Mohammad Shaokat Ali

Several Ficus species showed potential antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antidiarrheal, and hepatoprotective properties. Hence, this study examined the nutrachemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity of two commonly consumed Ficus fruits (Ficus racemosa and Ficus hispida), from southeast Bangladesh, considering the growing demand for natural food supplements and preservatives. Proximate analysis revealed that F. hispida had significantly higher moisture (85.73±0.75%), crude fiber (26.53±0.15%), and inorganic content (8.87±0.10%). Conversely, F. racemosa contained higher fat (9.30±0.02%) and carbohydrate (48.57±0.13%) levels, while protein content was similar between the two species. Mineral analysis revealed that F. racemosa was rich in sodium, potassium and copper whereas F. hispida had higher calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and iron; zinc content was comparable in both species. Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of tannins and alkaloids in both fruits, though saponins were highly present in F. racemosa but absent in F. hispida. The total phenol content (mg GAE/g) and flavonoid content (mg QE/g) were notably higher in F. racemosa (10.42±0.03 and 20.05±0.15, respectively) compared with F. hispida (5.74±0.06 and 15.97±0.75, respectively). Antioxidant capacity, measured by DPPH scavenging activity, was significantly stronger in F. racemosa (IC₅₀ = 16.80±1.08) than in F. hispida (IC₅₀ = 35.83±1.75). Multivariate analysis revealed a distinct separation between the two species based on principal components, highlighting F. racemosa as rich in antioxidants, while F. hispida had higher mineral content. However, extracts from both fruits showed no inhibition zones against foodborne pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. These findings suggested that Ficus fruits may serve as natural sources of essential nutrients to address malnutrition and oxidative stress-related diseases.

Dahi is a fermented milk product containing probiotic lactic acid bacteria. This study aimed to isolate, identify, and characterize lactic acid-producing bacteria from native Dahi and evaluate their viability in orange juice using natural prebiotics. Dahi samples were obtained from local shops in Chattogram and Bogura, Bangladesh. Lactic acid-producing bacteria were isolated using MRS (de Mann Rogosa and Sharpe) medium. The isolated bacteria were identified through colony morphology, biochemical tests, and probiotic characteristics. Molecular identification was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting conserved 16S rDNA regions. Isolates of the genus Lactobacillus and Lactococcus lactis sp. Lactis were confirmed and used to develop probiotic orange juice. Prebiotics (Asparagus falcatus and Zingiber officinale) were added to the juice to support probiotic growth. The inoculated cell’s viability and the juice’s physicochemical parameters were evaluated during fermentation (48 hours) and storage (28 days). All fruit juice samples showed a mean number of viable cells of at least 1×105 CFU/mL during the 48-hour fermentation and 28-day storage in the refrigerator. Using natural prebiotics positively affected the survival of lactic acid bacteria, as demonstrated by bacterial colony growth on Petri dishes. Developing probiotic fruit juice enriched with prebiotics could be an effective alternative for individuals allergic or intolerant to milk-based products. Incorporating lactic acid bacteria from native Dahi into orange juice, combined with natural prebiotics, resulted in viable probiotic cells throughout fermentation and storage.

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted healthcare systems worldwide, necessitating the development of rapid and accurate diagnostic tools. The study aimed to compare the performance of a Rapid Antigen Test (RAK) with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for COVID-19 diagnosis, considering its global usage, promising data, and the convenience of using saliva samples. Methods — A cross-sectional, single-blinded study was conducted in Lahore, Pakistan, using 7,580 samples collected between May 2021 and June 2022. Three hundred twenty samples were tested with RAK and RT-PCR using logistic regression analysis to look at sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy and whether there was a link between RAK results and RT-PCR cycle threshold values. Results — Overall, the RAK demonstrated 67% sensitivity and 75% specificity. Likelihood ratios were 2.71 (positive) and 0.43 (negative). The disease prevalence was 70.00%. PPV and NPV were 86.36% and 50.00%, respectively. Logistic regression showed a significant association between RAK results and RT-PCR CT values (odds ratio=6.333). Kit sensitivity varied by viral load: 100% at CT≤20, 63% at CT 21-25, and 22% at CT>26. Conclusion — This study would provide an insight to the work efficiency of commercially used rapid antigen based COVID-19 screening kit.

