·AIM:To investigate the independent pathogenic role of high serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels, sociodemographic data, dietary and environmental risk factors for visual disability (VD). ·METHODS:T...·AIM:To investigate the independent pathogenic role of high serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels, sociodemographic data, dietary and environmental risk factors for visual disability (VD). ·METHODS:This was a case-control study, run in 200 black Congolese patients managed in Saint Joseph Hospital Ophthalmology Division from Kinshasa town. Logistic regression model was used to identify determinants of VD (n = 58) among sex, age, cigarette smoking, alcohol abuse, rural-urban migration, education levels, aging ≥60 years, intake of red Beans, Safou fruit and Taro leaves, lipid profile, residence, socioeconomic status, and GGT. ·RESULTS:After adjusting for confounding factors, we identified migration (OR=3.7 95% CI:1.2-11.3; P =0.023), low education level (OR=3.1 95% CI 1.1-8.5; P =0.026), no intake of Safou fruit (OR=34.2 95% CI 11.5-102; P < 0.0001), age ≥60 years (OR=2.5 95% CI 1.01-6.5; P = 0.049), and serum GGT ≥10U/L (OR=3.6 95% CI 1.3-9.6; P = 0.012) as the significant and independent determinants of VD. ·CONCLUSION:VD appears as a major public health problem in Central Africa to be prevented or delayed by control of migration, lifestyle changes, antioxidant supplements, appropriate diet, nutrition education, and blocking of oxidative stress.展开更多
The altitudinal distribution of Papilionidae butterflies across the East Himalayan Landscape of West Bengal, India is presented here. 26 butterfly species are known to occur across 11 altitudinal belts. Species Richne...The altitudinal distribution of Papilionidae butterflies across the East Himalayan Landscape of West Bengal, India is presented here. 26 butterfly species are known to occur across 11 altitudinal belts. Species Richness (R) and Species Diversity (H′) are said to be highest between 1200 - 1400 masl (meters above sea level). In contrast, lowest values of Species Richness and Species Diversity occur at the highest altitude of 3000 masl and above. Maximum number of individuals occurs between 900 - 1100 masl while the minimum number of individuals was present at the highest altitude of 3000 masl or above. 35 species of plants belonging to 6 families served as the larval food plant of these butterflies. Thus the presence of suitable larval host plants probably governs the altitudinal distribution of these papilionid species of butterflies. 30.77% of butterfly species are strictly monophagous in nature.展开更多
Objective： To evaluate the in vitro antibacterial properties and the ability to potentiate some common antibiotics effects of the methanol extracts of 11 Cameroonian food plants on 29 Gram-negative bacteria expressin...Objective： To evaluate the in vitro antibacterial properties and the ability to potentiate some common antibiotics effects of the methanol extracts of 11 Cameroonian food plants on 29 Gram-negative bacteria expressing multidrug resistant （MDR） phenotypes. Methods： The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was performed using the broth microdilution method. The phytochemical screening of these extracts was also performed using standard methods. Resalts： Ocimum basilicum, Gnetum africanum and Eucalyptus robusta extracts possessed an antibacterial activity against all the 29 studied bacteria. The extracts from G. africanum and E. robusta were the most active with the lowest minimal inhibitory concentration of 64 p, g/mL on Escherichia coil AG100A for both extracts and also against Klebsiella pneumoniae K24 for G. africanum. When tested in the presence of phenylalanine-arginine 13 -Naphtylamide （PA 13 N）, an efflux pump inhibitor, the extract of Thymus vulgafis and E. Robusta showed the best activities on most tested strains. E. Robusta extract showed good synergistic effects, improving the activity of commonly used antibiotics in about 85% of cases. Coaclasion： The overall results obtained provide the baseline information for the use of the tested plants in the treatment of bacterial infections.展开更多
This paper describes the importance of plant quarantine to the food safety in China through cases where plant quarantine helps to effectively intercept harmful organisms for food safety and promote export and import t...This paper describes the importance of plant quarantine to the food safety in China through cases where plant quarantine helps to effectively intercept harmful organisms for food safety and promote export and import trading.It also presents the existing problems in plant quarantine work and appropriate measures.展开更多
