Almond (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Prunus dulcis</Emphasis> L.) Protein Quality

Three marketing varieties of almonds; Carmel, Mission, and Nonpareil; were analyzed for proximate composition and protein nutritive quality. Moisture, lipids, protein, ash, sugars, and tannins ranges were 3.05-4.33%, 43.37-47.50%, 20.68-23.30%, 3.74-4.56%, 5.35-7.45%, and 0.12-0.18%, respectively. No detectable hemagglutinating and trypsin inhibitory activities were present in Carmel, Mission, and Nonpareil almonds. Amino acid analyses indicated the sulfur amino acids (methionine + cysteine), lysine, and threonine to be the first, second, and third limiting amino acids in almonds when compared to the recommended amino acid pattern for children 2-5-year old. However, compared to the recommended amino acid pattern for adults, sulfur amino acids were the only limiting amino acids in almonds tested. True Protein Digestibility (% TPD) values for Carmel, Mission, and Nonpareil were 88.55 +/- 1.26, 92.25 +/- 1.05, and 82.62 +/- 1.47, respectively. Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Scoring (PDCAAS) values suggested almond proteins to be of poor nutritional quality.     

Enhancement of non‐specific immune responses and disease resistance on oral administration of Nyctanthes arbortristis seed extract in Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters)

The immunomodulatory effect of the seed extract of an Indian medicinal plant Nyctanthes arbortristis L. (NAT) on non‐specific immune responses and disease resistance of tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus was investigated. Chloroform extract was administered orally as a feed supplement at doses of 0.01%, 0.1% or 1% for 3 weeks. Non‐specific immune parameters such as serum lysozyme and alternate complement haemolytic (ACH₅₀) activities, and cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen intermediate (RNI) and myeloperoxidase production and disease resistance against live virulent Aeromonas hydrophila were investigated after 1, 2 or 3 weeks of feeding with chloroform extract‐supplemented diet. The results of this study indicated that feeding tilapia for 2 weeks with selected doses of chloroform extract of NAT seeds significantly enhanced serum lysozyme, alternate complement activities and cellular ROS, RNI and MPO production. It was evident from the disease resistance test that feed supplemented with NAT seed extract at 0.1% or 1% level significantly reduced the mortality of O. mossambicus and a 3‐week feeding with 0.1% extract‐supplemented diet appears to be the optimal regimen for maximal disease resistance. Thus, the study indicates the scope of using the NAT extract as an immunoprophylactic in finfish aquaculture.     

Fingerprinting in cucumber and melon (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cucumis</Emphasis> spp.) Genotypes using morphological and ISSR markers

In the present investigation, 13 Cucumis genotypes from different geographical areas of India were screened for genetic diversity using 19 morphological traits and 15 ISSR primers. The analysis of morphological traits grouped the accessions into six clusters. Cluster V contained the maximum number of genotypes namely Kanivellari, Long Green, Andaman Local, Perundurai Local, and Sempatti Local. Clusters I and VI contained the minimum number of genotypes. Among all the characters, the highest mean value was observed in fruit length (23.38) and the lowest mean value was observed in stripes on the blossom end (1.31). The 15 ISSR primers generated 109 polymorphic alleles. The average number of ISSR alleles generated was 8.3 per primer and the level of polymorphism was 87.20%. The ISSR primer UBC 825 was highly informative with a PIC value of 0.8934. The 13 genotypes were grouped into six clusters based on ISSR markers. Cluster III contained the maximum number of genotypes, namely Kanivellari, Sankagiri Local, Perundurai Local, Long Melon, and Sempatti Local, while Clusters I, II, IV, and V (Karur Local, Andaman Local, Edapaddi Local, and N 78, respectively) contained the minimum number of genotypes. The ISSR profile generated genotypes specific allele namely, UBC 812_700bp and UBC 812_1000bp for Cluster VI which contained Cucumis genotypes collected from the northern part of India. Similarly, UBC 808 produced specific allele UBC 808_650bp formed in Cluster III which contained genotypes collected from Tamil Nadu and Kerala.     

