Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the anti-diabetic
properties of ethanolic extract of two plants commonly used in folk
medicine, Mormodica charantia (bitter melon) and Trigonella
foenum-graecum (fenugreek). The study was performed on STZinduced
diabetic rats (DM type-I). Plant extracts of these two plants
were given to STZ diabetic rats at the concentration of 500 mg/kg
body weight ,50 mg/kg body weight respectively. Cidophage®
(metformin HCl) were administered to another group to support the
results at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight, the ethanolic extracts and
Cidophage administered orally once a day for four weeks using a
stomach tube and; serum samples were obtained for biochemical
analysis. The extracts caused significant decreases in glucose levels
compared with diabetic control rats. Insulin secretions were increased
after 4 weeks of treatment with Cidophage® compared with the
control non-diabetic rats. Levels of AST and ALT liver enzymes were
normalized by all treatments. Decreases in liver cholesterol,
triglycerides, and LDL in diabetic rats were observed with all
treatments. HDL levels were increased by the treatments in the
following order: bitter melon, Cidophage®, and fenugreek. Creatinine
levels were reduced by all treatments. Serum nitric oxide and
malonaldehyde levels were reduced by all extracts. GSH levels were
increased by all extracts. Extravasation as measured by the Evans
Blue test increased significantly in STZ-induced diabetic animals.
This effect was reversed by ethanolic extracts of bitter melon or
fenugreek.
Abstract: the research was accomplished on fresh in Latvia wild
growing cranberries and cranberry cultivars. The aim of the study
was to evaluate effect of pretreatment method and drying conditions
on the volatile compounds composition in cranberries. Berries
pre-treatment methods were: perforation, halving and
steam-blanching. The berries before drying in a cabinet drier were
pre-treated using all three methods, in microwave vacuum
drier – using a steam-blanching and halving. Volatile compounds in
cranberries were analysed using GC-MS of extracts obtained by
SPME. During present research 21 various volatile compounds were
detected in fresh cranberries: the cultivar 'Steven' - 15, 'Bergman'
and 'Early black' – 13, 'Ben Lear' and 'Pilgrim' – 11 and wild
cranberries – 14 volatile compounds. In dried cranberries 20 volatile
compounds were detected. Mathematical data processing allows
drawing a conclusion that there exists the significant influence of
cranberry cultivar, pre-treatment method and drying condition on
volatile compounds in berries and new volatile compound formation.
Abstract: Celiac disease is an immune-mediated disease, triggered in genetically susceptible individuals by ingested gluten from wheat, rye, barley and other closely related cereal grains. The only effective treatment is a strict gluten free diet for life. Latvian producers do not offer gluten-free products. In this research, use of extruded maize flour was tested for substituting rice, maize or buckwheat flour in gluten-free bread formulations at different ratios. Also the influence of extruded maize flour on the quality parameters of gluten-free bread was investigated. The aim of research was to study the influence of extruded maize flour on gluten-free bread quality. Addition of extruded maize flour affect gluten-free bread crumb color, structure of crumb, weight loss and dry off of bread.
Abstract: Oxidative stress and overwhelming free radicals
associated with diabetes mellitus are likely to be linked with
development of certain complication such as retinopathy,
nephropathy and neuropathy. Treatment of diabetic subjects with
antioxidant may be of advantage in attenuating these complications.
