Geographical Origin Research Articles

Influence of regional and yearly weather patterns on multi-mycotoxin occurrence in Austrian wheat: a liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric and multivariate statistics approach.

Mycotoxin surveys play an essential role in our food safety system. The obtained occurrence data form the basis for the assessment of the exposure of humans and animals to these toxic fungal secondary metabolites. Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has become the gold standard for mycotoxin determination because it enables selective and sensitive multi-toxin analysis. Simultaneous determination of several hundreds of secondary fungal metabolites is feasible using this technique. In this study, we combined a targeted dilute-and-shoot LC-MS/MS-based multi-analyte approach with multivariate statistics for the analysis of Austrian wheat from two different years and different geographical origins. We quantified 47 secondary fungal metabolites, including regulated emerging and masked mycotoxins. The resulting multi-mycotoxin occurrence data were further analyzed using both multivariate and univariate statistics. Principal component analysis (PCA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) simultaneous component analysis (ASCA) were employed to identify regional and yearly trends within the dataset and to quantify the variance in metabolite occurrence attributed to the different effects. In addition, secondary fungal metabolites significantly impacted by these factors were selected via ANOVA. Of the 47 secondary metabolites identified, 39 were affected by the year, region or a combined effect. Moreover, our findings show that 43 of the secondary fungal metabolites were significantly influenced by the weather conditions. The results presented in this study underline the added value of combining targeted LC-MS/MS with multivariate statistics for monitoring a broad spectrum of secondary fungal metabolites in food crops. Through multivariate statistics, trends associated with the year or region can be readily studied. The approach presented could pave the way for a better understanding of the impact of climate change on plant pathogenic fungi and its implications for food safety. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Delayed Luminescence in Monitoring the Postharvest Ripening of Tomato Fruit and Classifying According to Their Maturity Stage at Harvest

AbstractRipening is an irreversible phenomenon involving several physiological, biochemical and organoleptic changes that affect the nutritional value, colour, texture and taste of fruit. Amongst the physical non-destructive technologies, Delayed Luminescence (DL) has been reported able to provide valid information on the functional status of living biological systems, reflecting changes in quality parameters following the occurrence of certain metabolic processes. In this study, we followed up and analysed the variations in the colour and DL signals emitted by tomato fruit as a function of their ripening degree. Four lots of tomato fruit, similar to each other for cultivar and geographical origin, were considered. Tomatoes were harvested at various maturity stages and stored in the dark at room temperature. The changes in DL emission trends were monitored at different times after harvesting for a period of about 20 days and correlated with the a*/b* colour ratio, which is normally used as an indicator of fruit ripeness degree. Results highlighted that the emission intensities, as well as the parameters by fitting DL decay curves, were strongly dependent on harvest maturity, varying significantly even as fruit ripeness progressed after their harvesting. Significant differences were also found between DL signals emitted by field-ripened tomatoes at the beginning of storage and those emitted by postharvest-ripened tomatoes at the end of the storage period. Delayed Luminescence may be used as a fast, reliable and sensitive tool for evaluating, more generally, the sensorial quality of fruit during postharvest storage.

Regional features of camel milk composition and properties in the Republic of Kazakhstan

Camel milk, renowned for its distinctive nutritional qualities, has captured the interest of scientific researchers due to its potential health benefits. This study aims to compare the biochemical composition of camel milk sourced from two distinct regions of Kazakhstan: Jetisu and Mangystou. Analytical methods were employed to achieve this objective, including gas chromatography for fatty acid analysis, chemical methods for physicochemical parameter determination, and assessment of amino acid, fatty acid, mineral, and vitamin content. In samples from the Jetisu region, protein content ranged from 3.61% to 3.70%, fat from 3.85% to 4.64%, and lactose from 4.80% to 4.85%. In comparison, samples from the Mangystou region exhibited protein content ranging from 3.65% to 3.81%, fat from 4.72% to 5.75%, and lactose from 4.21% to 4.28%. Regarding amino acid composition, Mangystou region samples contained more essential amino acids per 100 g of protein than Jetisu region samples: 41.29 g versus 38.20 g, respectively. Additionally, the Jetisu region sample contained 64.291% saturated fatty acids, while the Mangystou region sample had 62.135%, indicating differences in fatty acid composition based on geographical origin. In terms of mineral composition, camel milk from the Mangystou region exhibited higher calcium and zinc content compared to Jetisu region samples, with calcium and zinc content measured at 124.50 mg/100 g and 490.15 μg/100 g, respectively, for Mangystou samples, and 112.50 mg/100 g and 321.24 μg/100 g, respectively, for Jetisu samples. Overall, the study underscores regional variances in camel milk's biochemical composition, which can impact its nutritional and biological value. These findings provide dairy product producers in Kazakhstan with enhanced opportunities to create healthy, high-quality dairy products.

