Gender-Specific Fat Distribution and Association with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Study of Adiposity Indicators (DEXA, BMI, Waist-to-Hip Ratio) in Adults from Qatar.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the difference in adiposity measured by DEXA between people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and those without. Moreover, we investigated the most reliable adiposity measure for discriminating people with T2DM from those without in clinical settings. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from the database of Qatar Biobank (QBB), which comprised adults with a previous diagnosis of T2DM mellitus in Qatar. t-test and multivariable linear regression models were used to assess the association between T2DM and the difference in DEXA and BMI adiposity measures. Moreover, an evaluation of the odds of abnormal waist-hip ratio in participants with T2DM using an adjusted multivariable logistic regression was conducted. Results: Among the participants with T2DM, males had less fat in the leg region, while females had less fat in the legs and gynoid regions, compared to individuals without T2DM. Females with T2DM had a higher average BMI. Moreover, the odds of having an abnormal waist-to-hip ratio were higher in males and females with T2DM compared to persons without T2DM. Conclusion: There were different patterns of fat deposition in males and females with T2DM. T2DM was associated with a higher BMI in females only. The odds of abnormal waist-hip ratio were higher in individuals with T2DM of both genders. Waist-hip ratio showed reliable discrimination for T2DM and has implications for clinical practice.

Validating the protective role of orange and tangerine peel extracts foramending food safety against microorganisms' contamination using molecular docking.

Latest studies indicated that agro-food wastes are considered renewable sources of bioactive compounds. This investigation aimed to utilize natural extracts of citrus peels as antimicrobial and anti-aflatoxigenic agents for food safety. The bioactivity of two citrus peels was assessed by total phenolic, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity. Nanoemulsions were manufactured using high-speed homogenization. The mean particle size of the nanoemulsions ranged from 29.41 to 66.41 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.11-0.16. The zeta potential values ranged from -14.27 to -26.74 mV, indicating stability between 81.44% and 99.26%. The orange peel extract showed the highest contents of total phenolic and flavonoids compared to the other extracts and nanoemulsions (39.54 mg GAE/g and 79.54 mg CE/100 g, respectively), which agreed with its potential antioxidant activity performed by DPPH free radical-scavenging and ABTS assays. Chlorogenic, caffeic, ferulic, and catechin were the dominant phenolic acids in the extracts and nanoemulsions, while quercitrin, rutin, and hesperidin were the most abundant flavonoids. Limonene was the major volatile component in both oils; however, it was reduced dramatically from 92.52% to 76.62% in orange peel oil and from 91.79 to 79.12% in tangerine peel oil. Consistent with the differences in phenolics, flavonoids, and volatiles between orange and tangerine peel extracts, the antibacterial properties of orange extracts had more potential than tangerine ones. Gram-positive bacteria were more affected by all the examined extracts than Gram-negative ones. The antifungal activity of orange extract and nanoemulsion on seven fungal strains from Aspergillus spp had more potential than tangerine extracts. Additionally, using a simulated media, the orange peel extract and its nanoemulsion had a more anti-aflatoxigenic influence. Molecular docking confirmed the high inhibitory action of flavonoids, especially hesperidin, on the polyketide synthase (-9.3 kcal/mol) and cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (-10.1 kcal/mol) key enzymes of the aflatoxin biosynthetic mechanism.

Biopreservative and Anti-Mycotoxigenic Potentials of Lactobacillus paracasei MG847589 and Its Bacteriocin in Soft White Cheese.

