Higher antioxidant and lower cadmium concentrations and lower incidence of pesticide residues in organically grown crops: a systematic literature review and meta-analyses

Demand for organic foods is partially driven by consumers' perceptions that they are more nutritious. However, scientific opinion is divided on whether there are significant nutritional differences between organic and non-organic foods, and two recent reviews have concluded that there are no differences. In the present study, we carried out meta-analyses based on 343 peer-reviewed publications that indicate statistically significant and meaningful differences in composition between organic and non-organic crops/crop-based foods. Most importantly, the concentrations of a range of antioxidants such as polyphenolics were found to be substantially higher in organic crops/crop-based foods, with those of phenolic acids, flavanones, stilbenes, flavones, flavonols and anthocyanins being an estimated 19 (95 % CI 5, 33) %, 69 (95 % CI 13, 125) %, 28 (95 % CI 12, 44) %, 26 (95 % CI 3, 48) %, 50 (95 % CI 28, 72) % and 51 (95 % CI 17, 86) % higher, respectively. Many of these compounds have previously been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including CVD and neurodegenerative diseases and certain cancers, in dietary intervention and epidemiological studies. Additionally, the frequency of occurrence of pesticide residues was found to be four times higher in conventional crops, which also contained significantly higher concentrations of the toxic metal Cd. Significant differences were also detected for some other (e.g. minerals and vitamins) compounds. There is evidence that higher antioxidant concentrations and lower Cd concentrations are linked to specific agronomic practices (e.g. non-use of mineral N and P fertilisers, respectively) prescribed in organic farming systems. In conclusion, organic crops, on average, have higher concentrations of antioxidants, lower concentrations of Cd and a lower incidence of pesticide residues than the non-organic comparators across regions and production seasons.

Resequencing of global Tartary buckwheat accessions reveals multiple domestication events and key loci associated with agronomic traits

BACKGROUND

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) is a nutritionally balanced and flavonoid-rich crop plant that has been in cultivation for 4000 years and is now grown globally. Despite its nutraceutical and agricultural value, the characterization of its genetics and its domestication history is limited.

RESULTS

Here, we report a comprehensive database of Tartary buckwheat genomic variation based on whole-genome resequencing of 510 germplasms. Our analysis suggests that two independent domestication events occurred in southwestern and northern China, resulting in diverse characteristics of modern Tartary buckwheat varieties. Genome-wide association studies for important agricultural traits identify several candidate genes, including FtUFGT3 and FtAP2YT1 that significantly correlate with flavonoid accumulation and grain weight, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe the domestication history of Tartary buckwheat and provide a detailed resource of genomic variation to allow for genomic-assisted breeding in the improvement of elite cultivars.

Jasmonate-responsive MYB factors spatially repress rutin biosynthesis in Fagopyrum tataricum

Jasmonates are plant hormones that induce the accumulation of many secondary metabolites, such as rutin in buckwheat, via regulation of jasmonate-responsive transcription factors. Here, we report on the identification of a clade of jasmonate-responsive subgroup 4 MYB transcription factors, FtMYB13, FtMYB14, FtMYB15, and FtMYB16, which directly repress rutin biosynthesis in Fagopyrum tataricum. Immunoblot analysis showed that FtMYB13, FtMYB14, and FtMYB15 could be degraded via the 26S proteasome in the COI1-dependent jasmonate signaling pathway, and that this degradation is due to the SID motif in their C-terminus. Yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays revealed that FtMYB13, FtMYB14, and FtMYB15 interact with the importin protein Sensitive to ABA and Drought 2 (FtSAD2) in stem and inflorescence. Furthermore, the key repressor of jasmonate signaling FtJAZ1 specifically interacts with FtMYB13. Point mutation analysis showed that the conserved Asp residue of the SID domain contributes to mediating protein-protein interaction. Protoplast transient activation assays demonstrated that FtMYB13, FtMYB14, and FtMYB15 directly repress phenylalanine ammonia lyase (FtPAL) gene expression, and FtSAD2 and FtJAZ1 significantly promote the repressing activity of FtMYBs. These findings may ultimately be promising for further engineering of plant secondary metabolism.

