Search Results (754)

Background: Citrinin (CIT) is a mycotoxin produced by various fungi contaminating stored cereals and fruits. While biomonitoring and food occurrence data indicate widespread exposure, its public health risks remain unclear due to the lack of human toxicokinetic (TK) data. Methods: A UHPLC-MS/MS method was validated for CIT quantification in capillary blood (VAMS Mitra^® tips), feces, and urine obtaining LLOQs ≤ 0.05 ng/mL. A human TK study was conducted following a single oral bolus of 200 ng/kg bw CIT. Individual capillary blood (VAMS Mitra^® tips), feces, and urine samples were collected for 48 h after exposure. Samples were analyzed to determine CIT’s TK profile. Results: TK modeling was performed using a multi-compartmental structure with a hierarchical Bayesian population approach, allowing robust parameter estimation despite the lack of standards for CIT metabolites. Conclusions: The derived TK parameters align with preliminary human data and significantly advance CIT exposure assessment via biomonitoring. A human inter-individual toxicokinetic variability (HK_AF) of 1.92 was calculated based on the derived AUC, indicating that EFSA’s current default uncertainty factor for TK variability is adequately protective for at least 95% of the population. Full article

Sourdough fermentation, driven by the biochemical activity of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), presents a scientifically promising approach to addressing nutritional limitations in cereal-based staples. This review critically examines both the underlying mechanisms by which LAB enhance the nutritional profile of sourdough and the translational challenges in realizing these benefits. Key improvements explored include enhanced mineral bioavailability (e.g., up to 90% phytate reduction), improved protein digestibility, an attenuated glycemic response (GI ≈ 54 vs. ≈75 for conventional bread), and the generation of bioactive compounds. While in vitro and animal studies extensively demonstrate LAB’s potential to reshape nutrient profiles (e.g., phytate hydrolysis improving iron absorption, proteolysis releasing bioactive peptides), translating these effects into consistent human health outcomes proves complex. Significant challenges hinder this transition from laboratory to diet, including the limited bioavailability of LAB-derived metabolites, high strain variability, and sensitivity to fermentation conditions. Furthermore, interactions with the food matrix and host-specific factors, such as gut microbiota composition, contribute to inconsistent findings. This review highlights methodological gaps, particularly reliance on in vitro or animal models, and the lack of long-term, effective human trials. Although LAB hold significant promise for nutritional improvements in sourdough, translating these findings to validated human benefits necessitates continued efforts in mechanism-driven strain optimization, the standardization of fermentation processes, and rigorous human studies. Full article

Rice is one of the most important staple foods worldwide. Asia, particularly South and Southeast Asia, is a major rice producer, and rice production is also gradually increasing in Africa. However, rice cultivation poses economic and environmental challenges, which are exacerbated by climate change. Hence, diversification of rice-based production systems is highly imperative to improve soil health and thus sustain productivity while also enhancing income opportunities. Vegetables and pulses are crucial components for diversifying rice-based production systems as they have the potential to increase income and improve soil health. The World Vegetable Center has introduced mungbeans and vegetable soybeans to diversify the cereal-based production systems in Asia. About 27–93% of the mungbean area in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar is planted with varieties containing improved germplasm developed by WorldVeg in collaboration with national agricultural research systems. Additionally, the introduction of vegetables and legumes is highly remunerative and improves dietary diversity, leading to better nutrition. For instance, the productivity of vegetable crops increased by 200–350% when they were combined with improved production practices. Such diversification also holds great promise for improving income and nutrition in Africa. It also enhances the resilience of farming systems, particularly in a changing climate. Hence, governments should prioritize system diversification to enhance the income and livelihood opportunities for smallholders in Asia and Africa. Full article

