Removal of copper (II) from aqueous solution by adsorption onto low-cost adsorbents

The use of low-cost adsorbents was investigated as a replacement for current costly methods of removing metals from aqueous solution. Removal of copper (II) from aqueous solution by different adsorbents such as shells of lentil (LS), wheat (WS), and rice (RS) was investigated. The equilibrium adsorption level was determined as a function of the solution pH, temperature, contact time, initial adsorbate concentration and adsorbent doses. Adsorption isotherms of Cu (II) on adsorbents were determined and correlated with common isotherm equations such as Langmuir and Freundlich models. The maximum adsorption capacities for Cu (II) on LS, WS and RS adsorbents at 293, 313 and 333 K temperature were found to be 8.977, 9.510, and 9.588; 7.391, 16.077, and 17.422; 1.854, 2.314, and 2.954 mg g(-1), respectively. The thermodynamic parameters such as free energy (delta G0), enthalpy (delta H0) and entropy changes (delta S0) for the adsorption of Cu (II) were computed to predict the nature of adsorption process. The kinetics and the factors controlling the adsorption process were also studied. Locally available adsorbents were found to be low-cost and promising for the removal of Cu (II) from aqueous solution.

Consumption of dry beans, peas, and lentils could improve diet quality in the US population

The US Department of Agriculture's MyPyramid guidelines introduced a near doubling of the dietary recommendations for vegetables. These recommendations target specific subgroups of vegetables, including dry beans and peas. Dry beans and peas provide an array of nutrients and phytochemicals that have been shown to have beneficial health effects, yet consumption levels in the United States are quite low. Few studies have examined the influence of legume consumption on nutrient intakes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess nutrient and food group intakes of dry bean and pea consumers compared to nonconsumers. Dietary intake data from the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for adults aged > or =19 years was used. Results show that on any given day only 7.9% of adults are consuming dry beans and peas; Mexican Americans or other Hispanics are more likely to be consumers than nonconsumers. Consuming approximately (1/2) c dry beans or peas resulted in higher intakes of fiber, protein, folate, zinc, iron, and magnesium with lower intakes of saturated fat and total fat. These data support the specific recommendation for dry beans and peas as part of the overall vegetable recommendation. Increased consumption of dry beans and peas-economical and nutrient-rich foods-could improve the diet quality of Americans.

Nutritional and health benefits of pulses

Pulses (beans, peas, and lentils) have been consumed for at least 10 000 years and are among the most extensively used foods in the world. A wide variety of pulses can be grown globally, making them important both economically as well as nutritionally. Pulses provide protein and fibre, as well as a significant source of vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, folate, and magnesium, and consuming half a cup of beans or peas per day can enhance diet quality by increasing intakes of these nutrients. In addition, the phytochemicals, saponins, and tannins found in pulses possess antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic effects, indicating that pulses may have significant anti-cancer effects. Pulse consumption also improves serum lipid profiles and positively affects several other cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as blood pressure, platelet activity, and inflammation. Pulses are high in fibre and have a low glycemic index, making them particularly beneficial to people with diabetes by assisting in maintaining healthy blood glucose and insulin levels. Emerging research examining the effect of pulse components on HIV and consumption patterns with aging populations indicates that pulses may have further effects on health. In conclusion, including pulses in the diet is a healthy way to meet dietary recommendations and is associated with reduced risk of several chronic diseases. Long-term randomized controlled trials are needed to demonstrate the direct effects of pulses on these diseases.

Effect of fortified complementary food supplementation on child growth in rural Bangladesh: a cluster-randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Growth faltering in the first 2 years of life is high in South Asia where prevalence of stunting is estimated at 40-50%. Although nutrition counselling has shown modest benefits, few intervention trials of food supplementation exist showing improvements in growth and prevention of stunting.

