATP III, WHO and IDF criteria were used to define diabetes patients with the metabolic syndrome. Results: A total of 42 (40.8%), 31(30.1%), 81 (78.6%) were obese, overweight and have high waist circumference (IDF) respectively. Also all the participants had a low high density lipoprotein (HDL) level with 42(95.5%) having high triglycerides (TG). Significant associations were found for age range of 66-75(OR= 16.00, CI= 1.32-194.62), women (OR= 14.06; CI= 2.50-79.05) and high blood pressure (OR= 5.83, CI= 1.22-39.93). Prevalence of MetS was 38.60%, 59.09% and 75.00% using WHO, NCEP ATP III and IDF criteria respectively. Conclusion: A high prevalence of MetS was observed among the diabetes patients. The prevalence among the females was higher than that of the males.

Hygiene Facilities and Practices for Vended Meats at Selected Highway Markets in Uganda

Abstract: A study on hygiene facilities and practices for vendors of ready-to-eat roasted meat at selected highway markets was conducted. The objective of the study was to compare the current hygiene status with recommended best practices. Recommended conditions for hygiene facilities such as hand washing items, food storage equipments, food preparation and processing equipments as well as display and service facilities were assessed at 41 stalls using checklists. Questionnaires covering meat purchase and delivery, storage, preparation, processing, display and service were also administered to 180 vendors to assess their hygiene practices. A scale of 0-4 was used to assess the conformity of hygiene facilities. The majority (63%) of the hygiene facilities assessed scored below 2 denoting low conformity to recommended conditions. Hand washing facilities were the most deficient with a score of 0.34. Fair scores were obtained for aprons (2.5). The low scores obtained during the assessment of hygiene facilities concurred with the results obtained from the assessment of hygiene practices. The majority (71.5%) of the responses from vendors showed poor hygiene practices. Therefore, the hygiene facilities and practices did not conform to recommended best conditions. This means that there is a high risk of contamination of ready-to-eat roasted meat in the highway markets due to poor hygiene. Improved hygiene facilities, training and awareness creation among vendors and market authorities are required to ensure safety of ready-to-eat meats.

Evaluation of Protein Levels in Diets for Salema Porgy ( Sarpa salpa ) Juveniles, a New Candidate Species for the Mediterranean Aquaculture

Abstract: In the present study, the effects of different dietary protein levels on salema porgy, Sarpa salpa (Linnaeus, 1758) juveniles were investigated. Six iso-caloric (20 kJ/g diet) diets with increasing protein levels (30, 37, 40, 47, 50, and 57%) were formulated. Each test diet was randomly fed to triplicate groups of 13 juvenile fish (initial mean weight 19.28±0.13 g) to satiety over 90 days. Growth performance and feed utilization were best with low dietary protein levels of 30 and 37%, but decreased with diets containing protein levels over 40%. Ammonia nitrogen excretion showed an increasing trend as dietary protein levels gradually increased, whereas retention rates of ammonia nitrogen per intake were highest in the low protein groups of 30 or 37%. The analyses of specific growth rate by broken-line regression indicated that the optimal dietary level of protein for salema porgy juvenile were 33.6% under the conditions applied in this study. As a result, S. salpa demonstrated better growth with low protein diets, showing that this marine fish could be a promising candidate for a sustainable and environment friendly aquaculture industry.

Nutritional Status of Day and Boarding Female Adolescent Secondary School Students in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State