Revisiting the versatile buckwheat: reinvigorating genetic gains through integrated breeding and genomics approach

Emerging insights in buckwheat molecular genetics allow the integration of genomics driven breeding to revive this ancient crop of immense nutraceutical potential from Asia. Out of several thousand known edible plant species, only four crops-rice, wheat, maize and potato provide the largest proportion of daily nutrition to billions of people. While these crops are the primary supplier of carbohydrates, they lack essential amino acids and minerals for a balanced nutrition. The overdependence on only few crops makes the future cropping systems vulnerable to the predicted climate change. Diversifying food resources through incorporation of orphan or minor crops in modern cropping systems is one potential strategy to improve the nutritional security and mitigate the hostile weather patterns. One such crop is buckwheat, which can contribute to the agricultural sustainability as it grows in a wide range of environments, requires relatively low inputs and possess balanced amino acid and micronutrient profiles. Additionally, gluten-free nature of protein and nutraceutical properties of secondary metabolites make the crop a healthy alternative of wheat-based diet in developed countries. Despite enormous potential, efforts for the genetic improvement of buckwheat are considerably lagged behind the conventional cereal crops. With the draft genome sequences in hand, there is a great scope to speed up the progress of genetic improvement of buckwheat. This article outlines the state of the art in buckwheat research and provides concrete perspectives how modern breeding approaches can be implemented to accelerate the genetic gain. Our suggestions are transferable to many minor and underutilized crops to address the issue of limited genetic gain and low productivity.

Rewiring of the seed metabolome during Tartary buckwheat domestication

Crop domestication usually leads to the narrowing genetic diversity. However, human selection mainly focuses on visible traits, such as yield and plant morphology, with most metabolic changes being invisible to the naked eye. Buckwheat accumulates abundant bioactive substances, making it a dual-purpose crop with excellent nutritional and medical value. Therefore, examining the wiring of these invisible metabolites during domestication is of major importance. The comprehensive profiling of 200 Tartary buckwheat accessions exhibits 540 metabolites modified as a consequence of human selection. Metabolic genome-wide association study illustrates 384 mGWAS signals for 336 metabolites are under selection. Further analysis showed that an R2R3-MYB transcription factor FtMYB43 positively regulates the synthesis of procyanidin. Glycoside hydrolase gene FtSAGH1 is characterized as responsible for the release of active salicylic acid, the precursor of aspirin and indispensably in plant defence. UDP-glucosyltransferase gene FtUGT74L2 is characterized as involved in the glycosylation of emodin, a major medicinal component specific in Polygonaceae. The lower expression of FtSAGH1 and FtUGT74L2 were associated with the reduction of salicylic acid and soluble EmG owing to domestication. This first large-scale metabolome profiling in Tartary buckwheat will facilitate genetic improvement of medicinal properties and disease resistance in Tartary buckwheat.

Clinical and demographic characteristics of psychiatric patients seropositive for Borrelia burgdorferi

Purpose.

Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) infection can affect the central nervous system and possibly lead to psychiatric disorders. We compared clinical and demographic variables in Bb seropositive and seronegative psychiatric patients and healthy controls.

Method.

Nine hundred and twenty-six consecutive psychiatric patients were screened for antibodies to Bb and compared with 884 simultaneously recruited healthy subjects.

Results.

Contrary to healthy controls, seropositive psychiatric patients were significantly younger than seronegative ones. None of the studied psychiatric diagnostic categories exhibited stronger association with seropositivity. There were no differences between seropositive and seronegative psychiatric patients in hospitalization length, proportion of previously hospitalized patients and proportion of subjects with family history of psychiatric disorders.

Conclusion.

These findings elaborate on potential association between Bb infection and psychiatric morbidity, but fail to identify any specific clinical ‘signature’ of Bb infection.

