Comment on Ambra et al. Could Selenium Supplementation Prevent COVID-19? A Comprehensive Review of Available Studies. Molecules 2023, 28, 4130.

The authors of this Comment are longstanding selenium investigators with a total of 200 or more published articles on selenium; the corresponding author (Margaret P [...].

Effects of Platinum Nanoparticles on Rice Seedlings (Oryza sativa L.): Size-dependent Accumulation, Transformation, and Ionomic Influence.

Platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) are increasing in the environment largely due to their wide use and application in automobile and medical industries. The mechanism of uptake behavior of different-sized PtNPs and their association with PtNPs-induced phytotoxicity to plants remains unclear. The present study investigated PtNP uptake mechanisms and phytotoxicity simultaneously to further understand the accumulation and transformation dynamics. The uptake mechanisms were investigated by comparing the uptake and toxicological effects of three different-sized PtNPs (25, 50, and 70 nm) on rice seedlings across an experimental concentration gradient (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/L) during germination. The quantitative and qualitative results indicated that 70 nm-sized PtNPs were more efficiently transferred in rice roots. The increase in the PtNP concentration restricted the particle uptake. Particle aggregation was common in plant cells and tended to dissolve on root surfaces. Notably, the dissolution of small particles was simultaneous with the growth of larger particles after PtNPs entered the rice tissues. Ionomic results revealed that PtNP accumulation induced element homeostasis in the shoot ionome. We observed a significant positive correlation between the PtNP concentration and Fe and B accumulation in rice shoots. Compared to particle size, the exposure concentration of PtNPs had a stronger effect on the shoot ionomic response. Our study provides better understanding of the correlation of ionomic change and NP quantitative accumulation induced by PtNPs in rice seedlings.

Assessment of selenium and zinc enriched sludge and duckweed as slow-release micronutrient biofertilizers for Phaseolus vulgaris growth.

Selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) are essential micronutrients that are often lacking in the diet of humans and animals. Application of mineral Se and Zn fertilizers into soils may lead to a waste of Se and Zn due to the fast leaching and low utilization by plants. Slow-release Se and Zn biofertilizer may therefore be beneficial. This study aims to assess the potential of SeZn-enriched duckweed and sludge produced from wastewater as slow-release Se and Zn biofertilizers. Pot experiments with green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and sampling of Rhizon soil pore water were conducted to evaluate the bioavailability of Se and Zn in sandy and loamy soils mixed with SeZn-enriched duckweed and sludge. Both the Se and Zn concentrations in the soil pore water increased upon amending the two biomaterials. The concentration of Se released from SeZn-enriched duckweed rapidly decreased in the first 21 days and slowly declined afterwards, while it remained stable during the entire experiment upon application of SeZn-enriched sludge. The Zn content in the soil pore water gradually increased over time. The application of SeZn-enriched duckweed and sludge significantly increased the Se concentrations in plant tissues, in particular in the form of organic Se-methionine in seeds, without a negative impact on plant growth when an appropriate dose was applied (1 mg Se/kg soil). While, it did not increase Zn concentrations in plant seeds. The results indicate that the SeZn-enriched duckweed and sludge could be only used as organic Se biofertilizers for Se-deficient soils. Particularly, the SeZn-enriched sludge dominated with elemental nano-Se was an effective Se source and slow-release Se biofertilizer. These results could offer a theoretical reference to choose an alternative to chemical Se fertilizers for biofortification, avoiding the problem of Se losses by leaching from mineral Se fertilizers while recovering resources from wastewater. This could contribute to the driver for a future circular economy.

Impact of species and their edible parts on the macronutrient and mineral composition of fish from the same aquatic environment, the Gilgel Gibe Reservoir, Ethiopia.

