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Aspergillus flavus produces aflatoxin, a carcinogenic fungal toxin that poses a threat to the agricultural and food industries. There is a concern that the distribution of aflatoxin-producing A. flavus is expanding in Japan due to climate change, and it is necessary to understand what types of strains inhabit. In this study, we sequenced the genomes of four Aspergillus strains isolated from agricultural fields in the Ibaraki prefecture of Japan and identified their genetic variants. Phylogenetic analysis based on single-nucleotide variants revealed that the two aflatoxin-producing strains were closely related to A. flavus NRRL3357, whereas the two non-producing strains were closely related to the RIB40 strain of Aspergillus oryzae, a fungus widely used in the Japanese fermentation industry. A detailed analysis of the variants in the aflatoxin biosynthetic gene cluster showed that the two aflatoxin-producing strains belonged to different morphotype lineages. RT-qPCR results indicated that the expression of aflatoxin biosynthetic genes was consistent with aflatoxin production in the two aflatoxin-producing strains, whereas the two non-producing strains expressed most of the aflatoxin biosynthetic genes, unlike common knowledge in A. oryzae, suggesting that the lack of aflatoxin production was attributed to genes outside of the aflatoxin biosynthetic gene cluster in these strains.

Aspergillus flavus is notorious for contaminating food with its secondary metabolite—highly carcinogenic aflatoxins. In this study, we found that exogenous nitric oxide (NO) donor could influence aflatoxin production in A. flavus. Flavohemoglobins (FHbs) are vital functional units in maintaining nitric oxide (NO) homeostasis and are crucial for normal cell function. To investigate whether endogenous NO changes affect aflatoxin biosynthesis, two FHbs, FHbA and FHbB, were identified in this study. FHbA was confirmed as the main protein to maintain NO homeostasis, as its absence led to a significant increase in intracellular NO levels and heightened sensitivity to SNP stress. Dramatically, FHbA deletion retarded aflatoxin production. In addition, FHbA played important roles in mycelial growth, conidial germination, and sclerotial development, and response to oxidative stress and high-temperature stress. Although FHbB did not significantly impact the cellular NO level, it was also involved in sclerotial development, aflatoxin synthesis, and stress response. Our findings provide a new perspective for studying the regulatory mechanism of the development and secondary mechanism in A. flavus.

Foodborne diseases can be attributed not only to contamination with bacterial or fungal pathogens but also their associated toxins. Thus, to maintain food safety, innovative decontamination techniques for toxins are required. We previously demonstrated that an atmospheric-pressure dielectric-barrier discharge (APDBD) plasma generated by a roller conveyer plasma device is effective at inactivating bacteria and fungi in foods. Here, we have further examined whether the roller conveyer plasma device can be used to degrade toxins produced by foodborne bacterial pathogens, including aflatoxin, Shiga toxins (Stx1 and Stx2), enterotoxin B and cereulide. Each toxin was spotted onto an aluminum plate, allowed to dry, and then treated with APDBD plasma applied by the roller conveyer plasma device for different time periods. Assessments were conducted using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The results demonstrate a significant time-dependent decrease in the levels of these toxins. ELISA showed that aflatoxin B1 concentrations were reduced from 308.6 µg/mL to 74.4 µg/mL within 1 min. For Shiga toxins, Stx1 decreased from 913.8 µg/mL to 65.1 µg/mL, and Stx2 from 2309.0 µg/mL to 187.6 µg/mL within the same time frame (1 min). Enterotoxin B levels dropped from 62.67 µg/mL to 1.74 µg/mL at 15 min, and 1.43 µg/mL at 30 min, but did not display a significant decrease within 5 min. LC-MS/MS analysis verified that cereulide was reduced to below the detection limit following 30 min of APDBD plasma treatment. Taken together, these findings highlight that a range of foodborne toxins can be degraded by a relatively short exposure to plasma generated by an APDBD using a roller conveyer device. This technology offers promising advancements in food safety, providing a novel method to alleviate toxin contamination in the food processing industry.

Aims: The current review aims to outline and summarize the latest research on aflatoxin, with research studies describing natural, herbal and chemical compound applications in animal (pig) models and in vitro cellular studies. Aflatoxin, a carcinogenic toxin metabolite, is produced by Aspergillus flavus in humid environments, posing a threat to human health and crop production. The current treatment involves the prevention of exposure to aflatoxin and counteracting its harmful toxic effects, enabling survival and research studies on an antidote for aflatoxin. Objectives: To summarize current research prospects and to outline the influence of aflatoxin on animal forage in farm production, food and crop processing. The research application of remedies to treat aflatoxin is undergoing development to pinpoint biochemical pathways responsible for aflatoxin effects transmission and actions of treatment. Significance: To underline the environmental stress of aflatoxin on meat and dairy products; to describe clinical syndromes associated with aflatoxicosis on human health that are counteracted with proposed treatment and preventive interventions. To understand how to improve the health of farm animals with feed conditions.

The fungal cell wall serves as the primary interface between fungi and their external environment, providing protection and facilitating interactions with the surroundings. Chitin is a vital structural element in fungal cell wall. Chitin deacetylase (CDA) can transform chitin into chitosan through deacetylation, providing various biological functions across fungal species. Although this modification is widespread in fungi, the biological functions of CDA enzymes in Aspergillus flavus remain largely unexplored. In this study, we aimed to investigate the biofunctions of the CDA family in A. flavus. The A. flavus genome contains six annotated putative chitin deacetylases. We constructed knockout strains targeting each member of the CDA family, including Δcda1, Δcda2, Δcda3, Δcda4, Δcda5, and Δcda6. Functional analyses revealed that the deletion of CDA family members neither significantly affects the chitin content nor exhibits the expected chitin deacetylation function in A. flavus. However, the Δcda6 strain displayed distinct phenotypic characteristics compared to the wild-type (WT), including an increased conidia count, decreased mycelium production, heightened aflatoxin production, and impaired seed colonization. Subcellular localization experiments indicated the cellular localization of CDA6 protein within the cell wall of A. flavus filaments. Moreover, our findings highlight the significance of the CBD1 and CBD2 structural domains in mediating the functional role of the CDA6 protein. Overall, we analyzed the gene functions of CDA family in A. flavus, which contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying aflatoxin contamination and lay the groundwork for potential biocontrol strategies targeting A. flavus.

Velvet (VeA), a light-regulated protein that shuttles between the cytoplasm and the nucleus, serves as a key global regulator of secondary metabolism in various Aspergillus species and plays a pivotal role in controlling multiple developmental processes. The gene vepN was chosen for further investigation through CHIP-seq analysis due to significant alterations in its interaction with VeA under varying conditions. This gene (AFLA_006970) contains a Septin-type guanine nucleotide-binding (G) domain, which has not been previously reported in Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus). The functional role of vepN in A. flavus was elucidated through the creation of a gene knockout mutant and a gene overexpression strain using a well-established dual-crossover recombinational technique. A comparison between the wild type (WT) and the ΔvepN mutant revealed distinct differences in morphology, reproductive capacity, colonization efficiency, and aflatoxin production. The mutant displayed reduced growth rate; dispersion of conidial heads; impaired cell wall integrity; and decreased sclerotia formation, colonization capacity, and aflatoxin levels. Notably, ΔvepN exhibited complete growth inhibition under specific stress conditions, highlighting the essential role of vepN in A. flavus. This study provides evidence that vepN positively influences aflatoxin production, morphological development, and pathogenicity in A. flavus.

Abstract This study reports onthe effect of various production steps on levels of aflatoxins during preparation of thobwa, a traditional maize‐based fermented non‐alcoholic beverage, brewed across Malawi. The effect of boiling, fermentation and their interaction on the level of aflatoxins, the trends of aflatoxin reduction during brewing, and the distribution of aflatoxins between the solid and liquid phases of the beverage were studied using VICAM AflaTest immunoaffinity fluorometric assay. Fermenting and boiling thobwa pre‐mix‐, with initial aflatoxin content of 45–183 μg/kg, resulted in aflatoxin reduction of 47% (13–61 μg/kg) on average. Fermentation and boiling contributed about 20 and 33% aflatoxin reduction, respectively, but without interactive effect between the two factors. Fermenting the thobwa for 24 h led to further reduction of aflatoxins to about 37% of the initial content, and remainedconstant for up to 8 days. Thobwa is a popular beverage in Malawi which is consumed in large quantities by all gender categories including infants, therefore the presence of aflatoxins may constitute a significant health risk factor. This study highlights the need to use raw materials with low levels of aflatoxins for production of maize‐based non‐alcoholic beverages to ensure consumer safety.

