Offal Research Articles

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Vitamin B12 Deficiency among Pregnant Women in Rural Bangladesh.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications and adverse birth outcomes. However, data on vitamin B12 deficiency in pregnant Bangladeshi women are limited. This study examines vitamin B12 deficiency and marginal deficiency in rural Bangladeshi women during early and late pregnancies. Some 522 women whose gestational age was <20 weeks were recruited. Serum vitamin B12 concentrations were measured at baseline and after 14 weeks of iron-folate supplementation. Logistic regression analysis examined the association of various socio-demographic, dietary, and pregnancy-related factors with vitamin B12 deficiency and marginal deficiency. Overall, 19% of the women during early pregnancy had vitamin B12 deficiency (serum vitamin B12 concentration < 203 pg/mL) and nearly 40% had marginal deficiency (serum vitamin B12 concentration 203 to <300 pg/mL). Vitamin B12 deficiency doubled to 38% during late pregnancy, while marginal deficiency slightly increased to 41.7%. The pregnant women with a gestational age of ≥27 weeks had a higher risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency (OR = 2.61; 95% CI = 1.096–6.214) than those of a gestational age of <27 weeks. Vitamin B12 deficiency was significantly higher in pregnant women in rented accommodation (OR = 13.32; 95% CI = 1.55–114.25) than in those living in their own house. Vitamin B12 deficiency was significantly higher among women who consumed red or organ meat <3 times a week than in those who consumed it more often (OR = 2.327, 95% CI = 1.194–4.536). None of these factors were significantly associated with marginal vitamin B12 deficiency. In conclusion, vitamin B12 deficiency and marginal deficiency among pregnant rural Bangladeshi women increased as their pregnancies progressed. Increasing gestational age, living in a rented house, and the consumption of red or organ meat <3 times a week were identified as the independent risk factors of vitamin B12 deficiency in this population. Further research with more in-depth assessments of dietary vitamin B12 intakes is needed to develop an intervention program preventing vitamin B12 deficiency in this population.

AFLATOXIN M1 INDUCING GENOTOXICITY AND PATHOLOGICAL LESIONS IN ORGAN MEATS, LIVER OF CATTLE SAMPLED FROM EL-BASATIN ABATTOIR, EGYPT

In this study, two hundred and thirteen liver samples were randomly collected from different ages and both sexes of cattle carcasses in El-Basatin abattoir, Cairo governorate, Egypt. One hundred ninety- seven samples out of the examined specimens were free from any bacterial infections; but showed enlargement and pallor. Thirty-nine specimens representing about 20% of the bacteria- free specimens were examined to detect the Aflatoxins and its metabolites using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and LC MS/MS. All Pathological appraisals were recorded and the genotoxicity of the studied mycotoxin was detected using single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet). Our study revealed that there were prominent deleterious effects of Aflatoxin M1 on the hepatic tissue. The detection of aflatoxins’ metabolites in the hepatic tissues is of great importance on the health of human consuming organ meat; and on the other hand, it may affect the farm animals’ performance.

Anti-inflammatory diet and incident peripheral artery disease: Two prospective cohort studies

Systemic inflammation plays a role in peripheral artery disease (PAD), and therefore, an anti-inflammatory diet may reduce PAD risk. We examined the association between the anti-inflammatory diet and PAD risk by smoking status, a trigger of systemic inflammation. The study was based on two cohorts of 82295 Swedish adults aged 45-83 years (38823 women from Swedish Mammography Cohort and 45472 men from Cohort of Swedish Men). An anti-inflammatory diet index (AIDI; 0-17 scores) was used to estimate the anti-inflammatory potential of diet. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Over a median 22-year (interquartile range 7.5 years) follow-up period, 3413 PAD cases were ascertained. Compared with individuals in the lowest quartile of the AIDI (score ≤4), the HR of PAD for those in the highest quartile (score ≥8) was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.74-0.94). The inverse association was observed in current and past smokers but not in never smokers. The HR of PAD comparing extreme quartiles of the AIDI was 0.67 (95% CI, 0.53-0.86) in current smoker, 0.78 (95% CI, 0.63-0.97) in past smoker, and 1.00 (95% CI, 0.82-1.23) in never smokers. Among foods included in AIDI, high consumption of breakfast cereals, chocolate, red wine, and olive/canola oil, and low consumption of processed red meat and organ meats were associated with low PAD risk. The study suggests that adherence to a diet with high anti-inflammatory potential may lower PAD risk, especially in smokers.

