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Coconut is cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas across the globe because of its diverse applications, particularly in terms of its nutritional and therapeutic benefits. In order to enhance the shelf life of coconut meat while maintaining its quality, it must be pre-processed. The research aimed to determine the physicochemical constituents, antioxidant properties, and sensory attributes of BARI-1 coconut meat preserved in various sugar solutions (40–80)% by thermal processing (boiling and microwave) during refrigeration storage (3 ± 1 °C) for 45 days. Based on the results of physicochemical characteristics (lightness L*, chroma C*, hue H*, ash, moisture, pH, TSS, fat, and fiber), antioxidant capabilities (DPPH and TPC) and sensory analysis, there were significant (p < 0.05) variations among the treatments. The coconut meat preserved in 80 % sugar solution with microwave treatment had significantly (p < 0.05) higher retention of the quality parameters compared to other treatments during storage. After being treated with 80 °Brix solution in a 900 W microwave for 5 mins, the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the coconut meat were shown to be 106.96 mg GAE/100 g and 5.88 %, respectively. Based on multivariate statistical analyses, the quality of coconut meat is mostly influenced by thermal processing and storage period.There was a considerable rise in the bioactive compounds and a significant decrease in the moisture content observed during storage. Pearson's correlation analysis further validated the findings. After 45 days of storage, the microwave treated sample (M80) also had significantly (p < 0.05) higher scores (7.9) and boiling treated sample (B40) showed (6.5) least in overall acceptance in sensory analysis. Therefore, microwave treatment with an 80 % sugar solution was suggested for coconut meat preservation, which exhibited excellent nutritional and aesthetic stability during refrigeration storage. The findings are essential for producers, processors, and consumers looking to optimize the quality and functionality of coconut meat when utilized for multiple purposes.

With rapid industrialization and urbanization, persistent potential toxic elements in the human food chain have become a burning concern to international communities. The present study investigates the potential of an underutilized orphan root crop, Taro (Colocasia esculenta), as a possible source of bioactive compounds –phenolics (180.56–17.66 mg GAE/100 g sample) and flavonoids (50.37–21.93 mg QE/100 g sample)–, antioxidants and minerals (Mg: 183.33–75, P: 203–73, Ca: 740–46 and Na: 393–133.33 mg kg-1) to promote its utilization in food industries. In addition, this study estimated the levels of potential toxic metals in corm samples collected from industrially active: Jute industry sites (JTS), Textile sites (TXS), Tannery sites (TNS), Chemical industry sites (CMS), Feed industry sites (FDS), and inactive: Residential site (RDS) regions of Jashore, Bangladesh and assessed the associated human health risks. ICP-OES was used to analyze the samples, and the probable human health risk was evaluated using the estimated Hazard Index (HI) and Lifetime cancer risk (LcR). The concentration of the studied toxic metals, such as Cr, Cd, and Pb, and potentially toxic metals, such as Zn, Ni, Fe, Cu, and Mn, ranged as 1.8–19.33, ND, ND-6.33, 3.23–146.67, ND-29.16, 5.43–3583.33, 4.43–266.67, and 0.45–7.3 in taro corm samples and 2.76–42.33, ND-1.26, ND-153.33, 3.27–163.33, 32.67–55.67, 436.67–7666.67, 1.47–9.47, and 4.16–213.33 mg kg-1, respectively, in the associated soil samples. HI values greater than unity in RDS, JTS, FDS, TNS, and CMS indicated the associated non-carcinogenic risk to adults. In addition, LcR showed that all the samples pose an associated cancer risk. Furthermore, multivariate analysis revealed three principal components explaining 86.69 % of the total variance, while there were two significant clusters of the taro samples. Overall, this study demonstrated the potential of taro corms as a valuable source of advantageous phytochemicals while confirming the effect of industrialization on the accumulation of potentially toxic metals and their phytochemicals. This study underscores the necessity of continuous monitoring by regulatory authorities to prevent metal deposition in farmlands from industrialization and urbanization through sewage, agrochemicals, and industrial wastewater to avoid adverse health consequences.

The effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatments and storage conditions in the regulation of the physicochemical and bioactive properties of mango fruits (Mangifera indica L. cv. BARI-4) were investigated during storage. Different concentrations of 1-MCP treated samples (T0 = Control, T1 = 0.5 μL/L, T2 = 1.0 μL/L, T3 = 1.5 μL/L, and T4 = 2.0 μL/L) were stored in developed storage structure (10±1 °C and 90 % RH), cold storage (3 ± 1 °C and 80 ± 2 % RH), and ambient storage (29 ± 3 °C and 65 ± 2 % RH). The change in fruit quality including weight loss, firmness, surface color, storage life, chemical, and bioactive properties were studied periodically at 10, 20, 30 and 40 days of storage. The results demonstrated that 1-MCP treatment effectively maintained the quality of fruits by retarding the loss of weight, firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), and titratable acidity, which were served as a quality parameter during storage. The 1-MCP treatment dramatically delayed the change in color, quality measures, and bioactive properties compared to the control group. The storage condition greatly influenced the postharvest quality value and storage life. In combination with the developed storage structure and 1-MCP treatment preserved the acceptability of fruits to a great extent for around 40 days. The T2 = 1.0 μL/L 1-MCP treatment preserved the fruit quality for the highest days of storage 14, 34, and 46 days in ambient storage, cold storage, and develop storage structure respectively. The developed storage structure (10 ± 1 °C and 90 % RH) with 1-MCP (1.0 μL/L) treatment suggested the optimum storage ability for preserving the postharvest storage life of mango fruits. By implementing these findings mango growers and suppliers can reduce post-harvest losses, expand market reach, and provide consumers with high-quality mangoes that retain their quality for an extended period.

The study investigated the changes in chemical and fatty acid composition in selected edible oils due to continuous heating. Peroxide value of all the oil except rice bran oil went beyond the permissible limit of 10 mEqO2/kg after 90 min of heating. At first degree of heating, the saponification number of all the oils increased. But the values declined after second and third time of heating, indicating a high degree of saturation. Rice bran oil showed the most slower decreasing trend in case of iodine value. Acid value of all the oils increased with time of heating indicating the presence of free fatty acid. Fatty acid composition of all the oils seemed to be affected due to continuous heating when analyzed with GC–MS. Presence of essential fatty acids was affected and fully absent in some oil. Some foreign chemicals like glycidyl fatty acid esters, fumaric acid, succinic acid, cyclohexane, etc. were detected due to the heating of oils. Glycidyl fatty acid esters were discovered in the degradation of each oil. Cyclohexane is produced during the breakdown of palm and soybean oil. Conferring to the results, it is recommended that oils should not be used after the third degree of heating.

Abstract 5′ adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase–related kinase 5 (ARK5) is involved in mitochondrial ATP production and associated with poor prognosis of multiple myeloma (MM). However, the molecular mechanisms of ARK5 in MM remain largely unknown. This study examined the pathogenic role of ARK5 in mitochondria by using genetically modified isogenic cell clones with or without ARK5 in human myeloma cell lines, KMS-11 and Sachi, which overexpress ARK5. The biallelic knockout of ARK5 (ARK5-KO) inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, and migration with increased apoptosis. Mitochondrial fusion was enhanced in ARK5-KO cells, unlike in ARK5 wild-type (ARK5-WT) cells, which exhibited increased mitochondrial fission. Furthermore, ARK5-KO cells demonstrated a lower phosphorylated dynamin–related protein 1 at serine 616, higher protein expression of mitofusin-1 (MFN1) and MFN2, optic atrophy 1 with a lower level of ATP, and higher levels of lactate and reactive oxygen species than ARK5-WT cells. Our findings suggest that ARK5-enhanced myeloma cells can survive associated mitochondrial fission and activity. This study first revealed the relationship between ARK5 and mitochondrial morphological dynamics. Thus, our outcomes show novel aspects of mitochondrial biology of ARK5, which can afford a more advanced treatment approach for unfavorable MM expressing ARK5.

Papaya fruits different edible and non-edible portions are valued for the abundance of numerous nutrients and therapeutic benefits. The study was aimed to examine the physico-chemical properties, bioactive compounds (total phenolics and total flavonoids), antioxidant activity and microstructure analysis of the peel, pulp and seed flour of both ripe and unripe papaya. The results demonstrated the different portions of both ripe and unripe papaya fruit flour differed significantly with respect to almost all quality attributes within them. The physico-chemical variations have been evaluated through evaluation of the pH, moisture content, TSS, and ascorbic acid content of the papaya fruits during both ripening stages. Statistically significant variations (p

This study explores the impact of nonsynonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) on type 2 diabetes (T2D). The nsSNPs are genetic variations that alter amino acids within proteins, affecting protein structure and function. This study investigated seven candidate genes associated with T2D pathogenesis from genome-wide association studies (GWASs) catalog datasets. Subsequently, six mutation-prediction tools were employed to identify the most harmful nsSNPs within these candidate genes. Further analysis involved evaluating protein evolutionary conservation using the ConSurf server and assessing protein stability with I-Mutant and MUpro. Functional and structural effects were predicted using MutPred2, Project HOPE, and FoldAmyloid tools. We obtained 42 of the most deleterious nsSNPs from identified candidate genes. Among these, 38 are located in highly conserved residues with a conservative score of 7–9. Furthermore, 20 of these conserved nsSNPs are found to decrease protein stability, with 18 of them classified as pathogenic mutations. These mutations can either reduce or increase protein size and can alter the charge and hydrophobic characteristics of the affected proteins. In addition, eight mutants from four genes were identified in amyloidogenic regions, suggesting a potential link to protein aggregation. These findings provide valuable insights into the physicochemical properties and structural changes associated with these deleterious nsSNPs. The study concludes that the distinctive physicochemical properties and significant structural changes of the identified nsSNPs suggest valuable insights for future research. Understanding these variants through large-scale studies may pave the way for developing therapeutic interventions targeting genetic variations, ultimately improving our understanding of T2D pathogenesis and treatment.