Abstract Background Cervical cancer is caused by oncogenic human papillomaviruses (HR-HPV) and is common among Kenyan women. Identification of factors that increase HR-HPV persistence is critically important. Kenyan women exposed to aflatoxin have an increased risk of HR-HPV detection in cervical specimens. This analysis was performed to examine associations between aflatoxin and HR-HPV persistence. Methods Kenyan women were enrolled in a prospective study. The analytical cohort for this analysis included 67 HIV-uninfected women (mean age 34 years) who completed at least two of three annual study visits and had an available blood sample. Plasma aflatoxin was detected using ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC)-isotope dilution mass spectrometry. Annual cervical swabs were tested for HPV (Roche Linear Array). Ordinal logistic regression models were fitted to examine associations of aflatoxin and HPV persistence. Results Aflatoxin was detected in 59.7% of women and was associated with higher risk of persistent detection of any HPV type (OR = 3.03, 95%CI = 1.08–8.55, P = 0.036), HR-HPV types (OR = 3.63, 95%CI = 1.30-10.13, P = 0.014), and HR-HPV types not included in the 9-valent HPV vaccine (OR = 4.46, 95%CI = 1.13–17.58, P = 0.032). Conclusions Aflatoxin detection was associated with increased risk of HR-HPV persistence in Kenyan women. Further studies, including mechanistic studies are needed to determine if aflatoxin synergistically interacts with HR-HPV to increase cervical cancer risk.

Background: Complementary foods are provided to newborns and early children to replace breast milk, which, after six months of exclusive breastfeeding, is no longer adequate to meet the child's nutritional needs. However, foods like dairy, grains like maize, sorghum, and millet, as well as nuts like groundnuts, which are frequently suggested as supplemental foods have all been linked to aflatoxin contamination. Understanding how caregiver preparation and storage practices of complementary flour affect children's aflatoxin exposure is crucial. Objective: To determine the prevalence of dietary exposure to aflatoxin and its associated factors in children aged 6–23 months complemented with cereal-based foods in the Bukombe District of Geita Region in Tanzania. Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study was used to survey 342 households of children aged 6–23 months. Fifty complementary flour samples from 50 of the total households were chosen at random and tested for aflatoxin using the HPLC technique and standard methods. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess parents'/caregivers' food handling and preparation practices and the amount of food consumed. The obtained results were used to estimate aflatoxin dietary exposure of children in the study. Results: Most of the children (86%) were exposed to aflatoxin through diet with a median value of 0.3 μg/kg-bw/day mainly linked to age and breastfeeding status. The majority of the exposed (86%) were above the reference limit of 0.04 μg/kg-bw/day. Most parents (98.5%) chose maize as the main component of complementary flour, either on its own or mixed with other cereals and winnowing and dehulling as the most and least common practices with the proportion of 78.9% and 9.4% respectively. Furthermore, a majority (88%) of flour samples were contaminated with aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxin with log mean values of 1.2 ± 0.81 and 1.5 ± 0.68 μg/kg respectively which were above the Tanzania reference limit of 5 μg/kg and 10 μg/kg respectively. Contamination was significantly (p

黄曲霉毒素污染是影响花生油食用安全性的重要因素之一，为了优化黄曲霉毒素的吸附工艺，分别从吸附剂添加量、吸附时间、吸附温度及黄曲霉毒素B1（AFB1）污染水平等方面研究4种吸附剂（活性白土、膨润土、改性蒙脱土A、改性蒙脱土B）对花生原油中AFB1的吸附效果以及对花生油综合品质的影响。结果表明：添加量为0.1%～1.0%时，4种吸附剂对AFB1的吸附率随添加量增加而提高，达到一定水平后，吸附率维持动态平衡；吸附时间为20～60 min、吸附温度为45～115 ℃时，4种吸附剂对AFB1的吸附率均随着吸附时间的延长和吸附温度的升高而提高；花生原油中AFB1的污染水平对吸附率的影响不明显；花生原油经4种吸附剂处理后，污染物（总砷和铅）未检出，脂肪酸组成（油酸和亚油含量）无明显变化，酸值、过氧化值、维生素E含量、角鲨烯含量以及甾醇含量均变化不大；4种吸附剂对花生油中的风味物质均有吸附，其中活性白土吸附程度最大，仅保留30.6%的风味物质，而改性蒙脱土B对风味物质吸附最少，能够保留89.5%的风味物质。综上，改性蒙脱土B不仅能够高效吸附AFB1，而且对花生油的综合品质影响很小，安全可靠，适宜在油脂行业推广应用。 Aflatoxin is one of the important factors affecting the safety of peanut oil. In order to optimize process of aflatoxin adsorption, the adsorption effect of four adsorbents(activated clay, bentonite, modified montmorillonite A and modified montmorillonite B) on aflatoxin B1(AFB1) in crude peanut oil and the influence on the comprehensive quality of peanut oil were studied from the aspects of adsorbent addition amount, adsorption time, adsorption temperature and AFB1 pollution level, respectively. The results showed that when the adsorbent addition amount was 0.1%-1.0%, the adsorption rates of the four adsorbents for AFB1 increased with the increase of the addition amount and then the adsorption rates maintained the dynamic balance. When the adsorption time ranged from 20 min to 60 min and the adsorption temperature ranged from 45 ℃ to 115 ℃, the adsorption rate of the four adsorbents promoted with the increasing of adsorption time and adsorption temperature. While the pollution level of AFB1 in crude peanut oil had no obvious effect on the adsorption rate. The pollutants (total arsenic and lead) were not detected, and fatty acid composition(oleic acid and linoleic acid content) had no significant change after the crude peanut oil treated with four adsorbents. Moreover, the acid value, peroxide value, vitamin E content, squalene content and sterol content showed little change. All of the four adsorbents adsorbed the flavor substances in the oil, among which the activated clay adsorbed the most and retained only 30.6% of the flavor substances, while the modified montmorillonite B adsorbed the least and retained 89.5% of the flavor substances. In conclusion, the modified montmorillonite B can not only adsorb AFB1 efficiently, but also has little impact on the comprehensive quality of peanut oil, which is safe and reliable, so it is suitable for popularization and application in oil industry.

The research was conducted in the years of 2020-2021 during the growing seasons such as 2021A started from September 2020 till the end of January 2021 and 2021 B started from February till end of June 2021, in Busogo sector, Musanze District, Northern Province. The purpose of this project was to assess the impact of fertilization and drying methods such as sun drying, dry shelter and kitchen drying on aflatoxin contamination in maize before and after harvesting. The area from which this project was conducted was chosen due to the availability of a lot of number of maize growers who cultivate them not only for consumption but also for trade purpose either processed or non-processed. During this study, a total of twenty-four samples were collected, examined and evaluated for aflatoxin levels in both seasons. In the season 2021A and 2021B sample collection equivalent to twelve in each season was done then dried them within 30 days by using different drying methods such as dry shelter, kitchen drying, sun drying. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatment of fertilizer combination in four replications was used in this study and all experimental plots were planted with one maize variety (H628) purchased from Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board. Except samples from maize cultivated without fertilizer, level of aflatoxin infection was found to be higher 10 Parts per billion. The East African countries community standard limit of 10 parts per billion which indicate a health risk to the consumer, when comparing the three drying methods employed in this study, the kitchen drying method produced lower levels of aflatoxin (1.6 parts per billion) than the dry shelter (3.2 parts per billion) and sun drying methods (2.9 parts per billion), samples taken from the control plot (T4) stands for no fertilizer application resulted greater levels of aflatoxin with an average of 25.75 prts per billion compared to other treatments which yielded aflatoxin levels of at lower than 10 parts per billion. The use of kitchen drying can be recommended as well as mixture of both organic and inorganic fertilizers when growing maize in order to reduce the level of aflatoxin.