A 1179-yr (417–1595 CE) tree-ring oxygen isotope chronology for northern Japan validated using the 774–775 CE radiocarbon spike

Abstract We present an annual-resolution, millennium-long tree-ring chronology for northern Japan. The chronology is based on 5309 measurements of tree-ring δ18O from 37 samples of Hiba arbor-vitae (Thujopsis dolabrata var. hondae). Although the exact geographical origin of 27 of the samples is unknown because they were extracted from excavated archaeological material, pattern matching of the tree-ring δ18O variations was robust among all 37 samples. The floating chronology constructed using all samples was cross-dated against a previously published δ18O chronology from central Japan, yielding a correlation coefficient of 0.26 (t = 9.0; p < 0.01), resulting in a temporal coverage of 417–1595 CE (i.e., 1179 yrs). The global 14C spike event at 774–775 CE was clearly recorded in the annual 14C data, which provides independent support for the dating of tree rings using oxygen isotopes. Furthermore, this δ18O chronology from northern Japan was used to successfully cross-date a wood sample buried during the “Millennium Eruption” of Baitoushan, which is located on the border between China and North Korea.

Cardiovascular health and cancer risk associated with plant based diets: An umbrella review.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and cancer are the two main leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Suboptimal diet, poor in vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grain, and rich in processed and red meat, refined grains, and added sugars, is a primary modifiable risk factor. Based on health, economic and ethical concerns, plant-based diets have progressively widespread worldwide. This umbrella review aims at assessing the impact of animal-free and animal-products-free diets (A/APFDs) on the risk factors associated with the development of cardiometabolic diseases, cancer and their related mortalities. PubMed and Scopus were searched for reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published from 1st January 2000 to 31st June 2023, written in English and involving human subjects of all ages. Primary studies and reviews/meta-analyses based on interventional trials which used A/APFDs as a therapy for people with metabolic diseases were excluded. The umbrella review approach was applied for data extraction and analysis. The revised AMSTAR-R 11-item tool was applied to assess the quality of reviews/meta-analyses. Overall, vegetarian and vegan diets are significantly associated with better lipid profile, glycemic control, body weight/BMI, inflammation, and lower risk of ischemic heart disease and cancer. Vegetarian diet is also associated with lower mortality from CVDs. On the other hand, no difference in the risk of developing gestational diabetes and hypertension were reported in pregnant women following vegetarian diets. Study quality was average. A key limitation is represented by the high heterogeneity of the study population in terms of sample size, demography, geographical origin, dietary patterns, and other lifestyle confounders. Plant-based diets appear beneficial in reducing cardiometabolic risk factors, as well as CVDs, cancer risk and mortality. However, caution should be paid before broadly suggesting the adoption of A/AFPDs since the strength-of-evidence of study results is significantly limited by the large study heterogeneity alongside the potential risks associated with potentially restrictive regimens.

The Economics of Geographical Indications: An Update

We discuss the economics of geographical indications (GIs), a form of collective branding of products based on their geographic origin. GIs serve as essential tools in addressing market failures stemming from information asymmetries and supporting the provision of high-quality products in competitive settings. They are increasingly used in wine and food markets. We briefly review the institutional development of GIs and discuss the basic economic theory arguments that rationalize the use of GIs and characterize their key functions. We then examine the empirical evidence from studies that have probed various features of GIs. We find consensus on the potential for GIs to address a very real market failure and the positive role that policies and supporting institutions can play. We also uncover limitations and unresolved problems. GIs have both efficiency and distributional consequences, their international implications remain controversial, and tensions between tradition and innovation emerge while confronting new challenges such as climate change.

