Abstract The current study aimed to assess broccoli's phytochemical profile and determine its antioxidant activity. Fresh broccoli was procured from a local farm and divided into two major treatment groups (cooked and dried). There were five sub-treatments in the cooking group (conventional, microwave, boiling, blanching, and steaming) and three treatments in the drying group (sun drying, freeze drying, and hot air drying). Ascorbic acid content, total carotenoids, TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity were evaluated for every sub-treatment. The results depicted that the antioxidant constituent of cooked broccoli was complementary to dried broccoli samples. The maximum amount of ascorbic acid content (10.80 mg/100 g), total carotenoids (3.976 mg/g), total phenolic contents (225.80 mg/g), and the total flavonoid contents (42.92 mg/g) were found in freeze-dried broccoli. Freeze-dried broccoli also showed the highest antioxidant activity for DPPH free radical scavenging assay (62.45%), hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging assay (53.67%), and ABTS radical scavenging assay (65.84%).

Abstract The present study conducted to assess nutritional, safety parameters (aflatoxin M1/AFM1 and heavy metals; copper, cadmium and zinc) and fatty-acid composition of tea-whiteners (TWs). Accordingly, TW’s samples composition (moisture, ash, protein, fat and nitrogen free extract) determined using AOAC methods, minerals including Na, K and Ca heavy metals including Cu, Cd and Zn determined via atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The AFM1 measured using thin layer chromatography (TLC) whereas, fatty acids and trans-fat contents were determined using gas chromatography. ANOVA and independent sample t test applied to assess the significant difference. Results indicated that protein and fat contents (%) of liquid TWs were 2.7-5.4 and 4.28-6.48, respectively. Powdered TWs protein and fat (%) were 13.4-17, and 23.06-29.03, respectively. AFM1 was not found in any TW. Cu/Cd and Zn levels (ppm) of liquid TWs were 0.296-2.075, ND-1.206 and 0.009-0.026 respectively. For powdered TWs the readings (ppm) were 0.515-0.632, 0.003-0.005 and 0.010-0.013 respectively. Trans-fats (%) in liquid TWs were 2.90-7.51 and in powdered TWs were 1.29-1.83. In nutshell, TWs had traces of trans fats ranged 1.29-7.51% whereas, liquid TWs contain more trans-fats than powdered TWs. Major fatty acids among liquid and powdered TWs were palmitic acid, heptadecanoic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid.

Abstract This study was aimed to determine the retention of bioactive fatty acids and oxidative stability of fish powder (FP) supplemented extruded products. The Labeo rohita fish meat was minced, microwave vacuum dried, and extruded. Product formulations containing FP (0-25%) and semolina (75-100%) were optimized using response surface methodology. The maximum bioactive fatty acids retention was 94.84% in the final product. The highest values of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were 87.97% and 85.66% at 25 °C for 30 and 60 days. Maximum TBARS values were 0.42 and 0.44 mg MDA/kg at 25 °C for 0 and 30 days, respectively. The highest carbonyl contents were 6.02, 7.67, 9.37 nmol/mg protein for 0, 30, and 60 days of storage at 25 °C, respectively. The moderate barrel exit temperature (125 °C) and feed moisture contents (20%) and high screw speed (150 rpm), FP (25%) exhibit the highest retention of PUFAs in a product.

Abstract A cohort study of 90 days was designed to explore the hypercholesterolemic associated blood pressure with intake of extruded flaxseed powder (EFSP) fortified yogurts. The hypercholesterolemic subjects were distributed into two groups (1 and 2), then blood samples and blood pressure were taken. Descriptive statistics were used for comparison between groups. A significant increase in serum total cholesterol (TC) (6.330.48 to 6.510.04 mmol/dL) and low-density lipids-cholesterol (LDL-C) (5.170.28 to 5.370.47 mmol/dL) was observed in participants consuming plain milk yogurts for 30 days. A significant decrease in TC (6.470.95 to 6.28 ± 0.84) and LDL-C (5.350.29 to 5.130.44 mmol/dL) was observed in the group consuming EFSP fortified sheep milk yogurt. Similarly, a significant decrease in serum TC (6.381.01 to 6.200.98 mmol/dL), and LDL-C (5.301.16 to 4.980.99 mmol/dL) was noticed in the group consuming EFSP fortified cow milk yogurt. The intake of fortified yogurts reduced significantly serum cholesterol associated with blood pressure in both groups.

