Consumption Of Potatoes Research Articles

Effect of 12 weeks consumption of palm weevil larvae and orange-fleshed sweet potato fortified biscuit on nutritional status and cognitive performance of school children in Kumasi, Ghana

Micronutrients are important for improving the physical growth and cognition of school-aged children. Food fortification strategies using locally available and consumed micronutrient rich foods such as edible insects can be cost effective and sustainable in improving nutritional and cognitive outcomes in school children. The study evaluated the impact of biscuits fortified with palm weevil larvae and orange-fleshed sweet potato on cognitive performance and nutritional status of school children from low income families in an urban setting in Ghana. A 12-week randomized, blinded controlled trial was conducted. 102 school children aged 6-11 years were assigned to consume either the fortified biscuits or non-fortified biscuits. Raven’s cognition test, anthropometrics, hematological and biochemical parameters were assessed at baseline and at the end of the study. After 12 weeks of intervention, there were no statistically significant differences in the means of the nutritional outcomes and cognitive performance between the treatment and control groups (p>0.05). However, significant increase in mean levels of serum ferritin (Baseline: 26.15 ± 18.42 µg/L, Endline: 42.63 ± 19.54 µg/L, mean increase: +16.48 µg/L, p=0.001), weight-for-age (Baseline: -0.37 ± 0.97, Endline: -0.11 ± 0.91, mean increase: +0.26, p<0.0001), and Raven’s cognition test score (Baseline: 14.22 ± 4.93, Endline: 16.35 ± 4.40, mean increase: +2.13, p<0.0001) were observed within the treatment group compared to the control group where significant increase was observed in only the Ravens cognition test score (Baseline: 14.79 ± 4.57, Endline: 15.95 ± 5.32, mean increase: +1.16, p<0.029). Moreover, the mean increase in cognition score was higher in intervention (+2.13) than control (+1.16) children. Results from binary logistic regression showed that although statistically insignificant, children in the treatment group had lower odds of iron deficiency (AOR= 0.7, p = 0.545, 95%CI= 0.2-2.4). In conclusion, consumption of the fortified biscuit significantly improved serum ferritin and weight-for-age in the school-aged children within the treatment group. Improvement in cognitive test score was also higher in the treatment group than the control group. Key words: Fortified biscuit, cognition, micronutrients, school children, palm weevil larvae, insects

The role of diet in genotoxicity of fecal water derived from IBD patients and healthy controls.

Certain dietary factors with anti-inflammatory and/or anti-cancer properties would be a promising preventive strategy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients against developing colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC). In this study, fecal water (FW) was obtained from 80 IBD patients and 20 healthy controls (HCs). The comet assay was applied to determine the DNA damage induced by FW, and the protective potential of FW against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced DNA damage in Caco-2cells. Information on diet was obtained via food frequency questionnaires. The results showed that FW from IBD patients, especially patients with flares, induced higher levels of direct DNA damage in Caco-2cells and showed less protection against H2O2-induced DNA damage, when compared to HCs. The DNA damage induced by FW was positively associated with consumption of processed meat and sugary foods, and nutrient intakes including heme iron and added sugars, whereas negatively correlated to intakes of soy products, and a dietary pattern characterized by high consumption of potatoes, white meat, nuts and seeds, eggs, legumes and soy products. FW from subjects with high coffee consumption protected against H2O2-induced DNA damage. These results can help to develop potential preventive strategies for IBD patients to reduce the CAC risk.

Assessment of Production and Utilization Practices of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potatoes (Ipomoea Batatas L.) in Sidama Region, Ethiopia

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is an important crop which ensures food security in developing countries. It can be harvested at any stage as needed, thereby providing a flexible source of food and income for rural families that are most vulnerable to crop failures and cash income fluctuations. The production and consumption of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) by smallholder farmers in the Sidama region of Southern Ethiopia were explored in this study to identify key problems and opportunities in OFSP production. A preliminary investigation and rudimentary data collection were used to gather data. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression, and index grading. Based on the descriptive analysis, smallholder farmers have small landholdings of 0.51 ha per family. Farmers conserve their planting materials by leaving them in the field. This causes the materials to be extensively infested with diseases, insects, and other vertebrate pests. Farmers (54.4%) do not apply inorganic fertilizersassuming that it stimulates more vegetative growth and results in tasteless storage roots. The continuous cultivation of OFSP without fertilizer application results in nutrient depletion and reduced yield. Further, the production and utilization of OFSP in the Sidama region is constrained by factors such as diseases, lack of storage facilities, lack of planting materials, drought, insect pests, low market price, and shortage of money to purchase inputs. According to the index ranking, drought, shortage of planting material, diseases, and insect pests were the most important. Combinations of social, ecological, and economic factors limit the production of sweet potatoes and therefore, a stronger extension system on agronomic practices and credit system should be made accessible to the farmers.

