Biscuit is a popular food product where it is produced using wheat flour, sugar and fat as its main ingredients. Wheat flour is the major material used in biscuit production and within the flour starch is the principal component. The details of starch properties such as pasting properties, gelatinisation properties, crystallinity were discussed in this review. Starch is the major structural element in many foods, with the fat or sugar also playing key roles. Sugar gives sweetness, colour, add volumes and influence the texture of a biscuit. Besides that, it shows significant impact on starch gelatinization properties. Fat plays an important role in biscuit production and the type of fat used determines the quality of the final product. In this article, the functional properties of major ingredients of biscuit were also reviewed with emphasis on wheat flour, sugar and fat.
Fat is an important ingredient in baking products and it plays many roles in providing desirable textural properties of baking products, particularly biscuit. In this study, the effect of fat types on dough rheological properties and quality of semi-sweet biscuit (rich tea type) were investigated using various techniques. Texture profile and extensibility analysis were used to study the dough rheology, while three-point bend test and scanning electron microscopy were used to analyse the textural characteristics of final product. TPA results showed that the type of fat significantly influenced dough textural properties. Biscuit produced with higher solid fat oil showed higher breaking force but this was not significantly different when evaluated by sensory panel. Scanning electron microscopy showed that biscuit produced with palm mid-fraction had an open internal microstructure and heterogeneous air cells as compared to other samples.
A major gene for bovine ovulation rate has been mapped to a 1.2 Mb region of chromosome 10. Screening of coding regions of positional candidate genes within this region failed to reveal a causative polymorphism, leading to the hypothesis that the phenotype results from differences in candidate gene expression rather than alteration of gene structure. This study tested differences in expression of positional candidate genes in granulosa cells between carriers and noncarriers of the high fecundity allele, as well as characterizing differences in the transcriptomic profile between genotypes. Five carriers and five noncarriers, female descendants of "Trio," a carrier of the high fecundity allele were initially used in an RNA-seq analysis of gene expression. Four of ten samples were contaminated with theca cells, so that six samples were used in the final analysis (three of each genotype). Of 14 973 genes expressed, 143 were differentially expressed (false discovery rate P < 0.05) in carriers versus noncarriers. Among the positional candidate genes, SMAD6 was 6.6-fold overexpressed in the carriers compared to noncarriers (P < 5 × 10-5). This result was replicated in an independent group of 12 females (7 carriers and 5 noncarriers) using quantitative real-time PCR; SMAD6 was 9.3-fold overexpressed in carriers versus noncarriers (P = 1.17 × 10-6). Association of overexpression of SMAD6, an inhibitor of the BMP/SMAD signaling pathway, with high ovulation rate corresponds well with disabling mutations in ligands (BMP15 and GDF9) and a receptor (BMPR1B) of this pathway that cause increased ovulation rate in sheep.
The newly discovered Trio high-fecundity allele produces multiple ovulations in cattle. This study evaluated (1) size and growth rates of follicles in Trio carriers during a synchronized follicular wave, induced by follicle aspiration; (2) follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) patterns associated with the follicular wave; (3) size of corpora lutea (CL) and circulating progesterone; and (4) intrafollicular estradiol concentrations prior to normal deviation. Trio carriers had mean dominant follicles that were significantly smaller in diameter and volume than noncarriers. Onset of diameter deviation occurred at ∼3 days after the last follicle aspiration in both genotypes despite Trio carriers having much smaller individual follicles. Follicles of Trio carriers grew at a slower rate than noncarrier follicles (∼65% in mm/day or ∼30% in mm3/day) resulting in much smaller individual dominant follicles (∼25% volume). However, total dominant follicle volume, calculated as the sum of all dominant follicles in each animal, was similar in carriers and noncarriers of Trio throughout the entire follicular wave. Circulating FSH was greater in Trio carriers during the 24 h encompassing deviation. Trio carriers had significantly more ovulations than noncarriers, and individual CL volume was smaller, although total luteal tissue volume and circulating P4 were not different. Thus, increased ovulation rate in Trio carriers relates to smaller individual follicles (one-third the volume) near the time of deviation due to slower follicle growth rate, although time of deviation is similar, with increased circulating FSH near deviation leading to selection of multiple dominant follicles in Trio carriers with similar total follicle volume.
Paratuberculosis, or Johne's disease, is a chronic, granulomatous, gastrointestinal tract disease of cattle and other ruminants caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium avium, subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). Control of Johne's disease is based on programs of testing and culling animals positive for infection with MAP while concurrently modifying management to reduce the likelihood of infection. The current study is motivated by the hypothesis that genetic variation in host susceptibility to MAP infection can be dissected and quantifiable associations with genetic markers identified. For this purpose, a case-control, genome-wide association study was conducted using US Holstein cattle phenotyped for MAP infection using a serum ELISA and/or fecal culture test. Cases included cows positive for either serum ELISA, fecal culture or both. Controls consisted of animals negative for the serum ELISA test or both serum ELISA and fecal culture when both were available. Controls were matched by herd and proximal birth date with cases. A total of 856 cows (451 cases and 405 controls) were used in initial discovery analyses, and an additional 263 cows (159 cases and 104 controls) from the same herds were used as a validation data set. Data were analyzed in a single marker analysis controlling for relatedness of individuals (GRAMMAR-GC) and also in a Bayesian analysis in which multiple marker effects were estimated simultaneously (GenSel). For the latter, effects of non-overlapping 1 Mb marker windows across the genome were estimated. Results from the two discovery analyses were generally concordant; however, discovery results were generally not well supported in analysis of the validation data set. A combined analysis of discovery and validation data sets provided strongest support for SNPs and 1 Mb windows on chromosomes 1, 2, 6, 7, 17 and 29.
