Human Food Production Research Articles

Holocene fluctuations in human population demonstrate repeated links to food production and climate

We consider the long-term relationship between human demography, food production, and Holocene climate via an archaeological radiocarbon date series of unprecedented sampling density and detail. There is striking consistency in the inferred human population dynamics across different regions of Britain and Ireland during the middle and later Holocene. Major cross-regional population downturns in population coincide with episodes of more abrupt change in North Atlantic climate and witness societal responses in food procurement as visible in directly dated plants and animals, often with moves toward hardier cereals, increased pastoralism, and/or gathered resources. For the Neolithic, this evidence questions existing models of wholly endogenous demographic boom-bust. For the wider Holocene, it demonstrates that climate-related disruptions have been quasi-periodic drivers of societal and subsistence change.

Nutrient concentration in wheat and soil under allelopathy treatments.

Allelopathy is related to soil nutrient availability and allelochemicals can change the soil and therefore the plant nutrient status. Wheat is one of the most important crops for the production of human food in the world. Alhagi maurorum and Cardaria draba are the most important weeds in wheat fields. We performed experiments to assess the allelopathic effect of A. maurorum and C. draba shoots on mineral nutrient concentrations in pot-grown wheat plants and soil. The presence of dry powder of A. maurorum and C. draba shoots reduced concentrations of macronutrients (NO3-, K+, Ca2+ and P) and micronutrients (Fe2+ and Cu2+) in roots and shoots of wheat plants, whereas it did not affect concentrations of Mg2+, Mn2+ and Zn2+. Allelopathic effect of A. maurorum was significantly greater than that of C. draba. There was a significantly positive correlation between wheat growth and ion concentration. There was a significantly negative correlation between the soil nutrient concentration and plant nutrient concentration across the treatments. These results suggest that allelopathy increases the nutrient availability in the soil because of the decrease in absorption by plants.

Confronting Climate Change: The Uneasy Alliance of Scientists and Nonscientists in a Neoliberal World

Confronting Climate Change: The Uneasy Alliance of Scientists and Nonscientists in a Neoliberal World

Clinical observations and haematological changes following subchronic administration of methanolic leaf extract of <i>Crotalaria lachnosema</i> Stapf. (Fabaceae) in male Wistar rats

The aim of this study was to determine the Clinical observations (Visually and via Laboratory analysis) and haematological changes induced by subchronic administration of methanolic leaf extract of Crotalaria lachnosema ( C. lachnosema ) leaf (MLECL) on male Wistar rats. Four groups designated as Groups 1(control), 2, 3 and 4, of ten rats each, which were exposed to the extract in feed at dose levels of 0, 40, 200 and 1000 mg/kg for 42 days respectively. The clinical observations were recorded. At the end of the study period, the surviving rats were sacrificed following light ether anaesthesia and blood was collected from each rat via jugular venesection. The extract was found to cause impairment in both the body weight and relative organ weights of the exposed rats at termination of the experiment (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. The extract was found to affect the erythron only in group 2 with total red blood cell count (7.72 ± 0.25 × 10 12 /L), haemoglobin concentration (127.00 ± 2.66 g/L) and packed cell volume (48.44 ± 2.11 %) being significantly (P < 0.05 ) lower relative to those of the control (8.86 ± 0.32 × 10 12 /L, 150.80 ± 6.03 g/L and 48.44 ± 2.11 %, respectively). It was concluded from these studies that exposure to MLECL caused toxic effects in male Wistar rats (toxic effect like the decreased erythron; haematopoietic system is one of the most sensitive targets of toxic compounds, and thus considered an important index in pathophysiological status in man and animal). Human food or animal feed products contaminated with the plant C. lachnosema , even at very low concentrations, with the LD 50 of 1300 mg/kg should be discouraged. Keywords: Crotalaria lachnosema , Haematology, LD 50 , Toxicity, Weight changes

Phytochemical composition and β-glucan content of barley genotypes from two different geographic origins for human health food production

In the present study, 27 barley genotypes (Hordeum vulgare L.) grown in two geographic origins (Czech Republic and Spain) were analysed for their contents of β-glucan, tocols and phenolic compounds (free and bound). The samples included hulled, hull-less and coloured genotypes. The results showed that concentrations of β-glucan range from 2.40 to 7.42g/100g. Total tocol content of the barley samples ranged between 39.9 and 81.6μg/g. A total of 64 compounds were identified in the barley samples. These included 19 phenolic acids and aldehydes, 9 flavan 3-ols, 9 flavone glycosides, and 27 anthocyanins. The results showed a wide range of phenolic concentrations in the barley samples, highlighting the presence of considerable amounts of anthocyanins in purple barley genotypes. In synthesis, barley should be considered a good source of bioactive components, especially because of the broad spectrum of phytochemicals with potential health benefits besides the soluble fibre (β-glucan).