Abstract Moringa the miracle tree is rich source of protein and its protein content are comparable with meat protein. In the current study protein was isolated from moringa flowers and utilized in preparation of bars. Physicochemical analysis like texture, color, caloric value, water activity, pH and sensory characteristics were determined to evaluate the nutritional and quality attributes of bars. Different concentration of isolated protein was used in the preparedness. Among all treatments T4 (15% protein isolate) and T3 (10% protein isolate) were best as they had the highest caloric value i.e. 498.33 and 480.37 kcal and high protein percentage 42.55 and 35.29%. T4 and T3 also were good in all textural parameters i.e. hardness 4.68 and 4.85 kg, firmness 3.88 and 3.67 kg, toughness 3.78 and 3.63 kg and work of shear 16.84 and 16.80 kg/mm. The obtained results indicated that the incorporation of moringa protein isolate in bars not only increase their aesthetic value but also increase their nutritional profile. High quality protein isolated from moringa is cheaper and easily grown with little care to provide ample supply of moringa protein to peoples which were in concern of money for provision of proteinaceous food to their families to combat malnutrition.

Abstract This study was aimed at optimization of potato starch gel preparation process by response surface methodology and various process parameters were optimized for textural, gelation and sensory properties. 3D response surface and contour plots showed that independent variables, such as extraction time, extraction temperature and potato starch concentration significantly affected (p < 0.05) texture of potato starch gel. It was observed from RSM analysis that target responses regarding texture characteristics (hardness 1, hardness 2, springiness and chewiness) were significantly reliant on potato starch conc. followed by extraction time and temperature. To was found in range from 102.98 to 109.87 °C whereas, the mean To was maintained at 107.20 °C. It was evident from data of experimental runs that To showed relatively consistent tendency in majority of samples while, experimental runs no. 4 and 5 exhibited a maxima and minima of 109.87 °C and 102.98 °C, respectively. It was evident from To value that starch granules were subjected to degree of disintegration in its internal granules structure, and this disintegration led to polysaccharides release in surrounding medium.

RESUMO: O presente estudo teve como objetivo identificar os elementos da teoria do comportamento planejado juntamente com a consciência em saúde, e determinar o papel do conhecimento como uma variável moderadora no Paquistão e na Malásia. 341 observações do Paquistão e 280 observações da Malásia foram adquiridas através de questionário; enquanto que análise fatorial confirmatória e modelagem de equações estruturais foram aplicadas para a análise. A magnitude dos resultados variou entre os dois países. No entanto, atitudes, normas subjetivas e consciência da saúde, bem como seus termos de interação, foram preditores significativos, enquanto que controle comportamental percebido e seus termos de interação do conhecimento tiveram impactos insignificantes nas intenções de compra dos consumidores para os dois países. Esta pesquisa ajudará a entender melhor a percepção do consumidor na compra de alimentos orgânicos, o que ajudará varejistas, anunciantes e fabricantes no desenvolvimento de estratégias para esses produtos.

ABSTRACT: The present study aimed to identify the elements of the Theory of Planned Behaviour along with health consciousness and determine the role of knowledge as a moderating variable in Pakistan and Malaysia. Three hundred and forty-one observations from Pakistan and 280 observations from Malaysia were acquired through questionnaire; while, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling was applied for the analysis. The magnitude of the results varied across both countries; however, attitude, subjective norms and health consciousness, as well as their interaction terms, were significant predictors, whereas, perceived behavioural control and its knowledge interaction terms had insignificant impacts on the purchase intentions of consumers for both countries. This research will help to further understand about consumer perception in the purchase of organic food items, which will assist retailers, advertisers and manufacturers in developing strategies for such products.

