Objectives: Despite the public-health significance of both malnutrition and crises, little has been done to explore the convergence of the two domains and develop ways to improve policies and practices, especially in rural communities. This article remedies that knowledge gap by focusing on nutrition-related changes, responses, and practices during crisis situations in Siargao Island, Philippines, using the COVID-19 pandemic as a backdrop. Methods: Forty-six (46) semi-structured interviews were conducted among parents, caregivers, local health workers, and local officials of Del Carmen, Siargao Island. Principles of thematic analysis were applied to data analysis using NVivo 12. Afterwards, the preliminary data were presented in a virtual validation session with the local community and stakeholders. Results: Despite the high prevalence of malnutrition amid a backdrop of economic and nutritional difficulties, the community members generally viewed their children as healthy. Rice remained (disproportionately) central to people’s diets; possible alternatives like root crops were considered emergency foods only and not culturally acceptable as staples, in spite of their cheap and ubiquitous nature. Lastly, the economic and financial repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic have also negatively affected the community members’ overall nutrition and food sources. Conclusion More efforts should be directed toward encouraging the consumption of root vegetables and fruits as rice alternatives in everyday diet—a costeffective strategy that would also promote dietary diversification. More importantly, nutrition responses should consider local food systems in terms of specific local economies and geographies, while health promotion efforts should engage with local notions of ‘health’ and ‘nutrition’ and encourage community participation in (re)designing policy interventions.
Nutrition ; public health ; rice ; COVID-19

Objective: Clinical studies suggest that maintaining a lower postprandial glycemic response is important for improvement and prevention of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Amylose, an ingredient in many food grains, is a major factor for the lowering of postprandial glycemic and insulinemic response. The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of rice with different level of amylose on postprandial glycemic and insulinemic response in mice and humans.Materials and Methods: The two types of rice used in the study contained 29 wt% (high amylose rice) or 17 wt% (low amylose rice) amylose. In mice and humans, postprandial glycemic and insulinemic responses were measured and then the area under the response curves of both rice groups were compared.Results: In mice, comparisons of postprandial glycemic response showed high amylose rice was lower than that for low amylose rice in all time points. Notably postprandial glycemic responses for high amylose rice at 15, 30, 45 and 60 min were significantly lower (19%, 31%, 16% and 17% respectively). The area under the glycemic response curve for high amylose rice was a remarkably 16% less than for the low amylose rice. In humans, postprandial glycemic response at 30 min and insulinemic response at 60 min for high amylose rice were significantly lower than for low amylose rice (15% and 40% lower, respectively). Furthermore, general linear measurement multivariate analysis after adjustment for eating time and hemoglobin A1c at baseline showed that postprandial glycemic response at 30 and 60 min and insulinemic response at 60 min, and the area under the glycemic response curve for high amylose rice were significantly lower than for low amylose rice in human.Conclusion: The higher amylose content of the rice lowered the postprandial glycemic and insulinemic response, demonstrating the potential to prevent or improve metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Rice ; Minute of time ; Laboratory mice ; Syndrome ; Diabetes Mellitus, Non-Insulin-Dependent

Early weaned piglets suffer from oxidative stress and enteral infection, which usually results in gut microbial dysbiosis, serve diarrhea, and even death. Rice bran oil (RBO), a polyphenol-enriched by-product of rice processing, has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties both in vivo and in vitro. Here, we ascertained the proper RBO supplementation level, and subsequently determined its effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal dysfunction in weaned piglets. A total of 168 piglets were randomly allocated into four groups of seven replicates (42 piglets each group, (21±1) d of age, body weight (7.60±0.04) kg, and half males and half females) and were given basal diet (Ctrl) or basal diet supplemented with 0.01% (mass fraction) RBO (RBO1), 0.02% RBO (RBO2), or 0.03% RBO (RBO3) for 21 d. Then, seven piglets from the Ctrl and the RBO were treated with LPS (100 μg/kg body weight (BW)) as LPS group and RBO+LPS group, respectively. Meanwhile, seven piglets from the Ctrl were treated with the saline vehicle (Ctrl group). Four hours later, all treated piglets were sacrificed for taking samples of plasma, jejunum tissues, and feces. The results showed that 0.02% was the optimal dose of dietary RBO supplementation based on diarrhea, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake indices in early weaning piglets. Furthermore, RBO protected piglets against LPS-induced jejunal epithelium damage, which was indicated by the increases in villus height, villus height/crypt depth ratio, and Claudin-1 levels, as well as a decreased level of jejunal epithelium apoptosis. RBO also improved the antioxidant ability of LPS-challenged piglets, which was indicated by the elevated concentrations of catalase and superoxide dismutase, and increased total antioxidant capacity, as well as the decreased concentrations of diamine oxidase and malondialdehyde in plasma. Meanwhile, RBO improved the immune function of LPS-challenged weaned piglets, which was indicated by elevated immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgM, β‍‍-defensin-1, and lysozyme levels in the plasma. In addition, RBO supplementation improved the LPS challenge-induced dysbiosis of gut microbiota. Particularly, the indices of antioxidant capacity, intestinal damage, and immunity were significantly associated with the RBO-regulated gut microbiota. These findings suggested that 0.02% RBO is a suitable dose to protect against LPS-induced intestinal damage, oxidative stress, and jejunal microbiota dysbiosis in early weaned piglets.
Male ; Female ; Swine ; Animals ; Lipopolysaccharides/toxicity* ; Antioxidants/pharmacology* ; Rice Bran Oil ; Dysbiosis ; Dietary Supplements ; Diarrhea/veterinary* ; Weaning ; Body Weight

