Optimization of spray dried yogurt and its application to prepare functional cookies.

Introduction: Spray-dried yogurt powder (SDYP) has shelf stability and other functional properties that improve solubility and facilitate the use, processing, packaging, and transportation of other food derivatives, such as bread and pastries on a large scale. The present research was conducted to develop SDYP and further its utilization to prepare functional cookies. Methods: Yogurt was spray-dried by employing different outlet air temperatures (OAT) (65°C, 70°C & 75°C) and inlet air temperature (IAT) (150°C, 155°C & 160°C). Spray drying shows that increasing the temperature increases nutritional loss, whereas S. thermophilus culture shows resistance to the intensive heat approaches. On the other hand L. delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus culture was found to be significantly affected. A total of 4 treatments, including one control for the functional cookies development. Results and discussion: A directly proportional relation was investigated between the increasing concentration of SDYP and baking characteristics and cookie's mineral and protein profile. Bioactive parameters like antioxidant activity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and total phenolic content (TPC) were also affected significantly. The sensory profile shows an incline towards T0 (0% SDYP) to T3 (10% SDYP) in all attributes but starts to decline when the concentration of SDYP reaches 15%. This study suggests that by employing a certain combination of temperatures (OAT: 60°C IAT: 150°C); maximum survival of inoculated culture can be achieved, and this powder can be utilized in the development of functional cookies with enhanced sensory as well as biochemical characteristics significantly (P< 0.05).

Characterization of ultrasonically extracted flaxseed polysaccharide gum and assessing its lipid-lowering potential in a rat model.

Flaxseed polysaccharide gum (FPG) was extracted through the ultrasound-assisted process using water as a solvent with a yield ranging from 8.05 ± 0.32% to 12.23 ± 0.45% by changing different extraction variables. The extracted FPG was analyzed for its functional groups and antioxidant potential. The maximum DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging activity (≈100%) of FPG was noted at concentrations beyond ≈10 mg·ml-1. The maximum inhibition percentage through ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (72.4% ± 1.9%) was noted at 40 mg·ml-1, which was observed to be less when compared to DPPH at the same concentration. The total antioxidant potential of the FPG solution at a concentration of 10 mg·ml-1 was equivalent to 461 mg ascorbic acid, which tends to increase with concentration at a much lower scope. The in vivo trial suggested that the least weight gain was noted in experimental groups G2 and Gh2. A significant reduction in total cholesterol was noticed in G1 (-14.14%) and G2 (-17.72%) and in Gh1 (-22.02%) and Gh2 (-34.68%) after 60 days of the trial compared to the baseline values. The maximum reduction in total triglyceride was observed in Gh2 (-25.06%) and Gh1 (-22.01%) after 60 days of the trial. It was an increasing trend in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) in different experimental groups G2 (10.51%) than G1 (5.35%) and Gh2 (48.96%) and Gh1 (31.11%), respectively, after 60 days of study interval. Reduction of -5.05% and - 9.45% was observed in G1 and G2, while similar results were observed in Gh1 and Gh2. Conclusively, results suggested a possible protective role of FPG against hyperlipidemia.

The Burden of Cancer, Government Strategic Policies, and Challenges in Pakistan: A Comprehensive Review.

Cancer is a severe condition characterized by uncontrolled cell division and increasing reported mortality and diagnostic cases. In 2040, an estimated 28.4 million cancer cases are expected to happen globally. In 2020, an estimated 19.3 million new cancer cases (18.1 million excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) had been diagnosed worldwide, with around 10.0 million cancer deaths. Breast cancer cases have increased by 2.26 million, lung cancer by 2.21 million, stomach by 1.089 million, liver by 0.96 million, and colon cancer by 1.93 million. Cancer is becoming more prevalent in Pakistan, with 19 million new cancer cases recorded in 2020. Food adulteration, gutkha, paan, and nutritional deficiencies are major cancer risk factors that interplay with cancer pathogenesis in this country. Government policies and legislation, cancer treatment challenges, and prevention must be revised seriously. This review presents the current cancer epidemiology in Pakistan to better understand cancer basis. It summarizes current cancer risk factors, causes, and the strategies and policies of the country against cancer.

Ultrasound based modification and structural-functional analysis of corn and cassava starch.

