Effect of Different Mulch Materials on Yield and Nutrition Profile of Common Capsicum (Capsicum annuum) Cultivars in Bangladesh

Capsicum is a nutritious vegetable and its cultivation in farms is getting popular in Bangladesh. Although many efforts have lain to explore better yielding and nutritionally rich cultivars with suitable modern cultivation techniques but still have to find the desired outcome. Thus, it’s necessary to conduct further research to identify the high-yielding and nutritious capsicum cultivars in Bangladesh. An experiment was conducted from July 2021 to June 2022 at the Bangladesh Institute of Research and Training on Applied Nutrition (BIRTAN) research field with three cultivars of capsicum: B0 = California Wonder, B1 = BARI Misti Morich-1 and B2 = BARI Misti Morich-2 and three mulching: T0 = No mulching, T1 = Water hyacinth, T2 = Poly Mulching in randomized complete block design with three replications to identify better quality capsicum cultivar and suitable mulching material. Among cultivars the BARI Misti Morich-2 (B2) showed increased agronomic parameters like number of branches and effective branches per plant, leaves length and width, consequently yield and yield contributing traits were also enhanced like fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit diameter and yield per plant (25.97%, 4.54%, 3.64% and 21.43%, respectively). Poly Mulching (T2) increased agronomic traits, yield traits and yield (0.61 kg) than BARI Misti Morich-1 (T1). The combined effect of B2T2 increased the number of branches per plant, effective branches per plant, leaves length and breadth by 40%, 90%, 15.57% and 26.22%, respectively, hence resulting in an increased yield of 20%. BARI Misti Morich-2 cultivar showed an increase in Fe, Zn and Vitamin-C content of 26.24% and 23.10%, 8.82% and 5.14%, and 6.03% and 5.74% than B0 and B1 cultivars, respectively. Therefore, BARI Misti Morich-2 exhibited the improved agronomic, yield and nutritional traits of capsicum under poly mulching among other cultivars in Bangladesh.

Milk fat globule membrane supplementation protects againstβ-lactoglobul-ininduced food allergy in mice via upregulation of regulatory T cells and enhancement of intestinal barrier in a microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids manner

Milk fat globule membrane(MFGM),which contains abundant glycoproteins and phospholipids,exerts beneficial effects on intestinal health and immunomodulation.The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects and possible underlying mechanisms of MFGM on cow’s milk allergy(CMA)in aβ-lactoglobulin(BLG)-induced allergic mice model.MFGM was supplemented to allergic mice induced by BLG at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight.Results demonstrated that MFGM alleviated food allergy symptoms,decreased serum levels of lipopolysaccharide,pro-inflammatory cytokines,immunoglobulin(Ig)E,Ig G1,and Th2 cytokines including interleukin(IL)-4,while increased serum levels of Th1 cytokines including interferon-γand regulatory T cells(Tregs)cytokines including IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β.MFGM modulated gut microbiota and enhanced intestinal barrier of BLG-allergic mice,as evidenced by decreased relative abundance of Desulfobacterota,Rikenellaceae,Lachnospiraceae,and Desulfovibrionaceae,while increased relative abundance of Bacteroidetes,Lactobacillaceae and Muribaculaceae,and enhanced expressions of tight junction proteins including Occludin,Claudin-1 and zonula occludens-1.Furthermore,MFGM increased fecal short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)levels,which elevated G protein-coupled receptor(GPR)43 and GPR109A expressions.The increased expressions of GPR43 and GPR109A induced CD103+dendritic cells accumulation and promoted Tregs differentiation in mesenteric lymph node to a certain extent.In summary,MFGM alleviated CMA in a BLG-induced allergic mice model through enhancing intestinal barrier and promoting Tregs differentiation,which may be correlated with SCFAs-mediated activation of GPRs.These findings suggest that MFGM may be useful as a promising functional ingredient against CMA.