Exploring cannabidiol variations, investigation of genetic diversity, population structure and unveiling male-specific genetic marker in industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)

AbstractCannabis sativa played a pivotal role across different industries. Recently, industrial hemp, particularly in the case of Cannabidiol (CBD), gained attention for its therapeutic potential. This study evaluated cannabinoid variability and genetic diversity within 43 industrial hemp individuals, primarily Turkish, across various plant parts and growth stages, and inflorescences of females showed significant CBD content. The highest contents were observed in Turkish landraces (0.55–8.05% with an average of 3.26%), making them valuable genetic resources for high CBD. Genetic structure revealed distinct populations based on gender and influenced by geographical origin. Analysis of Molecular Variance showed 92% of genetic variation observed within populations and indicated a promising source of novel allelic diversity in the Turkish gene pool. Turkish females showed significant genetic diversity [No. of Different Alleles (Na) 1.507, No. of Effective Alleles (Ne) 1.226, Shannon’s Information Index (I) 0.258, and Percentage of Polymorphic Loc (%P) 74.91], exhibiting richer genetic variation than their international peers. Principal Coordinate Analysis unveiled gender-specific genetic differences, and admixture clusters shed light on genetic interactions and historical connections among diverse populations. Unweighted Pair-Group Method with Arithmetic Averaging highlighted unique genetic profiles and distinct genetic lineages. Genome-wide association study revealed a highly significant male-specific genetic marker explained 50% of the phenotypic variation. These findings inform future breeding strategies and conservation efforts and contribute to varietal identification methods, Marker-Assisted Selection, and efficient cultivar development in upcoming programs.

Adaptability parameters of the trait ‘1000-grain weight’ of spring barley in the conditions of the Ryazan region

The purpose of the current work was to study the ecological adaptability and stability of the trait ‘1000-grain weight’ of spring barley varieties of different ecological and geographical origins over three years of research in the conditions of the Ryazan region. To analyze and study this issue 26 varieties of the collection nursery were studied on the fields of the laboratory of breeding and primary seed production of ISA, a branch of the FSBI FRAEC VIM, located in the forest-steppe agroclimatic zone of the Ryazan region in 2021–2023. To calculate the adaptability parameters, there were used the following coefficients and indicators: adaptability coefficient (AC), yield range (d, %), homeostatic index (Homi), variety yield stability level index (VISLi, %), environmental adaptability (a linear regression coefficient) (bi), stability of the trait (σd2), index of environmental conditions (Ij), stability factor (SF), genetic flexibility of the variety (Ymin+Ymax/2), stress resistance (Ymin–Ymax) and coefficient of responsiveness to favorable growing conditions (Cr), calculated using appropriate methods. The study has established that the dominant influence (66.4 %) on the variability of the trait ‘1000-grain weight’ of the studied varieties is made by the factor “year” (growth and development conditions). A significant contribution to the formation of the indicator “weight of 1000 grains” is made by the meteorological conditions of the grain filling phase (July) – HTC (r = +0.722 p = 0.01) and the amount of precipitation (r = +0.637, p = 0.01). 80.8 % of the 26 varieties studied belonged to the large-grain group (1000-grain weight was more than 50.0 g), the average varietal yield of the varieties was quite high with 6.84 t/ha. Based on the principle of ranking the obtained indicators of adaptability of the trait ‘1000-grain weight’ and its components, there were identified the varieties ‘Dobry’, ‘Magutny’ (Republic of Belarus) and ‘Lenetah’ (USA), which took, respectively, first, second and third places in the rating scale. It can be recommended to involve these varieties in a breeding crossbreeding program to increase grain size.