In this study, the starch molecules were modified with ultrasonication at two different time intervals by using starch molecules from corn and cassava. This research aimed to examine the effect of the high power ultrasound of 40 kHz voltage and frequency with short time duration on structural and physical properties of corn and cassava starch. Morphology of ultrasonically treated starch granules was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FTIR, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) and compared with untreated samples. After the ultrasound treatment groove and notch appeared on the surface of the starch granules. The results showed that gelatinization temperature did not change with ultrasound treatments, but enthalpy value decreased from 13.15 ± 0.25 J/g to 11.5 ± 0.29 J/g and 12.65 ± 0.32 J/g to 10.32 ± 0.26 J/g for sonicated corn and cassava starches, respectively. The XRD results revealed a slight decreased in the crystallinity degree (CD) of sonicated corn (25.3,25.1) and cassava starch (21.0,21.4) as compared to native corn (25.6%) and cassava starch (22.2%). This study suggests that non-thermal processing techniques have the potential to modify the starch from different sources and their applications due to starch's versatility, low cost, and comfort of use after processing with altered physicochemical properties.

Novel extraction, rapid assessment and bioavailability improvement of quercetin: A review.

Quercetin (QUR) have got the attention of scientific society frequently due to their wide range of potential applications. QUR has been the focal point for research in various fields, especially in food development. But, the QUR is highly unstable and can be interrupted by using conventional assessment methods. Therefore, researchers are focusing on novel extraction and non-invasive tools for the non-destructive assessment of QUR. The current review elaborates the different novel extraction (ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, and enzyme-assisted extraction) and non-destructive assessment techniques (fluorescence spectroscopy, terahertz spectroscopy, near-infrared spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, Raman spectroscopy, and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy) for the extraction and identification of QUR in agricultural products. The novel extraction approaches facilitate shorter extraction time, involve less organic solvent, and are environmentally friendly. While the non-destructive techniques are non-interruptive, label-free, reliable, accurate, and environmental friendly. The non-invasive spectroscopic and imaging methods are suitable for the sensitive detection of bioactive compounds than conventional techniques. QUR has potential therapeutic properties such as anti-obesity, anti-diabetes, antiallergic, antineoplastic agent, neuroprotector, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. Besides, due to the low bioavailability of QUR innovative drug delivery strategies (QUR loaded gel, QUR polymeric micelle, QUR nanoparticles, glucan-QUR conjugate, and QUR loaded mucoadhesive nanoemulsions) have been proposed to improve its bioavailability and providing novel therapeutic approaches.

Thermosonication effect on bioactive compounds, enzymes activity, particle size, microbial load, and sensory properties of almond (Prunus dulcis) milk.

The object of this research was to appraise the physicochemical characteristics of almond milk and consumer acceptability after the thermosonication (TS) processing. The almond milk was subjected to TS processing (frequency: 40 kHz; power: 600 W; Temperature: 30, 45, and 60 °C; Time: 10, 20, 30, and 40 min) and pasteurization (for 60 s at 90 °C). After treatments, all samples were analyzed for bioactive compounds, antioxidant activities, microbial, enzymatic, and sensory attributes. The results showed a non-significant difference in total soluble solids and pH while TS processing at 45 and 60 °C significantly increased the cloudiness, viscosity, browning index, and color properties. TS processing increased the bioavailability of total phenolic, flavonols, flavonoids, condensed tannin contents, and antioxidant activity as compared to untreated and pasteurized samples. TS processing also significantly reduced the particle size distribution through acoustic cavitation. Microbial inactivation with TS at 60 °C resulted in ≥ 5 log reduction oftotal plate count and ≥ 4 log reduction ofyeast & moldwas achieved. The highest inhibition of lipoxygenase (LOX) and peroxidase (POD) were observed at 60 °C for 30 min. Moreover, the best sensorial properties were observed after TS processing at 60 °C. Thus; TS processing can increase the almond milk quality and safety as a viable substitute for thermal processing.

Lotus seeds (Nelumbinis semen) as an emerging therapeutic seed: A comprehensive review.

Nelumbinis semen is commonly known as lotus seeds that have been used as a vegetable, functional food, and medicine for 7,000 years. These are low caloric, a rich source of multiple nutrients and bioactive constituents, which make it a unique therapeutic food. N. semen plays an important part in the physiological functions of the body. Nowadays, people are more conscious about their health and desire to treat disease naturally with minimal side effects. So, functional foods are getting popularity due to a wide range of essential constituents, which are associated to decrease the risk of chronic diseases. These bioactive compounds from seeds are involved in anti-adipogenic, antioxidant, antitumor, cardiovascular, hepato-protective, anti-inflammatory, anti-fertility, anti-microbial, anti-viral, hypoglycemic, etc. Moreover, the relationship between functional compounds along with their mechanism of action in the body, their extraction from the seeds for further research would be of great interest.