Artificial Intelligence for Global Health: Difficulties and Challenges: A Narrative Review

Global health (GH) aims to improve healthcare for all people on the planet and eradicate all avoidable diseases and deaths. The inception of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is innovating healthcare practices and improving patient outcomes by shuffling enormous volumes of health data—from health records and clinical studies to genetic information analyzing it much faster than humans. AI also helps in the improvement of medical imaging and medical diagnosis. There is an increased optimism regarding the use of applications of AI locally but can these facets be translated globally in the advancement and delivery of healthcare with the help of AI. At present majority of AI developments and applications in health care provide to the needs of developed countries and there is little effort to develop programs which could help to improve healthcare delivery globally. We performed this narrative review to assess the difficulties and discrepancies in implementing AI in global health delivery and find ways to improve.

Toxicological Study of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of a Recipe of Three Plants Used in Traditional Togolese Medicine

This work consisted of assessing the toxicity of a recipe of three plants used in traditional Togolese medicine. Acute and sub-acute toxicity was assessed according to OECD chemical test guidelines n˚423 dated December 17, 2001 and n˚407 dated October 3, 2008 respectively. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2-yl-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test. No significant toxicity was observed after 14 and 28 days, although a dose-dependent decrease in creatinemia was observed in male rats (the recipe to be used to moderate creatinine levels). Cytotoxicity was without effect on NCM 365 cells. The results obtained justify the use of the recipe in traditional medicine.

Nutritional impact of mycotoxins in food animal production and strategies for mitigation

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by filamentous fungi that are commonly detected as natural contaminants in agricultural commodities worldwide.Mycotoxin exposure can lead to mycotoxicosis in both animals and humans when found in animal feeds and food products,and at lower concentrations can affect animal performance by disrupting nutrient digestion,absorption,metabolism,and animal physiology.Thus,mycotoxin contamination of animal feeds represents a significant issue to the livestock industry and is a health threat to food animals.Since prevention of mycotoxin formation is difficult to undertake to avoid contamination,mitigation strategies are needed.This review explores how the mycotoxins aflatoxins,deoxynivalenol,zearalenone,fumonisins and ochratoxin A impose nutritional and metabolic effects on food animals and summarizes mitigation strategies to reduce the risk of mycotoxicity.

Maternal obesity exacerbates the responsiveness of offspring BALB/c mice to cow's milk protein-induced food allergy

Food allergy has become a significant public health problem affecting a large number of people worldwide.Maternal obesity causes inflammation and alters the immune system of offspring,which may exacerbate their food allergy.The aim of this study was to determine whether offspring mice born to obese mothers would have more serve reactions to cow's milk protein-induced food allergy,and further investigate the underlying mechanisms.Female offspring BALB/c mice of mothers with normal and high-fat diets were sensitized withβ-lactoglobulin(BLG),respectively.Maternal obesity increased the serum immunoglobulin E and mouse mast cell protease levels,though did not have significant influence on anaphylactic symptom score,core temperature and diarrhea rate of offspring mice after BLG sensitization.Furthermore,maternal obesity led to a lower level of occludin mRNA expression in BLG-sensitized mice.The mice born to obese mothers exhibited increased mRNA expression levels of GATA-3,interleukin(IL)-4 and IL-10 in jejunum after BLG sensitization,indicating maternal obesity intensified Th2-type biased immune responses.In conclusion,maternal obesity exerted exacerbating effects on the responsiveness of their offspring to cow's milk protein sensitization.