Impact of old environmental burden in the Spiš region (Slovakia) on soil and home-grown vegetable contamination, and health effects of heavy metals

Due to several centuries of ongoing mining activities, Middle Spiš (Slovakia) is one of the areas with a damaged environment. The contents of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, and Hg were determined in the soils and home-grown vegetables (potatoes, carrots, tomatoes). Except for Pb, the contents of heavy metals in the soils of some plots were higher than the limit values. Based on the values of Contamination factor (Cf), Degree of contamination (Cdeg), Geo-accumulation index (Igeo), and Pollution load index (PLI), very high Fe, Cd, and Hg contamination (Cf ≥ 6), very high soil contamination (Cdeg ≥ 20), extremely heavy Fe and Hg contamination (Igeo > 5), resp. moderately pollution to non-pollution (1 < PLI ≤ 2) was found in all plots. In vegetable samples, the maximum levels were exceeded for Cu, Pb, Hg (potato), Pb (carrot, tomato), and Hg (carrot, plot E). Bioaccumulation factor values BAF > 1 were for Cu (carrots, potatoes). Estimated daily intake values for all heavy metals were lower than their tolerable daily intake. Chronic daily intake of heavy metals ranged 2.495E−06 (Hg)—0.1416 (Fe) mg/kg/day. Based on Hazard index values, potato consumption poses a risk (0.8068–1.3057). The results showed that the monitoring of soils and cultivated production is necessary for the investigated area.

Impact of Climate Change and Technology on Food Availability in Sumatera, Indonesia

&#x0D; This study explores the impact of climate change and technology on food supply and demand, which complements the limits of previous findings. The main foundations are Hessian food production and Marshallian demand theories. It aims to analyze the factors influencing food availability and the response of each variable, as well as simulate the effect of climate change and technology. Secondary data from the Food Security and the Central Statistics Agency of 10 provinces in Sumatra will be used between the periods of 2010 to 2019. Furthermore, this study uses the simultaneous method of 8 structural and 2 identity equations. The influencing variables of production include price, expected food pattern of grains and tubers, CPO price, temperature, rainfall, and irrigation network area. Meanwhile, consumption is influenced by price, poverty, food inflation, population, per capita income, and farmers’ exchange rate. The increase in temperature and rainfall reduces the production and consumption of rice, corn, cassava, and sweet potatoes. Meanwhile, technology development will increase food production and consumption. The availability is an essential dimension of food security that should be prioritized. Likewise, climate change and technology development need to be anticipated to mitigate these impacts.

Associations of diet quality, food consumption, eating frequency and eating behaviour with dental caries experience in Finnish children: a 2-year longitudinal study.

We examined cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of dietary factors with caries experience in a population sample of 487 children aged 6-9 years at baseline examinations of the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) Study. Altogether, 406 of these children attended 2-year follow-up examinations. Food consumption and eating frequency were assessed using 4-day food records, diet quality using the Baltic Sea Diet Score (BSDS) and eating behaviour using the Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire. Caries experience was examined clinically. The cross-sectional associations of dietary factors with caries experience at baseline were analysed using linear regression and the longitudinal associations of dietary factors with a change in caries experience over follow-up using generalised mixed-effects regression adjusted for other risk factors. A higher consumption of high-fibre grain products (standardised regression coefficient β = -0·16, P = 0·003) and milk (β = -0·11, P = 0·025) and higher BSDS (β = -0·15, P = 0·007) were associated with lower caries experience, whereas a higher consumption of potatoes (β = 0·11, P = 0·048) and emotional overeating (β = 0·12, P = 0·025) were associated with higher caries experience. Higher snacking frequency (fixed coefficient β = 0·07, P = 0·033), desire to drink (β = 0·10, P = 0·046), slowness in eating (β = 0·12, P = 0·027) and food fussiness (β = 0·12, P = 0·018) were associated with higher caries experience, whereas enjoyment of food (β = -0·12, P = 0·034) and higher BSDS (β = -0·02, P = 0·051) were associated with lower caries experience.

