Analytical methods for amatoxins: A comprehensive review.

Amatoxins are toxic bicyclic octapeptides found in certain wild mushroom species, particularly Amanita phalloides. These mushrooms contain predominantly α- and ß-amanitin, which can lead to severe health risks for humans and animals if ingested. Rapid and accurate identification of these toxins in mushroom and biological samples is crucial for diagnosing and treating mushroom poisoning. Analytical methods for the determination of amatoxins are critical to ensure food safety and prompt medical treatment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the research literature on the determination of amatoxins in clinical specimens, biological and mushroom samples. We discuss the physicochemical properties of toxins, highlighting their influence on the choice of the analytical method and the importance of sample preparation, particularly solid-phase extraction with cartridges. Chromatographic methods are emphasised with a focus on liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry as one of the most relevant analytical method for the determination of amatoxins in complex matrices. Furthermore, current trends and future perspectives in amatoxin detection are also suggested.

Computational methods of EEG signals analysis for Alzheimer's disease classification.

Computational analysis of electroencephalographic (EEG) signals have shown promising results in detecting brain disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is a progressive neurological illness that causes neuron cells degeneration, resulting in cognitive impairment. While there is no cure for AD, early diagnosis is critical to improving the quality of life of affected individuals. Here, we apply six computational time-series analysis methods (wavelet coherence, fractal dimension, quadratic entropy, wavelet energy, quantile graphs and visibility graphs) to EEG records from 160 AD patients and 24 healthy controls. Results from raw and wavelet-filtered (alpha, beta, theta and delta bands) EEG signals show that some of the time-series analysis methods tested here, such as wavelet coherence and quantile graphs, can robustly discriminate between AD patients from elderly healthy subjects. They represent a promising non-invasive and low-cost approach to the AD detection in elderly patients.

Brazzein and Monellin: Chemical Analysis, Food Industry Applications, Safety and Quality Control, Nutritional Profile and Health Impacts.

Recently, customers have been keener to buy products manufactured using all-natural ingredients with positive health properties, but without losing flavor. In this regard, the objective of the current study is to review the consumption of brazzein and monellin, their nutritional profiles and health effects, and their potential applications in the food industry. This poses challenges with sustainability and important quality and safety indicators, as well as the chemical processes used to determine them. To better understand the utilization of brazzein and monellin, the chemical analysis of these two natural sweet proteins was also reviewed by placing particular emphasis on their extraction methods, purification and structural characterization. Protein engineering is considered a means to improve the thermal stability of brazzein and monellin to enhance their application in food processing, especially where high temperatures are applied. When the quality and safety of these sweet proteins are well-investigated and the approval from safety authorities is secured, the market for brazzein and monellin as food ingredient substitutes for free sugar will be guaranteed in the future. Ultimately, the review on these two natural peptide sweeteners increases the body of knowledge on alleviating problems of obesity, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.

Safety for the environment of a feed additive consisting of diclazuril (Coxiril®) for chickens reared for laying and pheasants (Huvepharma NV).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety for the environment of diclazuril (Coxiril®) as a coccidiostat feed additive for chickens reared for laying and pheasants. In its previous assessments, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) could not reach a final conclusion on the risk resulting from the use of diclazuril in acid soil from Coxiril®. On the basis of the new data provided, the FEEDAP Panel updates the previous conclusions as follows: no risk is expected for the terrestrial compartment and for sediment when diclazuril is used in chickens reared for laying and to pheasants at the proposed condition of use (in both acidic and non-acidic soils). No concern for groundwater is expected for both acidic and non-acidic soils. Due to the lack of data, no conclusions can be drawn for the aquatic compartment. Diclazuril does not have the potential for bioaccumulation; therefore, a risk of secondary poisoning is unlikely.

