Advancing Blue Food Systems through Seaweed-Based Processing and Diversification | Chapter 3 | Food Science and Agriculture: Research Highlights Vol. 6

 

Traditional alkaline extraction methods for polysaccharides like alginate are often energy-intensive and involve unsustainable acidic and alkaline steps. Seaweed is widely recognised as a multifunctional ingredient that can enhance nutrition, texture, and flavour, and extend shelf life, while enabling the development of novel flavourings and functional foods. Seaweeds are broadly classified into the Brown (Phaeophyceae), Red (Rhodophyta), and Green (Chlorophyta) groups, each associated with distinct flagship products and expanding value chains. Brown and green seaweeds are mainly used for food,  fibre, and minerals, while red seaweeds lead the global hydrocolloid market with products like agar and carrageenan, along with related functional products. Seaweeds supply glutamates and nucleotides that impart strong umami and kokumi notes, and are used in broths, condiments, spice mixes, and reformulated savoury products. Seaweed provides a diverse set of resources, such as natural seasonings (notably umami), clean-label texturizers and preservatives, along with bioactive-rich components, to develop enhanced, truly functional food items. Safety (iodine, heavy metals, impurities) and sensory enhancement continue to be essential factors in product development.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Muhammad Yusuf
Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Science and Agricultural Technology, University of Muhammadiyah Semarang, Jl. Kendungmundu No.18, Kendungmundu, Tembalang District, Semarang City, Central Java, Indonesia.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/fsarh/v6/7040

 

Physicochemical and Nutritional Indicators for Determining Harvest Maturity in Cucumis melo Varieties: A Study of Var. momordica and Var. acidulous | Chapter 2 | Food Science and Agriculture: Research Highlights Vol. 6

 

Cucumis melo is a highly polymorphic taxon belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae, with several varieties based on ovary pubescence. Fruit cracking in melon is a major physiological disorder that adversely affects the production of high-quality fruits, thereby reducing their consumer appeal and commercial value. Consequently, farmers face significant challenges in harvesting fruits at optimal ripeness before cracking occurs. Analysis of the ripening process's physicochemical attributes and nutritional composition is essential to understand and establish proper harvest management for the varieties. Nevertheless, little is known about the changes in physicochemical properties and nutritional composition of C. melo varieties at various stages of fruit maturity. The aim of the current investigation is to understand the fundamentals of dynamic fruit quality patterns and determine optimal harvest maturity stages of C. melo varieties with higher quality and longer marketability before fruit cracking. The current study was conducted in the experimental field of the Department of Botany, University of Kerala, using two different melon varieties, Cucumis melo var. momordica (Roxb.) Duthie & Fuller (Snap melon) and Cucumis melo var. acidulus L. Naudin (culinary melon), from January to October 2021. (S1 to S5) where S1 represent early premature stage (5th DAP), S2 the late premature stage (10th DAP), S3 mature stage of fruits (15th DAP), S4 is post mature stage (20th DAP) and S5 is cracking stage of the fruits (25thDAP) of var. momordica whereas, for var. acidulus S5 is ripening stage and analysed for physical and biochemical characters. Physical parameters such as fruit length, fruit weight, total soluble solids (TSS), and fruit firmness were evaluated. Results were analysed statistically by using one-way ANOVA (P≤0.05). Among the two varieties of Cucumis melo selected for the study, fruits of Cucumis melo var. momordica are highly perishable with a shorter market and shelf life than those of Cucumis melo var. acidulus. Pomological characteristics such as fruit weight and length at different developmental stages showed a tremendous peak from S3 to S5 in both varieties. At the S3, S4, and S5 stages, the fruit weight of C. melo var. momordica increased by 42%, 67%, and 90%, respectively, while fruit weight increased by 42%, 48%, and 54% in the var. acidulus. However, the firmness of the fruits decreased from the S4 to S5 stage in varieties, reducing sugar accumulated sharply from the S2 to S3 stage. Titratable acidity content in Cucumis melo fruits continuously increased from the S1 to S5 stage, rising from 5.5 ± 0.02 to 7.4 ± 0.05. On the other hand, the total carbohydrate, cellulose, protein, and amino acid content increased from S1 to S2 but decreased sharply in S3 and S5. Ascorbic acid, total phenolics, lipid peroxidation, and electrolyte leakage levels declined with fruit ripening in Cucumis melo varieties. As a result of all the quality parameters mentioned above, Cucumis melo fruit harvested at the S4 maturity stage was the ideal harvest maturity for long-distance transportation and had higher consumer acceptability before fruit cracking. These findings showed that the physical-biochemical properties and nutritional composition of Cucumis melo varieties change dynamically during ripening. The study highlighted the significance of maturity stages for fruit quality and provided critical information for optimal harvest management of the fruits of Cucumis melo varieties. The fruit harvested before fruit cracking, the harder the fruit is, the more suitable for long-distance transportation and the longer its shelf life.

