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Longevity of probiotics is the main concern to confer positive health benefits to the host. Microencapsulation is one of the promising techniques to keep probiotics viable during storage and gastric transit. Immobilization can efficiently protect cells, making this technique potentially suitable for the industry for the delivery of probiotics to the gastrointestinal tract of humans through fermented dairy products. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of single and double coating on the stability of Bifidobacterium bifidum in set type yoghurt. The encapsulation was carried out in two experimental plans. In the plan I, the B. bifidum was single coated with sodium alginate (SA) at 4%, 5%, and 6% and chitosan (CH) at 0.6%, 0.8%, and 1.0% concentrations. Based on their highest encapsulation efficiency (EE), single‐coated microbeads comprise of SA 6% and CH 0.8% were selected for double coating (plan II). Whey protein concentrate (WPC) at concentration of 5.0%, 7.5%, and 10% was used for double coating of SA 6% and CH 0.8% microbeads. The double‐coated beads with SA (6%), WPC (5%), and CH (0.8%) WPC (5%) further selected based on EE for yoghurt preparation. Different yoghurt treatments were prepared and stored (28 days) at 4 ± 2°C. All yoghurt samples were analyzed for physicochemical (pH, acidity), microbiological (viability of Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, B. bifidum), and sensory characteristics. It was noted that EE of double‐coated microbeads was greater than 90% as compared to single coated. It was also observed that pH decreases up to 4.2 and the acidity increased with the storage time. The count of probiotic and yoghurt cultures was affected significantly during storage but the survival rate of encapsulated treatments was maintained more than the minimum recommendation (107 CFU/ml) till the end of the storage period. The sensory properties of yoghurt containing double‐coated microbeads also significantly vary from the sample containing free cells of B. bifidum. It is concluded that double coating with the polysaccharides–protein matrix can maintain viability (>106 CFU/ml) for 28 days with no prominent change in physicochemical and sensory attributes as compared to free cells. The whey and its products (whey protein isolate and concentrate) can be recommended as a coating material for probiotics in future studies. Novelty impact statement: The research study investigates the effect and comparison of single and double coating with different coating materials on the viability of Bifidobacterium bifidum in set type yoghurt. In this study, dairy industrial waste, that is, whey has been used along with sodium alginate and chitosan in different combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metric dimension of a graph is a well-studied concept. Recently, adjacency metric dimension of graph has been introduced. A set Q a ⊂ V G is considered to be an adjacency metric generator for G if u 1 , u 2 ∈ V \ Q a (supposing each pair); there must exist a vertex q ∈ Q a along with the condition that q is indeed adjacent to one of u 1 , u 2 . The minimum number of elements in adjacency metric generator is the adjacency metric dimension of G , denoted by di m a G. In this work, we compute exact values of the adjacency metric dimension of circulant graph C n 1 , 2 , Möbius ladder, hexagonal Möbius ladder, and the ladder graph. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given a finite commutative unital ring S having some non-zero elements x , y such that x. y = 0 , the elements of S that possess such property are called the zero divisors, denoted by Z S . We can associate a graph to S with the help of zero-divisor set Z S , denoted by ζ S (called the zero-divisor graph), to study the algebraic properties of the ring S. In this research work, we aim to produce some general bounds for the edge version of metric dimension regarding zero-divisor graphs of S. To do so, we will discuss the zero-divisor graphs for the ring of integers ℤ m modulo m , some quotient polynomial rings, and the ring of Gaussian integers ℤ m i modulo m. Then, we prove the general result for the bounds of edge metric dimension of zero-divisor graphs in terms of maximum degree and diameter of ζ S . In the end, we provide the commutative rings with the same metric dimension, edge metric dimension, and upper dimension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear medicine imaging techniques offer whole body imaging for localization of number and site of infective foci inspite of limitation of spatial resolution. The innate human immune system contains a large member of important elements including antimicrobial peptides to combat any form of infection. However, development of antibiotics against bacteria progressed rapidly and gained popularity over antimicrobial peptides but even powerful antimicrobials failed to reduce morbidity and mortality due to emergence of mutant strains of bacteria resulting in antimicrobial resistance. Differentiation between infection and inflammation using radiolabeled compounds with nuclear medicine techniques has always been a dilemma which is still to be resolved. Starting from nonspecific tracers to specific radiolabeled tracers, the question is still unanswered. Specific radiolabeled tracers included antibiotics and antimicrobial peptides which bind directly to the bacteria for efficient localization with advanced nuclear medicine equipments. However, there are merits and demerits attributed to each. In