Oat Samples Research Articles

Free and Modified Mycotoxins in Organic and Conventional Oats (Avena sativa L.) Grown in Scotland.

Small grain cereals are frequently infected with mycotoxigenic Fusarium fungi. Oats have a particularly high risk of contamination with type A trichothecene mycotoxins; their glucoside conjugates have also been reported. Agronomy practices, cereal variety and weather conditions have been suggested to play a role in Fusarium infection in oats. The current study investigates concentrations of free and conjugated Fusarium mycotoxins in organic and conventional oats grown in Scotland. In 2019, 33 milling oat samples (12 organic, 21 conventional) were collected from farmers across Scotland, together with sample questionnaires. Samples were analysed for 12 mycotoxins (type A trichothecenes T-2-toxin, HT-2-toxin, diacetoxyscirpenol; type B trichothecenes deoxynivalenol, nivalenol; zearalenone and their respective glucosides) using LC-MS/MS. The prevalence of type A trichothecenes T-2/HT-2 was very high (100% of conventional oats, 83% of organic oats), whereas type B trichothecenes were less prevalent, and zearalenone was rarely found. T-2-glucoside and deoxynivalenol-glucoside were the most prevalent conjugated mycotoxins (36 and 33%), and co-occurrence between type A and B trichothecenes were frequently observed (66% of samples). Organic oats were contaminated at significantly lower average concentrations than conventional oats, whereas the effect of weather parameters were not statistically significant. Our results clearly indicate that free and conjugated T-2- and HT-2-toxins pose a major risk to Scottish oat production and that organic production and crop rotation offer potential mitigation strategies.

Double-Enzyme Active Vanadium Nanospheres-Mediated Ratiometric Multicolor Immunosensors for Sensitive Detection of the T-2 Toxin.

Owing to its high throughput, simplicity, and rapidity, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has attracted much attention in the field of immunoassays. However, the traditional ELISA usually affords a single signal readout and the labeling ability of the enzyme used is poor, resulting in low accuracy and a limited detection range. Herein, a vanadium nanospheres (VNSs)-mediated competitive ratio nanozymes-linked immunosorbent assay (VNSs-RNLISA) was created for the sensitive detection of the T-2 toxin (T-2). As the key to the biosensor, the VNSs with superoxide dismutase-like and peroxidase-like dual-enzyme mimetic activities were synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method, which oxidized 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl fading and catalyzed 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) color development. Therefore, T-2 could not only be qualitatively measured with the naked eye but also be quantitatively evaluated by monitoring the ratio of absorbance at 450 and 517 nm wavelengths. Moreover, the characterization of a VNSs-labeled antibody probe showed strong dual-enzymatic activity, excellent stability, and high affinity with T-2 [the affinity constant (ka) was approximately 1.36 × 108 M-1], which can significantly improve the detection sensitivity. The limit of detection of VNSs-RNLISA was 0.021 ng/mL, which was approximately 27-fold more sensitive than the single signal nanozymes-linked immunosorbent assay (0.561 ng/mL). Besides, the change in the ratio of absorbance (Δ450/Δ517) decreased linearly in a range of 0.22-13.17 ng/mL, outperforming the detection range of a single-mode nano-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using TMB by a factor of 1.6 times. Furthermore, the VNSs-RNLISA was successfully used to identify T-2 in maize and oat samples, with recoveries ranging from 84.216 to 125.371%. Overall, this tactic offered a promising platform for the quick detection of T-2 in food and might broaden the application range of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Effect of food matrix and fermentation on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity and β-glucan release after in vitro digestion in oat-based products

