Influence Of Geographical Origin Research Articles

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.

Spatial Variation in Mercury Accumulation in Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops spp.) in Southeastern U.S.A.

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.) inhabit bays, sounds, and estuaries (BSEs) throughout the southeast region of the U.S.A. and are sentinel species for human and ecosystem-level health. Dolphins are vulnerable to the bioaccumulation of contaminants through the coastal food chain because they are high-level predators. Currently, there is limited information on the spatial dynamics of mercury accumulation in these dolphins. Total mercury (THg) was measured in dolphin skin from multiple populations across the U.S. Southeast Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts, and the influence of geographic origin, sex, and age class was investigated. Mercury varied significantly among sampling sites and was greatest in dolphins in St. Joseph Bay, Florida Everglades, and Choctawhatchee Bay (14,193 ng/g ± 2196 ng/g, 10,916 ng/g ± 1532 ng/g, and 7333 ng/g ± 1405 ng/g wet mass (wm), respectively) and lowest in dolphins in Charleston and Skidaway River Estuary (509 ng/g ± 32.1 ng/g and 530 ng/g ± 58.4 ng/g wm, respectively). Spatial mercury patterns were consistent regardless of sex or age class. Bottlenose dolphin mercury exposure can effectively represent regional trends and reflect large-scale atmospheric mercury input and local biogeochemical processes. As a sentinel species, the bottlenose dolphin data presented here can direct future studies to evaluate mercury exposure to human residents in St. Joseph Bay, Choctawhatchee Bay, and Florida Coastal Everglades, as well as additional sites with similar geographical, oceanographic, or anthropogenic parameters. These data may also inform state and federal authorities that establish fish consumption advisories to determine if residents in these locales are at heightened risk for mercury toxicity.

Influence of geographical origin and shell positions on nacre color and thickness in mabé pearl oysters Pteria penguin

To examine variations in nacre color and thickness in Pteria penguin oysters obtained from Tonga and Japan, a novel approach with a focus on their potential for mabé pearl production was used. Detailed analyses of color and microstructure revealed that the middle position of the right-valve nacre (position 1) primarily showed a reduction in yellow pigmentation. This was indicated by a decrease in the yellowness index (YI) and an increase in the whiteness index (WI). In contrast, the anterior and middle positions of the left-valve nacre (positions 2 and 3) consistently displayed a higher level of yellow pigmentation. A comparison of oysters from different geographical origin found that Tonga wild-caught oysters had significantly thicker nacre than Tonga culture-site oysters, suggesting the influence of probable genetic diversity and environmental factors on nacre formation. Notably, nacre at position 1 was generally thinner, while at positions 2 and 3 it was thicker, which would influence the resultant pearl quality and attributes. We demonstrate the significance of the nacre position on the valve for mabé pearl production: position 1 tended to produce white pearls with pronounced interference colors, whereas position 2 tended to yield gold pearls. Furthermore, our findings highlight the significant impact of the oysters' geographic origin on mabé pearl color and quality. This study emphasizes the importance of considering the position of shell nacre and the potential influences of the oysters' genetic origins and environmental factors on mabé pearl formation.

Chemical Composition of Monovarietal Extra Virgin Olive Oils Obtained from Tunisian Mills: Influence of Geographical Origin

Chemical Composition of Monovarietal Extra Virgin Olive Oils Obtained from Tunisian Mills: Influence of Geographical Origin

Influence of Geographical Origin on Isotopic and Elemental Compositions of Pork Meat.

Pigs are a primary source of meat, accounting for over 30% of global consumption. Consumers' preferences are determined by health considerations, paying more attention to foodstuffs quality, animal welfare, place of origin, and swine feeding regime, and being willing to pay a higher price for a product from a certain geographical region. In this study, the isotopic fingerprints (δ2H, δ18O, and δ13C) and 29 elements of loin pork meat samples were corroborated with chemometric methods to obtain the most important variables that could classify the samples' geographical origin. δ2H and δ18O values ranged from -71.0 to -21.2‱, and from -9.3 to -2.8‱, respectively. The contents of macro- and micro-essential elements are presented in the following order: K > Na > Mg > Ca > Zn > Fe > Cu > Cr. The LDA model assigned in the initial classification showed 91.4% separation of samples, while for the cross-validation procedure, a percentage of 90% was obtained. δ2H, K, Rb, and Pd were identified as the most representative parameters to differentiate the pork meat samples coming from Romania vs. those from abroad. The mean values of metal concentrations were used to estimate the potential health risks associated with the consumption of pork meat The results showed that none of the analyzed metals (As, Cd, Sn, Pb, Cu, and Zn) pose a carcinogenic risk.

