Comprehensive structural and functional characterization of a new protein-polysaccharide conjugate between grass pea protein (Lathyrus sativus) and xanthan gum produced by wet heating

The purpose of this work was to use a controlled wet-heating process to promote Maillard reaction (MR) between grass pea protein (GPPI) and xanthan gum (XG), and then analyse structural, functional and antioxidant properties of the conjugate (GPPI-XGCs). During heating, the degree of glycation of all conjugated samples was raised (up to 37.43 %) and, after heating for 24 h, the lightness of the samples decreased by 24.75 %. Circular dichroism showed changes in secondary structure with lower content of α-helix and random coil in conjugates. XRD patterns showed that MR destroyed the crystalline structure of the protein. In addition, Lys and Arg content of the produced conjugates decreased by 16.94 % and 6.17 %, respectively. Functional properties including foaming capacity and stability were increased by 45.17 % and 37.17 %, and solubility reached 98.88 %, due to the protein unfolding driven by MR. GPPI-XGCs showed significantly higher antioxidant activities with maximum ABTS-RS value of 49.57 %. This study revealed how MR can improve GPPI's properties, which can aid the food industry in producing a wide range of plant-based foods. Especially, among other characteristics, the foaming properties were significantly improved and the final product can be introduced as a promising foaming agent to be used in food formulation.

Effect of glyphosate on the growth and survival of rhizobia isolated from root nodules of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.)

Grass pea (L. sativus L.) is a widely cultivated crop worldwide, forming a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing rhizobia. Glyphosate is commonly used by farmers for weed control during agricultural processes. However, the application of this chemical herbicide negatively impacts soil fertility by affecting the nitrogen-fixing rhizobia. This study aimed to assess the effects of glyphosate on rhizobia isolated from healthy and robust Grass pea plants. Specifically, Grass pea plants exhibiting vigorous growth and a healthy appearance were intentionally selected to isolate rhizobia from their root nodules. The isolated rhizobia were then characterized based on their morphological features, biochemical properties, and resistance to abiotic traits. Rhizobial isolates from grass peas exhibited Gram-negative, rod-shaped morphology, milky colony color, and variable colony sizes. Additionally, the majority displayed smooth colony surfaces on yeast extract mannitol agar medium. Based on morphological and biochemical characteristics, the isolates could be grouped under the genus Rhizobium. Optimum growth conditions for these isolates were observed at temperatures between 28 and 38 °C, pH levels ranging from 5 to 8, and salt (NaCl) concentrations of 0.5% and 1%. At a concentration of 20 mL L-1, glyphosate inhibited 5.52-47% of the Rhizobium population. The inhibition percentage increased to 17.1-53.38% at a concentration of 40 mL L-1. However, when exposed to a higher concentration (60 mL/L) of glyphosate, 87% of the isolates were inhibited. The number of colonies after glyphosate exposure was significantly dependent on concentration, and there were notable differences between treatments with varying glyphosate concentrations (p < 0.05). Glyphosate negatively impacted the survival of grass pea rhizobia, leading to a reduction in the Rhizobium population (CFU). However, the effect varied between Rhizobium isolated from grass pea root nodules.

Prevalence of Neurolathyrism and its associated factors in Grass pea cultivation areas of Dawunt District, North-eastern Ethiopia; 2022: a community based multilevel analysis

INTRODUCTION

Neurolathyrism is an upper motor neuron disorder characterized by spastic paraparesis, which is caused by the prolonged over-consumption of grass pea. It is a devastating disease with great impacts on physical, social, mental, and economical health.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of neurolathyrism and its associated factors in grass pea cultivation areas of Dawunt wereda.

METHODS

Community based cross-sectional study design was conducted from February 01- March 30, 2021 on 631 Households with a total of 3,350 individuals. Two-stage random sampling technique was used to select participants. Multilevel binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with neurolathyrism. Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05; and AOR with 95% CI was used to interpret the results.

