Poppy Seed Research Articles

Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRLs for bixafen in rape seed, linseed, poppy seed and mustard seed

Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRLs for bixafen in rape seed, linseed, poppy seed and mustard seed

Convective drying of particulate solids – Packed vs. fluid bed operation

The paper addresses results for the case of convective drying of particulate solids in a packed and in a fluid bed, analyzing agreement between the numerical results and the results of corresponding experimental investigation, as well as the differences between packed and fluid bed operation. In the fluid bed simulation model of unsteady simultaneous one-dimensional heat and mass transfer between solids, gas phase and bubble phase during drying process, based on two-phase bubbling model, it is assumed that the gas–solid interface is at thermodynamic equilibrium. The basic idea is to calculate heat and mass transfer between gas and particles (i.e., the drying process) in suspension phase as for a packed bed of particles, where the drying rate (evaporated moisture flux) of the specific product is calculated by applying the concept of a “drying coefficient”. Mixing of the particles (i.e., the impact onto the heat and mass transfer coefficients) in the case of fluid bed is taken into account by means of the diffusion term in the differential equations, using an effective particle diffusion coefficient. Model validation was done on the basis of the experimental data obtained with narrow fraction of poppy seeds characterized by mean equivalent particle diameter (dS,d=0.75mm), re-wetted with required (calculated) amount of water up to the initial moisture content (X0=0.54) for all experiments. Comparison of the drying kinetics, both experimental and numerical, has shown that higher gas (drying agent) temperatures, as well as velocities (flow-rates), induce faster drying. This effect is more pronounced for deeper beds, because of the larger amount of wet material to be dried using the same drying agent capacity. Bed temperature differences along the bed height are significant inside the packed bed, while in the fluid bed, for the same drying conditions, are almost negligible due to mixing of particles. Residence time is shorter in the case of a fluid bed drying compared to a packed bed drying.

Outbreak investigation of epidemic dropsy in Panchmahal district of Gujarat, 2012

Background: Epidemic dropsy is food born disease. The etiological agent responsible for epidemic dropsy is sanguinarine and found in seeds of argemone mexicana. Epidemic dropsy has been reported from time to time in various parts of India. This outbreak of epidemic dropsy was reported in Panchmahal district of Gujarat in 2012. Objectives: 1.To identify etiological agent, source of outbreak and mode of transmission.2. To propose control measures based on the outbreak investigation. Material and method: A community based cross section study in Dholkhakhara village was carried out by rapid response team (RRT) of medical college Vadodara. Data was collected through (1) in-depth interview of cases (2) case records of government and private health facilities (3) a house to house survey of Dholkhakhara village. Result: Attack rate of epidemic dropsy was 9.12 per 1000 population. Highest attack rate was 19.46 per 1000 population in 11-20 years of age group. Case fatality rate was 7.69%. Conclusion: It was sudden onset; common source outbreak of epidemic dropsy. Cause of outbreak was ingestion of contaminated mustard oil with poppy seeds (argemone mexicana).

Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRLs for prothioconazole in rape seed, linseed, poppy seed and mustard seed

Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRLs for prothioconazole in rape seed, linseed, poppy seed and mustard seed

Characterization of third-body media particles and their effect on in vitro composite wear

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to compare four medium particles currently used for in vitro composite wear testing (glass and PMMA beads and millet and poppy seeds). MethodsParticles were prepared as described in previous wear studies. Hardness of medium particles was measured with a nano-indentor, particle size was measured with a particle size analyzer, and the particle form was determined with light microscopy and image analysis software. Composite wear was measured using each type of medium and water in the Alabama wear testing device. Four dental composites were compared: a hybrid (Z100), flowable microhybrid (Estelite Flow Quick), micromatrix (Esthet-X), and nano-filled (Filtek Supreme Plus). The test ran for 100,000 cycles at 1.2Hz with 70N force by a steel antagonist. Volumetric wear was measured by non-contact profilometry. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test was used to compare both materials and media. ResultsHardness values (GPa) of the particles are (glass, millet, PMMA, and poppy, respectively): 1.310(0.150), 0.279(0.170), 0.279(0.095), and 0.226(0.146). Average particle sizes (μm) are (glass, millet, PMMA, and poppy, respectively): 88.35(8.24), 8.07(4.05), 28.95(8.74), and 14.08(7.20). Glass and PMMA beads were considerably more round than the seeds. During composite wear testing, glass was the only medium that produced more wear than the use of water alone. The rank ordering of the materials varied with each medium, however, the glass and PMMA bead medium allowed better discrimination between materials. SignificancePMMA beads are a practical and relevant choice for composite wear testing because they demonstrate similar physical properties as seeds but reduce the variability of wear measurements.

