•This is the first study focused on comparing mycotoxin contamination levels between wheat grains from Italy and from Syria.•MSPD–HPLC–MS/MS allowed 25 mycotoxins to be studied in Syria and Italian ...samples.•Syrian samples were mainly contaminated by OTA and aflatoxins.•Italian samples were contaminated by DON, 15-ADON and emerging Fusarium toxins.•The results confirmed that climatic conditions play a key role in occurrence of moulds and consequently mycotoxins.
This article describes the application of an analytical method for the detection of 25 mycotoxins in wheat grain based on simultaneous extraction using matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) followed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, a hybrid triple quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometer (QTrap®). Information Dependent Acquisition (IDA), an extra confirmation tool for samples that contain the target mycotoxins, was used. The analysis of 40 Syrian and 46 Italian wheat grain samples interestingly showed that Syrian samples were mainly contaminated with ochratoxin A and aflatoxins, whereas Italian samples with deoxynivalenol and 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol. Emerging Fusarium mycotoxins were predominant in Italian samples compared to the Syrian. Among the analysed samples, only one was found containing zeralenone with level above the maximum European recommended concentration (100ppb). These results confirm that climatic differences between Syria and Italy, both in Mediterranean basin, play a key role in the diversity of fungal genera and mycotoxins in wheat grains.
Abstract The low Brazilian productive index and the high demand have aroused interest in the cultivation of lentils, however the legume is little known and needs further studies. The objective of ...this study was to analyze and identify the effects of treatments with insecticides and fungicides on the physiological quality of lentil seeds, CA-1512 strain. The experiments were conducted in the seed laboratory in a completely randomized design with seven treatments and four replicates. Seed treatment with Thiophanate-methyl; Fluazinam® (180 ml) + Pyraclostrobin; Thiophanate-methyl; Fipronil® (150 ml) promoted higher levels of germination under accelerated aging, lower number of abnormal seedlings and longer lengths of shoot and radicle for the emergence in paper. Treatment with Carboxin; Thiram® (250 ml) + Imidacloprid® (150 ml) allowed a higher value in the first count of germination in sand, lower number of dead seeds under accelerated aging and longer root length, in the emergence in sand. Shoot length in the emergence in sand increased after seed treatment with Metalaxyl-M; Fludioxonil® (75 ml) + Pyraclostrobin; Thiophanate-methyl; Fipronil® (150 ml). Treatments with fungicides and insecticides considerably improved the physiological properties of the seeds, thus being able to guarantee greater phytosanitary qualities in the field, generating healthier seedlings and with protection against possible pests and diseases, and consequently guaranteeing greater productivity.
Resumo O baixo índice produtivo brasileiro e a alta demanda têm despertado o interesse no cultivo da lentilha, porém a leguminosa é pouco conhecida e necessita maiores estudos. Objetivou-se neste trabalho analisar e identificar tratamentos com inseticidas e fungicidas na qualidade fisiológica das sementes de lentilha, linhagem CA-1512. Os experimentos foram conduzidos no laboratório de sementes em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com sete tratamentos e quatro repetições. O tratamento de semente com Tiofanato-metílico; Fluazinam® (180 ml) + Piraclosrobina; Tiofanato-metílico; Fipronil® (150 ml) proporcionou índices mais elevados de germinação no envelhecimento acelerado, menor número de plântulas anormais e maior comprimento de parte aérea e radícula, na emergência em papel. O tratamento com Carboxina; Tiram® (250 ml) + Imidacloprido® (150 ml) possibilitou maior índice na primeira contagem de germinação em areia, menor número de sementes mortas no envelhecimento acelerado e maior comprimento de raiz, na emergência em areia. Já o comprimento da parte aérea, na emergência em areia, aumentou com o tratamento de semente Metalaxil-M; Fludioxonil® (75 ml) + Piraclosrobina; Tiofanato-metílico; Fipronil® (150 ml). Os tratamentos com fungicidas e inseticidas melhoraram consideravelmente as propriedades fisiológicas das sementes, podendo assim, garantir maiores qualidades fitossanitárias à campo, gerando plântulas mais sadias e com proteção para possíveis pragas e doenças, e consequentemente garantindo maiores produtividades.