RESULTS

The household and population level prevalence of neurolathyrism in Dawunt district were 9.2% (7.2-11.7%) and 2.4% (2.0-2.3.0%) respectively. Age (AOR = 7.4 ( 2.6-20.6)), male sex (AOR = 7.8 (3.9, 15.4)), and marital status (AOR = 4.0 (1.3-12.8)) were the individual level variables; family size (AOR = 12.6 (3.0-52.8)), annual grass pea production (AOR = 5.0 (2.3-11.0)), ever feeding only grass pea (AOR = 8.8(3.5-22.2)), ever feeding immature seeds of grass pea (AOR = 6.28 (2.80, 14.08)), high grass pea to other cereals mixing ratio (> 3:1) (AOR = 6.1 (1.1, 33.5)) were the household level variables found to have significant association with neurolathyrism.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of neurolathyrism was found to be high. Ever feeding only grass pea, Grass pea to other cereals mixing ratio (using ratio of 1:1 or more), and Ever feeding immature grass pea seeds were the modifiable risk factors for neurolathyrism.

Quantifying the effects of pre-roasting on structural and functional properties of yellow pea proteins

Roasting could modify the protein structure/conformation, contributing to changes in functional properties. Here we investigated the effects of pre-roasting on the extraction efficiency, structural and functional properties of pea protein concentrates and isolates (PPC and PPI) produced from yellow split peas. The shorter roasting times (150 °C, 10 and 20 min) had little effect on protein yields and could increase the solubility of PPC or PPI by ∼ 12% at pH 7 and enhance the solubility of PPI by ∼ 12% (10-min roasting) and ∼ 24% (20-min roasting) at pH 3. However, a longer duration of pre-roasting (150 °C, 30 min) significantly reduced the extraction efficiency of PPC and PPI by ∼ 30% and ∼ 61%, respectively. Meanwhile, pre-roasting had minor effects on SDS-PAGE profiles and the secondary structures of pea proteins but significantly altered tertiary structures by reducing free sulfhydryl groups, increasing disulfide bonds and surface hydrophobicity. As for the emulsifying properties, pre-roasting improved the emulsion ability index (EAI) of PPC and PPI but decreased the emulsion stability index (ESI) of PPC and had no significant effect on PPI. Moreover, PPC and PPI with shorter pre-roasting duration (10 and 20 min) had endothermic peaks and showed a slight decrease in the denaturation temperature (Td) and the onset temperature (To), respectively. Overall, the study demonstrated that controlled pre-roasting at 150 °C for 10 min and 20 min altered protein structures (mainly tertiary structures), improving the solubility and EAI of pea proteins at pH 7, while retaining their thermal properties in comparison to unroasted samples.

Lathyrism in Spain: Lessons from 68 publications following the 1936-39 Civil War

After the end of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), an estimated 1,000 patients presented with lathyrism due to their excessive and prolonged consumption of grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) against the backdrop of poverty, drought, and famine. Based on 68 scientific communications between 1941 and 1962 by qualified medical professionals, the disease emerged in different geographical locations involving selective populations: (1) farmers from extensive areas of central Spain, traditionally producers and consumers of grasspea; (2) immigrants in the industrial belt of Catalonia and in the Basque Country, areas with little or no production of grasspea, which was imported from producing areas; (3) workers in Galicia, an area where the legume is neither produced nor consumed, who were seasonally displaced to high-production areas of grasspea in Castille; and (4) inmates of overcrowded postwar Spanish prisons. Original reports included failed attempts by Carlos Jiménez Díaz (1898-1967) to induce experimental lathyrism, the neuropathology of lathyrism in early stages of the disease in two patients, as reported by Carlos Oliveras de la Riva (1914-2007), and the special susceptibility of children to develop a severe form of lathyrism after relatively brief periods of consumption of the neurotoxic seed of L. sativus. In the Spanish Basque Country, L. cicera L. (aizkol) was cultivated exclusively as animal fodder. Patients who were forced to feed on this plant developed unusual manifestations of lathyrism, such as axial myoclonus and severe neuropsychiatric disorders, unknown in other regions of the country and previously unreported. The postwar epidemic of lathyrism in Spain represents the most extensively studied outbreak of this self-limiting but crippling upper motor neuron disease.

