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This study evaluated the iron-rich Nutri bar's effect on iron-deficient females. Iron-rich Nutri-bars made with spinach powder and chickpea flour. The physicochemical profile of the bars was measured. Socioeconomic status and anthropometric data were taken for the effectiveness of the research. This effectiveness trial included 20 girls ages 20 to 25. After that, biochemical tests, including hemoglobin, ferritin, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) were conducted. Results showed that the iron-rich Nutri-bars (T3, 6.60) had more moisture than other treatments. T3 protein and fiber composition was 16.90% and 4.30%. In T3, crude fat and ash content were the lowest. All the proximate analyses of incorporated spinach powder and chickpea flour indicated a significant correlation (P >.005). A jury gave treatment T3 the highest score in overall acceptability. Iron and zinc concentrations were 13.2 and 5.9 mg/100 g in T3. Post-assessment height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) indicated a very significant (P >.005) connection compared to pre-assessment (P >.005). Selected young females' hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and total iron-binding capacity were tested biochemically. After the intervention, the experimental group's mean hemoglobin (HB) was 12.21 ± 1.14 g/dl (P >.005). Increasing patterns support the current study's iron improvement. Serum ferritin exhibited similarly substantial outcomes. TIBC dropped when iron status increased. Conclusively, iron-rich nutri-bars supplemented with spinach leaf powder and chickpea flour increased iron status in young females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, taro starch was extracted and used for the encapsulation of probiotics to prolong their viability under stressed conditions. Taro starch and sodium alginate were used as wall materials for the encapsulation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Probiotic bacteria were encapsulated by the extrusion method, and obtained microbeads were subjected to various morphological, molecular, and structural characterization using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy ;(FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Furthermore, the viability of free and encapsulated probiotics was also accessed under simulated gastrointestinal conditions and in the food model (cheddar cheese). Average size microcapsules ranged from 6.16 ± 0.05 mm to 5.28 ± 0.03 mm. The encapsulation efficiency for taro and sodium alginate was recorded as 86.27% log CFU/g and 81.78% log CFU/g respectively. SEM micrographs exhibited entrapment of probiotics in wall materials. The surface of capsules was-irregular spherical structure FTIR spectra revealed broad characteristic peaks at 815 cm1, 1320 cm1, 1130 cm1, and ~ 1610 cm1. XRD images showed loss of crystalline structure following encapsulation. Higher probiotic viability was recorded under simulated gastrointestinal conditions for encapsulated probiotics compared to free probiotics. Likewise, a high probiotic count was observed in cheese fortified with encapsulated probiotics. Conclusively, taro starch wall material showed overall best results regarding the viability of probiotics under stressed conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sesame belongs to the family Pedaliaceae and scientifically named as Sesamum indicum L. It has been considered as one of the most ancient oil crop. To explore the nutraceutical and therapeutic potential of sesame seeds, the present study was planned to develop protein-enriched sesame bars with the addition of barley flour at the rate of 10%, 20%, and 30% among treatments T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Sesame barley-supplemental protein (SBSP) bars were analyzed for compositional, phytochemical, and sensory attributes including color, texture, taste, holding ability, and overall acceptability. The proximate analysis of all treatments showed varied range of results moisture (4.68 ± 0.45%), ash (3.66 ± 0.09%), crude fat (11.48 ± 0.12%), crude protein (42.37 ± 0.66), crude fiber (4.63 ± 0.23%), and nitrogen-free extract (26.29 ± 0.26%), respectively. Results of mineral analysis of all treatments were recorded as calcium (51.88–86.92 mg), iron (3.48–8.48 mg), potassium (359.35–639.20 mg), magnesium (28.23–47.54 mg), and phosphorus (151.03–378.81 mg). The results of total phenolic content ranged from 37.58 to 99.43 mg GAE/100 g, while the results for the total flavonoid content fall in range from 110.85 to 196.50 