Cognitive Biases and Addictive Disorders: A Bibliometric Review

Introduction: Since the early 2000s, there have been extensive investigations into cognitive biases in addictive disorders. The advances in the field have led to the discovery that cognitive bias exists in substance disorders and could in turn be modified. To date, there have been primary studies and meta-analysis demonstrating the existence of these biases and the effectiveness of cognitive bias modification (i.e., whereby such biases are retrained). There remains a lack of understanding of how the field has progressed and the research gaps, in light of the evidences provided by these primary studies. Objectives: A bibliometric analysis of the publications to date was performed to provide a map of the work that has been done so far. This would help researchers to better understand the development of cognitive bias research, the direction of the research, and the recent trends. Methods: For the purposes of this bibliometric research, Web of Science (WOS) was used in the identification of relevant articles. To identify the relevant articles, the following search strategy was implemented, that of ((((((TS = (“cognitive bias”)) OR TS = (“attention bias”)) OR TS = (“approach bias”)) OR TS = (“avoidance bias)) OR TS = (“interpretative bias”))). Bibliometric data analysis was conducted based on the identified articles. Results: A total of 161 citations were eventually included. These citations were published between 1994 and 2022. The average number of citations per documents was 26.73. Of these 161 citations, 122 were articles, 2 were editorials, 3 were corrections to the original manuscript, 5 were reviews, and 29 were meeting abstracts. The analysis of the trend of topics has shown that researchers were focused on understanding and gaining insights into cognitive biases and potentially examining the association between cognitive biases and cravings and aggression in the early days. Over the years, there has been an evolution into examining specific unconscious biases, namely, that of attention and approach biases. In the most recent years, the investigations have been more focused on examining bias modification/retraining. Conclusions: From our knowledge, this is the first bibliometric analysis that has been undertaken to explore all the publications related to cognitive bias in the field of addiction. The insights gained from this article could inform future research.

Nature Relatedness Is Positively Associated With Dietary Diversity and Fruit and Vegetable Intake in an Urban Population.

Feeling connected to nature, or nature relatedness (NR), can positively impact physical and psychological well-being. However, the relationship between NR and dietary behaviors has not been studied. This research examined the relationship between NR and dietary behaviors, including dietary diversity and fruit and vegetable intake. Cross-sectional online survey study. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Adults (n = 317) over 18 years who resided in Philadelphia, PA. The NR Scale was used to measure participants' connection to nature. It includes 21 items across three subscales: self, experience, and perspective (total and subscales range from 1 to 5). Dietary Diversity was assessed using the FAO's standardized tool (scores range from 0 to 9). To calculate dietary diversity, food groups reported were aggregated into nine food categories: starchy staples; dark green leafy vegetables; vitamin A rich fruits/vegetables; other fruits/vegetables; organ meat; meat/fish; eggs; legumes, nuts/seeds; and milk products. The NCI's 2-item CUP Fruit and Vegetable Screener was used to estimate daily fruit and vegetable intake (cups/day), and socio-demographic questions were asked. Simple and multivariable regression models were used to examine associations between NR Total and subscale scores with dietary diversity scores and fruit and vegetable intake with NR Total scores and subscale scores. The multivariable models were adjusted for age, race, gender, and income. People with higher NR Total (P < .001), NR Self (P < .001), NR Perspective (P = .002), and NR Experience (P = .002) were more likely to report greater dietary diversity. Those with higher NR Total (P < .001), NR Self (P < .001), and NR Experience (P < .001) reported greater fruit and vegetable intake. Associations remained significant after adjusting for covariates. NR was associated with better dietary intake after accounting for socio-demographic indicators. These findings highlight the need for health promotion interventions that enhance NR, such as nature prescription initiatives, urban gardening and greening, and immersion in urban green spaces.