Resumo Vegetais minimamente processados podem ser preparados a partir de várias etapas de processamento como lavagem, toalete, retirada da casca, corte, seguidas por embalagem e armazenamento refrigerado. O presente estudo objetivou determinar os efeitos de diferentes na qualidade e na vida-de-prateleira de batata minimamente processada. Tipos diferentes de corte, tais como fatias, dadinhos, cubos e cunhas, foram selecionados para este estudo, com intuito de avaliar seu efeito na vida-de-prateleira das batatas. Batatas cortadas em diferentes formatos foram tratadas com cloreto de cálcio, ácido cítrico e metabissulfito de potássio (3%, 2% e 0,3%), armazenadas a 4 °C por 60 dias e depois avaliadas por análises físico-químicas (firmeza, perda de peso, pH, acidez titulável, sólidos solúveis totais (SST) e conteúdo de ácido ascórbico (AA)) e microbiológicas. Os melhores resultados foram obtidos para o corte em pequenos cubos, com mudanças mínimas em SST (5,31%), pH (5,65), acidez titulável (0,34%), perda de peso (9,04%) e conteúdo de AA (10,86%). A atividade microbiana em todos os cortes de batata permaneceu dentro de limites aceitáveis, durante o armazenamento refrigerado.

Abstract Fresh-cut vegetables can be minimally processed through cleaning/washing, trimming, peeling, slicing and dicing, followed by packaging and cold storage. This study aimed to verify the effect of different cuts on the quality and shelf life of fresh-cut potato. Different cut types, such as slices, dices, cubes and wedges, were selected for this study to evaluate the shelf-life response of potatoes. Potato pieces of these different shapes were treated with calcium chloride, citric acid, and potassium metabisulfite (3%, 2% and 0.3%, respectively), stored in plastic boxes at 4 ˚C for 60 days, and then physicochemically (firmness (N), weight loss (WL), pH, titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS), and ascorbic acid (AA) content analyses) and microbiologically assessed. The best results were observed for the dice cut type, which showed minimal changes in TSS (5.31%), pH (5.65), TA (0.34%), WL (9.04%), and AA content (10.86%). Moreover, the microbial activity of all shapes of potato pieces remained within acceptable limits during cold storage.

Abstract: The sealing potential of a fault can be originated from reservoir/nonreservoir rock juxtaposition. The present study focuses on the assessment of the sealing potential of the Lower Goru Formation of Badin area, Lower Indus Basin, Pakistan. The uni-directional force is one of the causes of leakage through the upper reservoirs of Lower Goru Formation, i.e. sand A, B and C and thus made a good seal as sand D. The fault properties associated with sealing capacity and leakage are estimated using algorithms. These algorithms are based on the juxtaposition of the reservoir rock against sealing lithology, deformation and present stage of stress regime within the fault plane relative to leakage. Time and depth contour maps of top of the Lower Goru Formation represent a halfgraben structure showing uni-directional force in the area. An Allan-type diagram depicted a sandsand juxtaposition for sand A and juxtaposition of sand A with sand B, thus eliminating any chances of sealing conditions. A similar diagram confirmed shale-sand juxtaposition for sands C and D. The juxtaposition diagram referred to an increase in shale gouge ratio (SGR) values from sand A to sand D with maximum values at sand D, thus classifying good fault sealing potential at sand D. Therefore, it is confirmed that sealing capacity of the fault (F2) increases from sand A (poor seal) where SGR = 0.44% - 0.9% and shale smear factor (SSF) = 0.23 - 1 to sand D (moderate seal) where SGR = 10% - 44% and SSF = 0.05 - 0.22 which means that sand D is more sealed than any other sand in the study area.

