Simple Food Group Diversity as a Proxy Indicator for Iron and Vitamin A Status of Rural Primary School Children in Uganda

Children in resource poor settings are at a high risk of inadequate iron and vitamin A intake when diets lack diversity and are dominated by staple foods. Yet comparative information on diet quality among school children is scarce. The objective of the study was to assess the potential of simple food group diversity to serve as a proxy indicator of iron and vitamin A status among rural school children in Uganda. A cross sectional correlation model of associations between Food Group Diversity (FGD) and iron and vitamin A status was used. We analyzed 8 schools in Kumi District, Uganda, randomly selected from the 34 schools that participated in the main part of the study. Our sample included primary school children, aged between 9-15 years (n = 172). Food group diversity and food variety (FV) were calculated from both a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and a 24-hour dietary recall. The FGD and FVS were tested against iron (as serum ferritin) and vitamin A (as serum retinol) status. The FGD (based on FFQ data) was 9.6 (±1.9). There was a positive correlation between 24-hour recall and FFQ for consumption of cereals (Corr. Coef = 0.28;p 0.05), which was also the most highly consumed group (98.9% & 86.9% by FFQ and 24-hour recall;respectively). Consistent with other studies, increase in the number of food groups significantly increased serum ferritin and serum retinol measures (p 0.001). Presence of at least one food item in the “roots & tubers”;“cereals”;and “pulses/nuts”, significantly increased serum ferritin and serum retinol concentrations (p 0.01). We speculate that simple food group diversity may reflect intake and serve as a simple indicator of iron and vitamin A status among school children. Strategies aimed at increasing dietary diversity in the community may benefit the families of these children and improve their micronutrient status.

Acceptability, Nutritional Quality and Contribution of Vegetable-Enriched Products to Nutrient and Energy Requirements of School Children Aged 5 to 13 Years

Micronutrient deficiency (MD) is a problem among schoolchildren which, in addition to other effects, also affects their intellectual abilities. Inclusion of vegetables to food formulations can help to reduce MD because they contain vital micronutrients which are required for improved school performance. This study aimed at evaluating acceptability, determining the nutritional quality and estimating the contribution of vegetable enriched products to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of schoolchildren (5 to 13 years). The vegetables used were red and green amaranth leaves, orange fleshed sweet potato and pumpkin. Selection of vegetables was based on richness in micronutrients;local availability and consumption levels in Uganda;and their underutilization status particularly in processed form. Each of the vegetables was preprocessed and incorporated separately into soybean and grain amaranth in the ratio of 10:40:50, respectively, to improve the nutrient and energy density of the formulations. Sensory screening of formulations in a range of products (porridges, soups and snacks) revealed that orange fleshed sweet potato formulation was most preferred for porridge as well as for snacks (at 30:70 ratio of orange fleshed sweet potato composite to wheat flour);while red amaranth leaves composite was most preferred for soup. When tested for acceptability, nutritional quality, as well as contribution to the RDA (for vitamin A, iron, zinc, protein and energy) for schoolchildren 5 to 13 years, acceptability tests and nutritional quality of food products from the formulations were highly rated compared to commercial products (pure maize porridge, wheat based soup and 100% refined wheat flour snacks). All products from the two formulations contributed favourably to vitamin A, iron, zinc and protein requirements of children (5 to 13 years). Based on these findings, orange fleshed sweet potato composite flour can be recommended for making porridge, and can substitute (30%) for wheat flour in making snacks;while red amaranth leaf composite flour can be recommended for making soups.