In this work, an existent solid-phase extraction (SPE) procedure was used to study the occurrence of mycotoxins in different European beers. HPLC-QqQ-MS/MS and ultra high resolution mass analyser ...have been optimized for the analysis of 18 mycotoxins: the methods were validated according to the EU Commission Decision 2002/657/EC guidelines. In this sense, matrix-matched calibration was performed for each type of beer, obtaining an effective quantification. The recoveries ranged from 63 to 91% and repeatability and reproducibility expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD%) were lower than 17%. On one hand, HPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap® was used for unambiguous identification of target mycotoxins, as well as for screening non-target mycotoxins, such as enniatins, fusaproliferin and deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside. On the other hand, the quantification was carried out using HPLC-QqQ-MS/MS instrument. At the end, Ochratoxin A, fumonisins, HT-2 and T-2 toxins were detected and quantified in European beers. Moreover, pale lager beer showed higher mycotoxin incidence than the other studied beers.
► SPE-HPLC-MS/MS method was applied to quantify 18 mycotoxins in beer. ► The applicability of Orbitrap showed an excellent mass accuracy and confirmation. ► The first monitoring in beer using HPLC-MS/MS and HPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap®. ► HT-2, T-2, FB1, FB2 and OTA were detected in European beer samples.
The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of intramammary infection (IMI) on the endogenous proteolysis of milk. Four control checks were carried out in the half-udder milk of 10 ewes that ...acquired unilateral subclinical mastitis. Two of these checks were conducted before the infection was established and 2 after. Ten healthy ewes were tested as a control group. The presence of a subclinical IMI involved an increase of the products of casein hydrolysis, the proteose-peptone (p-p) fraction and minor (m) caseins, and a decrease of β-casein. As a result, a significant increase in the proteolysis index (PI), calculated as the ratio of m-casein to the sum of caseins (α + β + κ), took place. α-Casein and κ-casein were not significantly affected by IMI. Correlations confirmed the scenario: log10 of somatic cell count (SCC) was positively correlated with p-p content and negatively with β-casein, whereas log10 SCC was not correlated with α-casein or κ-casein. On the other hand, p-p content was positively correlated with m-casein and PI and negatively with β-casein, but no correlation was detected between p-p content and α- or κ-casein. Furthermore, between casein fractions, m-casein was only significantly correlated with β-casein. These results suggest that use of indices of proteolysis of caseins such as p-p, m-casein, and PI, could be applied together with SCC to evaluate the cheese-making quality of milk.
Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. (goosegrass) is a grass species that has global prominence as a weed in areas typical of the soybean crop. However, its dispersion in recent years has been reported ...expressively for areas of poorly drained soil, in which irrigated rice is cultivated (lowlands). Little is known on its behavior and biology in this different ecosystem. This study aimed to evaluate if Eleusine indica can survive and withstand flooding. The experimental design was a completely randomized (two-way), in which two E. indica biotypes, one from the uplands (without flooding) and the other from the lowlands (with flooding), were submitted to three soil water conditions: 50 and 100% water retention capacity and soil under water depth. Photosynthetic and gas exchange parameters (photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration, transpiration, water use efficiency, and assimilation rate by Rubisco) were determined. Morphological diversity of biotypes was evaluated through descriptors. The existence of typical lowland biotype could not be characterized. However, both biotypes were able to survive, develop, and generate seeds in a flooded environment in the irrigated rice system.
RESUMO: A espécie Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. (capim-pé-de-galinha) é uma gramínea que possui destaque global como infestante em áreas típicas de cultivos agrícolas da soja. Entretanto, nos últimos anos sua dispersão vem sendo relatada expressivamente para áreas de solo mal drenado, em que é cultivado arroz irrigado (terras baixas). Nesse diferente ecossistema, pouco se conhece sobre seu comportamento e biologia. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar se E. indica realmente consegue sobreviver e suportar alagamento. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, bifatorial, em que dois biótipos de E. indica, um oriundo de terras altas (sem alagamento) e outro oriundo de terras baixas (com alagamento), foram submetidos a três condições hídricas do solo: 50%; 100% da capacidade de retenção de água; e solo sob lâmina d’água. Como avaliações, foram determinados parâmetros fotossintéticos e de trocas gasosas (taxa fotossintética, condutância estomática, concentração de CO2 intercelular, transpiração, eficiência do uso da água e a relação de assimilação pela rubisco). Também se avaliou a diversidade morfológica dos biótipos, através de descritores. Não foi possível caracterizar a existência de um biótipo típico de terras baixas. Contudo, ambos os biótipos se mostraram capazes de sobreviver, desenvolver e gerar sementes em ambiente alagado no sistema arroz irrigado.
► Application of MSPD in mycotoxin analysis. ► Monitoring aflatoxins and OTA in tiger nuts. ► Evaluation of quality of raw material (tiger nuts) and one of its derivates. ► Risk for the consumers.
