Reactivity of red palm oil and cyanide ion: Implications for the cyanogen content of palm oil-treated gari

Red palm oil was tested for the reactivity of its components with CN^-, and alkaline picrate as the color developing reagent. Palm oil components have a low-level absorbance at 490 nm which is reduced significantly (p0.01) after reaction with CN^-. Hydrolysis of palm oil components, and reaction of the hydrolysis products with CN^- significantly increased the absorbance at 490 nm. In contrast, after reaction of palm oil with alkaline picrate, the absorbance at 490 nm is very high; this is reduced significantly by reaction with CN^-, hydrolysis with 0.2 M NaOH , and reaction of the hydrolysis products with CN^- before treatment with alkaline picrate. The results indicate that palm oil component(s) sequester CN^- into a complex which may not be correctly estimated during cyanide quantification, resulting in the absence, or low levels of cyanide in palm oil-fried gari as earlier reported.     

Comparative effects of scopoletin and cyanide on rat brain, 1: Histopathology

Four week old male Wistar rats were used to study the effects of scopoletin and cyanide on the histopathology of rat brain. The rats were divided into a control and three experimental groups (2–4) and fed rations containing 0.07 g scopoletin/100 g, 0.07g scopoletin + 1.8 mg cyanide/100 g and 1.8 mg cyanide/100 g, respectively. These levels of scopoletin and cyanide corresponded to levels found in a processed cassava diet. The first group was fed the same ration as the others but without scopoletin and cyanide. The rats were fed these rations for twelve months. Rats from each group were sacrificed at the third, sixth, ninth and twelfth months; the relative brain weight of the rats (% of body weight) and histology of their brains were studied. The lipid peroxide levels of the rat brains were also studied at the twelfth month. The results showed that the relative brain weights of the rats fed scopoletin + cyanide were significantly (p<0.05) less than that of the control from the third month. There were no significant changes in the lipid peroxide levels of the rat brains in the various groups. Histological examination of the brains of the rats sugested that scopoletin is involved in the pathogenesis of the neuropathy seen in cassava consuming populations.     

Nutrient content of young cassava leaves and assessment of their acceptance as a green vegetable in Nigeria

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) leaves contained a high level of crude protein (29.3–32.4% dry weight) compared to a conventional vegetable,Amaranthus (19.6%). Ash was 4.6–6.4% in cassava leaf samples but 13.1% dry weight inAmaranthus. Dietary fibre was very high in all samples (26.9–39% dry weight) while HCN-potential was low (5.1–12.6 mg/100 g dry weight). Tannin was the highest in IITA red cassava leaves (29.7 mg/g) and the lowest inAmaranthus vegetable. In vitro digestibility was very low in oven dried samples (15.6–22.7%). Blanching increased protein content (exceptAmaranthus) and in vitro protein digestibility but decreased ash, minerals, dietary fibre and tannin, while HCN-potential was unchanged. Grinding reduced both HCN-potential and tannin by 84 and 71% respectively while oven drying only reduced the HCN content marginally. Preference studies showed that the highest percentage of respondents (25.3%) preferredAmaranthus vegetable, followed by Celosia (17.5%), Talinum (12.4%), garden egg (11.5%), with cassava leaves as the least (0.5%). Organoleptic evaluation rated cassava leaf soup inferior toAmaranthus in terms of appearance, colour and texture but equal in terms of taste and flavour and overall acceptability.     

Physicochemical properties and garification (gari yield) of selected cassava cultivars in Rivers State,Nigeria