Abstract: Nutrient intake during adolescence is of critical importance because this period is characterized by an exceptionally rapid rate of growth. The poor nutritional status of adolescents, especially girls, has important implications in terms of physical work capacity and adverse reproductive outcomes. Thus, a study on the nutritional patterns of adolescent girls is imperative to improve their growth rate and reproductive outcomes. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the nutritional status of day and boarding students in public secondary schools in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. The study was a comparative cross sectional study which sampled a total of 326 students from secondary schools in Warri South L. G. A. of Delta State. A semi-structured questionnaire was self-administered to obtain information on respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics, nutritional pattern and factors influencing adolescent nutrition. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and ANOVA were used to analyse the data with level of significance set at 0.05. The results show that the mean age of the respondents was 12.27±1.79 years with majority in the age bracket of between 10-15 years of age and more as day students 58.90% than boarding students 41.10%. Assessment of the nutritional status of day and boarding students show that 11.20% of the boarding students were underweight as compared to 9.40% of the day students, 87.30% were of normal weight as compared to 80.70% of the day students. However, only 4.20% of the day students were overweight as compared to 1.50% of the boarding students and 5.70% of the day students were obese as compared to none among the boarding students. Factors that significantly influences the nutritional status of the students were mothers level of education and occupation, non-palatability of the food in the hostels and skipping of meals especially by the boarders (P<0.05). Therefore, concerted efforts should be made by all stakeholders in the education ministry (Government, School Authorities and Parents) to improve the meal of the students residing in the hostels in secondary schools nationwide; while parents should continually make it a duty to improve the meals of their children at home especially the adolescent girls who are still growing in order to enhance their physical work capacity, reproductive and pregnancy outcomes and birth weight.

Nutritional Status Assessment of Internally Displaced Children in “Dream City”- Iraq

Abstract: Malnutrition is one of the major public health challenges in developing countries especially those experiencing security instability Not much is known of the nutritional status of displaced children in Iraq The objective of this study was to assess the nutritional status of internally displaced children in Dream city-Salaheddin-Iraq to provide a validated baseline information for further humanitarian responses to help those children The “Dream city” in Salaheddin governorate was chosen for it represents a large collection of displaced families A total of 788 children (less than 5 years) was surveyed Height, weight and mid-upper arm circumference were measured Under-nutrition was found in 192% of them according to body mass index, and 195% when using mid-upper arm circumference index The prevalence of wasting was 146% and severe wasting 69% There was a significant association between under-nutrition and number of the children in the family, age of the child, and father’s and mother’s education A noticeable percentage of children were hardly consuming meat, eggs or fruits (only once or none per week) About one child in every five displaced children is undernourished The percentiles of different anthropometric measurements for height, weight, body mass index, and mid upper arm circumference for those children were below the standard measurements reported by WHO and NCHS growth charts for the corresponding age

Agricultural Extension in Promoting Household Nutritional Security– Relevant Success Stories

Abstract: Over 7000 people die of hunger every day. Close to 70% of women and children suffer from hidden hunger. Most vulnerable sections are adolescent girls, pregnant & lactating mothers, and underweight children under five age. Malnutrition is both a driver and an outcome of poverty and inequality. Under nutrition leading to stunting causes irreversible damage to both individuals and society. Obesity in childhood is a growing problem in all regions. Ensuring universal access to nutritious food in the 1000-day window of opportunity between the start of pregnancy and a child’s second birthday is essential to tackling stunting. This should be supported by a multi-sectoral approach which includes health care, water, sanitation, education, agriculture, social protection and specific nutrition interventions. Intervention of various technologies to improve the food & nutritional status of the population proved the following facts: Promotion of malt based small scale food industry not only provides opportunity for rural women to develop entrepreneurship and employment, but also provides food and nutritional security through income generation. Several technologies were developed under NATP like value addition to fish & prawn products, artificial pearl culture, processing of salted fish, which helped the self help group women of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu to improve their economic status. Received two patents & licensed the technology which helped the women to reduce their drudgery and also preserve the fresh fish for a longer time without getting spoiled. Product development can be taken as income generating activity in the rural areas by the illiterate women. Products can be included in supplementary feeding programs in order to improve the nutritional status of the vulnerable groups of the population. The horse gram which is commonly used for cattle feed can be diversified for human consumption with less investment. Mothers as well as Anganwadi workers preferred amylase rich supplementary foods which reduced Grade 111 and grade 1V malnutrition in Pre- school children significantly. The studies revealed that spawn multiplication can be done by women as a co-operative venture and mushroom cultivation can be undertaken at household level as an income-generating activity. Introducing red palm oil is beneficial to overcome vitamin A deficiency. Impact of women’s supplementary income showed a positive impact on the socioeconomic status of the family. This impact is particularly felt on the food and nutrient intake of the family contributing towards food & Nutrition security.

