Predictive Role of Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) Derived miRNAs in Human and Cattle Health.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding conserved molecules with lengths varying between 18-25nt. Plants miRNAs are very stable, and probably they might have been transferred across kingdoms via food intake. Such miRNAs are also called exogenous miRNAs, which regulate the gene expression in host organisms. The miRNAs present in the cluster bean, a drought tolerant legume crop having high commercial value, might have also played a regulatory role for the genes involved in nutrients synthesis or disease pathways in animals including humans due to dietary intake of plant parts of cluster beans. However, the predictive role of miRNAs of cluster beans for gene-disease association across kingdoms such as cattle and humans are not yet fully explored. Thus, the aim of the present study is to (i) find out the cluster bean miRNAs (cb-miRs) functionally similar to miRNAs of cattle and humans and predict their target genes' involvement in the occurrence of complex diseases, and (ii) identify the role of cb-miRs that are functionally non-similar to the miRNAs of cattle and humans and predict their targeted genes' association with complex diseases in host systems. Here, we predicted a total of 33 and 15 functionally similar cb-miRs (fs-cb-miRs) to human and cattle miRNAs, respectively. Further, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed the participation of targeted genes of fs-cb-miRs in 24 and 12 different pathways in humans and cattle, respectively. Few targeted genes in humans like LCP2, GABRA6, and MYH14 were predicted to be associated with disease pathways of Yesinia infection (hsa05135), neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction (hsa04080), and pathogenic Escherichia coli infection (hsa05130), respectively. However, targeted genes of fs-cb-miRs in humans like KLHL20, TNS1, and PAPD4 are associated with Alzheimer's, malignant tumor of the breast, and hepatitis C virus infection disease, respectively. Similarly, in cattle, targeted genes like ATG2B and DHRS11 of fs-cb-miRs participate in the pathways of Huntington disease and steroid biosynthesis, respectively. Additionally, the targeted genes like SURF4 and EDME2 of fs-cb-miRs are associated with mastitis and bovine osteoporosis, respectively. We also found a few cb-miRs that do not have functional similarity with human and cattle miRNAs but are found to target the genes in the host organisms and as well being associated with human and cattle diseases. Interestingly, a few genes such as NRM, PTPRE and SUZ12 were observed to be associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Asthma and Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma diseases, respectively, in humans and genes like SCNN1B associated with renal disease in cattle.

Durably dual superlyophobic cationic guar gum­calcium complex decorated cellulose fabrics for on-demand oil/water separation.

The removal to oils from water has become a global issue because of the growing of wastewater discharge and unceasing appearance of oil leaks. Herein, a kind of durably dual superlyophobic (superhydrophobic under oil and superoleophobic under water) cotton fabric (CF) was fabricated via simple assembly route that introduced guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride­calcium (GHTC-Ca) chelate compound on the fabric surface. The coated CF exhibits good resistance to mechanical abrasion, corrosive aqueous solution, high temperature, and organic solvent immersion. Furthermore, due to prewetting-caused superoleophobicity underwater and superhydrophobicity underoil, the as-prepared CF can selectively separate both heavy oils and light oils in water under extremely harsh conditions with separation efficiencies as high as 98.7 % and 98.4 %, respectively. More importantly, the as-prepared fabrics are able to remove dispersed oil droplets from oil-in-water emulsions and water droplets from water-in-oil emulsions with separation efficiency of over 89 % and 91.4 %, respectively. Hence, this prominent separation performance suggests a good application prospect of GHTC-Ca functionalized CF in oily water purification.

The formaldehyde treated guar meal and prill fat, agro industrial by-products as dietary rumen protected protein and energy source: improves growth performance, feed conversion, nutrient utilization, microbial protein synthesis, blood metabolites and economic efficiency in growing dairy buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves.