 

 

Author(s) Details

M. Lija
Department of Botany, University of Kerala, Kariavattom, 695 581, India.

 

S. Suhara Beevy
Department of Botany, University of Kerala, Kariavattom, 695 581, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/fsarh/v6/7034

 

Food Processing, Health Benefits, and Value-Addition Potential of Pearl Millet and Sorghum: A Nutritional Review | Chapter 1 | Food Science and Agriculture: Research Highlights Vol. 6

 

Millets are the sixth most-produced grain crop worldwide. Millets are superior to rice and wheat in terms of calcium, dietary fibre, and protein in terms of nutrition. Further, they are rich in vital vitamins and phytochemicals that support health and well-being. The beneficial physicochemical, nutritional and flexibility qualities of millets are ideal for widespread use in the food industry. The present review aims to update the present basic knowledge about various phyto-constituents of millet. Next, an in-depth review of the food and health application highlights its nutrition and health-promoting activities. The section on processing and other treatments aims to review the nutrition and mineral bioavailability of millets. Finally, current trends in millet and by-products applications in biomedical, industry and value-based plant-based products are discussed. With a global increase in population and a change in food patterns globally, new health and nutrition-conscious foods are the need of the hour. To this end, the increased use of millets in a wide range of products, such as baby foods, dietary items, value-added food products, and ready-to-eat snacks, is an indication towards their inclusion by food researchers to meet the needs of people of all ages. The rich bioactive profile and diverse culinary uses of millets emerge as promising options for addressing malnutrition. Since millet can be augmented to the diet in several ways, they have the potential to improve nutritional status across the society. The review is hence direct to assess current-knowledge and aid newer aims for research and development and improvement of millets to meet the nutritional needs of society and also contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.

 

 

Author(s) Details

K. K. Shalini
Department of Studies in Food Technology, Davangere University, India.

 

H. S. Ravikumar Patil

Department of Studies in Food Technology, Davangere University, India.

 

H. B. Kiran Kumar
Nrupathuga University, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/fsarh/v6/7015

A Study on the Role of Intraoperative Scrape Cytology in Diagnosing Palpable Breast Lump | Chapter 4 | An Overview of Disease and Health Research Vol. 10

 

Background: Diseases of the breast constitute a significant proportion of surgical cases, and frequently, the need arises to distinguish benign from malignant lesions prior to definitive treatment. So far, Frozen Section (FS) is the standard technique with a high level of validity. FS is routinely used by the surgical pathology laboratories for intraoperative diagnosis. However, intraoperative scrape cytology can be adopted when special facilities of FS are not available.

 

Objectives: The primary objective of the study is to perform scrape cytology of surgically operable breast masses and evaluate its accuracy in relation to histopathological diagnosis. This study was designed with the aim of evaluating the diagnostic accuracy and utility of Intraoperative Scrape Cytology (IOSC) in providing rapid and accurate diagnosis for breast lumps and to compare its diagnostic yield with that of paraffin sections.

 

Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in the Department of Pathology, Chittagong Medical College, in collaboration with the Department of Surgery of this institution from October 2013 to September 2014. The study was conducted on 123 patients with breast lumps who underwent operative treatment. Scrapings were taken from each specimen before formalin fixation and stained by rapid Papanicolaou staining. In each case, their accuracy was compared to the histopathological diagnosis. Statistical analysis was done employing the χ2 test.

 

Results: Out of 123 cases studied, 122 could be correctly differentiated into benign and malignant tumours with an accuracy rate of 99.19%. Among benign cases, 66 (53.7%) were fibroadenoma and among malignant cases, all were duct cell carcinoma.

 

Conclusion: Intraoperative Scrape Cytology (IOSC) is a simple, accurate, rapid and cost-effective diagnostic tool, not requiring specific instruments in contrast to frozen section, can be used intraoperatively for both diagnosis and management of breast lump. In future, comparative studies evaluating IOSC alongside frozen section and fine-needle aspiration cytology in different clinical settings would provide deeper insight into their relative diagnostic effectiveness.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Shahe Systa Mosarrat
Department of Pathology, Chittagong Medical College, Chittagong, Bangladesh.