mg CE/100 g. The DPPH results illustrated that the highest content of DPPH was present in T2 (8.81 ± 0.13), while the lowest DPPH value was noticed in T0 (5.62 ± 0.08). On the basis of sensory evaluation, the T3 SBSP bar was preferred containing 25% barley flour and 75% sesame flour for its attractive color, texture, and overall acceptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food fortification processes are used to improve the functional and dietary characteristics of the final product. The basic aim of the current study was to evaluate the ginger (Zingiber officinalis, Roscoe) fortification in yogurt and to improve its functionality. For this purpose, ginger at different concentrations (0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%) was added to yogurt. The results showed a significant influence (p <.05) on physicochemical and phenolic content as well as on the sensory parameters of fortified yogurt. Moreover, the addition of 1.5% ginger powder in yogurt resulted in the best results for protein (3.30%), moisture (79.16%), and water-holding capacity (39.85%), respectively. Furthermore, the total phenolic contents were also higher in T3 (19.91 μg GAE/g); however, the total plate count tends to decrease ranging from 3.94 to 3.58 log CFU/g in different treatments. The results of the sensorial assessment revealed T3 was appreciated the most among all treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gynostemma pentaphyllum belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae which is native to China where it is also termed an immortal herb. It is an emerging herb gaining fame for its rich phytochemistry. It is loaded with superior phytochemicals with immense therapeutic potential. The key phytochemicals include saponins and sterols. Saponins are a wide class of bioactive found in Gynostemma pentaphyllum and 100 different saponins have been reported to date by different researchers in this herb. Several sterols have been demonstrated in this plant including ergostanol, sitosterol and stigmasterol. All these bioactive substances possess superior therapeutic and pharmacological properties that have been investigated in different studies as presented in this comprehensive review. Taxonomic classification, botanical description, and geographical distribution are briefly covered in the first section of this review. In contrast, the phytochemistry, therapeutic properties, and pharmacological features of Gynostemma pentaphyllum are thoroughly explained in the second section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advancements in the field of research and development have paved toward the use of herbal agents to cure and control health maladies. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.) is one of the herbs that possess pharmacological and therapeutic attributes. Various bioactive components in milk thistle have a key role in pathological conditions like blood-related disorders, hepatic ailments, arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and carcinomas. Among various bioactive components, silymarin is an active agent which isa standardized mixture of flavonolignans (70%–80%) along with silybin, silydianin, and silychristin, with silybin being the main active chemical component. Silymarin has been used medicinally to treat liver disorders, including acute and chronic viral hepatitis, toxin/drug-induced hepatitis, cirrhosis, and alcoholic liver diseases. Traditionally, the plant was employed to increase human reproduction ability, possess reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, has UV-induced skin damage protection, maintains the menstrual cycle, lessen viral infection, decrease fibrosis, and blood glucose as well as improve functions of the liver, pancreas, and reproductive cells. This review summarizes the basic as well as advanced therapeutic effects of silymarin which will ultimately lead researchers in developinphytopharmaceutical-based complementary medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of meat using animal stem cell-derived muscle tissue might conceivably do away with the need to sacrifice animals. The creation of "cultured," "synthetic," or "in vitro" meat has the potential to produce meat with distinct qualities more quickly and efficiently than normal meat. Although the process of growing muscle tissues in culture from stem cells has been known for a very long time, it has not yet been perfected for the production of cultured meat products for sale. Conditions for applying the technology, which is currently in its infancy, include