Scientifica最新文献

{"title":"Comparative Efficacy of Wood Ash and Leaf Powder of <i>Aquaria salicifolia</i> Against <i>Sitophilus zeamais</i> and <i>Acanthoscelides obtectus</i>.","authors":"Bertilla Beizuh Bua, Jean Wini Goudoungou, Katamssadan Tofel Haman, Daniel Kosini, Raoul Borkeum Barry, Elias Nchiwan Nukenine","doi":"10.1155/sci5/8531268","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/8531268","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Maize and beans are very important sources of proteins and carbohydrates, and these grains are widely cultivated and stored for further use and consumption. During their storage, maize and beans are seriously attacked by beetle pests, namely, <i>Sitophilus zeamais</i> and <i>Acanthoscelides obtectus,</i> respectively. The pest management of these beetles is mostly carried out by the use of chemical insecticides, which are not environmentally friendly. In this regard, the insecticidal efficacy of <i>Aquaria salicifolia</i> leaf powder and wood ash was assessed on <i>S. zeamais</i> and <i>A. obtectus</i> concerning their effects on adult mortality, progeny inhibition, repellence, population increase and grain damage in the fluctuating laboratory conditions. Each biosubstance was mixed with grain at different contents (5, 10, 20 and 40 g/kg). Mortality was determined for 1, 3, 7, 10 and 14 days post-treatment. All treatments were displayed on the shelves in the darkness. Four repetitions were carried out for each test, and the experiment was done in a complete randomized block design. The substances significantly caused mortality in the study coleopteran compared to the negative control, with wood ash being more effective than the leaf powder. 40 g/kg of wood ash caused 100% mortality to the bruchids after 10 days of exposure, while 40 g/kg of leaf powder caused 100% mortality after 14 days of exposure. For the weevils, the leaf powder was less effective as the highest dosage causing 37.50% in 14 days whereas wood ash caused 73.75% mortality in the same period. The production of F₁ progeny and rate of population increase as well as percentage of damaged grains and weight losses were reduced significantly by both substances, which were also repellent. Considering these findings, <i>A. salicifolia</i> products could favourably be used as an alternative to chemically synthesized insecticides employed in the conservation of maize and beans during storage.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"8531268"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12811400/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145999076","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Saliva Spectral Signature and LINE-1 Methylation in Oral Cells: Impact of Air Pollution in São Paulo State Residents.","authors":"Adriana Rocha Nunes, Kusai Baroudi, Mohamed Jaber, Liebert Bernardes Carvalho, Giovana Dos Santos Toledo, Thiago Martini Pereira, Luis Felipe C S de Carvalho, Gilberto Fisch, Rodrigo A Foganholi da Silva","doi":"10.1155/sci5/6254270","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/6254270","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Air pollution, characterized by the presence of pollutants in the air in large quantities, is one of the main factors degrading the quality of life, especially in industrialized urban centers. This study investigated how air pollution affects LINE-1 methylation and expression in Taubaté and Lagoinha, cities selected for their contrasting characteristics regarding pollution. DNA and RNA samples were extracted to evaluate LINE-1 methylation and LINE-1. The bisulfite PCR technique was used to quantify methylation, whereas RT-qPCR was employed to measure mRNA expression. Saliva spectral analysis was performed using FT-IR spectroscopy. The results showed a significant difference in the methylation of the L1TD1 gene: In Taubaté, methylation levels were significantly lower, whereas LINE-1 mRNA expression was higher compared to Lagoinha. Furthermore, spectral analysis revealed small variations in the intensities of phosphate bands in DNA, suggesting structural alterations. The inverse correlation between pollution levels and the methylation status of the LITD1 gene in oral mucosa cells indicates that the concentration of pollutants may contribute to genomic instability promoted by hypomethylation, potentially leading to the development of chronic diseases. These findings provide evidence that air pollution significantly impacts DNA methylation and LINE-1 expression and alters the chemical composition of saliva, suggesting that these factors may serve as biomarkers for studies on pollution exposure and disease risk. Therefore, it is essential to implement public policies to reduce air pollution and protect health.