Article
Plant Sciences
Laura Righetti, Chiara Dall'Asta, Luigi Lucini, Paola Battilani
Summary: The study found that under the same environmental conditions, there was higher activation of lipid signaling systems in hybrid H22 compared to H21, suggesting that less susceptible hybrids may have other pathways to limit fumonisin B accumulation. The results highlight the crucial role of oxylipin and sphingolipid signaling in modulating the complex maize response to F. verticillioides infection.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Aminiel Shangali, Doreen Kamori, Willybroad Massawe, Salim Masoud, Upendo Kibwana, Anthony G. Mwingwa, Anselmo Manisha, Ambele M. Mwandigha, Mariam M. Mirambo, Stephen E. Mshana, Joel Manyahi, Mtebe Majigo
Summary: The study aimed to identify the causative pathogens and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in ear infections at a tertiary hospital in Dar es Salaam. Otitis externa was the predominant type of ear infection. The most frequently isolated bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and a significant proportion of the isolates showed multidrug resistance.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elodie Lassallette, Pi Nyvall Collen, Philippe Guerre
Summary: This study investigated the effects of the mycotoxin fumonisins on different types of sphingolipids. The results showed that fumonisins had significant effects on m18:0, m18:1, d18:2, and corresponding ceramides, while the t18:0 forms were less affected. In addition, d18:1 and d18:0 sphingolipids were important variables for explaining the grouping of chickens fed with fumonisins, while other sphingolipids did not have an effect. The C22-C24:C16 ratios may have potential as biomarkers, but further study is needed.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
D. Tardieu, A. Travel, C. Le Bourhis, J-P Metayer, A. Mika, D. Cleva, C. Boissieu, P. Guerre
Summary: The study found that alpha-zearalanol (alpha-ZOL) and FB1 were the most abundant metabolites in the livers of turkeys and chickens, and their concentrations decreased over time. The concentration of FB1 in turkeys and chickens decreased linearly with time, while the concentration of alpha-ZOL decreased exponentially.
FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Pierre Schambri, Sophie Brunet, Jean-Denis Bailly, Didier Kleiber, Cecile Levasseur-Garcia
Summary: This study investigates the effects of different popcorn processing methods on mycotoxin levels, showing that hot oil popping significantly reduces levels of fumonisins and deoxynivalenol. Hot oil popping provides the most important reduction for both types of popcorn, with an average reduction of 98% for fumonisins and 58% for deoxynivalenol.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Senna J. J. M. van Riel, Celine M. J. G. Lardenoije, Martine M. L. H. Wassen, Sander M. J. van Kuijk, Niels A. J. Cremers
Summary: Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) affects up to 9% of women worldwide and the current treatment options have limited efficacy. Medical grade honey (MGH) with antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activity may be a good alternative treatment. This study aims to compare the clinical cure rate and long term efficacy of MGH with fluconazole in patients with RVVC.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alina Mihalcea, Sonia Amariei
Summary: Crops can be contaminated by fungi producing mycotoxins, with over 400 different mycotoxins described so far. This study evaluates the prevalence of mycotoxins in corn and corn-derived products in Romania. Fumonisins were found to be the most prevalent mycotoxin, while zearalenone had the lowest presence. The levels of these mycotoxins were within the legal limits.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Upendo Ozeniel Kibwana, Joel Manyahi, Doreen Kamori, Martha Mushi, Ambele M. Mwandigha, Mtebe Majigo
Summary: This study aimed to determine the oral carriage prevalence of Candida species among cancer patients on treatment in a hospital in Tanzania. The study found a high prevalence of oral carriage of Candida species, particularly Candida krusei, which is concerning due to its resistance to commonly used antifungal agents.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jianyun Zhao, Tianxiao Cheng, Wenjing Xu, Xiaomin Han, Jing Zhang, Hongyuan Zhang, Chong Wang, Seamus Fanning, Fengqin Li
Summary: The study assessed the occurrence of twelve mycotoxins in wheat samples harvested in China in 2018. DON was found to be the most predominant mycotoxin, followed by other mycotoxins. Samples from provinces along the Yangtze River had a higher positive rate for Fusarium mycotoxins. The co-occurrence of fumonisins, DONs and its derivatives, ZEN, and/or NIV was found to be 37.6%, with higher levels of DON and its derivatives in wheat samples in 2018 compared to 2017.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Shuo Zhang, Shuang Zhou, Bing Lyu, Nannan Qiu, Jingguang Li, Yunfeng Zhao, Yongning Wu
Summary: This study investigated the dietary exposures to fumonisins and ochratoxins in the Chinese general population using a total diet study approach. The results showed that although the overall dietary exposures were below the health-based guidance values, there were sporadic regions where the exposures exceeded the guidance values. Furthermore, an increase in the dietary exposure to certain toxins was observed over the last decade.
FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Victor Kagot, Marthe De Boevre, Sofie Landschoot, George Obiero, Sheila Okoth, Sarah De Saeger
Summary: This study assessed the levels of mycotoxins in maize from Kenyan households and compared different varieties for their susceptibility to mycotoxin contamination. The findings revealed the presence of multiple mycotoxins in Kenyan maize, most of which are not regulated in the country. It was also observed that local open-pollinated maize varieties showed higher resistance to mycotoxin contamination.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Addisalem Mesfin, Carl Lachat, Seifu Hagos Gebreyesus, Meselech Roro, Kokeb Tesfamariam, Tefera Belachew, Marthe De Boevre, Sarah De Saeger
Summary: This study assessed the presence of multiple mycotoxins in breast milk and examined the relationship between total fumonisins and pre/post-harvest and dietary practices. The findings showed that the overall exposure to mycotoxins in breast milk was low, but fumonisins contamination was still present. No association was found between total fumonisins and pre/post-harvest and dietary practices.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Queenta Ngum Nji, Olubukola Oluranti Babalola, Nancy Nleya, Mulunda Mwanza
Summary: South Africa is a major exporter of maize in Africa, but the rural population in the country is exposed to high levels of mycotoxins. Subsistence farming, which is prevalent in rural areas, promotes fungal growth and mycotoxin production, resulting in contaminated maize. The lack of food surveillance poses a greater challenge in combatting mycotoxin exposure in rural communities.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ninive Alves Vieira de Matos, Andre Victor Sartori, Eloiza Rodrigues Pimentel de Sa Soilo, Maria Heloisa Paulino de Moraes, Silvana do Couto Jacob
Summary: This study evaluated the contamination of hidden fumonisins in the main corn-based products consumed in Brazil. The results showed that all analyzed samples contained free fumonisins, but none exceeded the maximum tolerated level. Hidden fumonisins were also present in all samples, with concentrations 1.1-2.7 times higher than free fumonisins.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Aldrey Nathalia Ribeiro Correa, Cristiano Dietrich Ferreira
Summary: This article introduces the regulations and maximum tolerated limits for mycotoxins in Brazil, and discusses the findings of recent studies indicating that several grains intended for human consumption in Brazil exceed the mycotoxins limits. The co-occurrence of mycotoxins in different grains grown in Brazil is also addressed.
FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Giada D'Errico, Veronica Aloj, Gavin R. Flematti, Krishnapillai Sivasithamparam, Carol M. Worth, Nadia Lombardi, Alberto Ritieni, Roberta Marra, Matteo Lorito, Francesco Vinale
Summary: Endophytic fungi have beneficial effects on plant health and growth, as well as the ability to degrade organic pollutants. The organic extracts obtained from Drechslera sp. strain 678 showed two major bioactive metabolites with antifungal activity.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Francesca Valerio, Giuseppe N. Mezzapesa, Ahmed Ghannouchi, Donato Mondelli, Antonio F. Logrieco, Enrico V. Perrino
Summary: This study analyzed the essential oils composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of four taxa of the Lamiaceae family in Apulia. The essential oils from S. montana and T. capitata showed the strongest antimicrobial activity, while S. fruticosa exhibited weaker antibacterial effects. These plant species can be promising sources of bioactive compounds for use as biopreservatives in bread and bakery products.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Luigi Castaldo, Sonia Lombardi, Anna Gaspari, Mario Rubino, Luana Izzo, Alfonso Narvaez, Alberto Ritieni, Michela Grosso
Summary: The study demonstrated that spent coffee ground with high content in bioactive molecules could be used to enhance the bioactive potential of baked foods, with SCGc showing higher antioxidant activity during simulated gastrointestinal digestion.