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of fermentation and food matrix on the ACE inhibitory activities of the peptides obtained after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, protein profiles (SDS-PAGE) and β-glucan amounts of oat products. Furthermore, the physicochemical and microbiological properties of fermented oat drinks and oat yogurt-like product obtained from oat fermentation were evaluated. Oat grains were mixed with a certain ratio of water 1:3 w/v (oat:water, yogurt consistency) and 1:5 w/v (oat:water, drink consistency), and this mixture was fermented with yogurt culture and probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum and fermented drinks and yogurt were produced. The results indicated that the fermented oat drink and the oat yogurt-like product had L. plantarum viability over 107 cfu/g. After the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of the samples, the hydrolysis levels ranged from 57.70 % to 82.06 %.The hydrolysis level of the samples with fermented-drink consistency was significantly higher than the samples with yogurt consistency (p < 0.05).The SDS-PAGE profiles of the non-digested samples showed that the bands had molecular weights of 12–15 kDa and around 35 kDa. Bands whose molecular weights were around 35 kDA disappeared after gastric digestion. ACE inhibitory activities of the fractions composed of molecular weights of 2 kDa and 2–5 kDa obtained after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of the oat samples were in the range of 46.93–65.91 %. The effect of fermentation on the ACE inhibitory activities of the peptide mixture with molecular weights between 2 and 5 kDa was not statistically significant, however, fermentation caused an increase in the ACE inhibitory activities of the peptide mixture with a molecular weight<2 kDa (p < 0.05). The β-glucan amounts of fermented and non-fermented oat products were in the range of 0.57–1.28 %. The β-glucan amounts detected after gastric digestion decreased considerably and β-glucan could not be detected in the supernatant after gastrointestinal digestion. This indicated that β-glucan did not solubilize in the supernatant (bioaccessible) and remained in the pellet. In conclusion, fermentation is a valuable process for releasing peptides with moderately high ACE inhibitory effects from the parent oat proteins.

Creation of seed breeding material of seed oats (Avena sativa L.) using embryo culture

The use of somaclonal seed oat samples in the breeding process allows to significantly expand the genetic variability of the experimental material. Callus was obtained by embryo culture from mature oat embryos sown on MS nutrient medium from 32.6% in No. 471–1117 with a concentration of 4 mg/l 2,4-D to 97.33% in No. 583–35 with a concentration of 2 mg/l. The regeneration ability of calli from different mature embryos of seeded oat offspring obtained on a nutrient medium with a concentration of 2,4-D in an induction medium of 2 mg/l ranged from 9.87 ± 2.42 in membranous offspring 479–1342 to 14.63 ± 5.52% in whole grains. As a result, regeneration lines of oat for obtaining seeds and further use in the breeding process were created.

Application of the IR spectrometry method in the screening study of various oat species

BACKGROUND: The infrared reflection spectroscopy application method for rapid assessment of biochemical parameters in various types of oats is shown. On the basis of the biochemical data obtained in the laboratory of VIR, calibration models of protein, oil and starch content were constructed.&#x0D; AIM: The aim of the study is to develop an express method of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) spectroscopy to determine the main biochemical parameters in oat seeds and to build calibration models for the MATRIX-I IR analyser to quantify the mass fraction of protein, oil and starch in oat seeds based on data obtained by traditional methods.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: Biochemical quality indicators (protein, oil, starch) were studied on seeds of filmy oats (Avena sativa L.) grown in 20152016 in the North-Western Region of the Russian Federation. Calibration models for the determination of protein, oil and starch in oat seeds (98 samples, harvest 20142015) were developed for the MATRIX-I IR analyzer by Bruker Optics (Germany). Values obtained by traditional chemical methods of analysis were used to construct calibration models. Oat seed oil was determined by the Soxlet method, protein by the Kjeldahl method, starch by the Evers polarimetric method. All indicators were recalculated for dry weight.&#x0D; RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The reliability of the developed models was checked by the results of protein, oil and starch determination in the seeds of the test batch according to the indicator of the calibration correctness. The data obtained using the calibration curve on the MATRIX-I device had no significant differences with the results of chemical studies. Therefore, calibration can be used for screening analysis for protein, oil and starch content in oat samples. This method allows you to save valuable material, increase labour productivity due to the speed of obtaining data, does not require reagents and is safe.

