Occurrence of Aflatoxins in Edible Vegetable Seeds and Oil Samples Available in Retail Markets and Estimation of Dietary Intake in Consumers

A total of 744 samples of vegetable seeds and oil (soybean, sunflower, canola, olive, corn, and mustard) were collected for the presence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and total aflatoxins (AFs). The results have shown that 92 (56.7%) samples of branded and 108 (57%) samples of non-branded edible seeds were observed to be contaminated with AFs. The maximum mean of AFB1 and total AFs in non-branded soybean seeds was 21.01 ± 4.70 and 36.37 ± 6.10 µg/kg, respectively. Furthermore, all samples of edible seeds have concentrations of AFB1 greater than the proposed limit of European Union (EU, 2 µg/kg) and 12 (7.40%) samples of branded seeds and 14 (7.40%) samples of non-branded seeds were found in the range ≥ 50 µg/kg. About 78 (43.3%) samples of branded edible oil and 103 (48.3%) sample of non-branded edible oil were observed to be positive with AFs, and the elevated average of AFB1 (14.29 ± 2.51 µg/kg) and total AFs (25.61 ± 7.50) µg/kg were found in non-branded soybean oil samples. Furthermore, 16 (8.88%) and 6 (3.33%) samples of branded vegetable oil have levels of total AFs in a range (21 - 50 µg/kg) and ≥ 50 µg/kg, respectively. The findings have indicated significant difference of AFs levels between branded and non-branded vegetable oil samples (t = 22.274 and p = 0.000) at α = 0.05 and significant difference of AFs levels in vegetable seeds and oil samples ( t = -17.75, p = 0.000) at α =0.05. The highest dietary intake was found in non-branded sunflower oil sample (0.90 µg/kg/day) in female individuals (16-22 age group), followed by the dietary intake of 0.69 µg/kg/day body weight in male individuals (16-22 age group).

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Occurrence of Aflatoxins in Edible Vegetable Seeds and Oil Samples Available in Pakistani Retail Markets and Estimation of Dietary Intake in Consumers

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18158015 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (15) ◽

pp. 8015

Author(s):

Muhammad Waqas ◽

Shahzad Zafar Iqbal ◽

Ahmad Faizal Abdull Razis ◽

Wajeeha Pervaiz ◽

Touheed Ahmad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dietary Intake ◽

Vegetable Oil ◽

High Performance ◽

Agricultural Practices ◽

Edible Oil ◽

Toxic Substances ◽

The European Union ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Food And Feed ◽

Edible Seeds

Aflatoxins (AFs) are secondary metabolites toxic to humans as well as animals. The environmental conditions, conventional agricultural practices, and illiteracy are the main factors which favor the production of AFs in food and feed. In the current study 744 samples of vegetable seeds and oils (soybean, sunflower, canola, olive, corn, and mustard) were collected and tested for the presence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and total AFs. Liquid-liquid extraction was employed for the extraction of AFs from seeds and oil samples. Reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography equipped with fluorescence detection was used for the analysis. The results have shown that 92 (56.7%) samples of imported and 108 (57.0%) samples of local edible seeds were observed to be contaminated with AFs. All samples of edible seeds have AFB1 levels greater than the proposed limit set by the European Union (EU, 2 µg/kg) and 12 (7.40%) samples of imported seeds and 14 (7.40%) samples of local seeds were found in the range ≥ 50 µg/kg. About 78 (43.3%) samples of imported edible oil and 103 (48.3%) sample of local edible oil were observed to be positive for AFs. Furthermore, 16 (8.88%) and six (3.33%) samples of imported vegetable oil have levels of total AFs in a range (21–50 µg/kg) and greater than 50 µg/kg, respectively. The findings indicate significant differences in AFs levels between imported and local vegetable oil samples (t = 22.27 and p = 0.009) at α = 0.05 and a significant difference in AFs levels were found between vegetable seeds and oil samples (t = −17.75, p = 0.009) at α = 0.05. The highest dietary intake was found for a local sunflower oil sample (0.90 µg/kg/day) in female individuals (16–22 age group). The results have shown considerably high levels of AFB1 and total AFs in seeds and oil samples and emphasise the need to monitor carefully the levels of these toxic substances in food and feed on regular basis.

