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Pesticides are being used in agriculture in an unregulated and imprecise way, resulting in food grains having varying amounts of pesticide residues after harvest. Using farm samples to develop a new technique to determine the pesticide residue levels might result in inconsistent results. There is currently no specific technique for preparing the standard pulse samples with appropriate levels of glyphosate residual levels. The objective of this study was to develop a standard method for glyphosate spiking by evaluating the absorption of glyphosate in six types of pulses (chickpea, yellow pea, red lentil, large green lentil, French green lentil, and black beluga lentil) at four different concentrations (5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg) using two different solvents (water and water + ethanol (50:50)). Both the type of pulse and nature of solvent significantly affected the glyphosate absorption. The highest glyphosate absorption as determined by ELISA was observed when water was used as solvent in all pulses and at all concentration levels. The values ranged from 3.45–17.46, 4.13–18.31, 4.08–17.09, 4.11–18.40, 4.99–18.43 and 4.56–18.04 mg/kg for yellow pea, chickpea, large green lentil, French green lentil, red lentil, and black beluga lentil, respectively. Among the pulses, the absorption was highest in red lentil and lowest in large green lentil, which can be attributed to their maximum moisture absorption capacity. Further, the colour changes were lower in water + ethanol solvent than water only probably due to the colour retention properties of ethanol. The results obtained with this technique showed the potential of preparing standard pulse samples with known glyphosate levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study (pot experiment) investigated and compared the effectiveness of Se(VI) and Se(IV) application at a rate of 1.25 mg Se kg−1 soil on growth, physiology, yield and As uptake by spring wheat on an uncontaminated and As-contaminated (1.5 mg kg−1) soil. Selenate improved wheat grain yield, relative water contents, membrane stability index, total chlorophylls, and antioxidant activities up to 43%, 18.6%, 9.5%, 16.4% and 15–46%, respectively, compared to control under As-contaminated soil. As compared to Se(IV), in accordance with above results, Se(VI) application resulted in 5-fold higher grain Se concentration and 4.4-fold higher grain Se uptake, which are partially explained by 1.3-fold higher root to grain Se translocation factor in Se(VI)-fed plants under As-contaminated soil. Concomitantly, Se(VI) offered a stronger competitive effect on As uptake thereby reducing its concentration in grains by 11% and in shoots by 44%. Translocation factor of As from root to shoots and to grains was 33% and 14.2%, respectively lesser in Se(VI)-fed plants. Thus, it is concluded that Se(VI) application, through its beneficial effects on root morphological traits, improvement in antioxidant activity and physiological behavior, is highly effective in reducing As toxicity on yield and As accumulation in wheat grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring blood glucose levels is a vital indicator of diabetes mellitus management. The mainstream techniques of glucometers are invasive, painful, expensive, intermittent, and time-consuming. The ever-increasing number of global diabetic patients urges the development of alternative non-invasive glucose monitoring techniques. Recent advances in electrochemical biosensors, biomaterials, wearable sensors, biomedical signal processing, and microfabrication technologies have led to significant research and ideas in elevating the patient's life quality. This review provides up-to-date information about the available technologies and compares the advantages and limitations of invasive and non-invasive monitoring techniques. The scope of measuring glucose concentration in other bio-fluids such as interstitial fluid (ISF), tears, saliva, and sweat are also discussed. The high accuracy level of invasive methods in measuring blood glucose concentrations gives them superiority over other methods due to lower average absolute error between the detected glucose concentration and reference values. Whereas minimally invasive, and non-invasive techniques have the advantages of continuous and pain-free monitoring. Various blood glucose monitoring techniques have been evaluated based on their correlation to blood, patient-friendly, time efficiency, cost efficiency, and accuracy. Finally, this review also compares the currently available glucose monitoring devices in the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work systematically reviewed the studies that examined the effects of protein drying aids on the quantity and quality of sugar-rich spray-dried powders. Following the literature search and screeching articles based on the inclusion criteria, 39 original research articles were included in the study and were grouped into model foods and real sugar-rich foods according to