Greece faces a migration crisis caused by thousands of refugees coming from the Middle East and Africa to overwhelmed camps that try to fulfill at least their basic needs including diet as a humanitarian aid. The aim of the survey is to determine both the eating habits and possibilities and objective anthropometric parameters to evaluate the nutritional status of unaccompanied children under 18 years of age in the Moria refugee camp on the island of Lesbos, Greece. The survey has found that the respondents are completely dependent on the food provided by the camp. 87% of them reported starvation at least once a week, 24% are underweight. The energetic value of the provided food is insufficient as compared to their real needs. We have encountered serious complaints about the catering but have also found that more than half of the respondents state that they would be able to cook for themselves. These minor refugees are also at risk of starting with smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol.
Increased excitotoxity in response to stressors leads to oxidative stress (OS) due to accumulation of excess reactive oxygen/nitrogen species. Neuronal membrane phospholipids are especially susceptible to oxidative damage, which alters signal transduction mechanisms. The Contingent of International Operations (CIO) has been subjected to various extreme stressors that could cause Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Former studies suggest that heterogeneity due to gender, race, age, nutritional condition and variable deployment factors and stressors produce challenges in studying these processes. The research aim was to assess OS levels in the PTSD risk group in CIO. In a prospective study, 143 participants who were Latvian CIO, regular personnel, males, Europeans, average age of 27.4, with the same tasks during the mission, were examined two months before and immediately after a six-month Peace Support Mission (PSM) in Afghanistan. PCL-M questionnaire, valid Latvian language "Military" version was used for PTSD evaluation. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lipid peroxidation intensity and malondialdehyde (MDA) as OS indicators in blood were determined. Data were processed using SPSS 20.0. The MDA baseline was 2.5582 μM, which after PSM increased by 24.36% (3.1815 μM). The GPx baseline was 8061.98 U/L, which after PSM decreased by 9.35% (7308.31 U/L). The SOD baseline was 1449.20 U/gHB, which after PSM increased by 2.89% (1491.03 U/gHB). The PTSD symptom severity (total PCL-M score) baseline was 22.90 points, which after PSM increased by 14.45% (26.21 points). The PTSD Prevalence rate (PR) baseline was 0.0357, which after PSM increased by 147.06% (0.0882). We conclude that there is positive correlation between increase of OS, PTSD symptoms severity level, and PTSD PR in a group of patients with risk of PTSD - CIO. PTSD PR depends on MDA intensity and OS severity. OS and increased free radical level beyond excitotoxity, is a possible causal factor for clinical manifestation of PTSD
Not Available ; The present study was undertaken to study the effect of ammonia, urea, non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), and β-hydroxybutyric acid (β-OHB) on oocyte development and granulosa cell (GC) growth parameter of ovine (Ovis aries). Ovine oocytes were matured in vitro in the presence of different concentration of ammonia, urea, NEFA, and β-OHB for 24 h, in vitro inseminated and evaluated for cleavage and blastocyst yield. Same concentrations of ammonia, urea, NEFA, and β-OHB were examined on growth parameters and hormone secretion activity of granulosa cells in vitro. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate the expression of steroidogenic genes (steroidogenic cytochrome P-450 (CYP11A1, CYP19A1)), cell proliferation-related genes (GDF9, FSHr), and apoptosis-related genes (BCL-2 and BAX). The maturation, cleavage, and blastocyst production rates were significantly lowered in media containing either 200 μM ammonia or 5 mM urea or high combo NEFA or 1 μM β-OHB. Exposure of granulosa cell to 400 μM ammonia or 1 μM β-OHB or very high combo or 6 mM urea significantly decreased all the parameters examined compared to lower levels of all nutritional and metabolic stressors. Elevated concentration of metabolic stressors induced GC apoptosis through the BAX/BCL-2 pathway and reduced the steroidogenic gene messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and cell proliferation gene mRNA expression. These results suggested that the decreased function of GCs may cause ovarian dysfunction and offered an improved understanding of the molecular mechanism responsible for the low fertility in metabolic stressed condition. ; Department of Biotechnology, Government of India (Grant number BT/PR7131/AAQ/1/526/2012)
In the Republic of Serbia obesity is growing into a major problem. The aim of the study is to determine nutritional status in children aged 7-11 and to identify possible factors affecting obesity. A cross-sectional anthropological survey was carried out in primary schools in rural and urban places of North Bačka region in Vojvodina (North part of the Republic of Serbia). The investigation was performed between 2017-2020 and included 1057 boys and 1085 girls aged 6.50-11.49 years. The body mass index (BMI kg/ m2 ) was calculated and the assessment of nutritional condition was based on IOTF. Using logistic regression we tested interactions of obesity with socioeconomic and demographic factors. Underweight is present in 5.53% of children (3.78% in boys and 7.28% in girls). Overweight prevalence was detected in 18% of subjects (19.02% in boys and 17.69% in girls) and obesity prevalence in 9.73% of subjects (11.54% in boys and 7.93% in girls). A significant relationship between certain sociodemographic parameters and BMI values and the occurrence of obesity in both sexes was found. The results indicate that exceed weight is present in 27.73% of subjects and represent a public health issue in younger shool-aged children of this region in Vojvodina.