Nutritional Analysis and Determination of Heavy Metal Content of Some Spices from the Northern Region, Bangladesh

Spices are generally consumed because of their medicinal properties, taste, and add flavor to food. Objectives: To determine the nutrient contents and heavy metals of five commonly consumed spices, namely turmeric (Curcuma longa), bay leaf (Laurus nobilis), red chili (Capsicum annuum), coriander (Coriander sativum), and black cumin (Nigella sativa) were collected from the local market of Northern zone, Bangladesh and were analyzed. Methods: Nutrient composition was assessed by proximate analysis, trace and heavy metals by atomic absorption spectrophotometry while the indophenol method was used to determine vitamin C. Result: The results revealed that spices are good sources of carbohydrate, fiber, and fat. The highest levels of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, protein, and fat were observed in turmeric (71.1%), black cumin (40.0%), red chili (16.77%), and coriander (17.8%) respectively. Vitamin C was present in trace amounts ranging from 0.04 to 0.1 mg/100g, except black cumin (35.0 mg/100g). Essential trace minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron were significantly present in black cumin and bay leaf. Most of the heavy metal levels in the spices were appreciable amounts i.e. much lesser than the statutory safe limit approved by WHO and FAO for some of the samples. Conclusion: The current study concluded that the investigated spices are nutritionally rich, and heavy metal levels in the examined samples are safe for human consumption.

A Comparative Study on Feeding Practice and Nutrition Status among 6-23 Months Age Children

To investigate the Infant and Young Child Feeding Practice and Nutrition status among 6-23 months age group children in nutrition intervention （national nutrition program） and non-intervention areas. Nutrition intervention has been proposed to reduce the risk of malnutrition. It was a comparative cross-sectional study. A total of 360 households, of which 180 were from the nutrition intervention area each with at least a child aged between 6-23 months were randomly selected. Statistical package for Social Scientists （SPSS/PC^＋） was used for data entry and analysis. Nutritional status that is weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-height were computed using anthro software. T-test, chi-square and Pearson＇s correlation （p 〈 0.05） were administered to compare the two groups. There was a significant difference between the intervention and non intervention groups in relation to the incidence of initiation of breast feeding, prelacteal and exclusive breast feeding and complementary feeding （p 〈 0.05）. The prevalence of wasting （p = 0.004）, stunting （p = 0.015） and underweight （p = 0.003） was observed to be greater for non NNP area compared with the group of NNP area and association was found between those areas. In the study showed that the Infant and Young Child Feeding Practice and Nutritional status are better in nutrition intervention area.

Nutritional Status and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Wondo Genet District, Southern Ethiopia

Inadequate quality and quantity diet is one of the major reasons for high levels of malnutrition in pregnant women. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Wondo Genet District, Southern Ethiopia. A two-stage cluster sampling technique was used to select a representative sample of 153 pregnant women aged 19-49 years from three rural villages （＂Kebeles＂）. Energy and nutrient intakes from foods were calculated from one-day weighed food records on a sub-sample （n = 77）. The result of the study showed that the intakes of most nutrients were lower than the recommended intake. The energy intake of the study participants both in 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy were 2,308 kcal and 1,420.5 kcal compared to the recommended 2,340 kcal and 2,452 kcal, respectively. Except iron, almost all micronutrient intakes were lower than the recommended intake. Vitamin A intake was 3/ag compared with the recommended 800μg, while protein intake of the study respondents in 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy was 45.9 g and 31.5 g, respectively, compared with the recommended 71 g. Risk factors for undernutrition were multiple pregnancy and no consumption of cereal-based foods. This study revealed that the energy and nutrient intake of the pregnant women in study area was below the recommended intakes. Furthermore, the situation might be aggravated by high phytate content food consumption reported. Nutritional status of pregnant women in study area was not adequate to support the increased energy and nutrient requirement of the participants.

Anxiolytic property of hydro-alcohol extract of Lactuca sativa and its effect on behavioral activities of mice

Lactuca sativa, belonging to the Asteraceae family, is a leafy vegetable known for its medicinal properties. This study aimed to understand the mechanism of Lactuca sativa extract with respect to pharmacological action. We investigated the anxiolytic effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of leaves of Lactuca sativa on mice. The behav- ioral tests performed on mice models to assess anti-anxiety properties were： open field test （OFT）, elevated plus maze test （EPM）, elevated T maze test, and marble burying test. Increased locomotor activity and time spent in the ＂open-ann＂ were observed in extract fed group. Malondialdehyde （MDA） and nitrite levels were decreased, cata- lase and glutathione levels were increased in Lactuca sativa treated mice. The data obtained in the present study suggests that the extract of Lactuca sativa can afford significant protection against anxiolytic activity.