Attributable mortality due to nosocomial sepsis in Brazilian hospitals: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Nosocomial sepsis is a major healthcare issue, but there are few data on estimates of its attributable mortality. We aimed to estimate attributable mortality fraction (AF) due to nosocomial sepsis. METHODS: Matched 1:1 case-control study in 37 hospitals in Brazil. Hospitalized patients in participating hospitals were included. Cases were hospital non-survivors and controls were hospital survivors, which were matched by admission type and date of discharge. Exposure was defined as occurrence of nosocomial sepsis, defined as antibiotic prescription plus presence of organ dysfunction attributed to sepsis without an alternative reason for organ failure; alternative definitions were explored. Main outcome measurement was nosocomial sepsis-attributable fractions, estimated using inversed-weight probabilities methods using generalized mixed model considering time-dependency of sepsis occurrence. RESULTS: 3588 patients from 37 hospitals were included. Mean age was 63 years and 48.8% were female at birth. 470 sepsis episodes occurred in 388 patients (311 in cases and 77 in control group), with pneumonia being the most common source of infection (44.3%). Average AF for sepsis mortality was 0.076 (95% CI 0.068-0.084) for medical admissions; 0.043 (95% CI 0.032-0.055) for elective surgical admissions; and 0.036 (95% CI 0.017-0.055) for emergency surgeries. In a time-dependent analysis, AF for sepsis rose linearly for medical admissions, reaching close to 0.12 on day 28; AF plateaued earlier for other admission types (0.04 for elective surgery and 0.07 for urgent surgery). Alternative sepsis definitions yield different estimates. CONCLUSION: The impact of nosocomial sepsis on outcome is more pronounced in medical admissions and tends to increase over time. The results, however, are sensitive to sepsis definitions.

Scientific opinion on the presence of DNA in the feed additive consisting of l-isoleucine produced by Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80185 for all animal species (CJ Europe GmbH).

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on l-isoleucine produced by Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80185 for all animal species. In 2021, the FEEDAP Panel issued an opinion on the safety and efficacy of the product. In that assessment, the FEEDAP Panel could not exclude the potential presence of recombinant DNA derived from the genetically modified production organism in the additive. The applicant provided supplementary data to exclude the presence of recombinant DNA derived from the production organism in the final product. Based on the data provided, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that no DNA of the production strain C. glutamicum KCCM 80185 was detected in the additive.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil obtained from the oleoresin of Pinus pinaster Aiton (pine white oil) for use in all animal species (FEFANA asbl).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of an essential oil obtained from the oleoresin of Pinus pinaster Aiton (pine white oil, also known as turpentine oil), when used as a sensory additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the essential oil under assessment is safe up to the maximum proposed use levels of 35 mg/kg for laying hens, piglets, pigs for fattening, sows, rabbits, salmonids, 50 mg/kg for veal calves (milk replacer), cattle for fattening, dairy cows, horses, dogs and ornamental fish, 20 mg/kg for cats. For the other species, the calculated safe concentrations in complete feed were 25 mg/kg complete feed for chickens for fattening, 33 mg/kg for turkeys for fattening and 14 mg/kg for ornamental birds. These conclusions were extrapolated to other physiologically related species. For any other species, the additive was considered safe at 20 mg/kg complete feed. No concerns for consumers were identified following the use of pine white oil up to the maximum proposed use levels in feed. The additive under assessment should be considered as irritant to skin and eyes, and as a skin and respiratory sensitiser. The use of pine white oil at the proposed use level in feed was not expected to pose a risk for the environment. Pine white oil was recognised to flavour food. Since its function in feed would be essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of a tincture derived from the fruit of Pimpinella anisum L. (anise tincture) for use in all animal species (FEFANA asbl).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a tincture from the fruit of Pimpinella anisum L. (anise tincture) when used as a sensory additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The product is a ■■■■■ solution, with a dry matter content of approximately 1.6%. The product contained on average 0.0414% polyphenols (of which 0.0144% were flavonoids), 0.0009% anisaldehyde, 0.0003% anethole. Estragole (≤ 1.2 mg/kg) was detected in the additive. The estimated maximum content of furocoumarins was 8.2 mg/kg. The use of the anise tincture in feed was not expected to increase the exposure to furocoumarins of those target species that are already fed citrus by-products to a relevant extent (< 10%). For dogs, cats and ornamental fish not normally exposed to citrus by-products, no conclusion could be drawn. The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the anise tincture was safe at the maximum proposed use levels in complete feed of 200 mg/kg for horses and 50 mg/kg for poultry, pigs, ruminants, rabbits and salmonids and other fin fish. Anise tincture should be considered as irritant to skin and eyes, and as a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. Since anise tincture may contain furocoumarins, they may cause phototoxicity. When handling the additive, exposure of unprotected users to estragole may occur. Therefore, to reduce the risk, the exposure of the users should be minimised. The use of the anise tincture as a flavour in animal feed was not expected to pose a risk for the environment. Since the fruit of P. anisum and its preparations were recognised to flavour food and their function in feed would be the same, no demonstration of efficacy was necessary.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of endo-1,4-ß-glucanase produced by Trichoderma citrinoviride IMI 360748 (Hostazym C) for use in all poultry species for fattening and reared for laying/breeding, ornamental birds and piglets (weaned and suckling) (Huvepharma NV).

