Determination of Rotenone Residues in Foodstuffs by Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE) and Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

We developed a novel approach to determine rotenone residues in foodstuffs, by integrating solid-phase extraction （SPE） and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry （LC-MS/MS） technologies, to achieve high sensitivity and selectivity. In our method, the solvent extraction with n-hexane-dichloromethane （50：50, v/v） and cleanup with florisil SPE cartridges using ethyl acetate-ethyl ether （25：75, v/v） as eluents provided adequate recovery of rotenone. The detection of rotenone was then carried out by LC-MS/MS using acetonitrile-water with the 0.1% formic acid （w/v） as the mobile phase. The multiple reaction monitoring （MRM） scheme employed in the approach involved the transitions of the precursor ion to three selected product ions, in which one pair for quantification was m/z 395.3 〉 213.2 and the other two pairs for identification were m/z 395.3 〉 192.2 and 395.3 〉 367.0. The limits of quantification （LOQs） of the method ranged from 0.001 to 0.005 mg kg-1 depending on the matrix. Intra- and inter-day precisions （relative standard deviations, RSDs） for rotenone were less than 7.1 and 14.8%, respectively. Results from repetitive analysis suggested good reproducibility of the method for rotenone residue detection. The recoveries at three concentrations （LOQ, 10LOQ and 100LOQ） ranged from 79.3-118.3% in cabbage, potato, onion, carrot, apple, orange, banana, lichee, tea, and Shiitake mushroom. The proposed procedure was then applied to the analysis of 129 real samples collected from Xiamen, Fujian Province, China. The existence of rotenone was found in two tea products with concentrations of 0.012 and 0.016 mg kg-1, respectively. The method has great potential for routine analysis of monitoring rotenone residue in foodstuffs.

Determination of Indoxacarb Residue in Foodstuffs of Plant and Animal Origin by GC-ECD and LC-MS/MS

An effective method for the trace analysis of indoxacarb residue in foodstuffs of plant and animal origin [grapefruit, ginger, fresh soybean, bamboo shoot, qing-gen-cai （cruciferous vegetable）, chicken, fish, and pork] was developed using gas chromatography （GC-ECD） and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry （LC-MS/MS）. Samples were extracted using acetone and n-hexane mixed solvent （1：2, v/v） and then purified using solid-phase extraction （SPE） columns. The extracts were analyzed using GC-ECD and LC-MS/MS. The multiple reaction monitoring （MRM） scheme used involved transitions of the precursor ions to selected two product ions in which one pair for identification was m/z 529 → 293 and another pair for quantification was m/z 529 → 249. The detection limits （LODs） of the method were 0.0015 and 0.0006 mg kg^-1, and the quantification limits （LOQs） were 0.005 and 0.002 mg kg^-1 for GC-ECD and LC-MS/MS, respectively. The relative standard deviations （RSDs） of recovery for indoxacarb were lower than 15% in 10 types of agro-products. Ten repetitive determinations of recovery achieved good reproducibility for indoxacarb and the recovery ranged from 72.08 to 113.74%. The proposed procedure was applied to the analysis of several real samples of different origin from Fujian Province, China, and 299 samples were screened for indoxacarb residue, of which 5 positive samples were found.

Plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles and their therapeutic activities

Nanotechnologies have been successfully applied to the treatment of various diseases.Plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PENs) are expected to become effective therapeutic modalities for treating disease or in drug-delivery. PENs are minimally cytotoxic to healthy tissues, with which they show excellent biocompatibility, and are biased towards tumors by targeting specific tissues through special endocytosis mechanisms. Thus, the use of these PENs may expand the scope of drug therapies while reducing the off-target effects.In this review, we summarize the fundamental features and bioactivities of PENs extracted from the grape, grapefruit, ginger, lemon, and broccoli and discuss the applications of these particles as therapeutics and nanocarriers.

Model of Combined Transport of Perishable Foodstuffs and Safety Inspection Based on Data Mining

There is still no effective means to analyze in depth and utilize domestic mass data about agricultural product quality safety tests in china now. The neural network algorithm, the classification regression tree algorithm, the Bayesian network algorithm were selected according to the principle of selecting combination model and were used to build models respectively and then combined, innovatively establishing a combination model which has relatively high precision, strong robustness and better explanatory to predict the results of perishable food transportation meta-morphism monitoring. The relative optimal prediction model of the perishable food transportation metamorphism monitoring system could be got. The relative perfect prediction model can guide the actual sampling work about food quality and safety by prognosticating the occurrence of unqualified food to select the typical and effective samples for test, thus improving the efficiency and effectiveness of sampling work effectively, so as to avoid deteriorated perishable food’s approaching the market to ensure the quality and safety of perishable food transportation. A solid protective wall was built in the protection of general perishable food consumers’ health.

