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•Circular food systems are key towards future sustainable food production.•A main hurdle in circular food systems are potential emerging food safety hazards.•Little is known about the ...accumulation of food safety hazards in circular systems.•A safe by design approach in circular systems could avoid food safety hazards.
European food production systems have become very efficient in terms of high yield, quality and safety. However, these production systems are not sustainable since, amongst other reasons, a significant proportion of the production is wasted or lost in the supply chain. One of the strategies of the European Union is to achieve climate neutrality by moving towards a circular economy with better waste management. This includes, reducing food waste and losses, and reusing or recycling by-products of the food and feed production systems. A circular economy would greatly improve the sustainability of the European food systems, but attention must be paid to the emergence of (new) food safety hazards. New or not well-known hazards can occur because by-products are reintroduced into the system or new processing steps are used for recycling, and/or known hazards can accumulate in the food production chain due to the reuse of (by-)products. This review addresses food safety hazards in the circular biobased economy, covering the domains of plant production, animal production, aquaculture, and packaging. Instead of an exhaustive list of all potential hazards, example cases of circular food production systems are given, highlighting the known and potential emerging food safety hazards. Current literature covering emerging food safety hazards in the circular economy shows to be limited. Therefore, more research is needed to identify food safety hazards, to measure the accumulation and the distribution of such hazards in the food and feed production systems, and to develop control and mitigation strategies. We advocate a food safety by design approach.
Food production has increasingly become effective but not necessarily sustainable. Transitioning toward circular production systems aiming to minimize waste and reuse materials is one of the means to ...obtain a more sustainable food production system. However, such a circular food production system can also lead to the accumulation and recirculation of chemical hazards. A literature review was performed to identify potential chemical hazards related to the use of edible and non-edible resources in agriculture and horticulture, and edible plant and animal by-products in feed production. The review revealed that limited information was available on the chemical hazards that could occur when reusing crop residues in circular agriculture. Frequently mentioned hazards present in edible and non-edible resources are heavy metals, process and environmental contaminants, pesticides and pharmaceuticals. For feed, natural toxins and pharmaceutical residues are of potential concern. Studies, furthermore, indicated that plants are capable of taking up chemical hazards when grown on contaminated soil. The presence of chemical hazards in manure, sewage sludge, crop residues, and animal by-products may lead to accumulation in a circular food production system. Therefore, it is relevant to identify these hazards prior to application in food production and, if needed, take precautionary measures to prevent food safety risks.
One of the most significant risk variants for Parkinson's disease (PD), rs356182, is located at the PD-associated locus near the alpha-synuclein (α-syn) encoding gene, SNCA. SNCA-proximal variants, ...including rs356182, are thought to function in PD risk through enhancers via allele-specific regulatory effects on SNCA expression. However, this interpretation discounts the complex activity of genetic enhancers and possible non-conical functions of α-syn. Here we investigated a novel risk mechanism for rs356182. We use CRISPR-Cas9 in LUHMES cells, a model for dopaminergic midbrain neurons, to generate precise hemizygous lesions at rs356182. The PD-protective (A/-), PD-risk (G/-) and wild-type (A/G) clones were neuronally differentiated and then compared transcriptionally and morphologically. Among the affected genes was SNCA, whose expression was promoted by the PD-protective allele (A) and repressed in its absence. In addition to SNCA, hundreds of genes were differentially expressed and associated with neurogenesis and axonogenesis-an effect not typically ascribed to α-syn. We also found that the transcription factor FOXO3 specifically binds to the rs356182 A-allele in differentiated LUHMES cells. Finally, we compared the results from the rs356182-edited cells to our previously published knockouts of SNCA and found only minimal overlap between the sets of significant differentially expressed genes. Together, the data implicate a risk mechanism for rs356182 in which the risk-allele (G) is associated with abnormal neuron development, independent of SNCA expression. We speculate that these pathological effects manifest as a diminished population of dopaminergic neurons during development leading to the predisposition for PD later in life.
To examine the test-retest reliability and validity of ten activity trackers for step counting at three different walking speeds.