METHODS

A cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted in rural Bangladesh to test the effect of two local, ready-to-use foods (chickpea and rice-lentil based) and a fortified blended food (wheat-soy-blend++, WSB++) compared with Plumpy'doz, all with nutrition counselling vs nutrition counselling alone (control) on outcomes of linear growth (length and length-for-age z-score, LAZ), stunting (LAZ < -2), weight-for-length z-score (WLZ) and wasting (WLZ < -2) in children 6-18 months of age. Children (n = 5536) were enrolled at 6 months of age and, in the food groups, provided with one of the allocated supplements daily for a year.

RESULTS

Growth deceleration occurred from 6 to 18 months of age but deceleration in LAZ was lower (by 0.02-0.04/month) in the Plumpy'doz (P = 0.02), rice-lentil (< 0.01), and chickpea (< 0.01) groups relative to control, whereas WLZ decline was lower only in Plumpy'doz and chickpea groups. WSB++ did not impact on these outcomes. The prevalence of stunting was 44% at 18 months in the control group, but lower by 5-6% (P ≤ 0.01) in those receiving Plumpy'doz and chickpea. Mean length and LAZ at 18 months were higher by 0.27-0.30 cm and 0.07-0.10 (all P < 0.05), respectively, in all four food groups relative to the control.

CONCLUSIONS

In rural Bangladesh, small amounts of daily fortified complementary foods, provided for a year in addition to nutrition counselling, modestly increased linear growth and reduced stunting at 18 months of age.

Recommendations by health organizations for pulse consumption

The present paper aims to study why and how health organizations recommend the consumption of pulses such as beans, chickpeas or lentils. Although it is recognized that frequent pulse consumption may reduce serum cholesterol levels and helps reduce risks of coronary heart disease and diabetes, these advantages are scarcely mentioned by health-promoting associations, i.e. vegetarians and organizations helping people to reduce the risks for chronic diseases. Pulses, especially common beans, are rather considered as whole grains that provide plenty of proteins, starch, dietary fibres, minerals and vitamins. Many organizations refer to the food guide pyramid to advise their members, and place beans either in the third part, together with meat, in the second one with fruits and vegetables, or in the bottom part with starchy foods. Whatever their place, they have acquired the status of staple food for anyone who wants to eat a healthy diet.

Compared digestibility of plant protein isolates by using the INFOGEST digestion protocol

The use of ingredients based on plant protein isolates is being promoted due to sustainability and health reasons. However, it is necessary to explore the behaviour of plant protein isolates during gastrointestinal digestion including the profile of released free amino acids and the characterization of resistant domains to gastrointestinal digestion. The aim of the present study was to monitor protein degradation of four legume protein isolates: garden pea, grass pea, soybean and lentil, using the harmonized Infogest in vitro digestion protocol. In vitro digests were characterized regarding protein, peptide and free amino acid content. Soybean was the protein isolate with the highest percentage of insoluble nitrogen at the end of the digestion (12%), being this fraction rich in hydrophobic amino acids. Free amino acids were mainly released during the intestinal digestion, comprising 21-24% of the total nitrogen content, while the percentage of nitrogen corresponding to peptides ranged from 66 to 76%. Legume globulins were resistant to gastric digestion whereas they were hydrolysed into peptides and amino acids during the intestinal phase. However, the molecular weight (MW) distribution demonstrated that all intestinal digests, except those from soybean, contained peptides with MW > 4 kDa at the end of gastrointestinal digestion. The profile of free amino acids released during digestion supports legume protein isolates as an excellent source of essential amino acids to be used in protein-rich food products. Peptides released during digestion matched with previously reported epitopes from the same plant species or others, explaining the ability to induce allergic reactions and cross-linked reactivity.