Research of Physical and Chemical Properties and Toxic Elements in Locally Bred Oats for the Production of Cereal Drinks

One of the most important factors that has a significant impact on the health of the population of the Republic of Kazakhstan is a violation of the diet due to insufficient consumption of full–fledged proteins, vitamins, macro- and microelements and their irrational ratio. In Kazakhstan, grain crops are produced in large volumes, but there is no production of beverages based on vegetable raw materials, although the production of vegetable milk is already widespread throughout the world. The use of local vegetable raw materials from different regions of Kazakhstan in the production technology of grain milk drinks is an urgent and promising direction in the food industry. The article presents the results of a study of the quality of oats of breeding varieties "Duman", "Arman" and "Bityk". During the study, the physicochemical, technological properties and safety indicators of oat samples were evaluated. All the studied samples of oat grains in terms of safety meet the requirements of the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union "On grain safety". The scientific data obtained during the implementation of the project will become the basis for the creation of new grain "milk" drinks enriched with Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The result of the implementation of this research will be the expansion of the range of beverages for healthy and safe nutrition of the population.

Identifying sensory drivers of liking for plant-based milk coffees: Implications for product development and application.

The global plant-based product market is growing rapidly, and plant-based milks show promising potential in the coffee beverage sector. This study aimed to identify sensory drivers of liking of plant-based milk coffees for guiding the development of plant-based products with competitive advantages over dairy milk coffees. Twelve coffee samples were prepared with plant-based (oat, soy, almond, and coconut) and dairy (cow) milk. Quantitative descriptive analysis was used to generate sensory attribute terms for the 12 samples. Check-all-that-apply (CATA) questions were given to consumers to evaluate the sensory profiles and consumer acceptance of the 12 samples. Correspondence analysis and cluster analysis of the CATA results from 80 consumers showed that the oat and soy milk coffee samples were closer to what the consumers perceived as "typical" milk products, while the coconut and almond milk coffee samples were closer to the "flavored" milk products. Partial least squares regression results revealed that the attributes smooth, milky, and thick were important drivers of liking for the milk coffee samples. On the contrary, rancid oil, greasy, astringent, and rice bran were the major sensory attributes lowering the panelists' acceptance of the milk coffee samples. The majority of consumers (53.5%) were "dairy milk lovers," who specifically liked the dairy milk coffee sample and had low acceptance for the plant-based milk coffee samples. There was also a group of consumers (46.2%) classified as "plant-based milk coffee lovers." They enjoyed coffees prepared with a wide range of milks (both dairy and nondairy milks) and represent high-potential consumers for plant-based milk coffee products. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The positive and negative drivers of liking for plant-based milk coffee samples were identified. A competitive landscape analysis method for assessing the acceptability and sensory attributes of 12 milk coffee samples (11 commercial plant-based milks and 1 dairy milk product) in the current Asian market was established. The sensory terms developed in this study can also be applied to evaluate sensory profiles of other plant-based and dairy milk coffee samples.

Co-occurrence and estimation of the risk of total aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, and G2) and ochratoxin A in agri-food products consumed in Chile

The consumption of agri-foods contaminated with mycotoxins poses a serious threat to human health. In this study, we evaluated the presence of total aflatoxins (AFs) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in various agri-food products of national and imported origin in Chile that are consumed daily. A total of 653 samples of cocoa (22), oats (50), ginger (62), pepper (131), coffee (42), raisins (34), turmeric (60), nutmeg (30), cereals (60), flour (47), walnuts (16), dried fruits (18), pistachios (10), hazelnuts (7), almonds (20), peanuts (35), and tea (9) were collected from 2018 to 2020 in markets and supermarkets in Chile by the Mycotoxin Monitoring Program of the Ministry of Health of Chile. Contamination by AFs occurred mainly in nutmeg, pepper, and ginger in 2018, as these compounds were not detected in 2020. The detection frequency for OTA was higher than that of the AFs, and it was mainly present in turmeric, ginger, and pepper. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) in nutmeg for AFs and OTA does not exceed the tolerable weekly or daily intake levels proposed by international bodies.

