Composition and bioactive factor content of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) raw meal and protein concentrate

Analysis was done of the composition and bioactive factor content of whole meal, processed meal and protein concentrate from a cowpea cultivar (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp var. IT86D‐719) grown in Yucatan, Mexico and of changes in these parameters after soaking and dehulling. Both meals had a high protein content (247.53 and 257 g kg^?1 dry matter (DM) respectively). The protein concentrate was rich in protein (786 g kg^?1 DM) and lipids (58.47 g kg^?1 DM) and had an amino acid profile similar to that of the processed meal. The amino acid profiles of the meals almost covered human dietary requirements based on FAO/WHO/UNU‐suggested profiles but were deficient in sulphur amino acids. Trypsin inhibitor activity was high in both meals compared with levels found in previous studies. Trypsin inhibitor activity in the concentrate was not eliminated but was significantly reduced. Lectin activity, tannin levels, phytate levels and α‐amylase inhibitor activity were relatively low in the meals, and cyanogenic glucosides were not detected. Residual amounts of α‐amylase inhibitors, tannins and phytate were observed in the concentrate, and lectin activity was not detected. Results indicate that V. unguiculata L. Walp var. IT86D‐719 meals and protein concentrate are good potential foodstuffs in the Yucatan region. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Microbial diversity and biochemical profile of aguamiel collected from<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Agave salmiana</Emphasis> and<Emphasis Type="Italic"> A. atrovirens</Emphasis> during different seasons of year

Aguamiel is a beverage produced by some Agave species that is consumed in its fresh or fermented form. Despite its uses and popularity, seasonal effects on its microbial and chemical profiles are unknown. In this study, using aguamiel collected from A. salmiana and A. atrovirens during different seasons, we identified microorganisms by sequencing the 16S and 18S rDNA genes and determined their chemical profiles. In total, 49 microbial strains were identified (38 bacteria and 11 yeasts). The highest richness and biodiversity were observed during winter and summer. Different lactic acid bacteria and yeast genera with potential industrial applications were identified, such as Acetobacter, Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, and Clavispora. The analysis of the chemical profiles indicated the presence of maltooligosaccharides and fructooligosaccharides, which are associated with human health improvements, during spring in Agave aguamiel. Aguamiel can be used in the food industry due to its microbiological and chemical profiles.     

Selective Growth of α-Sexithiophene by Using Silicon Oxides Patterns

A process for fabricating ordered organic films on large area is presented. The process allows growing sexithiophene ultra-thin films at precise locations on patterned Si/SiO(x) substrates by driving the orientation of growth. This process combines the parallel local anodic oxidation of Si/SiO(x) substrates with the selective arrangement of molecular ultra-thin film. The former is used to fabricate silicon oxide arrays of parallel lines of 400 nm in width over an area of 1 cm(2). Selective growth arises from the interplay between kinetic growth parameters and preferential interactions with the patterned surface. The result is an ultra-thin film of organic molecules that is conformal to the features of the fabricated motives.     

Flavanols from green tea and phenolic acids from coffee: critical quantitative evaluation of the pharmacokinetic data in humans after consumption of single doses of beverages

Coffee contains a complex mixture of chlorogenic acids, which are mainly ferulic and caffeic acids ester-linked to quinic acid. Green tea contains flavanols, mainly (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC) and (-)-epicatechin (EC). For healthy humans, we identified seven studies on green tea in liquid form and five on coffee beverage reporting single-dose plasma pharmacokinetics. Weighted averages, based on the number of subjects, and elimination of outliers, allowed estimation of some pharmacokinetic parameters. After consumption of an "average" cup of green tea containing 112 mg of (-)-epigallocatechin gallate, 51 mg of EGC and 15 mg of EC in 200 mL, the predicted C(max) values (total free and sulfate/glucuronide conjugates) in plasma are 125, 181 and 76 nM, respectively, together with 94 nM methyl-EGC and 51 nM methyl-EC (standard deviation <20%). After consumption of an "average" cup of coffee (160 mg total chlorogenic acids (0.46 mmol)/200 mL), predicted C(max) values of caffeic, ferulic, isoferulic, dihydrocaffeic and dihydroferulic acids are 114, 96, 50, 384 and 594 nM, respectively (too few studies to calculate standard deviation). Most studies report a very low amount of intact chlorogenic acids in plasma, with one exception. More studies on absorption of chlorogenic acids from coffee are required, including dose-response studies.     

Enhancing the Charge Transport in Solution‐Processed Perylene Di‐imide Transistors via Thermal Annealing of Metastable Disordered Films

The introduction of side chains in π‐conjugated molecules is a design strategy widely exploited to increase molecular solubility thus improving the processability, while directly influencing the self‐assembly and consequently the electrical properties of thin films. Here, a multiscale structural analysis performed by X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray reflectivity, and atomic force microscopy on thin films of dicyanoperylene molecules decorated with either linear or branched side chains is reported. The substitution with asymmetric branched alkyl chains allows obtaining, upon thermal annealing, field‐effect transistors with enhanced transport properties with respect to linear alkyl chains. Branched chains induce molecular disorder during the film growth from solution, effectively favouring 2D morphology. Post‐deposition thermal annealing leads to a structural transition towards the bulk‐phase for molecules with branched chains, still preserving the 2D morphology and allowing efficient charge transport between crystalline domains. Conversely, molecules with linear chains self‐assemble into 3D islands exhibiting the bulk‐phase structure. Upon thermal annealing, these 3D islands keep their size constant and no major changes are observed in the organic field effect transistor characteristics. These findings demonstrate that the disorder generated by the asymmetric branched chains when the molecule is physisorbed in thin film can be instrumental for enhancing charge transport via thermal annealing.     

Biological Functions and Metabolism of Oleoylethanolamide

The present review is focused on the metabolism and the emerging roles of oleoylethanolamide (OEA) with emphasis on its effects on food intake control and lipid metabolism. The biological mechanism of action, including a non-genomic effect mediated through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-alpha) and transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) receptor, is discussed. The research related to fatty acid ethanolamides has been focused until recently on anandamide and its interaction with cannabinoid receptor subtype 1. The roles of other N-acyl ethanolamine fatty acid derivatives have been neglected until it was demonstrated that OEA can modulate food intake control through interaction with PPAR-alpha. Further investigations demonstrated that OEA modulates lipid and glucose metabolism, and recent study confirmed that OEA is an antagonist of TRVP1. It has been demonstrated that OEA has beneficial effects on health by inducing food intake control, lipid beta-oxidation, body weight loss and analgesic effects. The investigation of the mechanism of action revealed that OEA activates PPAR-alpha and stimulates the vagal nerve through the capsaicin receptor TRPV1. Pre-clinical studies showed that OEA remains active when administered orally.