Single exposure of food-derived polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics profoundly affects gut microbiome in an in vitro colon model.

Microplastics (MPs) are widespread contaminants highly persistent in the environment and present in matrices to which humans are extensively exposed, including food and beverages. MP ingestion occurs in adults and children and is becoming an emerging public health issue. The gastrointestinal system is the most exposed to MP contamination, which can alter its physiology starting from changes in the microbiome. This study investigates by an omic approach the impact of a single intake of a mixture of polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) MPs on the ecology and metabolic activity of the colon microbiota of healthy volunteers, in an in vitro intestinal model. PE and PS MPs were pooled together in a homogeneous mix, digested with the INFOGEST system, and fermented with MICODE (multi-unit in vitro colon model) at loads that by literature correspond to the possible intake of food-derived MPs of a single meal. Results demonstrated that MPs induced an opportunistic bacteria overgrowth (Enterobacteriaceae, Desulfovibrio spp., Clostridium group I and Atopobium - Collinsella group) and a contextual reduction on abundances of all the beneficial taxa analyzed, with the sole exception of Lactobacillales. This microbiota shift was consistent with the changes recorded in the bacterial metabolic activity.

Dietary intake of metals, metalloids, and persistent organic pollutants in Spanish pregnant women. ECLIPSES study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe dietary intake and important dietary sources to pollutants as well as to identify maternal socio-economic and lifestyle factors associated with high intake during pregnancy in women residing in a Mediterranean city with heavy industrial activity. METHODS: Dietary intake during pregnancy of As, InAs, Cd, MeHg, Pb, PCDD/Fs, DL-PCBs, and NDL-PCBs in 701 pregnant women participating in the longitudinal ECLIPSES study was calculated based on a 45-item food-frequency questionnaire and a database of pollutants in food of the Catalan Food Safety Agency. Details on socio-economic, lifestyle, and anthropometric variables were also collected. RESULTS: The mean dietary intake of pollutants per day and the food group that contributed the most (%) was: 286.51 µg of As (71.27% from white fish), 4.14 µg of InAs (70.16% from cereals-tubers), 6.27 µg of Cd (47.51% from seafood), 5.00 µg of MeHg (52.88% from blue fish), 3.32 µg of Pb (30.15% from cereals-tubers), 9.93 pg of PCDD/Fs (from many food categories), 18.39 pg of DL-PCBs (59.74% from blue fish) and 181.00 ng of NDL-PCBs (44.58% from blue fish). Adjusted multivariate analysis revealed that older age was associated with high As intake, higher educational level was related to low InAs, Cd, and DL-PCBs intake, and alcohol use and smoking were linked with high Pb intake. CONCLUSION: The dietary intake of pollutants including As and DL-PCBs among pregnant women exceeds or almost reaches the EFSA safety threshold. These findings support the urgent need for local governments to pay special attention to this situation and develop specific prevention strategies for this vulnerable group.

Aflatoxin B1 Exacerbates Genomic Instability and Apoptosis in the BTBR Autism Mouse Model via Dysregulating DNA Repair Pathway.

The pathophysiology of autism is influenced by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Furthermore, individuals with autism appear to be at a higher risk of developing cancer. However, this is not fully understood. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a potent food pollutant carcinogen. The effects of AFB1 on genomic instability in autism have not yet been investigated. Hence, we have aimed to investigate whether repeated exposure to AFB1 causes alterations in genomic stability, a hallmark of cancer and apoptosis in the BTBR autism mouse model. The data revealed increased micronuclei generation, oxidative DNA strand breaks, and apoptosis in BTBR animals exposed to AFB1 when compared to unexposed animals. Lipid peroxidation in BTBR mice increased with a reduction in glutathione following AFB1 exposure, demonstrating an exacerbated redox imbalance. Furthermore, the expressions of some of DNA damage/repair- and apoptosis-related genes were also significantly dysregulated. Increases in the redox disturbance and dysregulation in the DNA damage/repair pathway are thus important determinants of susceptibility to AFB1-exacerbated genomic instability and apoptosis in BTBR mice. This investigation shows that AFB1-related genomic instability can accelerate the risk of cancer development. Moreover, approaches that ameliorate the redox balance and DNA damage/repair dysregulation may mitigate AFB1-caused genomic instability.