High price premiums as barriers to organic meat demand? A hedonic analysis considering species, cut and retail outlet*

Rigid price setting and high organic price premiums have been perceived as major purchase barriers to organic meat products. While emerging price and product differentiation have been reported for organic products in other categories, empirical evidence for the organic fresh meat market is lacking. We estimate a hedonic pricing model based on German household scanner data for fresh red meat and poultry purchases from 2012 to 2014. We derive and test for differences in organic price premiums across distribution channels, species and product type. Our results indicate significant variation in organic premiums, which range from 14 per cent for minced beef to 108 per cent for chicken breasts, and are considerably lower than previously reported estimates. We also find substantial overlaps in the distributions of conventional and organic prices for selected products. Our results suggest that high price premiums can no longer serve as the dominant explanation for low market shares of organic red meat. Marketers and policymakers may instead communicate the benefits of organic meat over conventional premium alternatives more clearly or increase the availability of organic meat.

Enabling Sustainable Lifestyles in New Urban Areas: Evaluation of an Eco-Development Case Study in the UK

This study evaluated the actual environmental behaviours in an eco-development case study in the UK, which was designed to enable more sustainable lifestyles. Data analysis was based on the resident responses to a development-wide questionnaire survey (n = 89), household interviews (n = 12) and waste measurements. Reported energy- and water-saving behaviours were fairly common. The mean waste recycling rates (45% to 60%) were similar to local and national averages, and were below the target of 80%. The mean rates of purchasing organic food (37%), growing food (31%) and meat consumption (in 36% of all meals) indicated that the food behaviours were not more pro-environmental. Car-based modes of transportation were used for 71% of all the reported trips on average, which was higher than the national average, and the target of 55%. Despite these reported behaviours, most of the residents regarded their new lifestyles as more sustainable. This was related to the notion of energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies, rather than changes in behaviour. The findings of this study and similar studies indicated that enabling environmental behaviours in new developments is challenging. New policies need to be more holistic and support the delivery of not only well-performing buildings, but also developments that make sustainable urban living a reality.

Effects of dietary vitamin E and fat supplementation in growing-finishing swine fed to a heavy slaughter weight of 150 kg: I. Growth performance, lean growth, organ size, carcass characteristics, primal cuts, and pork quality.

The study aimed to assess the effect of vitamin E (VE) supplementation and fat source on growth performance, lean growth, organ size, carcass characteristics, and pork quality of pigs at a heavy slaughter weight of 150kg. A total of 64 pigs (32 barrows and 32 gilts; 28.41±0.83kg) were blocked by sex and body weight, and randomly assigned to one of eight dietary treatments (n = 8 per treatment) in a 4×2 factorial arrangement with main effects of fat source (corn starch [CS; no fat added], 5% tallow [TW], 5% distiller's corn oil [DCO], and 5% coconut oil [CN]) and VE supplementation level (11 and 200ppm). Five-phase diets were formulated to meet requirement estimates of NRC and fed to pigs with each period of 25kg from 25 to 150kg. Increasing dietary VE supplementation from 11 to 200ppm tended to increase average daily gain (ADG) in phase 5 (P = 0.08), and gain to feed ratio (G/F) in phase 4 (P = 0.06) and phase 5 (P = 0.06) resulting in increased G/F in the overall period (P = 0.10). Compared with the pigs fed the CS diet in the overall period, the pigs fed DCO diets had greater ADG (P < 0.05), the pigs fed the TW and CN diets had lower average daily feed intake (P < 0.05), and the pigs fed the fat-added diets had greater G/F (P < 0.05). Belly firmness was greatest in the pigs fed the CN diet and lowest in those fed the DCO diet (P < 0.05). Increasing dietary VE level from 11 to 200ppm increased absolute and relative liver weight, absolute ham yield (P < 0.05), and tended to increase the relative yield of picnic shoulder (P = 0.07) and ham (P = 0.06) and the pigs fed the corn oil diet tended to have greater belly yield (P = 0.08) than the other fat treatments. Increasing dietary VE level increased 45-min pH and ΔpH at slaughter but decreased a* value, chroma (P < 0.10), and belly depth (P < 0.05). However, no effects of VE supplementation and fat source were observed on the other carcass traits and meat quality measurements. In conclusion, increasing dietary VE level from 11 to 200ppm slightly increased growth rate and feed efficiency in the late finishing periods, and the addition of fat increased feed efficiency and backfat thickness, decreased lean content, and altered belly firmness. While there were some effects of VE supplementation and fat source observed on organ weight, primal cuts, carcass traits, and meat quality, there was no strong evidence that VE supplementation and fat source materially affected these measurements except for belly firmness.