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of sulfur-rich protein (SRP) in soybeans (Glycine max L.) and certain other edible plant seeds

As a result of methionine deficiency, legume proteins are considered to be incomplete, and therefore there is a need to explore ways to improve legume protein amino acid balance. Using rabbit anti-soybean sulfur-rich protein (SRP) polyclonal antibodies (pAb), sensitive immunoassays (nanogram sensitivity) were developed. The immunoassays detected SRP in all soybean seeds and soybean-based commercial samples examined. In addition, the presence of pAb cross-reactive proteins was detected in certain dry beans and oilseeds. The cross-reactive proteins were isolated using purified IgG-based immunoaffinity column chromatography. Biochemical analyses including N-terminal amino acid sequencing and amino acid composition indicated that the cross-reactive proteins were comparable to soybean SRP. The cross-reactive proteins contained methionine (1.6-2.4 residues/100 residues) and cysteine (2.4-3.6 residues/100 residues), which satisfies the FAO/WHO recommended pattern for sulfur amino acids in both adults and children (2-5 years old). The results suggest the presence of constitutive SRPs in several dry beans and oilseeds.     

Assessment of mungbean genotypes for durable resistance to Yellow Mosaic Disease: Genotype × Environment interactions

Yellow mosaic disease (YMD) is the major constraint of mungbean for realizing high productivity worldwide. Moreover, management of disease using YMD‐resistant genotypes is the simplest approach. Therefore, based on a preliminary screening of 220 genotypes during the year 2010 and 2011 at 17 locations, a set of 25 genotypes was further selected to evaluate at six locations over 2 years for identification of more stable resistant genotypes. The genotype and genotype × environment (GGE) analysis indicated that the genotypes and environment effects were significant (P < 0.001) for YMD incidence. Interestingly, the GGE biplot analysis successfully accounted for 74.71 per cent of the total variation with three genotypes (ML 818, ML 1349 and IPM 02‐14) showing high degree of resistance and stability over the locations. Notably, a strong positive association was observed between disease reaction and temperature, relative humidity and rainfall. As crop is grown in diverse growing environments, aforementioned genotypes can be used as stable/durable sources for future breeding programme to develop YMD‐resistant cultivars.     

Near-Infrared-Spectroscopy for Determination of Carbon and Nitrogen in Indian Soils

The present study aims to evaluate the potential of near-infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy to determine the carbon and nitrogen content in soils and also to assess the effectiveness of NIR spectroscopy to predict carbon and nitrogen content in freshly collected soil samples. Soil samples (n = 179) were collected from different locations in India. Soil carbon and nitrogen contents were successfully predicted (R² = 0.90 for carbon and R² = 0.85 for nitrogen) by NIR spectroscopy. The root mean square error (RMSE) and ratio performance deviation (RPD) for the validation of predicted equations for carbon and nitrogen were 0.83 and 2.83 and 0.01 and 6.98, respectively. The efficacy of NIR spectroscopy on the prediction of carbon and nitrogen content in Indian soils is highly reliable. Water content in soil samples could affect the NIR absorbance spectra and in turn affect the quantification of carbon and nitrogen.     

Effects of Modified Atmospheric Packaging Conditions on the Quality Changes of Pasteurized Oyster (Crassostrea belcheri) Meat during Chilled Storage

ABSTRACT

The effects of different atmospheric conditions on the quality and the shelf life of pasteurized oyster meat in chilled storage were investigated. The alternatives tested for pasteurized oyster meat were normal air (Control), 75% CO₂/25% N₂ (MAP-1), 75% CO₂/25% O₂ (MAP-2), 75% CO₂/5% O₂/20% N₂ (MAP-3), and vacuum packing (VP). The various observations of microbiological (total viable count (TVC), Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas spp., lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and hydrogen sulfide–producing bacteria), physical (color coordinates L*, a*, and b*, and cutting strength), chemical (moisture, pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), peroxide value (PV), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)) and sensory properties were performed every 3 days over a total of 27 days. During storage across all the treatments, L*, a*, cutting strength, pH, moisture content, and sensory scores decreased; whereas, b*, TVB-N, PV, TBARS, and microorganisms increased. However, among the various alternatives, MAP-1 had the best retention of oyster quality during storage. Based on sensory and microbiological qualities, the shelf lives in chilled storage were 9 days for control, 15 days for VP, 21 days for MAP-2 and MAP-3, and 24 days for MAP-1-treated cases.     

