Storage stability of spray dried Nigella sativa (Ranunculaceae family) instant beverage powder: effect of carrier agents on the physicochemical, phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties

The study assessed the effect of carrier agents maltodextrin and gum Arabic on the storage stability of spray dried Nigella sativa powder packed in low-density polyethylene bags and stored at maximum 4°C for up to 12 months. At 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months intervals the samples were assessed for changes in caffeine content, moisture content, water activity, colour, solubility capacity, bulk density, and antioxidants activity as total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). After 12 months storage, a 61-68% loss in TPC and TFC was observed and anti-oxidant activity had reduced by 70%-72%. Overall, water activity and moisture content increased with a decrease in total antioxidant activity, accompanied by a significant decrease in caffeine content. No significant changes were observed in solubility capacity and bulk density of N. sativa powder.This research was made possible due to the financial support the authors received in the form of fellowships from fellowship Scheme of the Institute of Postgraduate Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia and TWAS-USM postgraduate fellowship.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Cassava intake and vitamin A status among women and preschool children in Akwa-Ibom, Nigeria

Background As part of the HarvestPlus provitamin A-biofortified cassava program in Nigeria we con- ducted a survey to determine the cassava intake and prevalence of vitamin A deficiency among children 6-59 months and women of childbearing age in the state of Akwa Ibom. Methods A cluster-randomized cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2011 in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria. The usual food and nutrient intakes were estimated using a multi-pass 24-hour recall with repeated recall on a subsample. Blood samples of children and women were collected to analyze for serum retinol, serum ferritin, and acute phase proteins as indicators of infection. Vitamin A deficiency was defined as serum retinol < 0.70 ? mol/L adjusted for infection. Results A total of 587 households of a mother-child dyad participated in the dietary intake assess- ment. Cassava was very widely consumed in Akwa Ibom, mainly as gari or foofoo . Daily cassava consumption frequency was 92% and 95% among children and women, respec- tively. Mean ( ± SD) cassava intake (expressed as raw fresh weight) was 348 ± 317 grams/ day among children and 940 ± 777 grams/day among women. Intakes of most micronutri- ents appeared to be adequate with the exception of calcium. Median vitamin A intake was very high both for children (1038 ? g RAE/day) and women (2441 ? g RAE/day). Red palm oil and dark green leafy vegetables were the main sources of vitamin A in the diet, with red palm oil alone contributing almost 60% of vitamin A intake in women and children. Preva- lence of vitamin A deficiency ranged from moderate (16.9 %) among children to virtually non-existent (3.4 %) among womenConclusion Consumption of cassava and vitamin A intake was high among women and children in Akwa Ibom with a prevalence of vitamin A deficiency ranging from moderate in children to non-existent among women. The provitamin A biofortified cassava and other vitamin A inter- ventions should focus dissemination in states where red palm oil is not widely consumed.Background As part of the HarvestPlus provitamin A-biofortified cassava program in Nigeria we con- ducted a survey to determine the cassava intake and prevalence of vitamin A deficiency among children 6-59 months and women of childbearing age in the state of Akwa Ibom. Methods A cluster-randomized cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2011 in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria. The usual food and nutrient intakes were estimated using a multi-pass 24-hour recall with repeated recall on a subsample. Blood samples of children and women were collected to analyze for serum retinol, serum ferritin, and acute phase proteins as indicators of infection. Vitamin A deficiency was defined as serum retinol < 0.70 ? mol/L adjusted for infection. Results A total of 587 households of a mother-child dyad participated in the dietary intake assess- ment. Cassava was very widely consumed in Akwa Ibom, mainly as gari or foofoo . Daily cassava consumption frequency was 92% and 95% among children and women, respec- tively. Mean ( ± SD) cassava intake (expressed as raw fresh weight) was 348 ± 317 grams/ day among children and 940 ± 777 grams/day among women. Intakes of most micronutri- ents appeared to be adequate with the exception of calcium. Median vitamin A intake was very high both for children (1038 ? g RAE/day) and women (2441 ? g RAE/day). Red palm oil and dark green leafy vegetables were the main sources of vitamin A in the diet, with red palm oil alone contributing almost 60% of vitamin A intake in women and children. Preva- lence of vitamin A deficiency ranged from moderate (16.9 %) among children to virtually non-existent (3.4 %) among womenConclusion Consumption of cassava and vitamin A intake was high among women and children in Akwa Ibom with a prevalence of vitamin A deficiency ranging from moderate in children to non-existent among women. The provitamin A biofortified cassava and other vitamin A inter- ventions should focus dissemination in states where red palm oil is not widely consumed