Olive leaf (Oleaeuropaea), has been endowed with many beneficial
and health promoting properties mostly linked to its antioxidant
activity. This study aimed to evaluate the significance of
supplementation of Olive leaves extract (OLE) in reducing oxidative
stress, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in Sterptozotocin (STZ)-
induced diabetic rats. After induction of diabetes, a significant rise in
plasma glucose, lipid profiles except High density lipoproteincholestrol
(HDLc), malondialdehyde (MDA) and significant decrease
of plasma insulin, HDLc and Plasma reduced glutathione GSH as
well as alteration in enzymatic antioxidants was observed in all
diabetic animals. During treatment of diabetic rats with 0.5g/kg body
weight of Olive leaves extract (OLE) the levels of plasma (MDA)
,(GSH), insulin, lipid profiles along with blood glucose and
erythrocyte enzymatic antioxidant enzymes were significantly
restored to establish values that were not different from normal
control rats. Untreated diabetic rats on the other hand demonstrated
persistent alterations in the oxidative stress marker (MDA), blood
glucose, insulin, lipid profiles and the antioxidant parameters. These
results demonstrate that OLE may be of advantage in inhibiting
hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress induced by
diabetes and suggest that administration of OLE may be helpful in
the prevention or at least reduced of diabetic complications
associated with oxidative stress.
Abstract: In the course of the present work, plain (nonencapsulated)
and microencapsulated polyphenols were produced
using olive mill wastewater (OMW) as raw material, in order to be
used for enrichment of yogurt and dairy products. The OMW was
first clarified by using membrane technology and subsequently the
contained poly-phenols were isolated by adsorption-desorption
technique using selective macro-porous resins and finally recovered
in dry form after been processed by RO membrane technique
followed by freeze drying. Moreover, the polyphenols were
encapsulated in modified starch by freeze drying in order to mask the
color and bitterness effect and improve their functionality. The two
products were used successfully as additives in yogurt preparations
and the produced products were acceptable by the consumers and
presented with certain advantage to the plain yogurt. For the herein
proposed production scheme a patent application was already
submitted.
Abstract: carrot is one of the important root vegetable crops,
and it is highly nutritious as it contains appreciable amount of
vitamins, minerals and β-carotene. The major objective of current
research was to evaluate the chemical composition of carrot variety
'Nante' hybrids in general and to select the best samples for fresh-cut
salad production. The research was accomplished on fresh in Latvia
cultivated carrots harvested in Zemgale region in the first part of
October, 2011 and immediately used for experiments. Late-bearing
variety 'Nante' hybrid carrots were used for analysis:
'Nante/Berlikum', 'Nante/Maestro', 'Nante/Forto', 'Nante/Bolero'
and 'Nante/Champion'. The quality parameters as moisture, soluble
solid, firmness, b-carotene, carotenoid, color, polyphenols, total
phenolic compounds and total antioxidant capacity were analyzed
using standard methods. For fresh-cut salad production as more
applicable could be recommended hybrids 'Nante/Forto' and
'Nante/Berlikum' - mainly because it-s higher nutritive value, as
higher total phenolic compounds, polyphenols and pronounced
antioxidant capacity.
Abstract: Dill (Anethum graveolens L.) is a popular herb used in
many regions, including Baltic countries. Dill is widely used for
flavoring foods and beverages due to its pleasant spicy aroma. The
aim of this work was to determine the best blanching method for
processing of dill prior to microwave vacuum drying based on
sensory properties, color and volatile compounds in dried product.
Two blanching mediums were used – water and steam, and for part of
samples microwave pretreatment was additionally used. Evaluation of
dried dill volatile aroma compounds, color changes and sensory
attributes was performed. Results showed that blanching significantly
influences the quality of dried dill. After evaluation of volatile aroma
compounds, color and sensory properties of microwave vacuum dried
dill, as the best method for dill pretreatment was established
blanching at 90 °C for 30 s.
Abstract: The determination of sugars in foods is very
significant. Their relation in fact, can affect the chemical and
sensorial quality of the matrix (e.g., sweetness, pH, total acidity,
microbial stability, global acceptability) and can provide information
on food to optimize several selected technological processes. Three
stages of ripeness (green, yellow and red) of tomatoes (Lycopersicon
Esculentum cv. Elegance) at different harvest dates were evaluated.