The study investigated the effects of protein replacement with formaldehyde-treated guar meal (FTGM) and prill fat (PF) in the diet on performance of growing dairy buffalo calves. Thirty-two feedlots Surti breed dairy buffalo calves (age, 7.31 ± 0.34 months and body weight, 90.69 ± 6.19 kg) were assigned into four dietary treatments (n-8 calves/each): (1) control group, supplied basal diet as per ICAR (2013) nutrient requirements; (2) FTGM group, 30% crude protein (CP) requirement of concentrate mixture (dry matter basis (DMB)) replaced with FTGM in basal diet; (3) PF group, supplied basal diet + 100 g PF; and (4) FTGM + PF group, 30% CP requirement of concentrate mixture (DMB) replaced with FTGM in the basal diet + 100 g PF for 280 days. All the treatment diets were isonitrogenous. Growth performance was improved in FTGM + PF and FTGM groups. Apparent digestibility (%) of CP was increased in FTGM and FTGM + PF diet, while digestibility (%) of ether extract (EE) was increased in PF group. Serum total protein, albumen, urea nitrogen, and creatinine concentrations were higher in FTGM + PF and FTGM groups, whereas total cholesterol and triglycerides levels were greater in FTGM + PF and PF groups. Calculated methane emission had a discernible influence of treatment in FTGM and FTGM + PF. The overall cost of feeding per kilogram gain was lowest in FTGM and FTGM + PF groups. In conclusion, 30% CP replacement with FTGM with or without PF improved the growth performance, feed conversion ratio, and nutrient utilization; supported efficient utilization of resources; and economized the rearing of growing dairy buffalo calves.

Effect of feeding of sorghum stover based complete feed blocks containing guar meal as protein supplement on reproductive efficiency, hormone profile and antioxidant status in Deccani ewes.

Guar meal (GM) can be considered as an alternative protein source for the livestock and has a potential value as a feed to animals with a high protein content ranging between 45-55%. A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of partial replacement of groundnut cake (GNC) with guar meal (GM) on reproductive efficiency, hormone profile, antioxidant status in Deccani ewes fed sorghum stover based complete feed blocks (SSCFB). Twenty-one non-pregnant Deccani ewes (b. wt. 23.34 ±0.40 kg; 2-4 years old and body condition score 2.51±0.56) were randomly divided into three groups to contain 7 animals each in a completely randomized design. Three dietary treatments viz. S1: conventional feeding (sorghum stover and concentrate mixture fed separately in 50:50 ratios to meet the requirement), S2: SSCFB with GNC as protein supplement in concentrate mixture and S3: SSCFB with GM replacing GNC nitrogen of S2 at 50% level. The ewes were synchronised for estrus with progesterone impregnated intravaginal sponges and naturally mated. The ewes were fed at the rate of 3.1 and 3.7% of their body weight from 1st day of experiment-to 108th day of gestation and from 108th day of gestation to till lambing, respectively. The replacement of 50% of GNC nitrogen with GM and densification of diet had no effect (P>0.05) on average DMI (g), antioxidant status, progesterone concentration, conception rate, non return rate, no of matings per service, lambing rate, body weights of lambs at birth, 15 and 30 days of age. GNC can be partially replaced by GM in the ewes diet without any adverse effect on reproductive parameters, antioxidant status, progesterone concentration and weight of lambs.

Cadmium and lead differentially affect growth, physiology, and metal accumulation in guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) genotypes.

Phytoremediation is a strategy to employ plants to recover high quantities of metals in the soil into the harvestable parts such as shoots and roots. High levels of Cd and lead (Pb) in the soil cause several stress symptoms in plants including a decrease in growth, reduced root growth, and carbohydrate metabolism. In this study, Saravan and HGS-867 as local landrace and Indian guar variety were selected to investigate the effect of the application of Pb (0, 40, 150, and 200 mg/l) and the cadmium (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/l) on phonological, yield parameters, and phytoremediation assessment. The results showed that Pb translocation factor (TF) was significant in Pb×Cd and Pb×Cd×G (genotype) at p<0.01 and in Pb×G at p<0.05. Pb bioconcentration factor (BCF) was significant (p<0.01) in all treatments except Cd and Cd×G treatments. Mean comparison of the data showed that the number of flowers, leaves, and clusters in plant decreased significantly with increasing Pb content. With increasing Cd concentration, the number of branches, height, the number of seeds, clusters, and leaves for each plant decreased significantly at the level of 1%. The maximum TF was observed in Pb at 40 mg/l in the HG-867 variety. Moreover, the Saravan landrace exposed to Cd (100 mg/l) showed the highest value of BCF (Cd). The gum percentage significantly decreased with increasing concentrations of Pb and Cd. Pearson's correlation analysis indicated that plant height, number of pods/plant, root length, biomass, and pod length had a positive correlation with seed yield and a negative correlation with TF (Pb) and BCF (Pb). The results suggest that according to TF, BCF, and BAC, C. tetragonoloba L. can be effectively used as a good accumulator of toxic metals in contaminated soils.