Isolation and Identification of 3,4-Seco-Solanidine-3,4-dioic acid (SSDA) as a Urinary Biomarker of Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) Activity.

Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6), is responsible for the metabolism and elimination of approximately 25% of clinically used drugs, including antidepressants and antipsychotics, and its activity varies considerably on a population basis primary due to genetic variation. CYP2D6 phenotype can be assessed in vivo following administration of an exogenous probe compound, such as dextromethorphan or debrisoquine, but use of a biomarker that does not require administration of an exogenous compound (i.e., drug) has considerable appeal for assessing CYP2D6 activity in vulnerable populations, such as children. The goal of this study was to isolate, purify and identify an "endogenous" urinary biomarker (M1; m/z 444.3102) of CYP2D6 activity reported previously. Several chromatographic separation techniques (reverse phase HPLC, cation exchange and analytical reverse phase UPLC) were used to isolate and purify 96 μg of M1 from 40 L of urine. Subsequently, 1D and 2D NMR, and functional group modification reactions were used to elucidate its structure. Analysis of mass spectrometry and NMR data revealed M1 to have similar spectroscopic features to the nitrogen-containing steroidal alkaloid, solanidine. 2D NMR characterization by HMBC, COSY, TOCSY, and HSQC-TOCSY proved to be invaluable in the structural elucidation of M1; derivatization of M1 revealed the presence of two carboxylic acid moieties. M1 was determined to be a steroidal alkaloid with a solanidine backbone that had undergone C-C bond scission to yield 3,4-seco-solanidine-3,4-dioic acid (SSDA). SSDA may have value as a dietary biomarker of CYP2D6 activity in populations where potato consumption is common. Significance Statement Endogenous biomarkers of processes involved in drug disposition and response may allow improved individualization of drug treatment, especially in vulnerable populations, such as children. Given that several CYP2D6 substrates are commonly used in pediatrics and the ubiquitous nature of potato consumption in western diets, SSDA has considerable appeal as non-invasive biomarker of CYP2D6 activity to guide treatment with CYP2D6 substrates in children and adults.

Dementia and Diet, Methodological and Statistical Issues: A Pilot Study.

There is conflicting information on the relationship between diet and dementia. The purposes of this pilot study were twofold. First, to use publicly available data regarding food consumption (United Kingdom Family Food), dementia, risk and demographic factors to find relationships between the consumption of various foods to dementia prevalence. The second purpose was to identify elements of study design that had important effects on the results. Multiple analyses were performed on different data sets derived from the existing data. Statistical testing began with univariate correlation analyses corrected for multiple testing followed by global tests for significance. Subsequently, a number of multivariate techniques were applied including stepwise linear regression, cluster regression, regularized regression, and principal components analysis. Permutation tests and simulations highlighted the strength and weakness of each technique. The univariate analyses demonstrated that the consumption of certain foods was highly associated with the prevalence of dementia. However, because of the complexity of the data set and the high degree of correlation between variables, different multivariate analyses yielded different results, explainable by the correlations. Some factors identified as having potential associations were the consumption of rice, sugar, fruit, potatoes, meat products and fish. However, within a given dietary category there were often a number of different elements with different relations to dementia. This pilot study demonstrates some critical elements for a future study: (1) dietary factors must be very narrowly defined, (2) large numbers of cases are needed to support multivariable analyses. (3) Multiple statistical methods along with simulations must be used to confirm results.