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"6254270"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12807881/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145999000","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Foliar Application of a Biostimulant Based on Fermented Pomegranate Waste Increases Tomato Yield in Greenhouse.","authors":"Gilberto Abdón-Aguilar, Ana L Rueda-Altunar, Armando Robledo-Olivo, Susana González-Morales, Adalberto Benavides-Mendoza, Ana Verónica Charles-Rodríguez, Antonio Juárez-Maldonado, Marcelino Cabrera-De la Fuente","doi":"10.1155/sci5/9995637","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/9995637","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The use of biostimulants can help to mitigate the conditions of biotic and abiotic stresses in crops by enhancing the crop yield and product nutrients. The novelty of this research was to produce a biostimulant for the tomato cultivation through fermentation of pomegranate waste, evaluating in the crop the effect on the growth, development, and quality of tomato fruits. Pomegranate bagasse was used as a substrate during the liquid fermentation using <i>Aspergillus niger</i> M4 strain. Three applications of fermented extract were made in three phenological crop stages for each of the four different treatments. The biotechnological process allowed the transformation of pomegranate residues, increasing the content of antioxidant activity and catechin in 467% and 315%, respectively. The fermentation enabled the mineral content modification, such as the condensed tannins, zinc, magnesium, and antioxidant capacity. By applying the fermented extract of pomegranate, an increase of 34% in crop yield and a 32% in the lycopene content in tomato fruit was obtained. The use of a fermentative process enables the pomegranate waste mineral modification, enhancing the biostimulant capacity of pomegranate residues. The foliar application of a raw pomegranate fermented extract increases the crop yield and nutritional quality of the tomato fruits.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"9995637"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12789636/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145952723","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Perception of Dental Faculty Regarding Development of Preclinical Endodontic Simulation Curriculum for Undergraduate Dental Students in Pakistan.","authors":"Salima Naveed Manji, Muhammad Imtiaz, Saroosh Ehsan, Khizer Mehmood, Shahzad Ahmad, Naauman Zaheer, Shazia Iqbal, Shahzad Ali","doi":"10.1155/sci5/1988107","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/1988107","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Dental education's globalization necessitates that curricula meet international standards, and simulation technologies provide opportunities to enhance skill acquisition in endodontics. This study investigates faculty perceptions on implementing a simulation-based curriculum in Pakistan, focusing on preclinical training effectiveness and potential integration challenges.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study, employing probability sampling, was conducted among endodontics faculty across Pakistan. Using a validated online questionnaire distributed via Google Forms, the study gathered quantitative data on faculty perceptions regarding the simulation curriculum's design, assessment methods, and implementation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the 33 participants, 63.6% were male, and 69.7% had over 8 years of experience. Faculty responses indicated strong support for simulation integration, with concerns about feasibility given resource limitations. Many endorsed haptic VR's potential for improving clinical skills, though practical barriers such as cost and faculty training were highlighted.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There is significant interest in implementing a structured simulation-based endodontics curriculum in Pakistan. While faculty are positive about simulation's benefits, institutional support and resource allocation will be essential for effective integration to enhance skill acquisition and patient safety in endodontics education, ensuring that students receive comprehensive training and workshops that meet international standards. By leveraging simulation-based learning, dental education in Pakistan can evolve to produce competent and confident practitioners equipped to address the challenges of modern clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"1988107"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12788980/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145952989","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimization of Sweet Leaf (<i>Sauropus androgynus</i> L. Merr)-Amaranth (<i>Amaranthus hybridus</i> L.) Vegetable Leather With Carrageenan and Sorbitol.","authors":"Heri Purwoto, Anjani Putri Purnamasari, Tubagus Bahtiar Rusbana, Winda Nurtiana, Renny Primasari Gustia Putri, Maya Soraya, Hendrawan Laksono","doi":"10.1155/sci5/5572976","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/5572976","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Vegetable leather is an emerging preservation strategy that extends shelf life, reduces postharvest losses, and