Understanding the volatile flavour changes during accelerated shelf-life testing of oats using chemometrics and kinetic modelling

This study investigated volatile flavour changes during accelerated shelf-life testing (ASLT) of oats using chemometrics and kinetic modelling. Oat samples were stored at 15, 25, 35 and 45 °C for up to 42 weeks. Headspace fingerprinting enabled the detection of a wide range of volatiles. Chemometrics was applied to explore the volatile changes and related reaction pathways and identify discriminant compounds. Most volatiles significantly increased as a function of time and could be linked to lipid oxidation and the Maillard reaction. Volatiles, such as hexanal, could be selected as potential ASLT markers for processed oat products. The volatile changes were adequately modelled using an empirical logistic model to estimate reaction rate constant and temperature dependency. Based on the estimated kinetic parameters, the selective ASLT markers could be used as a reference to track volatile changes, control off-flavour generation and improve oat product storage stability.

Comparison of biomass and deoxynivalenol production of northern European and southern European Fusarium graminearum isolates in the infection of wheat and oat grains

AbstractThe 3ADON chemotype of Fusarium graminearum predominates in northern Europe, whereas the 15ADON chemotype is predominant in central and southern Europe. Therefore, it has been suggested that there are two F. graminearum populations in Europe, which may have been specialized to different host plants. The aim of the present work was to test this hypothesis by comparing southern European isolates (15ADON chemotype) from southern Russia and northern European isolates (3ADON chemotype) from Finland in the infection of grains in wheat cultivar Wellamo and oat cultivar Venla. F. graminearum biomass levels were measured by TaqMan (2018) and SYBR Green (2019) qPCR, while DON levels were measured by chromatographic methods. Most of the qPCR and DON results are supporting the hypothesis that in F. graminearum the 15ADON isolates from southern Russia are more specialized to wheat than the 3ADON isolates from Finland. In oat, there were not as clear differences between the 15ADON and 3ADON isolates, but in 2018 higher F. graminearum DNA levels and in 2019 higher DON and F. graminearum DNA levels were found in oat samples inoculated with 3ADON isolates. Our results are in line with literature according to which F. graminearum DNA and DON levels are also highest in oat in northern Europe, while in southern Europe they are highest in wheat and maize.

Searching for the Fusarium spp. Which Are Responsible for Trichothecene Contamination in Oats Using Metataxonomy to Compare the Distribution of Toxigenic Species in Fields from Spain and the UK.

The contamination of oats with Fusarium toxins poses a high risk for food safety. Among them, trichothecenes are the most frequently reported in European oats, especially in northern countries. The environmental conditions related to the climate change scenario might favour a distribution shift in Fusarium species and the presence of these toxins in Southern European countries. In this paper, we present an ambitious work to determine the species responsible for trichothecene contamination in Spanish oats and to compare the results in the United Kingdom (UK) using a metataxonomic approach applied to both oat grains and soil samples collected from both countries. Regarding T-2 and HT-2 toxin producers, F. langsethiae was detected in 38% and 25% of the oat samples from the UK and Spain, respectively, and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the detection of this fungus in oats from Spain. The relevant type B trichothecene producer, F. poae, was the most frequently detected Fusarium species in oats from both origins. Other important trichothecene producers, such as the Fusarium tricinctum species complex or Fusarium cerealis, were also frequently detected in oat fields. Many Fusarium toxins, including T-2 and HT-2 toxins, deoxynivalenol, or nivalenol, were detected in oat samples. The results obtained in this work revealed a clear change in the distribution of trichothecene producers and the necessity to establish the potential of these species to colonize oats and their ability to produce mycotoxins.

A Novel Fluorescent Aptasensor Based on Real-Time Fluorescence and Strand Displacement Amplification for the Detection of Ochratoxin A.