feedstock. Changes in product yield, water activity (aw), glass transition temperature (Tg), bulk density, hygroscopicity, and solubility were studied in the groups based on protein drying aids. The quantity of protein drying aid required for successful spray drying of sucrose-rich food samples was several times greater than that of pure sucrose, but not for fructose. When both protein and maltodextrin were used in one study, the amount of protein and maltodextrin needed for effective spray drying (at 50% product yield) was used to calculate the relative protein/maltodextrin (Pr/MD) mass ratio. For seven studies, the Pr/MD mass ratio was in the range of 0.03 to 0.80. When feed composition and processing variables required a high amount of protein carrier (>50% db), a rise in the hygroscopicity of powders was commonly observed among the studies. Many studies support the idea that interventions with different types of protein drying agents or an increase in protein concentration can reduce the bulk density of sugar-rich powders, which should be seen as a technical and economic concern. In conclusion, although the protein drying agents are yield-effective ingredients compared to commercial alternatives, their use as wall materials for spray drying sugar-rich foods is not always the best choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malnutrition is one of the greatest health challenges that affects about 2 billion people globally. Multiple factors including poverty, food insecurity, maternal health and nutritional status, mother's age at marriage and educational status, low birthweight or small for gestational age (SGA), premature births, suboptimal breastfeeding practices, unhealthy dietary and lifestyle patterns, health and immunization status of children, socioeconomic status of family, environmental and household conditions, together with cultural practices and myths, play vital role in affecting the growth of children at early age. Although child stunting has declined in Pakistan, the reduction rate is only 0.5%, which is very low. This may be due to ineffective or inappropriate intervention programs as they are mostly addressing only one issue at a time and don't use the multi-sector approach to address numerous determinants of stunting. It is therefore important to initiate cost-effective multi-tiered intervention approaches to be implemented at pre-conception, pregnancy and early postpartum stages to prevent the problems of malnutrition and stunting in Pakistani children. This review discusses the etiology of child malnutrition and stunting in Pakistan, role of various determinants of stunting and what type of intervention strategies and approaches should be developed and implemented to deal with these problems. Malnutrition is one of the greatest global health challenges. Poverty, food insecurity, socioeconomic status, unhealthy dietary patterns, maternal health and nutritional status, low birthweight, suboptimal breast feeding, environmental conditions, cultural practices and myths, are the main factors for child malnutrition and stunting in Pakistan. The slow reduction rate in child stunting may be due to inappropriate intervention programs. Cost-effective multi-tiered intervention approaches must be implemented at pre-conception, pregnancy and early postpartum stages to prevent child malnutrition and stunting in Pakistan. A holistic approach comprising nutrition and WASH interventions, together with strategies to improve the socioeconomic status be developed and implemented to resolve this dilemma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Folate and vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with depletion of the major intracellular antioxidant glutathione, and oxidative stress is emerging as an etiological mechanism for colon cancer. Azoxymethane (AOM), a potent carcinogen, induces colon cancer in rats by causing pathophysiological changes and oxidative stress. We investigated the synergistic effect of folate and vitamin B12 supplementation against AOM-induced carcinogenesis and oxidative stress in rat colon. Adult male rats were distributed into four groups: 1) Basal diet only; 2) AOM injection (15 mg/kg once per week in weeks 5 and 6); 3) Folate and vitamin B12 supplemented diet; 4) Folate and B12 diet with AOM injection. After 16 weeks, rats were sacrificed, colon tissue dissected, indicators of oxidative stress were measured, and immunohistochemical and ultrastructural changes were evaluated. AOM-injected rats showed oxidative stress, evident by glutathione depletion, oxidation of cellular proteins, and DNA oxidative damage. AOM increased mucosal levels of antiapoptotic and proapoptotic proteins Bcl2 and Bax and caused ultrastructure changes in colonic cell organelles. Folate and vitamin B12 supplementation decreased the level of oxidative stress and ameliorated the cytotoxic effects of AOM. In this in vivo experimental model of colon cancer, folate and vitamin B12 supplementation combats carcinogen-induced oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated effect of