Probiotics and their bacteriocins have increasingly attracted interest for their use as safe food preservatives. This study aimed to produce soft white cheese fortified with Lacticaseibacillus MG847589 (Lb. paracasei MG847589) and/or its bacteriocin; cheese with Lacticaseibacillus (CP), cheese with bacteriocin (CB), and cheese with both Lacticaseibacillus and bacteriocin (CPB) were compared to control cheese (CS) to evaluate their biopreservative and anti-mycotoxigenic potentials for prolonged shelf life and safe food applications. The effects of these fortifications on physiochemical, microbial, texture, microstructure, and sensory properties were studied. Fortification with Lacticaseibacillus (CP) increased acidity (0.61%) and microbial counts, which may make the microstructure porous, while CPB showed intact microstructure. The CPB showed the highest hardness value (3988.03 g), while the lowest was observed with CB (2525.73 g). Consequently, the sensory assessment reflected the panelists' preference for CPB, which gained higher scores than the control (CS). Fortification with Lb. paracasei MG847589 and bacteriocin (CPB) showed inhibition effects against S. aureus from 6.52 log10 CFU/g at time zero to 2.10 log10 CFU/g at the end of storage, A. parasiticus (from 5.06 to 3.03 log10 CFU/g), and P. chrysogenum counts (from 5.11 to 2.86 log10 CFU/g). Additionally, CPB showed an anti-mycotoxigenic effect against aflatoxins AFB1 and AFM1, causing them to be decreased (69.63 ± 0.44% and 71.38 ± 0.75%, respectively). These potentials can extend shelf life and pave the way for more suggested food applications of safe food production by fortification with both Lb. paracasei MG847589 and its bacteriocin as biopreservatives and anti-mycotoxigenic.

Multi-parametric assessment of cardiac magnetic resonance images to distinguish myocardial infarctions: A tensor-based radiomics feature.

AIM: This study assessed the myocardial infarction (MI) using a novel fusion approach (multi-flavored or tensor-based) of multi-parametric cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) at four sequences; T1-weighted (T1W) in the axial plane, sense-balanced turbo field echo (sBTFE) in the axial plane, late gadolinium enhancement of heart short axis (LGE-SA) in the sagittal plane, and four-chamber views of LGE (LGE-4CH) in the axial plane. METHODS: After considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 115 patients (83 with MI diagnosis and 32 as healthy control patients), were included in the present study. Radiomic features were extracted from the whole left ventricular myocardium (LVM). Feature selection methods were Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (Lasso), Minimum Redundancy Maximum Relevance (MRMR), Chi-Square (Chi2), Analysis of Variance (Anova), Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE), and SelectPersentile. The classification methods were Support Vector Machine (SVM), Logistic Regression (LR), and Random Forest (RF). Different metrics, including receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy, F1- score, precision, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated for radiomic features extracted from CMR images using stratified five-fold cross-validation. RESULTS: For the MI detection, Lasso (as the feature selection) and RF/LR (as the classifiers) in sBTFE sequences had the best performance (AUC: 0.97). All features and classifiers of T1 + sBTFE sequences with the weighted method (as the fused image), had a good performance (AUC: 0.97). In addition, the results of the evaluated metrics, especially mean AUC and accuracy for all models, determined that the T1 + sBTFE-weighted fused method had strong predictive performance (AUC: 0.93±0.05; accuracy: 0.93±0.04), followed by T1 + sBTFE-PCA fused method (AUC: 0.85±0.06; accuracy: 0.84±0.06). CONCLUSION: Our selected CMRI sequences demonstrated that radiomics analysis enables to detection of MI accurately. Among the investigated sequences, the T1 + sBTFE-weighted fused method with the highest AUC and accuracy values was chosen as the best technique for MI detection.