Breeding Buckwheat for Nutritional Quality in the Czech Republic

Buckwheat is a nutritionally valuable crop, an alternative to common cereals also usable in gluten-free diets. The selection of buckwheat genotypes suitable for further breeding requires the characterization and evaluation of genetic resources. The main objective of this work was to evaluate selected phenotypic and morphological traits using international buckwheat descriptors, including total phenolic content and antioxidant activity, on a unique set of 136 common buckwheat accessions grown in 2019-2020 under Czech Republic conditions. In addition, UHPLC-ESI- MS/MS was used to analyze a wide spectrum of 20 phenolic compounds in buckwheat seeds, including four flavanols, three phenolic acids, seven flavonols, four flavones, and two flavanones. Significant differences among years and genotypes were observed for morphological traits (plant height and 1000-seed weight) and antioxidant activity, as well as levels of observed chemical compounds. Antioxidant activity, crude protein content, plant height and rutin content were characterized by higher mean values in 2020 than in 2019 and vice versa for total polyphenol content and 1000-seed weight. Crude protein content was the most stable across years, while total polyphenol content and rutin content varied greatly from year to year. The most abundant phenolic compounds were rutin, hyperoside, epicatechin, catechin, vitexin, isovitexin, orientin and isoorientin. Protein content was negatively correlated with plant height, catechin and epicatechin content. On the other hand, AA and TPC were positively correlated with rutin, hyperoside and chlorogenic acid. Five accessions showed high stability of the evaluated traits under changing conditions within both years of observation. These materials can be used in breeding programmes aimed at improving buckwheat genotypes with emphasis on quality traits.

Genomic insight into the origin, domestication, dispersal, diversification and human selection of Tartary buckwheat

BACKGROUND

Tartary buckwheat, Fagopyrum tataricum, is a pseudocereal crop with worldwide distribution and high nutritional value. However, the origin and domestication history of this crop remain to be elucidated.

RESULTS

Here, by analyzing the population genomics of 567 accessions collected worldwide and reviewing historical documents, we find that Tartary buckwheat originated in the Himalayan region and then spread southwest possibly along with the migration of the Yi people, a minority in Southwestern China that has a long history of planting Tartary buckwheat. Along with the expansion of the Mongol Empire, Tartary buckwheat dispersed to Europe and ultimately to the rest of the world. The different natural growth environments resulted in adaptation, especially significant differences in salt tolerance between northern and southern Chinese Tartary buckwheat populations. By scanning for selective sweeps and using a genome-wide association study, we identify genes responsible for Tartary buckwheat domestication and differentiation, which we then experimentally validate. Comparative genomics and QTL analysis further shed light on the genetic foundation of the easily dehulled trait in a particular variety that was artificially selected by the Wa people, a minority group in Southwestern China known for cultivating Tartary buckwheat specifically for steaming as a staple food to prevent lysine deficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides both comprehensive insights into the origin and domestication of, and a foundation for molecular breeding for, Tartary buckwheat.

Fagopyrum esculentum ssp. ancestrale-A Hybrid Species Between Diploid F. cymosum and F. esculentum

Fagopyrum cymosum is considered as most probable wild ancestor of cultivated buckwheat. However, the evolutionary route from F. cymosum to F. esculentum remains to be deciphered. We hypothesized that a hybrid species exists in natural habitats between diploid F. cymosum and F. esculentum. The aim of this research was to determine the phylogenetic position of F. esculentum ssp. ancestrale and to provide new thoughts on buckwheat evolution. Different methodologies including evaluation of morphological traits, determination of secondary metabolites, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), comparative chloroplast genomics, and molecular markers were deployed to determine the phylogenetic relationship of F. esculentum ssp. ancestrale with F. cymosum and F. esculentum. The ambiguity observed in morphological pattern of genetic variation in three species revealed that F. esculentum ssp. ancestrale is closely related to F. cymosum and F. esculentum. Flavonoid analysis revealed that F. esculentum ssp. ancestrale is closely related to F. esculentum. Comparative chloroplast genome analysis further supported the close proximity of F. esculentum ssp. ancestrale with F. esculentum. Additionally, molecular marker analysis revealed that F. esculentum ssp. ancestrale exhibits co-dominance with the bands amplified by F. cymosum and F. esculentum. These finding provided supporting evidence in favor of the hypothesis that F. esculentum ssp. ancestrale is a hybrid species between F. cymosum to F. esculentum, which was probably originated by spontaneous hybridization under natural conditions.