Food Intake in Relation to Obesity and Subjective Cognitive Complaints: A Crosssectional Study from Nigeria

There is evidence from research that dietary lifestyle influences health and mental well-being but there is limited understanding of the mechanism in Nigerian adult population. This study evaluated association of food intake with obesity and subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs) in Nigerian adults. We carried out a cross-sectional study of 1338 random samples aged 18-87 years who were visiting six different public hospitals in the southwest Nigeria between March 2016 and April 2016. Standard food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and SCC questionnaire were used while anthropometric data were measured using standard clinical procedures. Associations were determined by linear and unconditional logistic regressions, after adjustment for age, ethnicity, education, gender, marital status, family type, alcohol and smoking status. Consumption of four different foods was significantly associated with SCC while one food intake was significantly associated with obesity measure (i.e., body mass index): meat product (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR), 1.002; 95% Confidence Interval (CI), 1.001-1.004; P &lt;.0001), and sugary snacks (AOR, 1.007; 95% CI, 1.002-1.011; P &lt;.01) were associated with increased SCCs whereas consumption of cereal products (AOR, 0.999; 95% CI, 0.998-1.000; P &lt;.01) and potatoes (AOR, 0.998; 95% CI, 0.996-1.000; P &lt;.05) were associated with decreased levels of SCCs. Consumption of non-alcoholic beverages was associated with decreased BMI levels (AOR, 0.998; 95%CI, 0.997-1.00; P &lt;.05). Linear regression analyses on these data largely recapitulated the results. In conclusion, consumption of cereals, potatoes and non-alcoholic beverages appear beneficial to health and the findings could serve as an intervention strategy for tackling SCCs and obesity. Keywords: Food intake; subjective cognitive complaints; BMI, obesity; Nigeria

A comparative study of the glycaemic index of orange-fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) with the indigenous sweet potato commonly consumed in Abeokuta metropolis, Ogun State, Nigeria

Background: Advocacy of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) consumption as an essential crop in many developing countries to alleviate vitamin A deficiency due to its beta carotene bio-fortification. It is crucial to assess its glycaemic index (GI) compared to the indigenous sweet potato (ISP) for therapeutic meal planning. &#x0D; Objective: This study aimed to determine and compare the GI of orange-fleshed sweet potato and indigenous sweet potato commonly consumed in Ogun State, Nigeria.&#x0D; Materials and Method: OFSP and ISP were obtained from a farmers' market at Abeokuta, Nigeria. Ten healthy individuals within the age range of 18 and 24 years were recruited. Volunteers were served with equivalent test foods (250g of OFSP and 200g of ISP) to give 50g of available carbohydrates. The boiled potatoes were served plain after 11-12 hours overnight fast and tested the subject's blood glucose at different times. The incremental area under the curve (IAUC) was determined using Microsoft Excel, and the GI was calculated. Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used to calculate the mean, standard deviation, and correlation. Statistical tests were significant at p ≤ 0.05.&#x0D; Results: ISP had greater carbohydrate content (24.33g±0.20) than OFSP (18.87g±0.26). The mean GI of OFSP was 81.36g±7.17, while that of ISP was 85.50g±7.26. There was no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) between the GI of OFSP and ISP at 30, 60, and 120 minutes, whereas found a significant difference (CI-95%) between the GI of OFSP, ISP, and glucose at 90 minutes.&#x0D; Conclusion: The OFSP and ISP consumed in Ogun state have a high GI, although OFSP had lower GI compared to ISP. However, the GI values for these test foods were not significantly different.

Modelling and Evaluation of Potato Water Production Functions in a Cold and Arid Environment

This study was conducted at the Yimin Irrigation Experiment Station, Minle County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province, from April to October in 2019 and 2020. The relationship between water consumption and yield of potato at different stages of fertility under deficit-regulated irrigation was analyzed in a field trial study over two growing seasons. The results showed that the average annual water consumption in the tuber bulking stage was the largest, reaching 185.35~239.52 mm, followed by the average annual water consumption in the tuber initiation stage and starch accumulation stage, which were 100.02~132.30 mm and 82.48~112.36 mm, respectively, and the average annual water consumption in the seedling stage was the least, at 49.32~69.81 mm. Simultaneously, the average annual yield of potatoes in the treatment of WD1 was the highest, reaching 47,766.96 kg·hm−2, followed by CK, which was 43,707.6 kg·hm−2, and the yield of WD6 was the smallest in the treatment of moderate water deficit during tuber initiation, which was only 35,721.25 kg·hm−2. Combining the four moisture production function models of Jensen, Minhas, Blank and Stewart, the Jensen and Stewart models were identified as suitable for the potato moisture production function in a cold and arid environment. The water production function model was used to investigate the relationship between water consumption and yield in each growth period of potato, and to provide a theoretical basis for the optimization of the irrigation system under deficit-regulating irrigation conditions for potato in this irrigation area.