the current paper, radiolabeled antibiotics and radiolabeled peptides for infection localization have been discussed starting with the background of primitive nonspecific tracers. Radiolabeled antimicrobial peptides have certain merits compared with labeled antibiotics which make them superior agents for localization of infective focus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to evaluate the preservative potential of rutin in combination with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) in cheese. Cheddar cheese was prepared with various combinations of rutin (10–60 ppm) and BHT (60–240 ppm) along with positive (200 ppm BHT) and a negative control. Tests for antioxidant, storage stability, microbiological and sensory evaluation were performed at 0, 30, 60, and 90 days. Two‐way analysis of variance was applied at p <.05 followed by a post hoc test. Rutin in combination with BHT has significant effect on total phenolic contents and antioxidant activity in linoleic acid at all concentrations. Dose‐dependent significant impact on lipolysis, microbiological stability and sensory attributes, flavor, taste, and overall acceptability was observed when compared with control, however, it has no effect on color. It can be concluded that low doses of rutin (40 ppm) with BHT (180 ppm) can increase cheddar cheese stability without adverse effect on sensory attributes. Practical applications: It is always needed to explore natural food preservatives to minimize the use of chemicals due to their adverse health effects. This study shows that rutin can be utilized as natural preservative in cheese as well as can be evaluated in other dairy and bakery products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to optimize the preparation conditions for fenugreek and flaxseed polysaccharides-based edible composite coating blended with stearic acid and monoglycerides. Thirteen coating solutions were prepared according to the treatment plan generated by design expert software; applied the coating on apple fruit and stored at 20°C for 14 days. The effect of polysaccharides-based coating on physicochemical parameters, for example, weight loss, firmness, titratable acidity (TA), pH, and total soluble solids (TSS) of apple was evaluated using response surface methodology (RSM). The results of RSM demonstrated non-significant (p > .05) lack of fit for all response variables. Coefficients of determination (R²) ranging from .9498 to .9949 were obtained for these responses. From the response optimization analysis, a combination of 2.5 g fenugreek and 1.5 g flaxseed polysaccharide-based coating was predicted to give desirable effects for all response variables. The findings of this study will be helpful for other researchers to understand the effect of fenugreek and flaxseed polysaccharides-based coating formulations on response variables at linear, quadratic and interactive level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the preventive action of grapefruit juice (GFJ) against potassium oxonate‐induced hyperuricemic mice. The results showed that GFJ significantly (p <.05) inhibit the serum and hepatic xanthine oxidase enzyme, lower uric acid level, serum creatinine, uromodulin, and blood urea nitrogen levels to normal and lower inflammation related genes IL‐1β, caspase‐1, NLRP3, and ASC. Furthermore, histopathology analysis revealed that GFJ markedly improve the renal and intestinal morphology. The mRNA expression of urate transporter 1, glucose transporter 9 were downregulated, whereas ATP‐binding cassette transporter (ABCG2) was upregulated in the GFJ‐treated group. The results of immunohistochemistry revealed that the ABCG2 protein expression in the small and large intestine was significantly upregulated after the GFJ administration. These results suggested that GFJ can be used as a urate lowering agent and future mechanistic studies should be conducted. Practical applications: The results of current study indicated that utilization of GFJ as an anti‐hyperuricemic agent for the treatment of hyperuricemia. This article will be very valuable for all those peoples which are directly or indirectly linked with this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to explicate the effect of encapsulation on the stability of Bifidobacterium bifidum in pasteurized grape juice and in vitro gastrointestinal conditions. Purposely, hydrogel beads were prepared using sodium alginate and K‐carrageenan by internal gelation method. Free and encapsulated probiotics were incorporated in pasteurized grape juice samples. The initial count in grape juice samples with free probiotic cells was calculated as 9.35 log cfu/mL that reduced to 6.58 log cfu/mL after 35 days. Likewise, the probiotic count, that is, in samples containing encapsulated probiotics reduced to a level of 8.51 log cfu/mL and 7.09 log cfu/mL after the mentioned storage period. The number of free viable cells in juice samples was lower than (107 cfu/g) the minimum recommend level. Similarly, the free cells showed a poor survival under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Furthermore, encapsulation affected the physicochemical (pH, acidity, and Brix) and sensorial characteristics of the juice samples. Practical applications: The probiotic delivery through carrier food and under hostile gastrointestinal conditions is a great challenge due to their low survival. The encapsulation technology can be used to protect the target delivery of probiotics. The encapsulation technology is a useful tool for delivering the probiotics for both dairy and