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Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) technology has contributed to the improvement of various agronomic traits in cereal crops, including plant stature, inflorescence architecture, grain yield, grain chemical content, seed shattering, seed dormancy, and tolerance to environmental stresses. New advancements in CRISPR/Cas technology have focused on delivering preassembled editing systems, enabling multiplex editing, editing of miRNAs and E3 ligases, and utilizing artificial intelligence-based tools specifically tailored for cereals. The combination of CRISPR/Cas technology with innovative speed-breeding strategies holds promise for the efficient and timely development of new cereal germplasm. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system has become the most important tool for targeted genome editing in many plant and animal species over the past decade. The CRISPR/Cas9 technology has also sparked a flood of applications and technical advancements in genome editing in the key cereal crops, including rice, wheat, maize, and barley. Here, we review advanced uses of CRISPR/Cas9 and derived systems in genome editing of cereal crops to enhance a variety of agronomically important features. We also highlight new technological advances for delivering preassembled Cas9-gRNA ribonucleoprotein (RNP)-editing systems, multiplex editing, gain-of-function strategies, the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools, and combining CRISPR with novel speed breeding (SB) and vernalization strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cereal crops dominate crop production and human diet in Ethiopia. In the present study major cereal crops production data for Ethiopia was analyzed using time-series analysis. Major cereal crops production of years 2000/01 to 2020/21 at national level of private peasant holdings during " Meher" season in Ethiopia was used as input to forecast the cereal crops production up to the year 2020 to 2030. The non-parametric Mann Kendall trend test was used with PAST (Paleontological Statistics Software Package for Education and Data Analysis) software to conduct the trend test. The Box-Jenkins Aautoregressive Integrated Moving Average (or ARIMA) method was put into use to forecast the production. The result shows that grain production had a significant increasing trend. Despite the differences in magnitude, all crops showed an increasing trend in production over the years. Mann-Kendall trend test showed significant trend for all crops. ARIMA and any of the smoothing models were found good in terms of R2 and AIC. Predictions of cereal crops production using ARIMA between 2020 and 2030 years showed increasing trends in all crops. Teff was forecasted from 5.8 tons at the beginning (2020/1) to 7.8 tons at the end of the forecast period (2030). Similarly, maize was forecasted from about 11 to 14, wheat from 6 to 7.5, sorghum from 5 to 7, and barley from 2.3 to 2.7. Increments ranged in between about 20% to 40%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ancient dental calculus represents one of the most recent and innovative sources of archaeobotanical record. Exploring this matrix, diet, past ecology, and ethnobotanical practices of antique communities may be elucidated. In the present case-study, the tartar of an Imperial Roman man, likely a salt worker, found in the necropolis of Castel Malnome (Rome, Latium, Italy) and affected by bilateral temporo-mandibular joint ankylosis, was investigated. Despite his rare and extremely disabling affection, this male individual reached adulthood thanks to the forced removal of the anterior teeth, which allowed him to eat. Starches of Poeae and Triticeae tribe were detected, although the largest amount of the granules appeared gelatinized, suggesting that maybe the inhumate consumed well-cooked and semi-liquid stuff, due to his non-functional masticatory activity. Urticaceae and clover pollen grains documented unintentional aspiration or voluntary use of these plants as ingredients for meals and therapeutic decoctions. Indeed, since Roman times, written sources have documented nettle as an anti-inflammatory remedy to treat joint and muscle pains. Finally, the identification of secondary metabolites ascribable to the Brassicaceae family, Artemisia L., and Ephedra L. genera, paves the way for hypothesizing the consumption of these Mediterranean species with several nutritional and nutraceutical properties. All this evidence opens a picture window onto the life of this man, which should be well integrated into his community and natural environment despite the functional impairment. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical barriers composed of cell walls and protein matrix in cereals, as well as their cooking changes, play important roles in starch digestion. In this study, the physical barriers of native and cooked highland barley (HB), brown rice (BR), and oats (OA) kernels and their contribution to starch digestion were investigated. The resistant starch content was similar in cereal flours, but varied among cooked kernels (HB > BR > OA: 45.05 %, 10.30 %, and 24.71 %). The water adsorption, gelatinization enthalpy, and decrease in hardness of HB kernels were lower than those of OA and BR kernels. Microstructural observations of native kernels showed that HB had the thickest cell walls. After cooking, the lowest cell wall deformation and a dense continuous network developed from the protein matrix were observed in HB kernels. During digestion, undigested starch granules encapsulated by the stable cell walls and strong protein network were observed in HB kernels, but not in BR or OA kernels. Furthermore, the heavily milled HB kernels still had more resistant starch than the intact OA and BR kernels. Therefore, the physical barriers of HB kernels exhibited stronger inhibition of starch gelatinization and digestion. Differences in cereal physical barriers led to various inhibitory effects. • Starch digestion was similar in cereal flours but varied among cooked kernels. • Physical barriers of HB were more inhibitory to starch gelatinization and digestion. • Cell walls of highland barley (HB) exhibited stronger cooking and barrier stabilities. • Heated protein matrix of HB could change into a network and wrap starch granules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of mycotoxins in cereal-based baby foods is undesirable, especially because infants are considered more vulnerable to toxin exposure than adults. In this context, this study evaluated the occurrence of multiple mycotoxins in 60 samples of cereal-based baby foods from Brazil and assessed the risk of the consumption of these products by children. Aflatoxins B1 and B2 (AFB1, AFB2), deoxynivalenol (DON), 3-acetyl deoxynivalenol (3-ADON), 15-acetyl deoxynivalenol (15-ADON) and zearalenone (ZEN) were evaluated by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The results revealed that 98.3% of the samples were contaminated by at least one mycotoxin, with 80% of them demonstrating co-contamination. DON was detected in 80% of the samples, followed by 15-ADON (71.7%), 3-ADON (65%), ZEN (56.7%) and AFB1 (5%), with none of the samples contaminated by AFB2. The maximum concentrations found were 75.6 μg/kg for DON, 18.9 μg/kg for ZEN, 9.6 μg/kg for 15-ADON, 3.5 μg/kg for AFB1 and 2.8 μg/kg for 3-ADON. The occurrence of AFB1 was low, however, some products exceeded the limits established by the current regulations. Although the estimated daily intake (EDI) of DON, 3-ADON, 15-ADON and ZEN were below the safety values currently established, the margin of exposure (MOE) values for AFB1 indicate a concern for public health. [Display omitted] • Mycotoxin contamination was observed in 98.3% of the samples. • 80% of the samples showed contamination by more than one mycotoxin. • The occurrence of AFB1 was low, but one product exceeded regulatory limits. • The estimated daily intake of DON, 3-ADON, 15-ADON, and ZEN was within safe limits. • The Margin of Exposure values for AFB1 indicate concern for public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starches-rich and protein-rich cereal samples commonly need tedious sample preparation steps before instrumental analysis. This study developed a miniaturized centrifugal integrated cold-induced phase separation (CIPS) method for convenient sample preparation. A small-sized centrifuge tube (2 mL) and a low-temperature centrifuge, both of which are easily accessible, make up the basic components of the system. Unlike conventional sample preparation methods that need a step-by-step extraction, enrichment, purification, and centrifugation, this centrifugal integrated CIPS method can be performed by a one-step combination protocol under a low-temperature centrifuge. As a proof-of-concept study, satisfactory recoveries and enrichment factors were demonstrated for the extraction of fumonisins and ochratoxins from cereals. A sensitive and selective quantification method was yielded by combining LC-HRMS using tSIM acquisition mode, with good linearity (R2 > 0.998), accuracy (82.9–106.5%), and precision (<13.4%). This strategy is convenient, low-cost, repeatable, and easy to semi-automate, further expanding the extraction potential for other acidic mycotoxins. [Display omitted] • A centrifugal integrated cold-induced phase separation method (CIPS) was proposed. • A CIPS was successfully applied for extraction of acidic mycotoxins in cereals. • The studied method demonstrates a convenience with a one-step combination protocol. • The greenness profile and practicality of the developed method was evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In production of cereals like maize (Zea mays L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), seeds are often treated with pesticides and/or commercial products of plant beneficial microorganisms (PBM) to reduce possible root damage from insect pests and soil borne root diseases. In a field experiment with maize and barley under conservation agriculture, we examined how such seed treatments affected the resident root and soil microbiota. The seed treatments included a pesticide mixture and different commercial products of common PBM based on the biocontrol agents (BCA) Trichoderma harzianum and Metarhizium anisopliae alone and in combination and a mix of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), which were compared to a negative control without seed treatment. Soil and root samples were taken at two and three sampling times during the crop cycles for barley and maize, respectively, to measure root biomass, root colonization with mycorrhizal fungi and pathogens, soil microbial communities at a general taxonomic level using biomarker fatty acids, and ecological guilds of soil nematodes. Root health was monitored with observations of the presence of insect feeding larvae and root disease symptoms, which in general showed healthy roots during the full crop cycle. Overall, most of the root and soil biota variables measured changed during the crop cycle. However, for both crops, the seed treatments had no effects on the soil and root microbiota measured, except in the case of barley root infection with Polymyxa sp., which was reduced by all treatments. In conclusion, the pesticide and PBM seed treatments evaluated in the present study for maize and barley under conservation agriculture, in general, had limited effects on the resident root and soil microbiota. However, future studies should include complementary high-resolution sequencing methods when examining non-target effects of pesticides and microbial inoculants on the root and soil microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metallic elemental analyses are needed to complete food composition databases, in which humans consume food to obtain energy and be able to do everyday work. The study aimed to investigate the concentrations of some metals (K, Al, Fe, Cu, Cd, and Pb) in teff and barley samples using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS) techniques. The samples, weighing 0.5 grams each, were subjected to wet digestions using a mixture ratio of 7:3(vol/vol) of HNO 3 to H 2 O 2 reagents at 90°c for 3:00 h under optimal conditions. The reagents were used to digest food samples for the presence of specific metallic elements. Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS) was used to analyze the mineral contents of the digested samples. The results demonstrated that the relative concentrations obtained in these cereal crops are different from one another. The concentration of metallic elements in mg/kg of K (2709.6±3.3), Al (952.3±4.2), Fe (320.9±4.8), Cu (25.3±3.2), Pb (ND) and Cd (ND) for red teff, K (3053.7±1.6), Al (1095.2±4.2), Fe (271.6±4.8), Cu (60.1±3.2), Pb (ND) and Cd (ND) for white teff while K (4333.3±3.2), Al (2595.2±4.2), Fe (74.0±0.00), Cu (10.5±1.8), Pb (ND) and Cd (ND) for barley. The high content of potassium and aluminum metallic elements was found in barley cereals. The results of this study will be useful in enriching the database of Ethiopian cereals as foods, advancing the knowledge of cereals and deepening the scientific understanding of the cereals. • Concentration of chemical elements in barely and teff seeds. • Comparing the levels of the concentration of chemical elements metals in teff and barely seeds with the literature values. • Checking detection limit of the cereals with FAO/WHO standard value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of zearalenone (ZEN) toxin in agricultural foods and animal feed ingredients has become a global public health concern due to its pathogenic effects. As a result, the development of novel, highly accurate, rapid, and reliable analytical methods for ZEN detection is essential for ensuring food safety. In the present work, a highly sensitive aptasensor for ZEN was developed using UiO-66-NH 2 metal-organic framework (MOF) and graphene oxide (GO). A highly fluorescent UiO-66-NH 2 MOF, conjugated with ZEN aptamer, was employed as a fluorescent signal probe (λ ex/em = 330/430 nm) while GO functioned as a quencher in the assay. In the presence of ZEN, the fluorescence intensity of the MOF increased significantly as the aptamer-UiO-66-NH 2 showed its affinity toward ZEN, releasing the GO. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the assay displayed excellent specificity, repeatability, and linearity over the ZEN concentration range of 0.01–100 ng/mL, yielding a low detection limit of 5 pg/mL. In addition, the developed sensor also demonstrated satisfactory performance with recoveries from 85 to 114% in the spiked samples of wheat and corn flour. In general, the developed sensing strategy provides a new approach for the rapid, inexpensive, and sensitive fluorescent detection of ZEN in food matrices. [Display omitted] • A novel 'turn-on' aptasensor based on UiO-66-NH 2 and GO was developed. • UiO-66-NH 2 and GO served as fluorescent donor and acceptor, respectively. • The aptasensor showed a LOD of 5 pg/mL for ZEN detection. • It was successfully demonstrated to detect ZEN in wheat and corn flour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Q Exactive-Orbitrap MS used for targeted quantification and untargeted exploration. • Accuracy profile enabled HS-SPME- vs. SHS-GC-HRMS for furan quantification. • SHS-GC-HRMS was more precise and sensitive for furan quantification in infant food. • SHS-GC-HRMS was validated for quantification of furan, 2-MF and 3-MF in infant food. • Furan, 2MF and 3MF were quantified in the main classes of commercial infant food. • Untargeted screening of HS-SPME-GC-HRMS data underlined 13 more furan derivatives. The aim of the present study was to assess the performance and complementarity of methods capable of both quantifying furan, 2-Methylfuran (2-MF) and 3-Methylfuran (3-MF) in infant foods, but also to comprehensively explore other furan derivatives. It is more particularly a question of validating and comparing the couplings of the two headspace extraction methods most used for the analysis of furan compounds − Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction (HS-SPME) and Static HeadSpace (SHS) – with gas chromatography hyphenated to a high-resolution mass detector (Q Exactive-Orbitrap MS) which allows both targeted quantification and suspect screening. Firstly, the accuracy profile approach was implemented to assess, validate and compare HS-SPME- and SHS-GC-Q Exactive-Orbitrap MS for the quantification of furan in two model infant foods, apple puree and first infant formula. SHS-GC-Q Exactive-Orbitrap MS, showed better accuracy (uncertainty < 17.2 % vs 22.5 % for HS-SPME GC-Q Exactive-Orbitrap MS) and better sensitivity (LOQ < 2.8 vs LOQ < 4.0 µg/kg) over a broader validation range (2–100 µg/kg vs 5–100 µg/kg in apple puree). Secondly, SHS-GC-Q Exactive-Orbitrap MS was assessed and validated by accuracy profile for the quantification of 2-MF and 3-MF, with performance close to those for furan except for 3-MF in apple puree. Thirdly, SHS-GC-Q Exactive-Orbitrap MS was used to quantify the levels of these compounds in 20 commercial samples (n = 3) belonging to the four main categories of infant food (infant formulae, fruit purees, infant cereals, vegetable/fish baby meals). Furan was quantified in 75 % of the samples, with maximum levels in the vegetable/fish-based infant foods (up to 127 µg/kg) while 2-MF and 3-MF were quantified in 45 % and 15 % of products respectively, with maximum levels of 14.1 µg/kg in follow-on formula 3rd age and 9.2 µg/kg in apple puree. Finally, SHS- and HS-SPME-GC-Q Exactive-Orbitrap MS data of the 20 infant products were processed in suspect screening mode using Compound DiscovererTM software. Coupling with HS-SPME, it made it possible to identify 13 additional furan derivatives, i.e. 5 more than with SHS. The relevance and safety status of the compounds identified are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whole grain cereals are a good source of nutrients. Several cutting-edge metabolomic platforms have been deployed to identify various phenolic compounds and enhance cereal bioactive bioavailability. A diet rich in cereal phenolics may modify the microbial composition, support gut homeostasis, and increase gut health, thereby lowering the risk of non-communicable illness. In this work, we reviewed current metabolomic breakthroughs in cereal phenolic profiling and their effects on human health via gut microbiota modulation. We argue that the information presented in this paper will assist in the development of nutritionally superior cereal breeds and functional foods. Most cereal grains contain ferulic acid derivatives, caffeoyl glycerides, and feruloyl and coumaroyl esters. While there has been significant progress in discovering novel phenolic compounds in cereals, quantifying these molecules, and translating their therapeutic effects from animal model systems to humans remains a challenge. To this end, metabolomics, and other high-throughput-omics-based platforms must be integrated to further examine the structure and functionality of phenolic metabolites to breed nutritionally rich cereals as well as map their influence on human health benefits. Rare alleles must be introduced to improve bioactive content in cereal grains while maintaining yield. Following that, these exceptional varieties must be effectively processed to maximize phenolic bioavailability. • Phenolic compounds are critical in avoiding metabolic disorders associated with oxidative stress. • Breeding cereal crops to enrich phenolic compounds in grains contributes to personalized nutrition. • A diet rich in cereal phenolics likely to increase human gut health, thereby lowering the risk of non-communicable illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exponential number of food alerts about concerning levels of some plant-alkaloids, such as pyrrolizidine, tropane and opium alkaloids, have stressed the need to monitor their occurrence in foods to avoid toxic health effects derived from their intake. Therefore, analytical strategies to simultaneously monitor the occurrence of these alkaloids should be developed to ensure food safety an comply with regulations. Accordingly, this work proposes an efficient multicomponent analytical strategy for the simultaneous extraction of these alkaloids from commercial bakery products. The analytical method was validated and applied to the analysis of 15 samples, revealing that 100% of them contained at least one of the target alkaloids, in some cases exceeding the maximum limits legislated. Moreover, in two samples the 3 different alkaloid families were detected. These results confirm the importance of simultaneously monitoring these alkaloids in food and highlight also considering some opium alkaloids in current legislation. • Significant improvements in chromatographic separation of pyrrolizidine isomers • 60% of the bakery samples were contaminated with one or more alkaloid-type • Tropane alkaloids were the most widespread in bakery products • Atropine was quantified above the limit set in legislation • Concerning concentrations of unregulated opiates (e.g., oripavine, thebaine) were found. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cereals serve as a shared energy source for both humans and feedlot animals. For producers, large incorporations of cereals in the ruminant diet have resulted in foreseeable profits from production. For ruminant nutritionists, improving the gastrointestinal utilization of cereals while minimizing drawbacks to health is a crucial concern. Over the past decade, studies have shown promising outcomes in ruminant performance using cereals treated with lactic acid (LA). These benefits are concentrated on enhanced production performance and reduced high cereal diet-induced health issues. However, inconsistencies in experimental conditions and the diversity of cereal cultivars used in these studies hindered the pace of reaching conclusive remarks. In this review, we summarize data about cereal nutrient variations induced by LA treatment and the underlying mechanisms involved in these variations. We also discuss how LA-treated cereals benefit ruminant gastrointestinal homeostasis and enhance overall health. We aimed to provide an overview of LA modifications on cereal nutrients and frame the functional role of LA-treated cereals on ruminant performance. We also propose research gaps, which are intended to stimulate future research. • LA treatment of cereals is a promising method to enhance ruminant performance. • Cereals treated with LA display nutrient variations. • Ruminant consumed LA-treated cereal showed enhanced health and production performance. • LA-treated cereal benefits ruminant via manipulating gastrointestinal fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • First multi-mycotoxin screening in samples randomly collected from an infant food company. • Multiple mycotoxins were detected in processed infant foods and related raw materials. • DON and TeA exhibited notably higher presence in processed infant foods and related raw materials. • Dietary exposure to AME, AOH, and TeA for infants and young children should be concerned. This study evaluated muti-mycotoxins in 199 samples including processed infant foods and raw materials collected randomly from an infant food company and assessed their role in dietary exposure in infants and young children via probabilistic risk assessment. Approximately 79.6 % (74/93) of the processed infant foods and 65.1 % (69/106) of the raw materials were contaminated by mycotoxins, with a mean occurrence level of 3.66–321.8 µg/kg. Deoxynivalenol (DON) and tenuazonic