Dual effect of polyaromatic hydrocarbons on sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) activity of a teleost fish (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are embryo- and cardiotoxic to fish that might be associated with improper intracellular Ca2+ management. Since sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) is a major regulator of intracellular Ca2+, the SERCA activity and the contractile properties of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) ventricle were measured in the presence of 3- and 4-cyclic PAHs. In unfractionated ventricular homogenates, acute exposure of SERCA to 0.1-1.0 µM phenanthrene (Phe), retene (Ret), fluoranthene (Flu), or pyrene (Pyr) resulted in concentration-dependent increase in SERCA activity, except for the Flu exposure, with maximal effects of 49.7-83 % at 1 µM. However, PAH mixture did not affect the contractile parameters of trout ventricular strips. Similarly, all PAHs, except Ret, increased the myotomal SERCA activity, but with lower effect (27.8-40.8 % at 1 µM). To investigate the putative chronic effects of PAHs on SERCA, the atp2a2a gene encoding trout cardiac SERCA was expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells. Culture of HEK cells in the presence of 0.3-1.0 µM Phe, Ret, Flu, and Pyr for 4 days suppressed SERCA expression in a concentration-dependent manner, with maximal inhibition of 49 %, 65 %, 39 % (P < 0.05), and 18 % (P > 0.05), respectively at 1 µM. Current findings indicate divergent effects of submicromolar PAH concentrations on SERCA: stimulation of SERCA activity in acute exposure and inhibition of SERCA expression in chronic exposure. The depressed expression of SERCA is likely to contribute to the embryo- and cardiotoxicity of PAHs by depressing muscle function and altering gene expression.

Deep learning enhances acute lymphoblastic leukemia diagnosis and classification using bone marrow images.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) poses a significant health challenge, particularly in pediatric cases, requiring precise and rapid diagnostic approaches. This comprehensive review explores the transformative capacity of deep learning (DL) in enhancing ALL diagnosis and classification, focusing on bone marrow image analysis. Examining ten studies conducted between 2013 and 2023 across various countries, including India, China, KSA, and Mexico, the synthesis underscores the adaptability and proficiency of DL methodologies in detecting leukemia. Innovative DL models, notably Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) with Cat-Boosting, XG-Boosting, and Transfer Learning techniques, demonstrate notable approaches. Some models achieve outstanding accuracy, with one CNN reaching 100% in cancer cell classification. The incorporation of novel algorithms like Cat-Swarm Optimization and specialized CNN architectures contributes to superior classification accuracy. Performance metrics highlight these achievements, with models consistently outperforming traditional diagnostic methods. For instance, a CNN with Cat-Boosting attains 100% accuracy, while others hover around 99%, showcasing DL models' robustness in ALL diagnosis. Despite acknowledged challenges, such as the need for larger and more diverse datasets, these findings underscore DL's transformative potential in reshaping leukemia diagnostics. The high numerical accuracies accentuate a promising trajectory toward more efficient and accurate ALL diagnosis in clinical settings, prompting ongoing research to address challenges and refine DL models for optimal clinical integration.

Tei Index and its Relation to Outcome of Critically Ill Children on Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate echocardiographic parameters, especially the Tei index as a predictor of outcome in critically ill children on continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). METHODS: This cohort study included all critically ill patients admitted at the Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and underwent CRRT. Functional echocardiography and Pediatric Risk of Mortality Index (PRISM) III were used to evaluate the participants. Both the Tei index and the Vasoactive inotropic score (VIS) were estimated. RESULTS: The study included 35 patients with an age range of 6 mo to 14 y. The Tei indexes, VIS, and PRISM III were reported as predictors of mortality with a sensitivity of 88%, 83%, and 94% and a specificity of 73%, 79%, and 89% respectively. In survivors, the mean Tei index score, median VIS, and mean PRISM values were 0.44 ± 0.1, 3.8 (0-40), and 12.06 ± 3.35, respectively. However, in non-survivors, the mean Tei index, median VIS, and mean PRISM score were 0.59 ± 0.16, 0.60 (0-342.5), and 22.94 ± 8.93, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The Tei index could be used as a predictor for poor outcomes in children receiving CRRT. It is correlated to the PRISM score and VIS.

Chitosan nanoparticle encapsulation increased the prophylactic efficacy of Lactobacillus plantarum RM1 against AFM1-induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats.