The study aims to investigate the effects of different drying methods on the changes in functional properties, physicochemical composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, sensory attributes, and microstructural quality of the banana flours. Two local banana cultivars, Mehersagar and Sabri, were dried to produce flour using four distinct drying methods: freeze drying (FD), cabinet drying (CD), microwave oven drying (MOD), and forced air oven drying (FOD). The functional properties of the developed banana flours were observed where the findings were as water holding capacity (0.93 ± 0.06–2.74 ± 0.04 g water/g dry sample), oil absorption capacity (0.87 ± 0.06–2.22 ± 0.10 g oil/g dry sample), swelling capacity (4.62 ± 0.02–5.05 ± 0.03 g paste/g dry sample), bulk density (0.54 ± 0.04–0.81 ± 0.02 g/ml), tapped density (0.62 ± 0.04–0.93 ± 0.03 g/ml) and Carr's Index (9.38 ± 0.47–13.58 ± 0.43%). Freeze-dried Mehersagar cultivar's flour showed the leading functional properties with good flowability and cohesiveness. The physicochemical parameters of the flours also revealed significant differences (p

Rapid senescence is the key factor in the deterioration of post-harvest shelf-life in broccoli heads. This study evaluates the head yield and its related traits, and physicochemical attributes of broccoli under four foliar sprays of mineral nutrients (B, Zn, Mo, and B + Zn + Mo) with control. The interaction effects of shelf-life and physicochemical attributes of broccoli for these five pre-harvest and five post-harvest storage treatments (LDP bag, HDP vacuum pack, 2% eggshell powder solution, 2% ascorbic acid, and control) both at cold storage and room temperature were evaluated with three replications. The significantly higher marketable head yield of 28.02 t ha−1, maximum gross return [(Bangladesh Taka (BDT 420300 ha−1)], net return (BDT 30565 ha−1), and maximum benefit–cost ratio (BCR) of 3.67 were obtained from the pre-harvest foliar application of B + Zn + Mo in broccoli. Pre-harvest foliar spray of combined nutrient B + Zn + Mo and post-harvest treatment high-density polyethylene (HDP, 15 μm) vacuum packaging efficiently improve post-harvest physicochemical attributes, viz., compactness, green color, texture, carbohydrates, fats, energy, antioxidants, vitamin C, and total phenols in broccoli head compared to the rest of the treatment combinations. In addition, this treatment combination also confirmed a maximum shelf-life of 24.55 days at cold storage [relative humidity (RH) 90–95% and 4°C] and 7.05 days at room temperature (RH 60–65% and 14–22°C) compared to the rest of the treatment combinations. Therefore, we recommend a pre-harvest foliar spray of combined nutrient elements B + Zn + Mo and an HDP (15 μm) vacuum post-harvest packaging for the maximum benefits for both farmers and consumers to get the best head yield, anticipated physicochemical attributes, and maximum shelf-life of broccoli.

CRISPR/Cas9 is a powerful genome editing system that has remarkably facilitated gene knockout and targeted knock-in. To accelerate the practical use of CRISPR/Cas9, however, it remains crucial to improve the efficiency, precision, and specificity of genome editing, particularly targeted knock-in, achieved with this system. To improve genome editing efficiency, researchers should first have a molecular assay that allows sensitive monitoring of genome editing events with simple procedures. In the current study, we demonstrate that genome editing events occurring in L1CAM, an X-chromosome gene encoding a cell surface protein, can be readily monitored using flow cytometry (FCM) in multiple human cell lines including neuroblastoma cell lines. The abrogation of L1CAM was efficiently achieved using Cas9 nucleases which disrupt exons encoding the L1CAM extracellular domain, and was easily detected by FCM using anti-L1CAM antibodies. Notably, L1CAM-abrogated cells could be quantified by FCM in four days after transfection with a Cas9 nuclease, which is much faster than an established assay based on the PIGA gene. In addition, the L1CAM-based assay allowed us to measure the efficiency of targeted knock-in (correction of L1CAM mutations) accomplished through different strategies, including a Cas9 nuclease-mediated method, tandem paired nicking, and prime editing. Our L1CAM-based assay using FCM enables rapid and sensitive quantification of genome editing efficiencies and will thereby help researchers improve genome editing technologies.