Extrusion Processing of Amaranth and Quinoa into Gluten-Free Snack Foods for Celiac and Gluten-Free Diets

Because of the growth of gluten intolerance and Celiac disease, there is growing interest in development of gluten-free foods. Beyond just being gluten-free, such foods can also have other positive nutritional benefits to human health. Extrusion processing is commonly used to produce a wide variety of human food products. Gluten-free grains can be a processing challenge, however, due to lack of proper binding, which can lead to poor quality food products. This research explores how extrusion parameters impacted the quality of amaranth- and quinoa-based extrudates. The specific objectives of this project included extruding each of the grains, then measuring extrudate properties, such as color, unit density, expansion ratio, and durability. Both the quinoa and amaranth were extruded as raw grain, as well as ground to 2mm and 1mm particle sizes. Other experimental conditions included moisture contents of 20% and 40% (d.b.), and extruder screw speeds of 50 rpm and 100 rpm. All treatments were successfully extruded, and all extrudates had high quality attributes, making this the first time either quinoa or amaranth was extruded without any binding ingredients. This study provides information useful for commercial scale-up.

Effect of Ingredients on the Quality of Gluten-Free Sorghum Pasta.

Sorghum is an underutilized cereal in human food production, despite its flour being a potential gluten-free (GF) source in the development of several foods. Thus, the aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the effects and interactions of different ingredients on cooking quality and texture of GF pasta. Egg albumen (A), egg powder (E), xanthan gum (X), and pregelatinized corn starch (P) were used as ingredients, and Box-Behnken experimental design was applied to study the effects of these ingredients on pasta cooking behavior, color, and texture attributes. Responses were fitted to a second order polynomial equation, and multivariable optimization was performed using maximization of general desirability. Next, optimal formulations were validated, compared with two commercial gluten-free pastas by sensory evaluation, and finally, an industrial assay was carried out. Regression coefficients indicated that A and P improved cooking properties while A and E contributed the most to improving the pasta textural properties. As, X and P effects varied depending on the kind of sorghum flour used, the optimal formulations levels were different, but in both cases these models were satisfactory and capable of predicting responses. The industrial assay was carried out with white sorghum flour because it showed a higher acceptability in the sensory evaluation than brown sorghum flour pasta. This industrially made pasta resulted in slightly better cooking properties than the laboratory produced one, with the formulation adapting well to the conventional wheat pasta industrial process. Gluten-free sorghum pasta was produced, showing good cooking and textural properties and being a suitable option for gluten-sensitive individuals.

584 Novel techniques for the extraction of rumen un-degradable amino acids from distiller's coproducts

Providing adequate and balanced amino acid supply increases nitrogen capture from animal feed into human food products, creating greater food security while lowering environmental impact. New processing techniques allow the extraction of specific protein (SP) from distiller's dried grains and solubles (DDG) resulting in greater rumen un-degradable amino acid (RUAA) supply. The degradation rate and residual RUAA content of two SP extracted from corn (cDDGS) were compared with cDDGS, soya bean meal (SBM) and RUAA processed from SBM and RSM. A Cornell model was applied to thirty-three dried and ground (1 mm) samples of; cDDGS, SBM, RUAA SBM, RUAA RSM, and two SPs (SP2 and SP50), that were combined with a partial mixed ration (PMR), buffered, flushed with CO2and incubated for 16 h at 39C to measure in vitro gas production (IVGP) using Ankom-RFS. Feed composition was analysed pre and post incubation and RUAA profile was estimated using gas liquid chromatography. Data was analysed using general linear modeling, applying feed as a fixed effect and all other factors as random effects, using a confidence interval of 0.95 and differences using Tukey's test (P value <0.05). Gas production was highest from cDDGS and lowest from Hiprosoya, but similar in RUAA from SBM and RSM, SP2 and SP50. RUAA was greatest from SBM, but similar from Hiprosoya, SP2 and SP50 and lowest from RUAA RSM. Liquor pH did not differ. SP50 had the highest total VFA and lowest A:P ratio, while SP2 was similar to RUAA from SBM and/or RSM. In conclusion, results demonstrated the potential of SP2 and SP50 to increase the RUPAA from cDDGS to similar amounts provided by RUAA SBM.