Fish is an important source of easily digestible animal protein and other essential nutrients. It plays a pivotal role in food security and poverty alleviation in developing countries. However, the nations of the global South consume a limited number of fish species. This study aimed to evaluate the macronutrient and mineral composition of Whole fish (Labeobarbus intermedius, Garra quadrimaculata) and fillet (Oreochromis niloticus, Labeobarbus intermedius). A total of 64 fish samples were collected from Gilgel Gibe reservoir, Ethiopia, and analysed for its macronutrient and mineral composition. The proximate composition and mineral contents of fillets and whole body samples were determined. The whole fish showed a much higher fat and ash percentage than the fillets (p < 0.05). The fillets contained a much higher protein concentration than the whole fish (p < 0.05). The higher Ca:P ratios in whole fish compared to fillet in our study confirm the importance for a healthy human skeletal development, especially in diets where Ca is typically lacking. Whole Garra appeared to be containing important trace elements such as zinc and iron, a feature that was not found to the same extent in the whole Labeobarbus. These differences may find its origin in the feeding pattern of these fish species in the reservoir. The advantage of benthic species such as Garra to enrich the human diet with essential minerals may, however, coincide with the accumulation of toxic heavy metals as a potential result of soil erosion.

Selenium deficiency risk in central Kenya highlands: an assessment from the soil to the body.

Selenium (Se) deficiency is associated with increased risk of clinical disorders. Yet, it has not been considered as an important public health issue in Africa. The health burden of this 'hidden hunger' remains largely unknown. Using a case study of central Kenya highlands, a cross-sectional survey assesses Se status of agricultural soils, foods, hair, and actual average dietary Se intake of the local population and investigates the soil-food Se concentration and Se intake-individual Se status relationships. The survey examines eight locations characterized by different agricultural soil types and assesses average dietary Se intake among 159 children and 111 women based on 24-h dietary recall data. Soil Se concentration does not explain Se concentration in foods, which instead is associated with soil's pH, organic matter, and P and Fe content. Cereal grains, beans and potato/green banana form a large portion of the local diet while intake of animal-based foods is limited. This results in Se intake of 15 and 33 µg p-1 d-1 for children and women, respectively. On average, 87% of children and 97% of women have inadequate average daily dietary Se intake, and the hair Se concentration of 92% children and 94% women is below the reference values. Soil's characteristics contribute to variation in Se concentration in foods and consequently the dietary Se intake. A low diversified diet is a key contributing factor to inadequate dietary Se intake in the region. These findings call for the need to investigate potential intervention measure and the health burden of Se deficiency.

Pesticides residues in tobacco smoke: risk assessment study.

Pesticides are not only used on food but also on non-food crops, such as tobacco, to control a range of unwanted animal, plant, and microbial, fungal pests. The residue levels in tobacco leaves are expected to decline up to harvest, during drying, and when the leaves are further processed. Additional pesticides may also be applied to the finished product and residue levels may remain present even when the tobacco is burned. Human exposure to pesticide residues on tobacco occurs when residues remaining in cigarette smoke are inhaled. Based on this assumption, the objectives of this research were (i) to determine the level of pesticides residues in harvested tobacco leaves and (ii) to assess the risk of human exposure to these residues in tobacco smoke. Pesticide residues were detected in all analysed tobacco samples. These detected residues represent ten different active ingredients (AI), three of these AIs (thiodicarb, alachlor, and endosulfan) are no longer allowed in Europe. A 54.7% of these residues were quantifiable. Furthermore, it was found that with the use of solid-phase extraction sorbent (SPE) as adsorbent and n-hexane as solvent, higher recoveries of the pesticide residues in the tobacco smoke from the amount spiked can be obtained. It was also found that cigarette filters help to reduce the intake of residues of pesticides that may be present in cigarettes. Finally, the study concluded that both active smoking and passive smoking populations are exposed to pesticide residues in the tobacco smoke.

Agronomic biofortification of maize and beans in Kenya through selenium fertilization.