Enhancing the land use efficiency of low-land rice (Oryza sativa L.)-Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) additive series relay intercropping in North-Western Ethiopia: A farmer's indigenous knowledge

In Ethiopia, the facts of farmers' indigenous knowledge-based cropping systems have rarely been investigated through research. A field experiment was conducted during 2021/2022 main cropping season at Fogera Plain with the objective of examining the effect of additive series relay intercropping of grass pea with lowland rice on the grain yield of the component crops and the production efficiency of the cropping system. The experiment consisted of a factorial combination of four seed proportions of grass pea (SPGP) (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the recommended seed rate of sole grass pea) relay intercropped with full seed rates of rice in four rice: grass pea spatial arrangements (SA) (1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and their mixed relay intercropping system). The treatments were arranged in a randomised complete block design with three replications. Data on grain yields of the component crops were collected and analysed using SAS-JMP-16 software. Results revealed that SPGP and SA had no significant effect on rice. The highest grain yield of grass pea was obtained when 25% SPGP was relay intercropped with rice in 1:3 SA (5.10 t ha-1). Maximum production efficiency in terms of total land output yield (9.89 t ha-1) and land use efficiency (ATER = 1.33), net benefit (33, 5176.79 Birr ha-1), marginal rate of return (21,428%), and positive monetary advantage index with lower competitive ratio was obtained when 50% SPGP was relay intercropped with rice in 1:3 SA. Thus, this mixture seems to contribute to the development of sustainable crop production with a limited use of external inputs. Rice intercropping with other staple legume crops under residual soil moisture needs to be tested across locations and years to intensify the production efficiency and profitability of the cropping system.

Comprehensive compositional assessment of bioactive compounds in diverse pea accessions

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an important legume crop providing a good source of protein, vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds with health benefits for humans. In this study, an improved method for simultaneous analysis of multiple phytoestrogens among 100 pea accessions was developed. Ipriflavone, (a synthetic isoflavone), was used as an internal standard for the semiquantitative analysis of 17 phytoestrogens including isoflavone aglycones and conjugates, allowing direct analysis of isoflavones in their naturally occurring forms. This comprehensive dataset demonstrated that the isoflavones varied greatly and some accessions tended to have high levels of multiple phytoestrogens among the 100 accessions analyzed. Isoliquiritigenin followed by glycitein were the predominant compounds detected in the accessions and showed the highest correlation with the total phytoestrogens content. Secoisolariciresinol content was consistently higher in yellow cotyledon peas than in green cotyledon peas, whereas the contents of coumestrol, genestein and secoisolariciresinol were significantly correlated with seed coat color. The total phenolics and saponins showed a wide range of variability among the accessions with higher concentrations of total phenolics observed in seeds with pigmented seed coat or yellow cotyledon seeds, suggesting the synthesis of saponins and phenolics are significantly affected by metabolic pathway genes controlling cotyledon color or seed coat color. This study profiled the variability of bioactive compounds of pea seed quality traits in diverse pea accessions and provides an immense resource for continued research, breeding and selection of genotypes for a wide range of applications.

