Comparison of the content of selected heavy metals in the liver tissue of the wild boar (Sus scrofa), red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and red deer (Cervus elaphus), living in north-eastern Poland.

The study aimed to determine the content of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) in the liver of predominantly plant-eating omnivore wild boar (Sus scrofa), predominantly meat-eating omnivore red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and herbivore red deer (Cervus elaphus), from North-Eastern Poland (Warmia and Mazury), in order to verify the distribution of these elements in the trophic pyramid. Furthermore, the study was used to assess the risk of eating venison. Samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The average concentration of Se was 3.9 (p⟨0.001) and 1.8-fold higher (p0.001) in the wild boar and red fox, respectively, in comparison to the red deer, and 2.1-fold higher in the wild boar comparing to the red fox (p⟨0.001). There was no difference in the average concentration of Zn. The average concentration of Cu was 9.3. Concentration of this element was 5.4-fold higher in red deer in comparison to red fox (p⟨0.001) and 9,34-fold higher than in wild boar (p⟨0.001). The average concentration of Cd was 1.9-fold higher in wild boar in comparison to the red fox (p⟨0.029). Correlation between Cu and Cd concentrations was also observed in the case of the red deer and red fox, while no such correlations were observed between the tested elements in the wild boar. In conclusion, the liver concentrations of these heavy metals in selected wild animas species from the hunting areas of Warmia and Mazury, do not exceed standard safe values for consumers. Moreover, the wild red deer population in North-Eastern Poland is significantly Se deficient.

Carcass characteristics, meat quality, and fatty acid composition of wild-living mallards (Anas platyrhynchos L.).

The aim of this study was to determine the carcass characteristics, meat quality, and fatty acid composition of wild-living mallards. The experimental materials comprised 30 mallards (1:1 sex ratio) harvested during the hunting season in northeastern Poland. The carcasses were transported to the laboratory where they were weighed individually, plucked, dressed, and dissected. The proximate chemical composition and physicochemical properties of meat and the fatty acid profile of breast muscle lipids were determined, and a histological analysis was performed. Body weight (BW) and carcass weight were higher in males than in females (P ≤ 0.05), whereas the percentage share of carcass tissue components was similar in both sexes. Edible components accounted for approximately 60% (♂) to 60.7% (♀) of the total BW of mallards, including lean meat; 40.9% (♂) to 41.5% (♀), skin with subcutaneous fat; 10.7% (♂) to 10.8% (♀), and giblets; 8.3% (♂) to 8.4% (♀). Breast muscles had high protein content (23.51%♀ to 23.6% ♂) and low fat content (0.82% ♂ to 0.84% ♀). In the fatty acid profile of breast muscle lipids, saturated fatty acids (SFA) accounted for 39.1% (♂) to 39.04% (♀), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA)-for 17.31% (♂) to 17.33% (♀) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)-for 43.61% (♀) to 43.64% (♂). The diameters of type IIA and type IIB muscle fibers were lower in males than in females (P ≤ 0.05), whereas lipid storage sites in muscles were similar in both sexes. The values of cooking loss (CL), water-holding capacity (WHC), pH24, and color parameters of breast meat were comparable in males and females. The results of this study indicate that wild-living mallards, both males and females, are characterized by high meat quality, and that seasonal mallard harvests can provide meat with desirable eating attributes, attractive to consumers.

Factors affecting the tissues composition of pork belly.

Bellies derived from the commercial population of pig carcasses are diverse in terms of tissue composition. Knowledge of the factors influencing it and the expected results, permits quick and easy evaluation of raw material. The study was designed to determine the factors affecting the tissues composition of pork bellies and to estimate their lean meat content. The research population (n=140 pig carcasses) was divided into groups according to sex (gilts, barrows), half-carcass mass (<40, 40 to 43.9, 44 to 46.9, ⩾47 kg) and lean meat content class: S (⩾60%), E (55% to 60%), U (50% to 55%), R (<50%). Bellies were subjected to a detailed dissection. Half-carcass mass affected the levels of all the analysed parameters. The only exception was the mass of the fat with the skin in the 40 to 43.9 kg group, for which the value did not differ statistically between the two groups <40 and 44 to 46.9 kg. Decrease in lean meat content affected the growth of the fat and skin mass in a linear way. No differences were observed between class S and E in terms of belly muscle mass. A 0.37% higher share of belly in the half-carcass was found for barrows (P<0.001), although bellies issued from barrows were characterized by a higher proportion of fat with skin compared with gilts (P=0.02). Interactions were observed between sex and half-carcass mass, so the sex of heavy half-carcasses becomes an important determinant for conditioning the muscle content. Equations were calculated and allow a fast and highly accurate determination of the lean meat content in bellies, suggesting they may be used directly in the production line.