Plantain flour is a promising functional ingredient of various domains in the food industry. The present work investigated the functional attributes and proximate composition of flours derived from six plantain cultivars from Benin, and evaluated their nutritional composition. Among the cultivars, proximate composition of the flours varied with moisture, ash, protein, and fibre ranging from 4.59 - 6.85, 2.01 - 2.56, 2.54 - 3.47, and 0.95 - 1.37% (dry basis), respectively. Significantly higher β-carotene contents (± 9 µg) were found in flours from Orishele and Pelipita cultivars, whereas flours from Aloga 2M and Kpahissi cultivars yielded the highest content of vitamin C (9.64 µg). Flour from Kpahissi cultivar exhibited higher water and oil absorption capacity (161.29 and 81.29%, respectively) than the other flours. In addition, higher viscosity, emulsion, and foaming capacities were recorded in flour from Kpahissi cultivar. Flours from different plantain cultivars differed in their physicochemical and functional properties, and could therefore be used in various food domains. In that respect, Kpahissi, Orishele, and Aloga 2M flours could be more suitable in the formulation of particular composite flour for specific uses having the functional parameters such as water and oil absorption, viscosity, emulsion, and foaming capacities.
This study aimed to determine the degree of change that unpacked pasteurized (i.e. cooked) sausages undergo during their shelf-life. For that purpose, unpacked domestic cooked sausages were examined for basic nutritional parameters, as are required to be stated on labels by local and EU legislation, at the beginning (day 1) and end of their shelf-life (day 40). Results showed the examined parameters varied significantly (the % variance range was 41.5-129.4%), which vastly exceeds the tolerance of variation limits allowed in the legislation (20-50%). The results obtained show the responsible authority would be unable to adequately control the nutrition declaration of these unpacked domestic cooked sausages. The inability to maintain the nutritional content according to the declaration of these unpacked meat products during their shelf-life is a great challenge for quality control of this type of meat product at retail.
AbstractKeeping horses in good condition requires providing them with living conditions that meet welfare requirements. These animals should be accommodated with suitable space, access to high nutritional fodder and water, and a suitable microclimate in their shelters. When it comes to the environment in the stables, a serious problem is created by particulate matter (PM), which consists of bacteria. PM concentration may be responsible for developing multiple lower respiratory tract diseases in horses, including allergies and recurrent airway obstruction (RAO). In turn, these ailments may lead to decreasing equine physical and mental fitness. Additionally, people who spend time in the stables are exposed to the same harmful factors. The study was conducted in Udórz Stud Farm located in the southern region of Poland. The study was carried out in 2 different types of stables: 3 runners (a type of stable where horses are housed together and occasionally linked up, e.g., for feeding or grooming) and 2 box stables. The research continued for 2 years and the samples were collected in each season. The bioaerosol samples were collected using a six-stage Andersen-Graseby cascade impactor to assess size distribution and concentrations of airborne bacteria. PM concentration was analyzed using the DustTrak™ II Aerosol Monitor 8530, while microclimate parameters were measured using the Kestrel 5000 Weather Meter. There are almost no studies concerning size distribution of airborne bacteria, individual PM fractions, and the impact of everyday handling on the changes in the bioaerosol and PM concentration. This preliminary study provided basic information on this subject. We have revealed a strong correlation between high PM and bacterial aerosol concentrations. Higher contamination levels were recorded in runners, as compared to box stables. The highest bacterial aerosol level was detected in the spring. The analysis of the fractions of the bacterial aerosol in the stables indicated the highest share of ultra-fine fraction (0.65–2.1 µm), while respirable fraction (below 4.7 µm) exceeded 75%. It was established that the concentration of the bacterial aerosol inside the stables was many times higher than outside. It depended significantly on everyday activities undertaken in the stables, like feeding or cleaning. Taking the above into account, a different cleaning system should be developed (a wet cleaning system, with the use of water) and excrement should be removed more frequently.