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of the feed additive containing endo-1,4-ß-glucanase produced by Trichoderma citrinoviride IMI 360748 (Hostazym® C). The product is authorised as a zootechnical additive (functional group: digestibility enhancers) for use in chickens for fattening, minor poultry species for fattening and weaned piglets. This scientific opinion concerns the request for the renewal of the authorisation for the use in those species/categories, and the extension of use to chickens reared for laying, turkeys reared for breeding, minor poultry species reared for laying or breeding, ornamental birds and suckling piglets. The applicant provided evidence that the additive currently in the market complies with the conditions of the authorisation. There is no new evidence that would lead the Panel to reconsider previous conclusions that the additive is safe for the target species, the consumers, and the environment under the authorised conditions of use. This conclusion also applies to the target species for which a request for an extension of use is made. The additive is considered not a skin corrosive or eye irritant, but it should be considered a skin sensitiser. The Panel cannot conclude on the potential of the additive to be a skin irritant. Due to the proteinaceous nature of the active substance, the additive is considered a respiratory sensitiser. The Panel considers that the additive has the potential to be efficacious at 500 CU/kg complete feed in all poultry for fattening, reared for laying or breeding, and ornamental birds, and at 350 CU/kg complete feed in piglets (weaned and suckling, for the period in which solid feed is given).

Safety and efficacy of feed additives consisting of an essential oil and tincture from the berries of Juniperus communis L. (juniper oil and juniper tincture) for use in all animal species (FEFANA asbl).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of juniper oil and juniper tincture obtained from the berries of Juniperus communis L., when used as sensory additives for all animal species. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that juniper oil is safe up to the maximum proposed use levels in complete feed of 5 mg/kg for laying hens, 15 mg/kg for veal calves (milk replacer) and cattle for fattening and 20 mg/kg for ornamental fish. For the other species, the calculated safe concentrations in complete feed were 4 mg/kg for chickens for fattening, 5 mg/kg for turkeys for fattening, 7 mg/kg for piglets, 8 mg/kg for pigs for fattening, 10 mg/kg for sows, dairy cows, 16 mg/kg for sheep, goats and horses, 6 mg/kg for rabbits, 17 mg/kg for salmonids, 18 mg/kg for dogs and 3 mg/kg for cats. These conclusions were extrapolated to other physiologically related species. For any other species, the additive was considered safe at 3 mg/kg complete feed. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that juniper tincture is safe up to the maximum proposed use level in feed of 45 mg/kg complete feed or water for drinking for all animal species. No concerns for consumers and the environment were identified following the use of the additives to the highest safe level in feed. The additives under assessment should be considered as irritants to skin and eyes, and as skin and respiratory sensitisers. Since the berries of J. communis and their preparations are recognised to flavour food and their function in feed would be the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary.

Safety and efficacy of feed additives obtained from the fruit of Pimpinella anisum L.: anise oil for use in poultry and horses and anise tincture for use in poultry, dogs, cats and horses (FEFANA asbl).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of anise oil and anise tincture obtained from the fruit of Pimpinella anisum L., when used as sensory additives. The use of the anise oil at the proposed use level in complete feed of 1.9 mg/kg for laying hens and 5 mg/kg for horses was considered of low concern. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) had no safety concern when anise oil is used at the proposed use levels of 1.5 mg/kg for chickens for fattening and at 1.7 mg/kg for turkeys for fattening. The use of anise tincture at the proposed conditions of use was considered of low concern in dogs, cats, horses and laying hens, and of no concern in chickens for fattening. The use of the additives up to the highest level in feed which was considered of low or no concern for target animals was also expected to be of no concern for consumers. The additives under assessment should be considered as irritants to skin and eyes, and as dermal and respiratory sensitisers. Due to the high concentration of estragole (≥ 1%), anise oil is classified as suspected of causing genetic defects and of causing cancer and should be handled accordingly. When handling anise tincture, exposure of unprotected users to estragole may occur. Therefore, to reduce the risk, the exposure of the users should be minimised. The use of these additives in animal feed was not expected to pose a risk to the environment. Since the fruit of P. anisum and its preparations are recognised to flavour food and their function in feed would be the same, no further demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-3698 and Companilactobacillus sp. CNCM I-3699 for weaned piglets (STI Biotechnologie).