Guar bean in urinary cytology: a morphologic pitfall.

INTRODUCTION: Various types of contaminants can be encountered in cytologic specimens. This study describes a vegetable material that we encountered in ileal conduit urine specimens. We aim to describe the cytomorphology and the source of origin of this vegetable material. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The cytology database for the past 5 years (January 2015-April 2020) was searched for ileal conduit urine cytology specimens with a reported vegetable contaminant. The details of the ostomy procedure and device used were recorded. Histologic sections were prepared from the ostomy devices as well as from guar beans and seeds. RESULTS: A total of 17 urinary specimens from 8 patients were identified that showed the presence of a vegetable contaminant. All the patients were using Coloplast (Minneapolis, MN) SenSura Mio ostomy device. The urine cytology showed presence of polygonal thick-walled cells with a dark brown/orange core with irregular outlines. Similar cells were also seen in the histologic sections prepared from the ostomy adhesive and the guar seed and bean. CONCLUSIONS: Guar gum is a naturally occurring hydrocolloid that is used in ostomy wafer adhesives. Correct identification and familiarity with the cytomorphology of the guar cells in samples of ileal conduit urine is essential to avoid a potential diagnostic pitfall when evaluating urine cytology specimens from these diversion specimens.

Fabrication and characterization of herbal drug enriched Guar galactomannan based nanofibrous mats seeded with GMSC's for wound healing applications.

Electrospun nanofibrous Guar gum/PVA based scaffold matrix incorporated with standardized extracts of four traditional medicinal plants of wound healing repute namely - Acalypha indica (A.i), Aristolochia bracteolata (A.b), Lawsonia inermis (L.i) and Thespesia populnea (T.p) was developed. Combinatorial ratio optimization of the extracts subject to their impact on nanofibre morphology, thermal and swelling stability resulted in a 4:4:1:1 blend of A.i, A.b, T.p and L.i at 20% of the total weight of the polymer mix. Dermal toxicity studies on female wistar rats established the nontoxicity of the generated Scaffold/Dressing. Cutaneous wound healing ability of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC's) is well characterized to amplify their delivery and efficacy at the wound site. Apart from ease of accessibility, increased immune modulation of Gingival MSC's is their clear merit relative to those conventionally sourced from adipose tissues and bone marrow. A population of cells were isolated from discarded sample of human gingiva, following standard procedures and characterized as per minimal criteria as described by International Society for Cellular Therapy's (ISCT). The Cytocompatibility and proliferation of GMSC's were evaluated by MTT and Calcein AM assay demonstrating the viability of the seeded GMSC's up to 6 days. In vivo efficacy of the scaffold with and without GMSC's showed complete restoration of the tissue with minimal scarring. This investigation thus generated an herb drug enriched nanofibrous mat as a dressing and also a skin like scaffold with GMSC's, integrating the biological and technological benefits of herbal medicine and stem cell therapy respectively for skin regenerative applications.

Chia Seed Mucilage Versus Guar Gum: Effects on Microstructural, Textural, and Antioxidative Properties of Set-Type Yoghurts

Abstract Texture is an important parameter which influences on the quality and acceptability of yoghurts. The utilize of stabilizers in yoghurt manufacturing has become a prevalent application to improve the textural properties of yoghurts. In this context, guar gum obtained from Cyamopsis tetragonolobus is generally used as a natural stabilizer for its thickening and gelling properties. Accordingly, this study evaluated the use of chia seed mucilage as an alternative to guar gum to improve the textural properties of yoghurt. This study focused on the effect of using chia seed mucilage (CSM) and guar gum (GG) at 1, 2, and 3% concentrations on the textural and microstructural characteristics of yoghurts. The results of fortifications with CSM and GG on the physicochemical, sensory, and antioxidative properties of yoghurts were also evaluated. Compared to GG, CSM provided higher antioxidant activity which improved with increasing concentrations of CSM. An enhancement was observed in textural properties of yoghurts containing CSM and GG, but CSM concentrations up to 2% gave better effect on firmness. Besides, the microstructure of yoghurt was enhanced depending on the increase in CSM and GG amounts. No negative effect was determined on the sensory properties of the samples by CSM and GG additions. The results showed that CSM can be used in set-type yoghurt production as an alternative stabilizer by improving firmness and consistency and reducing syneresis. Furthermore, its use is suitable for industrial yoghurt production with regards to sensorial properties.