Classifying PDO Kalamata Olive Oil from Geographic Origins of the Messenia Region based on Statistical Machine Learning

Kalamata is a smart city located in southeastern Greece in the Mediterranean basin and it is the capital of the Messenia regional unit. It is known for the famous Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Kalamata olive oil produced mainly from the Koroneiki olive variety. The PDO Kalamata olive oil, established by Council regulation (EC) No 510/2006, owes its quality and special characteristics to the geographical environment, olive tree variety, and human factor. The PDO Kalamata olive oil is produced exclusively in the regional unit of Messenia, being the main profit of local farmers. However, soil chemical composition, microclimates, and agronomic factors are changed within the Messenia spatial area leading to differentiation of PDO Kalamata olive oil characteristic. In this paper, we use statistical machine learning algorithms to determine the geographical origin of Kalamata olive oil at PDO level based on synchronous excitation−emission fluorescence spectroscopy of olive oils. Evaluations of the statistical models are promising for differentiating the origin of PDO Kalamata olive oil with high values of prediction accuracy thus enabling companies that process and bottle kalamata olive oil to choose olive oil from a specific region of Messenia that fulfills certain characteristics. Concretely, the current research effort focuses on a specific olive oil variety within a limited geographic region. Intuitively, future research should also focus on validation of the proposed methodology to other olive oil varieties and production areas.

Unexpected effect of geographic origin on post‐translocation survival in a long‐lived reptile, the gopher tortoise

AbstractMitigation translocations move wildlife from specific areas due to conflict with humans over land use at the site. A critical decision when carrying out mitigation translocation is the acceptable distance across which animals can be moved. This decision trades off logistical expediency of unrestricted translocation with the risk of reducing translocation success due to environmental mismatch between origin and translocation site conditions. In this study, we used a large dataset of 502 individually identifiable carcasses to examine the role of geographic origin and translocation distance in the relative survival of 2822 translocated subadult and adult gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus), a species experiencing large‐scale mitigation translocation, at a recipient site in the Florida panhandle, USA. We hypothesized that if climate or habitat differences between the origin and translocation site influenced survival, tortoises translocated from within the Florida panhandle would have the highest survival. To the contrary, we found that survival slightly increased with increasing climatic difference between origin and recipient site, driven by higher survival of tortoises coming from central Florida sites compared to those from the panhandle and north Florida. This suggests that environmental mismatch due to long‐distance translocation is not a main driver of mortality. These models also indicated an effect of season, with a survival advantage to tortoises translocated in the spring and late fall, relative to summer translocations, and a negative effect of initial density on survival. Finally, we also estimated the upper bound on annual survival in three well‐monitored groups to be quite low (92–95%) for several years following release, suggesting caution when considering large translocated populations to be viable without first assessing adult survival. Our unexpected results highlight the importance of investigating species‐specific sensitivities to translocation distances and indicate the limitations of assumed linear effects of translocation distance on outcomes.

Forensic Geochemistry Reveals International Ship Dumping as a Source of New Oil Spill in Brazil's Coastline (Bahia) in Late 2023.

In the present study, we applied forensic geochemistry to investigate the origin and fate of spilled oils like tarballs stranded at the beaches of Bahia, in northeastern Brazil, in September 2023, based on their fingerprints. Saturated and aromatic compounds were assessed by gas chromatography, and the oceanic surface circulation patterns were deciphered to determine the geographic origin of the spill. Contamination by petroleum represents an enormous threat to the unique, species-rich ecosystems of the study area. The geochemical fingerprint of the oil spilled in 2023 did not correlate with those of previous events, including the one in 2019, the one in early 2022 in Ceará, and an extensive spill across the Brazilian Northeast in late 2022. However, the fingerprint did correlate with crude oils produced by Middle Eastern countries, most likely Kuwait. The oil of the 2023 spill had a carbonate marine origin from early mature source rocks. These findings, together with the moderate weathering of the 2023 tarballs and the ocean circulation patterns at the time of the event, indicate that the oil was discharged close to the shore of Brazil, to the east or southeast of Salvador, by a tanker on an international route in the South Atlantic.