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of Sorbiflore® ADVANCE, a feed additive consisting of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-3698 and Companilactobacillus sp. CNCM I-3699 intended to be used as a zootechnical additive (functional group: other zootechnical additives) in feed for weaned piglets to improve their performance. In a previous opinion, the additive was described as containing viable but not cultivable cells of the two strains in a 1:1 ratio, with a minimum of total lactic acid bacteria counts of 5 × 108 viable-forming units (VFU)/g additive. However, in that opinion, the Panel could not fully characterise the additive or conclude on its dermal/ocular irritancy or sensitisation potential. In the current assessment, the applicant provided supplementary information to address the missing information for the characterisation of the additive. The proposed methodology to discriminate and individually quantify the two strains composing the additive still presented limitations. Therefore, the Panel concluded that the data available do not allow to fully characterise the additive. The Panel was not in the position to conclude on the taxonomical identification of the strain CNCM I-3699, and consequently, on its eligibility for the application of the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach. Therefore, the previous conclusions on the safety of the additive based on the QPS approach could not be confirmed. The Panel was not in the position to conclude on the safety of the additive for the target species, consumer and the environment. Sorbiflore® ADVANCE is not irritant to skin. The Panel could not conclude on the eye irritancy or skin sensitisation potential of the additive.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Saccharomyces cerevisiae DBVPG 48 SF (BioCell®) for horses, pigs and ruminants (Mazzoleni S.p.A.).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of Saccharomyces cerevisiae DBVPG 48 SF (BioCell®) as a zootechnical feed additive for horses, pigs and ruminants. The product, manufactured in three formulations (microsphere, micropellet and powder), is intended for use in complete feed at a minimum inclusion level of 3 × 109 CFU/kg complete feed for horses, 4 × 108 CFU/kg complete feed for dairy cows and minor dairy species, 4 × 109 CFU/kg complete feed for calves, cattle for fattening, minor growing and fattening ruminants, piglets and pigs for fattening and minor porcine species and 6 × 109 CFU/kg complete feed for sows and minor porcine species for reproduction. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is considered by EFSA to be suitable for the qualified presumption of safety approach to safety assessment. The identity of the strain was conclusively established and, therefore, the use of the additive in animal nutrition is considered safe for the target species, the consumer and the environment. The additive, in any formulation, is not irritant to the eyes and skin but should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. The Panel cannot conclude on the skin sensitisation potential of the additive. The Panel concluded that the additive has the potential to be efficacious at the proposed conditions of use for horses, dairy ruminants and all pigs. However, the Panel was not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of the additive for calves, and neither for cattle for fattening, minor growing and fattening ruminants.