provides a convenient format for nutrient-rich vegetables. Sweet leaf (<i>Sauropus androgynus</i> L. Merr.) and amaranth (<i>Amaranthus hybridus</i> L.) are rich in bioactive compounds, making them promising raw materials for functional vegetable leather. This study optimized vegetable leather formulation by evaluating the effects of carrageenan, sorbitol, and sweet leaf-amaranth ratios on mechanical and physicochemical properties. Response surface methodology (RSM) with a D-optimal design was applied using Design Expert 13.0.12 software. Factors tested included carrageenan concentration (0.5%-2.5%), sorbitol concentration (1%-13%), and sweet leaf-amaranth ratios (25:75, 50:50, and 75:25). Optimization results identified the optimal formula as 0.877% carrageenan, 1% sorbitol, and a 25:75 sweet leaf-amaranth ratio, with a desirability value of 0.864. The optimized product exhibited tensile strength of 6.08 N/mm², elongation of 6%, solubility of 92.77%, moisture content of 10.93%, and ash content of 3.11%. Functional analysis of the optimized product showed a chlorophyll content of 9.35 ± 0.35 mg·L^-1 and antioxidant activity of 76.0 ± 0.02% inhibition. Sensory evaluation indicated neutral to slightly favorable acceptance, with overall acceptability of 5.1 ± 0.90 on a seven-point hedonic scale. These results confirm that the optimized sweet leaf-amaranth vegetable leather has promising functional and consumer attributes in addition to desirable physicochemical properties.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"5572976"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12782335/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145952775","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Improvement of In Vitro Seed Germination and Shoot Development of the Indonesian Endangered Orchid, <i>Dendrobium lineale</i> Rolfe, Using Sucrose and Coconut Water.","authors":"Edy Setiti Wida Utami, Sri Lestari, Dwi Kusuma Wahyuni, Junairiah, Hery Purnobasuki, Sucipto Hariyanto, Nabila Istighfari, Ahmad Affan Ali Murtadlo, Siti Umamah","doi":"10.1155/sci5/2153196","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/2153196","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Dendrobium lineale</i> Rolfe is an important orchid species used as a parent in breeding. Currently, this orchid is classified as an endangered species and is listed in Appendix II according to CITES. This study aimed to investigate the effects of sucrose and coconut water (CW) on the asymbiotic seed germination and shoot development of this endangered Indonesian orchid. <i>In vitro</i> orchid seed culture aids in conservation and reintroduction. Three-month-old hand-pollinated seeds were sown on Vacin and Went (VW) solid medium supplemented with several concentrations of sucrose (10, 20, and 30 g/L) or without sucrose (controls). Seed germination and protocorm development were investigated 1, 2, and 3 months after sowing. To analyze the role of CW in subsequent shoot development and root formation, shoots with an approximately 1-cm length and comprising 1-2 leaves obtained following seed germination were cultured on VW medium supplemented with several concentrations of CW (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) and without CW (control) treatment. After 4 months of culture, the number of roots, the number of leaves, and dry weight of the plantlets were recorded. VW medium containing 20 g/L sucrose effectively enhanced seed germination (89%) and shoot formation with one or more leaves (stage 5) (46%). Supplementation with 20% CW in VW medium was suitable for shoot development, resulting in well-developed roots and leaves and improved fresh weight of plantlets compared with those in the other treatments. Moreover, 87% of the acclimatized plantlets survived. This protocol is an efficient method for the in vitro mass production and conservation of this endangered epiphytic orchid using asymbiotic seed culture.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"2153196"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12782341/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145952758","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Farm Typologies of Banana and Plantain Smallholders: Agricultural Practices and Disease Constraints in Department of Huila, Colombia.","authors":"Paula Bermeo-Fúquene, Edgar Mauricio Rico-Sierra, Edinson Bayardo Parra-Alferes, Diego Alberto Navarro-Niño, Angela Maria Vargas-Berdugo, Edgar Herney Varón-Devia, Eleonora Rodríguez-Polanco","doi":"10.1155/sci5/3357641","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/3357641","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Bananas and plantains (<i>Musa</i> spp.) are among the most widely cultivated crops in tropical regions and are consumed worldwide. These agricultural systems provide fundamental products in the Colombian basket of goods and generate the highest domestic rural employment. However, multiple crop types and diverse technologies implemented in <i>Musa</i> have not yet been