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Seasonal Variation in Aflatoxin Levels in Edible Seeds, Estimation of Its Dietary Intake and Vitamin E Levels in Southern Areas of Punjab, Pakistan

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17238964 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (23) ◽

pp. 8964

Author(s):

Ahmad Faizal Abdull Razis ◽

Muhammed Muzammel Shehzad ◽

Sunusi Usman ◽

Nada Basheir Ali ◽

Shahzad Zafar Iqbal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin E ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

Winter Season ◽

Summer Season ◽

Total Tocopherol ◽

Average Amount ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Edible Seeds ◽

Pumpkin Seeds ◽

Melon Seeds

A total of 779 samples of edible nuts (melon seeds, watermelon seeds, pumpkin seeds, and cantaloupe seeds) from Southern Punjab (Pakistan), were collected during the summer and the winter seasons. The natural occurrence of aflatoxins (AFs) and vitamin E (tocopherols) levels were investigated using HPLC. The results have shown that 180 (43.4%) of samples from the winter season and 122 (33.4%) samples from the summer season were found positive for AFs. Elevated average levels of total AFs (20.9 ± 3.10 μg/kg, dry weight) were observed in watermelon seeds without shell, and the lowest average amount (15.9 ± 3.60 μg/kg) were documented in melon seeds without shell samples from the winter season. An elevated average amount of total AFs 17.3 ± 1.50 μg/kg was found in pumpkin seeds available without a shell. The results have documented a significant difference in total AFs levels in edible seeds available with shells versus without shells (α = 0.05 & 0.01). The highest dietary intake of 6.30 μg/kg/day was found in female individuals from consuming pumpkin seeds (without shell) in the winter season. A value of 3.00 μg/kg/day was found in pumpkin seed without shell in the summer season in female individuals. The highest total tocopherol levels were 22.2 ± 7.70 ng/100 g in pumpkin seeds samples from the winter season and 14.5 ± 5.50 mg/100 g in melon seed samples from the summer season. The variation of total tocopherol levels in edible seeds among the winter and summer seasons showed a significant difference (p ≤ 0.0054), except watermelon seeds samples with non-significant differences (p ≥ 0.183).

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Factors affecting gestation length in small sized breeds of dogs.

Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences ◽

10.51966/jvas.2021.52.4.335-338 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Vinaykumar R. H. ◽

Gleeja V. L. ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Litter Size ◽

Gestation Length ◽

Age Group ◽

Gestational Length ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean ◽

Age Limit ◽

French Bulldog

A large variation in the gestation length can be expected when the gestation is calculated from the day of mating to birth. The present study was designed to assess the influence of different factors like litter size, breed, parity and age on gestation length in bitches. A total of 89 small sized bitches of different breeds having different age, parity and body weight, were selected for the study. The mean age, body weight and parity of the animals included in the present study were 3.00 ± 0.15 years (1 to 8 years), 9.9 ± 0.25 Kg (6 to 15kg) and 1.14 ± 0.10 (0-4th parity) respectively. The mean gestation lengths observed in different small sized breeds were 60.68 ± 0.55, 59.82 ± 0.54, 60.78 ± 1.74, 58.83 ± 1.35 and 58.17 ± 0.74 in the Pug, Beagle, Dachshund, French Bulldog and the Spitz, respectively. The mean litter size in the study was 4.34 ± 0.13 with a range of 2-8. The mean gestational length in animals having ? 3 litter size was 60.83 ± 0.64 days and 59.90 ± 0.43 days in animals having >3 litter size. Age limit of the animals ranged from 1 to 8 years with a mean of 3 ± 0.15 years. The mean gestation length in bitches aged ?3 years was 60.21 ± 0.23 days (n=63) and this was 60.15 ± 0.3 (n=26) days in bitches in the >3 years group. Mean gestational length observed in nulliparous bitches was 60.86 ± 0.4 days (n=29), while in multiparous bitches it was 59.90 ± 0.5 days (n=60). From the present investigation it could be concluded that no significant difference exists in gestational length between different breeds, litter size, age group and parity.

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Macronutrients status of the elderly (60-80 years) from central India

African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development ◽

10.18697/ajfand.57.10690 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 13 (57) ◽

pp. 7504-7526

Author(s):

R Kimaya ◽

◽

R Sharma

Keyword(s):