Mycotoxins are responsible for a multitude of diseases in both humans and animals, resulting in significant medical and economic burdens worldwide. Conventional detection methods, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), are highly effective, but they are generally confined to laboratory settings. Consequently, there is a growing demand for point-of-care testing (POCT) solutions that are rapid, sensitive, portable, and cost-effective. Lateral flow assays (LFAs) are a pivotal technology in POCT due to their simplicity, rapidity, and ease of use. This review synthesizes data from 78 peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2024, evaluating advances in nanoparticle-based LFAs for detection of singular or multiplex mycotoxin types. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) remain the most widely used, due to their favorable optical and surface chemistry; however, significant progress has also been made with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), magnetic nanoparticles, quantum dots (QDs), nanozymes, and hybrid nanostructures. The integration of multifunctional nanomaterials has enhanced assay sensitivity, specificity, and operational usability, with innovations including smartphone-based readers, signal amplification strategies, and supplementary technologies such as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). While most singular LFAs achieved moderate sensitivity (0.001–1 ng/mL), only 6% reached ultra-sensitive detection (<0.001 ng/mL), and no significant improvement was evident over time (ρ = −0.162, p = 0.261). In contrast, multiplex assays demonstrated clear performance gains post-2022 (ρ = −0.357, p = 0.0008), largely driven by system-level optimization and advanced nanomaterials. Importantly, the type of sample matrix (e.g., cereals, dairy, feed) did not significantly influence the analytical sensitivity of singular or multiplex lateral LFAs (Kruskal–Wallis p > 0.05), confirming the matrix-independence of these optimized platforms. While analytical challenges remain for complex targets like fumonisins and deoxynivalenol (DON), ongoing innovations in signal amplification, biorecognition chemistry, and assay standardization are driving LFAs toward becoming reliable, ultra-sensitive, and field-deployable platforms for high-throughput mycotoxin screening in global food safety surveillance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is implicated in the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Preventive strategies must recognize the excessive consumption of products rich in choline, carnitine, and betaine, which are substrates essential for TMAO synthesis. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a dietary questionnaire to assess the consumption of these compounds and investigate the correlation with serum TMAO levels in a Central European population. Methods: A dietary questionnaire was designed based on a literature review identifying foods high in TMAO precursors. The tool was validated in a prospective study with 94 participants. The theoretical relevance and reliability of the tool were assessed using factor analysis and statistical indices. Reproducibility was evaluated in a subgroup of 10 participants who completed the questionnaire a second time 24 h later. The results of the questionnaire helped us to determine factors contributing to serum TMAO levels. Results: The final questionnaire consisted of 15 questions, providing acceptable data quality (KMO = 0.654). Three main dietary factors were detected: (1) the consumption of fish products and legumes (SS loadings = 1.72; 10.78% variance), (2) the consumption of cereal products and root vegetables (SS loadings = 1.61; 10.05% variance), and (3) the consumption of meat (SS loadings = 1.47; 9.22% variance). Conclusions: The validated questionnaire is a useful tool for assessing the intake of TMAO-promoting foods in post-myocardial infarction patients from Central Europe. It may support dietary risk assessment and nutritional counseling in clinical practice, particularly for secondary cardiovascular prevention. Full article

Designing sustainable farming systems in mountainous regions is particularly challenging because of complex economic, social, and environmental factors. Production models prioritizing sustainability and environmental protection require integrated assessment methodologies that can address multiple criteria and incorporate diverse stakeholders’ perspectives while ensuring accuracy and applicability. Life cycle assessment (LCA) and multi-actor multi-criteria analysis (MAMCA) are two complementary approaches that support “eco-design” strategies aimed at identifying the most sustainable options, including on-farm transformation processes. This study presents an integrated application of LCA and MAMCA to four supply chains: rye bread, barley beer, cow cheese, and goat cheese. The results show that cereal-based systems have lower environmental impacts than livestock systems do, although beer’s required packaging significantly increases its footprint. The rye bread chain emerged as the most sustainable and widely preferred option, except under high-climatic risk scenarios. In contrast, livestock-based systems were generally less favorable because of greater impacts and risks but gained preference when production security became a priority. Both approaches underline the need for a deep understanding of production performance. Future assessments in mountain contexts should integrate logistical aspects and cooperative models to enhance the resilience and sustainability of short food supply chains. Full article