Mobile gastrointestinal and endoscopic surgery in rural Ecuador: 20years' experience of Cinterandes.

Five billion people worldwide do not have timelyaccess to surgical care. Cinterandes is one of the only mobile surgical units in low- and middle-income countries. This paper examines the methodology that Cinterandes uses to deliver mobile surgery. Founding and core staff were interviewed, four missions were participated in, and internal documents and records were analysed between 1 May and 1 July 2014. Cinterandes performed 7641 operations over the last 20years (60% gastrointestinal/laparoscopic), travelling 300,000km to remote areas of Ecuador. The mobile surgery programme was initiated by a local Ecuadorian surgeon in 1980.Funding was acquired from businesses, private hospitals, and individuals, to fund a low-cost surgical truck, simple equipment, and running costs.The mobile surgical unit is a 24-foot modified Isuzu truck containing a preparation room with general equipment storage and running water, together with an operating room including the operating table, anaesthetic and surgical equipment.Mission structure includes: patient identification by a network of local medical personnel in remote regions; pre-operative assessment at 1 week by core team via teleconsultations; four-day surgical missions; post-operative recovery in tents or a local clinic; post-operative follow-up care by local personnel and remote teleconsultations. The permanent core team includes seven members;lead surgeon, lead anaesthetist, operating-room technician, medical coordinator, driver, general coordinator, and receptionist. Additional support members include seven regular surgeons, residents, medical students, and volunteers. Surgery is a very effective way to gain the trust of the community, due to immediate results. Trust opens doors to other programmes (e.g. family medicine). Surgery can be incorporated with all other aspects of health care, which can in turn be incorporated with all other aspects of human development, education, food production and nutrition, housing, work and productivity, communication, and recreation.

Assessment of aflatoxin B1 myocardial toxicity in rats: mitochondrial damage and cellular apoptosis in cardiomyocytes induced by aflatoxin B1.

ObjectiveThe number of deaths from heart disease is increasing worldwide. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a toxin produced by the fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, is frequently detected in improperly processed/stored human food products. While AFB1 hepatotoxicity and carcinogenic properties have been well addressed, its myocardial toxicity is poorly documented. This study aimed to investigate myocardial toxic activity of AFB1.MethodsTen rats were fed with AFB1 at a dose that did not result in acute toxic reactions for 30 days and 10 vehicle-fed rats served as controls. Transmission electron microscopy was used to assess mitochondrial damage in cardiomyocytes. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated UTP nick-end labelling assay was performed to detect apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. Western blotting was performed to measure apoptotic proteins (i.e., active caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2) in heart tissue.ResultsAFB1 treatment resulted in mitochondrial membrane disruption and disorganization of cristae, which are indicators of mitochondrial damage. Myocardial cell apoptosis was significantly higher after AFB1 treatment (22.07% ± 3.29%) compared with controls (6.27% ± 2.78%, P < 0.05). AFB1 treatment enhanced expression of active caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2 in cardiac tissue.ConclusionVarious adverse effects are exerted by AFB1 on the heart, indicating AFB1 myocardial toxicity.

Rice bran oil extraction using alcoholic solvents: Physicochemical characterization of oil and protein fraction functionality

Rice bran, an underutilized rice processing by-product, is a promising source for food and biodiesel oil production and can also be used to produce protein for use in human food products. The main objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of replacing hexane, which is traditionally used to extract vegetable oils, with safer solvents, i.e., ethanol and isopropanol, in rice bran oil (RBO) extraction. Thus, the effects of the solvent type on the physicochemical characteristics of the oil and defatted bran products were studied. The results showed that the presence of water in the alcoholic solvents negatively affected the oil extraction; however, using absolute solvents in single-stage batch extractions at 80°C resulted in oil yields of up to approximately 80%. The solvent water content and process temperature strongly impacted the properties of the protein fraction; the nitrogen solubility index (NSI) decreased from approximately 40% for the absolute solvents to 17 and 15% for the aqueous ethanol and isopropanol, respectively, when the extraction was performed at 80°C. More of the minor nutraceutical compounds were transferred from the oleaginous matrix to the oil by aqueous ethanol than by hexane, yielding RBO with 1.53% γ-oryzanol and 769mg/kg tocotrienols. On the other hand, absolute isopropanol exhibited a higher tocopherol extraction capacity; RBO with a tocopherol content of 98.1mg/kg was obtained with this solvent. Based on these results, short-chain alcohols are promising alternatives to the conventional extraction solvent, because they enable high-quality protein fractions and oils to be obtained and add value to the rice production chain.