Complementary Foods from Rice and Six Other Ghanaian Food Ingredients Provide Sufficient Macro and Micronutrients for Infants 6-12 Mo of Age

Abstract: Food base approach is considered to be a more viable and sustainable method of addressing micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries A study to develop suitable micronutrient-rich complementary infant foods was carried out and characterized using rice (Oryza sativa, var Togo Marshal) and six other Ghanaian food ingredients; soybean (Glycine Max var Afayak), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata, var Bengpla), mango (Magnefera indica, var Kent), red palm (Elaesis guineensis var Dura) oil, groundnut (Arachis hypogea, var Otuhia) and eggs The complementary foods were initially developed from six blends, LR-1 (70% rice, 20% soybean, 5% groundnut, 5% dried mango), LR-2 (70% rice, 20% soybean, 5% groundnut, 5% egg yolk), LR-3 (70% rice, 20% soybean, 5% cowpea, 5% dried mango), LR-4 (65% rice, 25% soybean, 5% palm oil, 5% egg yolk), LR-5 (70% rice, 20% cowpea, 5% groundnut, 5% egg yolk), LR-6 (70% rice, 25% soybean, 5% dried mango) Sensory evaluation of these initial blends was conducted and the three most preferred blends were selected for further acceptability studies as well as the nutritional analyses using standard methods The most desirable product based on sensory attributes was the formulation containing mango flour and soybeans (LR-6) followed by formulation containing soybean, groundnut and mango (LR-1) However there were no significant differences ( p = 005) observed among the overall acceptability of the three best formulated products (LR-6, LR-1, LR-4) LR-4 had the highest amount of energy (4276Kcal/100g), protein (1582g/100g), fat (122g/100g), beta-carotene (51067 µg/100g) and iron (66mg/100g) LR-6 came out as the most preferred weaning food based on sensory evaluation This study revealed the potential of using local ingredients including rice to produce micronutrient-rich complementary infant foods in developing countries This will be of tremendous help to the less endowed households where the problem of infant malnutrition is most rife

Effect of Storage Life of Rice Bran on the Quality of Oil

Abstract: Rice is one of the staple food in Bangladesh. The most important milling by-product of rice is ‘rice bran' which is an excellent source of edible oil. Due to the poor storage facility in the rice milling industry, the quality of rice bran gets deteriorates rapidly. This study examines the deterioration level of rice bran during the storage period in average room temperature (31°C). Raw, partially parboiled and parboiled rice bran was collected right after milling. Oil is extracted by ‘hexane solvent extraction' method from the 1st day of storage period for one week with the interval. Free fatty acid level, lipase activity, Iodine value and the pH value was determined from the collected rice bran oil. The preliminary result of this study showed that the deterioration level is rapidly increased during the 1 week of storage and the maximum deterioration level was found in raw rice bran. The free fatty acid (FFA) level, the degree of unsaturation and pH was respectively 17.25%, 92g Iodine/100ml oil and 3.10, whereas in parboiled rice bran it was respectively 4.23%, 101.1g Iodine/100ml oil and 6.23. Since the parboiled rice bran undergoes through a traditional stabilization method of parboiling and drying before milling, it might be a reason for the lower level of deterioration. The oil collected right after milling also showed a lower lipase activity. This study can be concluded by considering that, the less the storage time the better is the quality of the oil.

Determining the Physicochemical Compositions of Recently Improved and Released Sorghum Varieties of Ethiopia

Abstract: Sorghum is an important cereal crop used as human a staple food grain in many semi-arid and tro pical areas of the world, notably is Sub-Saharan Africa and Asian continents by approximately 500 million people due to its good agronomic properties in harsh environment. It is known that sorghum is a gluten-free cereal used as ground flour and it is a source of energy, protein, vitamins, minerals, and as antioxidant phenolics and cholesterol- lowering waxes. The Physicochemical characteristics of sorghum flour were determined for ten recently improved and released sorghum varieties cultivated in Ethiopia were analyzed for proximate composition. Results revealed that proximate composion i.e. moisture, 1000- kernel weight, crude protein, crude fat, ash, crude fiber and total carbohydrates of sorghum varieties differed significantly (P<0.01) and the results of the crude protein ranged from 9.333-16.030%, crude fat 2.602 to 4.627%, crude fiber 4.850-8.963%, ash 1.241-1.883, moisture content 6.767-12.839, 1000 kernel seed weight 22.263-42.626, and total carbohydrate 66.834 to 78.744%. This study showed that the physicochemical composition of the 10 selected sorghum varieties of Ethiopia was significantly different from one variety to another variety and different varieties are different in physicochemical profile.