The present study describes the selection, analysis and risk assessment of genotoxic and carcinogenic ingredients of botanicals and botanical preparations which can be found in food and plant food supplements (PFS). F...The present study describes the selection, analysis and risk assessment of genotoxic and carcinogenic ingredients of botanicals and botanical preparations which can be found in food and plant food supplements (PFS). First an inventory was made of botanical ingredients that are of possible concern for human health because of their genotoxic and/or carcinogenic properties. In total, 30 botanical ingredients were selected and subsequently judged for their actual genotoxic and/or carcinogenic potential. Among the 30 compounds considered, 18 compounds were judged to be both genotoxic and carcinogenic. Interestingly, the majority of these compounds belong to the group of alkenylbenzenes or unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Subsequently, based on available carcinogenicity data and estimated daily human exposure that was determined focusing on the intake from PFS, the Margin of Exposure (MOE) was calculated for the alkenylbenzenes estragole, methyleugenol, safrole and β-asarone. Calculating the MOEs for intake estimates of these alkenylbenzenes from PFS resulted in MOE values that were generally lower than 10,000 and often lower than 100. In some cases the MOE was even below 10 meaning that the estimated daily intake is in the range of dose levels causing malignant tumors in experimental animals. This result indicates that the use of PFS containing the genotoxic carcinogens estragole, methyleugenol, safrole or β-asarone might raise a potential concern for human health and would be of high priority for risk management.展开更多
The food and nutrition status of the rural poor living in extreme deprivation are precarious in the event of catastrophic events occasioned by climate change. This study aimed at elaborating the potential roles of und...The food and nutrition status of the rural poor living in extreme deprivation are precarious in the event of catastrophic events occasioned by climate change. This study aimed at elaborating the potential roles of underutilised plant resources as sources of food in the face of climate change. A total of 37 plant species of different growth habits were sighted within the homesteads in the study communities. The commonest plant species around home provide food, medicine, cash, and cultural or spiritual purposes. These included Manihot esculenta (Cassava), Musa sapentium var. paradisiaca (Plantains) Musa sapentium (banana), Citrus sinensis (orange) and Elaeis guineensis (oil palm). Outside the home compounds to a considerable walking distance around each of the communities, a total of twenty seven (27) plant species and four habitat types (three terrestrial and one aquatic) were encountered, with Elaeis guineensis Jacq. being present in all the terrestrial ecotypes (forest, farmland and fallow regrowth). Many of the plant species encountered within the home compounds are edible;some are medicinal or have spiritual values, while most have multiple uses. Magnifera indica, Dacryodes edulis, Persea americana, Carica papaya, Chrysophyllum albidum and Ananas comosus, are cherished for their tasty fruits. Vernonia amygdalina, Telferia occidentalis, Ocimum brasilicum, Amaranthus hybridus and Gnetum africana are eaten vegetables in soups. Irvingia gabonensis (Ogbono) is valued for its seeds, which are used widely in preparing the Ogbono soup, which is widely popular across Nigeria. The kola nut (Cola nitida), bitter kola (Garcina kola) trees and yams (Dioscorea spp) serve significant spiritual/cultural roles amongst the local populace in the study area—they are always presented at ceremonies such as marriages, funerals and festivals. Plant species with mostly untapped potentials to supply food and nutrients to the rural dwellers in the study area include breadfruit (Artocarpus cummunis), Avocado pear (Persia americana), Bush Mango (Irvingia gabonensis), Native pear (Dacryodes edulis), African Star Apple (Chrysophyllum albidum), and Raphia palm (Raphia hookeri) and Tropical Almond (Terminalia catappa). These plants are reported to contain variable amounts of dietary nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, fats, and fibre. Some of the plants have potentials to supply raw materials to sustain food and beverage industries.展开更多