The emergence of a pandemic affecting the respiratory system has resulted in a significant demand for face masks. Masks have always been mentioned as an effective tool against environmental threats. This includes the use of double masks by large sections of the public, as can be seen during the current global spread of COVID-19. However, there is limited knowledge available on the performance of the various commonly available double face masks used. In this study, we have compared the performance of single and double face configurations. Three types of 3-ply face mask (FM), three types of fabric face mask (CM) and nine configurations of these face masks were investigated based on morphology, filtration efficiencies, breathing resistance and carbon dioxide (CO2) content. The filtration efficiencies of the double face masks are enhanced when combined with a fabric mask, and were found to improve by 500% compared to those of a fabric mask. The lowest breathing resistance among the double masking was observed in the combination of FM1 and fabric face masks. From the results, it was found that all combinations of double face mask are suitable to use since the measurements indicate that the breathing resistance and CO2 contents are still lower than the acceptable value set by the Malaysian Standard (MS 2323:2010) and European Standard (EN 149:2001 + A1:2009). The performance of double masks is comparable with that of N95 respirators. The double masking combination can be used as an alternative method to reduce inhalation exposure to airborne contaminants.
The present study was conducted to determine the cytotoxicity effect of Eurycoma longifolia (Jack.) leaf extracts and also its possible anticancer mechanism of action against breast cancer cell lines: non-hormone-dependent MDA-MB-231 and hormone-dependent MCF-7. The leaves of E. longifolia were processed into unfermented and fermented batches before drying using freeze and microwave-oven drying techniques. Obtained extracts were tested for cytotoxicity effect using MTT assay and phenolic determination using HPLC-DAD technique. The most toxic sample was analyzed for its apoptotic cell quantification, cell cycle distribution, and the expression of caspases and apoptotic protein using flow cytometry technique. Fragmentation of DNA was tested using an agarose gel electrophoresis system. The results determined that the unfermented freeze-dried leaf extract was the most toxic towards MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells, in a dose-dependent manner. This extract contains the highest phenolics of gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, ECG, and EGCG. The DNA fragmentation was observed in both cell lines, where cell cycle was arrested at the G 2/M phase in MCF-7 cells and S phase in MDA-MB-231 cells. The number of apoptotic cells for MDA-MB-231 was increased when the treatment was prolonged from 24 h to 48 h but slightly decreased at 72 h, whereas apoptosis in MCF-7 cells occurred in a time-dependent manner. There were significant activities of cytochrome c, caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2 apoptotic protein in MDA-MB-231 cells, whereas MCF-7 cells showed significant activities for caspase-8, cytochrome c, Bax, p53, and Bcl-2 apoptotic protein. These results indicate the ability of unfermented freeze-dried leaf extract of E. longifolia to induce apoptosis cell death on MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, as well as real evidence on sample preparation effect towards its cytotoxicity level.
Palm oil (PO) is widely utilised in the food industry and consumed in large quantities by humans. Owing to its bioactive components, such as fatty acids, carotenoids, vitamin E, and phenolic compounds, PO has been utilised for generations. However, public concern about their adverse effects on human health is growing. A literature search was conducted to identify fractionated palm oil processing techniques, proof of their health advantages, and potential food applications. Refined palm oil (RPO) is made from crude palm oil (CPO) and can be fractionated into palm olein (POl) and palm stearin (PS). Fractional crystallisation, dry fractionation, and solvent fractionation are the three basic fractionation procedures used in the PO industry. The composition of triacylglycerols and fatty acids in refined and fractionated palm oil and other vegetable oils is compared to elucidate the triacylglycerols and fatty acids that may be important in product development. It is well proven that RPO, POl, and PS extends the oil's shelf life in the food business. These oils have a more significant saturated fat content and antioxidant compounds than some vegetable oils, such as olive and coconut oils, making them more stable. Palm olein and stearin are also superior shortening agents and frying mediums for baking goods and meals. Furthermore, when ingested modestly daily, palm oils, especially RPO and POl, provide health benefits such as cardioprotective, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic effects. Opportunities exist for fractionated palm oil to become a fat substitute; however, nutrition aspects need to be considered in further developing the market.
The purpose of this work was to establish the best particle size for recovering high yields of total phenolic compounds (TPC), total anthocyanin compounds(TAC) and total flavonoid compounds (TFC) from roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) by applying supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO2). The extraction rate, diffusivity and solubility of yield in ScCO2 were also studied and calculated utilizing models. Pressure (10 and 30 MPa), temperature (40 and 60 °C), and particle size (250 µm