T-2 toxin, a type A trichothecene mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species, is widely present in cereals and their processed products, posing a significant contaminant in food safety. To address the food safety challenges caused by this toxin, we established a dual signal enhancement by magnetic separation and split aptamer for ultrasensitive T-2 toxin detection. In this method, the introduction of magnetic graphene oxide (MGO) enhanced signal and increased sensitivity by reducing background interference. The shortened split aptamer reduces non-specific binding to MGO via decreased steric hindrance, thereby facilitating rapid target-induced dissociation and signal generation. A FAM fluorophore-labeled split aptamer probe FAM-SpA1-1 was quenched by MGO. While the fluorescence intensity remained nearly unchanged when the unlabeled split aptamer probe SpA1-2 was introduced alone, a significant fluorescence recovery was observed upon simultaneous addition of SpA1-2 and T-2 toxin. This recovery resulted from the cooperative binding of SpA1-1 and SpA1-2 to T-2 toxin, which distanced the FAM-SpA1-1 probe from MGO. Therefore, the proposed biosensor demonstrated excellent stability, reproducibility, and specificity, with a linear response range of 10–500 pM and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.83 pM. Satisfactory recovery rates were achieved in spiked wheat (86.0–114.2%) and beer (112.0–129.6%) samples, highlighting the biosensor’s potential for practical applications in real-sample detection. This study establishes the T-2 toxin split aptamer and demonstrates a novel dual-signal enhancement paradigm that pushes the sensitivity frontier of aptamer-based mycotoxin sensors. Full article

Background/Objectives: The nutritional importance of grain-based foods (GBFs) and whole grains (WGs) is underscored by their central position in dietary guidance worldwide. Many jurisdictions recommend consumers increase WG intake because they are associated with multiple health benefits, with evidence quality rated as moderate to high. High intakes of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), as defined by NOVA that classifies food by level of processing, are associated with numerous negative health outcomes, with evidence less convincing than for WGs. Yet, some dietary guidance recommends consumers to avoid UPFs. This creates two divergent guidelines since NOVA designates most commonly eaten grain-based foods (GBFs) as UPFs. These contradictory guidelines fail to comply with recommended principles of dietary guidance and generate questions about underlying assumptions and definitions that classify WG staples and colas together. Methods: Definitions and assumptions for systems ostensibly categorizing foods by level of processing were evaluated for validity by various methods. Special attention was paid to the ability of different classifications to differentiate between WGs, RGs staples, and indulgent GBFs. Findings from meta-analyses associating high intakes of WGs with numerous health benefits were compared with those associating high intakes of UPFs. Menus and modeling studies were assessed for ability to meet recommendations for WGs and the grain food group with customary GBFs while avoiding UPFs. Advice to “avoid UPFs” was tested against principles for effective dietary guidance. Results: Definitions and categorizations of foods by levels of processing vary markedly. Assumptions for NOVA and other systems are questionable. While meta-analyses consistently show high intakes of UPFs are associated with adverse health outcomes, high intake of WG foods, nearly all designated as UPFs, are associated with better health outcomes, although evidence quality for the latter is rated stronger. These findings add to the body of evidence suggesting flawed assumptions behind categorizing WG staples in terms of level of processing. Conclusions: NOVA deems 90% of WGs as UPFs. Adding statements to dietary guidance to “Avoid UPFs”, while asking consumers to increase WG intakes, confuses. Further, it jeopardizes efforts to increase intake of fiber and WG foods because it excludes top sources of fiber and WG-based breads, rolls, tortillas, or cold cereals in Western diets. NOVA advice to avoid UPFs challenges principles for usable dietary guidance and the construction of culturally appropriate, healthy dietary patterns containing WG staples from all levels of processing. Full article

As a vital oil and cereal crop in China, soybean requires efficient and low-loss harvesting to ensure food security and sustainable agricultural development. However, pod-shattering losses during soybean harvesting in Xinjiang remain severe due to low pod moisture content and poor mechanical strength, while existing studies lack a systematic analysis of the interaction mechanism between reeling devices and pods. The current research on soybean harvester headers predominantly focuses on conventional rigid designs, with limited exploration of flexible reel mechanisms and their biomechanical interactions with soybean pods. To address this, this study proposes an optimization method for low-loss harvesting technology based on mechanical-crop interaction mechanisms, integrating dynamic simulation, contact mechanics theory, and field experiments. Texture analyzer tests revealed pod-shattering force characteristics under different compression directions, showing that vertical compression exhibited the highest shattering risk with an average force of 14.3271 N. A collision model between the spring tooth and pods was established based on Hertz contact theory, demonstrating that reducing the elastic modulus of the spring tooth and increasing the contact area significantly minimized mechanical damage. Simulation verified that the PVC-nylon spring tooth reduced the maximum equivalent stress on pods by 90.3%. Furthermore, the trajectory analysis of spring-tooth tips indicated that effective pod-reeling requires a reel speed ratio (Δ) exceeding 1.0. Field tests with a square flexible spring tooth showed that the optimized reel reduced header loss to 1.371%, a significant improvement over conventional rigid teeth. This study provides theoretical and technical foundations for developing low-loss soybean harvesting equipment. Future work should explore multi-parameter collaborative optimization to enhance adaptability in complex field conditions. Full article