Prevalence of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis in the south of France, using the capture-recapture method.

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). That is, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), in Southern France in 2018, and evaluate differences among Europeans and non-Europeans. This population-based, cross-sectional study used four sources (hospitals, community-based physicians, laboratories, National Health Insurance) to identify adults ≥15 years diagnosed with GPA, MPA or EGPA, living in Hérault and Gard in 2018. Cases were defined using the ACR/EULAR classification criteria, and if necessary, the European Medicines Agency algorithm. Prevalence estimates were standardised to the world population and capture-recapture analysis was used to assess the comprehensiveness of the estimation. The influence of geographical origin was evaluated. A total of 202 patients were selected, with 86 cases of GPA (42.6%), 85 cases of MPA (42.1%) and 31 cases of EGPA (15.3%). The standardised prevalence estimates per million inhabitants for 2018 were: 103 (95%CI 84-125) for AAV, 48 (95%CI 35-64) for GPA, 39 (95%CI 28-53) for MPA and 16 (95%CI 9-26) for EGPA, 36 (95%CI 25-50) for anti-PR3 positive AAV, 46 (95%CI 34-61) for anti-MPO positive AAV, and 16 (95%CI 9-26) for ANCA-negative AAV. The global estimation of comprehensiveness by capture-recapture analysis was 80.5%. The number of AAV cases was higher for non-European residents (P = 0.001), particularly for MPA (P < 0.0001). We provide a new estimate of AAV prevalence in France and show a higher prevalence of MPA in non-European patients.

Influence of geographical origin, harvesting time and processing system on the characteristics of olive-mill wastewater: A step toward reducing the environmental impact of the olive oil sector

The olive oil production sector generates considerable quantities of liquid by-products (olive-mill wastewater, OMWW) which, if left untreated, can cause detrimental environmental impacts. This study aimed to investigate the influence of the Lebanese geographical origin, harvesting time and processing system and their interactions on the chemical and biological characteristics of these by-products. The results showed that the interaction of all the three studied factors on the chemical composition of OMWW, were highly significant (p<0.001). Furthermore, all the OMWW could be considered as a rich source of natural phenolic and antioxidant compounds. The average Total Phenolic Content in OMWW samples was 807.56 GAE/ kg with significantly higher values for OMWW obtained from the North (1027.7 GAE/ kg) at early harvest (1024.00 GAE/ kg) and using press system (1036.13 GAE/ kg) as compared to the other samples from the South, intermediate and late harvesting time using 3-phases and Sinolea (p<0.05). The overall results of this study shed light on the need to establish a sustainable means of treating the liquid effluents of olive mills. The results can help prioritize the regions in most need for a treatment system based on the values reported, while redirecting our attention to the possibility of valorizing the phenolic contents as potent raw material rather than pollutants, in an aim to enhance sustainable agriculture and help achieve (sustainable development goal) SDG6 for improved water quality by 2030.

Influence of geographic origin and tissue type on the medicinal chemical compounds of Semiliquidambar cathayensis.

Semiliquidambar cathayensis is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine owing its high concentrations of polyphenol, triterpenoidic acid, and flavonoids. This study aimed to explore the impact of geographical origin and tissue type on the contents of chemical compounds of S. cathayensis, as determined by colorimetric and chromatographic methods. Therefore, we quantitively evaluated chemical compounds found in the tissues of various organs of plants collected in six different regions. Overall, we found that geographical origin affected the content of medicinal compounds in S. cathayensis leaves, with plants from Jingzhou county showing the best therapeutic potential. However, no specific correlation was observed with latitude. It is noteworthy that the amount of paeoniflorin and other compounds can be used as biomarkers of geographical origin and tissue type. Most medicinal compounds accumulated mainly in the leaves, whereas ursolic and oleanolic acids accumulated in the roots. These results show that the comprehensive medicinal value of the leaves of S. cathayensis in Jingzhou county is the highest, but the root should be selected first to collect oleanolic acid and ursolic acid.