本研究利用天然皂皮皂苷(Quillaja saponin,QS)与大豆分离蛋白(soybean protein isolate,SPI)稳定乳液凝胶的协同效应构建高蛋白、减脂的植物基蛋黄酱(plant-based mayonnaise,PM)。利用静态光散射、激光共聚焦、低形变流变学和质构特...本研究利用天然皂皮皂苷(Quillaja saponin,QS)与大豆分离蛋白(soybean protein isolate,SPI)稳定乳液凝胶的协同效应构建高蛋白、减脂的植物基蛋黄酱(plant-based mayonnaise,PM)。利用静态光散射、激光共聚焦、低形变流变学和质构特性对比分析PM与两种市售蛋黄酱在外观、乳滴粒径大小与分布、硬度、涂抹性、热稳定性和冻融稳定性等方面的特性。结果表明,以10%SPI和0.18%QS或10%SPI、0.18%QS和1%SPI凝胶颗粒(soy protein isolate gel particles,SGPs)为蛋白配料可构建出与商品蛋黄酱在外观、涂抹状态、质构以及流变特性上相媲美的高蛋白减脂PM(10%蛋白质与50%脂肪、11%蛋白质与40%脂肪,以质量分数计)。在该体系中,QS不仅赋予了高蛋白乳化制品黏度稀化的质构调节性,还赋予了SPI基乳液凝胶优越的热稳定性和冻融稳定性。本研究可为“高蛋白”“减脂”PM的开发与应用提供理论与技术指导。展开更多
文摘·AIM:To investigate the independent pathogenic role of high serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels, sociodemographic data, dietary and environmental risk factors for visual disability (VD). ·METHODS:This was a case-control study, run in 200 black Congolese patients managed in Saint Joseph Hospital Ophthalmology Division from Kinshasa town. Logistic regression model was used to identify determinants of VD (n = 58) among sex, age, cigarette smoking, alcohol abuse, rural-urban migration, education levels, aging ≥60 years, intake of red Beans, Safou fruit and Taro leaves, lipid profile, residence, socioeconomic status, and GGT. ·RESULTS:After adjusting for confounding factors, we identified migration (OR=3.7 95% CI:1.2-11.3; P =0.023), low education level (OR=3.1 95% CI 1.1-8.5; P =0.026), no intake of Safou fruit (OR=34.2 95% CI 11.5-102; P < 0.0001), age ≥60 years (OR=2.5 95% CI 1.01-6.5; P = 0.049), and serum GGT ≥10U/L (OR=3.6 95% CI 1.3-9.6; P = 0.012) as the significant and independent determinants of VD. ·CONCLUSION:VD appears as a major public health problem in Central Africa to be prevented or delayed by control of migration, lifestyle changes, antioxidant supplements, appropriate diet, nutrition education, and blocking of oxidative stress.
文摘The altitudinal distribution of Papilionidae butterflies across the East Himalayan Landscape of West Bengal, India is presented here. 26 butterfly species are known to occur across 11 altitudinal belts. Species Richness (R) and Species Diversity (H′) are said to be highest between 1200 - 1400 masl (meters above sea level). In contrast, lowest values of Species Richness and Species Diversity occur at the highest altitude of 3000 masl and above. Maximum number of individuals occurs between 900 - 1100 masl while the minimum number of individuals was present at the highest altitude of 3000 masl or above. 35 species of plants belonging to 6 families served as the larval food plant of these butterflies. Thus the presence of suitable larval host plants probably governs the altitudinal distribution of these papilionid species of butterflies. 30.77% of butterfly species are strictly monophagous in nature.
文摘Objective： To evaluate the in vitro antibacterial properties and the ability to potentiate some common antibiotics effects of the methanol extracts of 11 Cameroonian food plants on 29 Gram-negative bacteria expressing multidrug resistant （MDR） phenotypes. Methods： The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was performed using the broth microdilution method. The phytochemical screening of these extracts was also performed using standard methods. Resalts： Ocimum basilicum, Gnetum africanum and Eucalyptus robusta extracts possessed an antibacterial activity against all the 29 studied bacteria. The extracts from G. africanum and E. robusta were the most active with the lowest minimal inhibitory concentration of 64 p, g/mL on Escherichia coil AG100A for both extracts and also against Klebsiella pneumoniae K24 for G. africanum. When tested in the presence of phenylalanine-arginine 13 -Naphtylamide （PA 13 N）, an efflux pump inhibitor, the extract of Thymus vulgafis and E. Robusta showed the best activities on most tested strains. E. Robusta extract showed good synergistic effects, improving the activity of commonly used antibiotics in about 85% of cases. Coaclasion： The overall results obtained provide the baseline information for the use of the tested plants in the treatment of bacterial infections.
文摘This paper describes the importance of plant quarantine to the food safety in China through cases where plant quarantine helps to effectively intercept harmful organisms for food safety and promote export and import trading.It also presents the existing problems in plant quarantine work and appropriate measures.