a phenomenally high level of consumer acceptability and the development of commercially feasible large-scale production techniques. If the meat produced in vitro has physical traits that are identical to those of traditional meat in terms of color, flavor, aroma, consistency, and deliciousness, then it might be realistically viable. Higher the viability of meat production in vitro, the issues including searching for a good stem cell source and talking about the challenges faced throughout the expansion of cultured meat must be resolved. This review highlights the benefits and advancement of cultured meat, highlights its connection problems, and offers prospective solutions for production-related problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplemented apricot probiotic drink (SAPD) was prepared with the addition of 2% lactobacillus rhamnosus and different percentages (2, 4, 8, 12%) of sea buckthorn powder, a total of five treatments were prepared To, T1, T2, T3, and T4 and stored at 4°C. The analysis of probiotic count was performed using total plate count and for the examination of antioxidant activity DPPH was done and total phenolic content was also conducted. Physiochemical, microbial (TPC), antioxidant (TPC, DPPH), and sensory evaluation of supplemented apricot probiotic drink were done at different storage periods (1, 14, and 28 days) and obtained data were subjected to the statistical design. There was a considerable change in total phenolic content (TPC) throughout storage in all treatments, but supplementation of sea buckthorn has increased the TPC and antioxidant activity of SAPD. The probiotic count of T2 showed the highest probiotics among all treatments with 6.70 log CFU/mL on the 1st day, 6.6 log CFU/mL on the 14th day, and 6.5 log CFU/mL on the 28th day. It was having 4% sea buckthorn followed by T1 having 6.56 log CFU/mL and T0 having 6.54 log CUF/mL of grand mean with little change during the storage period of 28 days. T3 and T4 showed decreased number of probiotic counts with an increase in the percentage of sea buckthorn. This research concluded that sea buckthorn can be supplemented in fruit drinks to provide probiotic and antioxidant benefits, but its increased ratio can reduce the overall acceptability of the drink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sportsmen may choose to include vegetarian diet in their dietary regime for a variety of ways like its beneficial health impact, due to religious restrictions or to protect animals for environmental integrity. These diets are loaded with a wide variety of phytochemicals with superior health benefits safeguarding against chronic diseases. Besides their role in health management these foods also play a key role in enhancing different sports performances owing to contained with instant energy providing carbohydrates that are crucial for competitive sports performance. Furthermore, they are also richly enriched with antioxidants that are essential for high-end sports performance. However, few vegetarian diets are the source of anti-nutritional entities like high fiber content, chelating agents, phytates, and tannic acid. These interfere with the bio-availability of crucial dietary components like iron, zinc, proteins. Therefore, a sound nutritional approach is required while planning plant-based dietary regimes for sports performance. This review will systematically focus on the impact of vegetarian diets on sports performance in the light of currently available research findings in this field to provide a guiding hand to sports specialists and nutritional experts in planning the vegetarian dietary plans for optimizing the sports performance. In addition, this review explains the bio-availability and enhancement strategies of different vegetarian diet-based nutrients through different energy metabolism pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The core objective of this research work was to determine the nutritional and bioactive profile of raw and fermented (black) garlic. For this purpose, different varieties of garlic i.e., desi and farmi were procured from local market of Faisalabad, Pakistan. In addition, desi raw garlic (DRG) and farmi raw garlic (FRG) were converted into desi fermented (black) garlic (DFG) and farmi fermented garlic (FFG) through fermentation in incubator at 60°C and 70–80% humidity level for 30 days. Moreover, nutritional composition and antioxidant activity of raw and fermented (black) garlic were also elucidated. Results showed that moisture content of garlic was rapidly reduced, whereas crude protein, crude