Replacement of soybean oil with cold-extracted fat from Hermetia illucens in young turkey diets: Effects on performance, nutrient digestibility, selected organ measurements, meat and liver tissue traits, intestinal microbiota modulation, and physiological and immunological status

This study aimed to evaluate the partial or total replacement of soybean oil with cold-extracted Hermetia illucens larvae (BSFL) fat in young turkey diets on growth performance, coefficients of apparent ileal nutrient digestibility, pancreatic enzyme activities, selected gastrointestinal tract (GIT) segment measurements, microbial community modulation, selected biochemical blood indices, hormone concentrations, immune status traits, and muscle and liver tissue traits. A total of 216 7-day-old female turkeys (B.U.T. 6) were randomly allotted to 3 dietary treatments. Each group contained 6 replicate pens with 12 birds per pen. The birds were fed a soybean-maize basal diet enriched with 50 g/kg dietary fat, i.e., soybean oil (SO) in the control group, 50:50 SO and H. illucens larvae fat in the BSFL50 treatment group, and BSFL fat as the sole energy source in the BSFL100 group. The experiment lasted 28 days. The provided BSFL fat was characterized by high lauric and palmitic acid contents, as well as saturated fatty acids (SFAs), while concentrations of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids were higher in the SO group. The growth performance parameters were not affected (P > 0.05) by BSFL fat substitution. However, the apparent ileal digestibility of the ether extract was significantly increased (P < 0.001) after BSFL fat inclusion as the sole energy source with simultaneous enhancement (P < 0.001) of lipase activity. Partial or total replacement of SO with BSFL fat improved cecal microbiota communities by limiting (P < 0.001) Bacteroides-Prevotella cluster counts. Additionally, the beneficial effect of BSFL100 was observed in the case of a decreased (P = 0.004) IL-6 concentration. In conclusion, it is possible to partially or totally substitute SO in turkey diets with cold-extracted BSFL fat without any negative effect on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, physiological traits, or immunological status traits. Furthermore, the cold-pressing technique can be adopted and recommended to obtain BSFL fat as a dietary energy source in turkey nutrition.

Association of Fruit, Vegetable, and Animal Food Intakes with Breast Cancer Risk Overall and by Molecular Subtype among Vietnamese Women.

Evidence on associations between dietary intake and risk of breast cancer subtypes is limited and inconsistent. We evaluated associations of fruit, vegetable, meat, and fish consumption with risk of breast cancer overall and by molecular subtype in the Vietnamese Breast Cancer Study (VBCS). VBCS includes 476 incident breast cancer cases and 454 age-matched controls. Dietary habits over the past 5 years were assessed by in-person interviews using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Associations of food groups with breast cancer were evaluated via logistic regression for overall and molecular subtype with adjustment for age, education, income, family history of cancer, menopausal status, body mass index, exercise, total energy intake, and other potential dietary confounders. Odds ratio (OR) was used to approximate relative risk. High fruit intake was inversely associated with breast cancer risk, with adjusted ORs [95% confidence intervals (CI)] of 0.67 (95% CI, 0.47-0.95) and 0.41 (95% CI, 0.27-0.61) for second and third tertiles versus first tertile, respectively (Ptrend < 0.001). This association was stronger for triple-negative than other subtypes (Pheterogeneity < 0.001). High intake of freshwater fish was inversely associated with overall breast cancer (ORT3vsT1 = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.42-0.95; Ptrend = 0.03). An inverse association was observed between HER2-enriched subtype and red and organ meat intake (ORT3vsT1 = 0.40; 95% CI, 0.17-0.93; Ptrend = 0.04; Pheterogeneity = 0.50). High intakes of fruit and freshwater fish were associated with reduced breast cancer risk; association for the former was stronger for triple-negative subtype. Our findings suggest high intakes of fruit and freshwater fish may reduce breast cancer risk among Vietnamese women.