Diamine Oxidase as a Therapeutic Enzyme: Study of Germination from Vegetal Sources and Investigation of the Presence of β-N-Oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic Acid (β-ODAP) Using LC-MS/MS

Vegetal diamine oxidase (vDAO), an enzyme proposed to relieve symptoms of histaminosis, shows better reactivity with histamine and aliphatic diamines, as well as higher enzymatic activity than DAO of animal origin. The objective of this study was to evaluate the enzyme activity of vDAO from germinating grains from Lathyrus sativus (grass pea) and Pisum sativum (pea), and to verify the presence of a neurotoxin, β-N-Oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic acid (β-ODAP), in the crude extract obtained from their seedlings. A targeted liquid chromatography-multiple-reaction monitoring mass spectrometry method was developed and used to quantify β-ODAP in the analysed extracts. An optimized sample preparation procedure, involving protein precipitation with acetonitrile followed by mixed-anion exchange solid-phase extraction, allowed for high sensitivity and good peak shape for β-ODAP detection. The Lathyrus sativus extract exhibited the highest vDAO enzyme activity of the extracts, followed by the extract from pea cultivar Amarillo from the Crop Development Centre (CDC). The results have also shown that even though β-ODAP was present in the crude extract from L. sativus, its content was far below the toxicity threshold (300 mg of β-ODAP/kg body/day). CDC Amarillo showed 5000-fold less β-ODAP than the undialysed L. sativus extract. It was concluded that both species can be considered as convenient sources of vDAO for potential therapeutic use.

Effect of ultrasonic pretreatment on the rheology and structure of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) protein emulsion gels induced by transglutaminase

In this study, emulsion gels were prepared by sonicated grass pea protein isolates (GPPI) at different ultrasonic amplitudes (25, 50 and 75 %) and times (5, 10 and 20 min). Formation of emulsion gels was induced by transglutaminase. Enzymatic gelation of emulsions stabilized by sonicated GPPI occurred in two stages. A relatively fast stage led to the formation of a weak gel which was followed by a slow stage that strongly reinforced the gel structure. Emulsion gels fabricated by sonicated GPPIs showed a homogeneous and uniform droplet distribution with higher elastic modulus compared to the native protein. A stiffer emulsion gel with a higher G' was formed after the protein was treated at 75 % amplitude for 10 min. After sonication of GPPI, the water holding capacity (WHC) of emulsion gels increased in accordance with the mechanical properties. Higher intermolecular cross-linking within the gel network increased the thermal stability of emulsion gels fabricated by sonicated GPPI. Although sonicated-GPPI emulsion gels clearly displayed homogenous microstructure in comparison to that made with native GPPI, the microstructures of these gels were nearly identical for all sonication amplitudes and times.

Seed to seed variation of proteins of the yellow pea (Pisum sativum L.)

The existing variation among pea protein isolates' functionality limits their application in food formulations. The source and extent of variations among yellow pea protein profiles was assessed in 10 single seeds of two varieties with different size and weight. A new approach was developed to analyze proteins of yellow pea combining three analytical methods of size exclusion chromatography (SEC), reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), and microfluidic SDS-PAGE, to achieve the highest separation resolution. A high variation of protein concentration was observed not only between varieties, but also among seeds of the same variety. Vicilin to legumin ratio was between 2.72-4.19, and 1.70-2.22 among the individual seeds of AC Agassiz and CDC Saffron varieties, respectively. V/L ratio was significantly different among the individual seeds for both varieties. The amount of some protein fractions/subunits were correlated with seeds' size and weight for AC Agassiz, while such correlations were not observed for CDC Saffron.

Comparison of storage and lignin accumulation characteristics between two types of snow pea

Snow pea is a very important vegetable, and its postharvest storage characteristics vary with species. Few studies on the differences in its storage characteristics are available. In this study, postharvest changes in metabolic rate (respiration rate and water loss rate), membrane permeability (relative conductivity), nutrient contents (total sugar, amino acids, starch), lignin, cellulose, β-Glucosidase (β-GC) enzyme activity, texture properties, PG enzyme activity and their relationship were analyzed in large sweet broad peas and small snow peas. On the 8th day of storage, we found that the respiration rate and water loss rate were increased, total sugars and total amino acids were decreased significantly in these two legume vegetables, and that metabolic rate was slower with less nutrients consumed in large sweet broad peas than in small snow peas. Throughout the 8-day whole storage, the lignin and cellulose contents were always lower in large sweet broad peas than in small snow peas. With the increasing storage time, small snow peas were more susceptible to lignification and fibrosis, which was observed in their texture properties. The enzyme activities related to cellulose and pectin degradation (β-GC, PG) also showed the same trend during the storage. At the late stage of storage, the taste of large sweet broad peas was better than that of small snow peas. In conclusion, the storage period of large sweet broad peas was longer than that of the small snow peas, and its lignification degree was lower than that of the small snow peas. Meanwhile, senescence and lignin accumulation led to hardening of snow pea during postharvest storage. Our findings provide a theoretical reference for improving the postharvest storage quality of snow pea and extending the shelf life.