Variability of Bioactive Substances in Potatoes (Solanum Tuberosum L.) Depending on Variety and Maturity

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are an essential food for the human diet and thus represent an important source of biologically active substances. This study aimed at investigating the content of bioactive substances (total anthocyanin and polyphenol contents and chlorogenic acid) in seven potato varieties (Belana, Cecile, Magenta Love, Mozart, Talentine, Toscana, and Violet Queen) with various flesh and skin colors. To evaluate the impact of potato maturity on the analyzed parameters, potato samples were harvested in two different periods (1st harvest—July and 2nd harvest—September). Total anthocyanin and polyphenol contents were determined spectrophotometrically, and chlorogenic acid by the HPLC-DAD method. Varieties with a colored flesh (Magenta Love and Violet Queen) showed the highest content of bioactive substances. The maturity level significantly (p &lt; 0.05) affected the total content of anthocyanins and polyphenols in potatoes. Early to medium early varieties (Belana and Magenta Love) showed an increase in chlorogenic acid content during maturation, while in other varieties, chlorogenic acid decreased due to higher maturity. In terms of the content of bioactive substances with a possible positive effect on human health, the consumption of potatoes with colored flesh could be recommended.

French-fried potato consumption and energy balance: a randomized controlled trial

Epidemiologic observations suggest increased potato consumption correlates with weight gain, adiposity, and diabetes risk, whereas nut consumption is associated with weight control and metabolic health. Randomized controlled trial (RCT) data indicate humans respond to changes in energy intake in single dietary components and compensate for extra energy consumed. We completed an RCT testing whether increased daily potato consumption influences energy balance [specifically, fat mass (FM)] compared with calorie-matched almond consumption. A 30-d RCT of 180 adults prescribed calorie-matched (300kcal/d, n=60 participants/group) than consumed 1 of the following: 1) almonds (almond group), 2) French fries (potato group), or 3) French fries with herb/spices mix (potato+herb/spices group). Baseline and 30-d FM were measured by DXA (primary outcome), with secondary outcomes including body weight and carbohydrate metabolism markers [glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose and insulin, HOMA-IR)]. A subset of 5 participants/group participated in a postprandial meal-based tolerance test. A total of 180 participants were randomly assigned [gender: 67.8% female; mean±SD age: 30.4±8.7 y; BMI (in kg/m2): 26.1±4.2; and weight: 75.6±15.4kg], with 12 dropouts and 3terminations. No significantly different FM changes were observed between almond and potato consumption [combined±herb/spices; mean±SE almond: 230.87±114.01g; potato: 123.73±86.09g; P=0.443], fasting glucose (P=0.985), insulin (P=0.082), HOMA-IR (P=0.080), or HbA1c (P=0.269). Body weight change was not significantly different in the potato groups combined compared with the almond group (P=0.116), but was significantly different among the 3 groups (P=0.014; almond: 0.49±0.20kg; potato: -0.24±0.20kg; potato+herb/spices: 0.47±0.21kg). In meal tests, significantly lower post-prandial glucose and insulin responses to almonds compared with potatoes were observed (P=0.046, P=0.006, respectively), with potato+herb/spices having intermediate effects. There were no significant differences in FM or in glucoregulatory biomarkers after 30 d of potato consumption compared with almonds. Results do not support a causal relation between increased French fried potato consumption and the negative health outcomes studied. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03518515.

STRATEGI PEMBERDAYAAN PETANI DALAM MENDUKUNG DIVERSIFIKASI PANGAN LOKAL DI KABUPATEN PANDEGLANG

Consumption of corn, cassava, and sweet potato as local food needs to be increased continuously as one of the food strategies to support non-food self-sufficiency. The purpose of this research is to develop a strategy for empowering farmers to support the distribution of local food. Data collection was carried out for three months, from February to April 2021. This research was carried out in Pandeglang Regency, in three centers of sweet potato corn and cassava. The samples in this study were corn and cassava farmers. and sweet potato spread in three sub-districts. The number of samples is 90 farmers. Data analysis used descriptively. The results show that it is necessary to increase the empowerment of farmers by developing empowerment strategies to support local food in the form of short and long term.