Immunostimulatory effects of N‐Oxide–Quaternary alkaloid fraction of a marine Chlorophycean macroalga in the striped murrel,Channa striata (Bloch)

N‐Oxide–Quaternary Alkaloid Fraction (NOQAF) of a Chlorophycean macroalga, Caulerpa scalpelliformis (R.Br.) C. Ag f. denticulata (Deaisne) Weber van Bosse (Patent filed) was intraperitoneally administered at different doses (0, 2, 20 or 200 mg kg^?1 body weight) in different groups of Channa striata to assess its effect on the non‐specific immune responses and disease resistance against live virulent Aeromonas hydrophila. A reference positive control [MacroGard (Biotec Pharmacon ASA, Norway) 20 mg kg^?1 body weight] was simultaneously maintained to compare its efficacy. The fraction (NOQAF) has been found to enhance the serum lysozyme, peroxidase, antiprotease and alternate complement activities and the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species production and peroxidase activity by the peripheral blood leucocytes than the control group during the study period. On experimental challenge with live virulent A. hydrophila, maximum RPS values of 88.8 and 87.4 were noted in the groups treated with single dose of 20 mg kg^?1 and double dose of 2 mg kg^?1 of NOQAF respectively. In conclusion, the intraperitoneal administration of the N‐Oxide–Quaternary Alkaloid Fraction (NOQAF) of C. scalpelliformis has been found to significantly enhance the non‐specific immune responses and disease resistance against A. hydrophila in Channa striata.     

Mutant prevention concentration,pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic integration,and modeling of enrofloxacin data established in diseased buffalo calves

The pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling of enrofloxacin data using mutant prevention concentration (MPC) of enrofloxacin was conducted in febrile buffalo calves to optimize dosage regimen and to prevent the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. The serum peak concentration (C_max), terminal half‐life (t_1/2K₁₀₎, apparent volume of distribution (Vd_(area)/F), and mean residence time (MRT) of enrofloxacin were 1.40 ± 0.27 μg/mL, 7.96 ± 0.86 h, 7.74 ± 1.26 L/kg, and 11.57 ± 1.01 h, respectively, following drug administration at dosage 12 mg/kg by intramuscular route. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration, and MPC of enrofloxacin against Pasteurella multocida were 0.055, 0.060, and 1.45 μg/mL, respectively. Modeling of ex vivo growth inhibition data to the sigmoid E_max equation provided AUC_24 h/MIC values to produce effects of bacteriostatic (33 h), bactericidal (39 h), and bacterial eradication (41 h). The estimated daily dosage of enrofloxacin in febrile buffalo calves was 3.5 and 8.4 mg/kg against P. multocida/pathogens having MIC₉₀ ≤0.125 and 0.30 μg/mL, respectively, based on the determined AUC_24 h / MIC values by modeling PK/PD data. The lipopolysaccharide‐induced fever had no direct effect on the antibacterial activity of the enrofloxacin and alterations in PK of the drug, and its metabolite will be beneficial for its use to treat infectious diseases caused by sensitive pathogens in buffalo species. In addition, in vitro MPC data in conjunction with in vivo PK data indicated that clinically it would be easier to eradicate less susceptible strains of P. multocida in diseased calves.     

Starch with a slow digestion property produced by altering its chain length, branch density, and crystalline structure

The hypothesis of increasing the branch density of starch to reduce its digestion rate through partial shortening of amylopectin exterior chains and the length of amylose was investigated. Starch products prepared using beta-amylase, beta-amylase and transglucosidase, maltogenic alpha-amylase, and maltogenic alpha-amylase and transglucosidase showed significant reduction of rapidly digested starch by 14.5%, 29.0%, 19.8%, and 31.0% with a concomitant increase of slowly digested starch by 9.0%, 19.7%, 5.7%, and 11.0%, respectively. The resistant starch content increased from 5.1% to 13.5% in treated starches. The total contents of the prebiotics isomaltose, isomaltotriose, and panose (Isomaltooligosaccharides) were 2.3% and 5.5%, respectively, for beta-amylase/transglucosidase- and maltogenic alpha-amylase/transglucosidase-treated starches. The molecular weight distribution of enzyme-treated starches and their debranched chain length distributions, analyzed using high-performance size-exclusion chromatography with multiangle laser light scattering and refractive index detection (HPSEC-MALLS-RI) and HPSEC-RI, showed distinctly different patterns among starches with different enzyme treatments. A larger proportion of low molecular weight fractions appeared in starches treated additionally with transglucosidase. All enzyme-treated starches showed a mixture of B- and V-type X-ray diffraction patterns, and 1H NMR spectra showed a significant increase of alpha-1,6 linkages. Both the increase of the starch branch density and the crystalline structure in the treated starches likely contribute to their slow digestion property.