Background: Following reports of seven deaths among children with seizure and vomiting in the village of Sirohi, Rajasthan in April 2022, an epidemiological investigation was conducted. Methods: We established a hospital-based surveillance and did active case finding. A case was defined as vomiting and acute onset seizure or altered sensorium in 8000 IU/L). Lab results for food and CSF samples were inconclusive for bacterial and viral markers. Toxicology screen of one death was negative for organophosphates. In 25% (2/8), tick pools tested positive for rickettsia. All cases had houses in vicinity or within fennel crop area. Conclusions: This acute health event cluster presenting as acute seizures with rapid progression among children in a rural setting was likely due to environmental toxin consumption; high fatality may result from uncorrected metabolic derangement. Aflatoxin is commonly known to infect fennel crops. We recommend early identification and case management to prioritize metabolic derangement correction; continued surveillance and a systematic epidemiological investigation to evaluate the role of environmental toxins particularly aflatoxin as the underlying etiology for similar events in future.

Global demand for edible coconut oil has a rapid growth due to its health benefits. However, the susceptibility to carcinogenic mold contamination, aflatoxin, poses a significant global health concern. Concentrated solar radiation was used in this study as a new initiative to investigate the more efficient elimination of aflatoxin in coconut oil. Samples were collected from the Colombo district, Sri Lanka, as branded (n = 3) and unbranded (n = 5). The initial aflatoxin content was determined using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC-FLD) system with AflaStarTM FIT immunoaffinity columns. They were exposed to concentrated solar radiation for 10 (T-1), 20 (T-2), and 30 (T-3) minutes respectively, using a parabolic proto-type solar concentrator. The remaining aflatoxin content was re-determined after each treatment. Following each treatment (T-1, T-2 and T-3), the maximum allowed total Aflatoxin and Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) content of all coconut oil samples were lower than the set European Union (EU) limits (4.2 µg/kg) with a mean total Aflatoxin reduction of 94.00 ± 6.48 %, 98.67 ± 2.80 %, 100.00 ± 0.00 % respectively. T-1 and T-2 treatments at mean concentrated solar radiation levels (W/m2) of 971 ± 29 and 945 ± 65.4 were recognized as the most efficient at removing total and AFB1 aflatoxin tainted in coconut oil at higher levels.

为了提高组氨酸改性蒙脱土（His-MMT）脱除花生油中黄曲霉毒素B1（AFB1）的效率，在单因素实验的基础上采用响应面法对His-MMT脱除花生油中AFB1的工艺条件进行优化，并分析His-MMT吸附前后花生油的品质变化情况。结果表明：His-MMT脱除花生油中AFB1的最佳工艺条件为His-MMT添加量0.17%、吸附温度110 ℃、吸附时间22 min，在此条件下花生油中AFB1含量从(58.26±0.48)μg/kg降低到(1.05±0.07) μg/kg，脱除率为(98.20±0.11)%；His-MMT吸附后花生油的红值由7.0下降至5.0，酸值（KOH）由（0.90±0.02）mg/g下降至（0.86±0.01）mg/g，总生育酚和总甾醇的保留率分别为85.85%和 97.26%。综上，His-MMT不仅可以高效脱除花生油中的AFB1，且对花生油的品质影响较小，在花生油精炼中具有较大的应用潜力。To improve the efficiency of removing aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) from peanut oil by histidine modified montmorillonite(His-MMT), response surface methodology was used to optimize the removal conditions of AFB1 from peanut oil by His-MMT based on single factor experiment, and the quality change of peanut oil before and after adsorption was studied. The results showed that the optimal conditions for AFB1 removal were obtained as follows: dosage of His-MMT 0.17%, adsorption temperature 110 ℃ and adsorption time 22 min. Under these conditions, the AFB1 content in peanut oil decreased from (58.26±0.48) μg/kg to (1.05±007) μg/kg, and the removal rate was (98.20±011)%. After adsorption, the red value of peanut oil decreased from 7.0 to 5.0, the acid value decreased from (0.90±0.02) mgKOH/g to (086±0.01) mgKOH/g, and the retention rates of total tocopherol and total sterol were 8585% and 9726%, respectively. In conclusion, His-MMT can not only efficiently remove AFB1 from peanut oil, but also has little effect on the quality of peanut oil. His-MMT has great application potential in the refining of peanut oil.

Reducing post-harvest loss conserves resources such as natural, human, and financial inputs that help reduce poverty, raise household incomes, and improve rural livelihoods. The plant-based protein, higher unsaturated fat content, and higher fiber value of groundnuts make them preferable for nutrition enhancement. Groundnut is also well known for its environmental significance, as it reduces the use of chemical fertilizer by fixing nitrogen from the air and enriching soil fertility. However, there are few published scientific reports on groundnut post-harvest loss assessment in African countries. Moreover, published studies of groundnut post-harvest loss focused primarily on biodeterioration during storage. Hence, this review aimed to assess the underlying causes, extent of post-harvest quality and quantity loss of groundnut in the supply chain, and post-harvest loss mitigating technologies in Africa and their implications for food and nutrition security. This review found that the higher drudgery required in the groundnut supply chain is a limiting factor for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan African countries. Groundnut qualitative and quantitative post-harvest loss is higher during groundnut pod stripping and shelling and also during on-farm and warehouse storage of groundnut in the supply chain. Post-harvest losses of groundnut in African countries extend from 8.9% (Ghana) to 31% (Uganda). Higher-quality groundnut producers do not receive a higher market price as traders and processing factories do not test for aflatoxin content during purchase, which lets producers not follow labor- and cost-demanding good agricultural practices. In conclusion, adopting and providing improved groundnut varieties, aflatoxin control mechanisms, and post-harvest technologies of higher efficiency, lower cost, and local availability should be carried out. In addition, public awareness of aflatoxin toxicity and mitigation measures should be widely disseminated.

Food contamination by aflatoxins is a global concern due to their adverse effects on food security, trade, and health. This study contributes to the evidence on the connection between pre and postharvest practices of maize farmers and the levels of aflatoxin contamination, based on a survey of 400 farmers across Forest and Savannah zones in Ghana. The survey involving a semi-structured questionnaire was conducted between September 2019 and March 2020. Information on preharvest practices such as weed control, fertilizer application, and irrigation; and postharvest practices such as drying, shelling, storage, and pest control among others were explored by the questionnaire. A multistage sampling process was employed to determine the sample size of four hundred respondents. One kg of maize was randomly sampled from the farmers for aflatoxin analysis. The results showed that the least aflatoxin type found in the maize sample was Aflatoxin G2 (0.207 μg/kg), while the highest was Afltoxin B1 (9.618 μg/kg). The Savannah zone recorded a lower contamination level of 11.63 μg/kg than the Forest zone of 23.53 μg/kg. Aflatoxin G1 and Aflatoxin G2 were less prevalent among the samples than Aflatoxins B1 and B2. The contamination levels in both zones exceeded the maximum limits, set by Codex, and EU at 10 μg/kg, and 4 μg/kg respectively. Only the Savannah zone contamination level met the maximum limit of contamination of Ghana which is set at 15 μg/kg. About 73% of farmers who demonstrated awareness of aflatoxin contamination had their produce within the maximum limit of Ghana, CODEX, and the EU. Preharvest practices such as fertilizer application, hoeing, and chemical weed control lowered aflatoxin contamination in both zones. The results showed that awareness creation and adoption of pre and postharvest interventions are vital in reducing aflatoxin contamination in the two ecozones.