It is urgently necessary to develop convenient, reliable, ultrasensitive and specific methods of ochratoxin A determination in food safety owing to its high toxicity. In the present study, an ultrasensitive and labeled-free fluorescent aptamer sensor combining real-time fluorescence with strand displacement amplification (SDA) was fabricated for the determination of OTA. In the presence of OTA, the OTA–aptamer combines with OTA, thus opening hairpins. Then, SDA primers specifically bind to the hairpin stem, which is used for subsequent amplification as a template. SDA amplification is initiated under the action of Bst DNA polymerase and nicking endonuclease. The amplified products (ssDNA) are dyed with SYBR Green II and detected with real-time fluorescence. The method has good linearity in the range of 0.01–50 ng mL−1, with the lowest limit of detection of 0.01 ng mL−1. Additionally, the fluorescent aptamer sensor shows outstanding specificity and reproducibility. Furthermore, the sensor shows excellent analytical performance in the artificial labeled detection of wheat and oat samples, with a recovery rate of 96.1~100%. The results suggest that the developed sensor has a promising potential application for the ultrasensitive detection of contaminants in food.

The microbiome modulating potential of superheated steam (SHS) treatment of dietary fibres

In this study, wheat and oat bran fibres were used to investigate the potential beneficial prebiotic-enhancing effects of superheated steam (SHS) treatment. Following SHS treatment of fibres, in-vitro simulated gastric and intestinal digestion followed by batch culture fermentation was performed. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and short chain fatty acid analysis were conducted, which demonstrated that SHS treatment was associated with significant differences in beta diversity and the relative abundances of several microbial taxa. Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) revealed significant separation between SHS-treated oat and non-treated oat (p = 0.013), and between SHS-treated wheat and non-treated wheat following in vitro batch fermentation (p = 0.042). Abundances of Ruminococcus were found to be significantly higher by 1.09-log in SHS-treated oat when compared with non-treated oat while abundances of Escherichia_Shigella, and Alistipes were significantly lower by 1.47-log and 0.39-log, respectively in the SHS-treated oat samples than the non-treated oat samples (p = 6.85E-06, p = 0.002037, p = 0.002458; respectively). These data demonstrate that SHS treatment of dietary fibre enhanced its effectiveness to modulate the gut microbiome.Industrial Relevance: Superheated steam (SHS) treatment has emerged as an effective method to improve the shelf-life of grains by reducing lipid hydrolysis and oxidation. Our results revealed that SHS treatment of wheat and oat brans led to increased physiological and chemical properties including higher water-binding capacity, water-extractable arabinoxylan, and total phenolics as well as improvement in human gut microbiota. Our results suggest that this method could be implemented in the food industry in order to improve beneficial properties of oat and wheat brans.

Nutritional quality screening of oat groats by vibrational spectroscopy using field-portable instruments

This study evaluated the performance of low-cost, real-time, and field-deployable spectroscopic instruments operating at near-infrared (NIR) and mid-infrared (MIR) wavelengths for measuring quality traits (β-glucan, starch, protein, and lipid) of oats to support breeding selection. Samples were kindly provided by PepsiCo R&D (n = 150) as oat groats. A handheld FT-NIR sensor (1350–2560 nm) measured spectra of ground and intact oat samples, while a portable FT-IR spectrometer (4000–650 cm −1) measured ground samples only. Several laboratory reference methods were used to measure β-glucan, starch, protein, and lipid composition to develop spectroscopic analysis models based on Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR). Best model performance was obtained from NIR spectra of ground groats, with standard error of prediction (SEP) for β-glucan, starch, protein, and lipid of 0.2%, 1.0%, 0.6%, and 0.3%, respectively. PLSR models for the MIR spectra exhibited similar predictive accuracy. The performance of these PLSR models either matched or outperformed NIR techniques reported in the literature using portable and benchtop systems. Therefore, novel miniaturized NIR sensors can provide breeders with a rapid method (15 s) to screen for unique traits in the field with equivalent reliability and sensitivity as benchtop systems.

Disposable Electrochemical Aptasensor Based on Graphene Oxide-DNA Complex as Signal Amplifier towards Ultrasensitive Detection of Ochratoxin A.