acid (TeA) were the more prevalent mycotoxins detected, based on their higher frequencies and levels across samples. Co-occurrence of more than two mycotoxins was detected in 61.3 % (57/93) of the processed infant foods and 53.8 % (57/106) of the raw materials. Wheat flour and derived products (e.g., infant noodles and infant biscuits) were contaminated with higher contamination levels and a greater variety of mycotoxins than other samples (e.g., infant cereal and rice grains). The estimated daily exposure to OTA, DON, ZEN, and TEN was lower than the corresponding reference health-based guidance values, indicating acceptable health risks. However, the estimated dietary exposure to alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), alternariol (AOH), and tenuazonic acid (TeA) exceeded the corresponding thresholds of toxicological concern values, indicating potential dietary intake risks. Among the various samples, cereals and cereal-based infant foods emerged as the primary contributors to mycotoxin exposure. Further research is advised to address the uncertainties surrounding the toxicity associated with emerging Alternaria mycotoxins and to conduct cumulative risk assessments concerning multiple mycotoxin exposure in infants and young children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Voluntary food reformulation agreements often lack industry compliance. • We analyze how sugar reduction in children's cereals affect demand and brand sales. • We estimate effects of cereal sugar content on consumer choices using mixed logit. • Simultaneous sugar reductions are most effective and least harmful to sales. • Substitution behavior minimally compromises product reformulation efforts. Voluntary food reformulation agreements may often be ineffective due to a lack of industry compliance. This paper examines demand responses and resulting (dis)incentives for companies to reduce the sugar content of children's cereals in Germany. We estimate the effects of sugar content on consumer choices using a random-coefficient logit model. Subsequently, we simulate how simultaneous and unilateral sugar reductions affect sales, sugar quantities purchased, and consumer welfare. The results identify simultaneous sugar reduction as being most effective in reducing sugar uptake and less harmful to firms' sales compared to unilateral reformulation. Product reformulation is not strongly compromised by substitution behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flowering is a vital process in a plant's lifecycle and variation for flowering-time has helped cereals adapt to diverse environments. Much cereal research has focused on understanding how flowering signals, or florigens, regulate the floral transition and timing of ear emergence. However, flowering genes also perform an enduring role during inflorescence development, with genotypes that elicit a weaker flowering signal producing more elaborately branched inflorescences with extra floret-bearing spikelets. While this outcome indicates that variable expression of flowering genes could boost yield potential, further analysis has shown that dampened florigen levels can compromise fertility, negating the benefit of extra grain-producing sites. Here, we discuss ways that florigens contribute to early and late inflorescence development, including their influence on branch/spikelet architecture and fertility. We propose that a deeper understanding of the role for florigens during inflorescence development could be used to balance the effects of florigens throughout flowering to improve productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and efficient dithizone-functionalized solid-phase extraction (SPE) procedure, online coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, was developed for the first time for enrichment and determination of ultra-trace mercury (Hg) species (inorganic divalent Hg (Hg(II)), methylmercury (CH 3 Hg(II)) and ethylmercury (C 2 H 5 Hg(II)) in cereals and environmental samples. In the proposed method, functionalization of the commercial C 18 column with dithizone, enrichment, and elution of the above Hg species can be completed online with the developed SPE device. A simple solution of 2-mercaptoethanol (1% (V/V)) could be used as an eluent for both the SPE and HPLC separation of Hg species, significantly simplifying the method and instrumentation. The online SPE method was optimized by varying dithizone dose, 2-mercaptoethanol concentration, and sample volume. In addition, the effect of pH, coexisting interfering ions, and salt effect on the enrichment was also discussed. Under the optimized conditions, the detection limits of Hg species for 5 mL water sample were 0.15 ng/L for Hg(II), 0.07 ng/L for CH 3 Hg(II), and 0.04 ng/L for C 2 H 5 Hg(II) with recoveries in the range of 85%–100%. The developed dithizone-functionalized C 18 SPE column can be reused after a single functionalization, which significantly simplifies the enrichment step. Moreover, the stability of Hg species enriched on the SPE column demonstrated its suitability for field sampling of Hg species for later laboratory analysis. This environment-friendly method offers a robust tool to detect ultra-trace Hg species in cereals and environmental samples. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gut microbiota are affected by diet, country, and affect outcomes in cirrhosis. Western diets are associated with dysbiosis. Comparisons with other diets is needed. We aimed to compare cirrhosis patients from the United States with cirrhosis patients from Brazil with respect to diet, microbiota, and impact on hospitalizations. Healthy controls and compensated/decompensated outpatients with cirrhosis from the United States and Brazil underwent dietary recall and stool for 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. Demographics and medications/cirrhosis details were compared within and between countries. Patients with cirrhosis were followed up for 90-day hospitalizations. Regression for Shannon diversity was performed within cirrhosis. Regression for hospitalizations adjusting for clinical and microbial variables was performed. Model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), diabetes, ascites, and albumin were similar, but more Americans were men, had higher hepatic encephalopathy and alcohol/hepatitis C etiology, with lower nonalcoholic fatty liver disease than Brazilians. Brazilians had higher cereal, rice, and yogurt intake vs the United States. As disease progressed, cereals, rice/beans, coffee, and chocolate consumption was reduced. Microbial diversity was higher in Brazilians. Within cirrhosis, high diversity was related to Brazilian origin (P <.0001), age, and cereal intake (P =.05), while high MELD scores (P =.009) and ascites (P =.05) did the reverse. Regardless of stage, beneficial taxa and taxa associated with grant and yogurt intake were higher (Ruminococcaceae , Christensenellacae , and Prevotellaceae), while pathobionts (Porphyromonadaceae , Sutterellaceae , and Enterobacteriaceae) were lower in Brazilians. More Americans were hospitalized vs Brazilians (P =.002). On regression, MELD (P =.001) and ascites (P =.001) were associated with higher hospitalizations, while chocolate (P =.03) and Brazilian origin (P =.001) were associated with lower hospitalizations with/without microbiota inclusion. Brazilian cirrhotic patients follow a diet richer in cereals and yogurt, which is associated with higher microbial diversity and beneficial microbiota and could contribute toward lower hospitalizations compared with a Western-diet–consuming American cohort. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cereals around the globe are consumed as a staple food owing to the provision of essential nutrients. Their quality attributes are increasingly attracting the attention of nutritionists and scientists. Emerging nondestructive techniques offers great perspectives due to the special advantages of noninvasive and rapid detection of qualitative and quantitative properties. Furthermore, no review article has been found covering all the nondestructive techniques coupled chemometrics in cereal. Taking this into consideration, current effort was made to provide an in-depth and up-to-date review article. Traditional methods and nondestructive techniques utilized for the quality monitoring of cereals play a significant role. Traditional techniques accompanying the limitations of time-consuming, laborious, offline and destructive nature considered not good as compared to nondestructive techniques. In the current review article, near-infrared (NIR), infrared (IR), Raman spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy, along with colorimetric sensor array (CSA), imaging-based techniques and data fusion strategies have been introduced as promising techniques for the quality, authenticity and discrimination of cereals. The use of chemometrics based on artificial intelligence and machine learning are also documented. This review article also covers the challenges related to cereal processing which need to be resolved or investigated in future studies. • Existing wet chemical methods for quality and safety monitoring of cereal and cereal products do not meet the global regulation. • Nondestructive techniques offer great perspectives to carry out analysis through qualitative and quantitative means. • Fluorescence, infrared, near-infrared, Raman spectroscopies, CSA, Imaging, e-nose, and data fusion has been introduced to solve these issues. • Chemometrics based AI and machine learning have been documented based on preprocessing, discrimination, identification, and regression models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legumes contain several healthy essential nutrients and bioactive compounds, and their symbiotic nitrogen fixation ability confers substantial economic and environmental advantages. The traditional perception that legume flours are unsuitable for extrusion cooking is now proving to be outdated. Recent research suggests that legumes have great potential for replacing cereals in extruded snacks due to their healthier nutritional profile and remarkable functional characteristics. In this paper, the scientific and technological challenges associated with incorporating legume-based flours into extruded cereal-based snacks are reviewed. After comparing the nutritional properties of cereals and legumes, technological properties of extrudates (i.e. expansion ratio, bulk density, sensory properties etc.) enriched with legumes are explored. The current market situation and the future of legume-based extruded snacks are also discussed. Due to their functional characteristics, legume flours demonstrate good potential in the manufacture of extruded healthier snacks in which cereal flours are partially or entirely substituted. Lab-scale extrusion trials produce a wealth of information affirming that incorporating legume flours significantly affects the final extrudate structure and subsequent quality/sensory attributes of snacks. However, more work needs to be carried out to identify the most appropriate combination of flours and to optimise processing conditions to improve sensory and quality attributes and promote consumer acceptance. Increasing application of legumes in extruded snacks will continue to drive the global legumes market. • Legumes provide health benefits and economic and environmental advantages. • Legume flours are favourable ingredients in extruded cereal-based snacks. • Exploiting legume flours in extruded snacks still needs further development. • Innovations to mimic the taste and flavour of traditional snacks drives the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxins (AFs) are one of the most harmful carcinogenic natural toxins that affect food. Crops containing reasonably high oil content may be