A Comparison of a Pulse-Based Diet and the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes Diet in Combination with Exercise and Health Counselling on the Cardio-Metabolic Risk Profile in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

We compared the effects of a low-glycemic index pulse-based diet, containing lentils, beans, split peas, and chickpeas, to the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet on cardio-metabolic measures in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Ninety-five women (18⁻35 years) enrolled in a 16-week intervention; 30 women in the pulse-based and 31 in the TLC groups completed the study. Women participated in aerobic exercise training (minimum 5 days/week for 45 min/day) and were counselled (monthly) about PCOS and lifestyle modification. Women underwent longitudinal follow-up post-intervention. The pulse-based group had a greater reduction in total area under the curve for insulin response to a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (mean change ± SD: -121.0 ± 229.9 vs. -27.4 ± 110.2 µIU/mL × min; p = 0.05); diastolic blood pressure (-3.6 ± 6.7 vs. -0.2 ± 6.7 mmHg, p = 0.05); triglyceride (-0.2 ± 0.6 vs. 0.0 ± 0.5 mmol/L, p = 0.04); low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-0.2 ± 0.4 vs. -0.1 ± 0.4 mmol/L, p = 0.05); total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TC/HDL-C; -0.4 ± 0.4 vs. 0.1 ± 0.4, p < 0.001); and a greater increase in HDL-C (0.1 ± 0.2 vs. -0.1 ± 0.2 mmol/L, p < 0.01) than the TLC group. Decreased TC/HDL-C (p = 0.02) at six-month and increased HDL-C and decreased TC/HDL-C (p ≤ 0.02) at 12-month post-intervention were maintained in the pulse-based group. A pulse-based diet may be more effective than the TLC diet at improving cardio-metabolic disease risk factors in women with PCOS.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

CinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT01288638.

Relationship between Lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive alpha-fetoprotein and pathologic features of hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM

We investigated pathological features of Lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive alpha-fetoprotein (AFP-L3)-positive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in order to seek a pathological basis of poor prognosis of HCC patients with elevated AFP-L3.

METHODS

A total of 111 patients with HCC < or =5 cm in diameter who underwent hepatic resection were studied. Serum AFP-L3 concentration was measured within a month prior to surgery by lectin-affinity electrophoresis coupled with antibody-affinity blotting, and expressed as AFP-L3 percentage of total AFP. AFP-L3 of 10% or higher was judged to be positive. Pathologic features of resected HCC specimens were evaluated and classified concerning growth pattern (expansive or infiltrative growth), capsule formation, capsule infiltration, septal formation, portal vein invasion, hepatic vein invasion, bile duct invasion, and intrahepatic metastasis. These macroscopic and microscopic findings were compared between AFP-L3-positive and negative HCC specimens.

RESULTS

Thirty-three (29.7%) were positive for AFP-L3. The prevalence of HCC with infiltrative growth, with capsule infiltration, with septum formation, with portal vein invasion, and with hepatic vein invasion was significantly higher in AFP-L3-positive group (P=0.0121, 0.0290, 0.0442, 0.0314, and 0.0433, respectively). These pathologic features reportedly indicate the progression of the tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

AFP-L3-positive HCC had several pathologic features of progressed state of HCC, which accounted for the AFP-L3 as an indicator of poor prognosis of HCC.

Cortical granules behave differently in mouse oocytes matured under different conditions

BACKGROUND

To better understand the differences between in vivo (IVO) and in vitro (IVM) matured oocytes, we studied the chronological changes in cortical granule (CG) distribution and nuclear progression during maturation, and the competence of CG release and embryo development of mouse oocytes matured under different conditions.

METHODS

Oocytes matured in vivo or in different culture media were used and CG distribution and release were assessed by fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled Lens culinaris agglutinin and laser confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

Tempos of nuclear maturation and CG redistribution were slower, and competence for CG exocytosis, cleavage and blastulation were lower in the IVM oocytes than in the IVO oocytes. These parameters also differed among oocytes matured in different culture media. Hypoxanthine (HX, 4 mM) blocked germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), postponed CG migration and prevented CG-free domain (CGFD) formation. Cycloheximide (CHX) facilitated both GVBD and CG migration, but inhibited CGFD formation. The presence of serum in maturation media enhanced CG release after aging or activation of oocytes. Maintenance of germinal vesicle intact for some time by a trace amount (0.18 mM) of HX was beneficial to oocyte cytoplasmic maturation.

CONCLUSION

CGs behaved differently in mouse oocytes matured under different conditions, and cytoplasmic maturity was not fully achieved in the IVM oocytes.