Influence of geographical origin in the physical and bioactive parameters of single origin dark chocolate

AbstractDark chocolate presents exclusive characteristics that make it a food product with worldwide consumption and also as an ingredient in several food industries. Although chocolate is an energy-dense food, it is also rich in bioactive compounds and recent studies have demonstrated health benefits from a moderate consumption. Therefore, the quantification of the bioactive compounds of different types of cocoa, from different geographical origins, is of great importance to recognize the importance of single origin dark chocolate from the nutritional point of view. Dark chocolate produced from Amelonado variety presented higher values of hardness (5592 g), plastic viscosity (2.87 Pa.s) and yield value (12.91 Pa). Both dark chocolates from Peru, Piura Blanco and Chuncho, presented higher results in total phenolic content, total antioxidant capacity, caffeine and vitamin E. Additionally, sample Piura Blanco presented a higher content of theobromine (720.7 mg/100 g), lactic acid (1153.2 mg/100 g), succinic acid (679.4 mg/100 g) and oxalic acid (468.5 mg/100 g). On the other hand, chocolate from São Tomé presented a higher content of sucrose (38.22%) and SFA (62.38% of total fat). The results obtained demonstrate the existence of heterogeneity in cocoa varieties, supporting decision-makers in the selection of the most suitable cocoa for specific market needs.

Differentiation of Polygonatum Cyrtonema Hua from Different Geographical Origins by near-Infrared Spectroscopy with Chemometrics.

The identification of the geographical origin of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua is of particular importance because the quality and market value of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua from different production areas are highly variable due to differences in the growing environment and climatic conditions. This study utilized near-infrared spectra (NIR) of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (n = 400) to develop qualitative models for effective differentiation of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua from various regions. The models were produced under different conditions to distinguish the origins distinctly. Ten pre-processing methods have been used to pre-process the original spectra (OS) and to select the most optimal spectral pre-processing method. Principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were employed to determine appropriate models. For simplicity, the pretreated full spectrum was calculated by different wavelength selection methods, and the four most significant variables were selected as discriminant indicator variables. The results show that Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua from different regions can be effectively distinguished using spectra from a series of samples analyzed by OPLS-DA. The accuracy of the OPLS-DA model is also satisfactory, with a good differentiation rate. The study findings indicate the feasibility of using spectroscopy in combination with multivariate analysis to identify the geographical origins of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua. The utilization of near-infrared spectroscopy combined with chemometrics exhibits high efficacy in discerning the provenance of herbal medicines and foods, thereby facilitating quality assurance measures.

Potential of MALDI-TOF MS biotyping to detect deltamethrin resistance in the dengue vector Aedes aegypti.

Insecticide resistance in mosquitoes is spreading worldwide and represents a growing threat to vector control. Insecticide resistance is caused by different mechanisms including higher metabolic detoxication, target-site modification, reduced penetration and behavioral changes that are not easily detectable with simple diagnostic methods. Indeed, most molecular resistance diagnostic tools are costly and labor intensive and then difficult to use for routine monitoring of insecticide resistance. The present study aims to determine whether mosquito susceptibility status against the pyrethroid insecticides (mostly used for mosquito control) could be established by the protein signatures of legs and/or thoraxes submitted to MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry (MS). The quality of MS spectra for both body parts was controlled to avoid any bias due to unconformity protein profiling. The comparison of MS profiles from three inbreeds Ae. aegypti lines from French Guiana (IRF, IR03, IR13), with distinct deltamethrin resistance genotype / phenotype and the susceptible reference laboratory line BORA (French Polynesia), showed different protein signatures. On both body parts, the analysis of whole protein profiles revealed a singularity of BORA line compared to the three inbreeding lines from French Guiana origin, suggesting that the first criteria of differentiation is the geographical origin and/or the breeding history rather than the insecticide susceptibility profile. However, a deeper analysis of the protein profiles allowed to identify 10 and 11 discriminating peaks from leg and thorax spectra, respectively. Among them, a specific peak around 4870 Da was detected in legs and thoraxes of pyrethroid resistant lines compared to the susceptible counterparts hence suggesting that MS profiling may be promising to rapidly distinguish resistant and susceptible phenotypes. Further work is needed to confirm the nature of this peak as a deltamethrin resistant marker and to validate the routine use of MS profiling to track insecticide resistance in Ae. aegypti field populations.