affected by Aspergillus species and consequently by AF contamination. In this study, a proposed testing method for AF detection in oilseed was developed, validated, and used for a market survey to assess the probabilistic risk exposure caused by consuming contaminated oilseeds including corn, sunflower seed, and soybean. The test method was optimized for selective extraction and then validated for fitness of purpose; the limits of quantification (LOQs) were 0.2, 0.4, 0.2, and 0.2 μg kg−1 for aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin G2 (AFG2), and aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), respectively. The method was linear from the LOQs up to 20 μg kg−1, and its budget of measurement uncertainties were estimated at 25, 24, 26, and 30 for AFG1, AFB1, AFG2, and AFB2, respectively. The contamination levels were from 10,000 body weight (BW) day−1, respectively. The main finding of the present study highlights the possibility of some risk of AF exposure from corn consumption, which may represent a health concern. • Size exclusion chromatography has an excellent and selective extraction of aflatoxins from heavy matrix oilseeds. • According to the consumption rate of corn, the estimated margin of exposure to aflatoxin B1 was 721 body weight (BW) day−1. • There is a possibility of some risk of aflatoxins exposure from corn consumption, which may represent a health concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon (Si) is an omnipresent and second most abundant element in the soil lithosphere after oxygen. Silicon being a beneficial element imparts several benefits to the plants and animals. In many plant species, including the cereals the uptake of Si from the soil even exceeds the uptake of essential nutrients. Cereals are the monocots which are known to accumulate a high amount of Si, and reaping maximum benefits associated with it. Cereals contribute a high amount of Si to the human diet compared to other food crops. In the present review, we have summarized distribution of the dietary Si in cereals and its role in the animal and human health. The Si derived benefits in cereals, specifically with respect to biotic and abiotic stress tolerance has been described. We have also discussed the molecular mechanism involved in the Si uptake in cereals, evolution of the Si transport mechanism and genetic variation in the Si concentration among different cultivars of the same species. Various genetic mutants deficient in the Si uptake have been developed and many QTLs governing the Si accumulation have been identified in cereals. The existing knowledge about the Si biology and available resources needs to be explored to understand and improve the Si accumulation in crop plants to achieve sustainability in agriculture. • Cereals are major dietary source of silicon which impart several health benefits in humans. • Silicon protect plants from biotic and abiotic stress, but the mechanisms needs to be unravelled. • Silicon transporters have been identified in rice however the Si-transport mechanism is not completely understood. • Various mutants and QTLs for Si accumulation have been identified in cereals. • The available resources and knowledge can be used understanding silicon accumulation in cereals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The seed-associated microbiome has a strong influence on plant ecology, fitness, and productivity. Plant microbiota could be exploited for a more responsible crop management in sustainable agriculture. However, the relationships between seed microbiota and hosts related to the changes from ancestor species to breeded crops still remain poor understood. Our aims were i) to understand the effect of cereal domestication on seed endophytes in terms of diversity, structure and co-occurrence, by comparing four cereal crops and the respective ancestor species; ii) to test the phylogenetic coherence between cereals and their seed microbiota (clue of co-evolution). We investigated the seed microbiota of four cereal crops (Triticum aestivum , Triticum monococcum , Triticum durum, and Hordeum vulgare), along with their respective ancestors (Aegilops tauschii , Triticum baeoticum , Triticum dicoccoides, and Hordeum spontaneum , respectively) using 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding, Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) profiling of host plants and co-evolution analysis. The diversity of seed microbiota was generally higher in cultivated cereals than in wild ancestors, suggesting that domestication lead to a bacterial diversification. On the other hand, more microbe-microbe interactions were detected in wild species, indicating a better-structured, mature community. Typical human-associated taxa, such as Cutibacterium , dominated in cultivated cereals, suggesting an interkingdom transfers of microbes from human to plants during domestication. Co-evolution analysis revealed a significant phylogenetic congruence between seed endophytes and host plants, indicating clues of co-evolution between hosts and seed-associated microbes during domestication. This study demonstrates a diversification of the seed microbiome as a consequence of domestication, and provides clues of co-evolution between cereals and their seed microbiota. This knowledge is useful to develop effective strategies of microbiome exploitation for sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deoxynivalenol (DON) toxin is a type B group of trichothecene mycotoxins mainly originating from specific Fusarium fungi , seriously harming human and livestock health. Herein, a novel core-shell up-conversion nanoparticles immunochromatographic assay (CS-UCNPs-ICA) was developed for deoxynivalenol based on the competitive reaction principle. By exploiting the fluorescence intensity of the T and C lines of CS-UCNPs-ICA, the concentrations of DON were obtained sensitively and precisely under optimized conditions in 5 min with a detection limit of 0.1 ng/mL. The CS-UCNPs-ICA strips only specifically detect DON and its derivatives (3-Ac-DON and 15-Ac-DON), with no cross-reaction with other mycotoxins. The low CV values illustrated a modest intra- and inter-assay variation, confirming the superior precision of this method. In the spiked experiment, the mean recoveries of corn and wheat ranged from 94.74% to 100.90% and 96.21%–104.81%, respectively. Furthermore, the approach generated results that were in good agreement with data from HPLC and ELISA analyses of naturally contaminated feed and cereals, confirming that the significant advantages of proposed strips were their high practicality, rapidness, and simplicity. Therefore, the CS-UCNPs-ICA strips platform serves as a promising candidate for developing new approaches for rapid testing or high throughput screening from DON in food products. [Display omitted] • Deoxynivalenol was detected by immunochromatography combined with up-conversion. • Core-shell structure effectively enhanced the up-conversion luminescence intensity. • Limit of detection of test strips for deoxynivalenol was 0.1 ng/mL. • The proposed strips had superb sensitivity, specificity, stability, and precision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing interest in finding reliable methods for monitoring soil health using bioindicators. Free-living nematodes are an ideal indicator group because of their rapid response to changes in soil conditions. This UK study aims to assess their efficacy as bioindicators using two field experiments. In Experiment-1, the treatments included Farmyard Manure, Green Manure consisting of a mix of Raphanus sativus and Vicia sp., and Standard Practice serving as the control receiving N-fertiliser only. The same treatments, except Farmyard Manure, were compared in Experiment-2, which was on a sloping site with a different textured soil. Soil samples were collected twice during each crop season, in Spring and Autumn, for Experiment-1, and only in Autumn for Experiment-2. Ecological indices that categorise nematodes by feeding preference using morphological differences and life strategies (i.e. functional guilds) were calculated. Indices were compared with the abundance of nematode trophic groups to evaluate their use as soil indicators for understanding crop management practices and their legacy effects. Results showed that identification to trophic groups alone was not a sufficiently sensitive approach for assessing changes in the selected management practices. The variations among trophic groups and treatments within the same sampling period were significantly different for bacterivores, fungivores, predators, omnivores, and herbivores. These differences did not always cooccur within the same sampling period, with bacterivores and plant-parasites of economic importance showing greater responses. The food web analyses, calculated by applying the Enrichment Index and Structure Index, and Plant Parasite Index, provided a more sensitive indicator and allowed more effective diachronic monitoring. While using the composition of trophic groups appears to be an attractive solution, their application is best linked to quantifying short-term changes in soil condition and were not as well suited to longer-term soil health monitoring. • Ecological indices a more sensitive indicator than trophic group abundance. • Morphological differences offer limited information on nematode community food webs. • Soil nutrient enrichment affects nematode taxonomic abundance and richness. • Soil heterogeneity influences the spatiotemporal variations in nematode communities. • Biofumigants reduce the populations of non-target nematodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Image size: please provide an image with a minimum of 531 × 1328 pixels (h × w) or proportionally more. The image should be readable at a size of 5 × 13 cm using a regular screen resolution of 96 dpi. Preferred file types: TIFF, EPS, PDF or MS Office files. [Display omitted] • ENNB was the most neurotoxic (IC 50 = 3.72 µM), followed by OTA (9.10 µM) and STG (9.99 µM). • OTA + STG presented the lowest IC 50 of binary mixtures. • The most synergistic mixture was STG + CIT at low exposition levels. • Strong synergism in STG + CIT mixture, 50-fold CIT dose reduction for same effect. • The six mycotoxińs combination presented synergism at most inhibition levels. Mycotoxins can inflict harmful effects on diverse organs, and mounting evidence indicates their potential involvement in human neurodegenerative diseases. Given the common occurrence of these toxins in food, there is an increasing demand for a comprehensive assessment of their combined toxicity to enhance our understanding of their potential hazards. This research investigates mycotoxin exposure from widely consumed cereal-based products, including enniatin B (ENNB), sterigmatocystin (STG), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), cyclopiazonic acid (CPZ), citrinin (CIT), and ochratoxin A (OTA). Employing the median-effect equation based on Chou and Talalay's mass-action law, we assessed their cytotoxicity in human SH-SY5Y neuronal cells. Notably, ENNB displayed the highest neurotoxicity (IC50 = 3.72 µM), followed by OTA (9.10 µM) and STG (9.99 µM). The combination of OTA + STG exhibited the highest toxicity (IC50 = 3.77 µM), while CPZ + CIT showed the least detrimental effect. Approximately 70 % of tested binary combinations displayed synergistic or additive effects, except for ENNB + STG, ENNB + AFB1, and CPZ + CIT, which showed antagonistic interactions. Intriguingly, the senary combination displayed moderate antagonism at the lowest exposure and moderate synergism at higher doses. OTA exhibited predominantly synergistic interactions, comprising approximately 90 %, a noteworthy finding considering its prevalence in food. Conversely, ENNB interactions tended to be antagonistic. The most