Emblica officinalis improves glycemic status and oxidative stress in STZ induced type 2 diabetic model rats

Objective:To evaluate the antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of Emblica officinalis(E.officinalis)fruit on normal and type 2 diabetic rats.Methods:Type 2 diabetes was induced into the male Long-Evans rats.The rats were divided into nine groups including control groups receiving water,type 2 diabetic controls,type 2 diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide(T2GT)and type 2diabetic rats treated with aqueous extract of fruit pulp of E.officinalis.They were fed orally for8 weeks with a single feeding.Blood was collected by cutting the tail tip on 0 and 28 days and by decapitation on 56 day.Packed red blood cells and serum were used for evaluating different biochemical parameters.Results:Four weeks administration of aqueous extract of E.officinalis improved oral glucose tolerance in type 2 rats and after 8 weeks it caused significant(P<0.007)reduction in fasting serum glucose level compared to 0 day.Triglycerides decreased by 14%but there was no significant change in serum ALT,creatinine,cholesterol and insulin level in any group.Furthermore,reduced erythrocyte malondialdehyde level showed no significant change(P<0.07)but reduced glutathione content was found to be increased significantly(P<0.05).Conclusions:The aqueous extract of E.officinalis has a promising antidiabetic and antioxidant properties and may be considered for further clinical studies in drug development.

Comparing invasive effects of five foodborne bacterial pathogens in human embryonic intestine 407 cells and human ileocecum HCT-8 cells

Objective: To refine the infectious doses of enteric bacterial pathogens in animal assays and vaccine clinical trials by studying the invasion kinetics of five bacterial pathogens with human intestinal cells.Methods: Utilizing in vitro cultured cell invasion assays with gentamicin-killing step,the invasive effects were analyzed in foodborne pathogens including Salmonella,Shigella, Yersinia, Escherichia coli(E. coli) O157 and opportunistic pathogens Citrobacter in human embryonic intestine 407 cells and ileocecum HCT-8 cells at multiplicities of infection(MOIs) of 0.04–4 000.00 E. coli HS served as a noninvasive control.Results: The study results showed that the bacterial invasive efficiency and the average number of internalized bacteria per host cell changed with different starting MOIs. Higher starting MOIs did not always produce more bacterial internalization. The bacterial invasion effects varied with different bacterial strains and host cell lines. E. coli O157:H7 did invade human ileocecum HCT-8 cells.Conclusions: This study shows that these bacteria possess different invasive patterns at various starting MOIs and also in different cell lines. The results could help to figure out the appropriate infectious doses of the bacteria in animal assays and in vaccine clinical trials. The bacterial invasion kinetics is also valuable in evaluating the safety and efficacy of live attenuated bacterial vaccines.

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 in Four Children Cases

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF-1 or Von Recklinghausen disease) is an autosomal dominant genetic disease, characterized by an extreme variability of its clinical expression which is also found in the same family. Our work focuses on the exploitation of four cases of patients with NF-1 who were enrolled in the paediatric neurology consultation at Rabat Children’s Hospital. They are two infants and two children. Otherwise the diagnosis was made in front of the existence of café au lait and lentiginous spots in two boys, also the existence of café au lait spots and abnormalities in brain imaging in two girls. Thus an evolution was marked by a favorable outcome for three patients and neurological sequelae in one patient.

