Vegetables, Potatoes and Their Products as Sources of Energy and Nutrients to the Average Diet in Poland

Elemental composition and potential health risk of vegetable cultivated in residential area situated close to abandoned gold mine dump: Characteristics of soil quality on the vegetables

The presence of toxic metals in residential areas near abandoned gold mine tailings is a major environmental issue. This study mainly aimed to investigate the elemental distribution of both toxic and essential elements in soils and leafy vegetables (Brassica oleracea) collected from eight different sites around the Davidsonville residential area, located closer to the abandoned Princess gold mine dump, Johannesburg, South Africa. The nutritional value of vegetables in the human diet was determined to assess their value to their health. The vegetables contained metals in the following descending order: Ca > Mg > Ca > Sb > Pb > Fe > Mo > Cr > Se > As > V > Ni > Co > Cd. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) revealed that vegetables tend to accumulate most metals even (toxic) during the transfer and translocation process. Based on the recommended daily allowance (%RDA) the vegetables showed to contribute 152%, 84% and 75% toward RDA for Se, V and Ca, respectively for most adults and these play a role in human metabolic activities. The vegetables were found to be a good source of essential elements (Ca, Mg, Ni, Na, Fe) but with some traces of toxic metals such as Pb, As and Sb. Based on the health risk assessment, the vegetable posed an adverse health hazard for human consumption due to metals with high HRI >1.

Investigating the effect of cold atmospheric plasma treatment on the microbial load of raw potato slices

Background and Objectives

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), as starchy plants, have been highly esteemed for their rich supply of nutrients. Numerous studies have investigated the potential health benefits of potatoes and explored potential solutions. Among these considerations, the discussion regarding microbial contaminants has remained an important topic.

Materials and Methods

The present study used cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) to evaluate the microbial quality (including mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria and mold and yeasts) of raw potato slices during a 14-day storage period. To achieve this goal, the duration of CAP exposure was set at 5, 10, and 15 min, utilizing an electric voltage of 60 kV and a specific frequency of 20 kHz.

Results

The findings revealed the effectiveness of CAP pre-treatment in inhibiting microbial growth over the 14 days when compared to the control sample (untreated sample), with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Moreover, with an extension of the CAP exposure duration to 15 min, there was a significant reduction in the logarithmic count of mesophilic, psychrotrophic microorganisms, molds, and yeasts (4.95, 2.85, and 2.22CFU/g, respectively) in comparison to the control groups (7.5, 5.62, and 5.5CFU/g) on days 0, 7, and 14 of the storage periods (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The results of this study highlight the potential of CAP pre-treatment on reducing the microbial load in raw potato slices prior to frying, which could potentially influence the overall quality of potato-based products.

Level of knowledge, nutritional habits, use of stimulants, and physical activity during the COVID-19 epidemic among students of physiotherapy at Wroclaw Medical University

OBJECTIVES

The COVID-19 pandemic had a huge effect around the world. The aim of this study was to determine what eating habits, physical activity, and use of stimulants were likely among physical therapy students during the outbreak.

METHODS

The 16-65-ComPAN questionnaire for views and eating habits was used. The Fagerström Test was used to determine nicotine dependence, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire to gauge physical activity, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test to determine alcohol consumption.

RESULTS

The results indicated a relatively high percentage of alcohol consumption among this group, as well as a relationship between an unhealthy diet and years of study and smoking. A high value of unhealthy diet and the relationship between dietary knowledge, body mass index, and healthy diet index were also found. No correlation was obtained between the effect of COVID-19 on the student's life and nutritional knowledge and habits, but the percentage of students negatively affected by COVID was high (51%).

CONCLUSION

The findings presented here indicate the need to take measures to increase nutritional knowledge among physiotherapy students and to take measures to reduce the use of stimulants.