Consumer trust in organic food and organic certifications in four European countries

As the European organic market accelerates its growth, consumers are increasingly looking for produce that can be trusted, sustainably produced and environmentally friendly. Over the last decade, organic research has shifted to faster growing markets in Asia, despite fraudulent organic food still being an issue in Europe. This study addresses this gap by investigating the differences in consumers trust in organic meat and vegetables across 4 European Countries (Germany, Italy, Poland and the UK). In this study an online cross-sectional survey utilising validated tools was designed and data collected from 2071 respondents, approximately representative in terms of gender, age and region per country. Results identified between country differences in trust and beliefs in the ‘organicness’ of the produce. Overall, consumers had a high levels of trust in certified organic food chain and produce, and strong beliefs in the benefits of certification bodies; however this differed between countries. Italy and Poland respondents reported higher overall trust and preferred EU certification; whilst the UK and Germany reported lower trust and preferred their national certification bodies. Similarly, there were interesting differences between the products and national preferences. The findings highlight opportunities especially in Germany and the UK, for private industry, national and world-level bodies to improve the sustainability and growth of the organic food market.

Organ meat consumption and risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: the TCLSIH study.

Prospective cohort studies linking organ meat consumption and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are limited, especially in Asian populations. This study aimed to prospectively investigate the association between organ meat consumption and risk of NAFLD in a general Chinese adult population. This prospective cohort study included a total of 15,568 adults who were free of liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer at baseline. Dietary information was collected at baseline using a validated food frequency questionnaire. NAFLD was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound after excluding other causes related to chronic liver disease. Cox proportional regression models were used to assess the association between organ meat consumption and risk of NAFLD. During a median of 4.2 years of follow-up, we identified 3,604 incident NAFLD cases. After adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, vegetable, fruit, soft drink, seafood, and red meat consumption, the multivariable hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for incident NAFLD across consumption of organ meat were 1.00 (reference) for almost never, 1.04 (0.94, 1.15) for tertile 1, 1.08 (0.99, 1.19) for tertile 2, and 1.11 (1.01, 1.22) for tertile 3, respectively (P for trend <0.05). Such association did not differ substantially in the sensitivity analysis. Our study indicates that organ meat consumption was related to a modestly higher risk of NAFLD among Chinese adults. Further investigations are needed to confirm this finding.

The Effect of Natural Additives in Drinking Water on Broiler Production Performances: The Case of Green Anise and Fenugreek

Background: Natural additives supplementation in broiler feed is intended to produce organic meat and minimize the use of chemical drugs that have harmful effects on humans, animals, and the environment. Using locally available plants such as fenugreek and green anise is a much safer and inexpensive alternative Methods: 318 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to three different experimental groups: birds of the first group considered as the control group received an enrofloxacin-based antistress drug; birds of the second group received an aqueous extract of fenugreek; birds of the third group received an aqueous extract of aniseed. Both natural products were used in gradual levels according to the following dosages and duration of treatment:7 grams/liter of water during the period from day15 to day 21 of age; 14 grams/liter of water from day 22 to day 28 and 28 grams/liter of water from day 29 to day 35. For each group, the following zootechnical parameters and carcass characteristics were recorded: mortality rates; Feed Intake (FI), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR); live weight at slaughter; carcass yield and the weights of the liver, gizzard, and abdominal fat. Findings: Fenugreek was found to have the lowest mortality rate (6,60%) compared to 9,34% for the ”control” group and 8,41% for the ”anise group. Both Fenugreek and aniseed aqueous extracts had similar results to the synthetic antistress on the zootechnical and carcass variables studied. There was no significant difference between the three experimental groups (p> 0,05). Novelty: Supplementation of fenugreek and anise aqueous extracts in broilers’ drinking water has no adverse effect on their zootechnical performance or carcass characteristics. Both natural products could replace synthetic enrofloxacin-based antistress, allowing organic broiler production with reduced costs. Keywords: Trigonella foenum-graecum; Pimpinella anisum; additives; performances; broiler; organic; production

Nutritional Benefits from Fatty Acids in Organic and Grass-Fed Beef.