Mycotoxin contamination of corn is a pervasive problem that negatively impacts human and animal health and causes economic losses to the agricultural industry worldwide. Historical aflatoxin (AFL) and fumonisin (FUM) mycotoxin contamination data of corn, daily weather data, satellite data, dynamic geospatial soil properties, and land usage parameters were modeled to identify factors significantly contributing to the outbreaks of mycotoxin contamination of corn grown in Illinois (IL), AFL >20 ppb, and FUM >5 ppm. Two methods were used: a gradient boosting machine (GBM) and a neural network (NN). Both the GBM and NN models were dynamic at a state-county geospatial level because they used GPS coordinates of the counties linked to soil properties. GBM identified temperature and precipitation prior to sowing as significant influential factors contributing to high AFL and FUM contamination. AFL-GBM showed that a higher aflatoxin risk index (ARI) in January, March, July, and November led to higher AFL contamination in the southern regions of IL. Higher values of corn-specific normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in July led to lower AFL contamination in Central and Southern IL, while higher wheat-specific NDVI values in February led to higher AFL. FUM-GBM showed that temperature in July and October, precipitation in February, and NDVI values in March are positively correlated with high contamination throughout IL. Furthermore, the dynamic geospatial models showed that soil characteristics were correlated with AFL and FUM contamination. Greater calcium carbonate content in soil was negatively correlated with AFL contamination, which was noticeable in Southern IL. Greater soil moisture and available water-holding capacity throughout Southern IL were positively correlated with high FUM contamination. The higher clay percentage in the northeastern areas of IL negatively correlated with FUM contamination. NN models showed high class-specific performance for 1-year predictive validation for AFL (73%) and FUM (85%), highlighting their accuracy for annual mycotoxin prediction. Our models revealed that soil, NDVI, year-specific weekly average precipitation, and temperature were the most important factors that correlated with mycotoxin contamination. These findings serve as reliable guidelines for future modeling efforts to identify novel data inputs for the prediction of AFL and FUM outbreaks and potential farm-level management practices.

Contamination of crops by aflatoxin is rampant in warm regions worldwide, including Sub-Sahara Africa. Contamination of maize and other foodstuffs with aflatoxin seriously threatens the health of humans and animals. The experimental design used was 2 × 2 × 3 factorial, laid out in a complete randomized design (CRD) consisting of two agroecological zones, two varieties, and three different packaging materials. At the end of the six months of storage, there was no contamination of the maize with aflatoxin G1. Again, there was no contamination of maize stored in the Forest zone with aflatoxin B1. High contamination levels of aflatoxin B1 (8.91 μg/kg), aflatoxin B2 (10.74 μg/kg), and aflatoxin G2 (14.49 μg/kg) occurred in the Wangdataa variety stored in jute. Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags recorded lower contamination levels than jute and polypropylene (PP). Contamination was higher in the Savannah zone than in the Forest zone. The three packaging materials used gave maximum protection to all the maize stored in the Forest against aflatoxin B1 and aflatoxin G1. Farmers, traders, and all aggregators of maize in the Savannah zone should be discouraged from using jute bags to store maize in the Savannah zone for an extended period. Opeaburo should be planted and stored in the Savannah zone rather than Wangdataa. Farmers should be encouraged to use PICS bags to store maize in the Savannah zone to control aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin B2, and aflatoxin G2.