Contamination of Fungi and Mycotoxins in Foodstuffs in High Risk Area of Esophageal Cancer

Fungal and mycotoxin contamination has been found in fordstuffs from Cixian County, an area with a high incidence of esophageal carcinoma (Eca). To set a scientific foundation for the prevention of Eca at the etiological level, fungal and mycotoxin contaminations of local foodstuffs in Cixian County were analyzed using classical fungal culture methods and HPLC. From 1990 to 1994, 220 corn/wheat samples and 34 corn samples were studied. As a control, 26 corn samples collected from a relatively low incidence area of Eca in Zanhuang County were analyzed for mycotoxins in 1990. The results showed that fungal contamination in corn and wheat was severe and that several of the predominant contaminating fungi such as Furasium moniliforme, etc. were carcinogenic. HPLC results showed that the detection rate and mean content of the mycotoxin sterigmatocystin (ST) in the mountainous area (5/8; 9. 14 μg/kg) were significantly higher than those in the hilly (0; 0) and plain areas (1/18; 1. 29 μg/kg) as well as in low risk area control samples (3/26; 0. 76 μg/kg). Detection rates of deoxynivalenol (DON) in mountainous and hilly areas (5/8, 4/8 respectively) were slightly higher than that in plain area (8/18), while the mean content of DON in the plain area was significantly higher (90. 45-170. 22 vs 50. 56 and 46. 45 μg/kg).Among the different aflatoxins, AFB1 was detected in samples from the two villages in the plain area for the subsequent two years. The mean content of AFB1 was 0. 0183μg/kg, and the highest level was 0. 0497 μg/kg. No AFB1 was detected in the samples from mountainous and hilly areas. AFG1 was detected in more than half of all the samples, and its concentration ranged from 8. 77 to 46. 51 ng/kg. No AFG2 was found in the samples. Thus, the results suggest that at present, fungal and mycotoxin contamination of foodstuffs in Cixian County are quite common.

Cross-kingdom regulation by plant-derived miRNAs in mammalian systems

MicroRNAs(miRNAs)are small noncoding RNA molecules ubiquitously distributed across diverse organisms,serving as pivotal regulators of genetic expression.Notably,plant-derived miRNAs have been demonstrated to have unique bioactivity and certain stability in mammalian systems,thereby facilitating their capacity for cross-kingdom modulation of gene expression.While there is substantial evidence supporting the regulation of mammalian cells by plant-derived miRNAs,several questions remain unanswered.Specifically,a comprehensive investigation of the mechanisms underlying the stability and transport of plant miRNAs and their cross-kingdom regulation of gene expression in mammals remains to be done.In this review,we summarized the origin,processing,and functional mechanisms of plant miRNAs in mammalian tissues and circulation,emphasizing their greater resistance to mammalian digestion and circulation systems compared to animal miRNAs.Additionally,we introduce four well-known plant miRNAs that have been extensively studied for their functions and mechanisms in mammalian systems.By delving into these aspects,we aim to offer a fundamental understanding of this intriguing field and shed light on the complex interactions between plant miRNAs and mammalian biology.

Effects of Plant-derived Humic Acid Organic Fertilizer on Selenium Content of Rice in Northern Guangxi

This study was to find out the suitable application amount of plant-derived humic acid organic fertilizer for selenium-rich rice production in northern Guilin area by applying the fertilizer at different amounts.The results showed that plant-derived humic acid organic fertilizer could effectively activate selenium in selenium-rich soil,and then promote the uptake of selenium by rice.With costs,selenium enrichment and rice yield as the main evaluation indicators,A4 was chosen as the best treatment,that is,the application of 4 500 kg/hm^2 of plant-derived humic acid organic fertilizer as base fertilizer could achieve the best benefit.

Level of natural radionuclides in foodstuffs and resultant annual ingestion radiation dose

The natural radioactivities in three major groups of foodstuff widely consumed in Upper Egypt were de- termined. The specific activities of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in cereals, leguminosae, and flour were measured using γ-ray spectroscopy. Another group of hay, water, and soil samples from the same location were also analyzed. Hay samples were found to contain the highest radioactivity concentration among all the samples that were investigated. This in- crement could be due to the high water content in the shoots which tends to accumulate soluble radionuclides. The average calculated concentrations of soil samples in the present study exhibits the lowest values with respect to those from different countries. In the case of water samples, the average activities of both 232Th and 40K were similar to those for soil while 226Ra was twice that of water sample. The annual ingestion dose from each radionuclide was cal- culated. The computed annual dose owing to daily intake of radium, thorium, and potassium via wheat flour, lentils, and bean in the present study (214.8 μSv) is ten times lower than the global average annual radiation dose (2400 μSv) from the natural radiation sources as proposed by UNSCEAR. The obtained results show that the dose values are quite low and carry insignificant radiation dose to the public.