Thirty-one healthy participants walked twice on a treadmill for 30 ...min while wearing 10 activity trackers (Polar Loop, Garmin Vivosmart, Fitbit Charge HR, Apple Watch Sport, Pebble Smartwatch, Samsung Gear S, Misfit Flash, Jawbone Up Move, Flyfit, and Moves). Participants walked three walking speeds for 10 min each; slow (3.2 km·h), average (4.8 km·h), and vigorous (6.4 km·h). To measure test-retest reliability, intraclass correlations (ICC) were determined between the first and second treadmill test. Validity was determined by comparing the trackers with the gold standard (hand counting), using mean differences, mean absolute percentage errors, and ICC. Statistical differences were calculated by paired-sample t tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and by constructing Bland-Altman plots.
Test-retest reliability varied with ICC ranging from -0.02 to 0.97. Validity varied between trackers and different walking speeds with mean differences between the gold standard and activity trackers ranging from 0.0 to 26.4%. Most trackers showed relatively low ICC and broad limits of agreement of the Bland-Altman plots at the different speeds. For the slow walking speed, the Garmin Vivosmart and Fitbit Charge HR showed the most accurate results. The Garmin Vivosmart and Apple Watch Sport demonstrated the best accuracy at an average walking speed. For vigorous walking, the Apple Watch Sport, Pebble Smartwatch, and Samsung Gear S exhibited the most accurate results.
Test-retest reliability and validity of activity trackers depends on walking speed. In general, consumer activity trackers perform better at an average and vigorous walking speed than at a slower walking speed.
Organophosphate (OP) pesticides are neurotoxic compounds that are widely used in agriculture. Classical methods for monitoring OP exposure comprise the measurement of intact OP, its metabolites or ...cholinesterase activity. Newly developed methods focus on the analysis of the OP adduct bound to proteins such as butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) and albumin. These adducts can be analyzed by means of fluoride reactivation or by analysis with LC–MS/MS of the pepsin or pronase digest of butyrylcholinesterase and albumin, respectively. The utility of these methods is illustrated through the analysis of plasma samples obtained from patients taken 1–49days after ingestion of the organophosphate pesticides chlorpyrifos and/or diazinon. Thus, in this particular case several independent methodologies were applied to the biomedical samples, all pointing to the same exposure.
Recently, several methods have been developed to verify exposure to nerve agents. Most of these methods, such as the fluoride reactivation technique and the analysis of inhibited phosphonylated ...butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), are based on mass spectrometry. The high specificity of the mass spectrometer might also imply a disadvantage, because the acquisition mass, i.e. the identity of the analyte must be known beforehand in order to direct the MS analysis in the most sensitive mode. In real cases, the identity of the nerve agent is not always known beforehand and the mass spectrometer should be operated in a scanning mode, with the consequence that sensitivity of the method will be lower. Comprehensive GC, or GC
×
GC, is a technique which offers enhanced separation. The implied larger selectivity of the GC separation allows mass spectrometry to be conducted in a less specific, scanning, mode. By the use of this configuration, the identity of the nerve agent does not have to be known beforehand but can be traced. In order to be able to detect lower concentrations and assess lower exposure levels, a large volume injection technique was developed allowing sample sizes up to 100
μL. The technique was tested with plasma samples that had been inhibited with various nerve agents. Subsequently, the cholinesterase-bound nerve agent was regenerated by the fluoride reactivation technique. Using the newly developed comprehensive GC–MS method it was possible to detect nerve agent at an exposure level of 1% BuChE inhibition, which is approximately 70
pg nerve agent/mL. These low exposure levels cannot be verified with a cholinesterase (ChE) activity assay. Moreover, the identity of the regenerated nerve agent was verified by the mass spectrum that was generated by the TOF mass spectrometer. This paper presents a technique able to deliver full-scan data on the analysis of nerve agents in biomedical samples at relevant exposure levels (1% BuChE inhibition). This full-scan data meets for a large part the forensic requirements that are in place for the analysis of biomedical samples in the context of alleged use of Chemical Warfare Agents.