Neurotoxin (N-Oxalyl-L-α,β-Diamino Propionic Acid) Content in Different Plant Parts of Grass Pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) Spanning Seedling to Maturity Stage: Does It Increase over Time?

ODAP (N-oxalyl-L-2,3-diaminopropionic acid) is present in the seeds of grass pea. In this study, variation of total ODAP accumulation in leaves throughout the crop growth starting from 40 days after sowing to maturity, and the distribution pattern of ODAP in different plant parts including the seeds at the mature stage was analyzed. Five grass pea accessions were evaluated for two subsequent growing seasons in one location of ICARDA, Aleppo (Syria). The results found that the rate of accumulation of total ODAP varied during plant development. Increased rates of synthesis were noticed in young leaves of grass pea. The highest total ODAP content in leaves was noted in the early growth stage (40-50 days after sowing). Mean total ODAP content in leaves ranged from 0.17 to 0.96 percent during 2010-2011 and from 0.19 to 1.28 percent during 2011-2012. During maturity, the total ODAP content was lowest in the seeds than in leaves, stems, pod cover, seed coat, and cotyledons. The ranges of total ODAP content were 0.13 (seed)-0.34 (stem), 0.20 (seed)-1.01 (leaf), 0.22 (seed)-0.62 (leaf), 0.21 (seed)-0.66 (leaf), and 0.21 (seed)-0.78 (leaf) percent in B387, B222, B390, Bio-520, and B587 accessions, respectively, during maturity. The results indicated that the rate of accumulation and synthesis of total ODAP varied during the plant lifespan. The lowest total ODAP content of leaves was observed after 130 days of sowing. The lower total ODAP content after the early vegetative stage of grass pea plants makes them suitable as a feed.

Dissection of grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) root exoproteome reveals critical insights and novel proteins

The plant exoproteome is crucial because its constituents greatly influence plant phenotype by regulating physiological characteristics to adapt to environmental stresses. The root exudates constitute a dynamic aspect of plant exoproteome, as its molecular composition ensures a beneficial rhizosphere in a species-specific manner. We investigated the root exoproteome of grasspea, a stress-resilient pulse and identified 2861 non-redundant proteins, belonging to a myriad of functional classes, including root development, rhizosphere augmentation as well as defense functions against soil-borne pathogens. Significantly, we identified 1986 novel exoproteome constituents of grasspea, potentially involved in cell-to-cell communication and root meristem maintenance, among other critical roles. Sequence-based comparison revealed that grasspea shares less than 30 % of its exoproteome with the reports so far from model plants as well as crop species. Further, the exoproteome revealed 65 % proteins to be extracellular in nature and of these, 37 % constituents were predicted to follow unconventional protein secretion (UPS) mode. We validated the UPS for four stress-responsive proteins, which were otherwise predicted to follow classical protein secretion (CPS). Conclusively, we recognized not only the highest number of root exudate proteins, but also pinpointed novel signatures of dicot root exoproteome.

The role of genus and life span in predicting seed and vegetative trait variation and correlation in Lathyrus, Phaseolus, and Vicia

PREMISE

Annual and perennial life history transitions are abundant among angiosperms, and understanding the phenotypic variation underlying life span shifts is a key endeavor of plant evolutionary biology. Comparative analyses of trait variation and correlation networks among annual and perennial plants is increasingly important as new herbaceous perennial crops are being developed for edible seed. However, it remains unclear how seed to vegetative growth trait relationships correlate with life span.