Signal amplification is crucial in developing a reliable disposable screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs)-based biosensor for analyte detection with a narrow detection window. This work demonstrated a novel label-free electrochemical aptasensor based on SPCEs for the ultrasensitive detection of ochratoxin A (OTA). The graphene oxide-DNA (GO-DNA) complex as a signal amplifier with easy preparation was investigated for the first time. The proposed aptasensor based on the SPCEs/GO/cDNA-aptamer/3D-rGO-AuNPs structure was formed through the hybridization of aptamer-linked 3D-rGO/AuNPs and its complementary DNA-linked GO (GO-cDNA). The presence of OTA was discerned by its specific aptamer forming a curled OTA-aptamer complex and releasing the GO-cDNA from the surface of SPCEs. The resulting OTA-aptamer complex hindered interfacial electron transfer on the sensing surface, leading to the decreased peak current. The GO-cDNA further amplified the peak current change. This electrochemical aptasensor showed a low limit of detection of 5 fg/mL as well as good reproducibility with the relative standard deviation (RSD) of 4.38%. Moreover, the detection result of OTA in the rice and oat samples was comparable with that of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. In general, the OTA aptasensor used in this work with convenient preparation, low-cost, good selectivity, high sensitivity and acceptable reproducibility can be proposed as a reliable point-of-care (POC) technique for OTA determination.

Directions and brief results of spring oat breeding in the conditions of the Northern region

54 samples of spring oats of various ecological and geographical origin were studied on the basis of FGUP "Kotlasskoe", which is located in the south-eastern part of the Northern Region in 2017–2020. A comprehensive assessment of varieties based on biological and production indicators was carried out: grain yield and green mass, weight of 1000 grains, duration of the growing season, plant height, resistance to lodging and dust smut damage. As a result of the conducted research, a promising breeding material for breeding on a complex of economically valuable traits was identified. The following samples were selected for use on grain: 35h2636, 27h2506, 45h2490, 3h2559, 69h2450, and H-2502. Of particular interest were the varieties of universal use, which formed a high yield of grain and green mass (45h2490, 69h2450 and H-2502).

Reduction of deoxynivalenol, T-2 and HT-2 toxins and associated Fusarium species during commercial and laboratory de-hulling of milling oats

Oats (Avena sativa L.) are well known for their nutritional properties but are susceptible to the growth of different Fusarium fungi resulting in mycotoxin contamination of harvested oats. In this study, oat samples from harvest years 2011 to 2017 were preselected for their suitability as milling oats for food purposes with DON contents below 1750 µg/kg. The reduction of DON, T-2 and HT-2 toxins during the commercial de-hulling process was analysed. While the average reduction for the sum of T-2 and HT-2 toxins in large oat kernels was 85%, the reduction for thin kernels was 66%. The reduction for DON was about 60% and did not differ for the two kernel fractions. In laboratory de-hulling experiments, milling oat samples and de-hulled oat kernels with known DON, T-2 and HT-2 toxin content were correlated with the associated DNA amount of Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium culmorum and Fusarium langsethiae. The reduction of the Fusarium DNA amount after de-hulling was comparable to the reduction of the associated mycotoxins. Notably, the correlation between F. langsethiae DNA amounts and the sum of T-2 and HT-2 toxin contents was R 2 = 0.69 in milling oats and it rose to R 2 = 0.85 in de-hulled oat kernels. In laboratory tests, at least one third of the initial levels of DON and the sum of T-2 and HT-2 toxins could be removed by polishing off the first parts of the outer layers; two thirds remained in the polished oat kernels. These observations indicate that de-hulling alone may not be completely sufficient to remove mycotoxin contamination in oats. These findings are of high importance in the discussion of determining legal maximum levels for DON or the sum of T-2 and HT-2 toxins in intermediate and final products.

Rapid and Visual Detection of Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus by Reverse Transcription Recombinase Polymerase Amplification with Lateral Flow Strips.

Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) has been a major viral pathogen causing significant losses of cereal crops including oats worldwide. It spreads naturally through aphids, and a rapid, specific, and reliable diagnostic method is imperative for disease monitoring and management. Here, we established a rapid and reliable method for isothermal reverse transcription recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA) combined with a lateral flow strips (LFS) assay for the detection of BYDV-infected oat samples based on the conserved sequences of the BYDV coat protein gene. Specific primers and a probe for RT-RPA reacted and optimally incubated at 42°C for 10 min, and the end-labeled amplification products were visualized on LFS within 10 min. The RT-RPA-LFS assay showed no cross-reactivity with other major cereal viruses, including barley mild mosaic virus, barley yellow mosaic virus, and rice black streaked dwarf virus, indicating high specificity of the assay. The sensitivity of the RT-RPA-LFS assay was similar to that of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and it was successfully validated to detect BYDV in oat samples from six different regions and in individual aphids. These results confirm the outstanding potential of the RT-RPA-LFS assay for rapid detection of BYDV.

Lignans in Oat and Barley Grains Depending on Genotype and Farming Practice

Abstract Cereals are an important source of vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre, and various phytochemicals, such as plant lignans. Lignans are a group of phenolic compounds that are commonly found in plants as their secondary metabolites. Lignans, found also in foodstuffs such as grains and seeds, are biologically active antioxidants, which reduce the occurrence of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases and prevent the progression of breast and prostate cancer. The aim of the study was to determine concentrations of lignans in different barley and oat genotypes grown under organic and conventional farming practices. Samples were collected in 2013 und 2014. The concentration of lignans was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The highest concentration of total lignans was found in oat grains: 507.1 ± 3.0 (509.2 in 2013 and 505.0 in 2014) µg·100−1g. In barley grains, total lignin concentration was 425.2 ± 30.3 (403.8 in 2013 and 446.6 in 2014) µg·100−1g were detected. Concentration of some lignans, like HO-Mata, Lari and Pino, was higher both in oat (450.0, 3323 and 1159.8 µg·kg−1, respectively) and barley grain (334.3, 3297 and 334.4 µg·kg−1, respectively). The lignan concentration in studied oat and barley samples did not differ significant depending on cultivation practice.

Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy as a tool to predict non-starch polysaccharide composition and starch digestibility profiles in common monogastric cereal feed ingredients

Carbohydrates are the main components of cereal grain ingredients and are comprised predominantly of starch which varies in the rate and extent of digestibility, and non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) from plant cell walls. These components are traditionally measured by chemical methods but there is interest in developing more rapid, cost effective predictions by use of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) technology. In this study, around 400 samples of wheat, corn, barley, wheat bran, oats, rye, corn germ, and sorghum were collected over several years to develop global NIR calibrations. Chemical analysis was performed for NSP, including details on solubility and individual constituent sugars, as well as separate determinations of cellulose and lignin. Total starch content and starch digestibility were characterized by the method of Englyst as rapidly (RDS) and slowly (SDS) digestible starch, and resistant starch (RS) determined as total starch content minus RDS and SDS. The same samples were scanned (400 to 2500 nm, every 0.5 nm) by two NIRS machines: a Foss model DS2500 and a Bruker Tango FT-NIR (Fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy). The NIRS calibrations were developed by using the combined set of different cereal grains. The modified Partial Least Squares Regression method was employed to establish correlations between the reference chemical analysis and the collected NIRS spectra. The correlation between the NIRS and reference data for total and insoluble NSP and the main component sugars (arabinose, xylose, and glucose) were robust (R2 = >0.97) with a 1-VR > 0.96 and RPD values > 5.3. Similarly, the NIRS predicted lignin (R2 = 0.94; 1-VR = 0.93) and to a lesser extent cellulose (R2 = 0.70; 1-VR = 0.98) but still highly correlated with the reference data. The predicted total starch content was excellent (R2 = 0.99; 1-VR = 0.99). The NIRS prediction for RDS and SDS were lower in linearity (R2 = 0.81 and R2 = 0.97, respectively) but more than sufficient to provide an estimate of the starch digestion profile for many of the raw materials evaluated. In addition, the robust NIRS predictions for total starch content, RDS and SDS could then provide information to calculate the RS fraction of the ingredients. In conclusion, compared with the reference chemical data for this large set of cereal grains the global NIR calibrations developed provide a good prediction of NSP, monosaccharide sugars, lignin, cellulose and total starch content in cereal grains, and for the first time an NIR relationship with starch digestibility fractions in the grains has been shown.