Recent advances in electrochemical-based sensors amplified with carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs) for sensing pharmaceutical and food pollutants.

Foodborne-related infections due to additives and pollutants pose a considerable task for food processing enterprises. Therefore, the competent, cost-effective, and quick investigation of nutrition additives and contaminants is essential to reduce the threat of public fitness problems. The electrochemical sensor (ECS) shows facile and potent analytical approaches desirable for food protection and quality inspection over traditional methods. The consequence of a broad display of nanomaterials has paved the path for their relevance in designing high-performance ECSs appliances for medical diagnostics and conditions and food protection. This review article has discussed the importance of electrochemical-based sensors amplified with carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs). Initially, we have demonstrated the types of pharmaceutical and food/agriculture pollutants (such as pesticides, heavy metals, antibiotics and other medical drugs) present in water. Subsequently, we have compiled the information on electrochemical techniques (such as voltammetric and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) and their crucial parameters for detecting pollutants. Further, the applications of CNMs for sensing pharmaceutical and food pollutants have been demonstrated in detail. Finally, the topic has been concluded with existing challenges and future prospects.

Recent developments on graphene and its derivatives based electrochemical sensors for determinations of food contaminants.

The sensing of food contaminants is essential to prevent their adverse health effects on the consumers. Electrochemical sensors are promising in the determination of electroactive analytes including food pollutants, biomolecules etc. Graphene nanomaterials offer many benefits as electrode material in a sensing device. To further improve the analytical performance, doped graphene or derivatives of graphene such as reduced graphene oxide and their nanocomposites were explored as electrode materials. Herein, the advancements in graphene and its derivatives-based electrochemical sensors for analysis of food pollutants were summarized. Determinations of both organic (food colourants, pesticides, drugs, etc.) and inorganic pollutants (metal cations and anions) were considered. The influencing factors including nature of electrode materials and food pollutants, pH, electroactive surface area etc., on the sensing performances of modified electrodes were highlighted. The results of pollutant detection in food samples by the graphene-based electrode have also been outlined. Lastly, conclusions and current challenges in effective real sample detection were presented.

Current perspective on veterinary drug and chemical residues in food of animal origin.

The marked increase in the demand for animal protein of high quality necessitates protecting animals from infectious diseases. This requires increasing the use of veterinary therapeutics. The overuse and misuse of veterinary products can cause a risk to human health either as short-term or long-term health problems. However, the biggest problem is the emergence of resistant strains of bacteria or parasites. This is in addition to economic losses due to the discarding of polluted milk or condemnation of affected carcasses. This paper discusses three key points: possible sources of drug and chemical residues, human health problems, and the possible method of control and prevention of veterinary drug residues in animal products.

Nano-engineered materials for sensing food pollutants: Technological advancements and safety issues.

Food spoilage and safety are key concerns of the modern food sector. Among them, several types of polluting agents are the prime grounds of food deterioration. In this context, nanotechnology-based measures are setting new frontiers to strengthen food applications. Herein, we summarize the nanotechnological dimension of the food industry for both processing and packaging applications. Active bioseparation, smart delivery, nanoencapsulation, nutraceuticals, and nanosensors for biological detection are a few emerging topics of nanobiotechnology in the food sector. The development of functional foods is another milestone set by food nanotechnology by building the link between humans and diet. However, the establishment of optimal intake, product formulations, and delivery matrices, the discovery of beneficial compounds are a few of the key challenges that need to be addressed. Nanotechnology provides effective solutions for the aforementioned problem giving various novel nanomaterials and methodologies. Various nanodelivery systems have been designed, e.g., cochleate, liposomes, multiple emulsions, and polysaccharide-protein coacervates. However, their real applications in food sciences are very limited. This review also provides the status and outlook of nanotechnological systems for future food applications.