Comparison of the Nutritional Status and Infant Feeding Practices Between Selected Rural and Urban Areas in Bangladesh

Abstract: The study was cross sectional design and carried out among 122 mother-infant pairs of the urban and rural areas in Tangail district, Bangladesh, aimed at the comparison of infant feeding practices and nutritional status of the rural and urban areas. There was a significant difference observed in their educational level (urban graduate 44.3% compared to rural graduate 2.4%), total monthly income and expenditure on food and non-food items. The mean monthly income of urban and rural family were 34508.19±8227.67 TK. and 6422.95±1756.23 TK. respectively. Similarly monthly expenditure on foods of urban and rural family were 13090.16±2348.53 TK. and 4498.36±1394.76 TK. respectively. Colostrum feeding immediately after birth was higher in urban areas (75.4%) compared to rural (47.5%). Moreover, rural mother prefers to give honey and sugar water. In urban areas breast feeding initiated within 1 hour, but in rural areas it was given within 12 hours after birth. Urban mother provided powder milk (49.18%) as first complementary foods, in contrast, rural mothers provided mainly cow’s milk, hotchpotch made with vegetables and rice/cereal based products. Rural mother continued breast feeding practice for longer period of time than urban mothers. Majority of the urban mothers prefer egg, soup or fruits for their babies, while the rural people choices mainly the rice-potato, pulses or vegetables. The anthropometric indices shows that nutritional status of the urban infants was better than rural infants. The prevalence of moderate to severe underweight is higher in rural areas (59.01%) when compared to urban areas (18.03%). Again, moderate to severe stunted and wasted in rural areas found 39.34% & 37.69% and in urban areas 21.31% & 13.11% respectively.

Effect of Soybean Fortified Porridges on the Nutritional Status of Pre-school Children 3-5Years Old from Western Kenya

Abstract: Protein and energy malnutrition continues to be a global health problem particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. This is attributed to high levels of poverty where most households cannot afford animal source proteins. Cheaper and sustainable legumes can be used to address this. To evaluate the effect of soybean fortified porridges on the nutritional status of children in early childhood development centre at Mateka Primary School, Bungoma County. A longitudinal survey and Complete Randomized Design experimental design were employed in this study. The first porridge formulation was made of maize and soybean in the ratio 75:25, the second maize, and sorghum soybeans in the ratio 50:25:25 and the third formulation 100% maize. The three porridges were randomly allocated to three groups of the children and were fed for a period of six months with approximately 300ml of the porridge. Nutritional assessment was done at baseline, and every month for six months at the ninth month. At baseline, 30%, 6.7% and 10.8% of the children were stunted, wasted and underweight respectively. At the end of the feeding trial, there was significant (p<0.05) reduction in the levels of underweight (47.27%) and wasting (44.23%) in the soybean fortified porridge groups. The group fed on maize-soybean blend and maize-sorghum-soybean blend gained 1.77kgs and 0.62kgs respectively. In conclusion, soybean fortified porridges improved the nutritional status of the children. It is recommended that awareness of the nutritional benefits of soybean should be raised to increase its adoption in the households and also it will be valuable schools with feeding programs to introduce corn-soy blends or products as part of school meals.