Impact of different cooking methods on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in rabbit meat.

The influence of a variety of cooking methods (poaching, boiling, grilling (charcoal or gas)), frying (pan, deep frying, and stir frying) with a variety of oils (vegetable oil, extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil, extra light olive oil, and sunflower oil), microwaving, and oven roasting on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) formation in rabbit meat samples was investigated. Meat samples (including three replicates) were prepared without additives or spices. PAHs extraction was carried out by saponification method with potassium hydroxide in methanol which was followed by a silica gel column technique and the samples were quantified by using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). PAHs standards, fluorene, naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene, pyrene, acenaphthalene, fluoranthene, and benzopyrene, were used for this study. The other PAHs except fluorene were not observed (detection limit-0.009 µg/g) in all the samples. Among traditional processing techniques, higher PAH contents were observed as a result of frying. Frying with vegetable oil produced higher fluorene content (0.06-0.13 µg/g) in the deep-fried sample, although sesame oil is the best oil which produces lowest PAH contents in fried samples. Among all the processing techniques, lower fluorene (0.01-0.02 µg/g) content was noticed in poaching. Benzo(a)pyrene was not observed in all the investigated samples which is viewed as a reliable strategy of the cooking process for human consumption. After processing, the cooking loss was determined and oven roasting and grilling exhibited greater moisture loss.

Nanotechnology: A novel tool to enhance the bioavailability of micronutrients.

Nanotechnology has revolutionized the field of food systems, diagnostics, therapeutics, pharmaceuticals, the agriculture sector, and nutraceuticals. Nanoparticles are playing important role in giving the solution to enhance bioavailability of oral delivery of bioactive compounds. This review revealed that nanoparticles can improve the bioavailability of micronutrients, for example, vitamin B12, vitamin A, folic acid, and iron. However, toxicity associated with nanoparticle-based delivery systems is still a major concern after ingestion of nano-based supplements. The mode of the mechanism of nanomaterial along with bioactive components in different physiological conditions of the human body is also a major gap in the field of nanoceuticals. In the future, more evidence-based clinical investigations are needed to confirm the exact approach to physiological changes in the human body.

Investigating the structural properties and in vitro digestion of rice flours.

The physicochemical properties, swelling power, solubility, and digestibility of flour from four rice varieties (black, brown, white, and waxy rice flour) were analyzed. The results showed that the black and brown rice had high-amylose percentage (21.8% and 20.5%), a relatively low percentage of starch content (68.1% and 79.1%), and lower swelling power (6.6% and 7.6%) and solubility (13.5% and 15.7%), respectively. Waxy rice flour attributed to lower gelatinization temperatures and higher enthalpy values. Meanwhile, the brown, black, and white rice showed higher gelatinization temperature and lower enthalpy value. The black and brown rice flour exhibited lower pasting and viscosity values as compared to waxy rice flour. The results showed that all rice flour had an A-type X-ray diffraction pattern, and after cooking all rice flour showed V-type polymorphs except waxy rice flour. Brown and black rice flour after cooking have lower digestion rate than white rice and waxy rice flour, probably due to its lower expansion and solubility rates, and higher gelatinization temperature.

Impact of thermal extrusion and microwave vacuum drying on fatty acids profile during fish powder preparation.

The current study aimed to optimize the process for ready-to-eat extruded fish powder preparation and to ascertain the impact of two methods on fatty acid profiles. For the investigation, Labeo rohita (Rohu) fish was first minced, extruded, and microwave vacuum-dried. The results show that the yield for extruded fish powder (EFP) fluctuated from 22.32% to 29.07%. The maximum retention for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), arachidonic acid (AA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) was 3.24 ± 0.08 g/100 g lipids, 2.74 ± 0.05 g/100 g lipids, and 1.24 ± 0.09 g/100 g lipids, by using different extrusion parameters. Moreover, nonsignificant changes were observed during 0 days, and 1 and 3 months of storage (at 4°C and 25°C) for DHA, AA, and EPA, whereas significant results were recorded for the samples stored for 6 months at 25°C. Also, the maximum peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance values (TBARS) were 1.72 ± 0.04 meq/kg fat and 0.135 ± 0.008 mg malondialdehyde/kg fat. It is anticipated from the outcomes that the study will be helpful to prepare value-added food products in future studies.