nondairy food matrices. Encapsulation also ensures the recommended therapeutic level (1107–108 cfu) during transit and storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The current study was conducted to the evaluate the quality of different wheat cultivars for bread making. In the current study, six wheat varieties NARC 2009, NARC 2011, Pakistan 2013, Zincol 2016, Borlaug 2016, and Galaxy 2013 were assessed for pan bread quality. The results for different physical and chemical parameters reveals significant differences among the tested cultivars. The flour of the wheat varieties Borlaug 2016, Zincol 2016, and PAK 2013 showed an increasing trend in protein content, wet and dry gluten, low alpha amylase activity, and also best on the basis of their rheology. Due to these and the results of the sensory evaluation the panel concluded that the wheat variety Borlaug 2016 is the most suitable variety for pan bread making. Practical applications: The study concludes that Pakistani wheat varieties differ significantly in their physicochemical, rheological and technological characteristics. Thus, the information obtained in this study can be useful for millers and bakers for the selection of suitable variety for their intended uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Most of the hematological disorders are heterogenous with regard to morphology, immunophenotype, and genetic rearrangements. Multiple recurrent chromosomal aberrations have been identified by conventional cytogenetic analysis, which is now widely recognized as one of the most important diagnostic and prognostic determinants in these patients. Though rarer, complex karyotype has been associated with worst prognosis. Materials and Methods. A total of 1185 bone marrow or peripheral blood cytogenetics samples were taken with different hematological diseases. They included both benign and malignant disease entities. In each case, cells were cultured and conventional cytogenetic analysis was performed. Results. Among 1185 subjects, 41 (3.4%) patients possessed complex cytogenetic abnormalities. Out of these 41, 33 (80%) were males. The mean age was 37 years (median age 39 years). Myelodysplastic syndromes had the most numbers of complex karyotypes (8%), followed by acute myeloid leukemia (7%) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (4%). Also we found few patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia, aplastic anemia , chronic myeloid leukemia, and diffuse large B cell Lymphoma possessing complex karyotype. Frequencies of different cytogenetic abnormalities were assessed with respect to disease as well as independently. Trisomy 21 was the most common chromosomal abnormality found in 28% of patients. Conclusion. Complex karyotype was most frequently associated with myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia. Trisomy 21 and deletion 5q were the commonest cytogenetic abnormalities found. We also assessed complex karyotype in benign diseases and detected one patient of aplastic anemia with complex karyotype. This is the first study highlighting the presence of complex karyotypes in hematological disorders in our region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The core objective of current research work is to observe the effects of different edible coatings on eggs for enhancing shelf life. For the purpose, brown and white eggs were procured from different local farms. After application of edible coatings i.e. shellac and chitosan, the quality characteristics i.e. haugh unit, yolk index, yolk color, albumin pH and shell color were observed. The maximum yolk index occur in noncoated eggs that is 0.42 for desi and 0.43 for farmi to 0.26 for desi and 0.23 for farmi whereas among shellac treatments minimum yolk index observed in T2. Edible coatings effectively extended the shelf life of eggs when stored at room temperature by preserving its quality characteristics. Chitosan and shellac coatings minimized the weight loss than those observed for noncoated eggs. Conclusively, the coating materials have potential use in delaying charges in the interior quality of eggs and maintaining their shelf life. Practical Applications The current manuscript has innovative data for enhancing the shelflife of eggs regarding summer season. Edible coatings increased the shelflife of eggs that is beneficial for industrial point of view [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural antioxidants efficiently increase the shelf life of meat. Lipid peroxidation decreases in meat when natural antioxidants supplemented in feed and hence there is increase in stability of meat. This project has been designed to determine α-lipoic acid (ALA), α-tocopherol and wheat germ oil (WGO) effect on growth parameters, antioxidant activity, physico-chemical analysis and sensory attributes of breast nuggets. The broilers were fed on WGO gain higher body weight and better FCR. The physico-chemical analysis of the nuggets showed that the feed treatments exerted significant effect on the sensory attributes of the nuggets during storage. The nuggets made from broilers which were fed on WGO and ALA yielded higher pH, color and water activity but lower TBARS value in the breast nuggets during storage. In conclusion, the nuggets made by the broiler birds fed on synthetic alpha tocopherol and ALA got significantly higher scores for sensory attributes during storage. Practical Application Poultry meat is widely consumed by the humans, therefore there is dire need to produce such type of functional meat and meat products which have more