remarkable synergy occurred in the STG and CIT combination, enabling a 50-fold reduction in CIT dosage for an equivalent toxic effect. These findings highlight the biological relevance of robust synergistic interactions, emphasizing the need to assess human exposure hazards accurately, particularly considering frequent mycotoxin co-occurrence in environmental and food settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The so-gel method was utilized to synthesize nano cordierite (Mg 2 Al 4 Si 5 O 18) and then validated using several characterization tools. • Nano cordierite (Mg 2 Al 4 Si 5 O 18) was exploited as an ionophore in a carbon paste electrode. • The sensor under investigation had a response of six seconds. • The advocated sensor has been exploited to assess the presence of Sr(II) ions in a variety of samples. The development of an ion-selective electrode for the potentiometric measurement of strontium ions using ceramic nanoparticles (cordierite) as an ionophore was a concern in this study. The nano cordierite (Mg 2 Al 4 Si 5 O 18) was synthesized by sol–gel method and subsequently characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) with EDAX unit and contact angle. The XRD results confirm the purity and crystalline structure of nanoparticles. The average crystallite size and particle size were studied by Debye-Scherrer equation, TEM, and SEM and it is found to be 16.9 and 29.29 nm which is a mesoporous structure. Cordierite nanoparticles were used to accelerate the electron transfer which refers to the extensive surface area, electrical characteristics, porous design, and nanoscale dimension. The carbon paste electrode optimization was done to study the potentiometric performance of Sr(II) ion detection. The electrode composition was 5.0 % synthetic ionophere, 28.9 % tricresylphosphate (TCP), and 65.8 % graphite powder (w/w). Stable potentiometric behavior was shown in the concentration range 1.0 × 10−6 −1.0 × 10−2 mol/L (R2 = 0.998). The electrode detection limit and response time were 5.0 × 10−7 mol/L and 6 s, respectively. As well as the electrode showed selectivity towards the Sr(II) ion in the vicinity of certain cation species. Also, it was performed without any variations in response within the pH range of 3–8. Additionally, Sr(II) ion determination was detected in some real samples (plant origin) such as legumes (kidney bean), cereals (wheat), leafy vegetables (cabbage), stems (onion), roots (carrot), fruits (tomatoes) and nuts (almond) with high recoveries and reproducibility through around 72 days. Subsequently, the outcome was assessed against the ICP technique's superior performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The excessive accumulation of heavy metals, particularly lead (Pb) in agricultural soils, is a growing problem worldwide and needs urgent attention. This study aimed to prepare green silicon (Si) NPs using extract of Chenopodium quinoa leaves and evaluated their effects on Pb uptake and growth of maize (Zea mays L.). The results indicated that Pb exposure negatively affected the growth and chlorophyll contents of maize varieties, while SiNPs positively affected these attributes. Pb alone increased the electrolyte-leakage (EL), hydrogen-peroxide (H 2 O 2) and selected antioxidant enzyme activities in leaves, whereas SiNPs decreased EL and H 2 O 2 concentrations and further enhanced the enzyme activities as compared to their respective treatments without SiNPs. Pb-only treatments led to an increase in Pb concentrations and total Pb uptake in both shoots and roots. In contrast, SiNPs resulted in reduced Pb concentrations, with a concurrent decrease in total Pb uptake in shoots compared to the control treatment. The findings demonstrated that foliar application of SiNPs can mitigate the toxic effects of Pb in maize plants by triggering the antioxidant enzyme system and reducing the oxidative stress. Taken together, SiNPs have the potential to enhance maize production in Pb-contaminated soils. However, future research and application efforts should prioritize key aspects such as optimizing NPs synthesis, understanding positive mechanisms of green-synthesized NPs, and conducting multiple crop tests and real-world field trials. [Display omitted] • High Pb decreased biomass and increased Pb in shoot and roots of maize plants. • SiNPs increased biomass and chlorophyll contents in Pb-stressed maize. • SiNPs reduced Pb concentration in shoot and roots of maize. • Response of SiNPs varied with doses of NPs and Pb and maize cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Only a small number of seeds belonging to cultivated plants were recovered from the site of Karmir Sar, situated on the southern flanks of Mt. Aragats. Although a few in number, these archaeobotanical materials are unique because of the geographical, chronological and cultural attribution of the finds. First, previously no archaeobotanical remains have been recovered from such a high altitude as 2850 m a.s.l. in the region. Second, extremely few remains of cultivated plant have been recovered from the Middle Bronze Age sites in present day Armenia (except for sites dating to the end of the MBA and the MBA/LBA transitions). And, finally, this is the first time that plant remains have been recovered from contexts relating to the "dragon-stone" monuments (stone stelae named "vishap"). The Middle Bronze Age remains of cultivated plants are identified as free-threshing wheat, barley, and emmer; these cereals were probably the main starch component of food for the communities that interacted with the vishap monuments of Karmir Sar. Those charred grains of cereals found in the vicinity of vishaps (and related structures) and attributed to the Middle Bronze Age may be related to ritual activities connected around the vishaps and may represent the remnants of offerings and/or festive food used during rituals. There are also findings of seeds from later periods (Late Bronze Age, Iron Age, Medieval) that are probably related to the activities of transhumant pastoralists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pancreatic cancer is a highly deadly disease with a poor prognosis. There is limited knowledge about prevention of the disease; thus, identification of risk factors is important to reduce the disease incidence.Objective: The aim of the present study was to prospectively investigate associations between incidence of pancreatic cancer and whole-grain intake measured in 2 ways: as whole-grain product intake (g whole-grain products/d) and as whole-grain intake (grams of whole grains/d). Moreover, the intake of subgroups of these was also investigated: whole-grain products (rye bread, whole-grain bread, and oatmeal/muesli) and cereals (rye, wheat, and oats).Methods: In total, 55,995 Danish adults aged 50-64 y, of whom 446 developed pancreatic cancer (17.5 y mean follow-up), were included in the study. Detailed information on daily intake of whole-grain products was available from a validated self-administered FFQ, and intake of whole-grain cereals (wheat, rye, and oats) was estimated using information from a 24-h dietary recall. The association between the whole-grain exposures and incidence of pancreatic cancer was investigated by Cox regression analyses adjusted for potential confounders.Results: Total whole-grain product intake was associated with a 7% lower incidence of pancreatic cancer per serving (50 g/d) (HR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.86, 1.00), and in the sex-specific analyses, an inverse association was found only in men. No association was found for total whole-grain intake (per 16-g serving size; HR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.89, 1.03). When investigating specific whole-grain products and cereals individually, none were alone associated with lower incidence of pancreatic cancer.Conclusion: Our findings indicate that intake of whole grains is associated with lower risk of pancreatic cancer in middle-aged men. Consuming ample amounts of whole grains may prove beneficial in terms of lowering pancreatic cancer risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Durum wheat and rice brans are by-products deriving from the milling industry and source of important phytochemicals, mostly phenolics in bound form. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the most effective method for the extraction of phenolic acids from these by-products with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity and to standardize the obtained extracts to encourage their commercialization in health field. Free phenolics were extracted with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and bound phenolics with alkaline hydrolysis (AH) and ultrasound-assisted alkaline hydrolysis (UAAH). Extracts were analyzed with HPTLC (high-performance thin-layer chromatography) and RPHPLC-DAD-ESIMS (reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry); the content of trans-ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, total phenolics were also quantified. The antioxidant activity was investigated using DPPH and ABTS methods. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis strains. Results obtained using UAAH showed the most interesting data, suggesting this method as the most effective to obtain active extracts from the by-products. Durum wheat, extracted with UAAH, exhibited the highest content of trans-ferulic acid (406.14 ± 0.65 ji,g FA/mg extract), total phenolics (610.58 ± 57.60 mg GAE/g dried extract) and good antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and it has been selected to formulate oil-in-water cosmetic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Possible dual production of polyunsaturated fatty acids and carotenoids. • Solid-state fermentation is promising process for fungal metabolite production. • Mucor strains are useful producers of bioactive lipophilic compounds. • Enhancement of waste materials into value-added materials suitable for direct usage. Solid-state fermentation is a technique employing microorganisms grown on a solid substrate in the absence of free water. The substrates used in this process are mostly waste from the agro-industry (brans, spent malt grains, distiller grains, etc.) that improves not only the economy of the process but also has positive effect on waste management problems. Zygomycetous fungi are not only able to grow in such conditions but also enrich fermented materials with various types of bioactive compounds. Mucor sp. strains have been identified as producers of gamma-linolenic acid and beta-carotene in submerged fermentation. The aim of the present study was to identify the best microbial producer of gamma-linolenic acid and beta-carotene among four different Mucor strains and to study the requirements for the dual production of these metabolites. Mucor wosnessenskii was identified as the most suitable producer of both metabolites. After optimization of the fermentation conditions, the highest yields obtained were 10.7 g of gamma-linolenic acid/kg of fermented product and 261.5 mg of beta-carotene/kg of fermented product. This yield of beta-carotene is the highest among the results published so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentration of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in vegetable (potatoes, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, leeks, and carrots) and cereal (wheat and rice) samples collected from Iran were investigated by a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. In addition, we determined the health risks due to exposure to Cd and Pb through vegetable and cereal consumption by computing the estimated daily intake, the target hazard quotient (THQ), the total THQ, and the margin of exposure. The mean concentrations of Pb in potato, onion, tomato, lettuce, leek, carrot, wheat, and