Lentil seed coat as a source of phenolic compounds: influence of geographical origin and genotype

Lentil seed coat as a source of phenolic compounds: influence of geographical origin and genotype

Holiday photographic trends: Geographic origin and the male/female divide

This study aims to examine the influence of geographic origin and gender on photo-taking and photo-sharing behaviours. An online survey was circulated in four geographical areas: Australia, Canada, India, and Malaysia. The survey questions asked respondents’ preferred types of photographic device, photo-content, photo-taking motivation, and photo-sharing behaviours while on holiday. Data were analysed using crosstabulation with Chi-square, controlling for gender, and reporting strength of association with Cramer's V. Results show geographic origin and gender are significant indicators of tourists’ photo-taking and photo-sharing behaviour. The number one preference for male/female respondents from India and Malaysia is taking photos of family, which are shared on social media. While nearly a third of male respondents from Australia and Canada do not share holiday photos on social media. Knowledge of this type may assist tourism marketers and destination marketing organisations (DMOs) to personalise their tourism offerings according to geographic region and gender.

Determination of Geographical Origin and Tree Species Using Vis-NIR and Chemometric Methods

Abstract The variation of wood properties between different geographical origin and tree species has an important influence on end use applications. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of wood origin and species classification based on visible and near infrared spectroscopy and chemometric methods. The influence of geographical origin on tree species identification also was analyzed. A total of 530 samples with 2 origins and 5 tree species were collected for analysis. The raw reflectance spectra were preprocessed by spectral transformation technique, and nonlinear discrimination models were built by support vector machine (SVM) using various spectral forms. Three algorithms—grid search (GS), genetic algorithm (GA), and particle swarm optimization (PSO)—were applied to optimize the parameters of SVM models, respectively. Regardless of spectral forms and optimization techniques, the prediction accuracy was lower than that of the calibration set for wood origin and tree species identification. Except for reflectance spectra, prediction accuracy of 100 percent was obtained based on SVM in combination with three algorithms for origin discrimination. However, SVM in combination with reflectance spectra and GS technique achieved the best prediction accuracy (93.18%) for tree species identification. These results demonstrated that visible and near infrared spectroscopy combined with chemometric techniques can be used for geographical origin and tree species determination.

Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia among Moroccan Pregnant Women

Background: Iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women is a serious public health problem, especially in developing countries. Aim: The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia and its associated factors during pregnancy in the south of Morocco. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried in the regional Hospital Center Hassan II (RHC) from April to august 2021 in all the pregnant women coming for consultation in the maternity service. 500 pregnant women were randomly recruited for the study. A complete blood count and serum ferritin was performed in every case. They have been the subjects of a questionnaire containing their background and health data. The analysis of our data was done by the IBM SPSS Statistics 25 software. Results: The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was 20% with a CI of (44.7% - 53.5%). The most affected age group was 25 to 35 years with a rate of 42.86%. The majority of women had mild anemia (84.61%) followed by moderate anemia (11.54%) and severe anemia (3.85%). 57.14% of the anemic pregnant women were primigravida. The results of serum ferritin made it possible to identify 70% of women deficient, with a dominance of normocytic normochromic anemia. The influence of geographic origin and place of birth was not significant. Conclusion: The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia is more or less low in our study. However, there is a high prevalence of iron deficiency and anemia during pregnancy. Statistically, there was no significant association between iron deficiency anemia and the various parameters studied, such as age, parity, origin and place of birth.

Attitudes towards the COVID-19 Vaccine and Willingness to Get Vaccinated among Healthcare Workers in French Guiana: The Influence of Geographical Origin.

Background: In the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic and the expansion of the more transmissible 20J/501Y.V3 (Gamma) variant of concern (VOC), mRNA vaccines have been made available in French Guiana, an overseas French territory in South America, from mid-January 2021. This study aimed to estimate the willingness to be vaccinated and the socio-demographic and motivational correlates among Health Care Workers (HCWs) in French Guiana. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January 22 to March 26, 2021 among a sample of HCWs in French Guiana. They were asked about their willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and vaccine hesitancy, vaccine uptake and vaccines attitudes. Factors associated with willingness to get vaccinated have been analyzed with ordinal logistic regression, using Stata software. Results: A total of 579 HCWs were interviewed, including 220 physicians and 200 nurses most often working in hospital (54%) or in the liberal sector (22%). Overall, 65.6% of respondents reported that they were willing or had already been vaccinated against COVID-19, while 24.3% of respondents reported that they did not want to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and 11.2% were unsure. HCWs were more willing to get vaccine if they were older, were worried about COVID-19 and were confident in the management of epidemic. Conversely, participants were less likely to have been vaccinated or willing to if they were nurses or of another non-medical profession, born in French Guiana, feared adverse effects, or if they did not trust pharmaceutical companies and management of the epidemic by authorities. Conclusion: Negative attitudes towards vaccines are a major public health concern among HCWs in French Guiana when considering the current active epidemic with Gamma VOC. General vaccine hesitancy and concerns about future side effects in particular represent important barriers. Low confidence in government and science are significant in COVID-19 vaccine refusal among non-medical staffs. Public health messaging with information on vaccine safety should be tailored to address these concerns. The specific challenges of HCWs from French Guiana must be taken into account.