Marsh-orchids of Canada: long-standing mysteries partially solved

SummaryBetween 1959 and 1988, three populations of purple-flowered terrestrial orchids attributable to Dactylorhiza subgenus Dactylorhiza were discovered in Canada. The populations at Timmins, Ontario, and St John's, Newfoundland were strongly marked on both flowers and leaves, in contrast with the anthocyanin-deficient population at Tilt Cove, Newfoundland. All three populations have since experienced a wide range of taxonomic assignments; debates are also ongoing regarding their origin and most appropriate conservation status. Here, we address these questions by combining detailed in situ morphometric analyses based on 52 characters with allozyme profiles and data from nrITS, 15 plastid microsatellites and seven nuclear microsatellites. The allozyme data alone are sufficient to both confirm allopolyploidy and categorically refute past assignments of these populations to D. incarnata, D. maculata, D. fuchsii, D. majalis or D. purpurella. Several morphometric characters, nuclear microsatellites and nrITS all reliably distinguish each of the three study populations, whereas the two sampled subpopulations from St John's proved near-identical morphologically. In contrast, morphological variation within each of the three populations is strikingly low, particularly in characters other than those influenced by plant vigour. Similarly, compared with 14 European populations, the three Canadian populations proved genetically impoverished (two were near-invariant) and likely experienced recent, extreme genetic bottlenecks during establishment. The three populations differ substantially, both morphologically and molecularly, therefore probably representing independent immigration events. Although clearly attributable to D. praetermissa, all three populations deviate significantly in morphology and DNA data from comparable populations sampled across Europe, preventing identification of their precise geographic origins. Any attempt to determine their mode or origin — through natural long-distance transport, or accidental or deliberate introduction by humans – is challenged to explain why three lineages of a single European Marsh-orchid species, each in different ways atypical of that species, arrived independently in North America whereas no other European dactylorchid species has become established there.

EMBODIED CARBON EVALUATION IN EARLY-STAGE DESIGN STUDENTS’ PROJECTS AS PART OF A SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT CURRICULUM

ABSTRACT The building industry causes 40% of global carbon emissions, out of which more than a quarter is constituted by the individual constructions’ embodied carbon. The latter figure takes into consideration not only the selection of materials, the energy needed for their production, and their renewal until the end of the building's life cycle, but also their geographic origin relative to the building's location. The scientific method used to determine this figure, the so-called Life-cycle Assessment (LCA), of new and reused constructions, occupies an important role in the way the architectural profession can address climate change. These efforts are not limited to research and practice, but include the introduction of LCA tools as part of architectural education, with the ultimate goal of establishing energy-efficiency as an intuitive component of the architect's design process. In this paper, the authors investigate the opportunities and pedagogical issues encountered over the course of a second-year undergraduate design studio, during which the life cycle assessment of embodied carbon was introduced as an integral part of the project syllabus. On the one hand, the results reveal the substantial energy-saving potential provided through the use of LCA tools, with more than 50% carbon saving potential provided through the exchange of concrete with cross-laminated timber, but on the other hand they manifest the difficulty of attracting the students’ attention for such exercises during a design studio.

Winter-ground microhabitat use by differently coloured phenotypes affects return rate in a long-distance migratory bird.

Migratory bird populations are declining globally at alarming rates. Non-breeding site conditions affect breeding populations, but generalising non-breeding habitat conditions over large spatial regions cannot address potential fine-scale differences across landscapes or local populations. Plumage characteristics can mediate the effects of environmental conditions on individual fitness. However, whether different phenotypes use distinctive non-breeding sites, and whether they respond to non-breeding site conditions differently remains largely unknown. Stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N, δ2H) of inert tissues are useful to infer habitat characteristics and geographic origins where those tissues were grown. We collected winter-grown feathers from pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) on their breeding grounds over several years from males whose dorsal plumage colouration ranged continuously from brown to black and assessed their stable isotope values as proxies of local habitat conditions. Based on feather δ2H profiles we found that browner males spent their non-breeding season in drier habitats than black males. Assignment to origin analysis shows potential regional non-breeding ground separation between differently coloured males. High within-individual repeatability of both δ13C and δ15N indicate the pied flycatcher males return yearly to similar areas. Blacker males were more likely to return to the breeding grounds after dry years compared with brown males. The opposite was found in wet years. Our study demonstrates that different phenotypes are exposed to different non-breeding site conditions which can differentially affect individual survivorship. This has important ramifications for population dynamics under predicted climate change scenarios where especially brown phenotype pied flycatcher males may be under a risk of decreasing.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Toxoplasma gondii Infection of Cattle and Goats in Farms of Hunan Province, China.