Prognostic factors for portal venous invasion in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Factors involved in portal venous invasion (PVI) must be clarified to enable better determination of therapeutic strategies and outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

Of 365 patients with HCC who consulted our department between January 1999 and January 2003, 53 with PVI at the initial consultation were excluded, and the other 312 without PVI were included in this study. Of these patients, we compared liver function, tumor markers, and initial treatment between 287 patients without PVI during follow-up (until December 2004) and 25 patients who developed PVI, and investigated prognostic factors.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis using a COX regression model showed that a Lens culinaris A-reactive fraction of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP-L3) rate of 15% or more, a des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) level of 100 mAU/ml or more, multiple tumors, and a platelet count of 130 000/mm(3) or more were correlated with PVI.

CONCLUSIONS

HCC frequently infiltrated the portal vein in patients with a high rate of AFP-L3, a high level of DCP, or multiple tumors. Furthermore, the incidence of PVI was significantly higher in patients with a platelet count of 130 000/mm(3) or more.

Development of novel fortified beef patties with added functional protein ingredients for the elderly

The effects of clean label functional protein ingredients; pea protein isolate (PPI), rice protein (RP) and lentil flour (LF), at 3% and 7% inclusion levels on technological and shelf life parameters of beef patties were evaluated over 12days. Protein content in the RP7 treatment was higher (P<0.05) than controls, but did not differ significantly from PPI7 and RP3. No effects on moisture, fat or ash content were detected. LF addition reduced product hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess and chewiness compared with controls. RP-enriched and control patties were associated with lower lipid oxidation over storage than PPI- and LF-enriched patties. RP had a differential effect on (L*), (a*) and (b*) when compared with controls. Microbiological characteristics for all treatments were acceptable after 12days. Protein fortified beef patties with a softer texture and acceptable technological properties targeted for ease of consumption by older adults were produced in an attempt to reach dietary targeted protein requirements for this segment.

Non-soya legume-based therapeutic lifestyle change diet reduces inflammatory status in diabetic patients: a randomised cross-over clinical trial

The present randomised cross-over clinical trial investigated the effects of two intervention diets (non-soya legume-based therapeutic lifestyle change (TLC) diet v. isoenergetic legume-free TLC diet) on inflammatory biomarkers among type 2 diabetic patients. A group of thirty-one participants (twenty-four women and seven men; weight 74.5 (SD 7.0) kg; age 58.1 (SD 6.0) years) were randomly assigned to one of the two following intervention diets for 8 weeks: legume-free TLC diet or non-soya legume-based TLC diet. The latter diet was the same as the legume-free TLC diet, except that two servings of red meat were replaced with different types of cooked non-soya legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, peas and beans over a period of 3 d per week. The intervention period was followed by a washout period of 4 weeks, after which the groups followed the alternate treatment for 8 weeks. Concentrations of inflammatory markers were measured at baseline and after the intervention periods. Compared with the legume-free TLC diet, the non-soya legume-based TLC diet significantly decreased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, IL-6 and TNF-α in overweight diabetic patients. The replacement of two servings of red meat by non-soya legumes in the isoenergetic TLC diet for a period of 3 d per week reduced the plasma concentrations of inflammatory markers among overweight diabetic patients, independent of weight change.

Foreign body reaction to inhalation of lentil soup: giant cell pneumonia

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First and second meal effects of pulses on blood glucose, appetite, and food intake at a later meal