Quality Evaluation of Ginger Candy Prepared by Osmotic Dehydration Techniques

The study was carried out to develop and compare Ginger candy from fresh indigenous and China Ginger. Ginger was immersed into the sugar solution with the concentrations of 50%, 60% and 70% sugar solution. Moisture, ash, protein, fat, crude fiber and total sugar content and organoleptic quality and microbial status of the prepared candy were analyzed. Moisture, ash, protein, fat and crude fiber content was found to be lower with increased concentration of sugar solution used, whereas total sugar content was found to be higher. Total bacterial count was increased with increasing the concentration of sugar solution. The best characteristic of Ginger candy was found with 50% sugar solution, with highest nutrient and lowest microbial load than candy prepared with 60% and 70% sugar solution.

A Study on Tomato Candy Prepared by Dehydration Technique Using Different Sugar Solutions

The aim of the research was to develop a self-stable dehydrated tomato product using different sugar solutions and to study the effects of the sugar solution on the characteristic of tomato candy. Tomato was immersed into the sugar solution with the concentrations of 40%, 50% and 60% for 24 hours. Moisture, ash, protein, fat, vitamin C, acidity, total sugar, crude fiber, total SO2 and salt content and organoleptic quality and microbiological status of the prepared candy were analyzed. There was a tendency of decreasing moisture, ash, protein, fat, vitamin C, acidity, crude fiber and increasing total sugar content with increased concentration of sugar solution used. On the microbiological analysis, total bacteria and total fungus load were increased with increasing the concentration of sugar solution. The best characteristic of tomato candy was found with 40% sugar solution, with highest nutrient and sensory score and lowest microbial load than candy prepared with 50% and 60% sugar solution.

Early Childhood Development (0 - 6 Years Old) from Healthy to Pathologic: A Review of the Literature

Early childhood development involves an appropriate global intervention concerning the different areas of development such as: physical, cognitive, language and socio-emotional [1]. Especially during the first six years of life in an adequate environment rich in exchange and interaction. We will present in this article a review of the literature concerning normal early childhood development, focus firstly in normal development’s steps, the importance of first experiences and first aid with a stable and caring attachment figure. second, we will describe the various developmental disorders, occurring during this age group which extends from birth to 6 years and based on the DSM5 classification, namely that developmental delay may concern only one aspect of development (e.g. language delay or motor delay specifically) or concern the different aspects of development (overall development delay). The dynamics of development is also important to clarify because schematically we contrast the pathologies fixed to progressive pathologies (where we find the concepts of stagnation or regression in the development of the child). We will discuss in the third chapter, the interest of early detection as well as the multiple clinical and psychometric diagnostic tools, which aim to detect any delay or disorder in order to initiate appropriate care and minimize the long-term consequences.

Anxiolytic property of Lactuca sativa,effect on anxiety behaviour induced by novel food and height

Objective:To study anxiolytic property of hydro alchohol extract and to estimate polyphenols present in the extract by HPLC.Methods:To evaluate anxiolytic properly two animal models were used viz.Elevated T maze and hyponeophagia.Diazepam(1 mg/kg body wt.) served as the standard anxiolvtic agent for all the tests.The dried extract of the plant leaf in doses of 100.200 and 400 mg/kg body weight was administered orally to mice for duration of 1? or 30 days and locomotor and anxiolytic activities were performed.Polyphenols was estimated using HPLC. Results:The HPLC analysis of the polyphenols revealed the presence chlorogenic acid,vanillin, epicatechin,caffeic acid,rutin hydrate,sinapic acid,quercetin-3-rhamnoside.p-coumeric acid and quercitin.Time spent and number of entries into the open arm was improved in 30 days treated animals than that of 15 days treated groups,200 and 400 mg/kg body weight treated group showed significant results when comparing with the control group.Conclusions:Te hydro alcohol extract rich in Polyphenols and other secondary metabolites is a potent anxiolytic agent.