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a significant contaminant of food, particularly dairy products and can resist various industrial processes. Several probiotic strains like Lactobacillus plantarum are known to reduce aflatoxin availability in synthetic media and some food products. The current work investigated the possible chitosan coating prophylactic efficacy of Lactobacillus plantarum RM1 nanoemulsion (CS-RM1) against AFM1-induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats. Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 7) as follows: group 1 received normal saline, group 2 received CS-RM1 (1mL contains 6.7 × 1010 CFU), group 3 received AFM1 (60 µg/kg bwt), and group 4 received both CS-RM1(1 mL contains 6.7 × 1010 CFU) and AFM1 (60 µg/kg bwt). All receiving materials were given to rats daily via oral gavage for 28 days. AFM1 caused a significant elevation in serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, uric acid, urea, and creatinine with marked alterations in protein and lipid profiles. Additionally, AFM1 caused marked pathological changes in the liver and kidneys, such as cellular necrosis, vascular congestion, and interstitial inflammation. AFM1 also increased the MDA levels and decreased several enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Liver and kidney sections of the AFM1 group displayed strong caspase-3, TNF-α, and iNOS immunopositivity. Co-treatment of CS-RM1 with AFM1 significantly lowered the investigated toxicological parameter changes and markedly improved the microscopic appearance of liver and kidneys. In conclusion, AFM1 induces hepatorenal oxidative stress damage via ROS overgeneration, which induces mitochondrial caspase-3-dependent apoptosis and inflammation. Furthermore, CS-RM1 can reduce AFM1 toxicity in both the liver and kidneys. The study recommends adding CS-RM1 to milk and milk products for AFM1-elimination.

Assessment of bone morphogenetic protein-7 loaded chitosan/ß-Glycerophosphate hydrogel on periodontium tissues regeneration of class III furcation defects.

Background: Periodontitis is a long-term, multifactorial inflammatory condition that is triggered by bacterial germs and interacts with the host's immune system. The unique attachment of fibrous tissue between the cementum and bone presents a challenge for periodontal regeneration. Aim: To achieve the lowest optimum dose of BMP-7 that helps in periodontal regeneration, involving newly formed cementum, PDL and bone. Materials and methods: Five healthy mongrel dogs were used for the study. A critical class III furcation defect was created using rotating burs. The bone defects (ten defects for each group) were allocated to one of the subsequent groups: (Group 1) control with the surgical defect only. (Group 2) Surgical defect implanted with hydrogel only (CS/ß-GP). (Group 3) Surgical defect implanted with CS/BMP-7 (50 ng/ml). (Group 4) Surgical defect implanted with CS/BMP-7 (100 ng/ml). Results: Histomorphometric and H&E analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in bone, PDL, and cementum regeneration defects filled with CS/BMP-7 (100 ng/ml) compared with other groups. Conclusion: The standard effective dose for BMP-7 use in periodontal regeneration is 100 ng/ml.

Anti-MRSA and Biological Activities of Propolis Concentrations Loaded to Chitosan Nanoemulsion for Pharmaceutics Applications.