Functional insights into the role of C-terminal disordered domain of Sesbania mosaic virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and the coat protein in viral replication in vivo.

The C-terminal disordered domain of sesbania mosaic virus (SeMV) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) interacts with the viral protein P10. The functional significance of this interaction in viral replication was examined by a comparative analysis of genomic and sub-genomic RNA levels (obtained by quantitative real time PCR) in the total RNA extracted from Cyamopsis plants agro-infiltrated with wild-type or mutant forms of SeMV infectious cDNA (icDNA). The sgRNA copy numbers were found to be significantly higher than those of gRNA in the wild-type icDNA transfected plants. Transfection of a mutant icDNA expressing an RdRp lacking the C-terminal disordered domain led to a drastic reduction in the copy numbers of both forms of viral RNA. This could be due to the loss of interaction between the disordered domain of RdRp and P10 and possibly other viral/host proteins that might be required for the assembly of viral replicase. The C-terminal disordered domain also harbours the motif E which is essential for the catalytic function of RdRp. Mutation of the conserved tyrosine within this motif in the full length icDNA resulted in complete inhibition of progeny RNA synthesis in the transfected plants confirming the importance of motif E in the polymerase function in vivo. The role of coat protein (CP) in viral infection was also investigated by agro-infiltration of a CP start codon mutant icDNA which suggested that CP is essential for the encapsidation of viral progeny RNAs at later stages of infection.

Revamping soil quality and correlation studies for yield and yield attributes in sorghum-legumes intercropping systems / Melhoria da qualidade do solo e estudos de correlação para a produtividade e os atributos de produtividade em sistemas de plantio consorciado de sorgo e legumes

Restoration, preservation and sustainability of agricultural resources including soil demands biologically and economically viable farming practices. For boosting physico-chemical properties of soil from 2012 to 2015, three legumes including cowpea, cluster bean and soybean were intercropped with sorghum in 40-60, 75-25 and 100-100 seed blending ratios, while pure stand of sorghum was kept for comparison. Correlation studies were also conducted to determine linear or inverse relationship between physiological and agronomic attributes with green forage yield of sorghum. Results revealed that intercropping systems were not effective in significantly improving the physical properties of soil, however soybean and sorghum mixed seeded crop in 100-100 seed ratio resulted in the highest total and available nitrogen especially during last two years of the study and it was followed by mixed seeded crop of cluster bean and sorghum (100-100 seed ratio), while pure stand of sorghum appeared to be the most exhaustive farming system. Correlation analysis depicted a linear relationship between all agronomic attributes (seedling count, plant population at harvest, plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves and leaf area per plant, fresh and dry weights per plant) and physiological growth parameters (leaf area index and leaf area duration, crop growth rate and net assimilation rate) with forage yield of sorghum. Thus, legumes inclusion was found to be effective in restoring soil fertility, while long term legumes inclusion by following rotation may be suggested.