Botulinum neurotoxin type-A (BoNT-A) blocks the release of acetylcholine from peripheral cholinergic nerve terminals and is an important option for the treatment of disorders characterised by ...excessive cholinergic neuronal activity. Several BoNT-A products are currently marketed, each with unique manufacturing processes, excipients, formulation, and non-interchangeable potency units. Nevertheless, the effects of all the products are mediated by the 150 kDa BoNT-A neurotoxin. We assessed the quantity and light chain (LC) activity of BoNT-A in three commercial BoNT-A products (Dysport
; Botox
; Xeomin
). We quantified 150 kDa BoNT-A by sandwich ELISA and assessed LC activity by EndoPep assay. In both assays, we assessed the results for the commercial products against recombinant 150 kDa BoNT-A. The mean 150 kDa BoNT-A content per vial measured by ELISA was 2.69 ng/500 U vial Dysport
, 0.90 ng/100 U vial Botox
, and 0.40 ng/100 U vial Xeomin
. To present clinically relevant results, we calculated the 150 kDa BoNT-A/US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved dose in adult upper limb spasticity: 5.38 ng Dysport
(1000 U; 2 × 500 U vials), 3.60 ng Botox
(400 U; 4 × 100 U vials), and 1.61 ng Xeomin
(400 U; 4 × 100 U vials). EndoPep assay showed similar LC activity among BoNT-A products. Thus, greater amounts of active neurotoxin are injected with Dysport
, at FDA-approved doses, than with other products. This fact might explain the long duration of action reported across multiple indications, which benefits patients, caregivers, clinicians, and healthcare systems.
Prenatal healthcare is likely to prevent adverse outcomes, but an adequate review of utilization and its determinants is lacking.
To review systematically the evidence for the determinants of ...prenatal healthcare utilization in high-income countries.
Search of publications in EMBASE, CINAHL and PubMed (1992-2010). Studies that attempted to study determinants of prenatal healthcare utilization in high-income countries were included. Two reviewers independently assessed the eligibility and methodological quality of the studies. Only high-quality studies were included. Data on inadequate use (i.e. late initiation, low-use, inadequate use or non-use) were categorized as individual, contextual and health behaviour-related determinants. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies, a quantitative meta-analysis was not possible.
Ultimately eight high-quality studies were included. Low maternal age, low educational level, non-marital status, ethnic minority, planned pattern of prenatal care, hospital type, unplanned place of delivery, uninsured status, high parity, no previous premature birth and late recognition of pregnancy were identified as individual determinants of inadequate use. Contextual determinants included living in distressed neighbourhoods. Living in neighbourhoods with higher rates of unemployment, single parent families, medium-average family incomes, low-educated residents, and women reporting Canadian Aboriginal status were associated with inadequate use or entering care after 6 months. Regarding health behaviour, inadequate use was more likely among women who smoked during pregnancy.
Evidence for determinants of prenatal care utilization is limited. More studies are needed to ensure adequate prenatal care for pregnant women at risk.
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•when manure is positioned at the appropriate depth and close to the maize row to be, the need for starter fertilizer is reduced.•The positive response of maize to positioned manure ...is most likely the result of a better availability of phosphorus.•Manure positioning allows intensive livestock farms to reduce the purchase of mineral fertilizer and this helps to better balance nutrient inputs and outputs on these farms.
The use of positioned mineral fertilizer phosphorus (P) starters reduces the risk of yield penalties in maize production. However, it also increases the soil P surplus and attendant risk of P losses to the environment, in particular on farms with ample supplies of livestock manures. We examined whether routine applications of starter P can be refrained from if manure is injected in subsurface bands close to the anticipated position of the maize rows as an alternative to the conventional even injection at random lateral positions relative to the rows.
Fourteen field experiments were executed on sandy soils in The Netherlands. In these experiments comparisons were made of the nitrogen (N) and P-concentrations in shoots and of dry matter (DM), N and P-yields over time, between evenly injected liquid manure (with and without starter P) and band-injected liquid manure.
Silage yields of DM, N and P generally responded positively (P<0.05) to starter P applied at a rate of 9–31kg per hectare where manure had been applied at rates of circa 120kg N and circa 20kg P per hectare, but less so when the manure was band-injected. This positive response to P was not reflected in the concentration of P in shoots. Positioning of manure via band-injection without extra starter P resulted in silage maize dry matter yields that were similar to yields after even injection combined with a P-starter. Band-injection improved the recovery of the N and P (P<0.05) supplied by the manure and reduced the soil surpluses of N and P. Planting maize close to bands where liquid manure had been injected, thus increased silage yields and contributed to a better balance between the inputs and outputs of plant nutrients.
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•AOP decreases the number and concentration of OMP and chances of negative impact on ecology and groundwater quality.•AOP decreased OMP concentrations in drinking water with no ...measurable negative effect on water quality parameters.•MARR produces water with a highly stable chemical and microbiological composition and levels out seasonal peak fluctuations.•There is redundancy in OMP removal by MARR and AOP, but AOP is able to remove certain OMP that MARR is not, and vice versa.
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