Phytochemical composition of Caesalpinia crista extract as potential source for inhibiting cholinesterase and β-amyloid aggregation: Significance to Alzheimer's disease

Objective: To screen plant extract fractions and elucidate the components present in Caesalpinia crista(C. crista) leaves for cholinergic and anti-amyloidogenic activities for the treatment of Alzheimer's diseases. Methods: This work has been carried out to study the action of C. crista extracts from nonpolar to polar solvents toward inhibition of oxidative stress, cholinergic and amyloidosis. The antioxidant activity was studied using DPPH total antioxidant assay; cholinergic assay by Ellman's method and anti-amyloidogenic assay by thioflavin-T fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. Results: The quantification of polyphenols was carried out following C. crista methanolic extract(CCMeOH) HPLC fingerprinting, along with LC-MS and elucidated by MS LAMPS database. GC-MS of CCMeOH was screened for potential moieties. In vitro experimental results showed that the CCMe OH was potential extract that exhibited active inhibition of antioxidant property, cholinergic enzymes acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. For anti-amyloidogenic evaluations, among all the extracts, the CCMe OH was found to have the potential toward inhibiting the oligomers, fibrillation of Aβ42 with good defibrillation of amyloid cascading properties. Conclusions: These results are also supported by the presence of polyphenols as the active ingredients. Multi-potent target drug therapy is a promising option in treating the Alzheimer's diseases. Methanolic extract of C. crista shows potential activity against cholinergic enzymes, Aβ42 aggregation with antioxidant activity.

Regulatory Role of Free Fatty Acids (FFAs)—Palmitoylation and Myristoylation

Multicellular organisms use chemical messengers to transmit signals among organelles and to other cells. Relatively small hydrophobic molecules such as lipids are excellent candidates for this signaling purpose. In most proteins, palmitic acid and other saturated and some unsaturated fatty acids are esterified to the free thiol of cysteines and to the N-amide terminal. This palmitoylation process enhances the surface hydrophobicity and membrane affinity of protein substrates and plays important roles in modulating proteins’ trafficking, stability, and sorting etc. Protein palmitoylation has been involved in numerous cellular processes, including signaling, apoptosis, and neuronal transmission. The palmitoylation process is involved in multiple diseases such as Huntington’s disease, various cardiovascular and T-cell mediated immune disorders, as well as cancer. Protein palmitoylation through the thioester (S-acylation) is unique in that it is the only reversible lipid modification. Our study on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and deoxynivalenol (DON) treatment to rats provides some insights to the complex role of protein palmitoylation in chemical and microbial toxicity. In contrast, myrisoylated proteins contain the 14-carbon fatty acid myristate attached via amide linkage to the N-terminal glycine residue of protein, and occur cotranslationally. The bacterial outer membrane enzyme lipid A palmitoyltransferase (PagP) confers resistance to host immune defenses by transferring a palmitate chain from a phospholipid to the lipid A component of LPS. PagP is sensitive to cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMP) which are included among the products of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signal transduction pathway. This modification of lipid A with a palmitate appears to both and protects the pathogenic bacteria from host immune defenses and attenuates the activation of those same defenses through the TLR4 signal transduction pathway.

Prevalence of Contagious Diseases of School Going Children in Bangladesh

Children are becoming increasingly vulnerable to contagious disease around the world. It also leads to chronic health problems. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of contagious diseases in children of 5 - 12 years from five government primary schools (class II to V) in Tangail City, Bangladesh using multistage sampling method. Data were collected using a carry home questionnaire and diseases screening examination was done in the school. Prevalence of common contagious diseases was calculated. A total of 84 students were screened to have contagious diseases by clinical examination, giving a prevalence rate of 8.76% from 958 participated school children. The prevalence of contagious disease among the affected children in the study was found 30.95% for scabies, while 20.24% for influenza and 7.14%, 9.52%, 15.48%, 5.95%, & 10.71% for typhoid, chicken pox, measles, pneumonia, and whooping cough, respectively. Anthropometric measurements were recorded which indicated that 48.8% of children were well-nourished and 21.4%, 17.9%, & 11.9% of children were underweight, stunted, and wasted, respectively. However, these data are extremely important to define the problem and to design proper intervention strategies.