Efficacy of a feed additive consisting of 6-phytase produced by Komagataella phaffii CGMCC 12056 (APSA PHYTAFEED® 20,000 GR/L) for pigs for fattening (Andrés Pintaluba S.A).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the efficacy of 6-phytase produced by the genetically modified strain Komagataella phaffii CGMCC 12056 (APSA PHYTAFEED® 20,000 GR/L) as a zootechnical feed additive (functional group: digestibility enhancers) for pigs for fattening at a minimum recommended level of 1,000 U /kg feed. In a previous assessment, three trials were submitted; one of them showed significant improvements on zootechnical parameters supporting the efficacy of the additive. The other two trials evaluating apparent faecal phosphorus digestibility and bone mineralisation, showed no improvements on phosphorus retention in bone and, therefore, the FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the efficacy of the additive. The applicant submitted two new efficacy studies in pigs for fattening evaluating the animal's zootechnical performance, apparent faecal phosphorus digestibility and bone mineralisation. One of the trials was not considered due to high rates of mortality, culling of animals and medical treatments applied. In the other trial, significant improvements on final body weight and apparent total track phosphorus digestibility were found in the animals that received the phytase at 1,000 U/kg complete feed. Owing to the lack of sufficient data, the FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the efficacy of the additive in pigs for fattening.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DSM 11520 for horses, dogs, cats and pet rabbits (Animal Probiotics Sweden AB).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DSM 11520 when used as a technological additive (acidity regulator) in feed for horses, dogs, cats and pet rabbits. The additive is intended to be incorporated into oat-derived products (ca. 55% moisture content), carrot root-derived products (≥ 90% moisture) and coconut flesh-derived products (≥ 90% moisture) at a minimum inclusion level of 8.0 × 1010 CFU/kg of the feed material under scope. The bacterial species L. plantarum is considered by EFSA to be suitable for the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach to safety assessment. The identity of the strain has been clearly established and it did not show acquired resistance to antibiotics of human and veterinary importance. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the use of this strain in animal nutrition is safe for the target species, consumers of horse meat and the environment. Regarding the user safety, the additive Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DSM 11520 is not irritant to skin or eyes in the product tested containing maltodextrin and oat bran as carriers, but owing to its proteinaceous nature, it should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. No conclusions can be drawn on the skin sensitisation potential of the additive. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that incorporation of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DSM 11520 at a minimum concentration of 8.0 × 1010 CFU/kg into oat-derived products (ca. 55% moisture content), carrot root-derived products (≥ 90% moisture) and coconut flesh-derived products (≥ 90% moisture) has the potential to reduce the pH of these feedingstuffs.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) produced by fermentation with Ensifer adhaerens CGMCC 19596 for all animal species (Hebei Huarong Pharmaceutical Co. ltd).

The vitamin B12 (in the form of cyanocobalamin) under assessment is produced by fermentation with Ensifer adhaerens CGMCC 19596 and it is intended to be used as a nutritional additive for all animal species. Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of cyanocobalamin, produced by fermentation with E. adhaerens CGMCC 19596. Cyanocobalamin produced by other strains of E. adhaerens is already authorised for use in animal species. ■■■■■ However no viable cells nor DNA of the production strain were detected in the additive. Therefore, cyanocobalamin produced by E. adhaerens CGMCC 19596 does not raise safety concerns as regards to the production strain. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that cyanocobalamin produced by fermentation with E. adhaerens CGMCC 19596 is considered safe for all animal species. The use of cyanocobalamin in animal nutrition is of no concern for consumer safety. Cyanocobalamin is non-irritant to skin and non-irritant to eyes. No conclusions could be drawn on the potential of the additive to be a skin sensitiser. The potential endotoxin activity of the additive is unlikely to represent a hazard for users. The use of the additive under assessment in animal nutrition is considered safe for the environment. Cyanocobalamin produced by E. adhaerens CGMCC 19596 is effective in meeting animal's nutritional requirements when administered via feed.