farm yard manure (FYM) and compost applied to metal contaminated soil at rate of 1% (FYM-1, compost-1), 2% (FYM-2, compost-2), and 3% (FYM-3, compost-3). FYM significantly (P < 0.001) increased dry weights of shoots and roots while compost increased root dry weight compared to control. Amendments significantly increased nickel (Ni) in shoots and roots of maize except compost applied at 1%. FYM-3 and -1 caused maximum Ni in shoots (11.42 mg kg−1) and roots (80.92 mg kg−1), respectively while compost-2 caused maximum Ni (14.08 mg kg−1) and (163.87 mg kg−1) in shoots and roots, respectively. Plants grown in pots amended with FYM-2 and compost-1 contained minimum Cu (30.12 and 30.11 mg kg−1) in shoots, respectively. FYM-2 and compost-2 caused minimum zinc (Zn) (59.08 and 66.0 mg kg−1) in maize shoots, respectively. FYM-2 caused minimum Mn in maize shoots while compost increased Mn in shoots and roots compared to control. FYM and compost increased the ammonium bicarbonate diethylene triamine penta acetic acid (AB-DTPA) extractable Ni and Mn in the soil and decreased Cu and Zn. Lower remediation factors for all metals with compost indicated that compost was effective to stabilize the metals in soil compared to FYM. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In humans, hypertension is considered a state of oxidative stress that can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and other hypertension-induced organ damages. The objective of this study was to evaluate oxidative status, antioxidant activities, and oxidative stress by-products among Indian patients with various stages of hypertension. Lipid profile, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, lipid peroxidation as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), C-reactive protein, electrolytes, and minerals were analyzed in the blood of newly diagnosed prehypertensives, stage I and II hypertensives (n == 20 in each group) and were compared to their age-matched normotensives. Elevated levels of lipid profile (except high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]) were observed in stage I and II hypertensive patients. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were significantly ( P < 0.05) lower, while TBARS and C-reactive protein were higher in prehypertensives, and stage I and II hypertensives. Significant ( P <0.05) changes were also observed in the plasma Na++ and K++ concentrations among the hypertensive groups. Serum levels of zinc, copper, and magnesium were significantly ( P < 0.05) lower in prehypertensives, and stage I and II hypertensives as compared to normotensives. The study indicated a strong association between blood pressure (BP) and oxidative stress-related parameters and suggests a possible role of oxidative stress in the development of elevated BP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated the anti-hyperglycemic and lipid-lowering properties of Emblica officinalis Gaertn. fruit in normal and diabetic human volunteers. The results indicated a significant decrease ( P <  0.05) in fasting and 2-h post-prandial blood glucose levels on the 21st day in both normal and diabetic subjects receiving 1, 2 or 3 g E. officinalis powder per day as compared with their baseline values. Significant ( P <  0.05) decreases were also observed in total cholesterol and triglycerides in both normal and diabetic volunteers on day 21 that were given either 2 or 3 g E. officinalis powder per day. However, diabetic volunteers receiving only 3 g E. officinalis powder exhibited a significant ( P <  0.05) decrease in total lipids on day 21. Both normal and diabetic volunteers receiving 2 or 3 g E. officinalis powder significantly ( P <  0.05) improved high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and lowered low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated the effects of cooking on the total, soluble and insoluble oxalate contents in six different types of locally consumed vegetables and beans (spinach, carrots, beet root, white bean, red bean and soybean). The foods were cooked in water until they reached the soft consistency (12-15 min for vegetable and 2 h for beans). The raw and cooked samples were analyzed for their soluble and insoluble oxalate contents using the HPLC techniques. The total oxalate content of raw spinach, carrot, beet root, white bean, red bean and soybean, were found to be 978 ± 5, 49 ± 7, 67 ± 12, 158 ± 16, 113 ± 15, and 497 ± 22 mg/100 g of fresh weight respectively. The total oxalate contents of these foods after boiling were 477 ± 8, 16 ± 9, 52 ± 14, 47 ± 17, 72 ± 17, and 224 ± 25 mg/100 g of fresh weight respectively. The results showed that boiling significantly (P < 0.05) reduced both soluble and insoluble oxalate contents. More losses were observed in the soluble than the insoluble oxalates. The reduction in soluble oxalate in different vegetables ranged from 16 to 66% whereas in beans ranged from 40 to 77%. The data suggests that the use of boiled vegetables can be an effective strategy for reducing the dietary intake of oxalates in individuals