 

Md. Zillur Rahman
Department of Pathology, Chittagong Medical College, Chittagong, Bangladesh.

 

Shahab Uddin Ahamad
Department of Pathology, Chittagong Medical College, Chittagong, Bangladesh.

 

Pradip Bhattacharjee
Department of Pathology, Chittagong Medical College, Chittagong, Bangladesh.

 

Sayeeda Nasreen
Department of Pathology, Chittagong Medical College, Chittagong, Bangladesh.

 

Ismail Hossain
Department of Pathology, Chittagong Medical College, Chittagong, Bangladesh.

 

Md. Didarul Alam
Department of Radiology & Imaging, USTC, Chittagong, Bangladesh.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/aodhr/v10/7078

Lytic Skull Lesions: A Comparative Review of Pathological Entities | Chapter 3 | An Overview of Disease and Health Research Vol. 10

 

Background: Skull lesions constitute an uncommon yet diagnostically demanding group of conditions that span traumatic, infectious, benign and malignant etiologies. Despite their diverse origins, these lesions commonly manifest with overlapping clinical features, most notably scalp swellings, osteolytic calvarial defects, and non-specific radiological findings. Such similarities often obscure diagnostic clarity, although their underlying pathophysiological mechanism, therapeutic requirements, and prognostic implications differ substantially. Accurate differentiation is therefore essential to ensure timely and appropriate management.

 

Objectives: This chapter aims to present a structured comparative review of three representative skull lesions—tubercular calvarial osteomyelitis, angiomatous meningioma, and metastatic follicular thyroid carcinoma—by integrating individual case presentations with relevant contemporary literature. The goal is to emphasise distinguishing features across epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, imaging characteristics, histopathology, treatment approaches, and outcomes.

 

Methods: A focused literature review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 principles for study identification, screening, and reporting. Three illustrative clinical cases were selected: Calvarial tubercular osteomyelitis in a 14-year-old female; Angiomatous meningioma (WHO Grade I) in a 72-year-old male; Metastatic follicular thyroid carcinoma involving the skull in a 54-year-old female. Each case was analysed in conjunction with published evidence to highlight comparative and contrasting attributes of these pathologies. Key parameters reviewed included epidemiology, disease mechanisms, clinical manifestations, radiological patterns, histopathological hallmarks, treatment strategies, and prognostic outcomes. A diagnostic framework was synthesised to support practical clinical decision-making.

 

Findings: Tubercular osteomyelitis typically affects younger individuals and presents with granulomatous inflammation and lytic skull lesions; Early identification and initiation of anti-tubercular therapy, with or without surgical debridement, generally yield an excellent prognosis. Radiological findings often demonstrate lytic bone destruction without aggressive periosteal reaction. Angiomatous meningioma, a rare WHO grade 1 subtype, shows prominent vascularity and peritumoral oedema. Despite its striking radiological appearance, it remains histologically benign. Complete surgical excision is curative in the majority of cases, with recurrence being exceptionally uncommon when total removal is achieved. Conversely, Skull metastasis from follicular thyroid carcinoma is an infrequent and clinically aggressive manifestation of differentiated thyroid cancer. Patients typically present with expansile osteolytic lesions and a hypervascular mass. Management requires a multimodal approach including wide surgical excision, radioactive iodine therapy, and thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression. Prognosis remains guarded due to the advanced nature of metastatic disease.

 

Conclusion: These three cases exemplify the wide pathological spectrum encompassed by skull lesions and underscore the necessity for meticulous diagnostic evaluation. Although clinical and radiological presentations may overlap, the biological behaviour, therapeutic interventions, and expected outcomes vary markedly among infectious, benign, and metastatic entities. Accurate early diagnosis—supported by detailed imaging and confirmatory histopathology—is vital to guide optimal treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes. This comparative review reinforces the importance of sustained clinical vigilance and structured diagnostic algorithms in the management of rare calvarial lesions.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Md. Humayun Rashid
Department of Neurosurgery, East-West Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

 

Munaiba Ahmad
Chittagong Medical College, Chittagong, Bangladesh.

 

Md. Rahad-Ul-Islam
Department of Neurosurgery, East West Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh.

 

Mushtaq Mutashid Muhib
East West Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh.

 

Rashed Mahmud
Department of Neurosurgery, East West Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh.