Resumen: El potencial de sellado de una falla puede originarse por la juxtaposición de rocas del reservorio de unas rocas externas. El presente estudio se refiere en el estudio de potencial de sellado en la formación Lower Goru del area de Badin, en la cuenca baja del Indus, Pakistán. La fuerza unidireccional es una de las causas de pérdida en los lagos de los reservorios superiores de la formación del Goru inferior. i. e. arena A, B y C y un buen sellado de su forma de arena D. Las propiedades de la falla asociadas con la capidad de sellado se estiman utilizando algoritmos. Estos algoritmos revasan en la juxtaposición de la roca del reservorio versus la litología selladora, la deformación y el estado presente del régimen de tensión dentro del plano de falla respecto al desprendimiento. Mapas del contorno de tiempo y profundidad de la parte superior de la formación representan una estructura de medio-graben mostrando una fuerza uni-direccional en el area. Un diagrama de tipo Allan mostró una juxtaposición arena-arena por la arena A así como juxtaposición de arena A y B, iluminando así la probabilidad de condiciones de sellado. Un diagrama similar confirmo una juxtaposición shale-arena para las arenas C y D. El diagrama de juxtaposición referido a un aumento de los valores de la relación shale gouge (SGR) de la arena A a D con valores maximos de arena D que clasifican un buen potencial de sellado de la falla en donde se localiza la arena D. Por lo tanto se confirma que la capacidad de sellado de la falla (F2) aumenta desde la arena A (sellado bajo) donde SGR = 0.44% - 0.9% y el factor smear de shale (SSF) es igual a 0.23 - 1 para arena D (sellado moderado) donde SGR = 10% - 44% y SSF = 0.05 - 0.22 lo cual indica que la arena D esta más sellada que las demás en el area de estudio.

Resumo Além de nutrição básica, os alimentos baseados em plantas fornecem quantias substanciais de compostos bioativos que fornecem benefícios de saúde desejáveis. Durante a última década, metabólitos secundários, também conhecidos como fitoquímicos, obtidos de plantas, têm chamado muito a atenção dos pesquisadores. Entre estas plantas, o nabo contém alguns componentes valiosos que não apenas endossam os benefícios à saúde, mas também fornecem propriedades de cura. Uma variedade de componentes bioativos − por exemplo, peroxidase, kaempferol, compostos fenólicos, sulforafano, ácidos orgânicos, vitamina K, glicosinolatos etc. − são ressaltados neste manuscrito. Da mesma forma, numerosos minerais, como cobre, manganês e cálcio, e ácidos orgânicos, tais como os ácidos sinápico e ferúlico e seus derivados, presentes em quantias diferentes em folhas verdes frescas e raízes de nabo, são também discutidos brevemente. Este artigo foca nos compostos fenólicos, que agem como compostos benéficos à saúde humana e podem ser isolados de plantas comestíveis, especialmente de nabo. Devido à presença de constituintes bioativos, o nabo tem um papel positivo com respeito às injurias hepáticas causadas por diabetes, alta atividade antioxidante e um bom papel como protetor hepático. Os impactos das condições ambientais e dos mecanismos de processamento na composição dos compostos fenólicos de legumes Brassica, com referência especial ao nabo, foram também brevemente discutidos.

Abstract In addition to basic nutrition, plant-based foods provide substantial amounts of bioactive compounds which deliver desirable health benefits. During the last decade, secondary metabolites, also known as phytochemicals, obtained from plants, have aroused special attention by researchers. Amongst such plants, the turnip contains a few valuable components which not only endorse health benefits but also provide healing properties. Various bioactive components, for example peroxidase, kaempferol, phenolic compounds, sulforaphane, organic acids, vitamin K, glucosinolates etc are highlighted in this manuscript. Likewise, numerous minerals, such as copper, manganese and calcium, and organic acids, such as sinapic and ferulic acids and their derivatives, found in different amounts in fresh greens and turnip roots, are also discussed briefly. The current paper is focused on the phenolic compounds, which act as beneficial compounds for human health and can be isolated from plant foods, especially turnip. Due to the presence of bioactive constituents, turnip imparts a positive role with respect to the hepatic injury caused by diabetes, high antioxidant activity and a good hepatoprotective role. The impact of environmental conditions and processing mechanisms on the phenolic compound composition of Brassica vegetables, with special reference to turnip, was also briefly discussed.