Gari was processed from six different cassava cultivars TMS 3575, TMS 3044, hormone treated variety (HTV), TMS 30555, TMS 40944 and TMS 30572. Chemical analyses of the gari samples showed pH values of: 4.0, 4.0, 3.9, 3.6, 3.4, 3.6 and total titratable acidity of 0.99, 0.99, 0.98, 0.85, 0.96, 0.85 (% lactic acid) for TMS 3575, 3044, HTV, 30555, 30572, and 40944 respectively. Physical characteristics of the samples showed the swelling index of 264.5%, 223.5%, 364.0%, 321.3%, 241.3% and 232.7%, water absorption capacity of 1.0 ml g-1, 0.8, 1.5, 1.9, 1.7, 1.9 ml g-1 sample, relative bulk density of 0.29, 0.30, 0.15, 0.17, 0.15 (g cm-3) and gari yield of 34%, 21%, 33%, 24%, and 23%, for cultivars, TMS 3575 (2), 3044, HTV, 30555, 30572, 40944 respectively. Sensory evaluation showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in quality and overall acceptability among the samples while Tukey test showed a difference ( p< 0.05) between HTV and between 3575 and 3044. The cassava pulp from the cultivars and their corresponding gari had HCN content (mg/100 g) ranging from 7.9 to 9.3 for pulp and 1.1 to 1.5 for gari, respectively. The 72 hours fermentation period reduced the HCN in all cultivars by 85%, which is considered to be a safe level for human consumption.     

Consumer acceptability of stiff porridge based on various composite flour proportions of sorghum,maize and cassava

A study was conducted to determine consumer acceptable proportions of flours in sorghum (var. serena) and maize or sorghum, maize and cassava composite flours. Breeder's serena flour extracted at 75 percent was mixed at various proportions with maize or with maize and cassava to constitute composite flours. The various composite flours were made into stiff porridge and presented to a group of panellists for sensory evaluation. The evaluation was conducted by scoring on a hedonic scale of 0–5 for poor to excellent, respectively, for the parameters colour, texture, flavour, taste and overall acceptability. The responses were analysed statistically. Alternatively the panellists were allowed to eat ad-lib any of the presented samples which appealed to them. The results demonstrated that slight incorporation (<10%) of sorghum (var. serena) to maize flour leads to reduction in consumer acceptability. However, increased incorporation of sorghum in excess of 10 percent leads to no significant decrease in consumer acceptability until a level of 30 percent incorporation is exceeded. In sorghum, maize, cassava composite flours the formulation of 30:40:30, respectively, was found to be most acceptable. It is suggested that at this combination of flours desirable textural characteristics of the porridge overrides other factors in contributing to its acceptability.     

Dynamics of phytate-zinc balance of fungi fermented cassava products (gari and flour)

Parsley is one of the medicinal herbs used by diabetics in Turkey. It has been reported to reduce blood glucose levels. In this study the effects of feeding parsley on diabetes-induced free radical mediated injury in rat aorta and heart tissues were investigated. Swiss albino rats were divided into six groups: Control, diabetic, parsley, diabetic + parsley, glibornurid, and diabetic + glibornurid. Rats were subjected to i.p. streptozotocin (STZ, 65 mg/kg) to induce diabetes. On the fourteenth day of the study, either parsley (2 g/kg) or glibornurid (5 mg/kg) were given for 28 days to the diabetic rats. Aorta and heart tissue lipid peroxidation and glutathione levels as well as blood glucose levels were determined. The results of the present study indicate that lipid peroxidation was increased and glutathione levels were decreased in both aorta and heart tissue of the diabetic rats. However, treatment of the diabetic rats with either parsley or glibornurid reversed the effects of diabetes on blood glucose, and tissue lipid peroxidation and glutathione levels.     

Identification of cassava root protein genes

The protein population of cassava root layers was characterized bySDS-PAGE and bidimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. SDS-Pagerevealed the presence of a protein population in the molecular weight rangebetween 94 and 20 kDa. The expression pattern of these proteins was welldefined within the different layers. Partial protein sequence analyses andpreliminary results on the layer-specific expression pattern obtained withNorthern analyses are presented.     