Article
Plant Sciences
Claudio Di Vaio, Giulia Graziani, Anna Gaspari, Lucia De Luca, Alessandra Aiello, Aurora Cirillo, Antonio Bruno, Raffaele Romano, Alberto Ritieni
Summary: Campania, known for its ideal pedo-climatic conditions and diverse varietal heritage, produces oils with high typicity, each distinct from the others. A study on the minor autochthonous cultivar Oliva Bianca from Campania found high levels of anthocyanins, secoiridoids, and oleic acid in the oil, potentially offering beneficial effects on human health.
Article
Agronomy
Mario Masiello, Romy El Ghorayeb, Stefania Somma, Carine Saab, Giuseppe Meca, Antonio F. Logrieco, Wassim Habib, Antonio Moretti
Summary: This study investigated fungal contamination in durum wheat kernels from Lebanon and identified the prevalent Alternaria species. Although no contamination by Alternaria mycotoxins was detected, the potential risk of mycotoxin accumulation remains high due to the widespread occurrence of toxigenic Alternaria species on kernels.
PHYTOPATHOLOGIA MEDITERRANEA
(2022)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Donatella Ambroselli, Fabrizio Masciulli, Enrico Romano, Giuseppina Catanzaro, Zein Mersini Besharat, Maria Chiara Massari, Elisabetta Ferretti, Silvia Migliaccio, Luana Izzo, Alberto Ritieni, Michela Grosso, Caterina Formichi, Francesco Dotta, Francesco Frigerio, Eleonora Barbiera, Anna Maria Giusti, Cinzia Ingallina, Luisa Mannina
Summary: The definition of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has changed over time due to the difficulty in establishing universal criteria. MetS is associated with a pro-inflammatory state related to altered glucose metabolism, leading to increased cardiovascular risk. Complications of MetS include cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Genetic factors, human microbiota, and diet play complex roles in the predisposition to MetS. This review summarizes the literature of the past decade on MetS, including its definition, pathophysiology, treatment approaches, prediction and diagnosis using advanced methodologies, and the role of specific foods in prevention and/or treatment.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luigi Castaldo, Luana Izzo, Sonia Lombardi, Anna Gaspari, Stefania De Pascale, Michela Grosso, Alberto Ritieni
Summary: The study found that water-based extracts from broad bean hulls contain various polyphenolic compounds, with p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, and epicatechin being the most common. Encapsulating the extracts into capsules helps preserve the active compounds, resulting in higher antioxidant capacity and polyphenol bioaccessibility during the gastrointestinal process.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luigi Castaldo, Marianna Toriello, Luana Izzo, Raffaele Sessa, Sonia Lombardi, Silvia Trombetti, Yelko Rodriguez-Carrasco, Alberto Ritieni, Michela Grosso
Summary: Coffee can protect against the adverse effects of putrefactive compounds by reducing oxidative stress and exerting anti-inflammatory effects in colon cancer cells, suggesting that coffee intake may improve health conditions in the presence of altered intestinal microbiota metabolism.