Synthesis of Biodiesel Using ZrO_2 Polycrystalline Ceramic Foam Catalyst in a Tubular Reactor

With the help of the ceramic foam research efforts and preparation techniques, the ZrO2 polycrystalline ceramic foam catalyst was synthesized, and its characteristics, including the crystal structure, the phase composition, the acid–base properties, and the microstructure, were analyzed by XRD, SEM, Py-IR, and BET techniques. The performance of the ZrO2 polycrystalline ceramic foam catalyst in a tubular reactor was investigated via biodiesel synthesis using S. wilsoniana oil and methanol. The effects of reaction conditions(i.e., reaction temperature, reaction pressure, and volume ratio of methanol to S. wilsoniana oil) on transesterification efficiency were investigated, and the reaction conditions were optimized using RSM. The optimum reaction temperature, reaction pressure, and volume ratio of methanol to S. wilsoniana oil were determined to be 290 ℃, 10 MPa, and 4:1, respectively. Under this condition, the FAME content in the product oil reached 98.38%. The performance of the ZrO2 polycrystalline ceramic foam catalyst synthesized in this work for biodiesel synthesis from S. wilsoniana oil with a moisture content of 7.1% and an acid value of 130.697 mg KOH/g was examined, and the FAME content in the product oil was found to be 93% and 97.67%, respectively. The FAME content in the product oil exceeded 97% after five consecutive cycles(12 h per cycle of use) of the catalyst. The proposed catalyst represents a new type of solid catalyst with excellent acid resistance, water resistance, esterification efficiency, and catalytic stability.

Preliminary study of blended silk fibroin for contact lens-based ophthalmic drug delivery

Topical drug administration is acommonapproach to treat ocular disorders.However,the topical route of administration enables poor drug bioavailability.These drawbacks stem from limited permeability across the cornea,rapid clearance of the instilled drop,and significant absorption into the conjunctival vasculature[1].Recently,contact lens based ophthalmic drug delivery systems have been proposed as alternative ophthalmic drug delivery systems to increase ocular drug bioavailability[2].Silk fibroin,a natural fiber polymer produced by the silk worm,Bombyx mori,has excellent properties for ocular drug delivery systems,i.e.,biocompatibility,chemical and mechanical stability,wetting ability,and high oxygen permeability[3].

Effect of Salt on the Sensory and Keeping Quality of Orange Fleshed Sweetpotato Crisps

The study was carried out to determine the effect of salt on the sensory, nutritive and keeping quality of OFSP crisps. Crisps were made by deep frying slices of approximately 3.5 mm thickness treated with, 2% and 4% table salt. A control with no salt treatment was prepared alongside the treated ones. Two varieties of OFSP;Ejumula and Kakamega were used in the study. After deep frying, the crisps were cooled to room temperature, packed in paper-lined high density polythene pouches and stored in a dark cupboard at room temperature for three months. During the storage period, the crisps were analyzed for proteins, fat and carotenoid content. Changes in sensory attributes were analyzed using a semi-trained panel. Results indicated that freshly prepared crisps treated with 2% salt had the highest acceptability mean scores for all attributes while there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between crisps made from either Ejumula or Kakamega variety. Carotenoid content decreased with increase in salt concentration in both OFSP varieties. Shelf-life studies showed that the decline in sensory attributes started after 2 months of storage. The study shows that OFSP crisps treated with 2% salt are more acceptable and reasonably stable during storage.

Lipid Lowering Potential of <i>Malakwang</i>(<i>Hibiscus</i>) Species Leaf Extract in Hyperlipidaemia-Induced Rats

Malakwang (Hibiscus species) is a common vegetable regularly used in the diet and traditional health care support in Uganda. In this study, the efficacy of malakwang leaf extract as a potential regulator of serum lipids, urea and creatinine was investigated in hyperlipidemic rats. Forty two albino rats were arranged randomly into seven groups of six and fed with diets. Four experimental and three control groups were considered in the design. The rats in the experimental groups were fed on high fat diets containing different amounts of leaf extract from red and white malakwang variants. Control groups were fed on diets devoid of malakwang: a basic standard rat diet;high fat diet;and high fat with atorvastatin. The diets were administered daily and rat weight determined. On the last day, blood was drawn from the rats and the serum analysed for lipids, creatinine and urea using spectrophotometric techniques. Statistical analysis was used to estimate mean differences in weight and concentration of the biochemical parameters between experimental and control groups. Results indicated a decrease in weight gained up to the fourth week in rats fed on the high fat diet with malakwang leaf extract. There was a significant difference in the levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (p malakwang leaf extract. No significant change was noted in total cholesterol and triglycerides. Whereas there was a higher level of serum creatinine with the two malakwang variants (p malakwang (Hibiscus) exhibited capacity to reduce low density lipoprotein cholesterol, maintained serum urea but not creatinine. This may offer prospects for using malakwang in the dietary approaches to address public health concerns linked to high level of cholesterols.