A restauração, a preservação e a sustentabilidade dos recursos agrícolas, incluindo o solo, exigem práticas agrícolas biologicamente e economicamente viáveis. Para aumentar as propriedades físico-químicas do solo de 2012 a 2015, três leguminosas, incluindo feijão-fradinho, guar e soja, foram consorciadas com sorgo nas proporções de mistura de 40-60, 75-25 e 100-100, enquanto que o sorgo puro foi mantido por comparação. Estudos de correlação também foram conduzidos para determinar a relação linear ou inversa entre atributos fisiológicos e agronômicos com a produtividade de forragem verde do sorgo. Os resultados revelaram que os sistemas consorciados não foram eficazes em afetar significativamente as propriedades físicas do solo, no entanto, soja e sorgo misturados na proporção de sementes 100-100 resultou no maior nitrogênio total e nitrogênio disponível, especialmente durante os últimos dois anos do estudo e foi seguido do plantio de sementes mistas de guar e sorgo (100-100 rácio de semente), enquanto a monocultura de sorgo parecia ser o sistema de agricultura mais exaustivo. A análise de regressão mostrou uma correlação linear entre todos os atributos agronômicos (contagem de plântulas, população de plantas na colheita, altura de planta, diâmetro de caule, número de folhas e área foliar por planta, peso fresco e seco por planta) e parâmetros de crescimento fisiológico (índice de área foliar e duração da área foliar, taxa de crescimento da cultura e taxa de assimilação líquida) com o rendimento de forragem do sorgo. Assim, a inclusão de leguminosas foi eficaz no aumento da fertilidade do solo, enquanto a inclusão de leguminosas a longo prazo por rotação de diferentes leguminosas é sugerida.

A novel endornavirus isolated from cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba).

Cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), also called guar, is a drought-tolerant annual legume. We conducted investigations to characterize a large dsRNA (~13-14 kbp) detected in a symptomless cluster bean genotype. The dsRNA was gel-purified and used for Illumina MiSeq sequencing. Reads were assembled, and BLASTx search results showed sequence similarity with viruses classified within the family Endornaviridae. The complete sequence of the putative endornavirus consisted of 12,895 nt and contained an open reading frame which coded for a polyprotein of 4,207 aa with conserved domains for methyltransferase, helicase, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. The virus was named cluster bean endornavirus 1 (CBEV-1). A BLASTx search using the polyprotein sequence showed that the closest endornavirus to CBEV-1 was Hordeum vulgare endornavirus.

Effect of fibre additions to flatbread flour mixes on glucose kinetics: a randomised controlled trial.

We previously found that guar gum (GG) and chickpea flour (CPF) added to flatbread wheat flour lowered postprandial blood glucose (PPG) and insulin responses dose dependently. However, rates of glucose influx cannot be determined from PPG, which integrates rates of influx, tissue disposal and hepatic glucose production. The objective was to quantify rates of glucose influx and related fluxes as contributors to changes in PPG with GG and CPF additions to wheat-based flatbreads. In a randomised cross-over design, twelve healthy males consumed each of three different 13C-enriched meals: control flatbreads (C), or C incorporating 15 % CPF with either 2 % (GG2) or 4 % (GG4) GG. A dual isotope technique was used to determine the time to reach 50 % absorption of exogenous glucose (T 50 %abs, primary objective), rate of appearance of exogenous glucose (RaE), rate of appearance of total glucose (RaT), endogenous glucose production (EGP) and rate of disappearance of total glucose (RdT). Additional exploratory outcomes included PPG, insulin, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide and glucagon-like peptide 1, which were additionally measured over 4 h. Compared with C, GG2 and GG4 had no significant effect on T 50 %abs. However, GG4 significantly reduced 4-h AUC values for RaE, RaT, RdT and EGP, by 11, 14, 14 and 64 %, respectively, whereas GG2 showed minor effects. Effect sizes over 2 and 4 h were similar except for significantly greater reduction in EGP for GG4 at 2 h. In conclusion, a soluble fibre mix added to flatbreads only slightly reduced rates of glucose influx, but more substantially affected rates of postprandial disposal and hepatic glucose production.

Effect of a low dose whey/guar preload on glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes--a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Large preloads of protein and fat have been shown to lower glucose after a carbohydrate-rich meal in people with type 2 diabetes but add a considerable energy burden. Low calorie preloads [<5% of daily energy intake] have been tested in this study in people with prediabetes and with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This was an unblinded randomised crossover study with two placebo days and two active treatment days. Glucose was measured for 3 hours with fingerprick samples as well as continuous glucose monitoring [CGMS]. Twenty-four subjects with pre-diabetes or moderately controlled type 2 diabetes [fasting glucose < 10 and HbA1c < 8.5%] were recruited. The preload contained 17 g whey protein plus 3 g lactose and 5 g guar, and 1 g flavour material [including sucralose] dissolved in 150 ml cold water or 150 ml cold water with no additives. The breakfast test meal consisted of 2 slices of bread, margarine and jam [3 slices for men] with the test drink 15 minutes beforehand. RESULTS: Peak fingerprick glucose was reduced by 2.1 mmol/L at 45 min [p < 0.0001]. Average fingerprick glucose over 3 hours was reduced by 0.8 mmol/L [p = 0.0003]. There was no difference between those with diabetes or prediabetes or those on medication or not on medication. CONCLUSIONS: An 80 kcal whey protein/fibre preload can lower average glucose over 3 hours by 0.8 mmol/L. If used long term before at least two carbohydrate-rich meals/day this preload could lower HbA1c by up to 1%. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number ACTRN12612001251819.