A comparison of magnetic resonance imaging and electrical capacitance tomography: An air jet through a bed of particles

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electrical capacitance volume tomography (ECVT) have been compared for the visualisation of a jet of air issuing from a distributor provided with a single orifice and supporting a bed of poppy seeds contained in a vertical tube of 50mm diameter. The mean diameter of the seeds was 1.2mm: the orifice was 4mm in diameter. MRI and ECVT images were acquired in three dimensions for flow rates of air such that, when divided by the cross-sectional area of the tube, they gave superficial velocities below that required for minimum fluidisation. The ECVT images were found to be of lower contrast (as well as resolution) than the MRI, owing to smoothing inherent to the ECVT reconstruction process. An adaptive threshold method is developed to recover the 3D structure of the jet from the ECVT results. This method describes the smoothing in the ECVT images by a point-spread function that can be objectively defined by comparison with the MRI results. Using the new adaptive threshold method, the maximum discrepancy in the measured jet length by ECVT was an overestimation by 7mm in comparison with the MRI results. The discrepancies in the measured maximum jet widths appeared to be ca. 2mm.

Magnetic resonance studies of jets in a gas–solid fluidised bed

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used to study the behaviour of jets at the distributor of a 50mm diameter fluidised bed of 0.5mm diameter poppy seeds. Two perforated-plate distributors were examined, containing either 10 or 14 holes, each 1mm diameter. Ultra-fast MR imaging was able to show the transient nature of the upper parts of the jets, where discrete bubbles are formed. Imaging in 3D showed that the central jets were the longest for flow rates below minimum fluidisation. Above minimum fluidisation, the outer jets, nearest the wall of the fluidised bed, arched inward towards the central axis. In this latter case, interpretation of the time-averaged 3D image required the use of ultra-fast MR imaging to identify the approximate height above the distributor at which discrete bubbles were formed. The apparently continuous void extending along the central axis above this height in the time-averaged 3D image was thus identified, using ultra-fast MR imaging, as representing the averaged paths of released bubbles. Time-averaged MR velocity mapping was also used to identify dead zones of stationary particles resting on the distributor between the jets. The dead zones could be observed when the superficial velocity of the gas approached minimum fluidisation, but they were smaller than those observed at lower gas superficial velocity. Comparable images of a single jet through 1.2mm diameter poppy seeds from MRI and electrical capacitance volume tomography (ECVT) are also demonstrated.

Exposure of consumers to morphine from poppy seeds in Hungary

Poppy seed-containing foods are popular dishes in Hungary and some other Central European countries. The alkaloids of poppy are used in the production of medicines. Poppy seeds used as food may also contain considerable amounts of alkaloids, which raises the question of food safety. Morphine, codeine, thebaine and noscapine concentrations of poppy seed samples from the period 2001–2010 and consumption data from two Hungarian surveys, carried out in 2003 and 2009, were evaluated. Exposure calculations were made for morphine intake by both point estimate and probabilistic methods, and the uncertainty of the calculated values was estimated. The point estimate for the acute consumer exposure, calculated using the 97.5th percentiles of morphine concentration and of poppy seed consumption and taking into account the reduction of morphine content by processing, was 78.64 µg (kg bw)−1 day−1 for adults, and 116.90 µg (kg bw)−1 day−1 for children. Based on probabilistic estimations, the 97.5th and 99th percentile exposures ranged between 18.3–25.4 and 25.6–47.4 µg (kg bw)−1 day−1 for adults, and between 32.9 and 66.4 µg (kg bw)−1 day−1 for children, respectively. As a no observed effect level (NOEL) had not been established, the significance of exposure could not be assessed.

Scientific Opinion on the risks for public health related to the presence of opium alkaloids in poppy seeds

Poppy seeds are obtained from the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.). They are used in bakery products, on top of dishes, in fillings of cakes and in desserts and to produce edible oil. The opium poppy plant contains narcotic alkaloids such as morphine and codeine. Poppy seeds do not contain the opium alkaloids, but can become contaminated with alkaloids as a result of insect damage, or through poor harvesting practices. The European Commission asked the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to provide a scientific opinion on the risks for public health related to the presence of opium alkaloids in poppy seeds intended for human consumption. Following a call for data, EFSA received the results from analyses of opium alkaloids, primarily morphine, codeine, thebaine, papaverine and noscapine, in samples of poppy seeds, bakery products and baking ingredients. Based on the relative prevalence of the alkaloids present in poppy seed and food samples analysed, and on their pharmacological potency, the EFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM Panel) concluded that the risk assessment could be based on dietary exposure to morphine alone. The CONTAM Panel applied an uncertainty factor of 3 to establish from the lowest known single oral therapeutic dose of 30 µg morphine/kg body weight (b.w.) an acute reference dose (ARfD) of 10 μg morphine/kg b.w. Estimates of dietary exposure to morphine from foods containing poppy seed demonstrate that the ARfD can be exceeded during a single serving by some consumers, particularly children, across the EU. This risk assessment relates to poppy seed samples with an alkaloid profile comparable to that of the submitted data and should not be extrapolated to poppy seed samples with a qualitatively different alkaloid profile.