Deficiency in calcium, zinc, selenium, and iodine remains a major health issue in Africa. A selenium (Se) status survey conducted in central Kenya highlands revealed a high risk of dietary Se deficiency. This study investigates the effect of soil and foliar Se fertilizer application on Se concentration in maize and bean grains. It further tests the combination of Se fertilizer with phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers, and with zinc and iodine fertilizers. Selenium fertilization results in a significant increase in Se concentration in grains. For the soil application, Se concentration increases on average by 3 µg kg-1 in maize and by 10 µg kg-1 in beans, for each gram of Se applied as sodium selenate. Foliar Se fertilization is more effective and increases Se concentration in grains on average by 18 µg kg-1 in maize, and by 67 µg kg-1 in beans. Total soil phosphorus/availability appears as an important factor influencing soil Se availability. Addition of phosphorus fertilizers positively affects the impact of Se fertilization in locations with low soil P, Fe, and Al. A Se + Zn + I fertilizer combination does not affect the impact on Se concentration in grains. Fertilizing beans alone is found to be more efficient compared to fertilizing only maize. In locations at high risk of dietary Se deficiency, foliar application at 10 g Se ha-1 on beans or 31 g Se ha-1 on maize is sufficient to achieve adequate daily dietary Se intake. The study points towards a multi-mineral agronomic biofortification, based on a site-specific biofortification strategy.

Salivary and Gut Microbiomes Play a Significant Role in in Vitro Oral Bioaccessibility, Biotransformation, and Intestinal Absorption of Arsenic from Food.

The release of a toxicant from a food matrix during the gastrointestinal digestion is a crucial determinant of the toxicant's oral bioavailability. We present a modified setup of the human simulator of the gut microbial ecosystem (SHIME), with four sequential gastrointestinal reactors (oral, stomach, small intestine, and colon), including the salivary and colonic microbiomes. Naturally arsenic-containing rice, mussels, and nori seaweed were digested in the presence of microorganisms and in vitro oral bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and metabolism of arsenic species were evaluated following analysis by using HPLC/mass spectrometry. When food matrices were digested with salivary bacteria, the soluble arsenic in the gastric digestion stage increased for mussel and nori samples, but no coincidence impact was found in the small intestinal and colonic digestion stages. However, the simulated small intestinal absorption of arsenic was increased in all food matrices (1.2-2.7 fold higher) following digestion with salivary microorganisms. No significant transformation of the arsenic species occurred except for the arsenosugars present in mussels and nori. In those samples, conversions between the oxo arsenosugars were observed in the small intestinal digestion stage whereupon the thioxo analogs became major metabolites. These results expand our knowledge on the likely metabolism and oral bioavailabiltiy of arsenic during human digestion, and provide valuable information for future risk assessments of dietary arsenic.

UiO-66-(SH)2 as stable, selective and regenerable adsorbent for the removal of mercury from water under environmentally-relevant conditions.

The dithiol functionalized UiO-66-(SH)2 is developed as an efficient adsorbent for the removal of mercury in aqueous media. Important parameters for the application of MOFs in real-life circumstances include: stability and recyclability of the adsorbents, selectivity for the targeted Hg species in the presence of much higher concentrations of interfering species, and ability to purify wastewater below international environmental limits within a short time. We show that UiO-66-(SH)2 meets all these criteria.

Bioavailability and risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in garden edible vegetables and soils around a highly contaminated former mining area in Germany.