Estimation of chronic dietary intake of pesticide residues / Estimativa de ingestão crônica de resíduos de agrotóxicos por meio da dieta

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate the maximum theoretical daily intake of pesticides potentially consumed, chronically, by the Brazilian population. METHOD By using data from the food consumption section of the 2008-2009 Household Budget Survey to characterize the population diet, a database was built to group the foods based on the NOVA classification. Considering the maximum residue limit values of each pesticide authorized in the country until 2016, the limits of all consumed foods were added and multiplied by the amount consumed, resulting in the maximum theoretical intake index, which was compared with the acceptable daily intake. RESULTS The results show that, of the 283 pesticides considered in the database, 71 (25%) compounds had estimates of zero intake, 144 compounds (50.8%) reached acceptable daily intake values and 68 compounds (24%) showed median intake that exceeded the acceptable daily value. The pesticide intake estimation according to the different regions of the country showed a variation in the amount of compounds that exceeded the acceptable daily intake (48 to 69 substances) due to the different consumption patterns. The categories of products that most exceeded the limits were the insecticides, herbicides and fungicides. CONCLUSION The application of this methodology is valid for the first step in risk assessment, but the resulting values may be different from the actual exposure since they do not include other factors, such as the combined use of pesticides or unauthorized products. The importance of developing research on specific national food consumption data in a systematic way is emphasized, which generates data and analyses that allow a detailed risk assessment.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Estimar a ingestão diária máxima teórica dos agrotóxicos potencialmente consumidos, de forma crônica, pela população brasileira. MÉTODO Utilizando os dados do bloco de consumo alimentar da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares de 2008-2009 para caracterização da dieta da população, foi construído um banco de dados agrupando os alimentos com base na classificação NOVA. Considerando os valores de limite máximo de resíduos de cada agrotóxico autorizado no país até o ano de 2016, foram somados os limites de todos os alimentos consumidos, multiplicados pela quantidade consumida, gerando o índice de ingestão teórica máxima, que foi comparado com a ingestão diária aceitável. RESULTADOS Os resultados mostram que dos 283 agrotóxicos considerados no banco de dados, 71 compostos tiveram estimativas de ingestão zero (25%), 144 compostos (50,8%) atingiram aos valores de ingestão diária aceitável e 68 compostos (24%) apresentaram mediana de ingestão que excedeu o valor diário aceitável. Quando realizada a estimativa de ingestão de agrotóxicos discriminando as distintas regiões do país, houve variação (entre 48 e 69 substâncias) na quantidade de compostos que excederam a ingestão diária aceitável devido aos diferentes padrões de consumo da população. As categorias dos produtos que mais excederam as estimativas são inseticidas, herbicidas e fungicidas. CONCLUSÃO A aplicação dessa metodologia é válida para o primeiro passo na avaliação de risco, porém os valores resultantes podem ser diferentes da exposição real por não englobar outros fatores, como o uso combinado de agrotóxicos ou de produtos de uso não autorizado. É ressaltada a importância do desenvolvimento de pesquisas de dados específicos de consumo de alimentos nacionais de forma sistemática, gerando dados e análises que viabilizem uma avaliação pormenorizada sobre riscos.

[On the regulate tropane alkaloids in grain products].

Tropane alkaloids (TA) are metabolites of various plant species in the families Brassicaceae, Solanaceae and Erythroxylaceae. Seeds of these weeds are found in flax, soy, sorghum, millet, sunflower, buckwheat and food products obtained from them, in herbals used as a part of food supplements and herbal teas. Despite the fact that the contamination of grain seeds by various parts of weeds reduces by sorting and clean up, a certain amount of TA gets into processed foods. An analysis of the consumption of TA with all types of foods, conducted by the European food safety Agency (EFSA), showed that TA intake with ration of various population groups can exceed the established level of single safe intake (ARfD) - 0.016 µg/kg of body weight (by 11-18% for adults, and by 5-25% for children depending on the age). The aim of the research was to justify the need to introduce regulations for the safe content of TA in grain products. Material and methods. The study process used hygiene, analytical methods, expert assessments on the basis of generalization and analysis of contemporary scientific researches published in databases Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, RISC, Russian and international regulatory and legislative documents. Results. The established risks associated with TA contamination of grain and grain-based foods, as well as food supplements based on herbs and herbal teas, make it necessary to monitor food products for it's presence. Conclusion. Due to the greater study of the risks associated with the presence of atropine and scopolamine in foods, scientific justification of safe levels of these TA in foods based on cereals, including baby foods for children under 3 years old containi ng millet, sorghum, buckwheat or products based on these cereals is required.