Nutritional Supplements and its Effect on Quality of Life and Sleep

Problem statement: Inadequate sleep has been recognized as a risk factor for poor health status. Mental stress, body pains, melatonin deficiency, late night awakening disturbing the body clock are triggers for poor quality of sleep and fatigue. Fatigue due to insomnia is a major cause for poor quality of life. Evidences suggest certain nutrients to exert profound influence on quality of sleep which in turn could affect quality of life. In the present study we examine to study the effects of food and nutrients on sleep and quality of life. Approach: 800 subjects were screened for sleep quality and presence of insomnia out of which, 34 subjects of both sexes aged 21-45 years included for the “Nutrition Intervention Study”. Nutrients and food components were assessed by three days Diet Diary Method and Sleep quality was assessed by Sleep Behavior and Insomnia Screening Questionnaire (ISQ) as well as the Pittsburgh sleep quality index. Blood and urine parameters were examined by standard methods. A prepost assessment method was adopted. Subjects were assessed for blood parameters like-serum cortisol, vitamin B12, ferritin, iron and magnesium; urine profile included was pH and Sp.Gr. Intervention period was 15 days and subjects were divided in to three groups depending upon criteria of diagnosis, i.e., Gr.1, subjects (n = 12) with low serum B12 levels, who were given B12 injections. Gr. 2(n = 12) and Gr. 3: (n = 10) subjects respectively were provided with beet root and poppy seeds drinks to be consumed every night (4 h before bed time). Results: Beet root consumption increased the ferritin level. B12 level increased significantly with beet root powder intervention. B12 supplementation effectively increased (from 152.87±23.9-1375.6±804.4 pg mL-1) serum levels of this vitamin and the difference was extremely significant statistically (p<0.01). It was highly encouraging to note a significant reduction in cortisol levels with B12 supplementation within a period of 15 days. Mean value of ferritin increased after poppy seed intervention; this improvement can be attributed to the iron content of poppy seed. A decrease in serum cortisol level was also noted, the mean levels before and after intervention being 16.6±3.4-11.7±2.5 mcg dL-1 affect a mean reduction of 4.9 mcg dL-1, although a striking difference was observed, it was statistically not significant. The maximum improvement in insomnia was found with poppy seed drink (63.6%) followed by beet root drink and B12 supplementation which varied from 54.6 and 33.4% respectively. Improvement of anxiety as a factor affecting insomnia was noted in 20% of subjects in B12 and 66.6% in beetroot drink supplementation groups. It was encouraging to witness a 100% improvement in the group with poppy seed intervention. Significant improvement was noted in the Circadian rhythm disorder in all intervention groups Parasomnia and Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) recovery was seen in all the intervention groups while highest proportion RLS improvement was noted in B12 group. (Please give data) Significant improvement was seen in sleep quality among all the intervention groups administered either vitamin B12, or beet root or poppy seeds. Marked reduction in co-morbid symptoms like fatigue, memory function and improvement in scores for quality of life was observed. Conclusion: Nutritional supplements appear to be effective in improving sleep quality which might influence quality of life.

Screening of plant toxins in food, feed and botanicals using full-scan high-resolution (Orbitrap) mass spectrometry

A generic method based on LC with full-scan high-resolution (Orbitrap) mass spectrometry (MS) was systematically investigated for the simultaneous detection of a wide range of plant toxins in a variety of food and feed matrices. For a selection of 150 substances, representing various chemical classes, the limit of detection was established using fixed LC-MS conditions. Ion suppression effects and selectivity were evaluated using generic extracts from representative and relevant matrices (food supplement, honey, silage, compound feed). The majority of the substances could be measured as positive ions after electrospray ionisation (ESI+). Using a mass resolving power of 100,000 a reliable high mass accuracy was obtained despite the high abundance of co-extractants in the sample extracts. This enabled the use of ±5 ppm mass extraction windows, which in turn resulted in a high degree of selectivity. On the other hand, except for honey, strong ion suppression effects were frequently observed which adversely affected the detection limits. Nevertheless, for the majority of the substances the detection limits were in the range 0.01–0.05 mg kg−1. Since non-selective sample preparation and non-targeted data acquisition were performed, the presence of plant toxins initially not targeted for during data review can be subsequently investigated, which is a very useful option because for many known toxins no analytical reference standards are yet available. The applicability of the method was demonstrated by analysis of a variety of real-life samples purchased on the market or from cases of intoxication. These included honey, herbal tea, food supplements, poppy seeds, traditional Chinese medicines, compound feed, silage and herb-based feed additives. Plant toxins that were detected included various pyrrolizidine alkaloids, grayanotoxins, opium alkaloids, strychnine, ricinine (a marker for ricin), aconitine, aristolochic acid and cardiac glycosides (e.g. digitoxin, digoxin).

