scholarly journals Negligible Levels of Mycotoxin Contamination in Durum Wheat and Groundnuts from Non-Intensive Rainfed Production Systems

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (18) ◽  
pp. 10309
Author(s):  
Paola De Santis ◽  
Dejene K. Mengistu ◽  
Yosef Gebrehawaryat Kidane ◽  
Rose Nankya ◽  
Barbara De Santis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Durum Wheat ◽  
Food Processing ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Contamination Level ◽  
Insect Infestation ◽  
Plant Metabolites ◽  
Chemical Contaminants ◽  
Mycotoxin Contamination

Mycotoxins are chemical contaminants that are invisible, tasteless, chemically stable and survive food processing. Contamination along the agri-food chain is difficult to control since their production and spreading are due to numerous factors including temperature, relative humidity, insect infestation, and susceptibility of the host plant. This is a pilot study which aims at assessing the contamination level of deoxynivalenol (DON), and its plant metabolites (3AcDON, 15 AcDON, DON 3G), nivalenol, T-2 and HT-2 toxins, and ochratoxin A in thirty-seven traditional varieties of Ethiopian durum wheat, and aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 in thirty-one varieties of Ugandan groundnuts grown in non-intensive rainfed production systems. Results indicate absence of mycotoxin contamination in all durum wheat samples and negligible levels of contamination (below the maximum levels tolerated by international standards) in groundnut samples. Further studies are required to assess if non-intensive production systems and varieties have a role in preventing and/or reducing mycotoxin contamination of the crops.

scholarly journals Deep Dive Into the Effects of Food Processing on Limiting Starch Digestibility and Lowering the Glycemic Response

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 381
Author(s):  
Gautier Cesbron-Lavau ◽  
Aurélie Goux ◽  
Fiona Atkinson ◽  
Alexandra Meynier ◽  
Sophie Vinoy
Keyword(s):  
Food Processing ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Food Products ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Starch Digestibility ◽  
Deep Dive ◽  
Processing Technologies ◽  
X Ray ◽  
The Impact

During processing of cereal-based food products, starch undergoes dramatic changes. The objective of this work was to evaluate the impact of food processing on the starch digestibility profile of cereal-based foods using advanced imaging techniques, and to determine the effect of preserving starch in its native, slowly digestible form on its in vivo metabolic fate. Four different food products using different processing technologies were evaluated: extruded products, rusks, soft-baked cakes, and rotary-molded biscuits. Imaging techniques (X-ray diffraction, micro-X-ray microtomography, and electronic microscopy) were used to investigate changes in slowly digestible starch (SDS) structure that occurred during these different food processing technologies. For in vivo evaluation, International Standards for glycemic index (GI) methodology were applied on 12 healthy subjects. Rotary molding preserved starch in its intact form and resulted in the highest SDS content (28 g/100 g) and a significantly lower glycemic and insulinemic response, while the three other technologies resulted in SDS contents below 3 g/100 g. These low SDS values were due to greater disruption of the starch structure, which translated to a shift from a crystalline structure to an amorphous one. Modulation of postprandial glycemia, through starch digestibility modulation, is a meaningful target for the prevention of metabolic diseases.

scholarly journals Extending Value in Legacy Production Systems: Insights from the Liquid Food Processing

2021 ◽  
pp. 778-788
Author(s):  
Brendan P. Sullivan ◽  
Monica Rossi ◽  
David Ward ◽  
Carlo Leardi
Keyword(s):  
Food Processing ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Liquid Food

Managing for the Sustained Success of Organic Food Associations

2016 ◽  
pp. 25-43
Author(s):  
Ignacio De Los Ríos Carmenado ◽  
Hilario Becerril Hernandez ◽  
María Rivera Mendez ◽  
Carmen García Ferrer
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Key Management ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Competitive Environment ◽  
Organic Farmers ◽  
New Challenges ◽  
Sustained Success ◽  
Over 40 Years

