PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF PRO-VITAMIN A CASSAVA-WHEAT COMPOSITE FLOUR BISCUIT

In this research work, the physicochemical properties of biscuit made from wheat flour and pro-vitamin A cassava flour mixed in different ratios of 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30 and 60:40 (w/w) was investigated. The addition of pro-vitamin A flour to wheat flour influenced the functional properties such as water absorption, swelling and pasting properties. Peak, trough, breakdown and final viscosities of 100% wheat flour was generally lower than the mixes. However, the setback viscosity of the mixes were lower than that of wheat flour. This was attributed to possible complex formation between the starch components of the flours and the carotenoid. Protein (10.80-15.45%), fat (11.87-21.35%) and carbohydrate (60.08-70.99%) were the major components of the biscuits. The protein and fat contents of the biscuit decreased with increasing proportions of pro-vitamin A cassava flour. But, the carotenoid contents of the biscuits increased. Sensory results showed that biscuit prepared from wheat flour and pro-vitamin A cassava flour in ratio 90 to 10 had similar overall acceptability rating (6.50) and total rating score (31.8) to the control (Overall acceptability rating; 6.50 and total rating score; 32.5). The research has established that acceptable biscuits which could be potentially used to address protein, energy and vitamin A challenges in developing nations of the world

Effect of microwave treatment on cooking time, colour, sensory andnutritional properties of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea)

Bambara groundnut is a leguminous crop that currently experiences a low level of utilisation because it is hard-to-cook and difficulty to dehull. In this study, the effects of different microwaving power of 450, 500, 600 and 750 W and time (0, 30, 60, 120 and 240 s) on cooking time, colour, sensory and nutritional properties of Bambara groundnut using standard methods were investigated. Microwaving generally reduced the cooking time of Bambara groundnut. The cooking time reduced by approximately 28, 46, 52 and 55% when Bambara groundnut was microwaved at 450, 500, 600 and 750 W for 240 s, respectively. Microwaving did not significantly (p>0.05) affect the colour and appearance of the grain. Bambara groundnut had similar lightness values (60.66-63.15), but slightly different a (3.38-5.57) and b values (16.16-19.20) after microwaving. Protein (23.90-26.88%) and carbohydrate (47.85-58.58%) were the major components of raw and microwaved grains. Microwaved grains showed higher digestibility values (approx. 78-85%) compared to the raw Bambara groundnut (approx. 71%). Mean sensory scores revealed that Bambara groundnut microwaved at 600 W for 240 s had comparable acceptability with the control sample. Microwaving can be used to reduce cooking time of Bambara groundnut, improve protein content and digestibility without significantly altering the sensory properties

Chemical, antioxidant and sensory properties of pasta from fractionated whole wheat and Bambara groundnut flour

Pasta from whole-grain wheat is highly nutritious but has poor sensory properties. Hence, this study prepared pasta from fractionated whole-grain wheat flour enriched with 20% Bambara groundnut. The chemical, antioxidant and sensory properties of the pasta were assessed using standard methods. The fat, protein, ash contents, lightness and antioxidant properties value of the flour and pasta increased, while carbohydrate and fibre contents decreased with a reduction in particle size from 500 μm to 112 μm. Potassium (246.50–249.00 mg/kg), calcium (223.50–254.00 mg/kg) and magnesium (184.50–192.00 mg/kg) were the major mineral element in the pasta samples, while zinc (1.00–2.00 mg/kg) and iron (3.50–13.00 mg/kg) are present in small quantities. The optimum cooking time of pasta (average 6.55 min) from the fractionated flours was shorter compared to the control pasta (pasta made from unfractionated wheat flour), but the cooking loss was not significantly affected. Pasta from flour with particle sizes of 300 and 112 μm were very similar in their sensory attributes and showed the highest ratings in overall acceptability. Fractionation of whole-grain wheat flour seems very promising in producing pasta with fairly good antioxidant potentials and high level of protein and fibre to improve the health of pasta-loving individuals.The Faculty of Science-University Research Committee Fellowship of the University of Johannesburg, South Africa.http://www.elsevier.com/locate/lwthj2022Consumer ScienceFood Scienc

