Is there a link between greening and light-enhanced glycoalkaloid accumulation in potato (Solanum tuberosumL) tubers?

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L) tubers (cvs Pentland Dell and Record) were treated with the chlorophyll biosynthesis inhibitors 4-amino-5-fluoropentanoic acid (AFPA) and 3-amino-2,3-dihydrobenzoic acid (gabaculine), and subsequently exposed to daylight for up to 10 days prior to pigment and glyco-alkaloid analysis. AFPA inhibited the accumulation of total chlorophyll (Chl) by between 50 and 70% in both cultivars throughout the duration of light exposure. The synthesis of Chl b was inhibited by over 80% in both cultivars. Neither inhibitor had a significant effect on light-enhanced glycoalkaloid accumulation. It is concluded that there is no direct metabolic link between Chl and glycoalkaloid biosynthesis. © 1998 SCI.     

Can sesame consumption improve blood pressure? A systematic review and meta‐analysis of controlled trials

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction, stroke and renal failure. Sesame consumption may benefit blood pressure (BP ) owing to its high polyunsaturated fatty acid, fibre, phytosterol and lignan contents. To clarify this, a systematic review and meta‐analysis of controlled trials was conducted. The PubMed (MEDLINE ), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL ) and Cochrane Library (Central) databases were systematically searched until August 2016. Eight controlled trials with a total of 843 participants met the eligibility criteria. A random effect meta‐analysis showed that sesame consumption can reduce systolic BP (?7.83 mmHg , 95% CI : ?14.12, ?1.54; P < 0.05, I ² = 99%) and diastolic BP (?5.83 mmHg, 95% CI: ?9.58, ?2.08; P < 0.01, I ² = 98%). To reduce the heterogeneity, the meta‐analysis was limited to high methodology quality trials (n = 4), which resulted in a significant reduction in systolic BP (?3.23 mmHg, 95% CI: ?5.67, ?0.79; I ² = 33%) and a non‐significant reduction in diastolic BP (?2.08 mmHg, 95% CI: ?4.85, 0.69; I ² = 62%). This study concluded that sesame consumption can reduce systolic and diastolic BP. However, further investigations with larger sample sizes and better methodology quality are required to confirm the BP‐lowering effect of sesame consumption. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry     

Is there any difference between the phenolic content of organic and conventional tomato juices?

The present study aims to compare the phenolic and hydrophilic antioxidant profiles of organically and conventionally produced tomato juices. Comparisons of analyses of archived samples from conventional and organic production systems demonstrated statistically higher levels (P < 0.05) of phenolic compounds in organic tomato juices. This increase corresponds not only with increasing amounts of soil organic matter accumulating in organic plots but also with reduced manure application rates once soils in the organic systems had reached equilibrium levels of organic matter. Using principal component analysis, results show that phenolic compounds and hydrophilic antioxidant capacity were responsible for the differentiation between organic and conventional tomato juices. Thus, there appear to be genuine differences in the bioactive components of organic and conventional tomato juices not previously reported.     

Is gut microbiota a relevant and competitive dietary target for cardio-metabolic health? Proceedings of an expert workshop

BackgroundThe gut microbiota is a putative target for dietary interventions for cardio-metabolic health (CMH), including prevention of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This has generated considerable interest, but the actual feasibility for diet or specific foods to induce measurable, sustained and meaningful benefits for CMH risk by this route remains uncertain.Scope and approachThis report summarises an expert workshop assessing the gut microbiota as a relevant, feasible and competitive target for CMH benefits by dietary interventions. It summarises the expert presentations and overall view of participants on the current status and outlook, considering also implications for the food industry.Key findings and conclusionsChanging the gut microbiota by diet is possible, but an assessment of the impact on CMH risk is still needed, including clarifying advantages above other known dietary routes. The individual gut microbiota composition may in part determine the impact of diet and its effects on health. Therefore, future developments may identify individuals at risk and thus possible modification of the microbiota to achieve benefits in susceptible (sub) populations depending on their initial microbiota composition. Prebiotics currently appear to be the most promising ingredients; however, required doses may be relatively high and the actual role of gut microbiota needs further assessment. Overall, causal evidence linking gut microbiota interventions with CMH benefits are developing in preclinical models but are still lacking in humans. A significant research effort is needed and ongoing to determine whether potential effects can be reliably substantiated.     

Is there a fit in cognitive and sensory evaluation of yogurt? The moderating role of nutrition training

Food selection at a particular occasion is guided by properties of the food itself (sensory or intrinsic properties), but also by the information provided with the food, for example, packaging information (extrinsic properties). We compared preference responses of 71 consumers with a considerable type 2 diabetes risk, who had undergone nutrition counseling in a prevention program, in sensory assessments and product evaluation integrated into Adaptive Conjoint Analysis with the response of a healthy control group (n = 101). Vanilla yogurt, varied in composition (fat content, sugar content, flavor intensity) and packaging information (fat content, sugar content, flavor intensity), was used as stimulus material. Both groups of consumers preferred yogurt with a higher fat content on the basis of sensory evaluation, but rejected products with a higher fat content (10 g/100 g) when this information was available on the package. The degree of rejection was significantly higher for the high risk group. Whereas both groups preferred reduced-sugar yogurt on the basis of declaration, preferences towards the less sweet product were only observed for the high risk group.     