Article
Agronomy
Aurora Cirillo, Lucia De Luca, Giulia Graziani, Marco Cepparulo, Christophe El-Nakhel, Maria Giordano, Youssef Rouphael, Alberto Ritieni, Raffaele Romano, Claudio Di Vaio
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of three biostimulants on olive tree yield, fruit and oil composition. The results showed that the application of these biostimulants increased the polyphenol content in olive fruits and oil, enhancing their antioxidant capacity and nutritional value.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Alfonso Narvaez, Luana Izzo, Luigi Castaldo, Sonia Lombardi, Yelko Rodriguez-Carrasco, Alberto Ritieni
Summary: Breakfast cereals are highly susceptible to mycotoxin contamination, posing a concerning risk to human health, especially for children. This study aimed to monitor multiple mycotoxins in Italian breakfast cereal samples using advanced analytical techniques. The results revealed that 93% of the samples contained at least one mycotoxin, with beauvericin being the most prevalent toxin. Multiple mycotoxins were found to co-occur in 73% of the positive samples. These findings highlight the need for improved analytical methodologies to detect non-regulated mycotoxins that may go unnoticed with current methods.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Antonella Vitiello, Luana Izzo, Luigi Castaldo, Ivana d'Angelo, Francesca Ungaro, Agnese Miro, Alberto Ritieni, Fabiana Quaglia
Summary: Food supplements containing red yeast rice are commonly used to reduce lipid levels in the blood. The main active ingredient, monacolin K, is a natural compound with similar structure as lovastatin. In this study, the quality profile of red yeast rice supplements marketed in Italy was evaluated, and variations in dosage form uniformity and disintegration time were observed. The bioaccessibility of monacolin K and the contamination of citrinin were also investigated, with no contamination found. These findings suggest the need for greater attention to the quality and safety of marketed products.
Article
Plant Sciences
Aurora Cirillo, Giulia Graziani, Lucia De Luca, Marco Cepparulo, Alberto Ritieni, Raffaele Romano, Claudio Di Vaio
Summary: The effects of climate change on Mediterranean regions have led to increased drought periods and extreme temperatures. The use of anti-transpirant products, such as kaolin, has been found to reduce the damage caused by extreme environmental conditions on olive plants. This study evaluated the effect of kaolin on the quantitative and qualitative parameters of drupes and oil in a little-known olive cultivar. The results showed that kaolin treatments increased the oil content, anthocyanins, total polyphenols, antioxidant activity, and certain fatty acids in the drupes and oil of the olive cultivar.
Article
Horticulture
Aurora Cirillo, Lucia De Luca, Luana Izzo, Marco Cepparulo, Giulia Graziani, Alberto Ritieni, Raffaele Romano, Claudio Di Vaio
Summary: The Vesuvian apricot includes numerous varieties originating from the same production area and with a long tradition of cultivation. The presence of secondary metabolites, many of which act as antioxidants, makes apricot fruit and its derivatives important for human health. This study analyzed 12 Vesuvian apricot accessions using chemical-physical and nutraceutical analyses. The results showed a wide range of organoleptic characteristics in Vesuvian apricot accessions, providing options for consumers and processors.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Silvia Tagliamonte, Roberta Barone Lumaga, Francesca De Filippis, Vincenzo Valentino, Rosalia Ferracane, Mathilde Guerville, Ivana Gandolfi, Giovanni Barbara, Danilo Ercolini, Paola Vitaglione
Summary: Despite not being lactose intolerant, many healthy individuals experience gastrointestinal discomfort after consuming milk. This study aimed to explore the digestion of milk protein and related physiological responses in individuals reporting gastrointestinal discomfort. The findings revealed that these individuals had slower milk protein digestion, lower hormone responses, and higher serum DPPIV activity compared to individuals without gastrointestinal discomfort.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Maria Giordano, Michele Ciriello, Luigi Formisano, Christophe El-Nakhel, Antonio Pannico, Giulia Graziani, Alberto Ritieni, Marios C. Kyriacou, Youssef Rouphael, Stefania De Pascale
Summary: The success of space missions and colonization of extraterrestrial environments require ensuring adequate nutrition for astronauts and independence from terrestrial resources. Microgreens, such as tatsoi, coriander, green basil, and purple basil, can provide a balanced diet and improve the overall nutraceutical profile of astronaut meals. The addition of potassium iodide (KI) at different concentrations increased the level of iodine (I) in the microgreens, resulting in improved antioxidant activity and increased concentration of phenolic acids and flavonoids.