Livestock production is under increasing scrutiny as a component of the food supply chain with a large impact on greenhouse gas emissions. Amidst growing calls to reduce industrial ruminant production, there is room to consider differences in meat quality and nutritional benefits of organic and/or pasture-based management systems. Access to forage, whether fresh or conserved, is a key influencing factor for meat fatty acid profile, and there is increasing evidence that pasture access is particularly beneficial for meat’s nutritional quality. These composition differences ultimately impact nutrient supply to consumers of conventional, organic and grass-fed meat. For this review, predicted fatty acid supply from three consumption scenarios were modelled: i. average UK population National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) (<128 g/week) red meat consumption, ii. red meat consumption suggested by the UK National Health Service (NHS) (<490 g/week) and iii. red meat consumption suggested by the Eat Lancet Report (<98 g/week). The results indicate average consumers would receive more of the beneficial fatty acids for human health (especially the essential omega-3, alpha-linolenic acid) from pasture-fed beef, produced either organically or conventionally.

Bisphenol S in individual and composite meat and meat products and implication for its sources

ABSTRACT In this study, the occurrence of bisphenol S (BPS) in the meat and meat products from a recent Canadian Total Diet Study (TDS) was investigated in more detail. In addition to their composite samples, the individual raw meat and meat products were also analysed for BPS to investigate the variations of BPS levels and provide some information on the potential sources for BPS in meat. BPS was detected in all the 11 composite samples of different meat and meat products, with the highest level in roast beef (118.23 ng/g) and lowest in cured pork (0.14 ng/g) and cold cuts luncheon meats (0.18 ng/g). BPS was also detected in all the 84 individual raw meat and meat products, with the highest level of 257.61 ng/g in roast beef, followed by 190.41 ng/g in organ meats, 110.15 ng/g in beef steak, 27.91 ng/g in veal cutlets, 17.63 ng/g in wieners & sausages, and 15.27 ng/g in ground beef. However, significant variations of BPS levels were observed in the individual meat and meat product samples under the same category collected from different stores. This may indicate that packaging is unlikely the sources for BPS in meat otherwise BPS levels would have been more or less the same with the same type of packaging (Styrofoam and cling film) regardless where they were collected. Thus, sources other than food packaging, such as the contaminated feed and farming environment (e.g. grass) for animals (e.g. cow), may be possible and should be investigated in future studies.

The effect of fertilizer type on nitrogen uptake by maize from recently formed soil organic matter#

AbstractBackgroundSoil organic matter (SOM) formed under legume‐based grasslands may serve as an important source of nitrogen (N) for subsequent maize growth.AimWe aimed at studying effects of fertilizer type (organic and mineral N and phosphorus (P) fertilizers) on N release from recently formed SOM and N utilization by plants.MethodsThe effects of mineral and organic (meat and bone meal) N and P fertilization on SOM turnover were examined under maize (Zea mays L.) on a sand loamy typic hapludult in an outdoor pot experiment over 55 days. The plant uptake of N derived from recently formed SOM was investigated by dual labeling this SOM pool with 15N and 13C.ResultsOrganic and mineral fertilized maize acquired similar amounts of N derived from recently formed SOM, which was twice as high as for unfertilized plants. Rhizosphere soil with organic fertilizer had higher 13C loss than unplanted soil, whereas no extra 13C was lost under mineral fertilization. On the contrary, a lower 13C loss from planted compared to unplanted soil was observed in unfertilized soil.ConclusionsBoth mineral and organic fertilizers increased plant growth and N uptake, whereas only organic fertilizers accelerated SOM turnover in the rhizosphere as compared to bulk soil. Thus, this study implies that the fertilizer types differently affected the mechanisms controlling the utilization of N bound in recently formed SOM.

РАЗРАБОТКА ТЕХНОЛОГИИ ПРОИЗВОДСТВА НОВОГО МЯСНОГО ПРОДУКТА ИЗ ИНДЮШАТИНЫ С ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕМ ГРЕЧНЕВОЙ МУКИ

Getting the necessary nutrients during the food intake is of vital importance for children’s growth and development. This is particularly true for the schoolchildren whose food ration hardly contains any food product with high biological value when eating during the breaks. Thus, we recommend a new range of organic meat product with high biological value and without any preservative agents.