Functional foods are evolving beyond basic nutrition to address nutrition-related diseases and enhance well-being. While probiotic-fortified products dominate this sector, most remain dairy-based. This study investigated the incorporation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bacillus coagulans GBI-30 into cereal-based pasta and noodles, evaluating bacterial survival during processing and cooking. Extrusion-based pasta production exerted greater stress on Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, whereas Bacillus coagulans GBI-30 demonstrated higher thermal resistance. In sheeted noodles, both strains maintained ≥8 log CFU/g viability pre-cooking. After 7 min boiling, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG retained 6.88 log CFU/g and Bacillus coagulans GBI-30 5.75 log CFU/g in noodles, meeting the recommended 10⁶–10⁷ CFU/g threshold for probiotic efficacy. Cooking performance analysis revealed lower cooking loss in noodles (2.4–4.04%) versus extruded pasta (10.6–19.05%), indicating superior structural integrity. These results confirm cereal matrices as viable non-dairy carriers for probiotics, with sheeting processes better preserving bacterial viability than extrusion. The findings highlight a practical strategy for developing functional foods that sustain probiotic viability through processing and consumption, potentially enhancing gut microbiota balance. This approach expands probiotic delivery options beyond traditional dairy formats while maintaining therapeutic bacterial concentrations critical for health benefits. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fruits and vegetables (F&Vs) are major dietary sources of phytochemicals, crucial for preventing non-communicable diseases. However, barriers such as preparation inconvenience and a short shelf life hinder their consumption. F&V-coated foods have emerged as an alternative. This human nutrition intervention study assessed the effects of a blended F&Vs mixture versus an F&V-coated food on phytochemical absorption and chronic disease risk markers. It also explored how genetic variation influences physiological responses to these F&V products. Methods: In this randomized-controlled trial, participants were assigned to one of three dietary interventions: a blended F&V mixture (“F&V Blend”), a rice-based cereal product coated with this blend (“Coated Pearl”), or the same product without the F&V mixture (“Uncoated Pearl”). The four-week study included a two-week run-in and a two-week intervention phase, each followed by a test day. Measurements included DNA damage resistance (comet assay), plasma antioxidant status (Trolox capacity and superoxide levels), microvasculature health (retinal analysis), and plasma phytochemical concentrations (colorimetric analyses or HPLC). To assess group differences, a linear mixed model was used. Fifteen polymorphic genes related to phytochemical metabolism and oxidative stress were tested using TaqMan and PCR, with outcomes analyzed via ANOVA. Results: The F&V Blend and Coated Pearl products increased plasma carotenoid levels versus the Uncoated Pearl product. Only the F&V Blend improved retinal dilation and DNA resistance. Surprisingly, the Uncoated Pearl product enhanced antioxidant capacity, lowered superoxide levels, and improved retinal microvasculature. Genotype effects were minimal, except for HNF1A, where wildtypes in the Uncoated Pearl group showed a higher antioxidant capacity. Conclusions: Fresh F&Vs were more effective than coated alternatives in improving vascular health and DNA protection. Full article

(1) Background: Exposure to pesticide residues through food remains a critical issue in public health, especially given their potential cumulative neurotoxic effects. (2) Methods: This study investigated the presence of pesticide residues in commonly consumed vegetables, fruits, and cereals based on official laboratory reports and evaluated the intestinal microbiome profiles of individuals whose diets consisted of over 50% plant-based foods. (3) Results: Analytical results from accredited laboratories in Romania demonstrated that all tested food samples were compliant with European regulations (Regulation (EC) 396/2005), with either undetectable or below-quantification-limit pesticide residues. However, organophosphates such as chlorpyrifos and diazinon were frequently tested, indicating persistent regulatory concern due to their known neurotoxic potential. A parallel analysis of stool samples revealed significant imbalances in neuroactive gut bacteria, including consistently low levels of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species, and elevated levels of Oscillibacter and Alistipes, which are implicated in modulating GABA and serotonin pathways. Markers of proinflammatory activity, such as LPS-positive bacteria and histamine producers, were also elevated. (4) Conclusions: These findings suggest that even in diets rich in plant-based foods, microbial dysbiosis with neuroactive relevance can occur, potentially linked to environmental or dietary factors. The study underscores the need for a comprehensive evaluation of food safety and microbiome function as interconnected determinants of neurological health. Full article