Although soil contamination by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in Europe has a history of many centuries, related problems are often considered as having been dealt with due to the enforcement of tight legislations. However, there are many unsolved issues. We aimed to assess PTE levels in highly contaminated soils and in garden edible vegetables using human health risk indices in order to evaluate the availability and mobilization of arsenic (As), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). In four gardens in Germany, situated on, or in the vicinity of, a mine dump area, we planted beans (Phaseolus vulgaris ssp. nanus), carrots (Daucus sativus) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa ssp. capitata). We examined soil-to-plant mobilization of elements using transfer coefficient (TC), as well as soil contamination using contamination factor (CF), enrichment factor (EF), and bioaccumulation index (Igeo). In addition, we tested two human health risk assessment indices: Soil-induced hazard quotient (HQS) (representing the "direct soil ingestion" pathway), and vegetable-induced hazard quotient (HQV) (representing the "vegetable intake" pathway). The studied elements were highly elevated in the soils. The values in garden 2 were especially high (e.g., Pb: 13789.0 and Hg: 36.8 mg kg-1) and largely exceeded the reported regulation limits of 50 (for As), 40 (Cu), 400 (Pb), 150 (Zn), and 5 (Hg) mg kg-1. Similarly, element concentrations were very high in the grown vegetables. The indices of CF, EF and Igeo were enhanced even to levels that are rarely reported in the literature. Specifically, garden 2 indicated severe contamination due to multi-element deposition. The contribution of each PTE to the total of measured HQS revealed that Pb was the single most important element causing health risk (contributing up to 77% to total HQS). Lead also posed the highest risk concerning vegetable consumption, contributing up to 77% to total HQV. The presence of lead in both cases was followed by that of As, Mn and Hg. We conclude that in multi-element contamination cases, along with high-toxicity elements (here, Pb, As and Hg) other elements may also be responsible for increasing human health risks (i.e., Mn), due to the possibility of adverse synergism of the PTEs.

Bioaccessibility of selenium from cooked rice as determined in a simulator of the human intestinal tract (SHIME).

BACKGROUND: As an essential but also potentially toxic element, both overexposure and underexposure to selenium (Se) can significantly affect public health. Rice is a common source of Se, especially in Asia. Not all Se may be released from the rice and become available for absorption into the bloodstream upon digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, the bioaccessibility of Se in cooked white (polished) rice was assessed in vitro using the static gastrointestinal simulator SHIME (Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem). RESULTS: The common cooking procedure in China prior to consumption [i.e. boiling at low rice:water ratios (1:3) until all of the water is absorbed into the rice] did not change total Se levels in the rice. Gastrointestinal digestion of the cooked rice matrix revealed a Se bioaccessibility of 67-76% of total Se. Subsequent microbial activity in the colon reduced the accessibility of Se in the cooked rice to 51-62%. CONCLUSION: Not all Se present in cooked white rice should be considered as being bioavailable in the small intestine. A minor part is transferred with the remaining food matrix to the colon, where it is available for the microbial metabolism. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Laboratory- and full-scale studies on the removal of pharmaceuticals in an aerated constructed wetland: effects of aeration and hydraulic retention time on the removal efficiency and assessment of the aquatic risk.

Pharmaceutical residues in wastewater pose a challenge to wastewater treatment technologies. Constructed wetlands (CWs) are common wastewater treatment systems in rural areas and they discharge often in small water courses in which the ecology can be adversely affected by the discharged pharmaceuticals. Hence, there is a need for studies aiming to improve the removal of pharmaceuticals in CWs. In this study, the performance of a full-scale aerated sub-surface flow hybrid CW treating wastewater from a healthcare facility was studied in terms of common water parameters and pharmaceutical removal. In addition, a preliminary aquatic risk assessment based on hazard quotients was performed to estimate the likelihood of adverse effects on aquatic organisms in the forest creek where this CW discharges. The (combined) effect of aeration and hydraulic retention time (HRT) was evaluated in a laboratory-scale batch experiment. Excellent removal of the targeted pharmaceuticals was obtained in the full-scale CW (>90%) and, as a result, the aquatic risk was estimated low. The removal efficiency of only a few of the targeted pharmaceuticals was found to be dependent on the applied aeration (namely gabapentin, metformin and sotalol). Longer and the HRT increased the removal of carbamazepine, diclofenac and tramadol.