两种菌剂对木薯秆基质发酵效果的影响

为了研究嗜热菌和有机废物发酵菌曲对木薯秆基质化的影响,本试验对6种不同处理(木薯秆、木薯秆+嗜热菌、木薯秆+有机菌曲、木薯秆+鸡粪、木薯秆+嗜热菌+鸡粪、木薯秆+有机菌曲+鸡粪)的木薯秆基质在发酵腐熟过程中的各项理化指标[堆温、总碳(TC)、总氮(TN)、碳/氮(C/N)、pH值、全K(TK)、全P(TP)、电导率(EC)及其他各项物理性状]进行了研究。结果表明,两种菌剂的添加均能加快木薯秆基质的腐熟,但不同处理间腐熟速度有一定差别;两种菌剂的添加对木薯秆基质发酵效果的影响差别不大;发酵结束后,木薯秆基质的各项理化指标完全达到理想基质的要求。因此,两种菌剂可以在木薯秆基质化中进一步研究和应用。     

Preparation and fermentation of rice-defatted soy flour blends: Effect on protein,fat and ash content

Rice-defatted soy flour blends prepared in three proportions viz. 40:60, 50:50 and 60:40 were fermented with buttermilk at 25, 30 and 35°C for 12, 18 and 24h. Fermentation of these blends lowered the pH and raised the titratable acidity, maximum drop in pH and rise in titratable acidity being observed at 35°C for 24h. The fermentation either decreased or did not change the protein content of cereal-legume blends. Fat as well as ash content remained unaltered irrespective of temperature and time period of fermentation.     

Effect of processing on the mycoflora and aflatoxin B1 level of a cassava-based product

Cassava bread was prepared by pre-gelling, battering and baking cassava flour to which were added, in moderate amounts, sugar, yeast solution and edible oil. Baking was at 215°C for 40 min. No mould was isolated from the cassava bread and the mean value of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) for the three subsamples of cassava bread was 0.03 µg/kg. The cassava tuber (Manihot esculenta Crantz), which was used for the production of cassava bread had an initial AFB1 level of 1.91 µg/kg and the dominant mycoflora werePenicillium oxalicum, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium spp and some unidentified fungi.     

Effect of varied fermentation periods on the diabetogenic potential of toasted cassava granules

The effects of exclusive gari diets prepared using varied fermentation periods on the fasting blood glucose levels (FBGL) and glucose tolerance (GT) of rats were studied. Thirty growing male albino rats divided randomly into 5 groups of 6 rats each were used. The 5 groups were each fed gari diets fermented for 0, 24, 48, 72 hours; and a standard rat diet, respectively, for 8 weeks. Data on the total cyanogen content and % crude protein of the diets; FBGL, GT, body weight, water:feed consumption ratio and clinical observations of the rats were collected. Results showed that the total cyanogen content and % crude protein of the diets were depleted as fermentation periods increased. The FBGL of all the gari-fed rats were significantly elevated and their GT significantly impaired with a significant variation between the groups. The elevated FBGL and impaired GT which were found to increase with increase in fermentation period were strongly inversely correlated to the % crude protein content of the diets (r = –0.92 and –0.96 respectively) suggesting that the diabetogenic potential of gari diets strongly depended on its % crude protein content. Shortened fermentation periods leading to production of gari with high total cyanogen content did not induce higher diabetogenicity.     

The effect of processing on total organic acids content and mineral availability of simulated cassava-vegetable diets

Changes in pH, titratable acidity and mineral content (Ca, Fe, Mg, Zn) were estimated in processed cassava products while the mineral content of raw and blanched amaranthus vegetable was determined. pH of fresh cassava (6.5) decreased as total organic acid (0.07%) increased with fermentation period. Fufu and lafun had the lowest pH and the highest total organic acids contents. Fermentation of cassava increased the total calcium and iron contents, reduced magnesium level while zinc remained fairly constant in grated cassava but was reduced when soaked in water (for the preparation of fufu and lafun). Fermentation also increased the availability of these selected minerals in both cassva products and simulated cassava-vegetable diets. Blanching reduced the mineral content of amaranthus vegetable but increased mineral availability. Fermentation of cassava and blanching of vegetables play an important role in making minerals more available and these processing methods should be encouraged to potentially ameliorate the disease states associated with mineral deficiency.     