Clinical value of morphine, pholcodine and poppy seed IgE assays in drug-abusers and allergic people

Background The diagnosis of anaphylactic reactions due to opiates during anaesthesia can be difficult, since in most cases various drugs may have been administered. Detection of specific IgE to poppy seed might be a marker for sensitisation to opiates in allergic people and heroin-abusers. This study assessed the clinical value of morphine, pholcodine and poppy seed skin-prick and IgE determination in people suffering hypersensitivity reactions during anaesthesia or analgesia and drug-abusers with allergic symptoms. Methods We selected heroin abusers and patients who suffered severe reactions during anaesthesia and analgesia from a database of 23,873 patients. The diagnostic yield (sensitivity, specificity and predictive value) of prick and IgE tests in determining opiate allergy was analysed. Results Overall, 149 patients and 200 controls, mean age 32.9 ± 14.7 years, were included. All patients with positive prick to opiates showed positive prick and IgE to poppy seeds, but not to morphine or pholcodine IgE. Among drug-abusers, 13/42 patients (31%) presented opium hypersensitivity confirmed by challenge tests. Among non-drug abusers, sensitisation to opiates was higher in people allergic to tobacco (25%), P<.001. Prick tests and IgE against poppy seed had a good sensitivity (95.6% and 82.6%, respectively) and specificity (98.5% and 100%, respectively) in the diagnosis of opiate allergy. Conclusions Opiates may be significant allergens. Drug-abusers and people sensitised to tobacco are at risk. Both the prick and specific IgE tests efficiently detected sensitisation to opiates. The highest levels were related to more-severe clinical profiles.

Dünndarmneoblasenfistel nach radikaler Zystektomie und orthotoper Ileumersatzblase

Intestinal neobladder fistula is one of the rare complications following radical cystectomy which is described in about 1.5-2% of all patients. We report on 2 of 267 consecutive patients who underwent radical cystectomy with an orthotopic neobladder who developed such a fistula. Both patients presented initially with recurrent urinary tract infections, fever and chills. In both cases the final diagnosis was made after oral intake of poppy seeds. Imaging studies of choice to identify the anatomical localisation of the fistula and to exclude accompanying intra-abdominal fluid collections were made by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The treatment of choice consists of surgical excision of the fistula, double-layer closure of the neobladder and small bowel resection or double-layer closure depending on the size of the fistula. A conservative approach only seems to be justified in patients with significant comorbidities or very small fistulas without systemic symptoms.

Opium poppy ( Papaver somniferum L.) oil for preparation of biodiesel: Optimization of conditions

Opium poppy, Papaver somniferum L., is one of the ancient herbal medicines. In addition to this medical use of latex, opium that is extracted from the immature seed capsule, it is also used illegally for pleasure. It is being produced in great quantities in Turkey especially in Afyonkarahisar city. The seeds of opium poppy plant have high ratio oil content. The opium poppy seeds and oil of these seeds are purely used as an ingredient in production of bakery products. In this study, biodiesel evaluation of the opium poppy seeds that have a high oil ratio is aimed. Alkali catalyzed (NaOH) single-phase reaction was preferred to produce biodiesel from opium poppy oil. The parameters like catalyst concentration, methanol ratio, reaction temperature were optimized and biodiesel production was obtained with high yield in reaction time of 75 min. The methyl ester content in the opium poppy oil biodiesel was determined with Gas Chromatography–Frame Ionized Detector (GC–FID). In optimum conditions, methanol ratio and catalyst concentration was determined as 20 wt% and 0.5 wt%, respectively. The reaction temperature was optimized as 60 °C. Biodiesel was obtained from the opium poppy oil under optimum conditions. Some basic features of the produced methyl esters were determined.