Diabetes mellitus type 2 remains one of the common diseases nowadays. Several risk factors can be implicated like increased environmental pollution. This study is aimed at evaluating the toxic effect of aflatoxin on diabetes mellitus and possible protection using natural food like radish microgreen (RM). Forty-eight male rats were randomly assigned to 8 groups: G1 control group, G2 RM group, G3 aflatoxin group, G4 aflatoxin-RM group, G5 diabetic group, G6 diabetic RM group, G7 diabetic–aflatoxin group, G8 diabetic, aflatoxin, RM group. Phytane and citronellyl tiglate were the main phytochemicals present in RM. The glucose and insulin levels were the worst in G5 and G7 groups. RM feeding restored glucose level to normal but did not alter insulin level. Insulin resistance was decreased, and insulin sensitivity was increased in groups fed RM. Liver and kidney function parameters and LDH activity were improved in groups fed RM. Histopathology of the pancreas and immunohistochemistry of insulin in pancreatic islets was improved in groups fed RM. In RM fed groups, the MDA content was decreased, whereas GSH content and antioxidant enzymes activity were increased. In conclusion, feeding RM in diabetic and/or aflatoxicated groups improved all evaluated parameters which could be due to its antioxidant potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the consumption of nuts has shown an increasing trend worldwide. Nuts are an essential part of several countries' economies as an excellent source of nutrients and bioactive compounds. They are contaminated by environmental factors, improper harvesting practices, inadequate packaging procedures, improper storage, and transportation. The longer storage time also leads to the greater chances of contamination from pathogenic fungi. Nuts are infected with Aspergillus species, Penicillium species, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes. Therefore, nuts are associated with a high risk of pathogens and mycotoxins, which demand the urgency of using techniques for enhancing microbial safety and shelf-life stability. Many techniques such as ozone, cold plasma, irradiation, radiofrequency have been explored for the decontamination of nuts. These techniques have different efficiencies for reducing the contamination depending on processing parameters, type of pathogen, and conditions of food material. This review provides insight into decontamination technologies for reducing microbial contamination from nuts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxins, a family of fungal secondary metabolites, are toxic and carcinogenic compounds that pose an enormous threat to global food safety and agricultural sustainability. Specifically agricultural products in African, Southeast Asian and hot and humid regions of American countries suffer most damage from aflatoxin producing molds due to the ideal climate conditions promoting their growth. Our recent studies suggest that Vibrio gazogenes (Vg), an estuarine bacterium nonpathogenic to plants and humans, can significantly inhibit aflatoxin biosynthesis in the producers. In this study, we investigated the mechanism underlying Vgdependent aflatoxin inhibition using the prominent aflatoxin producer, Aspergillus flavus. We show that aflatoxin inhibition upon Vg treatment was associated with fungal uptake of Vg-prodigiosin, a red pigment, which was consistently visible inside fungal hyphae during treatment. The association of prodigiosin with aflatoxin inhibition was further evident as Serratia marcescens, another prodigiosin producer, significantly inhibited aflatoxin, while non-producers like Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio harveyi, and Vibrio fischeri did not. Also, pure prodigiosin significantly inhibited aflatoxin biosynthesis. Endocytosis inhibitors, filipin and natamycin, reduced the Vg-prodigiosin uptake by the fungus leading to a significant increase in aflatoxin production, suggesting that uptake is endocytosis-dependent. The Vg treatment also reduced hyphal fusion (>98% inhibition) and branching, which are both endosome-dependent processes. Our results, therefore, collectively support our theory that Vg-associated aflatoxin inhibition is mediated by an endocytosis-dependent uptake of Vg-prodigiosin, which possibly leads to a disruption of normal endosomal functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Food Safety & Quality is the property of Journal of Food Safety & Quality Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Aflatoxin (AFL), a secondary metabolite produced from filamentous fungi, contaminates corn, posing significant health and safety hazards for humans and livestock through toxigenic and carcinogenic effects. Corn is widely used as an essential commodity for food, feed, fuel, and export markets; therefore, AFL mitigation is necessary to ensure food and feed safety within the United States (US) and elsewhere in the world. In this case study, an Iowa-centric model was developed to predict AFL contamination using historical corn contamination, meteorological, satellite, and soil property data in the largest corn-producing state in the US. Methods: We evaluated the performance of AFL prediction with gradient boosting machine (GBM) learning and feature engineering in Iowa corn for two AFL risk thresholds for high contamination events: 20-ppb and 5-ppb. A 90%--10% training-to-testing ratio was utilized in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2021 (n = 630), with independent validation using the year 2020 (n = 376). Results: The GBM model had an overall accuracy of 96.77% for AFL with a balanced accuracy of 50.00% for a 20-ppb risk threshold, whereas GBM had an overall accuracy of 90.32% with a balanced accuracy of 64.88% for a 5-ppb threshold. The GBM model had a low power to detect high AFL contamination events, resulting in a low sensitivity rate. Analyses for AFL showed satelliteacquired vegetative index during August significantly improved the prediction of corn contamination at the end of the growing season for both risk thresholds. Prediction of high AFL contamination levels was linked to aflatoxin risk indices (ARI) in May. However, ARI in July was an influential factor for the 5-ppb threshold but not for the 20-ppb threshold. Similarly, latitude was an influential factor for the 20-ppb threshold but not the 5-ppb threshold. Furthermore, soil-saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) influenced both risk thresholds. Discussion: Developing these AFL prediction models is practical and implementable in commodity grain handling environments to achieve the goal of preventative rather than reactive mitigations. Finding predictors that influence AFL risk annually is an important cost-effective risk tool and, therefore, is a high priority to ensure hazard management and optimal grain utilization to maximize the utility of the nation's corn crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aspergillus flavus is a major fungal phytopathogen and an opportunistic pathogen to humans and livestock. The fungus produces immunosuppressive and carcinogenic aflatoxins that act as a burden in food and feed industries. An earlier phylogenetic analysis indicated that the cell wall protein, A. Flavus Mannoprotein 1 (AFLMP1), is mainly present in Aspergillus section Flavi such as A. parasiticus and A. flavus. This makes AFLMP1 a great candidate for siRNA-based control of aflatoxigenic fungi in farms and processing units, and fungal therapy in hospitals. Here and for the first time, mode of action of a chemically synthesized RNA interference (siRNA) was investigated for the control of AFLMP1 synthesis. The efficacy of direct uptake of different concentration of siRNA on spore germination of A. flavus was monitored via Opera High Content Screening confocal microscope. siRNA caused growth inhibition at lower concentrations (0.65 nM) and germination failure (more than 90%) at higher concentrations (5 nM), most likely by interfering in mannoprotein biosynthesis. It is assumed that siRNA technology can be implemented as a promising suppressive agent in inactivation of target genes. It can be considered as an intervention in food/feed industries to control the development and reproduction of fungi to keep the fungal population below hazard critical points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungi such as Aspergillus spp. and Fusarium spp., which are commonly found in the environment, pose a serious global health problem. This study aims to present the results of epidemiological studies, including clinical cases, on the relationship between human exposure to some mycotoxins, especially zearalenone and aflatoxin, and the occurrence of reproductive disorders. In addition, examples of methods to reduce human exposure to mycotoxins are presented. In March 2023, various databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE and Web of Science) were systematically searched using Google Chrome to identify studies evaluating the association between exposure to mycotoxins and the occurrence of complications related to impaired fertility or cancer incidence. The analysed data indicate that exposure to the evaluated mycotoxins is widespread and correlates strongly with precocious puberty, reduced fertility and increased cancer incidence in women and men worldwide. There is evidence to suggest that exposure to the Aspergillus mycotoxin aflatoxin (AF) during pregnancy can impair intrauterine foetal growth, promote neonatal jaundice and cause perinatal death and preterm birth. In contrast, exposure to the Fusarium mycotoxin zearalenone (ZEA) leads to precocious sexual development, infertility, the development of malformations and the development of breast cancer. Unfortunately, the development of methods (biological, chemical or physical) to completely eliminate exposure to mycotoxins has limited practical application. The threat to human health from mycotoxins is real and further research is needed to improve our knowledge and specific public health interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungi can synthesize a broad array of secondary metabolite chemicals. The genes underpinning their biosynthesis are typically arranged in tightly linked clusters in the genome. For example, ~25 genes responsible for the biosynthesis of carcinogenic aflatoxins by Aspergillus section Flavi species are grouped in a ~70 Kb cluster. Assembly fragmentation prevents assessment of the role of structural genomic variation in secondary metabolite evolution in this clade. More comprehensive analyses of secondary metabolite evolution will be possible by working with more complete and accurate genomes of taxonomically diverse Aspergillus species. Here, we combined short- and long-read DNA sequencing to generate a highly contiguous genome of the aflatoxigenic fungus, Aspergillus pseudotamarii (isolate NRRL 25517 = CBS 766.97; scaffold N50 = 5.5 Mb). The nuclear genome is 39.4 Mb, encompassing 12,639 putative proteinencoding genes and 74-97 candidate secondary metabolite biosynthesis gene clusters. The circular mitogenome is 29.7 Kb and contains 14 protein-encoding genes that are highly conserved across the genus. This highly contiguous A. pseudotamarii genome assembly enables comparisons of genomic rearrangements between Aspergillus section Flavi series Kitamyces and series Flavi. Although the aflatoxin biosynthesis gene cluster of A. pseudotamarii is conserved with Aspergillus flavus, the cluster has an inverted orientation relative to the telomere and occurs on a different chromosome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary concern was the removal of numerous soil fumigants and nematicides due to their potential risks to human and environmental safety. Fungal pathogens can cause serious diseases in humans and animals. Among these, root-knot nematodes such as Meloidogyne incognita and Tylenchulus semipenetrans pose a significant threat, leading to substantial damage and yield reduction in various economically important plants. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the fungicidal and nematicidal activities of the ethanol extract (EE) and lupeol (L), the major isolates from the aerial parts of Reichardia tingitana L. Roth (Asteraceae), against Aspergillus flavus and plant-parasitic nematodes. Antifungal actions of EE (10-120 ppm) and L (23.4-281.2 μM) were evaluated through in vitro and in vivo growth assays, spore germination inhibition assays, and the efficacy of inhibiting pod and kernel infection. Nematicidal activity of EE and L was tested by preparing cultures containing egg masses of nematode species M. incognita from infected eggplants and T. semipenetrans from infected citrus roots, using concentrations of 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 120 ppm. Results showed that R. tingitana (EE) and (L) exhibited nematostatic or nematicidal effects on nematode viability, egg hatch in vitro, and development and reproduction in vivo. Lupeol was particularly effective in inhibiting the colonization of A. flavus in peanuts. EE and L demonstrated high toxicity against nematodes in laboratory exposure and were effective in controlling nematode infestation in eggplant roots for 45 days. Improvement in plant growth parameters, including shoot and root length and weights, varied and was proportional to the doses of EE and L treatments. The antifungal and bio-nematicide effects of the ethanol extract from the aerial parts of R. tingitana were superior to those of lupeol, which could be attributed to the synergistic effect of phytochemicals in the ethanol extract. Both EE and L have potential applications as antifungal and bio-nematicide agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics are beneficial live microorganisms that benefit the host's health when administered in the required number. They play a vital role in preventing infectious diseases caused by pathogens. The current study aimed to discover a competent probiotic microbe that can detoxify aflatoxin and promote poultry health. The yeast isolate SBO1 tolerates the temperature of 42 °C, low pH, and high bile conditions, has good auto aggregation, hydrophobicity, and exhibits improved adherence to chick intestinal epithelial cells. In addition, it has an aflatoxin detoxifying ability of 56% after 24 h. In-vivo studies in broilers resulted in a higher body weight (2138 g) and greater feed conversion efficiency in the T2 group when fed with yeast SBO1-supplemented diet. Gizzard, spleen, and bursa Fabricius were all found to weigh the same, however, a significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed in the carcass, breast yield, and fat. Therefore it was determined that adding 0.2% yeast to the broiler diet increased performance by lessening the toxin's adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to determine the effects of curcumin on some acute phase proteins in rats treated with aflatoxin B1. In this study, healthy 38 male Wistar Albino rats were used. The animals in control group were given food and distilled water. The animals in DMSO group were orally given 1 ml 10% DMSO daily for 60 days, animals in Cur group was orally given 300mg/kg curcumin dissolved in 10% DMSO daily for 60 days. Animals in AFB1 group were orally given 250µg/kg aflatoxin B1 dissolved in 10% DMSO daily for 60 days. Animals in AFB1+Cur group was orally given 250µg/kg aflatoxin B1 dissolved in 10% DMSO and 300mg/kg curcumin dissolved in 10% DMSO daily for 60 days. In blood samples taken from all animals, fibrinogen, prothrombin, albumin and CRP levels were determined. In this study, fibrinogen, prothrombin and CRP levels with AFB1 group were found to be significantly higher than the control group (p<0.05). In the AFB1+Cur group, fibrinogen and CRP levels were lower than in the aflatoxin group (p<0.05). In the study, it was observed that albumin level in rats in AFB1 group significantly decreased compared to the control group (p<0.05) and this difference was found to be eliminated depend on the application of curcumin together with aflatoxin B1 (p<0.05). In conclusion, our findings regarding the ameliorating effects of curcumin on acute phase protein abnormalities caused by aflatoxicosis will contribute to future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science & Technology of Cereals, Oils & Foods is the property of Science & Technology of Cereals, Oils & Foods Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a toxic food/feed contaminant and the liver is its main target organ, thus it poses a great danger to organisms. Dihydromyricetin (DHM), a natural flavonoid compound, can be used as a food additive with high safety and has been shown to have strong hepatoprotective effects. In this experiment, PPI network and KEGG pathway analysis were constructed by network pharmacological analysis technique using software and platforms such as Swiss, String, and David and Cytoscape. We screened AFB1 and DHM cross-targets and pathways of action, followed by molecular docking based on the strength of binding affinity of genes to DHM. In addition, we exposed AFB1 (200 μg/kg) to mice to establish a liver injury model. Histological observation, biochemical assay, oxidative stress indicator assay, TUNEL staining and Western blot were used to evaluate the liver injury. Network pharmacological results were screened to obtain 25 cross-targets of action and 20 pathways of action. It was found that DHM may exert anti-hepatic injury effects by inhibiting the overexpression of Caspase-3 protein and increasing the expression of Bcl-2 protein. DHM (200 mg/kg) was found to reduce AFB1-induced liver indices such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate acyltransferase (AST), and attenuate hepatic histopathological damage through animal models. Importantly, DHM inhibited malondialdehyde (MDA) formation in liver tissue and attenuated AFB1-induced oxidative stress injury by increasing glutathione-S-transferase (GST) glutathione (GPX) catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Meanwhile, DHM also restored the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and antioxidant proteins, Nrf2, Keap1 and its downstream HO-1, and down-regulated the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Caspase-3 in AFB1-induced liver tissues. The results confirmed that liver injury caused by AFB1 exposure could be alleviated by DHM, providing valuable guidance for in-depth study of DHM in the treatment of liver-related diseases, and laying the foundation for in-depth development and utilization of DHM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation aimed to assess the simultaneous impact of ultraviolet (UV) and cold plasma (CP) on the quality and microbial attributes of dried pistachios during the storage period. Currently, novel nonthermal technologies exhibit high potential as a low‐cost, efficient, additive‐free, and nonpolluting strategies for fungi deactivation and mycotoxins degradation in foods. Over recent years, the combination of CP with other procedures, such as ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, ultrasound, ozone, and so forth, has been proposed and attracted lots of attention. For this purpose, in this study, the simultaneous effects of ultraviolet rays and cold plasma on dried pistachios artificially contaminated with aflatoxigenic fungi were assessed. The physicochemical attributes and surface morphology of pistachios were evaluated as well. The concentration of aflatoxin produced was investigated via high‐performance liquid chromatography. Artificially contaminated pistachios were treated with cold plasma at 80 W constant power level at both 10 and 15 min. Following the plasma treatment, pistachio samples were treated by ultraviolet rays at 354 nm wavelength and current intensity in 0.25 A at the same time. The results of this study revealed the fungal deactivation rate achieved by UV‐CP treatment was greater than the sum of the deactivation rates of distinct UV and CP treatments, as maximum reduction of Aspergillus oryzae count (3.7 CFU/g) observed after simultaneous UV‐CP treatment for 15 min (p < 0.05). Moreover, no substantial modifications were detected in the investigation of pH and DPPH radical scavenging activity of samples treated with UV‐CP (p > 0.05). The results of this study confirm the effectiveness of the simultaneous application of UV rays and CP in nuts to maintain quality and increase useful life, along with an alternative method for thermal treatments. Practical applications: Usually, nonthermal procedures lead to their destruction by changing the chemical structure of mycotoxins. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation being a nonthermal technology, the benefits of its usage are various: the least loss of nutrients and sensorial quality of foods, no toxic residues, and low energy consumption compared with other thermal treatments normally applied for food decontamination. The latter is the main purpose of this technique due to its effectiveness in the inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms and spoilage. Besides this, Cold plasma (CP) technology has been displayed to overcome many of the insufficiency of regular decontamination strategies in the food industry, with slight damage to the quality of products and high efficiency. Although several physical procedures have shown acceptable results in the decontamination of fungi and degradation of mycotoxins in many foods, to date there are few published works on the effects of simultaneous application of UV radiation and CP on foods, particularly pistachios in is available. Hence, the intention of this investigation was to assess the effect of combination of UV radiation and CP on the physicochemical attributes and shelf life of dried pistachios during the storage period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, for the first time, a deep eutectic solvent‐based microwave‐assisted extraction was combined with ionic liquid–based temperature controlled liquid phase microextraction for the extraction of several aflatoxins from cheese samples. Briefly, the analytes are extracted from cheese sample (3 g) into a mixture of 1.5 mL choline chloride:ethylene glycol deep eutectic solvent and 3.5 mL deionized water by exposing to microwave irradiations for 60 s at 180 W. The liquid phase was taken and mixed with 55 μL 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate. By cooling the solution in the refrigerator centrifuge, a turbid state was obtained and the analytes were extracted into the ionic liquid droplets. The analytes were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography equipped with fluorescence detector. Low limits of detection (9–23 ng kg–1) and quantification (30–77 ng kg–1), high extraction recovery (66%–83%), acceptable enrichment factor (40–50), and good precision (relative standard deviations ≤ 5.2%) were obtained using the offered approach. These results reveal the high extraction capability of the method for determination of aflatoxins in the cheese samples. In this method, there was no need for organic solvents and it can be considered as green extraction method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effects of electron beam irradiation (0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 kGy) on Aspergillus flavus, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), and the physicochemical properties of pistachios. The findings suggested that e-beam significantly reduced the spore population of A. flavus and the concentration of AFB1 at doses of 4 and 6 kGy. Three AFB1 degradation products were detected via LC-MS analysis and their structures were presented. Total phenolic content was improved at a dose of 2 kGy, while antioxidant activity was decreased in all treatments in both DPPH and ABTS assays. The chlorophyll and carotenoid content declined and the color indices changed, leading to a darker color. E-beam at a dose of 2 kGy raised the soluble protein levels and changed the intensity and pattern of protein bands. Irradiation doses of up to 6 kGy enhanced the content of malondialdehyde and total saturated fatty acids while leading to a decline in unsaturated fatty acids. The quality features were adversely affected at doses > 4 kGy. The findings suggest that as an alternative method, e-beam at doses ≥ 2 kGy can effectively decrease fungal load and aflatoxin B1 contamination, and e-beam application at doses ≤ 2 kGy can maintain the physicochemical attributes of pistachios to an acceptable extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the early 1960s, a potentially carcinogenic substance, aflatoxin, was identified in peanuts. In this article, I explore how aflatoxin was known – and unknown – through and for the infrastructures designed, from the late nineteenth century, to stimulate and support peanut farming in Senegal. Anticipated European standards stimulated a narrow field of knowledge and know-how oriented towards control-for-export, bypassing Senegalese farms, food, and bodies. Investigations of aflatoxin's carcinogenicity were actively suppressed, challenged, and silenced. That (post)colonial infrastructures supported peanuts as an export cash crop and a target of European regulation – but not as part of local ecologies and foodways – mattered for how they were deemed (not) worth knowing as potentially contaminated and carcinogenic from the 1960s. I develop the notion of residual unprotection to highlight how the enduring effects of colonial infrastructures distributed (through regulatory gaps) and obscured (through non-knowledge) the potential harmfulness of aflatoxin in Senegal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was aimed to evaluate the adsorption effect of six products on aflatoxin B1 and zearalenone, including three aluminosilicate sorbents (samples ①, ④, ⑤), montmorillonite (samples ②, ⑥), and yeast cell wall (③). The contents of aflatoxin B1 and erythralenone were determined by HPLC through the simulated gastrointestinal environment in vitro. The results showed as follows: under in vitro, the adsorption effect of ad‐ sorbent ⑤ on AFB1 was significantly higher than that of samples ①, ② and ③ (P<0.05), but there were no significant difference with that of samples ④ and ⑥ (P>0.05). The adsorption effect of the adsorbent ⑤ on ZEN was significantly higher than that of the samples ①, ② and ③ (P<0.05), but there were no significant difference with the sample ④ and ⑥ (P>0.05). Under the simulated gastrointestinal condition, there was no significant difference in the adsorption effect of the six adsorbents on AFB1 (P>0.05). Under gastric fluid conditions, the adsorption effect of ② and ⑥ on ZEN was significantly higher than that of ①, ③, ④ and ⑤ (P<0.05), but the adsorption effect of ④ and ⑤ on ZEN was not significantly different (P>0.05). Under intestinal fluid conditions, the adsorption effect of adsorbent ① and ⑥ on ZEN was significantly higher than that of samples ②, ③ and ④ (P<0.05). The adsorption effect of adsorbents ③ and ④ on ZEN was not significant (P>0.05). The absorption effect of different adsorbents on mycotoxins is very different. The adsorption rate of sorbents should be considered the influence of digestive fluid on the adsorption rate of sorbents. The adsorption effect of silicaaluminate sorbents is better than that of yeast cell extracts among six products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to healthy food, without any undesirable contamination, is one of fundamental human right. Some of mycotoxins, especially aflatoxins (AFs), contamination feed and food that cause problems such as acute damage liver, irritation, and cancer of the liver and teratogenic complications. Among the physical, chemical and biological methods used to prevent the production, reduction, elimination and deactivation of AF in contaminated food, biological methods have been considered, due to maximum efficiency, low cost, eco-friendly and non-degradation of nutritional quality. The protective effect of lactic acid bacteria as probiotic microorganisms against mutagenic factors, such as polycyclic amines, N-nitrosamine compounds, and mycotoxins has been proven. Therefore, in addition to the beneficial properties using these probiotic bacteria with the ability to remove AF can help to enhance food safety. Although some naturally-occurring bacteria in the intestine can be attached to harmful components such as toxins and prevent them from binding to the intestinal layer, but probiotics have the potential to inactivate toxins through surface binding, due to high adhesion properties in their cell wall proteins. Polysaccharides and peptidoglycans in the cell wall are two of the main ingredients for decomposition, bonding and binding of AFs to lactic acid bacteria. Therefore, this review examines the economic and health impacts of AF contamination in foods. Further, this review discusses how lactic acid bacteria are able to detoxify common food AFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxins are potent carcinogenic compounds, mainly produced by fungi species of the genus Aspergillus in the soil. Because of their stability, they are difficult to remove completely, even under extreme conditions. Aflatoxin contamination is one of the main causes of safety in peanuts, maize, wheat and other agricultural products. Aflatoxin contamination originates from the soil. Through the investigation of soil properties and soil microbial distribution, the sources of aflatoxin are identified, aflatoxin contamination is classified and analysed, and post-harvest crop detoxification and corresponding contamination prevention measures are identified. This includes the team's recent development of the biofungicide ARC-BBBE (Aflatoxin Rhizobia Couple-B. amyloliquefaciens, B. laterosporu, B. mucilaginosus, E. ludwiggi) for field application and nanomaterials for post-production detoxification of cereals and oilseed crops, providing an effective and feasible approach for the prevention and control of aflatoxin contamination. Finally, it is hoped that effective preventive and control measures can be applied to a large number of cereal and oilseed crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxin (AF) is a powerful carcinogen primarily produced by some strains of the fungus Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, which frequently infest nuts and cereal crops. Groundnuts are among the most widely studied substrates of Aspergillus spp., growth and AF contamination. Aflatoxin contamination is a significant public health concern since chronic exposure is linked to causing carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, hepatotoxicity, estrogenicity, neurotoxicity, childhood growth impairment, and immunotoxicity in humans and animals. Acute exposure to AF contamination is associated with fatal aflatoxicosis due to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and convulsions. Good agricultural practices, control of plant diseases, and favourable storage conditions can limit AF contamination yet do not guarantee complete elimination. Looking for an effective technique to reduce AF to an acceptable regulatory limit has been a great subject among researchers. Physical methods like manual visual sorting, screening, density, roasting, dehulling, winnowing, and decortication can reduce AF contamination while maintaining the quality of the kernel and render the kernels harmless to humans and animals compared to AF degradation by chemicals. Therefore, the present review article found that physical removal/visual sorting efficiently lowered the mean AF content commonly used in low-income countries. We briefly enumerated the effectiveness of various common physical methods in reducing post-harvest AF contamination in groundnuts, particularly their percentage AF reduction and outsort/loss, sufficient AF reduction evidence, feasibility, and scalability. We also highlighted the merits and demerits of these methods and essential information that could be helpful for further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food safety management implementation is vital in food industries. Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) implementation in maize millers help in identifying aflatoxin hazards, prevent, reduce or eliminate them. Knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) towards HACCP on aflatoxin determine the safety of the end product from its contamination. The main objective was to determine KAP on HACCP in Kiambu county maize millers in aflatoxin control. Clustering and systematic sampling methods were used to sample the 30 maize millers. 150 questionnaire respondents were selected randomly from the milling sub-sections. Multivariate probit model and multinomial logit model were used as the analytical framework for evaluating KAP. 60% of the respondents were male, 34% had completed university and 80% of the respondents from management section had completed university while dispatch section respondents had the lowest education level. HACCP average knowledge was 57.5%, 74.43% being highest from management section. HACCP attitude mean score was 3.326, management section showing more positivity with a mean of 3.633. Sufficient training and recruitment of food safety related experts across all sub-section would improve KAP towards aflatoxin reduction to the maize flour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxin (AF) contamination, caused by Aspergillus flavus, compromises the food safety and marketability of commodities, such as maize, cotton, peanuts, and tree nuts. Multigenic inheritance of AF resistance impedes conventional introgression of resistance traits into high-yielding commercial maize varieties. Several AF resistance-associated quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and markers have been reported from multiple biparental mapping and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in maize. However, QTLs with large confidence intervals (CI) explaining inconsistent phenotypic variance limit their use in marker-assisted selection. Meta-analysis of published QTLs can identify significant meta-QTLs (MQTLs) with a narrower CI for reliable identification of genes and linked markers for AF resistance. Using 276 out of 356 reported QTLs controlling resistance to A. flavus infection and AF contamination in maize, we identified 58 MQTLs on all 10 chromosomes with a 66.5% reduction in the average CI. Similarly, a metaanalysis of maize genes differentially expressed in response to (a)biotic stresses from the to-date published literature identified 591 genes putatively responding to only A. flavus infection, of which 14 were significantly differentially expressed (-1.0 ≤ Log2Fc ≥ 1.0; p ≤ 0.05). Eight MQTLs were validated by their colocalization with 14 A. flavus resistance-associated SNPs identified from GWAS in maize. A total of 15 genes were physically close between the MQTL intervals and SNPs. Assessment of 12 MQTL-linked SSR markers identified three markers that could discriminate 14 and eight cultivars with resistance and susceptible responses, respectively. A comprehensive meta-analysis of QTLs and differentially expressed genes led to the identification of genes and makers for their potential application in marker-assisted breeding of A. flavus-resistant maize varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aspergillus flavus has been found to be an effective entomopathogenic fungus for various arthropods, including ticks. In particular, natural fungal infections in cattle ticks show promise for biocontrol of the Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus tick, which is a major ectoparasite affecting cattle worldwide. Our study aimed to elucidate the specific entomopathogenic virulence factors encoded in the genome of an A. flavus strain isolated from naturally infected cattle ticks. We performed morphological and biochemical phenotyping alongside complete genome sequencing, which revealed that the isolated fungus was A. flavus related to the L morphotype, capable of producing a range of gene-coded entomopathogenic virulence factors, including ribotoxin, aflatoxin, kojic acid, chitinases, killer toxin, and satratoxin. To evaluate the efficacy of this A. flavus strain against ticks, we conducted experimental bioassays using healthy engorged female ticks. A morbidity rate of 90% was observed, starting at a concentration of 105 conidia/mL. At a concentration of 107 conidia/mL, we observed a 50% mortality rate and a 21.5% inhibition of oviposition. The highest levels of hatch inhibition (30.8%) and estimated reproduction inhibition (34.64%) were achieved at a concentration of 108 conidia/mL. Furthermore, the tick larval progeny that hatched from the infected tick egg masses showed evident symptoms of Aspergillus infection after incubation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstraction form were used to collect demographic, lifestyle, and clinical information. A blood sample was also taken from each participant for clinical chemistry, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus tests as well as for an aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) albumin adduct (AF-alb) assay. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors of liver cirrhosis.Results: AF-alb levels were detected in 75% of the cases and 64% of the controls, with a median (IQR) level of 11 pg/mg (5.5– 25) and 7.0 pg/mg (4.3– 20.5), respectively (p< 0.05). Moreover, the number of subjects with high AF-alb levels (≥ 8.6 pg/mg) was greater in cases (45%, p< 0.05)) than controls (28%). Age ≥ 55 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=0.4; 95% CI: 0.2, 0.8), being a farmer (AOR= 3.0; 95% CI: 1.5, 6.0), family history of liver disease (AOR= 2.9; 95% CI: 1.1, 7.9), HBV seropositivity (AOR=4.0; 95% CI: 1.9, 8.8), and exposure to high levels of AF-alb (AOR=2.0; 95% CI: 1.1, 3.7) were significantly associated with liver cirrhosis.Conclusion: This study found a strong link between AFB1 exposure and liver cirrhosis. Mitigation of aflatoxin exposure and a better understanding of additional environmental risk factors like pesticides may be necessary to reduce the disease burden in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Reversible phosphorylation by protein kinases and phosphatases plays a central role in regulating cellular processes. However, knowledge of the functions of protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) S/T phosphatases in Aspergillus flavus has been unreported until now. Here, we have identified seven members of the PP2C family of protein phosphatases in A. flavus. Evolutionary and functional analyses indicated that two redundant PP2C phosphatases, Ptc1 and Ptc2, are highly conserved and regulate conidia development, aflatoxin synthesis, seed infection, and autophagic vesicle formation. The cytoplasmic proteins Ptc1 and Ptc2 exhibit nuclear infiltration after DNA damage-induced autophagy. Their degradation is closely linked to autophagy induction. The Asp residue coordinated with Mg2+ is critical for phosphatase Ptc1 and Ptc2 activity, thermal stability, and biofunction in A. flavus. An immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry proteomic investigation indicated that 133 proteins co-interact with Ptc1 and Ptc2. Among these proteins, phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) interacts with Ptc1 and Ptc2 and shows high levels of phosphorylation in Δptc1, Δptc2, and Δptc1/ptc2 mutants. Furthermore, PGK1 S203 phosphorylation levels are associated with aflatoxin synthesis and autophagic vesicle formation. Overall, these findings contribute to our understanding of the roles and mechanisms of PP2C family phosphatases in A. flavus and highlight their importance in various cellular processes. Furthermore, it reveals a new regulation model in A. flavus, where Ptc1 and Ptc2 activate autophagy and aflatoxin synthesis by regulating PGK1. IMPORTANCE Aspergillus flavus is a model filamentous fungus that can produce aflatoxins when it infects agricultural crops. This study evaluated the protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) family as a potential drug target with important physiological functions and pathological significance in A. flavus. We found that two redundant PP2C phosphatases, Ptc1 and Ptc2, regulate conidia development, aflatoxin synthesis, autophagic vesicle formation, and seed infection. The target protein phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) that interacts with Ptc1 and Ptc2 is essential to regulate metabolism and the autophagy process. Furthermore, Ptc1 and Ptc2 regulate the phosphorylation level of PGK1 S203, which is important for influencing aflatoxin synthesis. Our results provide a potential target for interdicting the toxicity of A. flavus.