Systems and agricultural organizations are facing new challenges in an increasingly complex and competitive environment. Opposing the existence of other food producers that show low profitability in their production systems, there are other models that have differentiated through ecological production being able to reach high profitability in their production systems. Ecological agriculture is seen as an opportunity to supply to those social segments that would rather consume healthy products. This article reviews literature on processes and key management factors for the sustained success of an organization, resulting on a conceptual framework that synthesizes these ideas. Mainly it looks at two international standards: ISO 9004 (2009) and ISO 21500 (2012). This conceptual framework is used to analyze the experience of an organization of organic farmers called Camposeven, which counts with farmers with over 40 years of experience in production, processing, and marketing of conventional and organic crops in the region of Murcia in Spain.

scholarly journals A Systematic Review of Durum Wheat: Enhancing Production Systems by Exploring Genotype, Environment, and Management (G × E × M) Synergies

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian L. Beres ◽  
Elham Rahmani ◽  
John M. Clarke ◽  
Patricio Grassini ◽  
Curtis J. Pozniak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Durum Wheat ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Enhancing Production

scholarly journals The effects of FES cycling combined with virtual reality racing biofeedback on voluntary function after incomplete SCI: a pilot study

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynsey D. Duffell ◽  
Sue Paddison ◽  
Ahmad F. Alahmary ◽  
Nick Donaldson ◽  
Jane Burridge
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Motor Score ◽  
Cord Injury

Abstract Background Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) cycling can benefit health and may lead to neuroplastic changes following incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Our theory is that greater neurological recovery occurs when electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves is combined with voluntary effort. In this pilot study, we investigated the effects of a one-month training programme using a novel device, the iCycle, in which voluntary effort is encouraged by virtual reality biofeedback during FES cycling. Methods Eleven participants (C1-T12) with incomplete SCI (5 sub-acute; 6 chronic) were recruited and completed 12-sessions of iCycle training. Function was assessed before and after training using the bilateral International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNC-SCI) motor score, Oxford power grading, Modified Ashworth Score, Spinal Cord Independence Measure, the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury and 10 m-walk test. Power output (PO) was measured during all training sessions. Results Two of the 6 participants with chronic injuries, and 4 of the 5 participants with sub-acute injuries, showed improvements in ISNC-SCI motor score > 8 points. Median (IQR) improvements were 3.5 (6.8) points for participants with a chronic SCI, and 8.0 (6.0) points for those with sub-acute SCI. Improvements were unrelated to other measured variables (age, time since injury, baseline ISNC-SCI motor score, baseline voluntary PO, time spent training and stimulation amplitude; p > 0.05 for all variables). Five out of 11 participants showed moderate improvements in voluntary cycling PO, which did not correlate with changes in ISNC-SCI motor score. Improvement in PO during cycling was positively correlated with baseline voluntary PO (R2 = 0.50; p < 0.05), but was unrelated to all other variables (p > 0.05). The iCycle was not suitable for participants who were too weak to generate a detectable voluntary torque or whose effort resulted in a negative torque. Conclusions Improved ISNC-SCI motor scores in chronic participants may be attributable to the iCycle training. In sub-acute participants, early spontaneous recovery and changes due to iCycle training could not be distinguished. The iCycle is an innovative progression from existing FES cycling systems, and positive results should be verified in an adequately powered controlled trial. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03834324. Registered 06 February 2019 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03834324. Protocol V03, dated 06.08.2015.

scholarly journals Multi-Mycotoxin Occurrence in Dairy Cattle and Poultry Feeds and Feed Ingredients from Machakos Town, Kenya

Toxins ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 762
Author(s):  
David Chebutia Kemboi ◽  
Phillis E. Ochieng ◽  
Gunther Antonissen ◽  
Siska Croubels ◽  
Marie-Louise Scippo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Health ◽  
Ergot Alkaloids ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Contamination Level ◽  
Plant Metabolites ◽  
Feed Ingredients ◽  
Bacterial Metabolites ◽  
Poultry Feeds ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Eu