Abstract: Current research work is aimed to numerically simulate the failure behavior of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) strengthened reinforced concrete beams having different FRP reinforcement ratios. Required objectives are achieved by performing a series of bending tests on RC beams carrying different FRP layout and FRP reinforcement ratio. Tested beams were numerically simulated by using a Finite Element Method based computer package. The layouts of the FRP strengthening were decided based upon the FRP reinforcement ratios ranging from fully wrapped beams to the beams having significantly lower FRP reinforcement ratios. Tests results are presented in the form of load-deflection curves for all of the beams and a comparison of different beam strengthening schemes is also presented. Failure patterns of RC beams strengthened with different layouts of externally bonded FRP sheets were also compared. Results of flexural tests on twelve beams specimens and numerical simulation have indicated that CFRP and GFRP can significantly increase the bending and shear strength of retrofitted beams. However, the use of higher FRP reinforcement ratios to get higher strength increment is not advisable as epoxy properties and concrete surface quality plays a vital role to increase flexural and shear strength.

Resumen: El trabajo de investigación actual tiene como objetivo simular numéricamente el comportamiento de falla de las vigas de concreto reforzado fortificado con polímero reforzado con fibra (FRP) que tienen diferentes relaciones de refuerzo de FRP. Los objetivos requeridos se logran al realizar una serie de pruebas de flexión en vigas RC que tienen diferentes diseños de FRP y relación de refuerzo de FRP. Las vigas probadas se simularon numéricamente utilizando un paquete de computadora basado en el método de elementos finitos. Los diseños del refuerzo de FRP se decidieron en función de las relaciones de refuerzo de FRP que van desde las vigas totalmente envueltas hasta las vigas que tienen relaciones de refuerzo de FRP significativamente más bajas. Los resultados de las pruebas se presentan en forma de curvas de desviación de carga, para todas las vigas, y también se presenta una comparación de los diferentes esquemas de refuerzo de las vigas. También se compararon los patrones de falla de las vigas RC reforzadas con diferentes diseños de hojas FRP unidas externamente. Los resultados de las pruebas de flexión en especímenes de doce vigas y simulación numérica han indicado que CFRP y GFRP pueden aumentar significativamente la resistencia a la flexión y al corte de las vigas modificadas. Sin embargo, el uso de relaciones de refuerzo de FRP más altas para obtener un mayor incremento de la resistencia no es recomendable, ya que las propiedades epóxicas y la calidad de la superficie del concreto desempeñan un papel vital para aumentar la resistencia a la flexión y al corte.

Abstract Porosity and water saturation are among the important reservoir parameters in terms of reservoir monitoring which in turn are necessary for placement of future production wells. Amplitude versus offset (AVO) modelling and analysis technique have been utilized for quantitative interpretation of porosity and water saturation. For AVO modeling, Gassmann fluid substitution model in connection with 2D seismic angle gathers were used for reservoir monitoring over Sawan-4 and Sawan-7 wells. AVO modelling results showed significant increase of density log by substituting gas by water, moderate increase of P-wave velocity and no change in S-wave velocity. Moreover, AVO modelling proved a strong relationship between porosity and reflection amplitude for all offset ranges. The class IV anomaly was evident for all porosities down to 5%. From fluid substitution modelling it is evident that changes in water saturation do not change the AVO effect significantly which further substantiate by investigation of pre-stack time migration (PSTM) gathers verifying the modelling results. The amplitude relationship between Sawan-4 and Sawan-7 is close to the modelled result. The amplitude and the AVO behaviour indicate lower porosity or significantly reduced sand thickness in the vicinity of Sawan-4 and Sawan-7 wells.

Resumen En términos de monitoreo los parámetros importantes del yacimiento son la porosidad y la saturación de agua, que a su vez son necesarios para la ubicación de futuros pozos de producción. La técnica de modelado y análisis de amplitud versus compensación (AVO, por sus siglas en inglés) se ha utilizado para la interpretación cuantitativa de la porosidad y la saturación de agua. Gassmann utilizó, para el modelado AVO, el modelo de sustitución de fluidos en conexión con recolectores de ángulo sísmico 2D para el control de yacimientos sobre los pozos Sawan-4 y Sawan-7. Los resultados del modelo de AVO mostraron un aumento significativo del registro de densidad al sustituir el gas por agua, además del aumento moderado de la velocidad de la onda P y ningún cambio en la velocidad de la onda S. El modelado AVO demostró una fuerte relación entre la porosidad y la amplitud de reflexión para todos los rangos de desplazamiento. La anomalía de clase IV fue evidente para todas las porosidades hasta el 5%. A partir del modelado por sustitución de fluidos se hizo evidente que los cambios en la saturación de agua no modifican significativamente el efecto AVO, lo cual se corrobora mediante la investigación de la migración de tiempo previo a la acumulación (PSTM), el cual verifica los resultados del modelado. La relación de amplitud entre Sawan-4 y Sawan-7 está cerca del resultado modelado. La amplitud y el comportamiento de AVO indican una menor porosidad o un espesor de arena significativamente reducido en la vecindad de los pozos Sawan-4 y Sawan-7.