Iodine Deficiency Disorder and Its Association with Academic Performance Among Children in Jimma Town, Southwestern Ethiopia

Abstract: Nutritional status is the major factor that can affect academic performance of school children. The main aim of this study was to determine the association between iodine deficiency disorder and academic performance among school age children. Both community & school based cross sectional survey was conducted from October 1-30, 2010. A total of 1254 students, aged 6-12 years, were selected from five primary schools using systematic random sampling method. Goiter examinations and urine iodine test was done to diagnose goiter. Spot urine samples were collected to determine median urinary iodine level and anthropometric measurements were done. In this study, 1,254 children were included; 674 (53.7%) were males. Average academic score of students for both sexes was 71.13%. Majority of students 349 (71.2%) who had goiter scored below average (p=0.01). High median urinary iodine level [AOR=0.38; 95% CI (0.190,0.489)]; high height-for-age z-score [AOR=5.023; 95% CI (3.317,7.607)]; and high weight-for-age z-score [AOR=3.214; 95% CI (2.091,4.941]) were significantly associated with good school performance. Iodine deficiency disorder is a significant health problem among schoolchildren in the study area. Strengthening salt iodization program is a preventive measure.

Chemical Composition of Sudanese Burgers and Their Impact on Health as Nutrients

Abstract: The main objective of this study, is determining the chemical composition of Sudanese burgers produced in different processing plants (modern processing lines, medium processing lines, and traditional processing lines). The study considered the role of raw materials used in processing (raw meat, spices, soybean flour, bread crumbs and water). Analysis of the final products to determine their content in (moisture, protein, ash, total fats, fatty acids, and minerals). The study showed significant differences with respect to chemical and physical properties, where the burger B–medium processing line recorded higher mean value of moisture content, iron, sodium and magnesium, and the lower mean value of fat and protein, while burger C-traditional processing line recorded higher mean value of ash content, myristic acid, while burger A-modern processing line recorded highest mean value of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, oleic acid and palmitic acid. The variation could be due to the type of raw materials used during processing. The study revealed that, the burger contains high percentage of saturated fatty acids which represent a potential hazard to human health.

Selecting the Proper Generator for Steam or Gas Turbine Applications

Abstract: The aim of this article is to explore key aspects for a long-lasting and rentable generator. Its motivation comes from the fact that when selecting turbo-generators sets investors and engineers pave much more attention to the turbines details, but generators end up been choice as commodities and as result the whole generation system suffers from availability issues and less return on their investments. This analyse meant to provide insights about key elements to be observed selecting the proper generator, listing aspects that leverage return on investment and reduce total cost of ownership. Technical and commercial equilibrium are assumptions taken as basis for the study and the fundamental question about what are the key elements of a generator specification tried to be answered.

Development of a Competitive Enzyme Immunoassay Technique for the Detection of Soy Traces in Meat Products

Abstract: The aim of this work was to develop a competitive enzyme immunoassay technique, to detect the presence of traces of soy in meat products. Specific rabbit polyclonal antiserum against soy protein was used as primary antibody. The optimal antigen concentration to be immobilized on the plate and the concentration of primary antibody to be used in competition was determined. The calibration curve was fitted using increasing concentrations of an extract of soy product. The soy product was extracted with Tris-HCl buffer 0.0625M with 3% sodium dodecylsulfate and 2% mercaptoethanol. The working range used in the enzyme immunoassay to detect soy was 9-280ppm SP with adequate linearity (R2: 0.9880). All validation parameters studied were appropriate. Commercial samples of meat products were analyzed with this enzyme immunoassays and a commercial ELISA kit. Significant differences were observed in the quantitative results obtained with both methods; nevertheless the developed enzyme immunoassay could be used as screening method.

Effect of Cuminum Cyminum L. Oil on the Chemical Properties of Sunflower Reused Oil

Abstract: This study was designed to determine the influence of extracted oil of Cuminum Cyminum on the chemical properties of reused Sudanese edible oil (sunflower oil). Green cumin oil was extracted from its mature seeds by water-steam distillation process. The chemical profile of cumin oil was detected by using GC-MS. The analysis showed that the chemical constituents of oil were; monoterpens percentage was 33.09% and oxygenated monoterpens percentage was 66.91%. Chemical properties of sunflower oil were tested before and after several repeated cooking processes, and after addition of extracted cumin oil. The cumin oil had positive effect on the chemical properties values; peroxide, acidity, free fatty acids value and there were significant differences for these three properties (p < 0.05). The study was attributed the high effect of cumin oil on the chemical properties mainly to antioxidant constituents in the extracted oil monoterpens and oxygenated monoterpens.