Biomarkers of selenium status in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Inadequate dietary selenium (Se) intake in humans and animals can lead to long term health problems, such as cancer. In view of the owner's desire for healthy longevity of companion animals, the impact of dietary Se provision on long term health effects warrants investigation. Little is currently known regards biomarkers, and rate of change of such biomarkers in relation to dietary selenium intake in dogs. In this study, selected biomarkers were assessed for their suitability to detect changes in dietary Se in adult dogs within eight weeks. RESULTS: Twenty-four dogs were fed a semi-purified diet with an adequate amount of Se (46.1 µg/MJ) over an 8 week period. They were then divided into two groups. The first group remained on the adequate Se diet, the second were offered a semi-purified diet with a low Se concentration (6.5 µg/MJ; 31% of the FEDIAF minimum) for 8 weeks. Weekly urine and blood was collected and hair growth measurements were performed. The urinary Se to creatinine ratio and serum Se concentration were significantly lower in dogs consuming the low Se diet from week 1 onwards, by 84% (adequate 25.3, low 4.1) and 7% (adequate 257 µg/L, low 238 µg/L) respectively. Serum and whole blood glutathione peroxidase were also significantly lower in dogs consuming the low Se diet from weeks 6 and 8 respectively. None of the other biomarkers (mRNA expression and serum copper, creatine kinase, triiodothyronine:thyroxine ratio and hair growth) responded significantly to the low Se diet over the 8 week period. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that urinary Se to creatinine ratio, serum Se and serum and whole blood glutathione peroxidase can be used as biomarkers of selenium status in dogs. Urinary Se to creatinine ratio and serum Se concentrations responded faster to decreased dietary Se than the other parameters. This makes these biomarkers candidates for early screening of long term effects of dietary Se provision on canine health.

Impact of carboxymethyl cellulose coating on iron sulphide nanoparticles stability, transport, and mobilization potential of trace metals present in soils and sediment.

The stability and transport behaviour of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) stabilized iron sulphide (FeS) engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) as well as their concurrent scavenging and mobilization of trace metal contaminants from field-contaminated soils and sediment was studied through a series of batch and column experiments. The synthesized CMC-FeS ENPs were shown to have a hydrodynamic diameter of 154.5 ± 5.8 nm and remained stable in suspension for a prolonged period of time (several weeks) when kept under anaerobic conditions. In the absence of CMC, much larger FeS particles were formed, which quickly aggregated and precipitated within minutes. Batch experiments indicated that the CMC-FeS ENPs have a high affinity for metal contaminants (e.g., Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn), as high amounts of these trace metals could be retrieved in the aqueous phase after treatment of the soils with the nanoparticles (i.e., up to 29 times more compared to the water-leachable metal contents). Furthermore, batch retention of the nanoparticles by the solid soil phase was low (<37%), also suggesting a high stability and potential mobility. Nanoparticle treatment of the soils also affected the CaCl2-, TCLP-, and SPLP-leachability of trace metals, although no clear trend could be observed and metal leaching appeared to depend on the specific element under consideration, the type of extraction liquid, as well as on soil properties. Column breakthrough tests demonstrated that the CMC-FeS ENPs were highly mobile in the tested soil, even without the use of an external pressure (i.e., just via gravitational percolation). Maximal breakthrough of the nanoparticles was observed after approximately 10 or 16 pore volumes (PVs) for 83.3 or 500 mg L(-1) CMC-FeS ENPs, respectively, and only about 7% of the nanoparticles were retained by the soil after 22.7 PVs. Simultaneous elution of trace elements showed that up to 19, 8.7, or 11% of the respective Cd, Pb, or Zn content originally present in the soil was extracted after 22.7 PVs, with initial peaking occurring during the first 5 PVs. Moreover, filtration of the percolates over 0.10 µm (which was shown to be able to retain ca. 98% of the CMC-FeS ENPs) indicated that the vast majority of these extracted metals were associated with the nanoparticles and thus did not occur as "dissolved" species. Therefore, the high affinity of CMC-FeS ENPs for metals together with their high stability and mobility, suggests that association of trace metals with the nanoparticles could potentially lead to particle-facilitated contaminant transport in the environment, in case conditions favouring colloidal transport are prevailing.

Fluctuation of potential zinc status biomarkers throughout a reproductive cycle of primiparous and multiparous sows.