Abstract Split-hand/split-foot malformation (SHFM), also known as ectrodactyly is a rare genetic disorder. It is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of limb malformations characterized by absence/hypoplasia and/or median cleft of hands and/or feet. To date, seven genes underlying SHFM have been identified. This study described four consanguineous families (A-D) segregating SHFM in an autosomal recessive manner. Linkage in the families was established to chromosome 12p11.1–q13.13 harboring WNT10B gene. Sequence analysis identified a novel homozygous nonsense variant (p.Gln154*) in exon 4 of the WNT10B gene in two families (A and B). In the other two families (C and D), a previously reported variant (c.300_306dupAGGGCGG; p.Leu103Argfs*53) was detected. This study further expands the spectrum of the sequence variants reported in the WNT10B gene, which result in the split hand/foot malformation.

The present study was aimed at preparation of transdermal patches of tizanidine HCl, evaluation of the effect of polymers on in vitro release pattern of the drug, and the effect of permeation enhancers on the penetration of the drug through the rabbit skin. Various proportions of hydrophilic (HPMC) and hydrophobic (Eudragit L-100) polymers were used with PEG 400 as film-forming agent, and Span 20 or DMSO as permeation enhancer. The formulations were assessed for physicochemical characteristics and in vitro drug release studies using USP paddle over disc method in phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.4) at 32.0±1°C. On the basis of in vitro studies and physicochemical evaluations, S03-A and S04-A were selected at Eudragit : HPMC ratios of 8 : 2 and 7 : 3, respectively, for further ex vivo analysis. The effects of different concentrations of Span 20 and DMSO were evaluated on excised rabbit skin using Franz diffusion cell. Cumulative drug permeation, flux, permeability coefficient, target flux, and enhancement ratio were calculated and compared with the control formulations. Kinetic models and Tukey’s multiple comparison test were applied to evaluate the drug release patterns. Formulation SB03-PE containing Eudragit L-100:HPMC (7:3) with Span 20 (15% w/w) produced the highest enhancement in drug permeation, and followed zero order kinetic model with super case-II drug release mechanism.

Abstract It is understood that drugs regardless of their order of administration can exhibit drug interactions. Established on the fact that treatment of hypertension may last for decades and prolong usage of multiple drug regimen may induce substantial pathophysiological changes. Hence, This study was designed to evaluate the possible synergistic toxic effects of anti-hypertensive (carvedilol), and anti-inflammatory drug (celecoxib) alone and in combinations. Well-established MTT assay, Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis (SCGE) and Ames assay were employed to evaluate the toxicity at cellular level. Results from MTT assay on Vero cell line revealed that drug combinations have more pronounced anti-proliferative activity with combine IC50 value of 13.7:47.8 µg/mL. Likewise, exposure of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with drug combinations revealed significant (P<0.05) DNA damage (Class 3) in a dose dependent manner at concentrations ≥ 0.78: 2.34 µg/mL. However, carvedilol and celecoxib were non mutagenic against either mutant strain (TA 100 and TA 98) and combinations have also shown mild to moderate mutagenic potential. Nevertheless, upon addition of metabolic activation enzyme, concentration <12.5:37.5 µg/plate exhibited significant (P<0.05) mutagenicity against both tester strains. In conclusion, this study provides additional genotoxicity and mutagenicity data that could be used in considering options for formulating regimens with reduced mutagenic potential.