Diffusion of organic farming among Dutch pig farmers: An agent-based model

CONTEXTOrganic farming is an alternative for conventional farming practices with the potential to decrease negative externalities. Yet, in the Netherlands there has been a mismatch between societal preferences and farmer behaviour: despite increasing demand for organic pork meat, farmers feel peer pressure to remain conventional. Therefore, to understand diffusion of organic farming, one needs to consider social dynamics between farmers. OBJECTIVEThe aim of this research is to gain insight in the factors contributing to the diffusion of organic farming, by considering social interaction mechanisms, market price dynamics, and heterogeneity in farming styles. METHODSWe built an agent-based model of pig farmers differing in farm size and farming style (idealists, craftsmen and entrepreneurs) in a social-spatial network. They can convert from conventional to organic farming and back. Farmers can influence one another when they interact. This social influence is based on the social identity approach: Farmers who are similar in, among others, farming style converge in attitudes, while dissimilar farmers diverge in attitudes. The conventional meat price is volatile. The organic meat price fluctuates in accordance with supply. An exploratory analysis was performed on social influence parameters. Three social influence scenarios on the likelihood for influence in interaction were selected for local sensitivity analysis. The model run replicated 15 years and started with 16 organic farmers and 1958 conventional farmers. Model results were discussed with Dutch organic pork sector experts. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONThe results of the exploratory analysis are threefold. An increase in the likelihood of influence in interaction increases the number of organic farmers from 44 to 121 and diversifies the organic farmers from 98% idealists to 31% idealists, 49% craftsmen and 20% entrepreneurs. The most influential factor on diffusion of organic farming is the demand for organic pork meat. New entrants stimulate organic farming through a different farming style than their predecessor. Expert discussion on model results confirmed the importance of consumer demand and new entrants for understanding diffusion. SIGNIFICANCEThe social identity approach serves as a helpful framework to capture empirical and sociological knowledge. It reveals that farming styles of entrants contribute to the diversification of farming practices overall. For researchers and policy makers wishing to stimulate alternative farming practices, it is of interest to better understand this mechanism. In addition, we showed that those wishing to understand innovation in farming practices should look beyond farmer decision-making, by including market dynamics through consumer demand.

Ascorbic Acid in Health and Disease: A Review

: Ascorbic acid is an essential nutrient, and required for various metabolic activities in humans. Typically citrus fruits, vegetables and organ meat are good source of vitamin C. It acts as strong antioxidant and act as a scavenger in defence against free radical oxygen species. It has also contributed to rejuvenate photo aged skin. It has ability to control the pigmentation of melanin by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase by interacting with copper ions. It serves as a co-antioxidant with vitamin E to regenerate alpha tocopherol, thereby retards cellular damage. Ascorbic acid is deprotonated to form ascorbate anion, contributes to its prooxidant properties and act as a potential anticancer agent. It reduces the mutation rate in mismatch-repair deficient human colon cancer cells. Ascorbic acid is a phytochemical has micronutrients that act against the inflammation in arthritis. Currently, challenges lies finding most stable formulation for achieving optimum results.

Trichinella Outbreaks on Pig Farms in Poland in 2012-2020.

Trichinella nematodes continue to circulate in various hosts both in the domestic and sylvatic cycles. In the majority of countries in Europe, wild boars have been noticed as a primary source of Trichinella spp. infections in humans. However, in some regions, the meat of pigs containing Trichinella spp. larvae can still be a cause of trichinellosis. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to determine and present actual data on the occurrence of Trichinella spp. on pig farms (Sus scrofa f. domestica) in Poland. In this study, over 194 million pigs, slaughtered for commercial and personal purposes between 2012 and 2020, were tested with a digestion method according to the official rules for Trichinella control. Positive results were noticed in 172 pigs which gives an overall prevalence of 0.000088%. On seven farms, rats (Rattus norvegicus) infected with Trichinella spp. were also discovered. The species identification showed pigs were infected with Trichinella spiralis on 26 farms, and on four farms pigs with Trichinella britovi infections were found. Therefore, it is important to constantly monitor pigs for the presence of these parasites, especially in view of the growing interest in organic meat originated from ecological farms.