METHODS

To assess the relative roles of genus and life span in predicting phenotypic variation and trait correlations, we measured seed size and shape, germination proportion, and early-life-stage plant height and leaf growth over 3 mo in 29 annual and perennial, herbaceous congeneric species from three legume genera (Lathyrus, Phaseolus, and Vicia).

RESULTS

Genus was the strongest predictor of seed size and shape variation, and life span consistently predicted plant height and leaf number at single time points. Correlation networks revealed that annual species had significant associations between seed traits and vegetative traits, whereas perennials had no significant seed-vegetative associations. Each genus also differed in the extent of integration between seed and vegetative traits, as well as within-vegetative-trait correlation patterns.

CONCLUSIONS

Genus and life span were important for predicting aspects of early-life-stage phenotypic variation and trait relationships. Differences in phenotypic correlation may indicate that selection on seed size traits will impact vegetative growth differently depending on life span, which has important implications for nascent perennial breeding programs.

Identification of Lathyrus sativus plant volatiles causing behavioral preference of Aphis craccivora

BACKGROUND

The viviparous aphid Aphis craccivora Koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a serious threat to the crop yield of Lathyrus sativus L. (Fabaceae), commonly known as grass pea. The synthetic insecticides applied to control this insect pest are not safe for the environment. Hence, it is necessary to find volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from two cultivars [BIO L 212 Ratan (BIO) and Nirmal B-1 (NIR)] of L. sativus plants causing behavioral preference of A. craccivora.

RESULTS

The VOCs from undamaged (UD), insect-damaged (ID) [plants on which 50 or 100 adults of A. craccivora were fed for 4 h (ID 50 or ID 100)], and mechanically damaged (MD) plants were identified and quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-flame ionization detection analyses, respectively. Total VOCs were higher in ID plants compared to UD plants of each cultivar. However, total VOCs were higher in NIR cultivar compared to BIO cultivar for both UD and ID plants. Benzyl alcohol was predominant in volatile extracts of all treatments. In Y-tube olfactometer bioassays, females showed preference towards volatile extracts of UD, ID, and MD plants of each cultivar compared to the control solvent (CH₂ Cl₂ ). Insects preferred certain synthetic blends comparable to volatile extracts of UD, ID, and MD plants of each L. sativus cultivar against the control solvent.

CONCLUSION

Females preferred a synthetic blend of benzyl alcohol, 1,3-diethylbenzene, thymol, and 1-hexadecene at ratios of 142.49: 62.03:1.18:1 dissolved in 25 μL of CH₂ Cl₂ in olfactometer bioassays, which could be used in developing lures to control this insect pest.

Comparative analysis of the plastid conversion, photochemical activity and chlorophyll degradation in developing embryos of green-seeded and yellow-seeded pea (Pisum sativum) cultivars

Developing seeds of some higher plants are photosynthetically active and contain chlorophylls (Chl), which are typically destroyed at the late stages of seed maturation. However, in some crop plant cultivars, degradation of embryonic Chl remains incomplete, and mature seeds preserve green colour, as it is known for green-seeded cultivars of pea (Pisum sativum L.). The residual Chl compromise seed quality and represent a severe challenge for farmers. Hence, comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms, underlying incomplete Chl degradation is required for maintaining sustainable agriculture. Therefore, here we address dynamics of plastid conversion and photochemical activity alterations, accompanying degradation of Chl in embryos of yellow- and green-seeded cultivars Frisson and Rondo respectively. The yellow-seeded cultivar demonstrated higher rate of Chl degradation at later maturation stage, accompanied with termination of photochemical activity, seed dehydration and conversion of green plastids into amyloplasts. In agreement with this, expression of genes encoding enzymes of Chl degradation was lower in the green seeded cultivar, with the major differences in the levels of Chl b reductase (NYC1) and pheophytinase (PPH) transcripts. Thus, the difference between yellow and green seeds can be attributed to incomplete Chl degradation in the latter at the end of maturation period.