shelf life and health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contamination of aquatic systems with heavy metals is affecting the fish population and hence results in a decline of productivity rate. River Kabul is a transcountry river originating at Paghman province in Afghanistan and inters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan and it is the major source of irrigation and more than 54 fish species have been reported in the river. Present study aimed at the estimation of heavy metals load in the fish living in River Kabul. Heavy metals including chromium, nickel, copper, zinc, cadmium, and lead were determined through atomic absorption spectrophotometer after tissue digestion by adopting standard procedures. Concentrations of these metals were recorded in muscles and liver of five native fish species, namely, Wallago attu, Aorichthys seenghala, Cyprinus carpio, Labeo dyocheilus, and Ompok bimaculatus. The concentrations of chromium, nickel, copper, zinc, and lead were higher in both of the tissues, whereas the concentration of cadmium was comparatively low. However, the concentration of metals was exceeding the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance of USA) limits. Hence, continuous fish consumption may create health problems for the consumers. The results of the present study are alarming and suggest implementing environmental laws and initiation of a biomonitoring program of the river. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was planned to formulate edible wax coating by utilizing date pit oil. Date pit oil was extracted from three date varieties (Aseel, Hallawi, and Dhakki) through solvent extraction method. One variety was selected on the basis of physicochemical analysis of date pit oil. The different treatments (T1, T2, T3, and T4) of wax coating were formulated by replacing water in standard wax formulation with date pit oil as 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%, respectively. The storage studies were carried out for 16 days; different fruit parameters like pH, weight loss, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity, fruit firmness, and vitamin C content were studied. Results indicated significant improvement in the shelf life of coated guava fruits as compared to uncoated guava fruits.T4 showed highest keeping quality as compared to T3, T2, and T1. Practical applications: This research work is novel in the field of edible coating by using date pit oil as natural barrier against environmental factors affecting the shelf life of guava fruit. There is immense potential in this new commodity to explore more applications of promising importance. Moreover, this study can be replicated for other fruits and vegetables to curtail postharvest losses and supplementing economic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current project was designed to utilize flavonoids and chlorogenic acids enriched stevia residue extract (STVRE) against hyperuricemia (HU). The in vitro results showed that STVRE potently and synergistically inhibits Xanthine oxidase (XO) with allopurinol. The AFM results predicted that STVRE compounds bind with XO and alter its structure which further prevents the entrance of substrate with XO. These in vitro results were further confirmed in fructose–PO‐induced hyperuricemic mice model. The results showed that supplementation of STVRE with allopurinol significantly attenuated HU, oxidative stress, and inflammation caused by UA via inhibiting the production of uric acid and lowering cyclooxygenase‐2, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, prostaglandin E2, interleukin‐6, and interleukin 1‐beta levels in serum and renal tissues. Moreover, STVRE and allopurinol treatment attenuated, tubular dilation, infiltration of inflammatory cells, improved structure disorder of podocyte, and foot process fusion, and decreased glomerular basement membrane thickness. These findings suggested that STVRE can be used as an antihyperuricemic agent along with allopurinol. Practical applications: The results of present study showed that STVRE has a beneficial effect against fructose–PO‐induced hyperuricemia by decreasing uric acid level, xanthine oxidase activity, improving oxidative stress and inflammation. These findings suggested that by‐product of stevia (STVRE) enriched with polyphenolic compounds can be used as a functional ingredient against hyperuricemia and related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an overview of nondestructive imaging techniques for evaluating internal and external quality characteristics of fruits and vegetables and the future prospects of those technologies within the food industry. Low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are viable technologies in assessing water status, which can significantly impact the quality of fruits and vegetables' texture, tenderness, and microstructure. This review examined some of the most widely studied agricultural fruits and vegetables, described NMR/MRI techniques, and explained the benefits of their implementation in the assessment of internal quality attributes such as internal defects, water content, nutrition content, maturity, fruit firmness, and seed detection, as well as physicochemical and microbiological quality in both commercial and industrial applications. In spite of considerable developments in the quality measurement of fruits and vegetables and their products, the implementation of these techniques at an industrial level has been unsatisfactory. Practical applications: This paper aimed to