Abstract These researches aimed determine the quality parameters, the nutritional profile, and the thermogravimetric and oxidative behavior of Muruci (Byrsonima crassifolia L .) oil obtained by supercritical CO2 extraction. The results showed an average oil yield of 5.50%. The acidity and peroxide values show good quality and conservation standards, according to the Brazilian legislation. The fatty acid profile indicates a predominance of unsaturated fatty acids with levels above 60%, highlighting the presence of fatty acids omega-6 and omega-9. The thermogravimetric curves showed oil stability at temperatures around 200 °C and exothermic peaks characteristic of mass loss close to 250 °C. The data of oxidative induction time determined by the Rancimat method showed thermal oxidative stability of 20.85 h for the oil obtained. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic profile evidenced chemical compounds with predominantly unsaturated structures, confirming its fatty acid profile. Based on the results of the oil analysis, it is possible to recognize the potential of this species in terms of nutritional, functional, and thermo-oxidative stability aspects.
Fifty potato genotypes from twenty-four different countries of origin, four different flesh colours (yellow, purple, red and marble) and different cultivation types (Andean accessions, landraces, breeder lines and cultivated varieties) were studied in terms of their nutritional and physicochemical characteristics. In general, cultivated varieties and breeder lines showed the highest similarity (slight differences only in some particular fatty acids distributions: C10:0, C12:0 and C22:0) concerning the physicochemical parameters assayed in this work, independently of the geographical origin or tuber flesh colour of these genotypes. Nonetheless, some of the studied landraces and Andean accessions proved to be similar enough to be considered as genotypes with good potential for commercial cultivation. These results can contribute to the supply of new potato genotypes into sustainable farming systems, supporting the protection of potato biodiversity, particularly Andean accessions, landraces and coloured genotypes (red or purple flesh) which are not widely cultivated so far. ; S. Sampaio acknowledges CAPES Foundation (Ministry of Education, Brazil) for her PhD grant no. 99999.001423/2015-00. The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for financial support through national funds FCT/MCTES to CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020); the national funding by FCT, P.I., through the institutional scientific employment program-contract for L. Barros contract. GIP-USAL is financially supported by the Spanish Government through the project AGL2015-64522-C2-2-R. ; info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion
ABSTRACT Fruit pulp is the most basic food product obtained from fresh fruit processing. Fruit pulps can be cold stored for long periods of time, but they also can be used to fabricate juices, ice creams, sweets, jellies and yogurts. The exploitation of tropical fruits has leveraged the entire Brazilian fruit pulp sector due mainly to the high acceptance of their organoleptic properties and remarkable nutritional facts. However, several works published in the last decades have pointed out unfavorable conditions regarding the consumption of tropical fruit pulps. This negative scenario has been associated with unsatisfactory physico-chemical and microbiological parameters of fruits pulps as outcomes of little knowledge and improper management within the fruit pulp industry. There are protocols for delineating specific identity and quality standards (IQSs) and standardized good manufacturing practices (GMP) for fruit pulps, which also embrace standard operating procedures (SOPs) and hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP), although this latter is not considered mandatory by the Brazilian legislation. Unfortunately, the lack of skilled labor, along with failures in complying established protocols have impaired quality of fruit pulps. It has been necessary to collect all information available with the aim to identify the most important hazards within fruit pulp processing lines. Standardizing methods and practices within the Brazilian fruit pulp industry would assurance high quality status to tropical fruit pulps and the commercial growth of this vegetal product towards international markets.
ABSTRACT Fruit pulp is the most basic food product obtained from fresh fruit processing. Fruit pulps can be cold stored for long periods of time, but they also can be used to fabricate juices, ice creams, sweets, jellies and yogurts. The exploitation of tropical fruits has leveraged the entire Brazilian fruit pulp sector due mainly to the high acceptance of their organoleptic properties and remarkable nutritional facts. However, several works published in the last decades have pointed out unfavorable conditions regarding the consumption of tropical fruit pulps. This negative scenario has been associated with unsatisfactory physico-chemical and microbiological parameters of fruits pulps as outcomes of little knowledge and improper management within the fruit pulp industry. There are protocols for delineating specific identity and quality standards (IQSs) and standardized good manufacturing practices (GMP) for fruit pulps, which also embrace standard operating procedures (SOPs) and hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP), although this latter is not considered mandatory by the Brazilian legislation. Unfortunately, the lack of skilled labor, along with failures in complying established protocols have impaired quality of fruit pulps. It has been necessary to collect all information available with the aim to identify the most important hazards within fruit pulp processing lines. Standardizing methods and practices within the Brazilian fruit pulp industry would assurance high quality status to tropical fruit pulps and the commercial growth of this vegetal product towards international markets.