Championing urban farmers in Kampala. Influences on local policy change in Uganda. Process and partnership for pro-poor policy change

This working paper presents an analysis of actors, events and influences affecting a policy change on urban agriculture in Kampala. It reviews the policy and institutional changes related to urban agriculture that occurred in Kampala from 1990 to 2006, and examines how and why they came about. The approach used here combined elements of three established methodologies, viz, episode studies; case study analysis; and outcome mapping. For this case study, the episode study component was central, with the case study and outcome mapping components used to cross-check and deepen the analysis. This information was assembled into three overlapping narratives: 1. A timeline of activities that played a role in changing attitudes and behaviour towards urban agriculture. 2. An analysis of the development of policies affecting urban agriculture in Kampala including the new ordinances. 3. A description of behaviour change of key actors related to the policy change These were summarised in a visual representation of the process and influences and analysed using a framework emphasising political context and the roles of evidence, linkages and external environment

Protocol for the Birth Asphyxia in African Newborns (Baby BRAiN) Study: a Neonatal Encephalopathy Feasibility Cohort Study

BACKGROUND: Neonatal encephalopathy (NE) is a leading cause of child mortality worldwide and contributes substantially to stillbirths and long-term disability. Ninety-nine percent of deaths from NE occur in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). Whilst therapeutic hypothermia significantly improves outcomes in high-income countries, its safety and effectiveness in diverse LMIC contexts remains debated. Important differences in the aetiology, nature and timing of neonatal brain injury likely influence the effectiveness of postnatal interventions, including therapeutic hypothermia. METHODS: This is a prospective pilot feasibility cohort study of neonates with NE conducted at Kawempe National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda. Neurological investigations include continuous video electroencephalography (EEG) (days 1-4), serial cranial ultrasound imaging, and neonatal brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy (MRI/ MRS) (day 10-14). Neurodevelopmental follow-up will be continued to 18-24 months of age including Prechtl’s Assessment of General Movements, Bayley Scales of Infant Development, and a formal scored neurological examination. The primary outcome will be death and moderate-severe neurodevelopmental impairment at 18-24 months. Findings will be used to inform explorative science and larger trials, aiming to develop urgently needed neuroprotective and neurorestorative interventions for NE applicable for use in diverse settings. DISCUSSION: The primary aims of the study are to assess the feasibility of establishing a facility-based cohort of children with NE in Uganda, to enhance our understanding of NE in a low-resource sub-Saharan African setting and provide infrastructure to conduct high-quality research on neuroprotective/ neurorestorative strategies to reduce death and disability from NE. Specific objectives are to establish a NE cohort, in order to 1) investigate the clinical course, aetiology, nature and timing of perinatal brain injury; 2) describe electrographic activity and quantify seizure burden and the relationship with adverse outcomes, and; 3) develop capacity for neonatal brain MRI/S and examine associations with early neurodevelopmental outcomes

Contribution of food groups to total vitamin A intake as expressed in retinol activity equivalent among (A) women of childbearing age and (B) pre-school children aged 6–59 months, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria 2011.

<p>Contribution of food groups to total vitamin A intake as expressed in retinol activity equivalent among (A) women of childbearing age and (B) pre-school children aged 6–59 months, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria 2011.</p

Frequency of consumption of cassava dishes (A) and frequency of consumption of dishes containing red palm oil—conditioned to red palm oil consumption (B) among pre-school children aged 6–59 months and women of childbearing age, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria 2011.

<p>Frequency of consumption of cassava dishes (A) and frequency of consumption of dishes containing red palm oil—conditioned to red palm oil consumption (B) among pre-school children aged 6–59 months and women of childbearing age, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria 2011.</p

Characteristics of selected households and nutritional status of pre-school children 6–59 months and women of childbearing age from rural areas in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, 2011.

<p>Characteristics of selected households and nutritional status of pre-school children 6–59 months and women of childbearing age from rural areas in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, 2011.</p