rice samples were measured as 0.029 ± 0.011, 0.016 ± 0.012, 0.007 ± 0.005, 0.022 ± 0.020, 0.040 ± 0.048, 0.029 ± 0.025, 0.123 ± 0.120, and 0.097 ± 0.059 mg kg−1 wet weight, respectively, and all were below the maximum allowable concentrations set by the European Union. The mean concentrations of Cd in potatoes, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, leeks, carrots, wheat, and rice samples were measured as 0.022 ± 0.013, 0.011 ± 0.009, 0.003 ± 0.003, 0.007 ± 0.005, 0.015 ± 0.024, 0.013 ± 0.011, 0.046 ± 0.043, and 0.049 ± 0.04 mg kg−1 wet weight, respectively, and all were below the permissible levels established by the European Union. The corresponding values for the estimated daily intake of Cd were acceptable and lower than the provisional tolerable daily intake. The THQ and total THQ values of Cd through consumption of all vegetables and cereals were lower than 1. The margin of exposure values for Pb in samples were >1, showing no significant human health risks for both potentially toxic elements. The findings of this study indicated there is no risk associated with exposure to Pb and Cd through the intake of selected vegetables and cereals in western Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the molecular basis of pollen germination in cereals holds great potential to improve yield. Pollen, a highly specialized haploid male gametophyte, transports sperm cells through a pollen tube to the female ovule for fertilization, directly determining grain yield in cereal crops. Although insights into the regulation of pollen germination and gamete interaction have advanced rapidly in the model Arabidopsis thaliana (arabidopsis), the molecular mechanisms in monocot cereals remain largely unknown. Recently, pollen-specific genome-wide and mutant analyses in rice and maize have extended our understanding of monocot regulatory components. We highlight conserved and diverse mechanisms underlying pollen hydration, germination, and tube growth in cereals that provide ideas for translating this research from arabidopsis. Recent developments in gene-editing systems may facilitate further functional genetic research. Successful fertilization is the key determinant of crop yield, but the molecular mechanisms that regulate pollen germination in cereals remain largely unknown. Recent transcriptomics and proteomics studies in rice and maize pollen have produced breakthroughs in understanding pollen germination and its regulation. Fifteen genes crucial for pollen germination and tube growth have been identified in grass species (OsMLO12 , RIP1 , OsSPS1 , OsPBP1 , OsBOR4 , RUPO , RMD , and OsMATL from rice; PEX1 , Zm908p11 , STK , EXPB1 , ZmCPK , ZMGa1P , and MTL / NLD / ZmPLA1 from maize). Homologs of relevant arabidopsis genes expressed in pollen tissues provide novel targets for research in cereals. To date, the lack of cereal mutants homozygous for male gamete defects has significantly hindered functional characterization of genes controlling cereal pollen germination. Cutting-edge gene-editing technologies, in combination with new genetic information from monocot and model dicot plants, will deliver new male-sterile plant resources to optimize crop yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrient limitation is a major constraint in crop production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Here, we propose a generic and simple equilibrium model to estimate minimum input requirements of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for target yields in cereal crops under highly efficient management. The model was combined with Global Yield Gap Atlas data to explore minimum input requirements for self-sufficiency in 2050 for maize in nine countries in SSA. We estimate that yields have to increase from the current ca. 20% of water-limited yield potential to approximately 50–75% of the potential depending on the scenario investigated. Minimum nutrient input requirements must rise disproportionately more, with N input increasing 9-fold or 15-fold, because current production largely relies on soil nutrient mining, which cannot be sustained into the future. • A new method to assess minimum nutrient input requirements for cereals. • Minimum nutrient requirements now in the Global Yield Gap Atlas. • To meet food self-sufficiency by 2050, sub-Saharan Africa maize output must increase upto 4 fold. • Producing sufficient maize on current farmland requires upto 15-fold rise in N input. • Increased N inputs should be matched with management to raise N use efficiency and curb soil degradation in sub-Saharan Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arabinoxylans (AXs) are compounds with high nutritional value and applicability, including prebiotics or supplementary ingredients, in food manufacturing industries. Unfortunately, the recovery of AXs may require advanced separation and integrated strategies. Here, an analysis of the emerging techniques to extract AXs from cereals and their by-products is discussed. This review covers distinct methods implemented over the last 2–3 years, identifying that the type of method, extraction source, AX physicochemical properties and pre-treatment conditions are the main factors influencing the recovery yield. Alkaline extraction is among the most used methods nowadays, mostly due to its simplicity and high recovery yield. Concurrently, recovered AXs applied in food applications is timely reviewed, such as potential bread ingredient, prebiotic and as a wall material for probiotic encapsulation, in beer and non-alcoholic beverage manufacturing, complementary ingredient in bakery products and cookies, improvers in Chinese noodles, 3D food printing and designing of nanostructures for delivery platforms. • A last 2–3 years comprehensive review of the current strategies towards arabinoxylans (AXs) is given. • Conventional and Innovative techniques for the purification of AXs are highlighted. • The guidelines to the new scientists for the effective extraction are stated. • Current applications on introducing AXs in food are reported. • The current research gaps and perspectives in the field are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the face of diversified analytes, it is a great challenge and infeasible task to design and synthesize corresponding macrocyclic hosts to realize the ideal supramolecular sensing. Herein, we proposed a novel supramolecular sensing strategy, guest adaptative assay (GAA), in which analyte was quantitatively transformed under mild conditions to perfectly adapt to macrocyclic host. As a health-threatening "landmine" in cereals, aflatoxins were converted by the aid of alkali hydrolysis to satisfactorily obtain aflatoxins transformants in ionic state, resulting in sensitive response by the guanidinocalix[5]arene•fluorescein reporter pair. Surprisingly, the established strategy not only exhibited effective practicality in screening out high-risk cereals contaminated with aflatoxins, but also relieved the laborious task of macrocycle design and screening in supramolecular sensing. [Display omitted] • Guest adaptative assay as a new supramolecular sensing strategy was established. • The binding affinity of GC5A was greatly elevated to sense AFBs transformants. • The high-risk cereals contaminated with AFBs were precisely captured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture today faces opposing challenges: reducing its environmental impacts while feeding a growing population and adapting to climate change. Diversification of cropping systems has been proposed as a solution to address these issues and promote sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. While alternatives have been proposed by research and development, changing the agricultural systems remains a huge challenge. Engaging local actors when considering those changes is important for their successful implementation. While co-designing with stakeholders is gaining interest in the scientific community, approaches that consider varying local contexts remain uncommon. In this study, our aim was to co-design, during workshops with local stakeholders, diversification options in five case studies located in the Mediterranean countries of Algeria, France, Greece, and Spain. Prior to the co-design process, we conducted a SWOT/PESTLE analysis in each case study to analyze the local context of current and potential agricultural systems. Our hypothesis was that co-designed systems would differ between case studies, according to their environmental, social and political contexts leading to fine-tuned locally ad hoc systems. Options for intercropping and diversifying rotations were considered for both cereal-based systems and vine systems. Additionally, these options included adapted management practices for cereal-based systems and more innovative diversification, such as photovoltaic panels or agroforestry, for vine systems. While some of these options could serve as adaptations to climate change, they may not be sufficient to address future climate conditions. Interestingly, we did not observe significant differences among the system options designed for the various case studies, even though the local contexts were very different. Indeed, options only partially addressed the issues identified by stakeholders: primarily, economic and environmental threats. This study points to the advantage of participatory research in diverse contexts along with cross-case analyses, and to the need to consider the future of these Mediterranean regions, where crop diversification is limited by water deficit. To foster the transition next steps should consider assessing experimentally these systems with farmers to stimulate learning, while considering market possibilities. • We combined SWOT analysis and co-design workshops to study diversification options. • The approach was applied in five case studies in the Mediterranean basin. • Intercropping was seen as the most promising solution in most case studies. • New cereal-based rotations included legume species, or rapeseed. • New systems provided a partial solution to local environmental and economic threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropospheric ozone accelerates senescence and shortens grain filling, consequently affecting the remobilization and allocation efficiency of aboveground biomass and nutrients into grains in cereal crops. This study investigated carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) concentrations repeatedly in shoot biomass during the growth period and in grain after the harvest in eighteen wheat genotypes under control and ozone treatments in open-top chambers. Season-long ozone fumigation was conducted at an average ozone concentration of 70 ppb with three additional acute ozone episodes of around 150 ppb. Although there were no significant differences in straw C and N concentrations between the two treatments, the straw C:N ratio was significantly increased after long-term ozone fumigation, and the grain C:N ratio decreased under elevated ozone without significance. Grain N concentrations increased significantly under ozone stress, whereas N yield declined significantly due to grain yield losses induced by ozone. Moreover, different indicators of N use efficiency were significantly reduced with the exception of N utilization efficiency (NUtE), indicating that elevated ozone exposure reduced the N absorption from soil and allocation from vegetative to reproductive organs. The linear regression between straw C:N ratio and productivity indicated that straw C:N was not a suitable trait for predicting wheat productivity due to the low coefficient of determination (R2). Nitrogen harvest index (NHI) was not significantly affected by ozone stress among all genotypes. However, elevated ozone concentration changed the relationship between harvest index (HI) and NHI, and