Influence of Geographic Origin and Plant Source on Physicochemical Properties, Mineral Content, and Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Moroccan Propolis

This research is aimed at determining the physicochemical properties (resin, wax, balsams, pH, moisture, ash, and mineral contents) of propolis samples collected from different geographical areas in Morocco, as well as evaluating the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of these samples. The results showed the following values for physicochemical analysis: resin (17.42-58.01%), wax (21.31-70.12%), balsam (0.27-2.12%), pH (3.7-5.3), moisture (1.02-3.65%), and ash (0.72-5.01%). The phenolic and flavone/flavonol contents of samples were ranged between 6.74 mg FAE/g and 149.13 mg FAE/g and between 1.19 mg QE/g and 108.11 mg QE/g, respectively. The sample P3 presented also the strongest radical scavenging activity toward DPPH, ABTS free radicals, and FRAP assay with IC50 values of 0.021, 0.026, and 0.042 mg/mL, respectively. All propolis samples showed significant inhibitory effects against all tested microorganisms with MICs ranging from 0.28 mg/mL to 1.12 mg/mL for Gram-negative strains and from 0.002 mg/mL to 1.12 mg/mL for Gram-positive strains. A strong correlation was found between resin, total phenolic compounds, flavones/flavonols, and antioxidant activity. Linear discriminant analysis revealed that the samples studied were divided into two groups which were differentiated by the data of antioxidant activity, mineral contents, and antibacterial activity. It can be concluded that the physicochemical properties, mineral content, and biological activities of Moroccan propolis depend on their geographical and botanical origin.

Quality Assessment of Licorice Based on Quantitative Analysis of Multicomponents by Single Marker Combined with HPLC Fingerprint

Licorice is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine and natural sweetening agent, rich in numerous bioactive compounds. Moreover, it is one of the oldest and most frequently employed folk medicines in both eastern and western countries. It is prescribed for the treatment of asthma, fever, and cough. However, with the increasing demand of licorice, its quality and safety become the important issue. The content in licorice varies significantly in materials from different geographical origins. In this study, a reasonable and feasible evaluation method for the quality assessment of licorice was developed based on the analysis of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprint, combined with the quantitative analysis of multicomponents by single marker (QAMS) method. Glycyrrhizic acid was selected as the internal reference substance, and ten components were simultaneously determined based on relative correction factors. The contents of eleven components in 21 batches of licorice were determined by the QAMS and the ESM (external standard method); there was no significant difference by comparison of the quantitative results between the QAMS and the ESM method; the cosine value (Cir &gt; 0.9999) confirmed the consistency of the two methods. According to the outcomes of 21 batches of licorice samples, the contents of the eleven components were used for further chemometric analysis. All of the samples of licorice from various geographical origins were divided into five categories based on hierarchical cluster analysis, which indicated the crucial influence of geographical origins on licorice. This study showed that QAMS combined with HPLC fingerprint and chemometrics methods could effectively control the quality of licorice. Hence, QAMS is a feasible and promising method for promoting the quality control standardization process of herbal medicines.

The influence of geographical origin on honey composition studied by Polish and Slovak honeys

Honey composition is mainly affected by botanical origin, however geographical factors as well as beekeeping practice and storage conditions can also influence its quality. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of geographical origin on physicochemical quality and biological activity of honey. For this reason Polish and Slovak varietal honeys, including per each country: 10 multifloral, 5 tilia, 5 rape, 5 acacia and 5 forest were compared according to their physicochemical parameters (free acidity, pH, electrical conductivity, moisture content, and colour intensity), sugar profile, diastase activity, as well as antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP tests, as well as photochemiluminescence method). Moreover, total phenolics compounds and flavonoids content were determined. The most significant differences (P &amp;lt; 0.05) between Polish and Slovak counterparts were found for tilia while the lowest for rape honeys. The impact of geographical origin on overall quality of honey was proved by PCA statistical tool.