Pulses are low-glycemic appetite-suppressing foods, but it is not known whether these properties persist after being consumed as part of a meal and after a second meal. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a fixed-size pulse meal on appetite and blood glucose (BG) before and after an ad libitum test meal (pizza) and on food intake (FI) at the test meal. Males (n = 25; 21.3 ± 0.5 years; 21.6 ± 0.3 kg·m(-2)) randomly consumed 4 isocaloric meals: chickpea; lentil; yellow split pea; and macaroni and cheese (control). Commercially available canned pulses provided 250 kcal, and were consumed with macaroni and tomato sauce. FI was measured at a pizza meal 260 min after consumption of the isocaloric meal. BG and appetite were measured from 0 to 340 min. The lentil and yellow pea, but not chickpea, treatments led to lower appetite ratings during the 260 min prepizza meal period, and less FI at the pizza meal, compared with macaroni and cheese (p < 0.05). All pulse treatments lowered BG immediately following consumption (at 20 min) (p < 0.05), but there was no effect of treatment on prepizza meal BG AUC (p = 0.07). Immediately after the pizza meal, BG was lower following the chickpea and lentil treatments, but not the yellow pea treatment (p < 0.05). Postpizza meal BG AUC was lower following the chickpea and lentil treatments than in the yellow pea treatment (p < 0.05). The beneficial effects of consuming a pulse meal on appetite, FI at a later meal, and the BG response to a later meal are dependent on pulse type.

The acute effect of commercially available pulse powders on postprandial glycaemic response in healthy young men

Whole pulses (beans, peas, chickpeas and lentils) elicit low postprandial blood glucose (BG) responses in adults; however, their consumption in North America is low. One potential strategy to increase the dietary intake of pulses is the utilisation of commercial pulse powders in food products; however, it is unclear whether they retain the biological benefits observed with whole pulses. Therefore, the present study examined the effects of commercially prepared pulse powders on BG response before and after a subsequent meal in healthy young men. Overall, three randomised, within-subject experiments were conducted. In each experiment, participants received whole, puréed and powdered pulses (navy beans in Expt 1; lentils in Expt 2; chickpeas in Expt 3) and whole-wheat flour as the control. All treatments were controlled for available carbohydrate content. A fixed-energy pizza meal (50·2 kJ/kg body weight) was provided at 120 min. BG concentration was measured before (0-120 min) and after (140-200 min) the pizza meal. BG concentration peaked at 30 min in all experiments, and pulse forms did not predict their effect on BG response. Compared with the whole-wheat flour control, navy bean treatments lowered peak BG concentrations (Expt 1, P< 0.05), but not the mean BG concentration over 120 min. The mean BG concentration was lower for all lentil (Expt 2, P= 0.008) and chickpea (Expt 3, P= 0.002) treatments over 120 min. Processing pulses to powdered form does not eliminate the benefits of whole pulses on BG response, lending support to the use of pulse powders as value-added food ingredients to moderate postprandial glycaemic response.

Legume Consumption Patterns in US Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014 and Beans, Lentils, Peas (BLP) 2017 Survey

Given the emerging health benefits of regular legume consumption, we hypothesized that the historically low legume consumption levels in US adults increased. We evaluated legume consumption patterns in US adults using cross-sectional data from the 2011-2012 and 2013-2014-year cycles of National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) and a 2017 cross-sectional, online survey of Oregon families named "Beans, Lentils, Peas (BLP) Survey". We also compared legume consumption patterns between consumers below US dietary recommendations for mature legumes (<37.5 g/day, marginal), below levels showing nutritional and disease-prevention benefits (37.5-87.49 g/day, recommended); and levels demonstrating nutritional and disease prevention benefits (≥87.5 g/day; beneficial). In NHANES, legume consumption remained low in US adults and declined from 2011 to 2014 (mature legumes: 12.8 to 8.3%; dry beans: 10.0 to 6.5%). In BLP, less than 5% consumed legumes daily; approximately one-third did not consume legumes during the last month. Marginal mature-legume consumers ate a limited variety of legumes (dry beans and green legumes on a weekly to monthly basis). Beneficial amount consumers ate mature legumes daily or every other day and included chickpeas, lentils and dry peas to their legume mix. Our data suggest that legume consumption declined in US adults, warranting improved communication about the benefits of regular legume consumption.