Propolis is a naturally occurring substance with beneficial properties; bees produce it from various plant sources, and it is an anti-inflammatory and therapeutic resinous substance. This study aimed to enhance the biological features of propolis extract by loading it onto active film. Firstly, extraction was performed using three solvent systems, and their total phenolic, flavonoid, and antioxidant activity was measured. Propolis ethanol extract (EEP) was evaluated for phenolic fraction content and then chosen to prepare a chitosan-loaded emulsion with several concentrations. The antibacterial, anti-mycotic, and anti-mycotoxigenic properties of the extract and nanoemulsion were assessed. PPE's cytotoxicity and nanoemulsion were evaluated using brine shrimp and cell line assays. Results indicate higher phenolic (322.57 ± 4.28 mg GAE/g DW), flavonoid (257.64 ± 5.27 mg QE/g DW), and antioxidant activity of the EEP. The phenolic fraction is distinguished by 18 phenolic acids with high p-hydroxybenzoic content (171.75 ± 1.64 µg/g) and 12 flavonoid compounds with high pinocembrin and quercetin content (695.91 ± 1.76 and 532.35 ± 1.88 µg/g, respectively). Phenolic acid derivatives (3,4-Dihydroxybenzaldehyde, 3,4-Dihydroxyphenol acetate, and di-methoxy cinnamic) are also found. Concentrations of 50, 100, 150, and 200 ng EEP loaded on chitosan nanoemulsion reflect significant antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and toxigenic fungi, particularly Fusarium. Among the four EEP-loaded concentrations, the nanoemulsion with 150 ng showed outstanding features. Using a simulated medium, 150 and 200 ng of EEP-loaded chitosan nanoemulsion concentrations can stop zearalenone production in Fusarium media with complete fungi inhibition. Also, it reduced aflatoxins production in Aspergillus media, with fungal inhibition (up to 47.18%). These results recommended the EEP-chitosan application for pharmaceutics and medical use as a comprehensive wound healing agent.

Antimicrobial and anti-aflatoxigenic activities of nanoemulsions based on Achillea millefolium and Crocus sativus flower extracts as green promising agents for food preservatives.

BACKGROUND: Although the mechanism of action of nanoemulsion is still unclear, the modern use of nanoemulsions made from natural extracts as antimicrobial and anti-aflatoxigenic agents represents a potential food preservation and a safety target. METHODS: Two natural nanoemulsion extracts of Crocus sativus (the saffron flower) and Achillea millefolium (the yarrow flower) were produced in the current study using a low-energy method that included carboxymethylcellulose and Arabic gum. The synthesized nanoemulsion was fully identified by different analytical methods. Detection of the volatile content was completed using GC-MS analysis. The antioxidant potential, and phenolic compounds content were analyzed in the extractions. The synthesized nanoemulsions were screened for their antimicrobial potential in addition to their anti-aflatoxigenic activity. RESULTS: The droplet size of Saffron flowers was finer (121.64 ± 2.18 nm) than yarrow flowers (151.21 ± 1.12 nm). The Zeta potential measurements of the yarrow flower (-16.31 ± 2.54 mV) and the saffron flower (-18.55 ± 2.31 mV) both showed high stability, along with low PDI values (0.34-0.41). The nanoemulsion of yarrow flower revealed 51 compounds using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS), with hexanal (16.25%), ß-Pinene (7.41%), ß-Myrcene (5.24%), D-Limonene (5.58%) and Caryophyllene (4.38%) being the most prevalent. Additionally, 31 compounds were detected in the saffron nanoemulsion, with D-limonene (4.89%), isophorone (12.29%), 4-oxy isophorone (8.19%), and safranal (44.84%) being the most abundant. Compared to the nanoemulsion of the yarrow flower, the saffron nanoemulsion had good antibacterial and antifungal activity. Saffron nanoemulsion inhibited total fungal growth by 69.64-71.90% in a simulated liquid medium and demonstrated the most significant decrease in aflatoxin production. Infected strawberry fruits coated with nanoemulsion extracts exhibited high antimicrobial activity in the form of saffron flower and yarrow flower extract nanoemulsions, which inhibited and/or controlled the growth of Aspergillus fungi. Due to this inhibition, the lag phase was noticeably prolonged, the cell load decreased, and the stability time increased. CONCLUSION: This study will contribute to expanding the theoretical research and utilization of nanoemulsions as green protective agents in agricultural and food industries for a promising protection from the invasion of some pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

Neoteric Biofilms Applied to Enhance the Safety Characteristics of Ras Cheese during Ripening.