Host genetic background rather than diet-induced gut microbiota shifts of sympatric black-necked crane, common crane and bar-headed goose

Introduction

Gut microbiota of wild birds are affected by many factors, and host genetic background and diet are considered to be two important factors affecting their structure and function.

Methods

In order to clarify how these two factors influence the gut microbiota, this study selected the sympatric and closely related and similar-sized Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis) and Common Crane (Grus grus), as well as the distantly related and significantly different-sized Bar-headed Goose (Anser indicus). The fecal samples identified using sanger sequencing as the above three bird species were subjected to high-throughput sequencing of rbcL gene and 16S rRNA gene to identify the feeding types phytophagous food and gut microbiota.

Results

The results showed significant differences in food diversity between black-necked cranes and Common Cranes, but no significant differences in gut microbiota, Potatoes accounted for approximately 50% of their diets. Bar-headed Geese mainly feed on medicinal plants such as Angelica sinensis, Alternanthera philoxeroides, and Ranunculus repens. Black-necked cranes and Common Cranes, which have a high-starch diet, have a similar degree of enrichment in metabolism and synthesis functions, which is significantly different from Bar-headed Geese with a high-fiber diet. The differences in metabolic pathways among the three bird species are driven by food. The feeding of medicinal plants promotes the health of Bar-headed Geese, indicating that food influences the functional pathways of gut microbiota. Spearman analysis showed that there were few gut microbiota related to food, but almost all metabolic pathways were related to food.

Conclusion

The host genetic background is the dominant factor determining the composition of the microbiota. Monitoring the changes in gut microbiota and feeding types of wild birds through bird feces is of great reference value for the conservation of other endangered species.

Proximate composition and prevalence and exposure assessment of aflatoxins intake through consumption of fresh carrot and processed marketed carrot products in South Punjab, Pakistan

Carrot (Daucus carota L.) is a nutrient-rich vegetable that is widely cultivated and consumed in Pakistan in both raw and processed form. Data on the proximate composition and natural occurrence of aflatoxins (AFs) in carrots and marketed carrot products is lacking in Pakistan and the risk exposure of AF has not been characterised before. Thus, the current study was designed to know the frequently consumed carrot products with per capita consumption, and risk assessment of AF through these products in various regions of South Punjab Pakistan. A survey was conducted with 125 respondents and appeared that raw carrot, fresh carrot juice, gajrella and pickle are the most frequently consumed marketed carrot products with per capita consumption i.e. 62.5, 46.6, 16.2 and 14.5 gday-1, respectively. Proximate analysis revealed that carrot root and processed carrot products contained 9.65-98.2% moisture, 0.23-0.60% ash, 6.2-14.1% carbohydrates, 0.31-0.80% protein, 0.40-3.7% fat and 1.4-4.20% fibre. AF analysis revealed that 36.67% of samples were contaminated with TAF. Thirty-five (35%) percent of samples were tainted with aflatoxin B1, and 13.33% of samples were contaminated with aflatoxin B2. All the samples of carrot root, fresh carrot juice and gajrella contained TAF levels less than the maximum limit (ML) (2 ppb) assigned by the European Union (EU). However, the entire AFB1 positive samples of carrot pickle contained AFB1 levels of more than 2 ppb exceeding the ML. Furthermore, daily dietary exposure of TAFs ranged from 0.11 to 1.27 ng/kg of body weight per day which relatively exceeds the permissible limit of 1 ng/kg of body weight per day as defined by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. This is the first prevalence and risk assessment report of AF in marketed processed carrot products in Pakistan. These baseline data are an initial step in the effort to deal with this significant food safety issue and the establishment of legislation for AF in marketed products is needed in Pakistan.