Fluctuations in Zn metabolism throughout gestation and lactation might affect Zn requirements. However, scientific data on Zn requirements for breeding sows are limited. The objective of the present study was to assess the Zn status of primiparous and multiparous sows using different Zn status biomarkers, to identify periods of critical Zn status throughout the reproductive cycle at different parities. Blood samples were taken after overnight fasting before feeding in the morning from five primiparous and ten multiparous sows at fixed time intervals during gestation (days - 5, 0 (insemination), 21, 42, 63 and 84), around parturition (days 108, 112, 115 (parturition) and 118) and during lactation (days 122, 129 and 143 (weaning)). At parturition, blood samples were collected from two randomly selected piglets per sow before colostrum intake. Plasma was analysed for Zn and Cu contents, whereas serum was analysed for alkaline phosphatase, metallothionein and albumin concentrations. Independently of parity, all biomarkers fluctuated differently during gestation and lactation (P< 0·050). This reflects their different roles in Zn metabolism, and suggests that the choice of a Zn status biomarker necessitates careful consideration. Low average plasma Zn concentration at the end of gestation and throughout lactation seem to be replenished towards weaning.

In vitro selenium accessibility in pet foods is affected by diet composition and type.

Se bioavailability in commercial pet foods has been shown to be highly variable. The aim of the present study was to identify dietary factors associated with in vitro accessibility of Se (Se Aiv) in pet foods. Se Aiv is defined as the percentage of Se from the diet that is potentially available for absorption after in vitro digestion. Sixty-two diets (dog, n 52; cat, n 10) were in vitro enzymatically digested: fifty-four of them were commercially available (kibble, n 20; pellet, n 8; canned, n 17; raw meat, n 6; steamed meat, n 3) and eight were unprocessed (kibble, n 4; canned, n 4) from the same batch as the corresponding processed diets. The present investigation examined if Se Aiv was affected by diet type, dietary protein, methionine, cysteine, lysine and Se content, DM, organic matter and crude protein (CP) digestibility. Se Aiv differed significantly among diet types (P< 0·001). Canned and steamed meat diets had a lower Se Aiv than pelleted and raw meat diets. Se Aiv correlated positively with CP digestibility in extruded diets (kibbles, n 19; r 0·540, P =0·017) and negatively in canned diets (n 16; r - 0·611, P =0·012). Moreover, the canning process (n 4) decreased Se Aiv (P =0·001), whereas extrusion (n 4) revealed no effect on Se Aiv (P =0·297). These differences in Se Aiv between diet types warrant quantification of diet type effects on in vivo Se bioavailability.

Stability of engineered nanomaterials in complex aqueous matrices: Settling behaviour of CeO2 nanoparticles in natural surface waters.

The stability of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in complex aqueous matrices is a key determinant of their fate and potential toxicity towards the aquatic environment and human health. Metal oxide nanoparticles, such as CeO2 ENPs, are increasingly being incorporated into a wide range of industrial and commercial applications, which will undoubtedly result in their (unintentional) release into the environment. Hereby, the behaviour and fate of CeO2 ENPs could potentially serve as model for other nanoparticles that possess similar characteristics. The present study examined the stability and settling of CeO2 ENPs (7.3±1.4 nm) as well as Ce(3+) ions in 10 distinct natural surface waters during 7d, under stagnant and isothermal experimental conditions. Natural water samples were collected throughout Flanders (Belgium) and were thoroughly characterized. For the majority of the surface waters, a substantial depletion (>95%) of the initially added CeO2 ENPs was observed just below the liquid surface of the water samples after 7d. In all cases, the reduction was considerably higher for CeO2 ENPs than for Ce(3+) ions (<68%). A first-order kinetics model was able to describe the observed time-dependant removal of both CeO2 ENPs (R(2)≥0.998) and Ce(3+) ions (R(2)≥0.812) from the water column, at least in case notable sedimentation occurred over time. Solution-pH appeared to be a prime parameter governing nanoparticle colloidal stability. Moreover, the suspended solids (TSS) content also seemed to be an important factor affecting the settling rate and residual fraction of CeO2 ENPs as well as Ce(3+) ions in natural surface waters. Correlation results also suggest potential association and co-precipitation of CeO2 ENPs with aluminium- and iron-containing natural colloidal material. The CeO2 ENPs remained stable in dispersion in surface water characterized by a low pH, ionic strength (IS), and TSS content, indicating the eventual stability and settling behaviour of the nanoparticles was likely determined by a combination of physicochemical parameters. Finally, ionic release from the nanoparticle surface was also examined and appeared to be negligible in all of the tested natural waters.