Contact with ticks and awareness of tick-borne diseases among the Czech population--a pilot study

In the Czech Republic, the incidence of Lyme borreliosis (LB) has shown a rising trend since 1988. The goal of this study has been to find out to what extent a selected part of population is aware of ticks and of the relationship between ticks and LB. The study was based on a questionnaire survey. A total of 110 respondents were selected, including 19 secondary school students, 32 blood donors, 44 park-goers, 15 countryside people. As many as 99% of the respondents were aware of the presence of ticks, 91% knew that ticks are sucking blood of humans and animals, 1.8% thought they eat leaves. 74.5% of the respondents expect ticks to reach them from the vegetation while 22% believe that ticks fall from the trees. Furthermore, 87% and 75% of the respondents indicated to have had ticks attached to the skin or to have removed a tick from other persons' skin, respectively. Only 6.7% of them had never come into contact with ticks. 17% of the respondents use disinfectant when removing a tick, while 67% use oil for tick removal. Almost 30% remove ticks with naked hands. Over 14% destroy the ticks by squashing them with naked fingers. Finally, about 11% of the population studied had never heard about LB and 41% were not aware of the risk of tick-borne encephalitis.

Resistance of Winter Spelt Wheat [Triticum aestivum subsp. spelta (L.) Thell.] to Fusarium Head Blight

Resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB) of spelt wheat was investigated in field trials carried out at three European locations between 2016 and 2018. Resistance was assessed after artificial inoculation by visual scoring of symptoms and the determination of the contamination of grains and glumes with the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON). It was found that typical spelt traits such as tall plant height, lax spikes, and tough glumes play a role as passive resistance factors. Across all test environments, modern spelt varieties with a significantly reduced plant height showed a significantly higher susceptibility to FHB and a higher contamination of the grains with DON compared to old landraces/varieties and plant genetic resources. Similarly, the lowest mycotoxin levels in grains were found only in old landraces and varieties, while the highest DON concentration was observed mainly in modern varieties. The results obtained can be used for the selection of suitable parental material for breeding spelt with improved FHB resistance.

Electron microscopy and the polymerase chain reaction of spirochetes from the blood of patients with Lyme disease

Results of studies using direct antigen detection suggest that seronegative Lyme borreliosis is not rare and support the hypothesis that Borrelia antigens can persist in humans. We report three successful cultures from blood out of 30 attempts from 96 Lyme disease patients. The proof of borreliaemia in early or late phases of Lyme disease by immuno-capture electron microscopy has practical importance for subsequent cultivation. The polymerase chain reaction with oligonucleotide sequences directed against 16S rRNA identified two of our blood isolates as Borrelia burgdorferi genospecies III., VS 461 group, and one as Borrelia garinii sp. nov. All of the three isolates were reactive with monoclonal antibody H9724 against flagellin and with antibody against main extracellular protein at 83 kDa. Borrelia garinii had a single predominant protein OspA at 33.5 kDa and reacted with monoclonal antibody H5332 in contrast to two isolates of the VS 461 group with two major proteins OspA and OspB at 32.5 and 35 kDa. We conclude that isolation of spirochetes from the blood might prove successful in clinically selected cases of Lyme borreliosis. Immuno-capture electron microscopy has proved to be a sensitive assay for monitoring and studying Lyme borreliosis.

[IgG antibodies to Borrelia in dogs in the area of Kosice]

An ELISA investigation showed that 26.9% of dogs in Kosice region were positive for anti-borrelia IgG antibodies. A significantly higher seroprevalence was detected only in hunting dogs (40.0%) compared with service dogs (11.8%; p < 0.05). An analysis of seroprevalence by age showed a significant difference only between dogs in the categories 1-3 years (37.8%) and under 1 year of age (8.3%; p < 0.05). In other age groups no significant differences in seroprevalence were observed. No significant difference in seroprevalence was detected between sex either. A high correlation was determined to exist between the seroprevalence and the number of engorged ticks (R = 0.8) and the frequency of the exposure of dogs to the tick-infested wooded areas with the focal occurrence of boreliae (R = 1). The analysis of results suggests that seroprevalence of Lyme borreliosis in dogs of the Kosice region is not negligible. The breed, age and sex do not influence the seroprevalence of the disease. The decisive role is, however, played by the time of the exposure of dogs to the environment infested by Borrelia-contaminated ticks.

