Mariam Aljaafari

Ms. Mariam Aljaafari


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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28 March 2023 in Toxins
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MAMeera Mohamed Alameri
Meera Mohamed Alameri
AKAmanda Shen-Yee Kong
Amanda Shen-Yee Kong
MAMariam Aljaafari
Mariam Aljaafari
HAHajer Al Ali
Hajer Al Ali
KEKhadija Eid
Khadija Eid
KLKok Song Lai
Kok Song Lai
Aflatoxins (AFs) represent one of the main mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, with the most prevalent and lethal subtypes being AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2. AFs are responsible for causing significant public health issues and economic concerns that affect consumers and farmers globally. Chronic exposure to AFs has been linked to liver cancer, oxidative stress, and fetal growth abnormalities among other health-related risks. Although there are various technologies, such as physical, chemical, and biological controls that have been employed to alleviate the toxic effects of AF, there is still no clearly elucidated universal method available to reduce AF levels in food and feed; the only mitigation is early detection of the toxin in the management of AF contamination. Numerous detection methods, including cultures, molecular techniques, immunochemical, electrochemical immunosensor, chromatographic, and spectroscopic means, are used to determine AF contamination in agricultural products. Recent research has shown that incorporating crops with higher resistance, such as sorghum, into animal feed can reduce the risk of AF contamination in milk and cheese. This review provides a current overview of the health-related risks of chronic dietary AF exposure, recent detection techniques, and management strategies to guide future researchers in developing better detection and management strategies for this toxin.

3 November 2022 in Biomolecules
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MAMaryam Abdulraheem Alkhoori
Maryam Abdulraheem Alkhoori
AKAmanda Shen-Yee Kong
Amanda Shen-Yee Kong
MAMariam Aljaafari
Mariam Aljaafari
AAAisha Abushelaibi
Aisha Abushelaibi
ELErin Lim
Erin Lim
KLKok Song Lai
Kok Song Lai
Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is an essential agricultural crop in most Middle Eastern countries, and its fruit, known as dates, is consumed by millions of people. Date seeds, a by-product of the date fruit processing industry, are a waste product used as food for domestic farm animals. Date seeds contain abundant sources of carbohydrates, oil, dietary fiber, and protein; they also contain bioactive phenolic compounds that may possess potential biological properties. In addition, its rich chemical composition makes date seeds suitable for use in food product formulation, cosmetics, and medicinal supplements. This review aims to provide a discourse on the nutritional value of date seeds. The latest data on the cytotoxicity of date seed compounds against cancer cell lines, its ability to combat diabetes, antioxidant potential, antimicrobial effect, and anti-inflammatory activity will be provided, considering its potential to be a nutritional therapeutic agent for chronic diseases. Application of date seeds in the form of powder and oil will also be discussed.