A molecularly imprinted polymer placed on the surface of graphene oxide and doped with Mn(II)-doped ZnS quantum dots for selective fluorometric determination of acrylamide.

A polymer imprinted with acrylamide (AM-MIP) was synthesized on the surface of graphene oxide by surface polymerization of propionamide (serving as a dummy template), methacrylic acid (as the functional monomer) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (the cross-linker). ZnS quantum dots (QDs) doped with Mn(II) ions were added to the AM-MIP to act as fluorescence source. The AM-MIP was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray powder diffraction, suggesting that the imprinted layer was successfully grafted onto graphene oxide. The fluorescence of the doped QDs is quenched when loading the AM-MIP with acrylamide (AM), and the quenching effect is much stronger than the non-imprinted polymer (AM-NIP). Quenching follows Stern-Volmer kinetics. The combination of imprinting and fluorometric detection offer AM-IIP capability to accumulate trace AM before direct determination, omitting desorption and separation or other methods. The excitation and emission spectra of AM-MIP peak at 325 nm and 601 nm, respectively. Under optimal conditions, fluorescence drops linearly in the 0.5-60 µmol·L-1 acrylamide concentration range, and the detection limit is 0.17 µmol·L-1. The method has been applied to the determination of AM in spiked water samples and gave recoveries in the range from 100.2 to 104.5%, with relative standard deviations in the 1.9 to 3.9% range. In our perception, the AM-MIP presented here is a promising fluorescent probe for the detection of trace acrylamide in food. Graphical abstract Schematic of the preparation of graphene oxide coated with a molecularly imprinted polymer doped with Mn(II)-doped ZnS quantum dots. Propionamide serves as a dummy template. Acrylamide acts as a quencher of fluorescence, and this effect is used for its selective fluorometric determination.

Alimentos orgânicos e saúde humana: estudo sobre as controvérsias / Organic foods and human health: a study of controversies

O estudo das controvérsias é uma ferramenta metodológica para o conhecimento das dimensões sociais e políticas da ciência. O tema dos alimentos orgânicos pode ser compreendido e explorado a partir dessa abordagem. O objetivo deste artigo foi analisar as controvérsias referentes ao status do alimento orgânico. A pesquisa foi realizada com base em referências a partir de 1990, citadas nos sites da International Foundation for Organic Agriculture, da Soil Association e da Food and Agriculture Organization. Foram identificadas controvérsias acerca 1) das repercussões sobre a saúde humana da existência de contaminantes químicos nos alimentos orgânicos; 2) da qualidade dos alimentos orgânicos em comparação aos convencionais; e 3) da temática referente ao preço dos alimentos orgânicos. O artigo conclui que, embora os alimentos orgânicos se destaquem por sua baixa toxicidade, maior durabilidade e teor de alguns nutrientes em alguns alimentos, mais estudos comparativos devem ser realizados para comprovar a superioridade do seu valor nutricional e para que as controvérsias se dissolvam. E preciso contextualizar a discussão em um amplo espectro de promoção da saúde, no qual a produção orgânica aparece vinculada ao fomento ao pequeno agricultor, à biodiversidade e ao desenvolvimento local sustentável, de modo a garantir o aumento da demanda e da oferta de produtos orgânicos a preços justos para consumidores individuais e institucionais.

The study of controversies is a methodological tool that generates knowledge about the social and political dimensions of science. This approach can be used to understand and explore the topic of organic foods. The present study aimed to analyze the controversies regarding the status of organic foods. We carried out a review of studies published since 1990 in three websites: International Foundation for Organic Agriculture, Soil Association, and Food and Agriculture Organization. The following controversies were identified: 1) effects on human health of the presence of chemical contaminants in organic foods; 2) the quality of organic foods as compared to conventionally grown foods; and 3) price of organic foods. Based on this review, it is possible to conclude that, even though organic foods stand out for their low toxicity, higher durability, and nutritional content of some items, more comparative studies are required to confirm the nutritional superiority of organic foods and to solve the controversies. The discussion must be contextualized within a broad spectrum of health promotion, in which organic farming appears associated with the support for small farming, biodiversity, and local sustainable development, so as to increase offer and demand for organic products at fair prices for individual and institutional consumers.