Composition and Functional Properties of Yam Bean (<i>Pachyrhizus</i>spp.) Seed Flour

Yam bean (Pachyrhizus spp.) is legume crop that not only produces edible roots but also has a high yield of unutilized seeds. Although the yam bean seeds are rich in protein, they are not used due to a high content of toxic rotenone. In this study, yam bean seeds were detoxified and the nutritional and functional properties of their protein determined to assess the proteins’ potential for applications. Seeds of 10 accessions (2 accessions of P. erosus, 4 accessions of P. ahipa and 4 accessions of P. tuberosus) were analyzed for proximate composition, pasting and functional properties (bulk density, least gelation concentration, water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, emulsifying capacity, emulsion stability, foaming capacity, foam stability and protein solubility). The results showed that yam bean seeds contained: 29.2 - 32.1 g/100g proteins, 31.3 - 33.0 g/100 g carbohydrates, 24.1 - 25.6 g/100g total fat, 7.5 - 8.1 g/100g crude fiber and 3.4 - 4.1 g/100g ash. The defatted P. erosus seed flour contained 45.6 - 48.8 g/100g protein, 32.6 - 36.5 g/100g total carbohydrate, 6.7 - 7.1 g/100g crude fiber, 6.0 - 6.4 g/100g ash and 5.2/100 g crude fat. The defatted yam bean seed flour exhibited relatively high protein solubility (68.0% - 70.4%), least gelation concentration (14%), water absorption capacity (2.8% - 2.9%) and oil absorption capacity (1.5%). The defatted flour exhibited emulsifying capacity of 35.7% - 36.0%, emulsion stability of 33.2% - 33.5%, foaming capacities of 42% and foam stability of 25.1% - 25.8%. With respect to pasting properties, the defatted yam bean seed flours exhibited pasting temperature of 80.0?C - 81.3?C, peak viscosity of 145.5 - 146.7 RVU, trough viscosity of 95.1 - 102.0 RVU, break down of 43.5 - 51.6 RVU, set back of 252.9 - 258.1 RVU and final viscosity of 348 - 360 RVU. The results show that yam bean seed has potential for use in both food and non-food applications.

Provitamin A Crops: Acceptability, Bioavailability, Efficacy and Effectiveness

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is the world’s commonest cause of childhood blindness. More than half of these cases occur in developing countries. Animal sourced foods though good sources of vitamin A are too expensive for poor rural people. Crops biofortified with provitamin A offer a convenient and accessible source of vitamin A. The other micro-nutrient programs of fortification and supplementation require more expensive inputs. Biofortification programs have developed crops that are rich in provitamin A. These crops include: maize, golden rice, cassava and orange fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP). With exception of golden rice, the rest of the biofortified crops have received considerable acceptance among the communities. Both animal and human studies have shown that provitamin A from biofortified crops is highly bioavailable and have capacity to improve vitamin A status. After several years of research and promotion, it is time to fully commercialize provitamin A crops by encouraging farmers to start their large scale production and consumption.

Post-Harvest Handling Practices and Losses for Legumes and Starchy Staples in Uganda