Dietary Intake ◽

Central India ◽

The Elderly ◽

Significant Negative Correlation ◽

Macronutrient Intake ◽

Age Group ◽

Dietary Practices ◽

Elderly Males ◽

Significant Difference ◽

24 Hour Recall

The present investigation was undertaken to assess the macronutrient intake of the elderly (60- 80 years) from Central India. Four hundred elderly, which included 200 males and 200 females were selected from Nagpur city, Maharashtra, India, through stratified random sampling. All subjects were personally interviewed . T heir socio - demographic characteristics and general dietary practices were studied by specially formulated questionnaire s whereas quantitative daily food intake was assessed by 24 - hour recall method s. The data were analyzed according to age (60 – 70 Y; 70 – 80 Y) and sex using frequency distribution, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Pearson’s Correlation coefficient was used to determine the influence of the underlying determinants on macronutrient intake . Higher proportions of elderly males (31.5 %) were in the age group of 65- 70 years whereas 44% elderly females were from the age group of 60 -65 years. The majority of elderly males (91.5%) a nd females (73.5%) were married . Pension was the main source of income for the majority of elderly males (70.5%) and females (76.6%). 74% elderly females and 73% males were found to be consuming 4- 5 meals in a day. 92% and 91% of elderly females and males were consuming meals regularly , respectively. The percent adequacy for pulses, other vegetables, milk and milk products and fat in elderly males was higher than Recommended Dietary Intake whereas in elderly females the percent adequacy for other vegetables and fat was higher than Recommended Dietary Intake suggested for Indian adults . The mean intake of pulse s (z = 2.07 p<0.05), other vegetable s (z = 2.03 p<0.05), fruit s (z = 2.04 p<0.05) and fat (z = 2.53 p<0.05) was found to be significantly higher in elderly males of 60- 70 years than 70- 80 years. However, the dietary intake amongst the elderly females of 60- 70 years and 70- 80 years did not show any significant difference. Except fat intake in elderly females, consumption of all macronutrients was found to be less than Recommended Dietary Allowance suggested for adult Indians in both elderly males and females. The macronutrient intake in the elderly showed a significant negative correlation with age and positive correlation with number of meals consumed. Majority health problems among the elderly are diet related and nutrition dependent. There is an urgent need to prevent physiological aging getting converted in to pathological aging by creating health and nutrition awareness among elderly.

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Seasonal Variation in Aflatoxins Levels in Edible Seeds, Estimation of Its Dietary Intake and Vitamin E Levels From Southern Areas of Punjab, Pakistan

10.20944/preprints202011.0486.v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ahmad Faizal Abdull Razis ◽

Muhammed Muzammel Shehzad ◽

Sunusi Usman ◽

Nada Basheir Ali ◽

Shahzad Zafar Iqbal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin E ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

Winter Season ◽

Summer Season ◽

Total Tocopherol ◽

Average Amount ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Edible Seeds ◽

Pumpkin Seeds ◽

Melon Seeds

A total of 779 samples of edible nuts (melon seeds, watermelon seeds, pumpkin seeds, and cantaloupe seeds) from southern cities of Punjab, Pakistan were collected from the summer and the winter seasons. The natural occurrence of aflatoxins (AFs) and vitamin E (tocopherols) levels were investigated using HPLC. The results have shown that 180 (43.4%) samples from the winter season and 122 (33.4%) samples from the summer season were found positive with AFs. The elevated average levels of total AFs (20.9±3.10 µg/kg) were observed in watermelon seeds without shell and the lowest average amount (15.9±3.60 µg/kg) were documented in melon seeds without shell samples from the winter season. The elevated average amount of total AFs 17.3±1.50 µg/kg were found in pumpkin seeds available as without shell. The results have documented a significant difference in total AFs levels in edible seeds available as shells versus without shells (α = 0.05 & 0.01). The highest dietary intake of 6.30 µg/kg/day was found in female individuals from pumpkin seeds (without shell) in the winter season and the value of 3.00 µg/kg/day were found in pumpkin seed without shell in summer season in female individuals. The highest amount of total tocopherol levels of 22.2 ± 7.70 ng/100g in pumpkin seeds samples from winter season and 14.5 ± 5.50 mg/100g were found in melon seeds samples from summer season. The variation of total tocopherol levels in edible seeds among the winter and summer seasons showed significant difference (p ≤ 0.0054), except watermelon seeds samples which shown non-significant difference (p ≥ 0.183).

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Hepatic Encephalopathy and Liver Failure in Pediatric Patient with hepatitis A

International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology ◽

10.25258/ijddt.v9i3.16 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (o3) ◽

Author(s):

Shaima’a Dakhel AbdulHassa

Keyword(s):