The interaction of human population, food production, and biodiversity protection.

Research suggests that the scale of human population and the current pace of its growth contribute substantially to the loss of biological diversity. Although technological change and unequal consumption inextricably mingle with demographic impacts on the environment, the needs of all human beings-especially for food-imply that projected population growth will undermine protection of the natural world. Numerous solutions have been proposed to boost food production while protecting biodiversity, but alone these proposals are unlikely to staunch biodiversity loss. An important approach to sustaining biodiversity and human well-being is through actions that can slow and eventually reverse population growth: investing in universal access to reproductive health services and contraceptive technologies, advancing women's education, and achieving gender equality.

Can Ancient Grains find their way in modern agriculture?

Can Ancient Grains find their way in modern agriculture?

Nutritional value of the kelps Alaria esculenta and Saccharina latissima and effects of short-term storage on biomass quality

Storage of macroalgae in seawater, prior to further processing, is a standard initial pre-treatment step after harvest to avoid rapid degradation of the biomass. In the context of using seaweeds in human food and animal feed products, such practice may affect the nutritional value and the overall quality of the biomass. The effects of seawater storage on the chemical composition (i.e., mineral fraction, carbohydrates, proteins, polyphenols, and fucoxanthin) and surface color of two cultivated kelps (Phaeophyceae), Alaria esculenta and Saccharina latissima, were investigated over a 22-h period. Storage treatments resulted in a rapid decrease in dry weight during the first 2 h (−21.4 and −20.4% in A. esculenta and S. latissima, respectively) with subsequent stabilization. Although it is not clear whether the reduction of dry weight was caused by the release of nutritional compounds from seaweed biomass or water uptake during storage treatment, the results from chemical analyses suggest the combined effect of both mechanisms. Seawater storage increased the ash and sodium contents and reduced carbohydrate and polyphenol levels in both species. Among carbohydrates, the levels of mannitol and glucose (laminaran) were particularly reduced in S. latissima samples while the fucose level, reflecting fucoidans, was reduced in A. esculenta. The protein content remained relatively stable in both species. These results provide evidence of the effect of seawater storage on the quality of the edible kelps A. esculenta and S. latissima. The results will contribute to selecting postharvest strategies adequate for maintaining biomass quality, minimizing losses of valuable compounds and increasing profitability for industrial stakeholders.

Outside-host predation as a biological control against an environmental opportunist disease

Environmentally growing opportunist pathogens are a common threat to human health and food production. Due to environmental growth of the pathogen, these diseases are difficult to control with disinfectants and antibiotics. Thus, there is a need for sustainable and effective control methods against environmentally growing opportunist diseases. Predation is often a major limiting factor in the outside host environment. Here we propose that it could be used in the biological control of these diseases.We introduce a novel epidemiological model for environmentally growing opportunists combining pathogen growth within-host (SI model) and outside-host into classical predator-prey model. We ask how the predation of the pathogens affects epidemiological dynamics, and whether outside-host predators can be used to control the epidemics. The model structure and parameterization are based on the columnaris disease that induces significant economical losses to aquaculture worldwide. The model is also suitable for other environmentally growing opportunist diseases.In line with the classical predator-prey theory, increasing predation of the pathogen can produce cyclic dynamics (outbreaks). Predation can also clear the infection out of the host population and thereafter lead to the extinction of the pathogen. However, when using predators with poor ability to suppress the pathogen population and low inflow rate, the biological control of the disease might fail or counterintuitively lead to an increase in the density of infected individuals. The model demonstrates that environmentally growing opportunist pathogens can be heavily influenced by outside-host predation and this can effectively be utilized in biological control of infectious diseases.

Corn Germ Meal (CGM) - Potential Feed Ingredient for Livestock and Poultry in India- A Review

Sustained price increase for traditional feed ingredients like cereal grains, protein meals and other feed commodities is pushing the animal nutritionist to find less expensive and safe alternatives. Corn is the major feed ingredient both for livestock and poultry but its demand for human food, biofuel and bioindustrial products is increasing its cost and also the availability of its by-products. Corn germ meal (CGM) is a by-product from corn industry obtained after extraction of corn oil and has nutritional characters (with medium energy and protein) for inclusion in livestock and poultry feeds. Nutritional value of CGM is strongly influenced by method of oil extraction apart from the effect of type of corn used. The main limiting factor to use CGM at higher quantities in animal or poultry diets is its high fibre, oil and phytate contents. Many researches have been conducted in Brazil and other parts of the world where the availability of CGM is high due to corn processing industries on its level of inclusion in the diets of cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry and its effect on their production performances. In India corn industry is gaining importance resulting in production of CGM in appreciable quantities. In this regard a review has been under taken here on the recent studies and findings on nutritive value of CGM, level of inclusion in livestock and poultry diets.