The black cumin (Nigella sativa) seed oil has a long history of use for food ingredients. The goal of this study is to figure out the nutritional and physicochemical properties of two indigenous black cumin cultivars (locally known as "Kali Jira" and "Kalonji") seed and oil. Additionally, the effects of extraction time and particle size on oil yield generation was investigated. The values of moisture content, crude protein content, crude fat, crude fiber, total ash, and carbohydrate of Kali Jira seed were 5.29%, 19.83%, 41.3%, 18.96%, 5.10%, and 9.52% whereas Kalonji had 5.43%, 19.95%, 40.3%, 14.28%, 4.35%, and 14.69%, respectively. In the Kali Jira and Kalonji types, the mineral analysis revealed significant potassium levels (829.11 mg/100 g, 746.27 mg/100 g), followed by phosphorus, calcium, sodium, iron and zinc. The minimum oil yield was 46.77% in the Kalonji variety compared to Kali Jira, which had 49.57% after the extraction time of 2 hrs for 1.4-2.5 mm particle size. On the other hand, a maximum oil yield of 91.08% and 94.77% was found in Kalonji seed and Kali Jira seed, respectively, following a 6-hour extraction time for 0.25-0.5 mm particle size. Characterization of extracted seed oil (iodine value, saponification value, and acid value) indicated the abundance of unsaturation in oil. FTIR analysis was used to investigate functional groups. According to the findings of this study, black cumin and extracted oil are rich in nutrients and can be used to treat lifestyle problems.

Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis exhibits probiotic properties in humans. Considering that Caenorhabditis elegans can be used to study the effects of microorganisms on animal behavior, owing to its simple nervous system, we assessed the impacts of two strains of Lactococcus lactis subsp. Lactis—a non-nisin-producing strain, NBRC 100933 (LL100933), and a nisin-producing strain, NBRC 12007 (LL12007)—on the lifespan, locomotion, reproductive capacity of, and lipid accumulation in, C. elegans. The lifespan of adult C. elegans fed a mixture (1:1) of Escherichia coli OP50 and LL100933 or LL12007 did not show a significant increase compared to that of the group fed a standard diet of E. coli OP50. However, the nematodes fed Lactococcus strains showed notable enhancement in their locomotion at all of the tested ages. Further, the beneficial effects of LL100933 and LL12007 were observed in the daf-16 mutants, but not in the skn-1 and pmk-1 mutants. The lipid accumulation in the worms of the Lactococcus-fed group was lower than that in the control group at all experimental ages. Overall, LL100933 and LL12007 enhance the locomotor behavior of C. elegans, likely by modulating the PMK-1/p38 MAPK and SKN-1/Nrf2 transcription factors.

This study was carried out to examine the prevalence of AFM1 contamination across different areas of Chattogram, Bangladesh, and to assess the level of AFM1 in raw milk samples from various dairy farms. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the farming standards of three different Chattogram neighborhoods—Bakalia, Khulshi, and Pahartali—and to ascertain the amount of AFM1 in milk. In the study location, 30 commercial dairy farms were randomly chosen, and data on farming methods, milk production techniques, and knowledge of aflatoxin contamination were gathered. Using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, collected milk samples (n = 90) were examined for the presence of AFM1. The farms produced 71.67±14.71 liters of milk on average every day, which was primarily supplied to dairy processing plants. For feeding the cows, all farms used concentrates and forage.  The mean concentration of AFM1 in milk samples collected from Bakalia was higher (190.00±120.87 ng/L) than that in milk samples collected from the Khulshi (108.44±66.19 ng/L) and Pahartali (189.25±160.78 ng/L). The overall prevalence of AFM1 was 43% (N=39) of the total examined samples. A total of 69% (N=27) and 5% (N=2) of AFM1 positive samples exceeded the European Union Regulation (50 ng/L) and BSTI/BFSA regulations (500 ng/L) respectively. There was a significant difference in the occurrence of AFM1 in Bakalia regarding Khulshi and Pahartali. This research will aid in measuring the AFM1 content in raw milk and helping to address public health issues.