Study Protocol Abstract: Effects of White Potato Consumption on Measures of Cardiometabolic Health in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

ObjectivesThe incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) continues to increase in the United States, and the treatment of T2D and associated cardiovascular complications creates a large economic burden. Diet plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of T2D, and studies have suggested high glycemic index (GI) foods, in moderate amounts, may be safely incorporated in the diets of individuals with T2D. Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are nutrient-dense vegetables, containing vitamins, minerals (e.g., potassium), essential amino acids, fiber, and phytochemicals. Therefore, the hypothesis of this study is that daily consumption of white potatoes will contribute to improvements in cardiometabolic health and diet quality in individuals with T2D. We will address this hypothesis with a cross-sectional examination of epidemiological data (NHANES, 2010–2018), as well as with a randomized crossover intervention.MethodsFor the cross-sectional examination, NHANES 2010–2018 data will be used to: 1) compare total white potato intake and white potato intake by preparation method in individuals with T2D, prediabetes, and no diabetes; and 2) explore the relationship between total white potato consumption, potato preparation methods, and diet quality in adults with T2D. For the randomized cross-over study, participants with non-insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes (45–80 y, BMI 25–40 kg/m2) will be randomly assigned to receive baked white potato (100g cooked with skin; 100kcals) or a calorie-matched refined grain (75g cooked long-grain white rice; control) daily for each of two 12-week treatment period, separated by a 2-week washout. Outcome variables will include indices of glycemic control, blood pressure, lipid profile, endothelial function, inflammation, and body composition.ResultsStudy is currently ongoing.ConclusionsThis is the first study, to our knowledge, to 1) investigate the effects of white potato consumption on markers of cardiometabolic health in individuals with T2D, and 2) examine associations between white potato consumption, diet quality, and markers of cardiometabolic health in adults with T2D using the NHANES database.Funding SourcesAlliance for Potato Research and Education.

The Effect Of Giving Sweet Potatoes Leaves (Ipomoea Batatas L.) On Breast Milk Production

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Exclusive breastfeeding contributes to reducing mortality due to infection in infants less than 3 months old, sick children, preventing LBW, stunting, reducing the risk of obesity and chronic diseases. Physiologically a mother is able to produce sufficient breast milk. But sometimes in breastfeeding there are often problems, one of which is the mother's milk production that is not smooth and comes out a little. Based on research, one of the efforts to help increase breast milk production is to consume sweet potato leaves (Ipomoea Batatas L. ) contains phytosterols. Phytosterols form laktogogum which can increase milk production. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of sweet potato leaves (Ipomoea Batatas L.) on breast milk production in post partum mothers. This type of research is Pre experimental with one group pretest posttest designs. The time of the research was carried out in January – April 2022. The location of the research was in Karya Indah Village, Tapung District, Kampar Regency. The sample in this study were 20 respondents with total sampling technique. The research instrument used an observation sheet for breast milk production. Univariate and bivariate data analysis. Univariate results showed that the average milk production before being given sweet potato leaves was less with a percentage of 75% and after being given sweet potato leaves the average milk production increased to enough with a percentage of 90%. Bivariate results using the Wilcoxon Rank Test showed that the average milk production before being given sweet potato leaves was 4.13 mL and there was an increase in breast milk production after being given sweet potato leaves, the mean value was 35.9 mL. with a mean difference of 31.7. The results of the Wilcoxon Rank Test obtained a p value of 0.000 (p &lt;0.05). So it can be concluded that there is an effect of sweet potato leaves on breast milk production in post partum mothers in Karya Indah Village, Tapung District, Kampar Regency. It is hoped that in the future the consumption of sweet potato leaves will be introduced in the community as an alternative food to increase breast milk production.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Production of tubers from buds present in potato peel with fertilization of Trichoderma sp.