Is the production of the biogenic amines tyramine and putrescine a species-level trait in enterococci?

Biogenic amines (BA) are toxic nitrogenous compounds that can be accumulated in foods via the microbial decarboxylation of certain amino acids. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains belonging to different species and genera have been described as BA producers and are mainly responsible for their synthesis in fermented foods. It is generally accepted that the capacity to produced BAs is strain-dependent. However, the large number of enterococci identified as BA producers suggests that the aminogenic trait may be a species-level characteristic. Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus durans strains of different origin were analysed to determine their capacity to produce tyramine and putrescine. The presence of the genes responsible for this and the identity of their flanking regions were checked by PCR. The results suggest that tyramine biosynthesis is a species-level characteristic in E. faecalis, E. faecium and E. durans. Putrescine synthesis was found to be a species-level trait of E. faecalis, with production occurring via the agmatine deamination pathway. Some E. faecium strains of human origin also produced putrescine; this trait was probably acquired via horizontal gene transfer.     

Is the rate of sulfur-disulfide exchange between the native β-Lactoglobulin and PDS related to protein conformational stability?

Summary The sulfhydryl (SH) group of β-lactoglobulin (β-Lg) affects many of its functional properties. Native β-Lg was treated with pyridine disulfide (PDS) at pH 2.6–8.5 (25 °C). SH-disulfide exchange was monitored by spectrophotometry. The kinetics of β-Lg sulphydryl-disulphide exchange was compared with the same reaction for reduced glutathione (GSH). From such results we estimate, ΔG_ex, the free energy change for exposing the SH-group of β-Lg to solvent. The numerical value for ΔG_ex is equal to the free energy change for β-Lg dissociation at pH 7. At neutral pH, the rate of sulphydryl- disulphide exchange appears to be controlled by the dimer-monomer dissociation equilibrium. At other solvent pHs, β-Lg sulphydryl reactivity towards a small disulphide compound like PDS may not involve the dissociation of native β-Lg.     

Migration of nitrosamines from rubber products – are balloons and condoms harmful to the human health?

Studies performed in 2001 and 2003 surveyed the release of carcinogenic nitrosamines and nitrosatable substances from rubber toy balloons by extraction with artificial saliva and gas chromatography-thermal energy analysis (GC-TEA). 81% of the 16 in 2001 sampled balloons and 93% of the 14 in 2003 sampled balloons released nitrosamines above the recommended level in Germany of 10 mug per kg material. Furthermore, 32 rubber condom samples collected in 2004 from the German market were surveyed for nitrosamines by determining the amount migrating into an artificial sweat test solution. The levels released from condoms varied from < 10 to 660 mug per kg material (i. e., up to 1.4 mug nitrosamines per condom). In a model calculation, not considering the differences that may exist in the resorption rate, we have calculated that the exposure from condoms may exceed the exposure from food 1.5-3 fold. To our knowledge so far no legal binding legislation exists worldwide concerning nitrosamine migration from toy balloons or condoms.     

Is there scope for expanding the optometrist’s scope of practice in Singapore? – A survey of optometrists,opticians in Singapore

PurposeIn Singapore, optometrists’ roles are limited compared to their counterparts elsewhere. The purpose of the survey is to investigate optometrists’ current roles, views on extended roles, self-reported primary eye care knowledge, needs for continuing professional education (CPE) and views on suitable modes for CPE.MethodsMembers of the Optometrist and Optician Board (OOB) were invited via email to take part in an anonymous online survey. The survey questions covered the following areas: current scope of practice, self-rated primary eye care knowledge, confidence in screening, co-managing minor eye conditions, CPE and referral behavior.ResultsA total of 230 optometrists completed the survey (response rate 30%). Their current roles were limited to diagnostic refraction (92%), colour vision assessment (65%), contact lens fitting and dispensing (62%) amongst others. The average self-rated score for primary eye care knowledge was 8.2 ± 1.4; score range 1-10 (1-Very poor, 10-Excellent). Self-rated confidence scores for screening for cataract, diabetic retinopathy, chronic glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration were 2.7 ± 1.5, 3.7 ± 1.9, 4.0 ± 1.9 and 3.8 ± 1.8, respectively. 71% of the optometrists felt that they should undertake regular CPE to improve their primary eye care knowledge. Blended learning (eLearning and traditional face-to-face lectures) (46.1%) was the most preferred mode for CPE delivery.ConclusionOptometrists in Singapore represent a skilled underutilized primary eye care provider. Though their self-reported primary eye care knowledge is high, their confidence in screening and co-managing chronic eye conditions is low. Enabling them for extended primary eye care role would require further training.SignificanceSingapore ageing population has led to greater eye care demands. Task-shifting from ophthalmologists to optometrists has been proposed in the literature to handle this growing care demands. At this juncture, this study provides evidence based answers to issues revolving around optometrists’ readiness for a role expansion in Singapore.     