Mycotoxins are common in grains in sub-Saharan Africa and negatively impact human and animal health and production. This study assessed occurrences of mycotoxins, some plant, and bacterial metabolites in 16 dairy and 27 poultry feeds, and 24 feed ingredients from Machakos town, Kenya, in February and August 2019. We analyzed the samples using a validated multi-toxin liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. A total of 153 mycotoxins, plant, and bacterial toxins, were detected in the samples. All the samples were co-contaminated with 21 to 116 different mycotoxins and/or metabolites. The commonly occurring and EU regulated mycotoxins reported were; aflatoxins (AFs) (70%; range 0.2–318.5 μg/kg), deoxynivalenol (82%; range 22.2–1037 μg/kg), ergot alkaloids (70%; range 0.4–285.7 μg/kg), fumonisins (90%; range 32.4–14,346 μg/kg), HT-2 toxin (3%; range 11.9–13.8 μg/kg), ochratoxin A (24%; range 1.1–24.3 μg/kg), T-2 toxin (4%; range 2.7–5.2 μg/kg) and zearalenone (94%; range 0.3–910.4 μg/kg). Other unregulated emerging mycotoxins and metabolites including Alternaria toxins, Aspergillus toxins, bacterial metabolites, cytochalasins, depsipeptides, Fusarium metabolites, metabolites from other fungi, Penicillium toxins, phytoestrogens, plant metabolites, and unspecific metabolites were also detected at varying levels. Except for total AFs, where the average contamination level was above the EU regulatory limit, all the other mycotoxins detected had average contamination levels below the limits. Ninety-six percent of all the samples were contaminated with more than one of the EU regulated mycotoxins. These co-occurrences may cause synergistic and additive health effects thereby hindering the growth of the Kenyan livestock sector.

scholarly journals The Effects of Adding Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation (tSCS) to Sit-To-Stand Training in People with Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 2765
Author(s):  
Yazi Al’joboori ◽  
Sarah J. Massey ◽  
Sarah L. Knight ◽  
Nick de N. Donaldson ◽  
Lynsey D. Duffell
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Spinal Cord Stimulation ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Sit To Stand ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Before And After

Spinal cord stimulation may enable recovery of volitional motor control in people with chronic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). In this study we explored the effects of adding SCS, applied transcutaneously (tSCS) at vertebral levels T10/11, to a sit-to-stand training intervention in people with motor complete and incomplete SCI. Nine people with chronic SCI (six motor complete; three motor incomplete) participated in an 8-week intervention, incorporating three training sessions per week. Participants received either tSCS combined with sit-to-stand training (STIM) or sit-to-stand training alone (NON-STIM). Outcome measures were carried out before and after the intervention. Seven participants completed the intervention (STIM N = 5; NON-STIM N = 2). Post training, improvements in International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) motor scores were noted in three STIM participants (range 1.0–7.0), with no change in NON-STIM participants. Recovery of volitional lower limb muscle activity and/or movement (with tSCS off) was noted in three STIM participants. Unassisted standing was not achieved in any participant, although standing with minimal assistance was achieved in one STIM participant. This pilot study has shown that the recruitment of participants, intervention and outcome measures were all feasible in this study design. However, some modifications are recommended for a larger trial.

Validation of CLL FISH Panel Scoring by Members of the Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Research Consortium.

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 1067-1067
Author(s):  
Stephanie A. Smoley ◽  
Daniel L. Van Dyke ◽  
Neil E. Kay ◽  
Nyla A. Heerema ◽  
Marie L. dell’ Aquila ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Proficiency Test ◽  
Collaborative Study ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Pilot Studies ◽  
Trisomy 12 ◽  
Research Consortium ◽  
Local Protocol