A ...sensitive and selective liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI–MS–MS) method was developed for the routine analysis of aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in tiger nuts and tiger-nut beverage (horchata). A matrix solid phase dispersion was adapted to eliminate lipidic interferences. The solid support was C18, while the elution solvent was acetonitrile. Mean recoveries obtained at two fortification levels were 72–83% and 71–81% for horchata and tiger nut respectively with relative standard deviations (RSDs) <13% and 15% respectively. The LC–MS–MS method allowed quantification and identification at low levels in two matrices. The method was applied for the routine analysis of tiger-nuts and horchata samples collected from different supermarkets of Valencia (Spain) during one year (March 2009–March 2010). A total of 238 samples were analysed and 32 samples were found positives for OTA, AFB1, AFB2 and AFG2.
Decay spectroscopy of the odd-proton nuclei
249
Md and
251
Md has been performed. High-
K
isomeric states were identified for the first time in these two nuclei through the measurement of their ...electromagnetic decay. An isomeric state with a half-life of 2.8(5) ms and an excitation energy
≥
910
keV was found in
249
Md. In
251
Md, an isomeric state with a half-life of 1.4(3) s and an excitation energy
≥
844
keV was found. Similarly to the neighbouring
255
Lr, these two isomeric states are interpreted as 3 quasi-particle high-
K
states and compared to new theoretical calculations. Excited nuclear configurations were calculated within two scenarios: via blocking nuclear states located in proximity to the Fermi surface or/and using the quasiparticle Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer method. Relevant states were selected on the basis of the microscopic-macroscopic model with a deformed Woods–Saxon potential. The most probable candidates for the configurations of
K
-isomeric states in Md nuclei are proposed.
This study was carried out to evaluate the microbiological quality of orange juice obtained from squeezing machines in foodservice establishments. The samples included fresh squeezed orange juice and ...juice which is maintained in metal jugs until consumption. According to the European Commission Regulation (No. 2073/2005 and No. 1441/2007) and Spanish microbiological criteria (No. 3484/2000), 12% and 43% of the total examined lots exceed the adopted limits of mesophilic aerobic counts and Enterobacteriaceae, respectively. Possibly, this contamination is caused by incorrect handling of oranges and juices and also by inadequate cleaning and sanitization of squeezing machine and metal jugs. Furthermore, 0.5 and 1% of all the examined lots were positive for the presence of Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. However all lots were negative for Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes. These results emphasize the need for applying and maintaining good hygienic practices in the restaurants.
► Fruit juices are an important source of bioactive compounds. ► Among citrus juices, orange juice is the most appreciated and consumed. ► Recent outbreaks showed that fruit juices can be vehicles for foodborne pathogens. ► The presence of pathogenic bacteria in juice indicates wrong handling practices. ► Good hygienic practices are essential to guarantee the quality of the products.
A survey in African snacks was carried out in order to evaluate the intake of 23 mycotoxins. The African snack samples were purchased from street vendors within Lagos metropolis (Nigeria) and ...evaluated for the presence of 23 mycotoxins using a modified QuEChERS procedure coupled with liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometer. The snacks included akara, baked coconut, coconut candy, donkwa, groundnut cake (kulikuli), lafun, milk curd (wara), fresh and dried tiger-nuts, and yam flour. Only three mycotoxins were detected in 23.8% of the studied snacks, and at concentrations ranging from 6 to 54 μg kg−1. The concentrations of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and AFB2 reached 23 μg kg−1 and 3 μg kg−1, respectively. Moreover a sample of baked coconut contained α-zearalenol (α-ZOL), which was up to 54 μg kg−1 in coconut candy. As considers prevalence, aflatoxins and α-ZOL were not detected in lafun and groundnut-based snacks (donkwa and kulikuli), whereas each of the three mycotoxins contaminated 12.5% (1/8) of the coconut-based samples. This is the first report of α-ZOL in cassava and coconut, and their products. AFB1 and total aflatoxins (TAFs) concentrations exceeded the maximum allowable limit recommended by National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control Nigeria (NAFDAC) in one sample of baked coconut (AFB1 = 23 μg kg−1 and TAFs = 26 μg kg−1) and donkwa (AFB1 = 19 μg kg−1 and TAFs = 21 μg kg−1).
► QuEChERS-LC-QTRAP method was applied to identify 23 mycotoxins in African samples. ► The QuEChERS method allowed 23 mycotoxins to be extracted simultaneously. ► This survey showed that snacks were mainly contaminated by aflatoxins. ► The first time that alfa-ZOL was found in cassava and coconut, and their products.
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