Рост 50-летних подпологовых географических культур кедра сибирского при разной сомкнутости полога древостоя в пригородной зоне Красноярска

Кедр сибирский, отличающийся ценными биоэкологическими свойствами, является одной из лесообразующих пород Сибири. Учитывая большую устойчивость кедра сибирского при произрастании в биогруппах, под руководством О.П. Олисовой были созданы подпологовые географические культуры кедра сибирского на участке «Горный-2» весной 1966 г. посадкой 4-летних сеянцев в площадки размером 07 × 0,7 м (по 9 сеянцев в площадку). Расстояние между центрами площадок составило 4 м.&#x0D; Обобщены результаты изучения изменчивости таксационных показателей кедра сибирского шести географических происхождений: алтайское, бирюсинское, бурятское, кемеровское, томское, читинское, произрастающих под пологом березы повислой и сосны обыкновенной при сомкнутости полога древостоя от 0,1 до 1,0. Установлено, что в 50-летнем возрасте культуры кедра сибирского достигли высоты 5,4-10,4 м, диметра ствола – 5,2-11,5 см. Культуры, произрастающие при сомкнутости полога 0,1-0,5, имели высоту на 36,6%, диаметр ствола – на 44,8% больше, чем при сомкнутости 0,6-1,0. Уровень изменчивости показателей – средний и высокий. Наибольшее количество ветвей в нижней живой мутовке (4,8 и 4,1 шт.) зафиксировано у деревьев читинского, наименьшее (3,2 и 2,3 шт.) – у деревьев кемеровского происхождений. Уровень варьирования показателя повышенный – в алтайском, бирюсинском вариантах; высокий – в остальных при меньшей сомкнутости полога. При сомкнутости полога 0,6-1,0 уровень изменчивости повышенный и высокий (26,5-41,9%).&#x0D; Установлено, что большое влияние на биометрические показатели культур оказывает сомкнутость полога (65,0%). Доля влияния географического происхождения составила 13,8%. Предложено проведение рубок ухода для снижения сомкнутости полога древостоя.

Influence of geographic origin on AIDS and serious non-AIDS morbidity/mortality during cART among heterosexual HIV-infected men and women in France.

BackgroundThe influence of geographic origin on the risk of severe illness and death on cART has not been explored in European countries.MethodWe studied antiretroviral-naïve heterosexual HIV-1-infected individuals enrolled in the FHDH-ANRS CO4 cohort in France who started cART between 2006 and 2011. Individuals originating from France (French natives), sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and non-French West-Indies (NFW) were studied until 2012. Crude and adjusted rate ratios (aRR) of severe morbid events/deaths (AIDS-related and non-AIDS-related) were calculated using Poisson regression models stratified by sex, comparing each group of migrants to French natives.ResultsAmong 2334 eligible men, 1379 (59.1%) originated from France, 838 (35.9%) from SSA and 117 (5.0%) from NFW. SSA male migrants had a higher aRR for non-AIDS infections, particularly bacterial infections (aRR 1.56 (95% CI 1.07–2.29), p = 0.0477), than French natives. Among 2596 eligible women, 1347 (51.9%) originated from France, 1131 (43.6%) from SSA, and 118 (4.5%) from NFW. SSA and NFW female migrants had a higher aRR for non-AIDS infections, particularly non-bacterial infections (respectively, 2.04 (1.18–3.53) and 7.87 (2.54–24.4), p = 0.0010), than French natives. We observed no other significant differences related to geographic origin as concerns the aRRs for AIDS-related infections or malignancies, or for other non-AIDS events/deaths such as cardiovascular disease, neurological/psychiatric disorders, non-AIDS malignancies and iatrogenic disorders, in either gender.ConclusionHeterosexual migrants from SSA or NFW living in France have a higher risk of non-AIDS-defining infections than their French native counterparts. Special efforts are needed to prevent infectious diseases among HIV-infected migrants.

Influence of geographic origin on agronomic traits and phenolic content of cv. Gemlik olive fruits

In this work olive samples of Gemlik variety originated from Turkish regions Serinyol, Bahçe, Sariçam, Tarsus and Mudanya were harvested at five different times during fruit maturation. The results showed an important effect of environmental factors on the ripening progression based on the agronomic fruit traits and phenolic fraction. Differences in the technological use of olive fruits were observed among samples of different origins. The phenolic compounds of 25 olive samples were analyzed by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS, and 9 phenolics belonging to different families of phenols were identified and quantified. The harvest time and the geographical location were observed to interact and quantitatively govern the phenolic compounds production during maturation of olive fruits. Gemlik olive phenolic compounds can be used as a marker of each growing area and as a predictor of the optimal harvesting date, to optimize the organoleptic and nutritional value of the end product.

Influence of geographical origin on access to therapy and therapy outcomes in hepatitis C virus-infected persons: the Swiss Hepatitis C Cohort Study

Influence of geographical origin on access to therapy and therapy outcomes in hepatitis C virus-infected persons: the Swiss Hepatitis C Cohort Study