characterized. This study aimed to classify smallholder <i>Musa</i> crop systems in one of the most productive <i>Musa</i> Department (Huila) and assess their relationships with the existing coffee system in this region. Seventy-four farmers were interviewed in six municipalities of Huila, Colombia. The questionnaire-based interview included four aspects related to producers: socioeconomic, locality, crop establishment, and crop management. Additionally, land use for <i>Musa</i> and coffee was assessed geographically. Based on producer answers, descriptive, proportional flow diagrams, factor analysis of mixed data (FAMD), hierarchical clustering on principal components (HCPC), and correlation analyses were performed. Most participants interviewed were male (91%, <i>n</i> = 67), had an elementary or high school education level (91%, <i>n</i> = 67), and were over 29 years old (96%, <i>n</i> = 71). Four groups of <i>Musa</i> crop systems were identified in four locations based on the implementation of Good Agricultural Practices and the main disease registered: (i) no Good Agricultural Practices certification (GAPc) in the southern subregion; (ii) GAPc in the center subregion; these two items show elephantiasis as the main disease; (iii) no GAPc in the center subregion; and (iv) GAPc in the northeastern subregion; these two clusters register Sigatoka as the main disease. All banana system localizations and 87.9% of plantain systems are highly suitable for coffee production. These findings support local government plans and <i>Musa</i> farm decision-making aimed at increasing <i>Musa</i> production in Huila, Colombia.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2025 ","pages":"3357641"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12782326/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145952968","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Constituents of <i>Phyllanthus emblica</i> Fruit Ameliorate Hyperlipidemia Through the Modulation of SREBPs, HMG-CoA Reductase, and LDL Receptor Pathway.","authors":"Syed Abdul Kuddus, Md Hasanuzzaman Shohag, Quamrul Islam Yaseen, Labiba Ahmed, Anika Tabassum Kashfia, Fatema Binte Islam, Sabrin Islam Khan, Reatul Karim, Muhammad Maqsud Hossain, Md Ashraful Alam, Ferdous Khan","doi":"10.1155/sci5/7941857","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/7941857","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The current study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with antioxidant-rich <i>Phyllanthus emblica</i> fruit powder (PEF) in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemic Wistar rats. <i>In silico</i> pharmacokinetic activity prediction and molecular docking studies were performed for several bioactive compounds of the <i>P. emblica</i> fruit. Wistar rats were arranged into four groups and fed one of the following four diets: standard diet (Control), 2% (w/w) PEF-supplemented standard diet (Control + PEF), HFD, and 2% (w/w) PEF-supplemented HFD (HFD + PEF). The treatment was continued for 8 weeks, after which the effects of PEF on oxidative stress, fat deposition, plasma lipids, and gene expression of relevant proteins were explored. Several proteins involved in lipid metabolism and homeostasis interact with bioactive phenolic compounds, such as ellagic acid, quercetin, catechin, kaempferol, and chrysin. The presence of these compounds in the <i>P. emblica</i> fruit was confirmed by HPLC analysis. <i>In vivo</i> experiments showed that HFD-induced increased oxidative stress, mesenteric fat weight, and harmful plasma lipids were reduced significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.05) due to the feeding of PEF-supplemented HFD. On the other hand, HFD-mediated reductions in antioxidant enzyme activity and the level of HDL cholesterol were restored in rats fed with PEF. The HFD-mediated increase in the transcript levels of SREBP-1c, SREBP-2, and HMGCR reductase was significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.05) suppressed by feeding PEF with a parallel increase in the expression of LDLR. However, the increased expression of LXRα, PPARγ, and FABP4 was not changed by PEF feeding, although these proteins strongly interacted with several compounds of PEF. This study demonstrated that a PEF-supplemented diet can reduce HFD-induced hyperlipidemia by modulating the expression of SREBP-1c, SREBP-2, HMG-CoA reductase, and LDL receptor at the transcriptional level.