A pretreatment method combined matrix solid-phase dispersion with dispersive liquid-liquid micro-extraction for polybrominated diphenyl ethers in vegetables through quantitation of gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS)

Herein, a novel pretreatment method for extraction of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) using matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD) and depth purification using dispersive liquid-liquid micro-extraction (DLLME) from vegetables was designed. The vegetables included three leafy vegetables (Brassica chinensis, Brassica rapa var. glabra Regel and Brassica rapa L.), two root vegetables (Daucus carota and Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.), and Solanum melongena L. First, the freeze-dried powders of vegetables and sorbents were evenly ground to a mixture, which was then loaded into a solid phase column containing two molecular sieve spacers, one positioned at the top and the other at the bottom. The PBDEs were eluted with a small amount of solvent, concentrated, redissolved in acetonitrile, and then mixed with extractant. Next, 5 mL water was added to form an emulsion and centrifuged. Finally, the sedimentary phase was collected and injected into a gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system. The main factors such as the type of adsorbent, ratio of sample mass and adsorbents, volume of elution solvent used in the MSPD process, as well as the types and volume of dispersant and the, extractant used in DLLME were all evaluated using the single factor method. Under optimal conditions, the proposed method showed good linearity (R² > 0.999) within the range of 1 to 1000 g kg^-1 for all PBDEs and satisfactory recoveries of spiked samples (82.9-113.8%, except for BDE-183 (58.5-82.5%)) and matrix effects (-3.3-18.2%). The limits of detection and the limits of quantification were in the range of 1.9-75.1 g kg^-1 and 5.7-25.3 g kg^-1, respectively. Moreover, the total pretreatment and detection time was within 30 min. This method proved to be a promising alternative to other high-cost and time-consuming and multi-stage procedures for determination of PBDEs in vegetables.

Assessing Future Climate Change Impacts on Potato Yields — A Case Study for Prince Edward Island, Canada

Crop yields are adversely affected by climate change; therefore, it is crucial to develop climate adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of increasing climate variability on the agriculture system to ensure food security. As one of the largest potato-producing provinces in Canada, Prince Edward Island (PEI) has recently experienced significant instability in potato production. PEI’s local farmers and stakeholders are extremely concerned about the prospects for the future of potato farming industries in the context of climate change. This study aims to use the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) potato model to simulate future potato yields under the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) climate scenarios (including SSP1–1.9, SSP1–2.6, SSP2–4.5, SSP3–7.0, and SSP5–8.5). The study evaluates the combined effects of changing climatic conditions at local scales (i.e., warming temperature and changing precipitation patterns) and increasing carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in the atmosphere. The results indicate future significant declines in potato yield in PEI under the current farming practices. In particular, under the high-emission scenarios (e.g., SSP3–7.0 and SSP5–8.5), the potato yield in PEI would decline by 48% and 60% in the 2070s and by 63% and 80% by 2090s; even under the low-emission scenarios (i.e., SSP1–1.9 and SSP1–2.6), the potato yield in PEI would still decline by 6–10%. This implies that it is important to develop effective climate adaptation measures (e.g., adjusting farming practices and introducing supplemental irrigation plans) to ensure the long-term sustainability of potato production in PEI.

Approved Genetically Modified Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) for Improved Stress Resistance and Food Safety

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are one of the most important crops worldwide. However, its production and nutrient content are endangered by both biotic and abiotic stresses. The main yield losses are caused by pest damage (e.g., Colorado potato beetle and aphids), virus disease (e.g., Potato leafroll virus and Potato viruses Y and X), or oomycete pathogens (like Phytophthora infestans), which also significantly affect the production of antinutrients and toxic metabolites of plants. Therefore, the use of genetic engineering could be an efficient tool, not harmful to the environment, and beneficial to the consumer. In this review, we focus on the main sources of problems in the field of potato production according to approved genetic modifications, their traditional solution and positive impact of gene transfection reducing economic losses, use of insecticides, and improving the nutritional properties of potatoes. We summarize all transgenic events that have been performed on potatoes and have been approved for cultivation and/or direct use or processing as feed or food.