Association of dietary calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D with type 2 diabetes among US adults: National health and nutrition examination survey 2007-2014-A cross-sectional study.

Higher dietary intake of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and vitamin D has been associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and a higher intracellular ratio of Ca to Mg leads to insulin resistance. Previous epidemiological studies did not examine the combined effects of dietary Ca, Mg, and vitamin D as well as ratio of Ca to Mg with T2DM. Therefore, we assessed the relationship between dietary intakes of Mg, Ca, and vitamin D (using 24-hr recalls) individually and in composite and T2DM in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2014, which involved 20,480 adults (9,977 men and 10,503 women) with comprehensive information on related nutrients, and anthropometric, demographic, and biomarker variables using multivariable logistic regression. The results indicated that dietary calcium at Q3 (812 mg/day) was significantly linked with T2DM in women (OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.65). Dietary vitamin D at Q3 (5.25 µg/day) significantly reduced the odds of T2DM by 21% in men (OR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.64, 0.98). This is an interesting study that has important implications for dietary recommendations. It is concluded that US adults having dietary Ca below the RDA were associated with increased risk of T2DM in all population and women, while higher ratio of Ca to Mg was associated with increased risk of T2DM in all population and increased vitamin D intake is related to decreased risk of T2DM in men. Moreover, further research is needed to make more definitive nutritional recommendations.

Probing the impact of conventional oil frying on the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in rabbit meat.

The study estimates, for the first time, the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentration (pyrene, fluoranthene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluorene, and naphthalene) in rabbit meat samples. The study explores the effect of frying and the influence of cooking recipe (with or without condiments/additives) on different parts (hind legs, forelegs, and back), on PAH generation. A total of 36 meat samples on different parts from uncooked, cooked, chapli, and seekh kebabs were prepared and characterized by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). PAHs data in all the samples indicate that cooking recipes (with and without additives/condiments) greatly affected the PAHs concentration. Significant concentrations of phenanthrene, fluoranthene, and naphthalene were formed in all the samples after cooking (frying) but naphthalene was dominant in terms of its concentration formed. A higher concentration of naphthalene was detected in the foreleg (4.56 µg/g) as well as in the hind leg (4.08 µg/g) seekh kebab (with additives), while foreleg chapli kebab (with additives) contained 1.44 µg/g PAH concentration. Frying is the processing methodology that causes the highest impact on PAHs. Contents of anthracene were detected only in the back (raw sample and chapli kebab), foreleg (without additives and seekh kebab), and hind leg (seekh kebab). In all rabbit meat samples, fluorene and pyrene were not identified.

Effect of dielectric barrier discharge plasma, ultra-sonication, and thermal processing on the rheological and functional properties of sugarcane juice.

The present work was designed to study the impact of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma, ultrasound (US), and thermal treatment on the functional, rheological, and microbial analysis of sugarcane juice. The results showed that plasma and US treatment did not significantly affect the pH and color of the juice. Total soluble solids (°Brix) value increased from 16.30 ± 0.10 for untreated to 20.50 ± 0.15 during plasma treatment at 45 V for 2 min and 16.65 ± 0.27 during US treatment (40 kHz, power 240 W, and time 40 min). The maximum increase of 25% in total phenolic contents (TPC) and 21% in total flavonoid contents (TFC) was observed in a plasma-treated sample at 40 and 45 V (for 2 min) respectively, whereas 18% in TPC and 16% TFC was observed in the US-treated sample (40 kHz, power 240 W, and time 30 min) as compared to control sample. Plasma treatment increased the antioxidant activities (Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) activity) toward maximum at 40 V and only 6% of vitamin C was degraded than others. Similarly, plasma treatment significantly reduced particle size, which further led to decreased significantly (P < 0.05) the apparent viscosity of sugarcane juice with a rise in shear rate and drove to a speedy breakdown on initial shearing. A significant reduction was observed in the microbial load among all treatments as compared to the control. Significant reductions of 3.6 and 0.50 log CFU/mL were observed in the total aerobic mesophilic and yeast and mold counts after DBD plasma treatment at 45 V for 2 min, respectively. Thus, we can conclude that novel technology like plasma treatment can be effectively used at an industrial scale for the preservation and processing of sugarcane juice. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Nowadays, novel processing techniques are employed to improve the nutritional quality and stability of juices. The consequences of the present research showed that DBD plasma treatment could improve the TPC, TFC, antioxidant activities, vitamin C, and rheological properties while reducing the activity of the microbial load better than the US and thermal treatment. The verdicts described that novel processing methods can enhance the quality of sugarcane juice at an industrial scale.