predisposed to the development of kidney stones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the chemical composition and glycemic index (GI) of eight different types of traditional Omani breads made from wheat flour. Significant (P < 0.05) differences were observed in the proximate chemical composition, dietary fibre content, and gross energy value of these breads. The moisture, crude protein, total fat, ash, crude fibre and nitrogen free extract (NFE) contents ranged between 21.6-51.6, 4.3-10.5, 0.8-13.8, 1.2-2.3, 1.0-2.0, and 34.5-61.8 g/100 g of sample respectively. The values for dietary fibre were between 5.6, 9.6 g/100g, and the gross energy contents ranged between 897 and 1468 kJ/100 g. The GI value of these breads also differed significantly (P < 0.05). No significant differences were however observed among the GI values for White Toast Bread (local commercial bread), Brown Toast Bread (local commercial bread), White Khubz Lebanani (local commercial bread), Brown Khubz Lebanani (local commercial bread), and Chapati (local homemade bread), which were 63 ± 12, 58 ± 15, 63 ± 10, 57 ± 20, and 58 ± 10, respectively. Paratha (local restaurant made bread with fat), Goleh (local homemade soft bread), and Rekhal (local homemade thin bread) showed significantly (P < 0.05) lower GI values as compared to other breads, and these were 32 ± 13, 43 ± 13 and 39 ± 7, respectively. No specific correlation was observed in the chemical composition and glycemic index of these breads. These breads fall within low to medium GI category of foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated the nutritional quality and glycemic index of three sun-dried date varieties (Khalas, Khsab and Fardh) grown in Oman. Significant (P<0.05) differences were observed in the proximate chemical composition, dietary fiber contents, various sugar fractions and energy value of these dates. The moisture, ash, crude protein, total fat, and nitrogen-free extract values ranged between 18.77 and 23.71 g/100 g date flesh, 1.12 and 1.55 g/100 g date flesh, 1.28 and 1.89 g/100 g date flesh, 1.14 and 2.37 g/100 g date flesh, and 68.53 and 75.37 g/100 g date flesh, respectively. The dietary fiber and total sugar contents ranged between 8.83 and 13.11 g/100 g and between 52.17 and 59.96 g/100 g, respectively. The glycemic index (GI) of different varieties of dates collected from various regions of Oman ranged between 47.6 and 57.7. Overall no significant (P<0.05) differences were observed in the GI values of different varieties of dates. The regional effects on the GI values of dates were also non-significant (P>0.05). An inverse correlation (r 2) was observed between the fructose fraction and the GI value of dates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginger (rhizome of Zingiber officinale) is a well known herb for its culinary and wide range of medicinal uses and is considered an essential component of the kitchen pharmacy. More commonly, ginger has been traditionally used in disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, as a stomachic, laxative, sialogogue, gastric emptying enhancer, appetizer, antiemetic, antidyspepsic, antispasmodic, and antiulcer agent with sufficient scientific support. Similarly, ginger has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, antimigraine, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, diuretic, hypocholesterolemic, and antihypertensive activities. Recently, ginger has gained wide attention for its therapeutic role as a safe and effective preventive treatment option for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. Ginger has a long history of safety, as it has been used for centuries not only for medicinal purposes, but also as a food and spice. Although some health risk and safety concerns exist in the literature about its use by pregnant women, the clinical evidence of harm is lacking. Ginger might, therefore, be used as an effective treatment option for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. In this article, we focus attention on these aspects of ginger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary guidelines around the world recommend increased consumption of plant foods to combat chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and osteoporosis. These plant foods (fruits, vegetables, cereals, and legumes) contain many beneficial phytochemicals. Oxidative stress, caused by the production of highly reactive oxygen species (ROS), has received a great deal of interest in recent years. Antioxidants, including lycopene, by virtue of their ability to interact with ROS, can mitigate their damaging effect and play a significant role in the prevention of chronic diseases. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the beneficial effects of these phytochemicals in human health. In this article, we focus on lycopene and its role in human health. We also discuss its chemical properties, the dietary sources of lycopene, its bioavailability, and the mechanisms of action in disease prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]