fiber, crude ash, and carbohydrate contents were significantly improved after fermentation. In addition, protein contents of DRG and FRG garlic were 8.57 ± 0.21 and 6.38 ± 0.05 g/100 g whilst 9.5 ± 0.35 and 8.1 ± 0.06 g/100 g, in DFG and FFG, respectively, after fermentation. Additionally, carbohydrate contents were also increased up to 30–40% after fermentation. Mineral contents such as potassium, sulfur, aluminum, iron, sodium, magnesium, zinc, and copper were also increased after fermentation. Furthermore, garlic fermentation significantly reduced pH level. Antioxidant activity showed that total phenolic contents (TPC) of DRG & FRG were 2421.3 & 2128.5 mg GAE/kg while 2886.7, & 2529.8 mg GAE/kg for DFG and FFG, respectively. Total flavonoid contents of DRG and FRG were 124 & 101 mg RE/100 g, whereas DFG and FFG were 191 & 121mgRE/100 g. FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS values were higher in DRG and DFG as compared to FRG and FFG. Conclusively, fermented (black) garlic showed a higher nutritional profile, mineral content, as well as antioxidant activity as compared to raw garlic. C-1: Avoid % for concentration, use more clearly; for examples g/100 g raw materials, g/100 g dry-solids, g/100 g extract, g/100 g oil???) Check all??? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: COVID-19 is a global pandemic. In our study, we aimed to utilize the hematological parameters in predicting the prognosis and mortality in COVID-19 patients. Materials and methods: A retrospective, observational study was conducted to include all the admitted patients (n = 191) having COVID-19 Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive, and evaluated those for prognosis and disease outcome by utilizing several biochemical and hematological markers. Results: Amongst the patients admitted in the ward versus in the intensive care unit (ICU), there were significant differences in mean hemoglobin (P = 0.003), total leukocyte count (P = 0.001), absolute neutrophil and lymphocyte counts (P < 0.001), absolute monocyte count (P = 0.019), Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte ratio (LMR) (P < 0.001), Platelet-to-Lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and Lymphocyte-to C-reactive protein ratio (LCR) (P = 0.002), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (P < 0.001). Amongst the deceased patients, there was significant leukocytosis (P = 0.008), neutrophilia and lymphopenia (P < 0.001), increased NLR (P = 0.001), decreased LMR (P < 0.001), increased PLR (p = 0.017), decreased LCR (p = 0.003), and elevated CRP level (P < 0.001). A receiver operating characteristic curve obtained for the above parameters showed NLR (AUC: 0.841, PPV: 83.6%) and PLR (AUC: 0.703, PPV: 81.8%) for ICU patients, while NLR (AUC: 0.860, PPV: 91.1%) and PLR (AUC: 0.677, PPV: 87.5%) for the deceased patients had significant accuracy for predicting the disease severity of COVID-19 in comparison to survivors. Conclusion: The inflammatory markers and hematological indices are a good guide for predicting the severity and disease outcome of coronavirus disease. NLR and PLR are elevated in severe disease while LMR and LCR are inversely correlating with disease severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of interferon α-2 in combination with thymosin α-1 shows higher anti-cancer effect in comparison when both are used individually because of their synergistic effects. In this study we produced an important human interferon α-2-thymosin α-1 (IFNα2-Tα1) fusion protein with probable pharmaceutical properties coupled to its high-level expression, characterization, and study of its biological activity. The IFNα2-Tα1 fusion gene was constructed by over-lap extension PCR and expressed in Escherichia coli expression system. The expression of IFNα2-Tα1 fusion protein was optimized to higher level and its maximum expression was obtained in modified terrific broth medium when lactose was used as inducer. The fusion protein was refolded into its native biologically active form with maximum yield of 83.14% followed by purification with ∼98% purity and 69% final yield. A band of purified IFNα2-Tα1 fusion protein equal to ∼23 kDa was observed on 12 % SDS-PAGE gel. The integrity of IFNα2-Tα1 fusion protein was confirmed by western blot analysis and secondary structure was assessed by CD spectroscopy. When IFNα2-Tα1 fusion protein was subjected to its biological activity analysis it was observed that it exhibits both IFNα2 & Tα1 activities as well as significantly higher anticancer activity as compared to IFNα-2 alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During 2016-2017, 156 samples of fresh milk samples were collected from local markets of Karachi, Pakistan and analysed for aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contamination using ELISA technique. AFM1 was detected in 143 (91.7%) samples, ranged from 20 to 3090 ng L−1 with a mean level of 346.2 ng L−1. In 125 (80.1%) samples, the AFM1 contamination was greater than the maximum limit (ML = 50 ng L−1) set by EU. However, in 51 (32.7%) samples, the AFM1 level was higher than the ML of 500 ng L−1 as assigned by the USA. Statistical analysis showed that the AFM1 level in milk samples from summer was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that obtained in winter. It was concluded that the AFM1 levels in the tested samples appear to be a serious public health problem. Therefore, immediate measures should be taken and re-evaluation done for the procedures for farming, transportation, refrigeration, and storage for the control of AFM1 level in milk samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present scenario, the literature is available regarding different challenging matters; however, some horizons still need to be elucidated and "Intermittent Fasting" is one of such examples. For millennia, several scientific interventions were carried out to probe the effect of fasting on human metabolic activities. There are three common strategies of fasting like caloric restriction (CR), dietary restriction (DR) and Intermittent fasting (IF) but IF has emerged as an avenue of potential benefit and wellbeing of the consumer. Intermittent fasting is the prehistoric surreptitious of human health as this powerful habit has been virtually forgotten. Nowadays, numerous researchers are reviving this dietary intervention. It carries enormous consequences such as increased energy, weight loss, and reversal of type-II diabetes. Moreover, it encloses the important evidence validating the health claims of IF with special reference to cancer, coronary heart diseases, biomarkers of oxidative stress and insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, the impact of intermittent fasting on human health based upon metabolic case studies are the limelight of the current manuscript. Conclusively, Intermittent fasting (IF) is the most appropriate tactic for its capability to ameliorate different lifestyle related disorders for instance; diabetes, cardiovascular disorder, cancer, antioxidant stress, and renal diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the behavior of a spherical cavity in a soft biological tissue modeled as a deformable porous material during an injection of non-Newtonian fluid that follows a power law model. Fluid flows into the neighboring tissue due to high cavity pressure where it is absorbed by capillaries and lymphatics at a rate proportional to the local pressure. Power law fluid pressure and displacement of a solid in the tissue are computed as function of radial distance and time. Numerical solutions indicate that shear thickening fluids exhibit less fluid pressure and induce small solid deformation as compared to shear thinning fluids. Absorption in the biological tissue increases as a consequence of flow-induced deformation for power law fluids. In most cases non-Newtonian results are compared with the viscous fluid case to magnify the differences. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This survey was carried out to evaluate the occurrence of total aflatoxins (AFs; B1+B2+G1+G2) in unpacked composite spices. A total of 75 samples of composite spices such as biryani,karhai, tikka,nihariand korma masalas were collected from local markets of Karachi, Pakistan, and analysed using HPLC technique. The results indicated that AFs were detected in 77% (n = 58) samples ranging from 0.68 to 25.74 µg kg−1with a mean of 4.63 ± 0.95 µg kg−1. In 88% (n = 66) samples, AFs level was below the maximum limits (ML = 10 µg kg−1) as imposed by EU. Furthermore, 61% (n = 46) tested samples contained AFs level between 1 and 10 µg kg−1, 9% (n = 7) exhibited AFs contamination ranged 10−20 µg kg−1and only 3% (n = 2) of the investigated samples contained AFs levels higher than the ML of 20 µg kg−1for total aflatoxins as set by the USA. It was concluded that there is need to establish a strict and continuous national monitoring plan to improve safety and quality of spices in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