Non-melanoma skin cancer in Canada chapter 1: introduction to the guidelines

BACKGROUND: Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), including basal and squamous cell carcinoma, represents the most common malignancy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this document is to provide guidance to Canadian health care practitioners on NMSC management. METHODS: After conducting a literature review, the group developed recommendations for prevention, management, and treatment of basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and actinic keratoses. These tumour types are considered separately in the accompanying articles. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system was used to assign strength to each recommendation. RESULTS: This introduction describes the scope and structure of the guidelines and the methods used to develop them. The epidemiology of NMSC is reviewed, as are the pathophysiologic changes occurring with damage to the skin, which lead to the formation of actinic keratoses and invasive squamous or basal cell carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS: This introduction describes the need for primary prevention and offers an overview of treatment options that are discussed in later chapters of the guidelines.(AU)

Nutrient digestibility in Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) fed diets containing animal meals / Digestibilidade dos nutrientes em raposa polar (Vulpes lagopus) alimentada com dietas que continham farinhas de origem animal

Three digestibility experiments on Arctic foxes were carried out. Control groups were fed standard diets (C1 and C2) composed of fresh or frozen animal by-products and steamed ground grain. Dry experimental diets (E1 and E2) contained animal meals, extracted meals and fat, were mixed with water prior to administration. In a preliminary experiment, the digestibility of dry diet E1 moistened with water for 15min and 24h was compared to determine the optimum moistening time during the experimental period proper. The preliminary experiment showed that moistening time had no significant effect on digestibility. In the main experiment, two independent digestibility trials were performed to compare the digestibility of diets fed to foxes during growth (C1 vs. E1) and fur development (C2 vs. E2). Better nutrient digestibility was noted for control diets, compared to experimental. The greatest differences were reported for total protein digestibility. Protein contained in meals undergoes denaturation during heat treatment, which reduces digestibility. It was found that the retention of nitrogen in relation to nitrogen digestion was higher in foxes fed experimental diets (E1 and E2).

Realizaram-se três ensaios de digestibilidade em raposas polares. Os grupos controles receberam dietas-padrão (C1 e C2) compostas por subprodutos de origem animal frescos ou congelados e sementes de cereais em grão. As dietas secas (E1, E2) usadas nos ensaios que continham farinha de origem animal e sementes em grãos extrudadas eram hidratadas antes de administradas. Em ensaio preliminar, avaliou-se a digestibilidade da dieta seca E1, submetida a 15 minutos e a 24 horas de hidratação. Verificou-se que o tempo de hidratação não influenciou a digestão. No experimento principal, foram realizados dois ensaios para comparar a digestibilidade das dietas fornecidas às raposas no período de crescimento (C1 vs E1) e no desenvolvimento de pelo (C2 vs E2). Melhor digestibilidade dos nutrientes foi observada para as dietas controle. As maiores diferenças foram relatadas para a proteína total. A desnaturação das proteínas, durante o tratamento térmico, reduz o índice de digestibilidade das dietas. Observou-se alto teor de retenção de hidrogênio em relação ao hidrogênio digerido nas raposas alimentadas com as dietas E1 e E2.

Is the reduction of lower-body subcutaneous adipose tissue associated with elevations in risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease?

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Since the accumulation of lower-body subcutaneous adipose tissue (LBSAT) is associated with decreased cardiometabolic risk, we evaluated whether reductions in LBSAT independent of changes in visceral AT (VAT) and abdominal SAT are associated with elevations in diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk factors. METHODS: Overweight and obese men (n = 58) and premenopausal women (n = 49) with elevated cardiometabolic risk underwent 3 months of diet and/or exercise induced weight-loss treatment; regional body composition assessment by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); and cardiometabolic risk assessment, including an OGTT. RESULTS: After control for potential confounders, reductions in VAT, abdominal SAT and LBSAT were all associated with improvements in selective cardiometabolic risk factors, including fasting glucose levels, lipid status and OGTT glucose and insulin. Independent of changes in the other AT depots, reductions in VAT and abdominal SAT, but not LBSAT, remained associated with improvement in fasting glucose levels, glucose tolerance and lipid status. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Among overweight and obese adults with increased cardiometabolic risk, the selective reduction of LBSAT is not associated with elevations in risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Thus, the reduction of excess AT conveys health benefit regardless of origin.