Properties of thermoplastic starch from cassava bagasse and cassava starch and their blends with poly (lactic acid)

Cassava bagasse is an inexpensive and broadly available waste byproduct from cassava starch production. It contains roughly 50% cassava starch along with mostly fiber and could be a valuable feedstock for various bioproducts. Cassava bagasse and cassava starch were used in this study to make fiber-reinforced thermoplastic starch (TPS_B and TPS_I, respectively). In addition, blends of poly (lactic acid) and TPS_I (20%) and TPS_B (5, 10, 15, 20%) were prepared as a means of producing low cost composite materials with good performance. The TPS and PLA blends were prepared by extrusion and their morphological, mechanical, spectral, and thermal properties were evaluated. The results showed the feasibility of obtaining thermoplastic starches from cassava bagasse. The presence of fiber in the bagasse acted as reinforcement in the TPS matrix and increased the maximum tensile strength (0.60 MPa) and the tensile modulus (41.6 MPa) compared to cassava starch TPS (0.40 and 2.04 MPa, respectively). As expected, blending TPS with PLA reduced the tensile strength (55.4 MPa) and modulus (2.4 GPa) of neat PLA. At higher TPS_B content (20%) the maximum strength (19.9 MPa) and tensile modulus (1.7 GPa) were reduced about 64% and 32%, respectively, compared to the PLA matrix. In comparison, the tensile strength (16.7) and modulus (1.2 GPa) of PLA blends made with TPS_I were reduced 70% and 51% respectively. The fiber from the cassava bagasse was considered a filler since no increase in tensile strength of PLA/TPS blends was observed. The TPS_I (33.1%) had higher elongation to break compared to both TPS_B (4.9%) and PLA (2.6%). The elongation to break increased from 2.6% to 14.5% by blending TPS_I with PLA. In contrast, elongation to break decreased slightly by blending TPS_B with PLA. Thermal analysis indicated there was some low level of interaction between PLA and TPS. In PLA/TPS_B blends, the TPS_B increased the crystallinity of the PLA component compared to neat PLA. The fiber component of TPS_B appeared to have a nucleating effect favoring PLA crystallization.     

菜籽饼粕生物转化与高值化利用技术研究进展

菜籽饼粕是一种利用价值很高的优质植物蛋白资源。由于饼粕中存在硫甙、芥酸、植酸等多种有害成分和抗营养因子,其利用价值和应用范围受到极大限制。生物技术法对于改善饼粕饲用品质、提升综合利用价值、拓宽应用领域等方面具有独特的优势。本文重点介绍了生物技术法在饼粕脱毒、饲用品质改良、发酵生产食用菌和酶制剂等产品的生物转化与高值化利用方面的最新研究进展,并概述了生物技术法应用于饼粕的发展方向。     

木薯非胚性与胚性组织蛋白质双向电泳差异初步分析

以木薯体非胚性和胚性组织为材料研究胚发生的蛋白表达机制,利用IEF/SDS-PAGE凝胶电泳技术,对其蛋白质特异性进行了比较分析,分别得到470和344个清晰的蛋白点。结果表明非胚性组织蛋白质谱和胚性组织蛋白质表达量上存在一定的差异。对其中5个区域中的39个差异显著的点进行分析发现,差异表达上调和下调在2倍以下的蛋白点有6个,上调或下调2倍以上的蛋白点有22个,非胚性组织中特异存在的蛋白点有5个,而胚性组织中特异存在的蛋白点有6个。     

光照强度对大豆产量及品质的影响Ⅰ.全生育期光照强度变化对大豆脂肪和蛋白质含量的影响

在人工控制条件下研究不同光照强度对大豆化学品质的影响,以及自开花后不同时期遮光处理大豆蛋白质、脂肪含量的变化.结果表明,光照强度对不同品质类型的大豆脂肪、蛋白质含量均有很大的影响.随着光照强度的降低,不同品质类型大豆蛋白质含量均呈上升趋势,而脂肪含量均下降,蛋白质脂肪总含量上升.品种间对光照强度变化的敏感程度不同,高蛋白品种对光照强度较迟钝,而高脂肪品种对光照强度较敏感.     