Fruit from all harvests were exposed to different of ozone doses
(0.25, 0.50 and 1 mg O3/g tomatoes) and clean air for 5 day at 15
°C±2 and 90-95 % relative humidity. Then, fruits were submitted for
extraction and analysis after a day from the finish of exposure of each
stage. The concentrations of the glucose and fructose increased in the
tomatoes which were subjected to ozone treatments.
Abstract: Retinoic acid is like a steroid hormone that plays a
role in embryo formation, proliferation of spermatogonia cells,
ephitelial cells differentiation and organogenesis. Retinoic acid can
influences seminiferous tubule formation during embryonic testis
development and also play a role in the regulation of ovarian function
and female reproductive tract by suppressing the hormones FSH
receptor expression. The excessive use of retinoic acid caused
abnormalities in the fetus. The result showed that there is the
influence of retinoic acid on the developmet of mice fetal testes, for
examples disruption of the formation of seminiferous tubules and
tubules seemed to be hollow, spermatogonia cells are relatively few
in number and caused Leydig cells count relatively more. While in
the female fetus does not caused the formation of primordial follicles
and disrupted the development of germinal ephitelial cells of fetal
ovaries of female mice (mus musculus) Swiss Webster.
Abstract: Phytases (myo-inositol hexakisphosphate
phosphohydrolases; EC 3.1.3.8) catalyze the hydrolysis of phytic acid
(myoinositol hexakisphosphate) to the mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, and
pentaphosphates of myo-inositol and inorganic phosphate.
Therrmophilic bacteria isolated from water sampled from hot spring.
About 120 isolates of bacteria were successfully isolated form hot
spring water sample and tested for extracellular phytase producing.
After 5 passages of the screening on the PSM media, 4 isolates were
found stable in producing phytase enzyme. The 16s RDNA
sequencing for identification of bacteria using molecular technique
revealed that all isolates those positive in phytase producing are
belong to Geobacillus spp. And Anoxybacillus spp. Anoxybacillus
rupiensis UniSZA-7 were identified for their carbon source utilization
using Phenotype Microarray Plate of Biolog and found they utilize
several kind of carbon source provided.
Abstract: the obligatory step during immunoglobulin and lysozyme concentration process is thermal treatment. The combination of temperature and time used in processing can affect the structure of the proteins and involve unfolding and aggregation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the heat stability of total Igs, the particular immunoglobulin classes and lysozyme in milk. Milk samples were obtained from conventional dairy herd in Latvia. Raw milk samples were pasteurized in different regimes: 63 °C 30 min, 72 °C 15-20 s, 78 °C 15-20 s, 85 °C 15-20 s, 95 °C 15-20 s. The concentrations of Igs (IgA, IgG, IgM) and lysozyme were determined by turbodimetric method. During research was established, that activity of antimicrobial proteins decreases differently. Less concentration reduce was established in a case of lysozyme.
Abstract: Tomato nutrition value, color, flavor of their fruits and products depends mainly on lycopene, β-carotene, ascorbic acid, sugars and their ratio. The two most important carotenoids in fruits of tomato are lycopene, which determined fruits red color, and β- carotene, which accounts for approximately 7% of the tomato carotenoids. Therefore, tomato products and their quality can be well characterized by the content of these elements.Maturity at harvest is very important to composition and quality of tomatoes. This is especially a problem with tomatoes picked green since it is difficult to differentiate between mature and immature-green fruits. Typical and advanced mature-green tomatoes will usually attain a much better flavor than those picked at the immature or partially mature stages.To better understand the synthesis of biochemical compounds, their concentration should be compared not only at the last stage of maturity, but also during all fruit ripening period in different varieties.