This study aims to investigate the drying kinetics, energy analysis and milling performance of two common rice varieties namely BRRI-28 and BR-16 by two stage drying. Parboiled paddy samples were dried employing two schemes of two stage drying. First scheme is first stage by fluidized bed drying at temperature profile of (150–170 °C) with fixed bed thickness of 10 cm, tempering (30 min) and followed by fluidized bed drying again using lower temperature 80±2 °C and second scheme is first stage fluidized bed drying (150–170 °C) and tempering and followed by sun drying method. In addition, sun drying method as complete single stage drying was considered as control drying. Drying results indicated that total drying time required in first scheme, second scheme and control drying are 1.4, 4.75 and 11–12 h, respectively. Energy analysis showed that for both paddy varieties, first scheme yielded the highest specific electrical (12.6 MJ/kg H2O evaporated) and thermal energy consumption (10.5–11.6 MJ/kg H2O evaporated) compare to second scheme (0.58–1.6 MJ/kg H2O evaporated) of drying. Milling quality as head rice yield (HRY) was significantly varied among the drying schemes. For BR-16 variety, first scheme yielded the highest HRY (66 ± 0.706%) compare to BRRI-28 variety that yielded the lowest HRY (43.9 ± 0.571%). Better milling recovery (75 ± 0.64%) was obtained in first scheme compare with control dried sample (71 ± 0.56%). Therefore, parboiled paddy is suggested to be dried by any scheme of two stage drying for achieving quality dried grain with minimum energy consumption.

Recently, the demand for natural antioxidants in food manufacturing has increased significantly because of the possible toxicity of synthetic antioxidants. In this context, this research work was performed to evaluate the potentiality of seed (seed with kernel) and pulp (edible portion: pulp with peel) of Syzygium claviflorum to serve as natural antioxidants. The free radical scavenging capacity of S. claviflorum extracts was evaluated by 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazolin)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assays. In DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging assays seed extract demonstrated significantly (p

Radioprotective 105 (RP105) (also termed CD180) is an orphan and unconventional Toll-like receptor (TLR) that lacks an intracellular signaling domain. The agonistic anti-RP105 monoclonal antibody (mAb) can cross-link RP105 on B cells, resulting in the proliferation and activation of B cells. Anti-RP105 mAb also has a potent adjuvant effect, providing higher levels of antigen-specific antibodies compared to alum. However, adjuvanticity is required for the covalent link between anti-RP105 mAb and the antigen. This is a possible obstacle to immunization due to the link between anti-RP105 mAb and some antigens, especially multi-transmembrane proteins. We have previously succeeded in inducing rapid and potent recombinant mAbs in mice using antibody gene-based delivery. To simplify the covalent link between anti-RP105 mAb and antigens, we generated genetic constructs of recombinant anti-RP105 mAb (αRP105) bound to the transmembrane domain of the IgG-B cell receptor (TM) (αRP105-TM), which could enable the anti-RP105 mAb to link the antigen via the cell membrane. We confirmed the expression of αRP105-TM and the antigen hemagglutinin, which is a membrane protein of the influenza virus, on the same cell. We also found that αRP105-TM could activate splenic B cells, including both mature and immature cells, depending on the cell surface RP105 in vitro. To evaluate the adjuvanticity of αRP105-TM, we conducted DNA immunization in mice with the plasmids encoding αRP105-TM and hemagglutinin, followed by challenge with an infection of a lethal dose of an influenza virus. We then obtained partially but significantly hemagglutinin-specific antibodies and observed protective effects against a lethal dose of influenza virus infection. The current αRP105-TM might provide adjuvanticity for a vaccine via a simple preparation of the expression plasmids encoding αRP105-TM and of that encoding the target antigen.

Influenza viruses cause annual epidemics and occasional pandemics. The high diversity of viral envelope proteins permits viruses to escape host immunity. Therefore, the development of a universal vaccine and broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) is essential for controlling various mutant viruses. Here, we review some potentially valuable bnAbs for influenza; one is a novel passive immunotherapy using a variable domain of heavy chain-only antibody (VHH), and the other is polymeric immunoglobulin A (pIgA) induced by intranasal vaccination. Recently, it was reported that a tetravalent multidomain antibody (MDAb) was developed by genetic fusion of four VHHs, which are bnAbs against the influenza A or B viruses. The transfer of a gene encoding the MDAb–Fc fusion protein provided cross-protection against both influenza A and B viruses in vivo. An intranasal universal influenza vaccine, which can induce neutralizing pIgAs in the upper respiratory tract, is currently undergoing clinical studies. A recent study has revealed that tetrameric IgAs formed in nasal mucosa are more broadly protective against influenza than the monomeric and dimeric forms. These broadly neutralizing antibodies have high potential to control the currently circulating influenza virus.