 

Md. Wasiul Alam Taufique
Department of Neurosurgery, East West Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/aodhr/v10/7017

Physical Education and Physical Fitness Across Development: A Neurodevelopmental Perspective on Childhood and Adolescence |Chapter 2 | An Overview of Disease and Health Research Vol. 10

 

Physical education is a fundamental component of childhood and adolescent development, contributing not only to physical fitness but also to cognitive, emotional, and psychosocial maturation. Contemporary evidence from developmental neuroscience highlights adolescence as a sensitive period of heightened neuroplasticity, during which physical activity exerts profound effects on brain structure and function. School-based physical education provides a unique environment that combines movement, novelty, skill acquisition, and peer interaction; key drivers of neural adaptation during this developmental “grey zone.” This chapter examines physical education as a neurodevelopmentally active process, synthesising evidence on its role in enhancing physical fitness alongside executive function, emotional regulation, motivation, and mental well-being. By integrating perspectives from exercise science and adolescent neuroscience, the chapter emphasises the need to design physical education programs that align with brain maturation processes to optimise both physical and mental health outcomes in children and adolescents.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Akanksha Nagar

BFUHS, India and Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences, Guru Kashi University, Bathinda, Punjab, 151302, India.

 

Himanshu Kaushal
Department of Neurology, Guru Gobind Singh Medical College & Hospital, Faridkot, Punjab, 151203, India.

 

Jaspreet Vij
Institute of Physiotherapy, University Regional Centre, Sri Goindwal Sahib, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Punjab, 151203, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/aodhr/v10/7018

Factors Associated with Sexual and Reproductive Health Knowledge, Behaviours and Access to Services among Adolescents in Four Secondary Schools in Mbouda, Cameroon | Chapter 1 | An Overview of Disease and Health Research Vol. 10

 

Background: Adolescence is a critical developmental period marked by increased vulnerability to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) risks, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In Cameroon, adolescents continue to face significant challenges related to early sexual initiation, unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and limited access to youth-friendly SRH services.

 

Objective: To assess the level of sexual and reproductive health knowledge, practices, access to services, and associated factors among secondary school adolescents in Mbouda, Cameroon.

 

Methodology: A cross-sectional study with an analytical component was conducted among 1,087 adolescents from four secondary schools in the city of Mbouda using a structured questionnaire. Bivariate analyses were performed using the chi-square test, and multivariate analyses were conducted using logistic regression models. Data were analysed using R software, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

 

Results: Overall, 74.0% of adolescents demonstrated good knowledge of SRH, while only 25.9% had ever accessed SRH services at a health facility. The primary barrier to accessing SRH services was financial constraints (26.2%). Only 20.9% used a contraceptive method. Sexual activity was significantly associated with male sex (aOR = 3.72; p < 0.001), living with extended family members (aOR = 1.99; p < 0.001) or alone (aOR = 4.09; p = 0.006), and parent–adolescent discussions on sexuality (aOR = 1.62; p = 0.003). Contraceptive use was independently associated with male sex (aOR = 2.04; p = 0.015) and a history of abortion (aOR = 4.79; p = 0.040).

 

Conclusion: Despite relatively good knowledge of SRH, important gaps persist in service utilisation among adolescents in Mbouda. Interventions should prioritise youth-friendly, affordable, and accessible SRH services, alongside strengthened family and school-based education, to reduce risky sexual behaviours and improve adolescent health outcomes.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Djam Chefor Alain
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon and Global Health Innovation and Research Initiative (GHIRI), Cameroon.

 

Earnest Njih Tabah
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon and Research Initiative in Tropical and Community Health (RITCH), Yaounde, Cameroon.

 

Noumedem Kenfack Jaures Arnaud
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Tejiodonkeng Kengmo Carolle
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Stessye Nouaton Tankou Nylor
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Tenonfo Tesse Franky Maxwell
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Signing Teddy Martial
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Lele Deffo Carole
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Bong Wobenso Jessica Grace
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Guthe Kamdem Brice
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Ngue Vinyle Ines Aude
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Momo Anoumbo Urbain Ulrich
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Njih Beri Nkini
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon

Nouni Noula Armand J.
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Douandji Sokeng M
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Nguetse Zambou Lintia Samira
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

I. T. Manfouo Tandah
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Dountio Piatat Xena
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Ngneche Kakeu Pascaline Laure
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Mbotuiah Mbolueh Henr
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Korin Neh Nforbi
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

U. Prowo Dongmo Styve
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Germaine Ndah Alombah
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Kenhale Zebaze Lunelle

Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Ifang Solomon Ndifon
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Gabriel Tchatchouang Mabou
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Ariane Ange Ghomsi Tadie
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/aodhr/v10/6967