Abstract: Six parameters, the effective diffusivity (De),
activation energy of De, pre-exponential factor of De, amount
(ASOW) of self-organized water species, and amplitude (α) of the
forced oscillation of the molecular mobility (1/tC) derived from the
forced cyclic temperature change operation, were characterized by
using six typical foods, squid, sardines, scallops, salmon, beef, and
pork, as a function of the correlation time (tC) of the water molecule-s
proton retained in the foods. Each of the six parameters was clearly
divided into the water species A1 and A2 at a specified value of tC
=10-8s (=CtC), indicating an anomalous change in the physicochemical
nature of the water species at the CtC. The forced oscillation of 1/tC
clearly demonstrated a characteristic mode depending on the food
shown as a three dimensional map associated with 1/tC, the amount of
self-organized water, and tC.
Abstract: Dill contains range of phytochemicals, such as vitamin C and polyphenols, which significantly contribute to their total antioxidant activity. The aim of the current research was to determine the best blanching method for processing of dill prior to microwave vacuum drying based on the content of phenolic compounds, vitamin C and free radical scavenging activity. Two blanching mediums were used – water and steam, and for part of the samples microwave pretreatment was additionally used. Evaluation of vitamin C, phenolic contents and scavenging of DPPH˙ radical in dried dill was performed. Blanching had an effect on all tested parameters and the blanching conditions are very important. After evaluation of the results, as the best method for dill pretreatment was established blanching at 90 °C for 30 seconds.
Abstract: Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is a perennial herb belonging to the Brassicaceae family and contains biologically active substances. The aim of the current research was to determine best method for extraction of phenolic compounds from horseradish roots showing high antiradical activity. Three genotypes (No. 105; No. 106 and variety ‘Turku’) of horseradish roots were extracted with eight different solvents: n-hexane, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, 2-propanol, acetone, ethanol (95%), ethanol / water / acetic acid (80/20/1 v/v/v) and ethanol / water (80/20 by volume) using two extraction methods (conventional and Soxhlet). As the best solvents ethanol and ethanol / water solutions can be chosen. Although in Soxhlet extracts TPC was higher, scavenging activity of DPPH˙ radicals did not increase. It can be concluded that using Soxhlet extraction method more compounds that are not effective antioxidants.
Abstract: Repeated additions of the unfertilized bacteria led to
increase the activity of Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the root zone with
drip irrigation system compared to traditional manual vaccination to
increase the proportion of Nitrogen from 29% to 64%, and the
efficiency of adding Nitrogen fertilizer did not exceed 9.5% while
dropped to 4%, due to the amount of fertilizer added was not exceed
20kg N/h, and the second was the existence of a large amount of
available Nitrogen in the soil by fixation, while the efficiency of
irrigation system between 2.08 to 2.26 kg/m3.
Abstract: Monoculture and mixed cultures of microalgae and
the oleaginous yeast for microbial oil productions were investigated
using sugarcane juice as carbon substrate. The monoculture of yeast
Torulaspora maleeae Y30, Torulaspora globosa YU5/2 grew faster
than that of microalgae Chlorella sp. KKU-S2. In monoculture of T.
maleeae Y30, a biomass of 8.267g/L with lipid yield of 0.920g/L
were obtained, while 8.333g/L of biomass with lipid yield of
1.141g/L were obtained for monoculture of T. globosa YU5/2. A
biomass of 1.933g/L with lipid yield of 0.052g/L was found for
monoculture of Chlorella sp. KKU-S2. The biomass concentration in
the mixed culture of the oleaginous yeast with microalgae increased
faster and was higher compared with that in the monocultures. A
biomass of 8.733g/L with lipid yield of 1.564g/L was obtained for a
mixed culture of T. maleeae Y30 with Chlorella sp. KKU-S2, while
8.010g/L of biomass with lipid yield of 2.424g/L was found for
mixed culture of T. globosa YU5/2 with Chlorella sp. KKU-S2.
Maximum cell yield coefficient (YX/S, g/L) was found of 0.323 in
monoculture of Chlorella sp. KKU-S2 but low level of both specific
yield of lipid (YP/X, g lipid/g cells) of 0.027 and volumetric lipid
production rate (QP, g/L/d) of 0.003 were observed. While, maximum
YP/X (0.303), QP (0.105) and maximum process product yield (YP/S,
0.061) were obtained in mixed culture of T. globosa YU5/2 with
Chlorella sp. KKU-S2. The results obtained from the study shows
that mixed culture of yeast with microalgae is a desirable cultivation
process for microbial oil production.