Functional and thermal properties of yellow pea and red lentil extrudates produced by nitrogen gas injection assisted extrusion cooking

BACKGROUND

There are excellent opportunities for greater incorporation into our diets of pulses, which are rich in proteins and dietary fibers, if their functional properties are modified to fit a wide range of applications in the food industry. The objective of this research was to produce high protein and fiber extrudates from yellow pea and red lentil flours using conventional and N2 gas injection assisted extrusion cooking methods. The effects of process variables on extrudate functional and thermal properties were also investigated.

RESULTS

The cold viscosity of extrudates produced by N2 gas injection were higher than those produced by conventional extrusion, indicating that gas-assisted extrusion does affect the end-product pasting properties. At higher barrel temperatures (150-175 °C) extrudates did not exhibit any thermal transition in their thermograms, and thus their starches were completely gelatinized and proteins completely denatured during extrusion. In general, water solubility of extrudates produced by N2 gas injection was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those produced by conventional extrusion. Emulsion capacity and stability of yellow pea extrudates were in the range of 44-50% and 42-47%, respectively, and the counterpart values of red lentil extrudates were very similar (in the range of 43-47% and 43-46%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Nitrogen gas injection assisted extrusion cooking can be used practically in development of pulse extrudates which contain high protein and dietary fiber. This novel and innovative technique is a reliable alternative method to the conventional CO2 gas injection assisted extrusion cooking methods in the snack food and food ingredient industries. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Farming legumes in the pre-pottery Neolithic: New discoveries from the site of Ahihud (Israel)

New discoveries of legumes in the lower Galilee at the prehistoric site of Ahihud in Israel shed light on early farming systems in the southern Levant. Radiocarbon dating of twelve legumes from pits and floors indicate that the farming of legumes was practiced in southern Levant as early as 10.240-10.200 (1σ) ago. The legumes were collected from pits and other domestic contexts dated to the Early Pre-Pottery Neolithic B. The legumes identified include Vicia faba L. (faba bean), V. ervilia (bitter vetch), V. narbonensis (narbon vetch), Lens sp. (lentil), Pisum sp. (pea), Lathyrus inconspicuus (inconspicuous pea) and L. hirosolymitanus (jerusalem vetchling). Comparison with coeval sites in the region show how the presence of peas, narbon vetches, inconspicuous peas, jerusalem vetchlings and bitter vetches together with faba bean and lentils is unique to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic, and might indicate specific patterns in farming or storing at the onset of agriculture.

ABO blood groups, grass pea preparation, and neurolathyrism in Ethiopia

An exploratory study was conducted in the rural Estie district of Ethiopia in 1997 to identify the role of ABO blood group, rhesus factor, and type of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus) diet in the susceptibility to neurolathyrism. Five-hundred study subjects (250 cases and 250 controls) were examined and interviewed, and had their ABO and rhesus blood groups determined. The majority (86%) of the cases were males. Blood group O was the most common in the patients and controls followed by groups A, B, and AB. The vast majority of the study subjects were rhesus-positive. The gravy (Shiro) grass pea preparation was consumed by 91.6% of the study population, boiled (Nifiro) by 86%, and roasted (Kollo) by 56.4%. Almost half (48%) of the cases had consumed grass pea for > 4 months compared to 8% of controls (P < 0.001). There was a significant association between the risk for neurolathyrism and the consumption of boiled (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 98.4) and roasted (AOR = 55.62) forms of grass pea. There was no risk of paralysis associated with consumption of the gravy form of grass pea (AOR = 0.40, 95% confidence interval 0.1-2.0). Blood group O remained significantly associated with the disease after adjusting for age, type of grass pea preparation consumed, and duration of consumption (AOR = 2.90).