Chemopreventive effect of raw and cooked lentils (Lens culinaris L) and soybeans (Glycine max) against azoxymethane-induced aberrant crypt foci

Although lentils (Lens culinaris L) contain several bioactive compounds that have been linked to the prevention of cancer, the in vivo chemopreventive ability of lentils against chemically induced colorectal cancer has not been examined. Our present study examined the hypothesis that lentils could suppress the early carcinogenesis in vivo by virtue of their bioactive micro- and macroconstituents and that culinary thermal treatment could affect their chemopreventive potential. To accomplish this goal, we used raw whole lentils (RWL), raw split lentils (RSL), cooked whole lentils (CWL), and cooked split lentils (CSL). Raw soybeans (RSB; Glycine max) were used for the purpose of comparison with a well-studied chemopreventive agent. Sixty weanling Fischer 344 male rats, 4 to 5 weeks of age, were randomly assigned to 6 groups (10 rats/group): the control group (C) received AIN-93G diet, and treatment leguminous groups of RWL, CWL, RSL, CSL, and RSB received the treatment diets containing AIN-93G+5% of the above-mentioned legumes. After acclimatization for 1 week (at 5th to 6th week of age), all animals were put on the control and treatment diets separately for 5 weeks (from 6th to 11th week of age). At the end of the 5th week of feeding (end of 11th week of age), all rats received 2 subcutaneous injections of azoxymethane carcinogen at 15 mg/kg rat body weight per dose once a week for 2 consecutive weeks. After 17 weeks of the last azoxymethane injection (from 12th to 29th week of age), all rats were euthanized. Chemopreventive ability was assessed using colonic aberrant crypt foci and activity of hepatic glutathione-S-transferases. Significant reductions (P < .05) were found in total aberrant crypt foci number (mean +/- SEM) for RSB (27.33 +/- 4.32), CWL (33.44 +/- 4.56), and RSL (37.00 +/- 6.02) in comparison with the C group (58.33 +/- 8.46). Hepatic glutathione-S-transferases activities increased significantly (P < .05) in rats fed all treatment diets (from 51.38 +/- 3.66 to 67.94 +/- 2.01 micromol mg(-1) min(-1)) when compared with control (C) diet (26.13 +/- 1.01 micromol mg(-1) min(-1)). Our findings indicate that consumption of lentils might be protective against colon carcinogenesis and that hydrothermal treatment resulted in an improvement in the chemopreventive potential for the whole lentils.

Canadian Potential Healthcare and Societal Cost Savings from Consumption of Pulses: A Cost-Of-Illness Analysis

Consumption of dietary pulses, including beans, peas and lentils, is recommended by health authorities across jurisdictions for their nutritional value and effectiveness in helping to prevent and manage major diet-related illnesses of significant socioeconomic burden. The aim of this study was to estimate the potential annual healthcare and societal cost savings relevant to rates of reduction in complications from type 2 diabetes (T2D) and incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) following a low glycemic index (GI) or high fiber diet that includes pulses, or 100 g/day pulse intake in Canada, respectively. A four-step cost-of-illness analysis was conducted to: (1) estimate the proportions of individuals who are likely to consume pulses; (2) evaluate the reductions in established risk factors for T2D and CVD; (3) assess the percent reduction in incidences or complications of the diseases of interest; and (4) calculate the potential annual savings in relevant healthcare and related costs. A low GI or high fiber diet that includes pulses and 100 g/day pulse intake were shown to potentially yield Can$6.2 (95% CI $2.6-$9.9) to Can$62.4 (95% CI $26-$98.8) and Can$31.6 (95% CI $11.1-$52) to Can$315.5 (95% CI $110.6-$520.4) million in savings on annual healthcare and related costs of T2D and CVD, respectively. Specific provincial/territorial analyses suggested annual T2D and CVD related cost savings that ranged from up to Can$0.2 million in some provinces to up to Can$135 million in others. In conclusion, with regular consumption of pulse crops, there is a potential opportunity to facilitate T2D and CVD related socioeconomic cost savings that could be applied to Canadian healthcare or re-assigned to other priority domains. Whether these potential cost savings will be offset by other healthcare costs associated with longevity and diseases of the elderly is to be investigated over the long term.

Lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive alpha-fetoprotein as a prognostic marker in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing transcatheter arterial chemoembolization

Lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive alpha-fetoprotein (AFP-L3) is known to be a useful marker for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recent studies have shown that positive AFP-L3 results after treatment predicts tumor recurrence and poor clinical outcome. This study was to evaluate the role of pretreatment AFP-L3 as a prognostic marker for response to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and survival in patients with HCC. Forty-six patients with HCC who underwent TACE were analyzed. Agglutinin-reactive AFP was measured by lectin-affinity electrophoresis coupled with antibody-affinity blotting. Agglutinin-reactive AFP results larger than 24.4% were considered to be positive. Agglutinin-reactive AFP fractions were positive in 32 patients. Agglutinin-reactive AFP-positive patients had poorer performance status, larger tumors, frequent portal vein thrombosis, and higher levels of serum AFP. The partial response rate to TACE was lower in AFP-L3-positive patients than in AFP-L3-negative ones (37.5% vs. 78.6%, p = 0.01). Tumor size and AFP-L3 were two independent predictive factors for response to TACE. The 2-year survival rate was lower in AFP-L3-positive patients than in AFP-L3-negative ones (21.2% vs. 78.6%, p = 0.01). Child-Pugh class, AFP-L3, the presence of portal vein thrombosis, and response to TACE were independent prognostic factors for survival. In conclusion, pretreatment status of AFP-L3 could be considered a useful marker for predicting clinical outcome in patients with HCC who underwent TACE.

Recent updates on lentil and quinoa protein-based dairy protein alternatives: Nutrition, technologies, and challenges

Due to its high nutritional value and increasing consumption trends, plant-based proteins were used in a variety of dietary products, either in their entirety or as partial substitutions. There is indeed a growing need to produce plant-based proteins as alternatives to dairy-based proteins that have good functional properties, high nutritional values, and high protein digestibility. Among the plant-based proteins, both lentil and quinoa proteins received a lot of attention in recent years as dairy-based protein alternatives. To ensure plant-based proteins a success in food applications, food industries and researchers need to have a comprehensive scientific understanding of these proteins. The demand for proteins is highly dependent on several factors, mainly functional properties, nutritional values, and protein digestibility. Fermentation and protein complexation are recognised to be suitable techniques in enhancing the functional properties, nutritional values, and protein digestibility of these plant-based proteins, making them potential alternatives for dairy-based proteins.

Karyotyping of human oocytes by cenM-FISH, a new 24-colour centromere-specific technique

BACKGROUND

Metaphase II (MII) chromosome complements are difficult to karyotype. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficiency and limitations of centromere-specific multiplex fluorescence in situ hybridization (cenM-FISH), a new 24 colour FISH technique using centromere-specific probes, to analyse the whole chromosome complement within human oocytes.

METHODS

Oocytes were donated by 34 patients undergoing ovarian stimulation and IVF. The MII oocytes were analysed by means of cenM-FISH, while the confirmation of results was performed by FISH and/or by analysing the corresponding first polar bodies using comparative genomic hybridization (CGH).

RESULTS

A total of 30 cells, corresponding to 16 oocytes and 14 first polar bodies, were successfully karyotyped by either cenM-FISH or CGH. The incidence of aneuploidy was 25%, and eight out of nine aneuploidy events were confirmed by CGH and FISH.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate here for the first time that the identification of any numerical abnormality in oocytes is feasible using cenM-FISH. Despite the fact that the fixation efficiency remains low, the present results confirm the advantage of analysing the whole set of chromosomes to make an accurate estimation of the aneuploidy rate in human oocytes.

Comparative study on molecular and higher-order structures of legume seed protein isolates: Lentil, mungbean and yellow pea

Lentils and mungbean proteins are under-researched compared to pea and soybean. Lentils (green, red and black-lentils), mungbean and yellow pea protein isolates were obtained by alkaline extraction (pH 9)-isoelectric precipitation (pH 4.5) and investigated for molecular and higher-order structures using complementary and novel approaches. These extracted isolates showed comparable protein content but significantly greater nitrogen solubility index (NSI > 85 %) than commercial pea and soy protein isolates (NSI < 60 %). Based on molecular weight estimations from sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis, the soluble proteins of lentils and yellow pea were identified as legumin-like and vicilin-like, while mungbean was dominated by vicilin-like proteins. The soluble extracts were confirmed to be in native structural condition by size exclusion chromatography and nano-differential scanning calorimetry, unlike commercial extracts. Further differences in secondary structure were evident on circular dichroism spectra of the soluble extracts and deconvolution of the Amide I region (1700-1600 cm-1) from Fourier Transform Infrared of the total protein.