present a magnificent knowledge about fruit/vegetable processing and preservation techniques pertaining to quality evaluation. If the appropriate skills and the introduced tools are combined and utilized in an innovative and suitable way, a high quality of fruit/vegetable products with a high nutritional value can be achieved. This will be beneficial for both producers and customers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to observe the changes causes by irradiation doses (0, 1.5, and 3 kGy) on oxidation stability, amino acids, and fatty acids in chicken meat incorporated with or without moringa leaf powder (MLP) during refrigerator storage of 14 days under aerobic and vacuum packaging. The results revealed that Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (2.10 ± 0.02 MDA/kg) and Peroxide value (1.13 ± 0.01 meq peroxide/kg) were higher in aerobic as compared to vacuum in treatment with 3 kGy + 2% MLP. However, MLP decreased the said values. The negligible reduction in amino acids and fatty acid profile in meat samples were also observed after being irradiated at high dose during storage period but the addition of MLP enhances the content of amino acids and fatty acids in meat samples regardless of the irradiation dose. In nutshell, 1.5 kGy + 3% MLP could be beneficial for the quality of chicken meat during storage. Practical applications: This research indicates the significance of gamma irradiation and natural antioxidants in meat processing and their influence on meat products during storage in different types of packaging. Gamma Irradiation has strong penetration power and high energy which is helpful in killing microbes in food. High dose of irradiation causes meat oxidation which could be maintained by adding different natural antioxidants and good packaging as it could help in enhancing and maintaining the sensory attributes of the product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The health benefits of blended functional drinks make them popular among consumers and a highly profitable product sector. In this study, the compositions of peach juice, plum juice, and sugar solution were optimized by D‐optimal mixture design in the ratio of 72:25:3 to develop a functional beverage with acceptable sensory attributes. The results also showed that a blending of fruit juices significantly increases the amount of bioactive compounds (TPC: 432 µg/100 ml; TFC: 169.5 µg CE/100 ml) along with antioxidant capacity. The integrated effect of conventional pasteurization (90°C, 10 min) and microwave heating (for 1, 1.5 and 2 min, 850 W, at 60°C,) on the resultant fluctuations in the physicochemical and bioactive attributes revealed that microwave processing held for 1.5 min was far superior than other treatments and it also enhanced the functional components of beverage including TPC to 33% and antioxidants to 16% (DPPH) and 24% (FRAP), respectively. Practical applications: This research indicates the significance of peach and plum juices as viable ingredients to produce functional beverages in different commercially available products such as probiotic and energy drinks, etc., possessing important antioxidant and nutritional properties with potential health benefits for the consumers. The optimization was performed exclusively on the basis of desirability indices in terms of sensory attributes, which is useful in providing a beverage with optimal taste and aroma to consumers. Moreover, it also focuses on the use of novel processing techniques such as microwave processing in which stabilizes the quality and sensory characteristics of drinks to a maximum extent as well as increasing the functional compounds including phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant capacity and organic acids more efficiently causing minimal deterioration in the final product as compared to conventional thermal processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was done to evaluate different food packaging techniques which can prevent the spoilage of food and ensure its safety status toward human health. Jamun (Syzygium cumini) jam was prepared and packed in glass jars, PET plastic jars, polyethylene zipper bags, and aluminum foil to ascertain its quality and safety. During 3 months of storage pH, phenolics, antioxidant, and anthocyanin content of jam decreased with time while total soluble solids and acidity showed an increasing trend. The treatments did not show higher microbial contamination during 0–30 days of storage interval. Overall, the T1 (glass jars) was the best and most acknowledged by the sensory panel as compared to remaining treatments, i.e., T2 (PET plastic jars), T3 (polythene zipper bags), T4 (polystyrene cup), and T5 (aluminum foil). Practical applications: Jamun fruit (Syzygium cumini) is a miracle fruit of nature with a high content of good antioxidants and other valuable bioactive components. This therapeutic fruit can target a specific group of audience, such as obese and diabetic patient as this fruit has a positive impact on the pancreas and recognized as an herbal drug. Furthermore, this plant is rich in compounds containing anthocyanins, glucoside, ellagic acid, isoquercetin, kaemferol and myricetin, alkaloid, jambosine, and glycoside jambolin or antimellin, which halts the diastatic conversion of starch into sugar. The development of jamun jam is imperative to preserve the nutritious fruit into jam and make it available during off season. Moreover, it could be beneficial to raise the economy status of a country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]