Is vitamin D-fortified yogurt a value-added strategy for improving human health? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials

Yogurt is a good source of probiotics, calcium, and proteins, but its content of vitamin D is low. Therefore, yogurt could be a good choice for vitamin D fortification to improve the positive health outcomes associated with its consumption. The primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effect of vitamin D-fortified yogurt compared with plain yogurt on levels of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD). The secondary aim was to evaluate the effect of fortified yogurt on parathyroid hormone, anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, glucose metabolism, and lipid profile. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for eligible studies; that is, randomized controlled trials (RCT) that compared vitamin D-fortified yogurt with control treatment without any additional supplement. Random-effects models were used to estimate pooled effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals. Findings from 9 RCT (n = 665 participants) that lasted from 8 to 16 wk are summarized in this review. The meta-analyzed mean differences for random effects showed that vitamin D-fortified yogurt (from 400 to 2,000 IU) increased serum 25OHD by 31.00 nmol/L. In addition, vitamin D-fortified yogurt decreased parathyroid hormone by 15.47 ng/L, body weight by 0.92 kg, waist circumference by 2.01 cm, HOMA-IR by 2.18 mass units, fasting serum glucose by 22.54 mg/dL, total cholesterol by 13.38 mg/dL, and triglycerides by 30.12 mg/dL compared with the controlled treatments. No publication bias was identified. Considerable between-study heterogeneity was observed for most outcomes. Vitamin D-fortified yogurt may be beneficial in improving serum 25OHD, lipid profile, glucose metabolism, and anthropometric parameters and decreasing parathyroid hormone level in pregnant women and adult and elderly subjects with or without diabetes, prediabetes, or metabolic syndrome.     

Is SPE necessary for environmental analysis? A quantitative comparison of matrix effects from large-volume injection and solid-phase extraction based methods

Environmental analysis by large-volume injection (LVI) was compared to solid-phase extraction (SPE) based methods using matrix effects as a quantitative indicator of analytical signal quality. LVI was performed by the direct injection of 900 μL of wastewater onto a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) column while SPE-based methods utilized octadecyl silane (C18) and hydrophobic-lypophilic balance (HLB) solid phases to preconcentrate wastewater prior to analysis. Model analytes from three classes of environmental contaminants were selected for study including four estrogens (estrone, estradiol, estriol, and ethinylestradiol), eight perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (C4-C11), and five perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (C4, C6-C8, and C10). The matrix effects on analytes were assessed by two approaches (quantitatively by calculating percent matrix effects and qualitatively with postcolumn infusions) and compared across LVI- and SPE-based methods at constant (high and low) analyte-to-matrix mass ratios. The results from this study demonstrated that the LVI-based method produced analytical signals of quality similar to the two SPE-based methods. Furthermore, LVI presented a clear advantage over SPE because it was performed at lower cost, required fewer materials, involved less labor and eliminated the analyte loss associated with SPE.     

Is a vegan or a vegetarian diet associated with the microbiota composition in the gut? Results of a new cross-sectional study and systematic review

Abstract

It is assumed that diet influences the composition of gut microbiota, which in turn may affect human health status. This systematic review aimed to summarize associations of a vegan or vegetarian diet with the composition of microbiota. A literature search was conducted in PubMed and Embase for eligible human studies with vegan or vegetarian diets as an exposure and microbiota composition as an outcome in healthy adults. Furthermore, data from our cross-sectional study with vegan participants were included. Out of sixteen included studies, six investigated the association between gut microbiota composition in both vegans and in vegetarians, six in vegans and four studies in vegetarians compared to omnivores, respectively. Among 5 different phyla, 28 families, 96 genera and 177 species, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium and Prevotella were the most reported genera, followed by the species Prevotella copri, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Escherichia coli in all diets. No consistent association between a vegan diet or vegetarian diet and microbiota composition compared to omnivores could be identified. Moreover, some studies revealed contradictory results. This result could be due to high microbial individuality, and/or differences in the applied approaches. Standardized methods with high taxonomical and functional resolutions are needed to clarify this issue.     

Is resilience a useful concept in the context of food security and nutrition programmes? Some conceptual and practical considerations

With the developing world increasingly exposed to severe shocks and stresses, a growing number of international development agencies have now adopted resilience building as a critical long-term objective for their programmes. This paper explores the potential for this concept in the context of food security and nutrition but the reflection extends to development interventions more generally. Resilience is a rich concept, and has at its core the notion of complex dynamic processes that aptly describes the nature and dynamics of vulnerability and changes as they affect the developing world. The paper argues that the main value of resilience lies in its integrative nature, which facilitates greater collaboration between traditionally disparate groups and communities of practices. The paper also stresses some of the key conceptual and practical challenges that we face when trying to operationalise and measure resilience.