Changes in pig diet particle size profile and nutrient content during on-farm storage and distribution to the feeders.

The present study assessed the effect of silo emptying and feed transport by conveyor systems on particle size and nutrient content of the feed delivered to the pigs. Experiment 1 sampled feed from four feeders along the conveyor system of two barns. Samples were taken immediately after filling the feed silo (Begin) and when the silo was almost empty (End). In Experiment 2, three barns with drag-type conveyors, three with auger-type conveyors and two with spiral-type conveyors were sampled. Along the different conveyors, samples at 10, 20, 50 and 85 m distance from the feed silo were taken from the feeders. In each barn, sampling was repeated for two subsequent batches of feed delivered. In all samples, particle size profile was determined and nutrient content was analysed. In Experiment 2, mineral content was also determined. In Experiment 1, the size of the different particle fractions decreased from Begin to End. An interaction (p < 0.05) between sampling time and conveyor type was detected for the 10% smallest particles. In Experiment 2, an effect of sampling time on the 10% largest particles was detected (p < 0.05). The effect of sampling time on several nutrients was observed in Experiments 1 and 2, but the affected nutrients differed between both experiments. Results implied that it was mainly emptying of the silo that affected mash particle size profile and nutrient content. The potential impact of these changes on pig performance requires further investigation.

Trace metals accumulation in Bacopa monnieri and their bioaccessibility.

Bacopa monnieri is commonly known as "Brahmi" or "Water hyssop" and is a source of nootropic drugs. Aboveground parts of plant samples collected from peri-urban Indian areas were analysed for total trace metal concentrations. Subsequently, three samples with high concentrations of Cd and Pb were subjected to in vitro gastrointestinal digestion to assess the bioaccessibility of the trace metals in these plants. The total concentrations of trace metals on a dry weight basis were 1.3 to 6.7 mg·kg⁻¹ Cd, 1.5 to 22 mg·kg⁻¹ Pb, 36 to 237 mg·kg⁻¹ Cu, and 78 to 186 mg·kg⁻¹ Zn. The majority of Bacopa monnieri samples exceeded threshold limits of Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn for use as raw medicinal plant material or direct consumption. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate Bacopa monnieri collected in nature for their trace metal content prior to human consumption and preparation of herbal formulations.

Arsenic bioaccessibility upon gastrointestinal digestion is highly determined by its speciation and lipid-bile salt interactions.

The release of arsenic (As) from a contaminated food matrix during gastrointestinal digestion, i.e., its bioaccessibility, is an important estimator of its bioavailability, and therefore also its health risk. In addition, As toxicity is primarily determined by its speciation and it is not clear how different As species behave during digestion in the upper digestive tract. Here, we evaluated to what extent digestive parameters like gastric pH and bile concentration, but also food matrix constituents affect the bioaccessibility of 8 As species (As(III), As(V), MMA(V), DMA(V), MMA(III), DMA(III), MMMTA(V), DMMTA(V)). Bioaccessibility of all As standards ranged between 85% and 90% under pH 1.8. Bioaccessibility of methylated and thiolated arsenicals was decreased from 85% to 50% with increasing gastric pH to 4, yet an increasing bile salts concentration up to 30 g/L lowered the bioaccessibility of inorganic species from 83% to 70% due to interaction with Fe present in bile salts. With respect to food matrices, we noted that the fiber content did not affect As bioaccessibility, yet the presence of fat resulted in an increased bioaccessibility of both inorganic and organic arsenicals in the presence of bile salts. With respect to inorganic arsenic, the intestinal presence of trivalent Fe appeared to be the predominant factor for bioaccessibility of iAs. These data demonstrate that species dependent bioaccessibility must be considered upon ingestion and gastrointestinal digestion.