Hepatic Encephalopathy ◽

Liver Failure ◽

Hepatitis A ◽

Gene Sequence ◽

Stool Examination ◽

Age Group ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Medical City ◽

Sequence Method ◽

Stool Samples

Gairdia lamblia is one of parasites that cause intestinal problems within the human body, particularly private travelers and children. In this study a total of (100) diarrheal patients, 20 patients with Giardiasis were identified by fecal antigen. 9 out of 20(20%) of them were infected by fecal antigen, while 9(9%) of them were infected by using the screening general stool examination (GSE). The stool samples were collected from patient how vested the Medical City/ Baghdad and Tikrit teaching Hospital during the period from 1 st may 2018 to 1 February 2019. The results revealing a significant difference (p andlt; 0.05) between the two methods of detection for G. lamblia (Fecal antigen method and GSE). IT has been shown that out of 20 infected individuals 12(12%) were males and 8(8%) were females, indicating regarding no significant deference in the distribution of Giardiasis among genders. In regard the age, our results showed that highest infection rate 8(3.2%) was recorded in the age group (10-19) years, followed by the age group (20-2) years which was 692.4%). In this study five mutations were recorded at position (926, 1094, 1202and 1304), by using tpiA gene sequence method, and tpiB gene was on point mutation change (G254A), in the position (85) of triose phosphate isomease.

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Assessment of COVID-19 Related Misinformation among the Community in Basrah, Iraq

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine ◽

10.37319/iqnjm.2.csi.2 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2 (CSI) ◽

pp. 12-18

Author(s):

Ali Al-Rubaye ◽

Dhurgham Abdulwahid ◽

Aymen Albadran ◽

Abbas Ejbary ◽

Laith Alrubaiy

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Bachelor's Degree ◽

Public Knowledge ◽

Age Group ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Educational Levels ◽

The Public ◽

First Case ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Central District

Background: There has been a rapid rise in cases of COVID-19 infection and its mortality rate since the first case reported in February 2020. This led to the rampant dissemination of misinformation and rumors about the disease among the public. Objectives: To investigate the scale of public misinformation about COVID-19 in Basrah, Iraq. Methods: A cross-sectional study based on a 22-item questionnaire to assess public knowledge and understanding of information related to the COVID-19 infection. Results: A total of 483 individuals completed the questionnaire. The most frequent age group was 26–35 years (28.2%); there were 280 (58%) males and 203 (42%) females. Of the participants, 282 (58.4%) were with an education level below the Bachelor’s degree, 342 (70.8%) were married, and 311 (64%) were living in districts in Basra other than the central district. Overall, 50.8% (11.8/ 22 * 100%) of individuals had the correct information regarding COVID-19. There was a significant association between the level of COVID-19 related misinformation and participants’ educational levels and occupation (p <0.05). However, there was no significant difference found across sex, age group, marital state, and area of residence. Conclusions: Misinformation related to COVID-19 is widely spread and has to be addressed in order to control the pandemic. Keywords: COVID-19, misinformation, knowledge, Iraq

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Characteristics of monitored diabetic patients by glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c)

International Journal of Bioassays ◽

10.21746/ijbio.2016.05.006 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 5 (05) ◽

pp. 4563

Author(s):

Tariq A. Zafar

Keyword(s):

Blood Glucose ◽

Glycemic Control ◽

Glycated Haemoglobin ◽

Poor Glycemic Control ◽

Diabetic Patients ◽

Age Group ◽

Hba1c Test ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Tract Infections ◽

The Impact

Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) test indicates the blood glucose levels for the previous two to three months. Using HbA1c test may overcome many of the practical issues and prevent infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs). The study aimed to evaluate the impact of glycemic control using HbA1c test to understand patient characteristics and UTIs prevalence. Glycemic control was evaluated by measuring HbA1c for a total of 208 diabetes patients who were regularly attending diabetes center in Al-Noor specialist hospital in Makkah. The results showed that good and moderate glycemic controlled patients were 14.9% and 16.9% respectively while the poor glycemic patients were 68.3%. Among the good improved glycemic control, 83.9% were females, 48.4% were from age group (15-44y). Among the moderately improved glycemic control, 68.4% were females, 54.3% were from age group (45-64 y) with no significant difference. The total number of the patients with positive UTIs was 55 (26.4%) while the total number of patients with negative was UTIs 153 (73.6%). Among the positive UTIs, 76.3% were with poor glycemic control while only 12.3% and 11% were moderate and good improved glycemic control respectively. Among the negative UTIs, 65.3% were with poor glycemic control while only 19% and 15.7% were with moderate and good improved glycemic control respectively. Prevalence of UTIs among diabetic patients was not significant (p > 0.05). It was concluded that HbA1c was useful monitoring tool for diabetes mellitus and may lead to improved outcomes. Using a HbA1c test may overcome many of the practical issues that affect the blood glucose tests.