The milk's natural flora, or the starter, can preserve cheesemaking and allow for microbial competition. This investigation aimed to improve cheese safety and assess its characteristics using probiotic cell pellets (LCP) or cell-free extracts (CFS). Cheese samples were collected from different areas to investigate the current contamination situation. Six CFSs of probiotics were assessed as antifungal against toxigenic fungi using liquid and solid media and their aflatoxin reduction impact. The most effective CFS was chosen for cheese coating in nanoemulsion. Coated cheese with CFS, LCP, and LCP-CFS was assessed against control for changes in chemical composition, ripening indications, rheological properties, and microbiology. Results showed significant contamination levels in the collected samples, and toxic fungi were present. Lactobacillus rhamnosus CFS has aflatoxins reducibility in liquid media. During cheese ripening, uncoated cheese showed higher fat, protein, salt content, soluble nitrogen, total volatile fatty acids, tyrosine, and tryptophan contents than coated samples, except for LCP-coating treatment. Cheese rheology indicated that coating treatments had the lowest hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess, chewiness, and springiness compared to uncoated cheese. Uncoated cheese had the highest yeast and mold counts compared to the treated ones. The LCP-CFS-coated cheese showed no Aspergillus cells for up to 40 days. Uncoated Ras cheese recorded slightly lower flavor, body, texture, and appearance scores than coated cheeses. In conclusion, coating cheese with L. rhamnosus nanoemulsion has antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic properties, even for LCP, CFS, and CFS-LCP, which could extend cheese shelf life.

Promising role of Lawsonia inermis L. leaves extract and its nano-formulation as double treatment against aflatoxin toxicity in ulcerated-rats: Application in milk beverage.

Aflatoxins are an unavoidable contaminant of foods. The current work aimed to study the ameliorating effect of Lawsonia inermis L. extract and its nano-formulation versus aflatoxin ingestion in ulcerative rats. Lawsonia inermis L. bioactivity was evaluated by both antioxidant & antimicrobial assays. The nanoparticles characterization measurements were evaluated. Different parameters in the fortified milk beverage were assessed. Seventy two Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomized into 12 groups (6 rats/group) where peptic ulcer was induced with a single aspirin dose (500 mg/kg BW) orally. The nutritional and biochemical parameters were evaluated. The results showed that antioxidant activity and total phenolic content increased with increasing nano-formulation ratio. A remarkable improvements in all the treated groups, either for ulcer alone or for aflatoxin exposed ulcerative groups in normal and nano-formulation. Conclusively, Lawsonia inermis L. & its nano-formulation could act as dual therapy for ulcer treatment and the hazardous effects of aflatoxin exposure.

Revolutionizing chronic lymphocytic leukemia diagnosis: A deep dive into the diverse applications of machine learning.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a B cell neoplasm characterized by the accumulation of aberrant monoclonal B lymphocytes. CLL is the predominant type of leukemia in Western countries, accounting for 25% of cases. Although many patients remain asymptomatic, a subset may exhibit typical lymphoma symptoms, acquired immunodeficiency disorders, or autoimmune complications. Diagnosis involves blood tests showing increased lymphocytes and further examination using peripheral blood smear and flow cytometry to confirm the disease. With the significant advancements in machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) in recent years, numerous models and algorithms have been proposed to support the diagnosis and classification of CLL. In this review, we discuss the benefits and drawbacks of recent applications of ML algorithms in the diagnosis and evaluation of patients diagnosed with CLL.

Application of lime peel oil composite nanoemulsion to prevent toxigenic fungi in nuts.