Safety and efficacy of feed additives consisting of sodium ferrocyanide and potassium ferrocyanide for all animal species (Eusalt a.i.s.b.l.).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of potassium and sodium ferrocyanide as technological feed additives for all animal species. The additives sodium- and potassium ferrocyanide are intended to be used in sodium chloride with a maximum content of 80 mg ferrocyanide anion (anhydrous)/kg salt. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the use of sodium ferrocyanide and potassium ferrocyanide is safe, when added to sodium chloride at a maximum content of 80 mg ferrocyanide anion/kg for: turkey for fattening and laying hens and other laying/breeding birds; all porcine species and categories, all ruminant species and categories, rabbit, horse, salmonids and other minor fin fish, dogs and cats. In the absence of a margin of safety, the use of sodium and potassium chloride according to the proposed conditions of use is not considered to be safe for chickens for fattening and other poultry species for fattening or reared for laying/breeding other than turkeys. In the absence of information on the use of sodium chloride in the diets for any other animal species, no conclusion on a potentially safe level of sodium chloride, supplemented with 80 mg ferrocyanide anions (anhydrous)/kg, could be made. The use of sodium and potassium ferrocyanide in animal nutrition under the conditions of use proposed is of no concern for consumer safety. The results of in vivo studies showed that sodium and potassium ferrocyanide are not irritant to skin and eye and are not skin sensitisers. However, owing to the presence of nickel, sodium ferrocyanide, is considered a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. No conclusions could be reached on the safety of the user exposed via inhalation for potassium ferrocyanide. The use of sodium and potassium ferrocyanide as feed additives is considered safe for the environment. The additives are considered to be efficacious as anticaking agents in sodium chloride at the proposed use level.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of halofuginone hydrobromide (STENOROL®) for chickens for fattening and turkeys for fattening/reared for breeding (Huvepharma N.V.).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a new scientific opinion on the coccidiostat halofuginone hydrobromide (STENOROL®) when used as a feed additive for chickens for fattening and turkeys for fattening/reared for breeding. The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concludes that the safety for turkeys for fattening established in its previous opinion can be extended to turkeys for breeding up to 12 weeks of age. Based on the new data provided on the safety for consumer, environment and efficacy, the Panel updates its previous conclusions as follows: halofuginone hydrobromide is not genotoxic. Applying an uncertainty factor of 100 to the lowest no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 0.03 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day, an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0.3 µg halofuginone/kg bw is established. The chronic exposure of consumers to residues of halofuginone would amount to 6-19% of the ADI after 3 days of withdrawal. Therefore, the Panel considers that the additive is safe for the consumer of tissues obtained from chickens for fattening and turkeys for fattening fed the additive at a maximum level of 3 mg/kg complete feed at a 3-day withdrawal time. For control purposes, the Panel recommends the setting of the following maximum residue limits (MRLs): liver, 50 µg/kg; kidney, 40 µg/kg; muscle, 3 µg/kg; skin/fat, 10 µg/kg wet tissue. Based on an updated environmental risk assessment, no concern for groundwater is expected. Halofuginone is unlikely to bioaccumulate and the risk of secondary poisoning is not likely to occur. No safety concerns are expected for terrestrial and aquatic environments. The additive has the potential to control coccidiosis in chickens for fattening and turkeys for fattening/reared for breeding up to 12 weeks of age at a minimum level of 2 mg/kg complete feed.

Safety of a feed additive consisting of lignosulphonate for all animal species (Borregaard AS).

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of lignosulphonate, when used as a technological additive (functional group: binders) in feed for all animal species. In two previous assessments, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that the maximum level proposed of 10,000 mg lignosulphonate/kg complete feed is safe for weaned piglets, pigs for fattening, chickens for fattening, laying hens and cattle for fattening, but a margin of safety could not be identified. Consequently, these conclusions could not be extrapolated to other animal species/categories. In the current application, the applicant proposed to reduce the maximum content of lignosulphonate in feed for all animal species to 8,000 mg/kg complete feed. The results of two newly submitted tolerance studies allowed the Panel to conclude that 8,000 mg lignosulphonate/kg complete feed is also safe for dairy cows and salmonids, with a margin of safety of at least 1.25. Considering the results of the studies previously assessed and those of the two new tolerance studies, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that lignosulphonate is safe for all animal species when used at a maximum content of 8,000 mg/kg complete feed.

Distributed embodiment of metaphorical hope in hand, head, and eyebrow gestures.

This study aimed to examine the embodied conceptualization of hope through metaphors. We asked a group of participants to discuss their hopes in a semi-structured interview. We examined the types of hand, head, and eyebrow gestures produced when they were talking about their future hopes. The obtained results showed that when participants talked about their future hopes, they mainly used forward hand gestures, rightward head gestures, and upward eyebrow gestures. Based on these results, it is suggested that various semantic components and emotional associations of hope are metaphorically embodied in different manners in various parts of the body. The future aspect of hope is conceptualized as a forward movement and is embodied as a forward hand gesture. The good or positive emotional aspect associated with future hopes is metaphorically conceptualized as a rightward head gesture or an upward eyebrow gesture. We call this process distributed embodiment of a metaphorical concept. Our proposal is supported by the findings of past studies that have found future is metaphorically embodied as something in front of us (or forward movement), and good is metaphorically embodied as upper space (or upward movement) or right side (or rightward movement).