the reduced regression slope between them indicated that ozone exposure significantly affected the relationship of N and biomass allocation into wheat grains. The cultivar "Jenga" showed optimal ozone tolerance due to less yield reduction and higher NUE after ozone exposure. The genotypes with higher nutrient use efficiencies are promising to cope with ozone-induced changes in nitrogen partitioning. [Display omitted] • C and N concentrations in wheat straw and grain showed large variations under elevated ozone. • C:N ratios in straw and grain were affected in opposite directions after long-term ozone fumigation. • Straw C:N ratio was not a suitable trait for predicting wheat productivity. • The relationship between harvest index and N harvest index was significantly changed by ozone exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study evaluated the effects of different starch sources on the coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of macronutrients, metabolizable energy (ME), intestinal fermentative metabolites, fecal microbiota, and postprandial glycemic response in dogs. Seven diets containing corn, brown rice, sorghum, potato starch, sweet potato flour, chickpea, and pea flour were evaluated. Fourteen adult Beagle dogs were randomly distributed in blocks (periods) and were fed the experimental diets for 15 days during three periods, totaling 6 repetitions. In general, diets with brown rice and pea had higher CTTAD of nutrients, followed by diets containing sorghum, chickpea, and potato. The diet containing sweet potato had the lowest CTTAD of nutrients. Diets containing corn and brown rice presented the highest ME content. Dogs fed the chickpea diet had lower fecal pH, ammonia concentration, and dry matter content (P < 0.05). Generally, higher fecal concentrations of short-chain fatty acids were observed in dogs fed the sweet potato and chickpea diets compared to the potato and brown rice diets (P < 0.05). Pulse-based diets resulted in a higher abundance of Bacteroides plebeius , Prevotella copri , Blautia, and Turicibacter in feces (P < 0.05). A higher abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Blautia was observed in the feces of dogs fed the sweet potato diet (P < 0.05). Blood samples collected from dogs fed corn and potato diets indicated a greater increase in glycemic peak concentration and maximum glycemia than the other starch sources (P < 0.05). The period until the glycemic peak was longer for diets containing sorghum and chickpea (P < 0.05). The results obtained in this study showed that sweet potato and pulses improve indicators of gastrointestinal functionality, and help controlling the postprandial glycemic response in dogs. • Corn and potato diets may increase the glycemic peak in dogs. • Sweet potato and pulses may control the glycemic response of dogs. • Sweet potato and pulses may improve the gut functionality of dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to predict the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE), digestible energy (DE), and metabolizable energy (ME) of cereals and byproducts using an in vitro digestion procedure automatically progressed in a computer-controlled simulated digestion system (CCSDS) for growing pigs. In in vivo test to determine the ATTD of GE, DE and ME of feed ingredients, 15 barrows (30.2 ± 2.4 kg of initial body weight) were allotted to a 15 × 6 Youden square design with 15 experimental diets in 6 periods to give 6 replicates per diet. Diets included a corn-soybean meal-based basal diet and 14 test diets formulated with 14 samples of cereals and byproducts. The in vitro digestible energy (IVDE) and IVDE/GE were determined using CCSDS with 5 replicates for each sample. Principal components analysis showed that similar positions of samples were observed on a two-dimensional plot of PC1 and PC2 extracted from chemical composition and each of DE, ME, or IVDE. The ratios of IVDE to DE or ME among 14 samples ranged from 87.7–110.4 % and 91.1–112.9 %, but ranged from 97.8–103.5 % or 100.2–105.7 % when both paddy rice and wheat shorts were excluded in consideration of lever effect. Models to predict DE and ME from IVDE were DE = 0.7428 × IVDE + 945 (R² = 0.71, root mean square error (RMSE) = 157 kcal/kg DM, P < 0.01), ME = 0.7465 × IVDE + 839 (R² = 0.76, RMSE=139 kcal/kg DM, P < 0.01) when 14 samples were included, but regression equations were DE = 0.6924 × IVDE + 1173 (R² = 0.91, RMSE = 49 kcal/kg DM, P < 0.01) and ME = 0.6876 × IVDE + 1098 (R² = 0.95, RMSE = 34 kcal/kg DM, P < 0.01) when paddy rice and wheat shorts were excluded. Our results indicate that IVDE determined with a novel CCSDS can precisely predict the DE and ME of cereals and byproducts with lower fiber content (ADF < 6.01 % DM) for growing pigs. • A novel in vitro simulated digestion (IVSD) method was developed for growing pigs. • Digestible (DE) or metabolizable energy (ME) of cereals varied from 3100 to 4200 kcal/kg DM. • Similar trend was observed in in vitro and in vivo available energy among 14 cereals. • The DE and ME of cereals can be precisely predicted by the IVSD method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cereal crops, including triticeae species (barley, wheat, rye), as well as edible cereals (wheat, corn, rice, oat, rye, sorghum), are significant suppliers for human consumption, livestock feed, and breweries. Over the past half-century, modern varieties of cereal crops with increased yields have contributed to global food security. However, presently cultivated elite crop varieties were developed mainly for optimal environmental conditions. Thus, it has become evident that taking into account the ongoing climate changes, currently a priority should be given to developing new stress-tolerant cereal cultivars. It is necessary to enhance the accuracy of methods and time required to generate new cereal cultivars with the desired features to adapt to climate change and keep up with the world population expansion. The CRISPR/Cas9 system has been developed as a powerful and versatile genome editing tool to achieve desirable traits, such as developing high-yielding, stress-tolerant, and disease-resistant transgene-free lines in major cereals. Despite recent advances, the CRISPR/Cas9 application in cereals faces several challenges, including a significant amount of time required to develop transgene-free lines, laboriousness, and a limited number of genotypes that may be used for the transformation and in vitro regeneration. Additionally, developing elite lines through genome editing has been restricted in many countries, especially Europe and New Zealand, due to a lack of flexibility in GMO regulations. This review provides a comprehensive update to researchers interested in improving cereals using gene-editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9. We will review some critical and recent studies on crop improvements and their contributing factors to superior cereals through gene-editing technologies. • CRISPR/Cas9 approach enabled editing of cereal genomes to improve agronomic traits. • Many cereal mutants produced through CRISPR/Cas9 became alternatives in breeding. • CRISPR/Cas9 may be combined with novel breeding approaches to develop new germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Cobalamin was found in cereal flour, fermented dough, and injera. • Backslopping fermentation changed folate and cobalamin contents. • Injera contained corrinoids that are biologically inactive in humans. • Lactic acid bacteria were the most abundant bacteria in injera fermentation. • Correlations observed between vitamin levels and certain bacterial species. Folate (vitamin B9) and cobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiencies potentially affect millions of people worldwide, leading to different pathologies. In Ethiopia, the diet is characterized by high consumption of fermented cereal-based foods such as injera, a good source of folate but not of cobalamin, which is only found in foods of animal origin that are rarely consumed. Some of the bacteria responsible for the fermentation of cereals can synthesize cobalamin, but whether or not fermented cereal food products contain cobalamin remains underexplored. The objective of this study was to assess the folate and cobalamin content of injera collected from various households in Ethiopia at different stages of production. Global (16S rRNA gene sequencing) and specific (real-time PCR quantification of bacteria known for folate or cobalamin production) bacterial composition of these samples was assessed. UPLC-PDA was used to identify the cobalamin to see whether the active or inactive form was present. Surprisingly, teff flour contained 0.8 μg/100 g of cobalamin, most probably due to microbial contamination from the environment and the harvesting process. While fermentation increased the folate and cobalamin content in some households, their levels decreased in others. Conversely, cooking consistently reduced the level of the vitamins. Fresh injera contained, on average, 21.2 μg/100 g of folate and 2.1 μg/100 g of cobalamin, which is high, but with marked variation depending on the sample. However, the form of cobalamin was a corrinoid that is biologically inactive in humans. Injera fermentation was dominated by lactic acid bacteria, with significant correlations observed between certain bacterial species and folate and cobalamin levels. For example, a high proportion of Fructilactobacillus sanfranciscensis , a known folate consumer, was negatively correlated with the folate content of injera. On the contrary, Lactobacillus coryniformis , known for its cobalamin synthesis ability was present in high proportion in the cobalamin-rich samples. These findings highlight the complex interrelationship between microorganisms and suggest the involvement of specific bacteria in the production of folate and cobalamin during injera fermentation. Controlled fermentation using vitamin-producing bacteria is thus a promising tool to promote folate and cobalamin production in fermented food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is often assumed that lower postprandial glucose (PPG) and insulin (PPI) responses are induced by slower glucose influx from the gut (e.g., by delayed carbohydrate digestion). However, changes in the rate of appearance of glucose in the peripheral circulation [rate of appearance of exogenous glucose (RaE)] may be accompanied by changes in endogenous glucose production (EGP) and the rate of disappearance of total glucose into tissues (RdT). The quantitative relationships between reductions in RaE and PPG/PPI levels are unclear.Objectives: The objective was to perform a meta-analysis to quantify the effect of changes in RaE on changes in PPG and PPI levels (primary) and EGP and RdT (secondary).Methods: We systematically searched the Scopus, Medline, and Cochrane library databases through 10 January 2019 for randomized, controlled, carbohydrate-rich interventions that aimed to reduce RaE in humans, measured using dual or triple stable isotope methods. The 2-h net incremental AUCs for all variables were extracted or calculated. Relationships between RaE and outcomes were quantified by weighted regression analyses.Results: There were 12 articles, including 17 comparisons, that satisfied the inclusion criteria. The subjects were mainly men (60%), with age and BMI ranges of 18-40 y and 20.0-27.5 kg/m2, respectively. A 10% reduction in RaE was associated with reductions in PPG levels, PPI levels, and the RdT of 7% (95% CI: 2%, 12%; P = 0.010), 8% (95% CI: 2%, 13%; P = 0.012), and 11% (95% CI: 4%, 17%; P = 0.005), respectively, but was not significantly associated with a change in EGP (13%; 95% CI: -7%, 33%; P = 0.176). All fluxes together explained 70% and 26% of the variances in PPG and PPI levels, respectively.Conclusions: In adults, reducing glucose RaE by diet is associated with significant reductions in PPG levels, PPI levels, and the rate of glucose disposal. This trial was registered in the PROSPERO database with identifier CRD42018084824. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the incidence of Fusarium fungi and their mycotoxins in marketed feed in Qatar. Samples of mixed-grain-cereal, maize, wheat, millet, barley, oat and soybean were tested for the presence of zearalenone (ZEN), fumonisins, T2/HT2 and deoxynevalenol (DON) mycotoxins. PCR-based identification of the Fusarium isolates was followed by investigation into genes involved in trichothecenes (tri gene cluster), fumonisins (fum gene cluster) and ZEN (pks gene) biosynthesis. In-vitro mycotoxin production potential of the isolates was compared with their molecular profiles. Mixed-grain cereals showed highest contamination with Fusarium , followed by maize and wheat. The incidence of ZEN was highest in mixed grain samples (87.5%) followed by maize (50%), millet (42.85%) and wheat (40%). In case of DON; 62.5%, 30%, 40%, 14.28%, 50% and 66.67% of the tested mixed cereal grain, maize, wheat, millet, barley and soybean samples were positive. Based on PCR results, F. verticillioides showed highest frequency distribution (34%), followed by F. graminearum (16%), F. oxysporum (15%), F. proliferatum (13%), F. culmorum (8%), F. solani (7%), F. subglutinans (4%) and F. avenaceum (3%) in the feed cereals. All the isolates of F. verticillioides presented both fum1 and fum13 genes, and produced fumonisin mycotoxins in-vitro. All the isolates of F. graminearum and F. culmorum had the tri5 and tri6 genes and resulted in DON accumulation in rice media. In addition to DON, all the F. culmorum isolates produced ZEN in artificially contaminated media, in line with their molecular profile of having tri5 , tri6 and pks13 genes. The findings of present study confirmed the occurrence of toxigenic Fusarium and their mycotoxins in animal feed, all below the maximum limit set by EU. Further, the in-vitro mycotoxin production potential of the isolates was in agreement with their tri , fum and pks genetic profiles. • Majority of the tested feed grains contain Fusarium fungi and its mycotoxins. • PCR confirmed high incidence of F. verticillioides (34%) and F. graminearum (16%). • All F. verticillioides isolates had fum1 and fum13 genes and produced fumonisins. • F. graminearum and F. culmorum demonstrated tri5 and tri6 genes and produced DON. • F. culmorum also synthesized ZEN in line with their pks13 gene profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cereals are globally consumed as staple food, providing essential nutrients to the consumers. The emerging problems associated with cereals are mycotoxin outbreaks and adulteration in both the cereals and their products. Both classical and emerging techniques are extensively exploited to tackle such problems. However classical methods still face more limitations as compared to emerging nondestructive methods. High-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, are classical methods employed for assessing the quality and safety parameters of cereal foods, with limitations of offline, time consuming and destructiveness. On the other hand, emerging nondestructive methodologies like hyperspectral imaging, fluorescence spectroscopy, near infrared spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy have been introduced as promising techniques for the assessment of fungal contamination, quality discrimination and adulteration detection in cereals and cereal products. This review highlights the most recent applications of enlisted classical and emerging approaches, their working principles and advances in determining various safety and quality attributes of cereals and their products. Besides, challenges and future trends, their advantages and limitations are also elucidated. Classical methods have been exploited for safety and quality measurement of cereal foods with relatively low efficiency, as compared to emerging nondestructive techniques. Classical methods suffer from disadvantages of destructiveness, thus they cannot be used for on-line monitoring, detection and evaluation. Emerging approaches are reliable with accurate, fast and non-invasive nature of investigations for the authentication of safety and quality attributes of cereal grains and their products during storage and processing. These innovative technologies can overcome the complexity, troubles, destructibility and slowness associated with classical analytical tools. • Cereal and their products are important staple foods with essential nutrients. • Fungal Infections reduce nutritional value and production of grains. • Both conventional and novel methods are applied for quality monitoring of grains. • Working principles, limitations and strengths of both methods are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although biochar and conventional organic materials have been widely studied for lowering cadmium (Cd) uptake by plants but information regarding their comparative effectiveness is lacking. In this study, biochars from different feedstocks viz. rice husk biochar (RHB), cotton sticks biochar (CSB) and wheat straw biochar (WSB) were compared with conventional organic materials viz. farm manure (FM), poultry manure (PM) and press mud (PrMd) for their effectiveness to promote plant growth and to reduce Cd uptake by wheat and rice plants grown rotationally in a Cd-spiked (50 mg kg−1) soil. Each amendment was applied at the rate of 2% (w/w) in three replicates. Results showed that the application of amendments improved the soil properties and plant growth, by retaining Cd in the soil and restricting its uptake by plants. The amendments decreased the ammonium bicarbonate diethylene penta acetic acid extractable soil Cd, and improved soil organic carbon (SOC) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) as compared to only Cd-contaminated soil. The highest SOC content of 2.68 and 1.68% and CEC of 8.77 and 9.39 cmol c kg−1 were found in RHB treated post-wheat and post-rice soil, respectively. Amendments treated soil showed lower concentrations of bioavailable Cd and the maximum reduction was recorded in RHB and PrMd amended soil. Similarly, bioaccumulation of Cd was decreased with the application of all amendments; the maximum decrease was recorded in RHB and PrMd treated soil. Our results suggested that RHB and PrMd could be used for reducing the bioaccumulation of Cd in cereal grains in alkaline soils. • Rice husk biochar (RHB) and press mud (PrMd) were more effective in increasing growth and biomass of cereals. • RHB and PrMd were highly efficient in decreasing cadmium (Cd) concentration in grains of cereals. • RHB and PrMd were more effective in decreasing bioavailable soil Cd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective method for determination of multiple residues of phenoxy acid herbicides in cereals was developed. A QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) technique coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was optimized for the analysis of phenoxy acid herbicides in rice, corn, and wheat. The limits of detection in the experiment were 0.0500 μg/kg for 4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid, (4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)acetic acid, (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)acetic acid, and 2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)propionic acid and 0.300 μg/kg for 4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)butyric acid and 3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid. The relative standard deviation of intraday and interday precision for the six phenoxy acid herbicides was less than 6.61%, and accuracy was 96.3 to 107%. Extraction recovery for phenoxy acid herbicides was 73.8 to 115%, with relative standard deviations of less than 12.1% at three spiking levels (1.00, 4.00, and 20.0 μg/kg). These results indicate that QuEChERS sample preparation with HPLC-MS/MS analysis is a rapid, reliable, highly sensitive, and specific tool for the determination of phenoxy acid herbicide residues in cereals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Meat protein can be substituted by plant protein in meat products, and cereals are particularly well-suited for this purpose as they are high in protein content and have good bioavailability. The aim of the present work was to develop real-time PCR assays for the detection and quantification of the six most commonly used cereals barley, oat, rye, maize, rice, and wheat in processed meat products. Emulsified sausages were produced with cereal flours (0.0005–0.1%). Additionally, the effect of different post-processing methods (grilling or storage), packaging materials (cans and artificial sausage casings), and cooking temperatures (75 °C, 117 °C, and 121 °C) were investigated. A negative influence on the detectability of DNA was observed with increasing cooking temperature. All other production parameters showed no significant effect. The limit of quantification was as low as 5 ppm of plant protein for all production conditions, which corresponded to 36–58 mg flour per kg of sausage. The validation of the production of reference material was more accurate for the sausages produced at low than at medium temperatures. Overall, the two triplex real-time PCR systems can be applied for specific, sensitive, and simultaneous detection of these six cereal species in meat products. However, the reference material for quantification has to be carefully chosen due to the negative influence of heat treatment on the detectability of DNA. Highlights • PCR-based method for the detection of cereal proteins in processed meat products. • Influence of production processes on detectability of cereal species. • Validation of reference material for quantification of cereals in meat products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A feasible, portable, and cost-effective smartphone-Based detection system for point-of care food safety inspection. • Excellent reliability and applicability of the detection system for ZEN quantitation in cereals and feed. • Novel blue carboxylated LMs coupled to ZEN mAb as the colorimetric indicator. • Facile 3D printing technology was used to manufactured of the smartphone optosensing platform. • A user-friendly APP for automatic image processing, result display, and sharing. In our study, a 3D printed smartphone-based detection device integrated with solid phase latex microsphere immunochromatography platform (SIAP) is developed for sensitive and quantitative detection of zearalenone (ZEN) in cereals and feed. A user-friendly Android application (App) is self-written to analyze, report and share the detection results. The cut-off values of latex microsphere immunochromatography for ZEN in cereals and feed were 2.5 and 3.0 μg/kg, respectively. The SIAP detection system can quantitatively detect ZEN in cereals and feed with the detection limits of 0.08 and 0.18 μg/kg, respectively. The recovery rates of corn, and feed samples were between 92.0%–105.0%, and 86.0%–107.5%, respectively, with the coefficient of variation ranging from 2.7% to 8.9%, and 7.8 to 10.9%, respectively. The detection results of real samples showed that there were differences in the content of ZEN in different feed ingredients and compound feed in China in October 2018, among which corn and wheat were still the feed ingredients with the most serious ZEN contamination, and it also demonstrated that the established SIAP detection system was reliable, portable, and user-friendly. This smartphone-based detection system will be popularized for on-site monitoring of various hazard factors such as veterinary drugs, antibiotics, illegal additives, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]