Abstract Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) probes and analysis methods for B-cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) vary extensively among cytogenetic laboratories. This is not unexpected, as neither national nor international standards have been established for most FISH studies. Lack of standardization is problematic when data collected at multiple institutions are used for clinical correlative studies. To circumvent such problems, the five participating laboratories in the CLL Research Consortium (CRC) designed and executed a joint CLL FISH validation study. Methods: Initially a survey was sent to assess equipment, methods and experience with FISH for CLL. In a pilot study to compare laboratory performance in scoring patient samples, slides from ten patients were prepared and sent to each participating lab to be hybridized with five probe sets (= 50 hybridizations) and analyzed according to their local protocol. In a second pilot study, slides from two patient samples and identical probe sets were sent to the participating labs where hybridization and analysis were carried out according to their local protocol. Next, technologists and directors from all participating labs attended a workshop where technologists working in pairs scored nuclei together, techniques and scoring criteria were established, and consensus reached on other concerns. In a proficiency test nine months after the workshop, slides from two patient samples (10 hybridizations) were hybridized and scored according to each lab’s protocol and results shared using a common reporting form. Results: Survey results indicated that four labs used the same commercially available CLL FISH panel, and one used a combination of probes from the same vendor plus several home-brew probes. Each lab scored between 100 and 200 nuclei per hybridization site, and each independently set normal cutoff values. The FISH panel included probes to detect 11q, 13q, and 17p deletions, trisomy 12, and IGH gene rearrangement. One lab included probes to detect 6q deletion. In the first pilot study each lab used their hybridization methods, probe sets, and scoring criteria. Differences among labs were observed due to variations in probe strategy, reporting of anomalies, and perhaps most important, scoring criteria. Probe strategy differences resulted in variable reporting of 11q- vs monosomy 11 and 12q duplication vs trisomy 12. Some participants reported 13q-x1 and 13q-x2 as subclones and some reported only 13q-. One lab reported an IGH rearrangement whereas the others scored IGH as normal. In the second pilot study each lab used the same methods and probe sets to facilitate comparison of scoring by the technologists. All labs correctly identified the abnormalities, and there were no false positive results. Minor scoring differences were attributed to variation in scoring criteria or inexperience with an unfamiliar FISH probe strategy. The proficiency test that followed the workshop demonstrated 100% concordance in identification of abnormalities. Inter-lab scoring was much improved compared to the first pilot study. The only exceptions were a 13q- range of 72–90% in one case, and a 17p- range of 38–67% in another case. Conclusion: The pilot studies identified a need to develop common scoring criteria. The subsequent workshop and proficiency test demonstrated that the collaborative effort resulted in more standardized scoring among the CRC laboratories. Our collaborative study emphasizes the need to establish rigorous standards and guidelines for FISH procedures and scoring criteria. Standardization of FISH methods among participating laboratories will enhance the confidence in FISH studies for both clinical applications and cooperative intergroup clinical research.

scholarly journals Assessment of metallic contamination in sediment and mullet fish (Mugil cephalus Linnaeus, 1758) tissues from the East Algerian coast

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naouel Ouali ◽  
Bourhane E. Belabed ◽  
Fadila Zeghdoudi ◽  
Mounira Rachedi
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Waste ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Mugil Cephalus ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Winter Period ◽  
Contamination Level ◽  
General Tendency ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Metallic Elements ◽  
Guideline Values

AbstractThe present work was designed to assess the contamination level in the coastal of Annaba, following the spectrophotometric determination of the level of some metallic elements (Fe, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni and Cd) in the sediments along an increasing bathymetric gradient (10 m and 20 m), as well as in the biological indicator grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) muscle. During the winter period (2014), 12 surface sediment samples, and a total of 24 fish were collected. Once the samples are dried, crushed and sieved, 0.5 g dry weight of each sample was added to concentrated acids. The results showed that the levels of some metals are superior to the recommended guideline values, and consequently the sediment of this bay is contaminated by iron, lead and copper. The contamination index (CI) showed a general tendency in the concentration of the studied metals as follows: Fe > Pb > Cu > Zn > Ni > Cd, since the most studied metals occurred at higher concentration in depth (20 m).However, the average concentrations of metals in fishes were found to be as the following order: Fe > Zn > Pb > Cu > Ni > Cd. The consumption of fish from some contaminated sites can be dangerous because concentrations of lead, cadmium and zinc exceed the international standards. Moreover, the strong positive correlation observed between the metallic elements of sediments and fishes confirm that these metals resulted from the similar sources of the anthropic activities, such as domestic, port, industrial and agricultural waste discharges. This is confirmed by the determined of pollution load index (PLI) parameter. Conclusively, a regular monitoring program of heavy metal is recommended for protecting these organisms, and to reduce the environmental risks.

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