Potassium Removal from Juices Using an Individual Single-Use Ion-Exchange Device

Abstract: There are more than 100 million patients with various stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) with decrease in CKD1 to loss in CKD 5 (end stage renal disease, ESRD) in the ability of the kidney to excrete K+ causing hyperkalemia and potentially heart attack. To avoid hyperkalemia, kidney patients have to drastically limit the consumption of fruit and vegetable juices that significantly decreases the nutritional value of their diet. Previous research using ion-exchange column chromatography demonstrated some efficiency in the K+ removal from juices without pulp, whereas no approaches have been generated for the K+ removal from juices with pulp (e.g. the most popular in the USA orange juice). Currently there are no commercially available low K+ fruit/vegetable juices for renal patients nor do patients have the ability to lower the K+ in juices on an individual basis. A device is reported that individual patients can use to remove K+ from juices with or without pulp using permeable t-sacs with Dowex Monosphere 99/320 Ca cation-exchange resin. The device significantly lowers the K+ content (by ~80% of original), is simple to use, and will be of benefit to patients who are on K+ restricted diets.

Study on the Effect of Several Natural Products on Tyrosine Damage Induced by Peroxynitrite

Abstract: Peroxynitrite (ONOO ˉ ), a powerful oxidant, is produced by nitric oxide (NO.) and superoxide anion (O 2 . ˉ ). Under the physiological condition, the ONOO ˉ could oxidize the lipids, nitrifyproteins, damage DNA and others biomolecules, thereby harm human health. The study used natural products Capsanthin, Myricetin and Capsaicin as the research object and controlled with Vc, and developed the method of HPLC-DAD to separate the components of nitrification damage system, which could determine the inhibition rate of natural products on the formation of 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT). The fluorescence spectrometry was employed to determine the ability of these substances to inhibit tyrosine dimer and inhibit the self-oxidation of phthalate. The results showed that Capsanthin, Myricetin and Capsaicin had strong inhibitory effect on the generation capacity of 3-NT and tyrosine dimer, and strong inhibitory effect on the self-oxidation of phthalate.

Effect of Different Processing Methods on the Chemical Composition and Organoleptic Properties of African Nutmeg ( Monodora myristica )

Abstract: African Nutmeg seeds were subjected to three different processing methods to produce flour. The different processing methods were roasting, boiling, and boiling/roasting. The samples were subjected to proximate, minerals antinutrients and organoleptic evaluations using standard methods. The proximate composition is as follows protein 12.71-14.78%, Ash 2.91-3.85%, moisture 8.78-9.55%, fat 9.37-14.83%, Fiber 4.35-4.93% and carbohydrate 53.80-61.71%. The highest value for the crude protein, fiber and ash were recorded for roasted African nutmeg. The mineral composition analysed were phosphorus, iron, zinc, sodium, calcium and magnesium. All the data obtained were significantly different with the processing methods used and the control samples (raw) at p < 0.05. All the determined antinutrient (Alkaloid, oxalate, tannin and phytate) decreased with boiling. The organoleptic evaluation revealed no significant difference in appearance and texture of the raw, roasted, boiled and boiled/roasted cake spiced with African nutmeg. The highest scores for the attributes studied were recorded for cakes spiced with boiled African nutmeg and the boiled sample was most significantly preferred (p < 0.05). This work showed that acceptable cake could be produced using the different processing methods with boiling giving better results in terms of organoleptic evaluation of the cake.

Use of the Ruminal Content of Cattle Benefited in the Municipality Píritu, State Falcón-Venezuela, as a Food Resource

Abstract: In recent years, the use of ruminal content has been booming in the preparation of different formulations and presentations for animal feed, either by using it directly or by processing it to obtain various commercial products. Within these products, can be mentioned, in special form, the Forage Flour (HF) and the nutritional blocks. Not to mention that in some abattoirs, the ruminal content is used in vermicultura. The main objective of this research is to evaluate ruminal content as an integrated dietary resource for milk and meat animals, analyzing their chemical composition and nutritional value. By means of simple random sampling, using International physical-chemical determination methods such as the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC) and national in Venezuela, as the covenin standard, establishing an average composition for ruminal flour of 17.11% ash, 8.72% humidity, 21.29% fiber and 6.77% protein.