During 2012–2014, 170 samples of export quality raisins were collected from different vendors in Pakistan. The collected samples were analysed for the presence of aflatoxins (AFs) and Ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination using high-performance liquid chromatography technique. The limit of detection and limit of quantification of AFs/OTA were 0.12/0.10 and 0.36/0.30 µg kg−1, respectively. Only 5% of the samples were contaminated with AFs, ranging 0.15–2.58 µg kg−1with a mean of 0.05 ± 0.26 µg kg−1. None of the raisin samples exhibited AFs contamination above the maximum limit (ML = 4 µg kg−1) as set by the European Union (EU). About 72% of the samples were contaminated with OTA, ranging 0.14–12.75 µg kg−1with a mean of 2.10 ± 1.9 µg kg−1. However, in 95.3% of the tested samples, OTA level was lower than the ML of 10 µg kg−1as regulated by the EU. Apparently, a strict and continuous monitoring plan, including regulatory limits, improves food safety and quality for all types of commodities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Advancement in the field of analytical food-chemistry has explored various experimental techniques for aflatoxins (AFs) quantification. The present study was aimed to compare four different techniques; thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the analysis of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), B2 (AFB2), G1 (AFG1) and G2 (AFG2) in brown rice ( n = 120) being collected from Karachi, Pakistan. All the four assays provide precised, accurate and comparable results. However, some differences were observed. For instance, TLC, HPLC and LC-MS/MS methodologies offered the advantage of the quantification of individual toxins in contrast to ELISA technique. The contamination ranges of AFB1/AFB2 as determined by TLC, HPLC and LC-MS/MS were 1.18-9.97/0.59-1.52, 0.16-10.54/0.26-1.35 and 0.11-10.88/0.38-1.48 µg/kg, respectively. However, AFG1 and AFG2 were not detected in any tested samples. Furthermore, owing to low-detection limit and sensitivity, HPLC and LC-MS/MS methodologies have identified greater number of contaminated samples in comparison to TLC and ELISA techniques. The overall average results of total AFs as provided by HPLC (3.79 µg/kg) and LC-MS/MS (3.89 µg/kg) were found higher in comparison to TLC (3.68 µg/kg) and ELISA (3.70 µg/kg). On the basis of achieved results, it was concluded that TLC, HPLC, LC-MS/MS and ELISA techniques are valuable tool for the quantification of AFs in cereals and grains. Furthermore, HPLC and LC-MS/MS techniques offer an added advantage for the detection of AFs in diminutive levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxin B1(AFB1) levels were evaluated in betel nuts(Areca catechuL.) being imported to Pakistan during 2010–2011. In total, 278 betel nut samples (India = 21, Indonesia = 51, Sri-Lanka = 34 and Thailand = 172) were received from the Department of Customs and were analysed by thin layer chromatography (TLC). All Indian origin betel nuts showed AFB1contamination ranging from 11.7–262.0 µg kg−1with a mean of 92.5 µg kg−1. Among Indonesian and Sri Lankan shipments, 80.4% and 73.5% betel nuts were contaminated with AFB1ranging between 3.3–39.2 and 6.5–103.4 µg kg−1with a mean of 11.6 and 35.0 µg kg−1, respectively. However, only 30.2% of Thailand origin samples showed AFB1contamination ranging 3.3–77.0 µg kg−1with a mean of 6.6 µg kg−1. The widespread occurrence of AFB1increases the hazard associated with betel nuts. Thus, strict control is a pre-requisite for the production and import/export of psychoactive substances as betel nuts. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

During 2006–2011, 331 red chilli samples (226 whole, 69 powdered and 36 crushed) were collected from all over Pakistan for the estimation of total aflatoxins (AFs = AFB1+ AFB2+ AFG1+ AFG2) contamination by thin layer chromatography (TLC). Mean AFs levels in whole, powdered and crushed chillies were 11.7, 27.8 and 31.2 µg kg−1, respectively. AFs levels in 62.4% of whole, 26.1% of powdered and 19.4% of crushed chillies were found lower than the maximum limit (ML = 10 µg kg−1) as assigned by the European Union. Furthermore, whole (27.9%), powdered (28%) and crushed (27.8%) chillies showed AFs contamination which ranged between 10 and 20 µg kg−1. However, 9.7% of whole, 46% of powdered and 52.8% of crushed chillies showed AFs levels beyond the ML of 20 µg kg−1as assigned by the USDA. It was concluded that AFs contamination in chillies requires further investigation, monitoring and routine analysis. Furthermore, proper harvesting, drying, handling, storage and transport conditions need to be employed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]