Abstract: Compared to oil production from microorganisms, little work has been performed for mixed culture of microalgae and yeast. In this article it is aimed to show high oil accumulation potential of mixed culture of microalgae Chlorella sp. KKU-S2 and oleaginous yeast Torulaspora maleeae Y30 using sugarcane molasses as substrate. The monoculture of T. maleeae Y30 grew faster than that of microalgae Chlorella sp. KKU-S2. In monoculture of yeast, a biomass of 6.4g/L with specific growth rate (m) of 0.265 (1/d) and lipid yield of 0.466g/L were obtained, while 2.53g/L of biomass with m of 0.133 (1/d) and lipid yield of 0.132g/L were obtained for monoculture of Chlorella sp. KKU-S2. The biomass concentration in the mixed culture of T. maleeae Y30 with Chlorella sp. KKU-S2 increased faster and was higher compared with that in the monoculture and mixed culture of microalgae. In mixed culture of microalgae Chlorella sp. KKU-S2 and C. vulgaris TISTR8580, a biomass of 3.47g/L and lipid yield of 0.123 g/L were obtained. In mixed culture of T. maleeae Y30 with Chlorella sp. KKU-S2, a maximum biomass of 7.33 g/L and lipid yield of 0.808g/L were obtained. Maximum cell yield coefficient (YX/S, 0.229g/L), specific yield of lipid (YP/X, 0.11g lipid/g cells) and volumetric lipid production rate (QP, 0.115 g/L/d) were obtained in mixed culture of yeast and microalgae. Clearly, T. maleeae Y30 and Chlorella sp. KKU-S2 use sugarcane molasses as organic nutrients efficiently in mixed culture under mixotrophic growth. The biomass productivity and lipid yield are notably enhanced in comparison with monoculture.
Abstract: The subcellular organelles called oil bodies (OBs) are lipid-filled quasi-spherical droplets produced from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and then released into the cytoplasm during seed development. It is believed that an OB grows by coalescence with other OBs and that its stability depends on the composition of oleosins, major proteins inserted in the hemi membrane that covers OBs. In this study, we measured the OB-volume distribution from different genotypes of A. thaliana after 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 days of seed development. In order to test the hypothesis of OBs dynamics, we developed a simple mathematical model using non-linear differential equations inspired from the theory of coagulation. The model describes the evolution of OB-volume distribution during the first steps of seed development by taking into consideration the production of OBs, the increase of triacylglycerol volume to be stored, and the growth by coalescence of OBs. Fitted parameters values show an increase in the OB production and coalescence rates in A. thaliana oleosin mutants compared to wild type.
Abstract: Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV), an avian
paramyxovirus, is a highly contagious, generalised virus disease of
domestic poultry and wild birds characterized by gastro-intestinal,
respiratory and nervous signs. In this study, it was shown that NDV
strain AF2240 and V4-UPM are cytolytic to Human Promyelocytic
Leukemia, HL60 and Human T-lymphoblastic Leukemia, CEM-SS
cells. Results from MTT cytolytic assay showed that CD50 for NDV
AF2240 against HL60 was 130 HAU and NDV V4-UPM against
HL60 and CEM-SS were 110.6 and 150.9 HAU respectively.
Besides, both strains were found to inhibit the proliferation of cells in
a dose dependent manner. The mode of cell death either by apoptosis
or necrosis was further analyzed using acridine orange and propidium
iodide (AO/PI) staining. Our results showed that both NDV strains
induced primarily apoptosis in treated cells at CD50 concentration. In
conclusion, both NDV strains caused cytolytic effects primarily via
apoptosis in leukemia cells.