Food byproduct oils may have antimicrobial impacts when used in coating and preservation. Nuts are known to suffer from toxigenic fungi and their related mycotoxins. The present study utilized lime oil emulsion to minimize fungal infection and reduce aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Besides, it evaluated lime oil's impact on nuts' protection against oxidation and deterioration during storage. Lime oil was extracted using hydrodistillation, and gas chromatography (GC-MS) evaluated volatile constituents. Oil was loaded into a composite emulsion of whey protein, Arabic gum, gelatin, and carboxymethyl cellulose. The antimicrobial and antifungal properties of the nut-coating emulsion were evaluated. A simulated Aspergillus flavus infection experiment evaluated composite resistance for fungal infection and AFB1 production. Oxidation and acidity changes in nuts oil composition were evaluated by proximate analysis, fatty acid composition, and induction period. The oil majority was recorded for terpenes and monoterpenes, including limonene (44.69 ± 2.11%). The emulsion was characterized by zeta potential (-21.16 ± 1.28 mV), stability (99.61 ± 0.02%), and polydispersity index (0.41 ± 0.05). Antimicrobial properties recorded a high antibacterial inhibition zone (up to 28.37 ± 0.11 mm) and anti-mycotoxigenic fungi (up to 37.61 ± 0.24 mm). For the simulated experiment, fungal growth reduction ranged between 78.02% for filmed-peanut and 84.5% for filmed-almond, while AFB1 was not detected in filmed hazelnut and almond. During the one-year storage of samples, there was a slight change in nut oil composition and oxidation progress in filmed nuts, while there was a significant change in non-filmed nuts. The result recommended lime-composite as an edible nut coating that prevents aflatoxigenic contamination, oxidation changes, and improved shelf life.

Microfluidizing Technique Application for Algerian Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf Effects Enhanced Volatile Content, Antimicrobial, and Anti-Mycotoxigenic Properties.

Medicinal plant extracts are a promising source of bioactive minor contents. The present study aimed to evaluate the distinguished volatile content of Algerian Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf before and after the microfluidization process and their related antimicrobial and anti-mycotoxigenic impacts and changes. The GC-MS apparatus was utilized for a comparative examination of Algerian lemongrass essential oil (LGEO) with its microfluidization nanoemulsion (MF-LGEO) volatile content. The MF-LGEO was characterized using Zetasizer and an electron microscope. Cytotoxicity, antibacterial, and antifungal activities were determined for the LGEO and MF-LGEO. The result reflected changes in the content of volatiles for the MF-LGEO. The microfluidizing process enhanced the presence of compounds known for their exceptional antifungal and antibacterial properties in MF-LGEO, namely, neral, geranial, and carvacrol. However, certain terpenes, such as camphor and citronellal, were absent, while decanal, not found in the raw LGEO, was detected. The droplet diameter was 20.76 ± 0.36 nm, and the polydispersity index (PDI) was 0.179 ± 0.03. In cytotoxicity studies, LGEO showed higher activity against the HepG2 cell line than MF-LGEO. Antibacterial LGEO activity against Gram-positive bacteria recorded an inhibitory zone from 41.82 ± 2.84 mm to 58.74 ± 2.64 mm, while the zone ranged from 12.71 ± 1.38 mm to 16.54 ± 1.42 mm for Gram-negative bacteria. Antibacterial activity was enhanced to be up to 71.43 ± 2.54 nm and 31.54 ± 1.01 nm for MF-LGEO impact against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. The antifungal effect was considerable, particularly against Fusarium fungi. It reached 17.56 ± 1.01 mm and 13.04 ± 1.37 mm for LGEO and MF-LGEO application of a well-diffusion assay, respectively. The MF-LGEO was more promising in reducing mycotoxin production in simulated fungal growth media due to the changes linked to essential compounds content. The reduction ratio was 54.3% and 74.57% for total aflatoxins (AFs) and ochratoxin A (OCA) contents, respectively. These results reflect the microfluidizing improvement impact regarding the LGEO antibacterial, antifungal and anti-mycotoxigenic properties.

Extraction and characterization of bioactive secondary metabolites from lactic acid bacteria and evaluating their antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic activity.