Setting of MRLs for bixafen in oil seed rape, linseed, mustard seed and poppy seed

Setting of MRLs for bixafen in oil seed rape, linseed, mustard seed and poppy seed

An investigation of frequently consumed edible oils in Turkey in terms of omega fatty acids

The fatty acid profiles of frequently consumed oils and crops cultivated in Turkey were investigated in regard to omega fatty acids. Analyses were carried out on commercially sold oils, sunflower, olive, and fish oils, and oils extracted from fatty seeds of hazelnut, walnut, olive, sunflower, poppy, sesame, and pumpkin, and butter produced in Turkey. Hazelnut and olive oils were found to be rich in omega-9 (oleic acid 18:1), walnut, poppy seed, sesame, and pumpkin seed were rich in omega-6 (linoleic acid 18:2), and butter was rich in short chain fatty acids and omega-9. Fish oil, from mackerel, was the richest in omega-3 fatty acids and fatty acid diversity. There were some alterations between commercially sold oils and oils extracted from seeds in regard to fatty acid percentages and variety.

Evaluating the Athlete's Claim of an Unintentional Positive Urine Drug Test

During a urine drug testing program, an athlete may make a claim that the results of a positive test have arisen from factors that were out of his or her control, and therefore, he or she should not be held responsible for the results. Some of these claims may include classic claims of passive inhalation of marijuana smoke or ingestion of poppy seeds leading to positive tests. In addition, with the proliferation of nutritional supplements on the market, many athletes claim that they accidentally ingested a banned substance contained in one of these. It is important that any sports medicine physician involved with sports drug testing be informed of the data that either support or refute these claims and that he or she contribute to a program wherein adequate education and policy establishment help to limit the likelihood of such claims. This article will review the data to help address these claims.

Plant economy of the first farmers of central Belgium (Linearbandkeramik, 5200–5000 b.c.)

Carbonized fruits and seeds from 17 Linearbandkeramik (LBK) sites in central Belgium are discussed. The number of cultivated plants is rather limited, and two cultivated cereals (maybe three with barley), two pulses and two oil plants have been identified. These results agree with those from other LBK sites. The uniformity of plant assemblages within the western LBK territory shows few variations at the regional and inter-regional levels. Gathering evidence seems to be more important west of central Belgium, but it has to be further investigated. Concerning cultivated plants, emmer is dominant west of the river Rhine whereas einkorn seems to have been preferred east of it. Naked barley could have been introduced to the western part of the LBK territory and indicates Mediterranean influence. Opium poppy seeds discovered in LBK sites confirm these influences, but poppy could have been cultivated for the first time by LBK people.

Surgical treatment of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage in 80 cases

Objective To discuss the clinical effect of surgical treatment for hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage(HICH),and investigate the relative factors of improving the curative effect and prognosis.Methods Eighgty cases of hypertensive intracranial hemorrhage were retrospectively analyzed for finding the relationship among the surgical opportunity and post-surgical rehabilitation.Results There was significant difference between preoperation and posto peration in GCS scores(F=78.16、20.23,P＜0.01).The cases were followed up for 3 months and therapeutic effect was satisfying.Conclusion Early operation and decrease of intracerebral pressure was the key factor in the operation.The operation and timely recovering treatment are important for the living quality later.Based on the patients'condition,different surgical timing should be Chosen. Key words: Intracranial hemorrhage,hypertensive; Neurosurgical procedures

Experimental study and simulation of vibrated fluidized bed drying

The paper addresses numerical simulation for the case of convective drying of seeds (fine-grained materials) in a vibrated fluidized bed, analyzing agreement between the numerical results and the results of corresponding experimental investigation. In the simulation model of unsteady simultaneous one-dimensional heat and mass transfer between gas phase and dried material during drying process it is assumed that the gas–solid interface is at thermodynamic equilibrium, while the drying rate (evaporated moisture flux) of the specific product is calculated by applying the concept of a “drying coefficient”. Mixing of the particles in the case of vibrated fluidized bed is taken into account by means of the diffusion term in the differential equations, using an effective particle diffusion coefficient. Model validation was done on the basis of the experimental data obtained with narrow fraction of poppy seeds characterized by mean equivalent particle diameter ( d S,d = 0.75 mm), re-wetted with required (calculated) amount of water up to the initial moisture content ( X 0 = 0.54) for all experiments. Comparison of the drying kinetics, both experimental and numerical, has shown that higher gas (drying agent) temperatures, as well as velocities (flow-rates), induce faster drying. This effect is more pronounced for deeper beds, because of the larger amount of wet material to be dried using the same drying agent capacity. Bed temperature differences along the bed height, being significant inside the packed bed, are almost negligible in the vibrated fluidized bed, for the same drying conditions, due to mixing of particles. Residence time is shorter in the case of a vibrated fluidized bed drying compared to a packed bed drying.