Aims: Rice bran has been documented as a rich source of bioactive compounds such as gamma-oryzanol, phenolic acids, phytic acid, β-sitosterol and vitamin E, which offer beneficial health properties and confer antioxidant activity related benefits. The objective of this research is to evaluate the bioactive compounds content of fermented rice bran such as organic acids, ɣ-oryzanol, α- tocopherol and phenolic acids using three lactic acid bacteria (LAB), namely Pediococcus acidilactici, Lactococcus lactis and Pediococcus pentoseous in a solid state fermentation. Methodology and results: High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to analyze the concentration of the active compounds in rice bran. The most abundant organic acids detected in fermented rice bran samples were lactic acid and acetic acid, which showed significant improvement after fermentation. Fermentation of rice bran with P. acidilactici showed a two-fold increment in ɣ-oryzanol and α-tocopherol compared to unfermented rice bran. A higher concentration of ferulic acid was observed in rice bran fermented with P. acidilactici compared to other strains. Meanwhile, coumaric acid concentration in all fermented samples decreased significantly upon fermentation. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: These results indicated that the fermentation with LAB could enhance certain bioactive compounds production and antioxidant activity of rice bran. Therefore, improved rice bran has the potential to be used as an ingredient in functional food and cosmetic formulation. Keywords: Rice bran; bioactive compounds; fermentation, lactic acid bacteria; antioxidant activity
Fermentation ; Oryza

Aims: Bakanae disease on rice has been widely distributed in all countries where rice is grown commercially, especially in Asian countries including Malaysia. As an alternative measure in controlling Fusarium fujikuroi, two approaches have to be adapted i.e. by using resistant varieties and biocontrol agents as reported in the present study. Methodology and results: A total of 31 Malaysian rice varieties were used in screening and results showed that variety MR211 was the most susceptible and MR220 was slightly susceptible. Out of 60 isolates of Trichoderma harzianum isolated from soils in Malaysia and tested against the pathogen under in vitro condition, 13 isolates showed high percentage of inhibition (PIRG > 60%). All isolates of T. harzianum showed that the PIRGs were significantly different at p≤0.05 with those of control plates. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Biocontrol agent and resistant variety are better alternative for controlling plant diseases. We found a variety MR220 was slightly susceptible, but none of tested varieties is resistant towards pathogen of bakanae disease. T. harzianum has the ability to inhibit the growth of F. fujikuroi (T3068P) under in vitro condition. The findings of the Malaysian susceptible/resistant variety and potential T. harzianum isolate as a biocontrol agent of bakanae are important for future tests in the plant house and field trials.
Biological Control Agents ; Oryza

Aims: Food security and safety are current issues around the world. Rice is a staple food for a large portion of the world’s population, and in Malaysia around 2.2 million tonnes of rice were consumed annually. Fertilizer input is the key to increase rice production. Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuclear Malaysia) has developed multifunctional biofertilizer products in an effort to reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers for crop production. Methodology and results: Multifunctional biofertilizer products contain indigenous microorganisms that have desired characteristics, which include plant growth promoting, phosphate solubilising, potassium solubilising and enhancing N2- fixing activity were used in this study. These products were formulated as liquid inoculants, which is suitable for rice production. A greenhouse trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of multifunctional biofertilizer on rice. Multifunctional biofertilizer products were applied singly and in combination with rock phosphate, feldspar and irradiated oligochitosan from a project by Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia (FNCA), Japan. Plants that were given chemical fertilizers and plants not receiving fertilizer or biofertilizer products were used as controls. Fresh and dry weights of rice seedlings were determined. Application of multifunctional biofertilizer combined with irradiated oligochitosan (T3) resulted in significantly higher fresh weights (97.12 g) and dry weights (84.16 g) as compared to non-treated plants (77.39 g fresh weights and 69.56 g dry weights). The results suggested that application of multifunctional biofertilizer in combination with irradiated oligochitosan could increase rice growth. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Combination of biofertilizer with oligochitosan increased rice growth in greenhouse trial. Further investigation of this interaction phenomenon should be carried out.
Crop Production ; Oryza

BACKGROUND: Rice is the staple food in the Philippines and the major carbohydrate source that greatly affects the weight, blood glucose and triglyceride levels of the population.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the researchers was to determine the effects of white, brown and red rice varieties on weight, blood glucose and triglyceride levels in rats.