Background: Toxoplasmosis is one of the most widespread foodborne parasitic zoonoses caused by the obligate intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. Although a number of studies have reported on the seroprevalence and risk factors of T. gondii infection in ruminants in China, information about T. gondii infection in cattle in Hunan province of China is not available. Material and Methods: Sera of 985 cattle and 1147 goats were examined for the presence of specific antibodies against T. gondii using the indirect hemagglutination test. Some risk factors related to the presence of cats, herd size, gender, age, and geographical origin were determined using a binary logistic regression. Results: Specific IgG against T. gondii were detected in 8.3% (82/985) and 13.3% (153/1147) of the cattle and goats, respectively. Based on statistical analysis, the presence of cats and gender were considered important risk factors for T. gondii infection in cattle and goats in the farms in this study (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results provide a baseline for future prevention and control of T. gondii infection in cattle and goats in Hunan province, subtropical China. This is the first report of T. gondii seroprevalence in cattle in Hunan province, China.

Markers for meat provenance and authenticity with an account of its defining factors and quality characteristics - a review.

Provenance is becoming increasingly important in meat supply chains as it lends products higher perceived quality. However, its precise definition and interpretation along with its associated characteristics factors have remained somewhat elusive. This review meticulously defines meat provenance while dissecting the essential factors and associated quality attributes that constitute its essence and are subsequently employed to establish pertinent markers for provenance. Meat provenance emerges as a multi-dimensional construct stemming from the adept management of a constellation of factors relating to geographical origin, farm production system, traceability, and authenticity. Through intricate interactions, these factors unveil innate originality that not only forges a distinct reputation but also imparts a unique typicity to the meat product. Gaining insights into a meat product's provenance becomes attainable by scrutinizing its pertinent composition and organoleptic quality traits. Trace elements and stable isotopes stand out as provenance markers, forging a direct connection to both geographical origin and dietary sources. While somewhat less direct in linkage, other markers such as plant biomarkers, fatty acid composition, pH levels, flavour and aromatic compounds along with organoleptic characteristics contribute to the overall understanding of provenance. Additionally, the identification of animal species and breeds serves as key markers, particularly in the context of protected geographical indications. The study findings are useful for the various stakeholders of how the information for meat provenance can be linked with intrinsic and extrinsic factors for meat quality and protecting the integrity of the supply chain with special reference to traceability and authenticity. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of seed's geographical origin on cactus oil physico-chemical characteristics, oxidative stability, and antioxidant activity

The aim of this study was the valorisation of cactus (or prickly pear, Opuntia ficus-indica) seeds growing in six different regions of Morocco. Moisture, proteins, lipids profile, total polyphenols content, oxidative stability, and antioxidant activity were investigated. The Folin-Ciocalteu test highlighted the abundant presence of phenolic compounds (165 to 225 mg EAG/100 g of extract) and a significant antioxidant capacity against DPPH free radicals. The seeds contained protein (7–9.25%) and lipids (2.7–5%). Cactus oil quality indices such as acidity and peroxide value were below 1.2% and 10 mEq.O2/kg, respectively. GC analysis revealed that linoleic and oleic acid percentages ranged from 57.1 to 63.8%, and 13.5 to 18.7%, respectively. Cactus seed oil was rich in tocopherols (500–680 mg/kg) and phytosterols (8000–11,100 mg/kg) with a predominance of γ-tocopherols and β-sitosterol. Triacylglycerols, fatty acids and sterols composition showed small variation depending on the geographical origin, while the individual tocopherol profile was significantly influenced.