Incorporation of pulse flours of different particle size in relation to pita bread quality

BACKGROUND

To increase pulse consumption, pita bread was fortified with pulse flours milled from green lentils, navy beans and pinto beans, which were ground to produce fine and coarse flours. Pita breads were prepared using composite flours containing pulse flours (25, 50, 75%) and wheat flour or 100% pulse flours and adjusting the amount of water required for mixing based on farinograph water absorption. Pita bread quality was evaluated according to diameter, pocket height, specific loaf volume, texture and crust colour.

RESULTS

Blends made from pulse flours with coarse particle size showed higher rates of water absorption. All composite flours and 100% pulse flours produced pitas with pockets, confirming their suitability for this product. Crust colour of pitas was affected less by navy bean flour than by lentil flour. Pita breads made with pinto bean flour were superior in texture. Overall, navy and pinto bean flours appeared more suitable for pita bread. Flours with coarse particle sizes produced pitas with better colour and texture. Sensory parameters of pitas containing 25% coarse pinto or navy bean flour were as good as or better than those from the wheat control.

CONCLUSION

Acceptable pita breads can be made using pulse flours, although the substitution level is limited to 25%.

Untargeted 1H NMR-Based Metabolomics Analysis of Urine and Serum Profiles after Consumption of Lentils, Chickpeas, and Beans: An Extended Meal Study To Discover Dietary Biomarkers of Pulses

High legume intake has been shown to have beneficial effects on the health of humans. The use of nutritional biomarkers, as a complement to self-reported questionnaires, could assist in evaluating dietary intake and downstream effects on human health. The aim of this study was to investigate potential biomarkers of the consumption of pulses (i.e., white beans, chickpeas, and lentils) by using untargeted NMR-based metabolomics. Meals rich in pulses were consumed by a total of 11 participants in a randomized crossover study and multilevel partial least-squares regression was employed for paired comparisons. Metabolomics analysis indicated that trigonelline, 3-methylhistidine, dimethylglycine, trimethylamine, and lysine were potential, though not highly specific, biomarkers of pulse intake. Furthermore, monitoring of these metabolites for a period of 48 h after intake revealed a range of different excretion patterns among pulses. Following the consumption of pulses, a metabolomic profiling revealed that the concentration ratios of trigonelline, choline, lysine, and histidine were similar to those found in urine. In conclusion, this study identified potential urinary biomarkers of exposure to dietary pulses and provided valuable information about the time-response effect of these putative biomarkers.

Effects of microplastics on lentil (Lens culinaris) seed germination and seedling growth

Widespread use of plastics and mishandling has resulted in severe environmental issues affecting seed germination and seedling growth. This study investigates the effect of polyethylene microplastics (740-4990 nm PEMPs) on lentil (Lens culinaris) seed germination and seedling growth using Biospeckle Optical Coherence Tomography (bOCT), a technique that we successfully demonstrated earlier in visualizing the internal activity of plants. Lentil seeds were exposed to PEMPs bioassay for seven days with 10, 50, and 100 mg L^-1 concentrations. The average speckle contrast was calculated after 0 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h of exposure, and statistically significant differences were observed just after 6 h of exposure under all the treatments. However, with conventional parameters, germination viability, germination rate, root and shoot lengths, fresh and dry seedling weights, and antioxidative enzymes, no significant effect was observed until 2 d of exposure. The results revealed that the presence of PEMPs significantly reduced the internal activity at the initial stages that could be visualized only by the use of bOCT, which has never been observed till now. Our results demonstrated for the first time the effect that microplastics indeed could hinder the internal activity during germination of the seeds, possibly resulting from the physical blockage of pores leading to stunted growth at later stages.