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Reduction of body-weight gain enhances in vitro embryo production in overfed superovulated dairy heifers

Reproduction ◽

10.1530/rep.1.00689 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 131 (4) ◽

pp. 783-794 ◽

Cited By ~ 34

Author(s):

S Freret ◽

B Grimard ◽

A A Ponter ◽

C Joly ◽

C Ponsart ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Weight Gain ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

Live Weight ◽

Reproductive Hormones ◽

Embryo Production ◽

Live Weight Gain ◽

Dairy Heifers ◽

Period 2 ◽

Significant Difference

The aim of our study was to test whether a reduction in dietary intake could improve in vitro embryo production in superovulated overfed dairy heifers. Cumulus–oocyte complexes of 16 Prim’ Holstein heifers (14 ± 1 months old) were collected by ovum pick-up (OPU), every 2 weeks following superovulation treatment with 250 μg FSH, before being matured and fertilized in vitro. Embryos were cultured in Synthetic Oviduct Fluid medium for 7 days. Heifers were fed with hay, soybean meal, barley, minerals and vitamins. From OPU 1 to 4 (period 1), all heifers received individually for 8 weeks a diet formulated for a 1000 g/day live-weight gain. From OPU 5 to 8 (period 2), the heifers were allocated to one of two diets (1000 or 600 g/day) for 8 weeks. Heifers’ growth rates were monitored and plasma concentrations of metabolites, metabolic and reproductive hormones were measured each week. Mean live-weight gain observed during period 1 was 950 ± 80 g/day (n = 16). In period 2 it was 730 ± 70 (n = 8) and 1300 ± 70 g/day (n = 8) for restricted and overfed groups respectively. When comparing period 1 and period 2 within groups, significant differences were found. In the restricted group, a higher blastocyst rate, greater proportions of grade 1–3 and grade 1 embryos, associated with higher estradiol at OPU and lower glucose and β-hydroxybutyrate, were observed in period 2 compared with period 1. Moreover, after 6 weeks of dietary restriction (OPU 7), numbers of day 7 total embryos, blastocysts and grade 1–3 embryos had significantly increased. On the contrary, in the overfed group, we observed more <8 mm follicles 2 days before superovulation treatment, higher insulin and IGF-I and lower nonesterified fatty acids in period 2 compared with period 1 (no significant difference between periods for embryo production). After 6 weeks of 1300 g/day live-weight gain (OPU 7), embryo production began to decrease. Whatever the group, oocyte collection did not differ between period 1 and 2. These data suggest that following a period of overfeeding, a short-term dietary intake restriction (6 weeks in our study) may improve blastocyst production and embryo quality when they are low. However, nutritional recommendations aiming to optimize both follicular growth and embryonic development may be different.

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Lean body weight versus total body weight to calculate the iodinated contrast media volume in abdominal CT: a randomised controlled trial

Insights into Imaging ◽

10.1186/s13244-020-00920-4 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Moreno Zanardo ◽

Fabio Martino Doniselli ◽

Anastassia Esseridou ◽

Massimiliano Agrò ◽

Nicol Antonina Rita Panarisi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Contrast Media ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Total Body Weight ◽

Lean Body Weight ◽

Iodinated Contrast Media ◽

Abdominal Ct ◽

Iodinated Contrast ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Total Body

Abstract Objectives Iodinated contrast media (ICM) could be more appropriately dosed on patient lean body weight (LBW) than on total body weight (TBW). Methods After Ethics Committee approval, trial registration NCT03384979, patients aged ≥ 18 years scheduled for multiphasic abdominal CT were randomised for ICM dose to LBW group (0.63 gI/kg of LBW) or TBW group (0.44 gI/kg of TBW). Abdominal 64-row CT was performed using 120 kVp, 100–200 mAs, rotation time 0.5 s, pitch 1, Iopamidol (370 mgI/mL), and flow rate 3 mL/s. Levene, Mann–Whitney U, and χ2 tests were used. The primary endpoint was liver contrast enhancement (LCE). Results Of 335 enrolled patients, 17 were screening failures; 44 dropped out after randomisation; 274 patients were analysed (133 LBW group, 141 TBW group). The median age of LBW group (66 years) was slightly lower than that of TBW group (70 years). Although the median ICM-injected volume was comparable between groups, its variability was larger in the former (interquartile range 27 mL versus 21 mL, p = 0.01). The same was for unenhanced liver density (IQR 10 versus 7 HU) (p = 0.02). Median LCE was 40 (35–46) HU in the LBW group and 40 (35–44) HU in the TBW group, without significant difference for median (p = 0.41) and variability (p = 0.23). Suboptimal LCE (< 40 HU) was found in 64/133 (48%) patients in the LBW group and 69/141 (49%) in the TBW group, but no examination needed repeating. Conclusions The calculation of the ICM volume to be administered for abdominal CT based on the LBW does not imply a more consistent LCE.

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