A virus inhibitory protein isolated from Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub. upon induction of systemic antiviral resistance shares partial amino acid sequence homology with a lectin.

KEY MESSAGE: Two virus inhibitory proteins were purified from Cyamopsis tetragonoloba , induced to resist virus infections by CIP-29, a systemic resistance inducing protein from Clerodendrum inerme, and characterized. One of them shared homology with a lectin. CIP-29, a known 29 kDa systemic antiviral resistance inducing protein isolated from Clerodendrum inerme, has been used to induce systemic resistance in Cyamopsis tetragonoloba against Sunn-hemp rosette virus (SRV). Paper reports the detection of virus inhibitory activity in induced-resistant leaf sap of C. tetragonoloba, and the purification of two virus inhibitory agents (VIAs) thereof. VIA activity was recorded as a reduction in lesion number of SRV, Tobacco mosaic virus, and Papaya ringspot virus, when they were incubated separately with resistant sap and inoculated onto susceptible C. tetragonoloba, Nicotiana tabacum cv. Xanthi-nc, and Chenopodium quinoa, respectively. The two VIAs were isolated from resistant C. tetragonoloba plant leaves using combinations of column chromatography. Both were basic proteins, and since their M r was 32 and 62 kDa, these VIAs were called CT-VIA-32 and CT-VIA-62, respectively, on the basis of their molecular mass and the host. CT-VIA-62 displayed better activity, and was thus studied further. It tested positive for a glycoprotein, and was serologically detected only in leaf tissue post-induction. Tryptic peptides generated in-gel, post SDS-PAGE of CT-VIA-62, were sequenced through LC/MS/MS. All CT-VIA-62 peptides were found to share homologies with proteins from Medicago truncatula that possess a mannose-binding lectin domain.

Polyphenols-rich Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub. beans show hypoglycemic and ß-cells protective effects in type 2 diabetic rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub. (Fabaceae) beans in high-fat diet (HFD) fed-streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetic rats. Dose dependent response of oral treatment of C. tetragonoloba beans' methanol extract (CTme) (200 and 400mg/kg b wt.) was assessed by measuring fasting blood glucose, changes in body weight, plasma insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), total cholesterol, triglycerides, oral glucose tolerance, intraperitoneal insulin tolerance, hepatic glycogen, marker enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism in HFD fed-STZ-induced type 2 diabetic rats. Histology and immunohistochemical analysis of pancreatic islets were also performed. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of CTme showed the presence of polyphenols such as gallic acid and caffeic acid in the concentrations of 2.46% (W/W) and 0.32% (W/W). CTme significantly reverted the altered biochemical parameters to near normal levels in diabetic rats. Furthermore CTme showed the protective effect on the ß-cells of pancreatic tissues in diabetic rats. These findings indicate that C. tetragonoloba beans have therapeutic potential in HFD fed-STZ-induced hyperglycemia; therefore this can be used in the management of type 2 diabetes.

Potentiation of antioxidant effect of dietary tender cluster beans (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) by garlic (Allium sativum) in high-cholesterol-fed rats.