High postharvest losses in developing countries negate the efforts geared towards improving food security. Poor produce quality including high prevalence of mycotoxin contamination is another significant problem. Appropriate postharvest handling and processing provide opportunities to reduce postharvest losses and improve food safety. This study was aimed at establishing the postharvest handling practices and estimating qualitative and quantitative postharvest losses for maize, millet, sorghum, beans, groundnuts, cassava, and sweet potatoes among farmers in 3 districts (Kamuli, Apac and Nakasongola) in Uganda, representing different agro-ecological zones. The study was done in late August 2014 after the first season harvests (June-August). Farmer interviews, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used to collect data on postharvest loss estimates and postharvest handling practices. Samples of the different foods were collected and analyzed for physical quality characteristics, mould count and aflatoxin contamination using standard laboratory procedures. The results show predominance of rudimentary and inappropriate postharvest handling methods. Postharvest loss estimates were generally high, with values of 41%, 33%, 33%, 26%, 31%, 22%, 17% and 19% for maize, millet, sorghum, beans, groundnuts, cowpea, sweet potatoes and cassava respectively. The highest loss for all the crops was recorded at storage. Prevalence of aflatoxin contamination was 44%, 91%, 55%, 36%, 35% and 60% for maize, sorghum, groundnuts, millet, sweet potatoes and cassava respectively. Sorghum, maize and groundnuts were found to have the highest aflatoxin contamination levels. Chi-square test (p = 0.024, odds ratio = 5) showed that grain dried on bare ground had higher aflatoxin levels than that dried on a covered surface. The findings of this study reveal a serious need for postharvest interventions as a strategy to address food security.

Therapeutic Potential of Thunbergia laurifolia L.Extract in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus:Insights from a Rat Model

Objective:To assess the effects of Thunbergia laurifolia L.extract(TLE)on gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)in a rat model.Methods:Thunbergia laurifolin L.leaves were subjected to ethanolic extraction.In vivo study,50 pregnant rats were randomly divided into 5 groups(10 for each):non-GDM group,GDM induced by streptozotocin(STZ,60 mg/kg i.p.),metformin(MET)100 mg/kg,TLE 50,and 500 mg/kg groups.Administration was performed on gestation day 7 until term(day 21).The effects of TLE on blood glucose,insulin levels,lipid profiles,liver enzymes,and maternal performances were assessed.In in vitro study,the effect of TLE was examined using the organ bath for uterine force measurement.Results:In in vivo study,TLE significantly reduced blood glucose as compared to GDM(P<0.05)with gradually increased insulin level.This effect was consistent with islets of Langerhans restoration.Histologically,the uterine muscular layer displayed a marked increase in fiber area in response to both doses as compared to GDM(P<0.05).Additionally,TLE significantly reduced total cholesterol,triglyceride,and alanine transaminase levels(P<0.05).Intriguingly,TLE also led to a notable augmentation in gravid uterus size,live fetuses count,and implantation numbers,while significantly reducing the post-implantation loss rate associated with fetal classification(P<0.05).Thus,GDM improvements were close to those produced by MET.In in vitro study,TLE exerted a concentration-dependent inhibition of spontaneous uterine contractility(half-maximal inhibition concentration=1.2 mg/L).This inhibitory effect extended to potassium chloride depolarization and oxytocin-mediated contractions.When combined with its major constituent,rosmarinic acid,TLE produced an enhanced inhibitory effect(P<0.05).Conclusions:TLE ameliorated blood glucose levels,enhanced uterine muscular structure,and improved maternal and fetal performance in GDM.TLE also displayed tocolytic properties.These findings underscore the need for further exploration of TLE as a potential tocolytic agent to mitigate GDM-associated complications.

PM2RA: A Framework for Detecting and Quantifying Relationship Alterations in Microbial Community

The dysbiosis of gut microbiota is associated with the pathogenesis of human diseases.However,observing shifts in the microbe abundance cannot fully reveal underlying perturbations.Examining the relationship alterations(RAs)in the microbiome between health and disease statuses provides additional hints about the pathogenesis of human diseases,but no methods were designed to detect and quantify the RAs between different conditions directly.Here,we present profile monitoring for microbial relationship alteration(PM2 RA),an analysis framework to identify and quantify the microbial RAs.The performance of PM2 RA was evaluated with synthetic data,and it showed higher specificity and sensitivity than the co-occurrence-based methods.Analyses of real microbial datasets showed that PM2 RA was robust for quantifying microbial RAs across different datasets in several diseases.By applying PM2 RA,we identified several novel or previously reported microbes implicated in multiple diseases.PM2 RA is now implemented as a web-based application available at http://www.pm2 ra-xingyinliulab.cn/.