METHODS: Sprague Dawley rats were fed with diets of cooked rice of different rice variety; white, brown and red. Weight was measured using a digital laboratory weighing scale. Blood glucose and triglyceride levels were measured by glucometer (OneTouch®) and Humalyzer Primus®, respectively.

RESULTS: Rats fed with white rice had the greatest increase in weight and blood glucose levels, and red rice had the least increase. For the postprandial blood glucose test, all three rice groups reached their peak blood glucose level at 30 minutes, with white rice having the greatest value, followed by brown rice, and lastly, red rice. Rats fed with red rice had the greatest decrease in triglyceride level.

CONCLUSION: In this study, consumption of white rice contributes to weight gain, blood glucose level increase and minimal triglyceride level change compared to brown and red rice.

Aims: This study aimed to determine the antibacterial activity of Piper betle L. leaf extract against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae that causes bacterial leaf blight in rice plant. Methodology and results: The antibacterial activity of the P. betle leaf extract (100, 50, 25 and 12.25 mg/mL) with four different solvents (methanol, ethyl acetate, hexane and acetone) was evaluated using a disc diffusion assay, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values. The inhibition zone of methanolic extract appeared to have the maximum diameter compared to those of other extracts, which is 32.67 mm at a concentration of 100 mg/mL, followed by 30.33 mm, 22.00 mm and 20.30 mm for the concentrations of 50 mg/mL, 25 mg/mL and 12.5 mg/mL, respectively. The MIC and MBC values of the methanolic extract were 0.625 mg/mL suggesting that the extract has a bactericidal effect on X. oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). The time-kill curve studies revealed that the 1× MIC (0.625 mg/mL) concentration of methanolic extract had a time and concentration-dependent killing effect on Xoo. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of methanol extract revealed the presence of eugenol acetate (29.53%), 4-allyl-1,2-diacetoxybenzene (29.51%) and 2,3-dimethyl benzoic acid (22.82%) as major compounds. Conclusion, significance and impact of study The methanolic leaf extract of P. betle was proven to have an effective inhibitory effect on Xoo and may have the potential to be used as an alternative management strategy for controlling rice diseases. In the future study, the methanolic leaf extract of P. betle is one of the recommendations to be applied in glasshouse and field trials.
Piper betle ; Oryza--microbiology

Clinical cases of type-1 hypersensitive reaction to rice (Oryza sativa) have been reported in western countries as well as in Japan. Among rice proteins, 14-16 kD globulin proteins encoded by multiple gene family have been identified as major rice allergens. In this study, a rice cDNA library was constructed using lambda UniZap vector and screened with a rat anti-16 kD globulin protein polyclonal antibody in order to isolate Korean rice allergenic cDNA clones. Five independent cDNA clones, termed RAK1-5, were obtained after second rounds of plaque assay and immunoblot analysis. These clones encoded 13-19 kD recombinant proteins upon IPTG induction, which were identified by the polyclonal antibody in immunoblot analysis. DNA sequencing analysis showed that RAK1-4 have 99% sequence homology with RA5b, and RAK5 is closely related with RA14c. This result indicated that RA5b gene is widely distributed in our cDNA library among other possible rice allergenic genes, and more study is needed to isolate heterogeneous or novel rice allergen genes. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.
Allergens/immunology ; Allergens/genetics* ; Amino Acid Sequence ; Animal ; Antibodies/immunology ; Antibody Specificity ; Cloning, Molecular ; Cross Reactions ; DNA, Complementary ; Female ; Gene Library ; Genetic Vectors ; Immunoblotting/methods* ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Plant Proteins/immunology ; Plant Proteins/genetics* ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred Strains ; Rice/genetics* ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

Ethyl carbamate (EC), a carcinogenic and teratogenic chemical that is widely distributed in various alcoholic beverages, has attracted much attention. Microbial enzymatic degradation of EC in rice wine is always efficient and attractive. In this review, we summarize the research progress and problems of microbial enzymatic elimination of EC in rice wine from three aspects: the mechanisms of EC formation in rice wine, the research progress of acid urease, and the research progress of urethanase. Then, we propose the corresponding strategies to solve the problems: screening new urethanase with satisfied enzyme properties, food-grade expression and directed evolution of the bifunctional Fe³⁺-dependent acid urease and acid urease used in combination with urethanase to eliminate both urea and EC in rice wine.
Oryza ; Urea ; Urease ; Urethane ; Wine