Effectiveness of Dietary Intervention with Iron and Vitamin C Administered Separately in Improving Iron Status in Young Women

In order to maintain an adequate iron status in young women, effective dietary interventions should provide sufficient amounts of iron in everyday meals and improve the bioavailability of non-heme iron by providing vitamin C. While some intervention studies administering products rich in vitamin C in conjunction with iron sources showed improved iron status, it is unknown whether a separate administration of products rich in iron and vitamin C may be a successful strategy as well. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of dietary intervention with iron and vitamin C administered separately in improving iron status in young women to prevent iron deficiency anemia. The study was conducted in a group of 29 women aged 18-30, and an 8-week dietary intervention was performed. Study participants with an adequate iron status received 50 g of iron-fortified oat flakes (as a source of non-heme iron) with breakfast and 200 mL of orange juice (as a source of vitamin C) in the second part of the day. Iron status was analyzed based on red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum ferritin, and serum iron, and it was assessed at baseline, after 4 weeks, and after 8 weeks of the intervention. The intakes of iron, vitamin C, and folate were controlled throughout the study period, and menstrual blood loss was estimated. After 8 weeks of intervention, statistically significant differences compared with baseline were observed only for hematocrit, as its level after 8 weeks of intervention was higher than the baseline (p = 0.0491). Comparing subsamples within the dietary intervention considered effective and ineffective for red blood cell levels, it was indicated that lower baseline vitamin C intake may result in a more effective dietary intervention (p = 0.0231). Comparing subsamples within the dietary intervention considered effective and ineffective for hemoglobin, hematocrit, iron, and serum ferritin levels, it was indicated that higher baseline levels of hemoglobin (p = 0.0143), hematocrit (p = 0.0497), iron (p = 0.0101), and serum ferritin (p = 0.0343) respectively may result in a more effective dietary intervention. It was concluded that dietary intervention with iron and vitamin C administered separately may be effective in improving iron status in young women to prevent iron deficiency anemia. It may be concluded that in the studied group, a better baseline iron status and lower baseline vitamin C intake may result in a more effective dietary intervention with iron and vitamin C administered separately to improve iron status in young women.

Nutritional Significance of Fruit and Fruit Products in the Average Polish Diet

The aim of the present study was to analyze the supply of energy, 19 nutrients, free sugars, and dietary fiber in the average Polish diet from fruit and fruit products. Our analysis is based on 2016 data from the national representative household budget survey conducted on a sample of 36,886 households, yielding a population of 99,230 individuals. Fruit and fruit products provided 3.12% of energy to the average diet in Poland with the highest share of bananas and apples. The highest significance of this food group was found for vitamin C (23.65%), including citrus fruits providing 8.03% of vitamin C, berries (5.97%), other fruits (3.45%), and apples (3.13%). The share of fruit and their products in the supply of free sugars is equally high and amounts to 23.52%. This means that apples provide 6.34% of free sugars, while other fruits also have a high supply of free sugars, including berries 3.68%, stone fruits 3.06%, bananas 2.56%, and citrus fruits 2.54%. The proportion of supply exceeding the percentage of energy (which was 3.12%) was obtained for carbohydrate (5.79%), and fiber (13.66%). The food group studied was particularly important (more than 5% share) in providing four minerals: potassium (8.59%), iron (5.07%), magnesium (5.51%), copper (8.81%), and three vitamins: vitamin C (23.65%), vitamin B6 (5.74%), and vitamin E (5.53%). The influence of sociodemographic and economic characteristics of households on the structure of energy and nutrient supply from fruit and fruit products was assessed using cluster analysis. There were four clusters characterized by different energy, nutrient, and fiber supply. The factors with the highest statistical significance on the supply of energy, nutrients, and fiber from fruit and fruit products were month of study, income, degree of urbanization, education, size of town, and land use. The obtained results concerning energy and nutrient supply from fruits and fruit products are important for the Polish society from the public health point of view, as indicated in the discussion of results and conclusions.