The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance

INTRODUCTION Investment in Africa over the past year with regard to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sequencing has led to a massive increase in the number of sequences, which, to date, exceeds 100,000 sequences generated to track the pandemic on the continent. These sequences have profoundly affected how public health officials in Africa have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. RATIONALE We demonstrate how the first 100,000 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from Africa have helped monitor the epidemic on the continent, how genomic surveillance expanded over the course of the pandemic, and how we adapted our sequencing methods to deal with an evolving virus. Finally, we also examine how viral lineages have spread across the continent in a phylogeographic framework to gain insights into the underlying temporal and spatial transmission dynamics for several variants of concern (VOCs). RESULTS Our results indicate that the number of countries in Africa that can sequence the virus within their own borders is growing and that this is coupled with a shorter turnaround time from the time of sampling to sequence submission. Ongoing evolution necessitated the continual updating of primer sets, and, as a result, eight primer sets were designed in tandem with viral evolution and used to ensure effective sequencing of the virus. The pandemic unfolded through multiple waves of infection that were each driven by distinct genetic lineages, with B.1-like ancestral strains associated with the first pandemic wave of infections in 2020. Successive waves on the continent were fueled by different VOCs, with Alpha and Beta cocirculating in distinct spatial patterns during the second wave and Delta and Omicron affecting the whole continent during the third and fourth waves, respectively. Phylogeographic reconstruction points toward distinct differences in viral importation and exportation patterns associated with the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants and subvariants, when considering both Africa versus the rest of the world and viral dissemination within the continent. Our epidemiological and phylogenetic inferences therefore underscore the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic on the continent and highlight key insights and challenges, for instance, recognizing the limitations of low testing proportions. We also highlight the early warning capacity that genomic surveillance in Africa has had for the rest of the world with the detection of new lineages and variants, the most recent being the characterization of various Omicron subvariants. CONCLUSION Sustained investment for diagnostics and genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve. This is important not only to help combat SARS-CoV-2 on the continent but also because it can be used as a platform to help address the many emerging and reemerging infectious disease threats in Africa. In particular, capacity building for local sequencing within countries or within the continent should be prioritized because this is generally associated with shorter turnaround times, providing the most benefit to local public health authorities tasked with pandemic response and mitigation and allowing for the fastest reaction to localized outbreaks. These investments are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response and will serve the health of the continent well into the 21st century

Moringa oleifera as a food fortificant: Recent trends and prospects

Moringa oleifera tree is referred to as a miracle tree due to its rich source of certain macro and micro nutrients of great importance in human nutrition. The chemical composition of the different parts of the Moringa tree may vary depending on cultivar and source. M. oleifera leaf, seed and flower have found numerous applications in food. In this review we firstly summarized the present knowledge on the use of M. oleifera as a food fortificant in amala (stiff dough), ogi (maize gruel), bread, biscuits, yoghurt, cheese and in making soups. The knowledge gap in the reported research was provided and possible future applications of M. oleifera in foods as well as the need for a well-structured and planned experimental design were suggested. Keywords: Moringa oleifera, Food fortification, Leaves, Flower, See

PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF PRO-VITAMIN A CASSAVA-WHEAT COMPOSITE FLOUR BISCUIT

In this research work, the physicochemical properties of biscuit made from wheat flour and pro-vitamin A cassava flour mixed in different ratios of 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30 and 60:40 (w/w) was investigated. The addition of pro-vitamin A flour to wheat flour influenced the functional properties such as water absorption, swelling and pasting properties. Peak, trough, breakdown and final viscosities of 100% wheat flour was generally lower than the mixes. However, the setback viscosity of the mixes were lower than that of wheat flour. This was attributed to possible complex formation between the starch components of the flours and the carotenoid. Protein (10.80-15.45%), fat (11.87-21.35%) and carbohydrate (60.08-70.99%) were the major components of the biscuits. The protein and fat contents of the biscuit decreased with increasing proportions of pro-vitamin A cassava flour. But, the carotenoid contents of the biscuits increased. Sensory results showed that biscuit prepared from wheat flour and pro-vitamin A cassava flour in ratio 90 to 10 had similar overall acceptability rating (6.50) and total rating score (31.8) to the control (Overall acceptability rating; 6.50 and total rating score; 32.5). The research has established that acceptable biscuits which could be potentially used to address protein, energy and vitamin A challenges in developing nations of the world

Role of Moringa oleifera in nutraceuticals and functional foods

This chapter presents a comprehensive review of the role of Moringa in nutraceuticals and functional foods. This will include its nutritional and traditional uses, as well as the antiasthmatic, antibacterial, anticancer, antidiabetic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective properties of the seed, leaf, and flower

Whole Genome Sequencing Contributions and Challenges in Disease Reduction Focused on Malaria

Malaria elimination remains an important goal that requires the adoption of sophisticated science and management strategies in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. The advent of next generation sequencing (NGS) is making whole genome sequencing (WGS) a standard today in the field of life sciences, as PCR genotyping and targeted sequencing provide insufficient information compared to the whole genome. Thus, adapting WGS approaches to malaria parasites is pertinent to studying the epidemiology of the disease, as different regions are at different phases in their malaria elimination agenda. Therefore, this review highlights the applications of WGS in disease management, challenges of WGS in controlling malaria parasites, and in furtherance, provides the roles of WGS in pursuit of malaria reduction and elimination. WGS has invaluable impacts in malaria research and has helped countries to reach elimination phase rapidly by providing required information needed to thwart transmission, pathology, and drug resistance. However, to eliminate malaria in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with high malaria transmission, we recommend that WGS machines should be readily available and affordable in the region