Aflatoxins are toxic carcinogens and mutagens formed by some moulds, specifically Aspergillus spp. Therefore, this study aimed to extract and identify bioactive secondary metabolites from Lactobacillus species, to evaluate their efficacy in reducing fungal growth and aflatoxin production and to investigate their toxicity. The bioactive secondary metabolites of Lactobacillus species showed variable degrees of antifungal activity, whereas L. rhamnosus ethyl acetate extract No. 5 exhibited the highest antifungal activity and, thus, was selected for further identification studies. Data revealed that L. rhamnosus ethyl acetate extract No. 5 produced various organic acids, volatile organic compounds and polyphenols, displayed antifungal activity against A. flavus, and triggered morphological changes in fungal conidiophores and conidiospores. L. rhamnosus ethyl acetate extract No. 5 at a 9 mg/mL concentration reduced AFB1 production by 99.98%. When the effect of L. rhamnosus ethyl acetate extract No. 5 on brine shrimp mortality was studied, the extract attained a 100% mortality at a concentration of 400 µg/mL, with an IC50 of 230 µg/mL. Meanwhile, a mouse bioassay was performed to assess the toxicity of L. rhamnosus ethyl acetate extract No. 5, whereas there were no harmful effects or symptoms in mice injected with L. rhamnosus ethyl acetate extract at concentrations of 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 mg/kg body weight.

Effect of Refining and Fractionation Processes on Minor Components, Fatty Acids, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Shea Butter.

Shea butter is becoming increasingly popular in foods, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. This work aims to study the effect of the refining process on the quality and stability of fractionated and mixed shea butters. Crude shea butter, refined shea stearin, olein and their mixture (1:1 w/w) were analyzed for fatty acids, triacylglycerol composition, peroxide value (PV), free fatty acids (FFA), phenolic (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), unsaponifiable matter (USM), tocopherol and phytosterol content. Additionally, the oxidative stability, radical scavenging activity (RSA), antibacterial and antifungal activities were evaluated. The two main fatty acids in the shea butter samples were stearic and oleic. The refined shea stearin showed lower PV, FFA, USM, TPC, TFC, RSA, tocopherol and sterol content than crude shea butter. A higher EC50 was observed, but antibacterial activity was much lower. The refined olein fraction was characterized by lower PV, FFA and TFC in comparison with crude shea butter, but USM, TPC, RSA, EC50, tocopherol and sterol content was unchanged. The antibacterial activity was higher, but the antifungal activity was lower than those of crude shea butter. When both fractions were mixed, their fatty acid and triacylglycerol composition were similar to those of crude shea butter, but other parameters were different.

Prevalence of Aflatoxins in Camel Milk from the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa: A Reduction Approach Using Probiotic Strains.

Camel milk is known as a source of nutritional and health supplements. It is known to be rich in peptides and functional proteins. One main issue facing it is related to its contamination, mainly with aflatoxins. The present study aimed to evaluate camel milk samples from different regions while trying to reduce its toxicity using safe approaches based on probiotic bacteria. Collected samples of camel milk were sourced from two main regions: the Arabic peninsula and North Africa. Samples were tested for their contents of aflatoxins (B1 and M1) using two techniques to ensure desired contamination levels. Additionally, feed materials used in camel foods were evaluated. Applied techniques were also tested for their validation. The antioxidant activity of camel milk samples was determined through total phenolic content and antioxidant activity assays. Two strains of probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus NRC06 and Lactobacillus plantarum NRC21) were investigated for their activity against toxigenic fungi. The result revealed high contamination of aflatoxin M1 for all samples investigated. Furthermore, cross-contamination with aflatoxin B1 was recorded. Investigated bacteria were recorded according to their significant inhibition zones against fungal growth (11 to 40 mm). The antagonistic impacts were between 40% and 70% against toxigenic fungi. Anti-aflatoxigenic properties of bacterial strains in liquid media were recorded according to mycelia inhibition levels between 41 to 52.83% against Aspergillus parasiticus ITEM11 with an ability to reduce aflatoxin production between 84.39% ± 2.59 and 90.4% ± 1.32 from media. Bacteria removed aflatoxins from the spiked camel milk in cases involving individual toxin contamination.