Excitotoxicity of lathyrus sativus neurotoxin in leech retzius neurons

The effects of Lathyrus sativus neurotoxin were studied on the cell membrane potential and cellular cation composition in Retzius nerve cells of the leech Haemopis sanguisuga, with ion-selective microelectrodes using liquid ion-exchangers. Bath application of 10(-4) mol/l Lathyrus sativus neurotoxin for 3 min depolarized the cell membrane potential and decreased the input resistance of directly polarized membrane in Retzius neurons. At the same time the cellular Na+ activity increased and cellular K+ activity decreased with slow but complete recovery, while the intracellular Ca2+ concentration was not changed. Na+-free Ringer solutions inhibited the depolarizing effect of the neurotoxin on the cell membrane potential. Zero-Ca2+ Ringer solution or Ni2+-Ringer solution had no influence on the depolarizing effect of the neurotoxin on the cell membrane potential. It is obvious that the increase in membrane conductance and depolarization of the cell membrane potential are due to an influx of Na+ into the cell accompanied by an efflux of K+ from the cell.

Alterations in state of molecular aggregation of collagen induced in chick embryos by beta-aminopropionitrile (lathyrus factor)

The lathyrogenic agents, β-aminopropionitrile and semicarbizide, when applied to the chorio-allantoic membrane of the chick embryo produced a dramatic increase in fragility of the embryo. This alteration was not associated with a change in the concentration of collagen, except in aorta, but was accompanied by a sharp increase in the amount of collagen extractible in cold 1 M NaCl from skin, bone, and aorta. Increase in fragility and extractible collagen began within 3 hours after introduction of the agent and rose steadily for at least 72 hours. Essentially no collagen could be extracted from tissues of normal chick embryos. Both fragility and amount of extractible collagen were dosage- and time-dependent. It is concluded that the extractible collagen in lathyrism consists of a large proportion of dissolved fibers previously insoluble and formed prior to administration of the agent. The data also suggest that the "lathyritic" collagen in vivo is not in molecular dispersion but in an aggregate or fibrillar form. It is dispersed by cooling. The extracted collagen could be reconstituted to typical striated fibrils in vitro and the molecule appeared to be normal in the gross, with regard to asymmetry ratio and intramolecular helical structure. The evidence at hand suggests that at least one of the defects induced by lathyrogenic agents is an interference with the normal intermolecular cross-linking within the collagen fibril.

Isolation and Identification of a Neuroactive Factor from Lathyrus latifolius

A neuroactive principle of Lathyrus latifolius has been isolated in crystalline form as a monohydrochloride and has been identified as L-alpha,gamma-diaminobutyric acid. This amino acid has also been found in very high concentration in the toxic seed of Lathyrus sylvestris Wagneri. A structural relationship between this factor, the lathyrus factor from Lathyrus odoratus, and, beta-cyano-L-alanine, a new, synthetic neuroactive amino acid nitrile, is pointed out, and a possible biosynthetic pathway relating these is indicated.

EFFECT OF A LATHYRUS FACTOR AND OF AN ANABOLIC STEROID ON HEALING OF FRACTURES IN RATS, STUDIED BY 35S UPTAKE METHOD

The effect of toxic lathyrus factor beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) and of anabolic steroid 17-ethyl-19-nortesterone (»Nilevar«) on the 35S uptake by the healing fractures of rats' humeri was studied. The radioactivity of callus (C) in fractured humerus and in shaft of intact (I) humerus was recorded, one, two and three weeks after fracture, and C/I ratio calculated. BAPN diet resulted in the decrease of C/I ratio as compared with normal control. In rats treated with »Nilevar« C/I ratio was higher than that in both normal control and BAPN fed animals. It is apparent that BAPN inhibits and »Nilevar« promotes those processes of healing of bone which are associated with changes in connective tissue mucopolysaccharides and which may be studied by 35S uptake method.