This review highlights the latest research on dietary fibre (DF) applications in meat and meat analogues, providing insights into their role in shaping future food innovations. DFs provide significant long-term health benefits, such as better gut health, lower cholesterol levels, and possible protection from metabolic diseases. They also enhance the texture, juiciness, and overall quality of plant-based meat alternatives (PMAs) and traditional meat products. Among the most effective fibres, cereal-derived fibres, fruit- and vegetable-derived fibres, and legume-based fibres have been shown to improve water-holding capacity (WHC) and emulsification properties, enhancing mouthfeel and juiciness. New processing methods, such as enzymatic hydrolysis and extrusion, can change how fibres work. By combining various fibre sources with innovative processing methods, the food industry can create meat and PMA products that are not only healthier but also tastier and more sustainable. Full article

Objectives: This study comparatively evaluated changes in the food habits and dietary patterns of adults aged ≥65 years before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic using a retrospective study. Methods: Data covering the 2018–2021 period were derived from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Results: Comparing the 2943 individuals in the “Before-COVID-19” individuals with the 2916 people in the “During COVID-19” group, the frequency of drinking four or more times a week decreased among the older adults during the pan-demic, as did the frequency of eating three meals a day and eating-out at least once a week. On the other hand, food security improved during the pandemic compared with before the pandemic. During the pandemic, the intake of cereals and grains decreased, while that of potatoes and starches, legumes, vegetables, eggs, milk and dairy products, and oils and fats increased. Although energy and carbohydrate intake decreased, protein, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, zinc, riboflavin, vitamin E, vitamin C, folic acid, and fat intake increased. However, the intake of vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium remained lower than the estimated adequate requirement of the Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans. Additionally, the rate of nutritional insufficiency “During COVID-19” (20.76%) was 1.31–1.42 times higher than that “Before COVID-19” (16.45%). Even in models that adjusted for other factors, the rate of nutritional insufficiency was higher during the pandemic than before. Conclusions: Based on these findings, measures such as dietary education programs and guidelines for proper nutrient intake should be formulated to prevent imbalances in nutrient intake among older Koreans. Full article

Climate change poses a significant threat to Ethiopian agriculture, impacting both cereal and livestock production through rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and increased pest and disease outbreaks. These challenges intensify food insecurity, particularly for smallholder farmers and pastoralists who rely on climate-sensitive agricultural systems. This systematic review aims to synthesize the impacts of climate change on Ethiopian agriculture, with a specific focus on cereal production and livestock feed quality, while exploring effective adaptation strategies that can support resilience in the sector. The review synthesizes 50 peer-reviewed publications (2020–2024) from the Climate Change Effects on Food Security project, which supports young African academics and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in addressing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Using PRISMA guidelines, the review assesses climate change impacts on major cereal crops and livestock feed in Ethiopia and explores adaptation strategies. Over the past 30 years, Ethiopia has experienced rising temperatures (0.3–0.66 °C), with future projections indicating increases of 0.6–0.8 °C per decade resulting in more frequent and severe droughts, floods, and landslides. These shifts have led to declining yields of wheat, maize, and barley, shrinking arable land, and deteriorating feed quality and water availability, severely affecting livestock health and productivity. The study identifies key on-the-ground adaptation strategies, including adjusted planting dates, crop diversification, drought-tolerant varieties, soil and water conservation, agroforestry, supplemental irrigation, and integrated fertilizer use. Livestock adaptations include improved breeding practices, fodder enhancement using legumes and local browse species, and seasonal climate forecasting. These results have significant practical implications: they offer a robust evidence base for policymakers, extension agents, and development practitioners to design and implement targeted, context-specific adaptation strategies. Moreover, the findings support the integration of climate resilience into national agricultural policies and food security planning. The Climate Change Effects on Food Security project’s role in generating scientific knowledge and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration is vital for building institutional and human capacity to confront climate challenges. Ultimately, this review contributes actionable insights for promoting sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture across Ethiopia. Full article