Potato consumption occurs throughout the Altiplano of Puno and among the organic wastes produced daily at home is potato peelings. The objective of this research is the production of tubers from buds present in potato peels with four strains of Trichoderma sp. The study was carried out under an experimental design with four strains of Trichoderma sp, in a randomized way with a total of 5 treatments that were distributed with two repetitions with a total of 12 experimental units, the potato peels with buds were selected, including a fertilization with four native and commercial strains of Trichoderma, some of them were codified since the species has not yet been identified, to support the growth of seedlings so, in this way, it gives value to the "organic production". The results found evidenced that the greater quantity of tubers was obtained with the strain of Trichoderma sp. 3 with 121.50 tubers/2.4m2 (10.13 tubers/plant). Followed by the strain of Trichoderma sp. 5 with 107.50 tubers/2.4m2 (8.96 tubers/plant), which statistically were similar and superior to the other treatments, while the control had less quantity of tubers with 18.50 tubers/2.4m2 (1.54 tubers/plant). Therefore, in the millenary practice of Andean wisdom, we rescued the use of native strains of Trichoderma sp. in order to contribute to the solution of human-environmental problems and the sustainable use of potato peelings in the region.

The biological additives as cey factor on soil moisture dynamics in the context of climate change

In recent years, climate change trends specific to the world's regions have been observed in Lithuania. Droughts and torrential rains are increasingly being recorded, causing long-term waterlogging. As Lithuania is an agrarian country, the horticulture sector is developed. Abundant growers of potatoes, cabbage and other vegetables are counted in years. It is estimated that the consumption of potatoes in Lithuania is more than 96 kg per capita per year. However, potatoes, which are grown by the majority of crop farms, suffer most from frequent natural droughts. To lower droughts influence, farmers can install irrigation systems or use biological additives in the field, such as agroperlite and agrovermiculite. The experiment was conducted at the two experimental farms in Lithuania, growing ‘Vineta’ potatoes. The aim of the study was to determine the dynamics of soil moisture in May-August, when different amounts (effects of different percentages) of biological additives are added to the soil. In 2020, the amount of precipitation varied during the research period. During the whole period in Pupasodis fields precipitation was 234 mm. During observed period, 77% of all decades were drier than perennials (DNs). In Šilavotas fields, it was found that 351.5 mm of precipitation fell during the observed period, which is 164.3 mm more than in the Pupasodis area. The distance between experiment plots was more than 70 km. The study results show that soil temperature correlates with exponential dependence with precipitation. The correlation coefficient r = 0.69, and when assessing the relationship between soil temperature and ambient temperature, a linear dependence and R = 0.5649 were found.

Regional food system resilience in Ireland: a ‘Potato Effect’

ABSTRACT Fruit and vegetables (F&V) are nutritionally important for human health, and their perishability means that they are particularly vulnerable to supply chain delays. Ireland is a net importer of F&V. Brexit potentially heightens food system vulnerabilities for Ireland. Mapping is used to visualize the diversity of Ireland’s F&V supply across four regions of Europe and the UK. It appears that Ireland is highly reliant on the UK for F&V imports. However, when fresh potato imports, which contribute a small portion of Ireland’s potato consumption, are excluded from the analysis, Western Europe is more important for vegetable imports, and a significant supplier of other fresh food types. Options to build local food system resilience are discussed for Ireland. A graphical representation is a useful approach to investigate the impact of food system vulnerabilities and shocks such as Brexit.

Persistent Organic Pollutants in Human Milk: Exposure Levels and Determinants among Lactating Mothers in Lebanon

Exposure of newborns to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is a public health concern. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of POPs in human milk collected from lactating mothers in Lebanon and to investigate the sociodemographic, nutritional, and other lifestyle determinants. Fifty-four breast milk samples were collected as per World Health Organization guidelines. A survey was used to assess the anthropometric and demographic characteristics of participants. Dietary habits were evaluated based on a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls were measured in milk samples with liquid-liquid extraction and gas chromatography. Among the screened POPs, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) was the only POP detected in breast milk samples and was found in only 17.9% of the samples, with a mean (SD) of 11.6 (5.0) μg/L and a range of 5.7 to 21.4 μg/L. Prepregnancy body mass index and age were positively associated with DDE contamination in breast milk. Women who consumed cereals at least two times per week had detectable DDE contamination in their breast milk. Consumption of potatoes and beans at least once per week was also associated with DDE contamination. Our study is the first to assess the presence of POPs in breast milk in Lebanon. The benefits of breastfeeding compensate for the low prevalence of DDE in the breast milk. Our findings highlight the high need to implement monitoring policies, good agricultural practices, and education programs for breastfeeding mothers.