文摘The present study describes the selection, analysis and risk assessment of genotoxic and carcinogenic ingredients of botanicals and botanical preparations which can be found in food and plant food supplements (PFS). First an inventory was made of botanical ingredients that are of possible concern for human health because of their genotoxic and/or carcinogenic properties. In total, 30 botanical ingredients were selected and subsequently judged for their actual genotoxic and/or carcinogenic potential. Among the 30 compounds considered, 18 compounds were judged to be both genotoxic and carcinogenic. Interestingly, the majority of these compounds belong to the group of alkenylbenzenes or unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Subsequently, based on available carcinogenicity data and estimated daily human exposure that was determined focusing on the intake from PFS, the Margin of Exposure (MOE) was calculated for the alkenylbenzenes estragole, methyleugenol, safrole and β-asarone. Calculating the MOEs for intake estimates of these alkenylbenzenes from PFS resulted in MOE values that were generally lower than 10,000 and often lower than 100. In some cases the MOE was even below 10 meaning that the estimated daily intake is in the range of dose levels causing malignant tumors in experimental animals. This result indicates that the use of PFS containing the genotoxic carcinogens estragole, methyleugenol, safrole or β-asarone might raise a potential concern for human health and would be of high priority for risk management.
文摘The food and nutrition status of the rural poor living in extreme deprivation are precarious in the event of catastrophic events occasioned by climate change. This study aimed at elaborating the potential roles of underutilised plant resources as sources of food in the face of climate change. A total of 37 plant species of different growth habits were sighted within the homesteads in the study communities. The commonest plant species around home provide food, medicine, cash, and cultural or spiritual purposes. These included Manihot esculenta (Cassava), Musa sapentium var. paradisiaca (Plantains) Musa sapentium (banana), Citrus sinensis (orange) and Elaeis guineensis (oil palm). Outside the home compounds to a considerable walking distance around each of the communities, a total of twenty seven (27) plant species and four habitat types (three terrestrial and one aquatic) were encountered, with Elaeis guineensis Jacq. being present in all the terrestrial ecotypes (forest, farmland and fallow regrowth). Many of the plant species encountered within the home compounds are edible;some are medicinal or have spiritual values, while most have multiple uses. Magnifera indica, Dacryodes edulis, Persea americana, Carica papaya, Chrysophyllum albidum and Ananas comosus, are cherished for their tasty fruits. Vernonia amygdalina, Telferia occidentalis, Ocimum brasilicum, Amaranthus hybridus and Gnetum africana are eaten vegetables in soups. Irvingia gabonensis (Ogbono) is valued for its seeds, which are used widely in preparing the Ogbono soup, which is widely popular across Nigeria. The kola nut (Cola nitida), bitter kola (Garcina kola) trees and yams (Dioscorea spp) serve significant spiritual/cultural roles amongst the local populace in the study area—they are always presented at ceremonies such as marriages, funerals and festivals. Plant species with mostly untapped potentials to supply food and nutrients to the rural dwellers in the study area include breadfruit (Artocarpus cummunis), Avocado pear (Persia americana), Bush Mango (Irvingia gabonensis), Native pear (Dacryodes edulis), African Star Apple (Chrysophyllum albidum), and Raphia palm (Raphia hookeri) and Tropical Almond (Terminalia catappa). These plants are reported to contain variable amounts of dietary nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, fats, and fibre. Some of the plants have potentials to supply raw materials to sustain food and beverage industries.
文摘本研究利用天然皂皮皂苷(Quillaja saponin,QS)与大豆分离蛋白(soybean protein isolate,SPI)稳定乳液凝胶的协同效应构建高蛋白、减脂的植物基蛋黄酱(plant-based mayonnaise,PM)。利用静态光散射、激光共聚焦、低形变流变学和质构特性对比分析PM与两种市售蛋黄酱在外观、乳滴粒径大小与分布、硬度、涂抹性、热稳定性和冻融稳定性等方面的特性。结果表明,以10%SPI和0.18%QS或10%SPI、0.18%QS和1%SPI凝胶颗粒(soy protein isolate gel particles,SGPs)为蛋白配料可构建出与商品蛋黄酱在外观、涂抹状态、质构以及流变特性上相媲美的高蛋白减脂PM(10%蛋白质与50%脂肪、11%蛋白质与40%脂肪,以质量分数计)。在该体系中,QS不仅赋予了高蛋白乳化制品黏度稀化的质构调节性,还赋予了SPI基乳液凝胶优越的热稳定性和冻融稳定性。本研究可为“高蛋白”“减脂”PM的开发与应用提供理论与技术指导。