Medicinal herbs are modern feed additives for poultry that have antioxidant, anti-microbial, and immune-modulatory impacts. In this study, the protective effects of medicinal natural herbs (Herb-AllTM LIVER) on performance, litter, immunity, biochemical changes, and histopathological changes in broilers fed Mycotoxins-contaminated diets were assessed. One-day-old chicks were randomly assigned into 4 groups (n=120). Group A was fed a standard commercial diet; Group B was fed a standard diet + (Herb-AllTM LIVER); Group C (positive control) was fed a Mycotoxins-contaminated diet, and Group D received a Mycotoxins-contaminated diet + Herb-AllTM LIVER. Performance, litter hygiene, immunity, and histopathological changes were determined. Results indicated that herbal supplements (B and D) significantly improved the body weight gain and FCR of birds. Also, litter hygiene, blood indices, antibody titers, and organ functions were enhanced. In group D, liver and kidney histological architectures were mostly restored, as well as Caspase-3 and TNF expressions were moderately enhanced. It can be concluded that using Herb-AllTM LIVER as a feed additive reduces the adverse effects of Mycotoxins on broilers.

The seeds of twenty-five varieties/cultivars of mungbean were evaluated in respect of proximate assays, chemical composition, and nutritional values with the aim to ensure the suitability of the foodstuff for human consumption. The average fiber content of the tested varieties/cultivars was 4.85±0.04% while potassium (K) ranges from 250 to 938 and phosphorus (P) from 371 to 464 mg 100 g − 1. The tested cultivars contained micronutrients including Zn, Fe and Cu with average value of 30.70, 104.00 and 3.84 mg kg−1, respectively. Alpha (α-), Gamma (γ-) and Sigma (δ-) tocopherols were also present in mungbean seeds with average value of 25, 1962 and 670 mg kg−1. Among toxic heavy metals, average Cd, Cr and Pb were present at 0.22, 3.23 and 1.64 mg kg−1, respectively, indicating some values above the maximum permissible limit set under various rules and regulations. The content of phytic acid varied from 0.45% to 1.22% in these varieties and it was observed that the phytates were existed in negative correlation with Zn content. Aflatoxins AFB1 and AFB2 were 48% and 16% above the maximum permissible limits, respectively, while AFG1 and AFG2 were found to be below the permissible limits in all the tested varieties/cultivars. The results of the study showed the essential minerals and protein, nutritional and anti-nutritional characters of mungbean varieties/cultivars, which are potential health determinants and can be used to characterize food quality in human healthcare.