Impact of pulsed electric field treatments on the growth parameters of wheat seeds and nutritional properties of their wheat plantlets juice.

This study was designed to explore the impacts of the pulsed electric field (PEF; 2 to 6 kV/cm; a number of pulses 25 and 50) on wheat (Tritium aestivum L.) seeds before imbibition to improve the germination, growth, and their nutritional profile in juice form. It was observed that the PEF treatment at 6 kV/cm at 50 pulses increased water uptake, germination of seeds, and growth parameters of seedlings. A significant increase in total phenolic contents, DPPH, chlorophylls, carotenoids, soluble proteins, minerals, and amino acids in PEF-treated seeds plantlets juice as compared to the untreated seeds plantlets juice was observed. The results indicate that the PEF may effectively stimulate the growth of the wheat kernels and positively affect their metabolism, optimize the nutrients, and enhance the strength of the wheat kernels plantlets.

Novel processing techniques and spinach juice: Quality and safety improvements.

In this study, the combined effect of ultrasound (US) and pulsed electric field (PEF) techniques was analyzed for the quality improvement and microbial safety of spinach juice. The spinach juice was treated with US at frequency of 40 kHz, radiating power of 200 W below 30 ± 2 °C temperature for 21 min in ultrasonic bath cleaner, and PEF treatment (pulse frequency: 1 kHz, flow rate: 60 mL/min, temperature: 30 ± 2 °C, time: 335 µs, electric field strength 9 kV/cm) was done. In results, the combined (US-PEF) treatment attained the highest value of minerals and total free amino acids as compared to US or PEF treatment alone. US-PEF treatment significantly reduced the total plate count (3.83 to 1.97 log CFU/mL), E. coli/Coliform (1.90 to 0.75 log CFU/mL) and yeast and mold (4.23 to 2.22 log CFU/mL). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectra showed that all nonthermal treatments led to a higher concentration of carbonyl compounds rather generate new carbonyl compounds. US-PEF treatment significantly reduced the particle size. The rheology of spinach juice was drastically changed by all nonthermal techniques, indicating non-Newtonian modal accompanied by a decrease of consistency index (K), apparent viscosity (η), and increase of flow behavior (n). Overall, the improved quality of spinach juice shows the suitability of both technologies for industrial applications despite the variations in rheological properties. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Nowadays, nonthermal technologies like US and PEF are being used to enhance the nutritional quality and stability of different fruits and vegetable juices. The current research shows that US-PEF application can enhance the free amino acids and mineral contents while significantly decrease microbial activities and particle size. The rheology of spinach juice can be dramatically changed, through the reduction of consistency index (K), apparent viscosity (η) and elevation of flow behavior (n). The results of this research proposed that US-PEF treatment can be a more suitable nonthermal application to enhance the quality of spinach juice at an industrial scale.

Novel extraction techniques and pharmaceutical activities of luteolin and its derivatives.

Luteolin is a 3', 4', 5, 7 tetra hydroxyl flavonoid that exits in many plants, fruits, and vegetable. Many methods of extraction, isolation, and purification are being used, and therapeutic properties are being under discussion due to its valuable role in nutrition and human health. In this review, we have summarized conventional and novel extraction techniques from most recent research on luteolin, its derivatives, and its biological activities. Maceration, soxhlet, reflux, hydrodistillation, ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound microwave-assisted extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, and high-speed counter-current chromatography extraction techniques are being used for isolation and purification of these phytochemicals. The anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antioxidant, antiviral, heart protective, neurological impairments protection, anti-aging, and whiting properties have been discussed in this review. The literature suggests luteolin and its derivative has many promising health benefits and its therapeutic activity is strongly associated with isolating and purifying solvents and extraction techniques. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This review aims to highlight the sources, novel extraction techniques, and pharmaceutical properties of luteolin. This review provides enough knowledge about how to get maximum extraction yield of luteolin using the novel extraction techniques. Because its therapeutic activity is strongly associated with isolating and purifying solvents and techniques.