Not Available ; Aim: Immobilised fungal phytase production from the novel strain Aspergillus foetidus MTTC 11682 and optimisation of cultural conditions for a better and continuous economic yield. Study Design: The study was designed based on the classical method of changing one independent variable while fixing all other at a certain level- one factor at a time, a close ended system for the optimisation of fermentation process. Methodology: Physical and nutritional parameters were optimised for phytase production and subjected to statistical analysis. Adsorption and Entrapment techniques were employed to immobilise the production strain. Results: The optimum physical conditions for augmenting the yield up to 6 days incubation period were as follows: pH of 3.5, 30ºC temperatures and 5% inoculum size. Amongst the nutritional parameters, lactose and sodium nitrate were found to be the best carbon and nitrogen sources. K++, Mg++, Mn++ and Fe++ ions supported the phytase production. TritonX 100 and tween 80 showed an inducing effect on the secretion of phytase enzyme. Immobilised fungal phytase production resulted in an increased yield of 32.5% with poly urethane foam (PUF) as the matrix. A scale up fermentation resulted in an activity of 52.7 FTU/mL for immobilised cells as compared to 25.5 FTU/mL by its free counterpart. Conclusion: Phytase produced in an optimised media employing immobilised Aspergillus foetidus 11682 on poly urethane foam cubes exhibited better phytase activity, improved stability and long shelf life. ; Department of Biotechnology (S.R.C.No_Bt/PR3178/AAQ/ 01/476/01/476/2011), Government of India
International audience ; Models as InraPorc® have been developed to simulate pig growth and to determine nutrient requirements. They are largely applied to conventional breeds but so far not to local breeds. Our study aimed to use InraPorc® to determine nutrient requirements of growing pigs from local breeds in H2020 EU project TREASURE. Data on feed composition, allowance and intake, and body weight (BW) were extracted from literature reports or experiments conducted within the project. They were used to calibrate parameters defining a growth and intake profile in InraPorc®. We obtained 15 profiles from 9 breeds (Alentejano, Basque, Bísaro, Calabrese, Cinta Senese, Iberico, Krškopolje, Mangalitsa Swallow Bellied and Moravka). Breeds had 1 to 3 profiles depending on experimental conditions or data sources. Conditions of the study affected calibration results. The mean protein deposition (PD) was low for all breeds from 39.9 to 91.0 g PD/day vs over 110 g/d in conventional breeds. For 40-100 kg BW range, the age of the pigs at 40 kg BW was between 110 and 206 days, denoting different feeding management in addition to genetic differences. Average daily gain (ADG) and feed intake curves showed similar shape. Protein deposition rate was the highest in breeds with the highest ADG. Lysine requirements were largely covered in all studies and breeds, the highest requirements being observed with the highest ADG. In all breeds a low part of total body energy retention was dedicated to protein, conversely to lipids. Despite some methodological limitations, this study provides a first insight on nutrient requirements for some local breeds. Funded by European Union's Horizon 2020 RIA program (grant agreement no. 634476).
Models as InraPorc® have been developed to simulate pig growth and to determine nutrient requirements. They are largely applied to conventional breeds but so far not to local breeds. Our study aimed to use InraPorc® to determine nutrient requirements of growing pigs from local breeds in H2020 EU project TREASURE. Data on feed composition, allowance and intake, and body weight (BW) were extracted from literature reports or experiments conducted within the project. They were used to calibrate parameters defining a growth and intake profile in InraPorc®. We obtained 15 profiles from 9 breeds (Alentejano, Basque, Bísaro, Calabrese, Cinta Senese, Iberico, Krškopolje, Mangalitsa Swallow Bellied and Moravka). Breeds had 1 to 3 profiles depending on experimental conditions or data sources. Conditions of the study affected calibration results. The mean protein deposition (PD) was low for all breeds from 39.9 to 91.0 g PD/day vs over 110 g/d in conventional breeds. For 40-100 kg BW range, the age of the pigs at 40 kg BW was between 110 and 206 days, denoting different feeding management in addition to genetic differences. Average daily gain (ADG) and feed intake curves showed similar shape. Protein deposition rate was the highest in breeds with the highest ADG. Lysine requirements were largely covered in all studies and breeds, the highest requirements being observed with the highest ADG. In all breeds a low part of total body energy retention was dedicated to protein, conversely to lipids. Despite some methodological limitations, this study provides a first insight on nutrient requirements for some local breeds. Funded by European Union's Horizon 2020 RIA program (grant agreement no. 634476).
Abstract The objective of this research was to evaluate the quality parameters and the chromatographic, thermogravimetric, and spectroscopic profile of Patauá oil (Oenocarpus bataua). All analyses were performed according to the Recommended Practices of the American Oil Chemists' Society (AOCS). The parameters obtained indicate conservation quality standards in accordance with Brazilian legislation. The fatty acid profile shows a predominance of ω-9, ω-6, and ω-3 fatty acids. The thermogravimetric behavior and differential analysis indicated good stability upon gradual temperature increase and the presence of endothermic and exothermic peaks characteristic of thermal and oxidative decomposition at high temperatures only. The spectroscopic profile evidenced long-chain unsaturated fatty acids confirming the fatty acid profile results. It was found that, in general, the Patauá oil has good nutritional and functional quality and high thermal and oxidative stability; therefore it can be considered as a raw material with potential applications in various industries.