Aflatoxins have posed serious threat to food safety and human health. Therefore, it is important to detect aflatoxins in samples rapidly and accurately. In this review, various technologies to detect aflatoxins in food are discussed, including conventional ones such as thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay (GICA), radioimmunoassay (RIA), fluorescence spectroscopy (FS), as well as emerging ones (e.g., biosensors, molecular imprinting technology, surface plasmon resonance). Critical challenges of these technologies include high cost, complex processing procedures and long processing time, low stability, low repeatability, low accuracy, poor portability, and so on. Critical discussion is provided on the trade-off relationship between detection speed and detection accuracy, as well as the application scenario and sustainability of different technologies. Especially, the prospect of combining different technologies is discussed. Future research is necessary to develop more convenient, more accurate, faster, and cost-effective technologies to detect aflatoxins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Aflatoxins (AFT) identified as a Group 1 human carcinogen naturally contaminate various types of food and could increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through dietary intake. Chongqing municipality is located in Southwest China with subtropical monsoon climate which is conducive to AFT contamination in crops. However, the burden of HCC caused by the dietary exposure of the population in Chongqing to AFT has not been quantified. Methods: The burden of HCC was estimated in terms of Disability Adjusted Life Year (DALY) using FDA-iRISK software. Dietary exposure to AFT in three food categories including grain and its products, nuts and seeds, and spices was assessed. Results: The lifetime average daily dose (LADD) of AFT exposure for the population ranged from 2.40 to 8.25 ng/kg bw/day and 9.51 to 15.10 ng/kg bw/day at the mean and heavy (P95) AFT contamination levels, respectively. Among the three food categories, grain and its products contributed most to AFT exposure of the population. The estimated DALYs related to HCC induced by AFT were 162,000-556,000 and 641,000-1,020,000; the DALY rates were 6.47-22.20 and 25.59-40.72 per 100,000 persons per year; and the population attribution fractions (PAF) were 1.68-5.78% and 6.66-10.60%. Discussion: Although the burden of HCC caused by dietary AFT was estimated to be relatively low among the population, the overall health burden might be underestimated owing to the uncertainties of this dataset. Thus, the overall health burden associated with AFT intake should still be of concern in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]