冠菌素诱导冬小麦幼苗抗旱性的初步研究

为研究不同冠菌素浓度对冬小麦抗旱性的诱导效应,以两个冬小麦品种为材料,研究了不同浓度冠菌素对20%PEG-6000模拟干旱条件下幼苗生长及其抗旱性指标的影响.结果表明,无论是抗旱性品种长武134还是水分敏感型品种陕253均表现相同的趋势,即:0.01 μmol·L-1和0.1 μmol·L-1的冠菌素预处理有利于幼苗叶片维持相对含水量,提高可溶性糖、脯氨酸和可溶性蛋白含量;对增加幼苗干重和根系长度、提高根冠比、扩大根表面积、特剐是提高根系活力有显著效应.由此说明,冠菌素能诱导小麦幼苗提高抗旱能力.     

The clinicopathologic significance of enriching grated cassava mash with red palm oil in the production of gari

The neglect of traditional processing methods in the production of gari (toasted cassava granules) has been blamed for reported cases of poisoning following consumption of gari. This study investigatedthe nutritional and clinicopathologic effects of not enriching cassavamash with red palm oil (RPO) during gari production. Two garisamples were produced with and without RPO. Total cyanogen, acetonecyanohydrin, free cyanogen and crude protein contents were not found tobe significantly (p>0.05) different between the two. The samples werefed exclusively to two different groups of Sprague-Dawley rats for a tenweek experimental period during which clinical observations were recordeddaily. At the end, vital body organs were examined grossly and microscopically. There was a significant (p<0.05) reduction in severityand percentage of animals exhibiting clinical abnormalities and lesions ofchronic cyanide poisoning in the group fed gari produced with RPO.This result implies an association between the enrichment of cassava mashwith RPO during gari production and the reduction of severity andpercentage of animals affected by chronic cyanide poisoning.     

Emergence, spread and strategies for controlling the pandemic of cassava mosaic virus disease in east and central Africa

During the 1990s, an epidemic of an unusually severe form of cassava mosaic virus disease (CMD) has expanded to cover virtually all of Uganda, and substantial areas in the neighbouring countries of Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Losses in the generally sensitive local cassava cultivars have been so great that a common farmer response to the problem has been the temporary abandonment of cassava cultivation. As a consequence, the CMD ‘pandemic’ has had a significant destabilising effect on food security in East Africa. In attempting to combat the problem, vigorous efforts have been made to identify, multiply and disseminate resistant cassava germplasm. This has included cultivars obtained from the breeding programme of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), based in Nigeria, as well as local selections derived from IITA parent stock. Whilst considerable success has been realised in controlling the pandemic in Uganda, addressing the problem at the regional level remains a major challenge. This article reviews progress made in recent years, both in understanding the cause and mechanisms behind the pandemic's expansion, and in developing strategies to control it. Particular attention is drawn to the likely threat the pandemic poses to cassava production in the countries of central Africa, most notably the Democratic Republic of Congo, where insecurity currently impedes an assessment of the problem and the ready implementation of control measures. Scientists and other stakeholders with an interest in CMD management are therefore urged to explore innovative mechanisms that will allow them to develop a more comprehensive approach to CMD control in the region.     

Investigations on the effect of traditional food processing,preservation and storage methods on vegetable nutrients: A case study in Tanzania

The effect of traditional food proceesing, preservation and storage methods on vegetable nutrients was studied using cassava, pumpkin and mwage leaves. Traditional cooking method for 90 min for cassava, 50 min for pumpkin and mwage leaves resulted in significant losses in protein, fats and vitamins. Sundrying using traditional mats caused losses of vitamin A of 36.3%, 38.0% and 50.3% for cassava pumpkin and mwage leaves respectively. Storage using earthenware pots for six weeks resulted in significant losses of vitamin C. In general, traditional methods for processing, preservation and storage of vegetables cause significant losses of nutrients, an effect that could account for poor, nutritional status in Morogoro region (Tanzania).