Lyme borreliosis infection as a cause of dilated cardiomyopathy

The relatively low percent of patients affected with the cardiac form of Lyme borreliosis is difficult to diagnose, especially if the disease manifests itself in ways other than atrio-ventricular blockade. The advanced stage of Lyme carditis manifesting as dilated cardiomyopathy is a special case of this affliction. The authors of this report present clinical experience with an attempt to support the working hypothesis about involvement of Lyme borreliosis infection in the development of dilated cardiomyopathy. The patients were clinically examined thoroughly with special attention to the cardiovascular system. In addition to the basic clinical methods, the following procedures have been employed: dynamic Holter's electrocardiography, exercise ECG test, coronarography, and myocardial biopsy. From laboratory methods pertaining to the detection of Borrelia, ELISA method, Western blot, PCR, electron microscopy and histopathological analysis were used. In all three cases, clinical and laboratory findings provided the evidence of the borreliosis infection involvement in the development of dilated cardiomyopathy.

[Culture of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato from patients in the Czech Republic]

Spirochete of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato were isolated in a modified BSK medium from 26 patients of 275 investigated suffering from early and late borreliosis. The isolates were specified by phenotype and genotype analysis using monoclonal antibodies, by immunochemical methods and by including species specific 16S rRNA, OspA and OspC primers and probes in a polymerase chain reaction with hybridization. Borrelia afzelii was found in 9 patients, Borrelia garinii in 16 and B. burgdorferi sensu stricto in one instance. B. afzelii was isolated from 5 biopsies with erythema migrans. 2 with acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans and from blood of 2 patients with arthritis. B. garinii cultures were prepared from 6 cerebrospinal fluids, 3 blood samples, 1 placenta, 1 liver biopsy and 5 skin samples. Unique was B. burgdorferi detected in a bioptic sample of the heart muscle which was positive on immunohistochemical examination. Monoclonal antibodies against OspA and genotype analysis provided evidence that Borrelia garinii isolates from cerebrospinal fluid are close to serotype IV. One CSF isolate was resistant to antibiotics; the tropism of B. garinii to nervous tissue is contemplated.

Lyme borreliosis--waiting for Lyme carditis? A long-term prospective study

A long-term prospective study of patients with confirmed non-cardiac form of Lyme disease (n=221) over a mean follow-up period of 40.6 months is reported. The study revealed no case of Borrelia-related cardiac involvement developed after several years in patients who had received antibiotic therapy in the early period. Therefore, these patients do not need follow-up by a cardiologist.

Nutritional Evaluation of Quinoa Genetic Resources Growing in the Climatic Conditions of Central Europe

Quinoa displays huge genetic variability and adaptability to distinct climatic conditions. Quinoa seeds are a good source of nutrients; however, the overall nutritional composition and nutrient content is influenced by numerous factors. This study focused on the nutritional and morphologic evaluation of various quinoa genotypes grown in the Czech Republic. Significant differences between years were observed for morphological traits (plant height, inflorescence length, weight of thousand seeds). The weather conditions in the year 2018 were favorable for all the morphological traits. The protein content of quinoa accessions ranged between 13.44 and 20.01% and it was positively correlated to mauritianin. Total phenolic content varied greatly from year to year, while the antioxidant activity remained relatively stable. The most abundant phenolic compounds were the flavonoids miquelianin, rutin, and isoquercetin. Isoquercetin, quercetin, and N-feruoloyl octopamine showed the highest stability under variable weather conditions in the analyzed years. A total of six compounds were detected and quantified in quinoa for the first time. Most varieties performed well under Central European conditions and can be considered a good source of nutrients and bioactive compounds. These data can be used as a source of information for plant breeders aiming to improve the quality traits of quinoa.