The anthelmintic paraherquamide A acts selectively on the nematode L-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) but the mechanism of its selectivity is unknown. This study targeted the basis of paraherquamide A selectivity by determining an X-ray crystal structure of the acetylcholine binding protein (AChBP), a surrogate nAChR ligand-binding domain, complexed with the compound and by measuring its actions on wild-type and mutant Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes and functionally expressed C. elegans nAChRs. Paraherquamide A showed a higher efficacy for the levamisole-sensitive (L-type (UNC-38/UNC-29/UNC-63/LEV8/LEV-1)) nAChR than the nicotine-sensitive (N-type (ACR-16)) nAChR, a result consistent with in vivo studies on wild type worms and worms with mutations in subunits of these two classes of receptors. The X-ray crystal structure of the Ls-AChBP-paraherquamide A complex and site-directed amino acid mutation studies showed for the first time that loop C, loop E and loop F of the orthosteric receptor binding site play critical roles in the observed L-type nAChR selective actions of paraherquamide A. Significance Statement Paraherquamide A, an oxindole alkaloid, has been shown to act selectively on the L-type over N-type nAChRs in nematodes, but the mechanism of selectivity is unknown. We have co-crystallized paraherquamide A with the acetylcholine binding protein, a surrogate of nAChRs, and found that structural features of loop C, loop E and loop F contribute to the L-type nAChR selectivity of the alkaloid. The results create a new platform for the design of anthelmintic drugs targeting cholinergic neurotransmission in parasitic nematodes.

Broiler chicken is one of the major dietary protein sources in Bangladesh. This study is aimed to investigate the status of chromium (VI) content in broiler feeds and water, as well as the risk of chromium (VI) in broiler meat, liver, and brain. For this investigation, a total of five broiler-rearing farms were chosen, each with a different type of broiler feed. A total of fifteen broiler chickens along with the water and feed samples were collected from those broiler farms. The concentration of chromium (VI) in feed, water, broiler meat, liver, and brain samples was determined using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Two feed samples (Farm B and Farm D) were found to be chromium (VI) polluted (3.157±0.050 mg/Kg and 3.510±0.095 mg/Kg respectively), while water samples were found to be devoid of contamination. Only meat, liver, and brain samples from several farms were found to have chromium (VI). Brain samples exhibited the highest concentration of chromium (3.550±1.281 mg/Kg) compared to the liver (2.700±1.084 mg/Kg) and muscle meat (0.857±0.076 mg/Kg) samples. The amounts of chromium (VI) in the broiler brain and liver were found to be substantially higher than FAO and WHO acceptable standards. The rate of chromium (VI) concentration in meat samples was below the allowed level. It is proposed that precautions should be taken to detect chromium in chicken feed to assess health hazards and protect humans from food that could have serious negative consequences for their health. Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2022, 8 (4), 225-229

This study was carried out to investigate the nutritional composition and functional properties of two varieties of watermelon seeds and compare these properties between these seeds for harnessing them for consumption as food. The dried seeds of the two types of watermelon were evaluated by using a standard method for different characteristics such as nutritional, phytochemical and functional properties to perceive the potential benefits of that seed. The result of nutritional composition and phytochemical compound analysis obtained for the two varieties (Crimson red and Charleston gray) of watermelon seed indicated that both varieties of watermelon seed were rich in energy (469.60±0.01Kcal/100g, 408.85±0.01Kcal/100g), crude fat (36.61±0.01%, 30.65±0.01%), crude protein (27.21±0.01%, 22.51±0.01%), fiber (21.55±0.01, 29.85±0.01%) and phytochemical compound such as crude alkaloid (14.05±0.006%, 10.56±0.006%) respectively. The study result showed that, the crude fat, crude protein, energy and crude alkaloid were found to be high in the amount in the Crimson red seed than Charleston gray seed. Whereas the crude fiber was the high amount in the Charleston gray seed compared to the Crimson red seed. Functional properties may impact the behavior of food protein during processing, formulation and storage. The functional properties such as water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, emulsion activity, emulsion stability, foam activity, and foam stability were analysed of two varieties of watermelon seeds. The present research study revealed that both the two varieties of watermelon seed are characterized with good functional properties which indicate that the watermelon seeds can be incorporated in the formulation of food for consumption and use for industrial purposes. SAARC J. Agric., 19(2): 233-243 (2021)