Effects of a Possible Pollinator Crisis on Food Crop Production in Brazil.

Animal pollinators contribute to human food production and security thereby ensuring an important component of human well-being. The recent decline of these agents in Europe and North America has aroused the concern of a potential global pollinator crisis. In order to prioritize efforts for pollinator conservation, we evaluated the extent to which food production depends on animal pollinators in Brazil—one of the world’s agriculture leaders—by comparing cultivated area, produced volume and yield value of major food crops that are pollinator dependent with those that are pollinator non-dependent. In addition, we valued the ecosystem service of pollination based on the degree of pollinator dependence of each crop and the consequence of a decline in food production to the Brazilian Gross Domestic Product and Brazilian food security. A total of 68% of the 53 major food crops in Brazil depend to some degree on animals for pollination. Pollinator non-dependent crops produce a greater volume of food, mainly because of the high production of sugarcane, but the cultivated area and monetary value of pollinator dependent crops are higher (59% of total cultivated area and 68% of monetary value). The loss of pollination services for 29 of the major food crops would reduce production by 16.55–51 million tons, which would amount to 4.86–14.56 billion dollars/year, and reduce the agricultural contribution to the Brazilian GDP by 6.46%– 19.36%. These impacts would be largely absorbed by family farmers, which represent 74.4% of the agricultural labor force in Brazil. The main effects of a pollinator crisis in Brazil would be felt by the poorer and more rural classes due to their lower income and direct or exclusive dependence on this ecosystem service.

Brewers' spent grain: a review with an emphasis on food and health

Brewers' spent grain (BSG) is the most abundant by-product generated in the beer-brewing process. This material consists of the barley grain husks obtained as solid residue after the production of wort. BSG is rich in fibre and protein and, to date, the main use for the elimination of this by-product has been as an animal feed. However, because of its nutritional content, BSG is of interest for application and fortification of human food products, particularly in view of its low cost and availability in large amounts. In addition, the importance of BSG as an ingredient and potential source of health-promoting bioactive components is beginning to be recognised. The investigation of alternative uses of BSG is pertinent, not only from the perspective of the brewer who can benefit from valorisation of this by-product, but also from an environmental perspective as the recycling and re-use of industrial wastes and by-products has become increasingly important. This review presents the current knowledge on BSG, covering its production, composition and methods for the release of valuable components, and focuses on the potential health benefits attributed to its constituents and the use of this brewer by-product in food applications. Copyright © 2016 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling

Heavy metals and essential elements in Italian cereals

ABSTRACTCrops intended for human nutrition and food production containing different essential trace elements, such as copper and zinc, could be contaminated by toxic metals like cadmium and lead. The interrelationship between micronutrients and contaminant trace elements in different cereals was investigated in North-western Italy, where both agricultural and industrial activities are present. Elemental concentrations in sampled cereals were assessed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Rice, oats and barley reached the highest median levels for Al, Cd and Pb content, while corn samples were less contaminated by toxic metals. Regarding essential elements highest median values of Cu and Zn were both found in barley, while Ni median content was higher in oats. Rice had the lowest median levels of essential elements. The correlation study between toxic and essential elements seemed to demonstrate fixed trends in analysed samples, corroborating the importance of a different diet to limit potential adverse effects caused by toxic elements.

World Health Organization Ranking of Antimicrobials According to Their Importance in Human Medicine: A Critical Step for Developing Risk Management Strategies to Control Antimicrobial Resistance From Food Animal Production.

Antimicrobial use in food animals selects for antimicrobial resistance in bacteria, which can spread to people. Reducing use of antimicrobials-particularly those deemed to be critically important for human medicine-in food production animals continues to be an important step for preserving the benefits of these antimicrobials for people. The World Health Organization ranking of antimicrobials according to their relative importance in human medicine was recently updated. Antimicrobials considered the highest priority among the critically important antimicrobials were quinolones, third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins, macrolides and ketolides, and glycopeptides. The updated ranking allows stakeholders in the agriculture sector and regulatory agencies to focus risk management efforts on drugs used in food animals that are the most important to human medicine. In particular, the current large-scale use of fluoroquinolones, macrolides, and third-generation cephalosporins and any potential use of glycopeptides and carbapenems need to be addressed urgently.