[Early-stage lyme borreliosis during pregnancy: treatment in 15 women with erythema migrans]

The authors treated and followed-up since July 1987 9 women with non-complicated erythema migrans and 4 women with erythema migrans associated with general signs and symptoms during pregnancy; two patients were treated only after delivery. For treatment antibiotics of the penicillin series were used. The course of gestation in 14 patients was without complications, one patient was followed-up on account of oedema of the lower extremities. The infants of 14 women were born in term, one infant was born during the 37th week of gestation. All infants were eutrophic. Umbilical blood for serological examination was collected from 8 infants, elevated IgG antibody levels against Borrelia burgdorferi were detected in one. The post-partum development of all infants was normal. During the subsequent follow-up for 6-26 months elevated antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi were not found in any of the 4 infants subjected to serological examination. One child was operated at the age of one year on account of a patent ductus arteriosus, another child was treated at the age of two years on account of cryptorchism, two children were treated on account of hypoplastic enamel, in one infant at the age of 10 months the psychomotor development was retarded by two months. Transplacental transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi was not proved. With regard to the variety of the observed deviations and the small number of data the problem of a possible teratogenic action of this spirochete remains open.

[Educational status of the Czech population about Lyme borreliosis and experience with tick bites--pilot study]

The incidence of Lyme borreliosis (LB) has a rising trend since 1995. In 1995 6,302 cases were reported, in 1996 4,192 (EPIDAT, SZU). The objective of the present work was to assess in a selected population sample knowledge of ticks and their relationship to Lyme borreliosis. The investigation was based on a survey using questionnaires. 110 respondents were selected according to the following pattern: 19 secondary school students, 32 blood donors, 44 visitors of parks, 15 countryside people. 99.1% of the subjects knew about the existence of ticks in the Czech Republic, 10.9% of the respondents do not know about Lyme borreliosis. More than 80% of the people are in the countryside at least once a week. 87% of the people report they had a tick, 75% removed a tick from another person. Only 6.7% of the respondents never had any contact with ticks. When removing ticks 17% of the subjects use disinfection, 67% use oil. Almost 30% of the respondents remove ticks with bare hands and more than 14% destroy them by squashing them between their fingers. 41% are not aware of the risk of transmission of tick-borne encephalitis. From the investigation a frequent contact of the population with ticks is apparent. Theoretical knowledge of the problem is extensive, practical experience is different. Unfortunately unsuitable habits in removal of ticks persist and this increases the risk of transmission of Lyme borreliosis.

[Prevalence of antiborrelia antibodies in two populations: various interpretations of the same data]

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the work was to test whether differently formulated hypotheses, when using correct statistical methods, and the same data lead to the same results. The work pertains to the interpretation of the prevalence of antiborrelia antibody levels in more or less high risk populations.

GROUP

A group of 200 blood donors from Prague (100 men, mean age 33.5 years and 100 women mean age 24.4 years) and 71 subjects with a higher risk of contact with ticks infected with Borrelia burgdorferi--forestry workers from the Sumava mountains (39 men, mean age 40.6 years and 32 women, mean age 44.5 years).

METHOD

In all participants antiborrelia antibodies class IgM and IgG were assessed and using the Western blot method the presence of specific antigens was examined. The blood samples of all probands were analyzed in the national reference laboratory for Lyme borreliosis CEM in the National Institute of Public Health in Prague. To test the hypothesis on the difference of groups as regards the frequency of positive antibody levels the chi square test was used. For testing the hypothesis on the difference of the groups as regards antibodies irrespective of normal laboratory values the non-parametric method--the Mann-Whitney test was used.

RESULTS

The group of Prague blood donors and forestry workers from the Sumava mountains do not differ as to the individual frequency of positive antibody values assessed by the ELISA method in class IgM and IgG but they differ in class IgM assessed by the Western blot method. Both groups differ moreover markedly in the general distribution of antibodies unrelated to normal laboratory values assessed by the ELISA method in class IgM, in class IgG the distribution does not differ.

CONCLUSION

We provided evidence that when using a different formulation of the hypothesis while using correct statistical methods identical data can be differently interpreted. Thus in the interpretation of the prevalence of antiborrelia antibody levels in healthy populations with a different risk--even if the two groups do not differs as to the frequency of positive findings, there is a significant statistical difference in their distribution.