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2025 ","pages":"7941857"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12782344/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145952564","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Incorporation of <i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i> subsp. <i>plantarum</i> Dad-13 Into Chocolate Processing: The Effect on Physical, Nutritional, and Probiotics Viability During Storage.","authors":"Titiek Farianti Djaafar, Tri Marwati, Anna Fajariyah, Nendyo Adhi Wibowo, Novia Nur Aini, Mifta Gatya, Imelda Damarwati, Hariya Amalina, Gabriela Belinda Aulia, Endang Sutriswati Rahayu, Tyas Utami, Rini Yanti, Ulyatu Fitrotin","doi":"10.1155/sci5/5511985","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/5511985","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chocolate with added functional value has become increasingly popular due to growing consumer health awareness. <i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i> subsp. <i>plantarum</i> Dad-13 isolated from <i>dadih</i> (fermented buffalo milk) is a potential probiotic strain exhibiting various health benefits. Probiotic chocolate was formulated by adding <i>L. plantarum</i> Dad-13. The experiments were performed in triplicate. The safety parameters of the chocolate, including microbial and heavy metal contamination, were evaluated to ensure its safety for consumption. Changes in probiotic chocolate's physical, nutritional, and microbial properties were compared to those of nonprobiotic chocolate. Storage trials were further conducted to better understand the viability of probiotics in the chocolate products. The chocolate used in this study was safe for consumption, as indicated by the low contamination levels. Chocolate supplemented with <i>L. plantarum</i> Dad-13 had similar nutritional characteristics to nonprobiotic chocolate. However, the addition of probiotics slightly altered its physical characteristics, resulting in broader melting properties, although this remained within a tolerable range. Storing the chocolate at low to moderate temperatures (4-20°C) could maintain the viability of <i>L. plantarum</i> Dad-13 above 8 log CFU/g for up to 30 days of storage, demonstrating its promising potential as a novel probiotic chocolate product.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2025 ","pages":"5511985"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12782336/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145953009","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhancing Quality Characteristics of Buckwheat (<i>Fagopyrum esculentum</i>) Flour: Effects of Germination and Nixtamalisation Processes.","authors":"Kazeem Koledoye Olatoye, Abiola Folakemi Olaniran, Oluwatobi Ibukun Adeyemo, Adeniyi Ayokanmi Koledade, Faith Oluwatoyosi Agaja, Oluwatobi Victoria Obayomi","doi":"10.1155/sci5/9935662","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/9935662","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Buckwheat is a pseudo-cereal with chemical, functional and application comparable to wheat but possesses higher antinutrient contents, which limit their digestibility and broader utilisation. The study investigated the effects of germination and nixtamalisation on the quality characteristics of buckwheat flour. Germination and nixtamalisation processes were carried out using limewater and potassium hydroxide. Whole, germinated buckwheat flour (GBW), organically nixtamalised buckwheat flour and synthetically nixtamalised buckwheat flour (SNBW) were produced and analysed for nutritional composition (proximate and mineral contents), antinutrients (phytate, oxalate, tannin and saponin) and antioxidant properties (phenol, flavonoids, ferric-reducing antioxidant power and total antioxidant), physicochemical and functional properties (water absorption capacity [WAC], oil absorption capacity (OAC), swelling capacity (SC) and bulk density (BD), and data were analysed using ANOVA at <i>α</i> _0.05. Germination and nixtamalisation processes significantly increased the moisture content (5.67%-8.67%; <i>p</i> < 0.05, ash (1.67%-4.30%; <i>p</i> value <i>p</i> < 0.05), crude protein (11.43%-14.91%; <i>p</i> < 0.05), fibre (10.20%-13.20%) and fat (5.0%-15.0%) but reduced the carbohydrate (61.52%-50.43%) of buckwheat flour. Protein digestibility of buckwheat flour was significantly improved (65.11%-78.14%). Similar trends were observed for the mineral content and antioxidant properties of the treated flours. The antinutritional properties of flour samples were reduced by both germination and nixtamalisation. Germinated buckwheat showed higher lightness (<i>L</i>), redness (<i>a</i>) and light intensity (<i>E</i>) compared with nixtamalised ones. Germination and nixtamalisation significantly influenced the pH, WAC, OAC, SC, solubility and bulk density of the buckwheat flour, which ranged between (4.94-8.91), (74.67-190.33 mL/g), (72.00-84.00 mL/g), (6.28-9.87 mL/g), (15.67-52.67 mL/g) and (0.8-0.85 g/mL), respectively. The application of germination and nixtamalisation processes significantly improves the protein digestibility, mineral content, and acidity of buckwheat flour as compared to whole buckwheat. Thus, these methods of processing have been proven to further enhance the qualitative attributes of buckwheat flour, promoting its expanded application in the food sector.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2025 ","pages":"9935662"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12782338/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145952943","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}