The antioxidant role of tender cluster beans (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, CB), a rich source of soluble fibre, was investigated in a hypercholesterolemia-induced oxidative stress situation in rats. In the context of dietary garlic (Allium sativa) potentiating the hypocholesterolemic influence of CB, we also examined if dietary garlic enhances the antioxidant potential of CB. Groups of Wistar rats were rendered hypercholesterolemic by feeding them a 0.5% cholesterol diet for 8 weeks. Dietary interventions were made by inclusion of 15% tender CB powder or 1% garlic powder or their combination in a high-cholesterol diet. Concentrations of antioxidant molecules and activities of antioxidant enzymes in blood and liver were examined. Dietary CB displayed an antioxidant influence in terms of elevating ascorbic acid and glutathione concentrations and stimulating the activities of antioxidant enzymes both in blood and liver. The antioxidant effect of dietary CB was generally potentiated by co-administration of garlic. Thus, consumption of tender CB and garlic together could form a strategy for improving the body's antioxidant status.

Use of statistical modeling to predict the effect of formulation composition on conditioning shampoo performance.

Formulation composition has a dramatic influence on the performance of conditioning shampoos. The purpose of this study is to determine the factors affecting the performance of various cationic polymers in those systems. An experiment was conducted by varying the levels of three surfactants (sodium lauryl ether sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and cocamidopropyl betaine) in formulations containing various cationic polymers such as cationic cassia derivatives of different cationic charge densities (1.9, 2.3, and 3.0 mEq/g), cationic guar (0.98 mEq/g), and cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose (1.03 mEq/g). The results show the formulation composition dramatically affects silicone and cationic polymer deposition. In particular, three parameters are of importance in determining deposition efficiency: ionic strength, surfactant (micelle) charge, and total amount of surfactant. The cationic polymer composition, molecular weight, and charge density are also important in determining which of the previous three parameters influence the performance most.

Photosynthetic response of clusterbean chloroplasts to UV-B radiation: energy imbalance and loss in redox homeostasis between Q(A) and Q(B) of photosystem II.

The effects of ultraviolet-B (UV-B: 280-320 nm) radiation on the photosynthetic pigments, primary photochemical reactions of thylakoids and the rate of carbon assimilation (P(n)) in the cotyledons of clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) seedlings have been examined. The radiation induces an imbalance between the energy absorbed through the photophysical process of photosystem (PS) II and the energy consumed for carbon assimilation. Decline in the primary photochemistry of PS II induced by UV-B in the background of relatively stable P(n), has been implicated in the creation of the energy imbalance(.) The radiation induced damage of PS II hinders the flow of electron from Q(A) to Q(B) resulting in a loss in the redox homeostasis between the Q(A) to Q(B) leading to an accumulation of Q(A)(-). The accumulation of Q(A)(-) generates an excitation pressure that diminishes the PS II-mediated O(2) evolution, maximal photochemical potential (F(v)/F(m)) and PS II quantum yield (Φ(PS II)). While UV-B radiation inactivates the carotenoid-mediated protective mechanisms, the accumulation of flavonoids seems to have a small role in protecting the photosynthetic apparatus from UV-B onslaught. The failure of protective mechanisms makes PS II further vulnerable to the radiation and facilitates the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) indicating the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism in UV-B-induced damage of photosynthetic apparatus of clusterbean cotyledons.

Effects of diet supplementation with olive oil and guar upon fructose-induced insulin resistance in normal rats.

Exposure of normal rats to fructose-containing drinking water represents a current model of insulin resistance. The major aim of the present study was to assess the possible effect of diet supplementation with either olive oil or guar upon the metabolic consequences of exposure to exogenous fructose. For this purpose, the changes in body weight, plasma D-glucose and insulin concentrations, and D-glucose infusion rate during a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp were measured after 65 days exposure to exogenous fructose and either olive oil- or guar-enriched diet. The results were compared to those previously collected in control animals exposed for the same period to either tap water or the fructose-containing drinking water and a standard diet. Diet supplementation with olive oil or guar failed to affect the increase in the insulinogenic index and the decrease in insulin sensitivity and fasted/fed ratio for plasma insulin concentration caused by exogenous fructose. In the rats exposed to exogenous fructose, the olive oil-fed rats differed from other animals by the absence of a decrease in food intake and body weight gain, whilst the guar-fed rats differed from other animals in a lower plasma D-glucose concentration in fed state and an absence, at day 65, of a higher plasma D-glucose concentration than that at day 0 measured in after overnight fasting state. These findings argue in favour of guar, rather than olive oil, to oppose the effect of exogenous fructose on glucose homeostasis.