Advances in the research of plant-derived natural products against retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma(RB)is a highly aggressive ocular tumor,and due to socioeconomic and medical constraints,many children receive treatment only in the metaphase and advanced clinical stages,resulting in high rates of blindness and disability.Although several approaches exist in the treatment of RB,some children with the disease do not have satisfactory results because of various factors.Plantderived natural products have shown definite therapeutic effects in the treatment of various tumors and are also widely used in the study of RB.We review plant-derived natural products used in the study of anti-RB to provide ideas for the clinical application of these drugs and the development of new therapeutic drugs.

Enhanced Sporicidal Activity of Alcohol and Epigallocatechin-Palmitate-Based Hand Hygiene Formulations Comprised of Plant-Derived Compounds

Pathogenic spore-forming bacteria pose high risks to healthcare settings, as well as in the food and beverage industries. We reported recently that novel alcohol-based formulations containing plant-derived compounds, including epigallocatechin-3-gallate-palmitate (EGCG-P), a green tea polyphenol ester, provide > 99.99% inactivation of bacterial spores within 60 sec. Based on recently published data from our group and others, we hypothesize that a combination of EGCG-P and alcohol formulated with other plant-derived ingredients would achieve high sporicidal efficacy against a wide spectrum of bacterial spores and can provide novel hand hygiene methods against bacterial spores without toxicity. The objectives of the current study were to optimize two novel formulations with combinations of glycerol, citric acid, and EGCG-P to increase sporicidal activity and explore the rapid inactivation mechanisms and suitability for sporicidal products with broad-spectrum activities against aerobic and anaerobic bacterial spores. Methods included suspension testing of two formulations against spores from Bacillus cereus and Clostridium sporogenes, quantification of spore germination, and scanning electron microscopy. The results demonstrated that these novel formulations were able to reduce spore germination by >99.999% after 30 sec exposure in suspension tests, and rapidly caused physical damage to the spores. Additional studies are warranted to determine the suitability of the novel formulations for future hand hygiene use.

The Determination of Geographical Origin of Foodstuffs by Using Innovative Biological Bar-Code

Abstract： One of the great concerns of the customers is the traceability of the products. The authors proposed to link microbial ecology to geographical origin of foodstuffs by a molecular technique joined to an image analysis. Molecular techniques employing 16S and 28S rDNA profiles generated by PCR-DGGE were used to detect the variation in microbial community （bacteria, fungi） of Pangasius fish from Viet Nam harvested in different aquaculture farms and during different seasons and Shea tree fruits from five different districts in Mali. The bacterial DNA profiles from Pangasius fish and the fungal DNA profile from Shea tree fruits were specific to each place of production and could be used as a biological bar code certifying the origin of fish and fruit. To follow the product during processing, the authors proposed to identify and validate some pertinent biological markers which come from the environment of the food to assure their traceability during international trade. It is new analytical method which permits to determine the origin of food or to follow them during international trade.

Zhejiang Provincial Cereals,Oils and Foodstuffs I/E Co.Ltd.

Zhejiang, situated in the Yangtze delta and neighbouring Shanghai, is widely known for fish and rice production. The Zhejiang Provincial Cereals, Oils and Foodstuffs I/E Co. Ltd. formerly Zhejiang provincial Cereals, Oils and Foodstuffs I/E Company, is one of the largest foreign trade shareholding enterprises in Zhejiang Province. It

Assessment of Radioactivity Levels of Foodstuffs Entering Mombasa Port, Kenya

Evaluation of radionuclide concentrations in foodstuffs is of great concern owing to the potential radiological hazards to human health. This study was carried out to assess the radionuclide concentrations of ^40K, ^134Cs, ^137Cs, ^131I, ^90Sr, ^239pu, in selected foodstuffs, in order to assess the effects of the elevated levels of radionuclides concentration in environmental media after the FDNPS （Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station） accident on imported food. HPGe （high purity germanium） detector based spectrometry system coupled with multi-channel analyzer was used for the assessment. The mean concentrations of ^40K, ^134Cs, ^137Cs, ^131I, ^90Sr, ^239pu, were found to be 50.1 ± 2.44 Bq/Kg, 109.6 ± 0.141 Bq/Kg, 134.2 ± 0.027 Bq/Kg, 2.57 ± 0.019 Bq/Kg, 0.59 ± 0.03 Bq/Kg, 0.160 ± 0.033 Bq/Kg, and 0.227 ± 0.021 Bq/Kg respectively. The analysis showed that the radioactivity levels of ^241Am, ^134Cs and ^137Cs were found to be relatively low and within the acceptable levels.

Study on Antibacterial Efficacy of Plant-Derived Compound Preservative and Its Product Application

Natural antiseptic formulas are increasingly favored by consumers. This article take preservatives compounded from cinnamon, sophora flavescens and other plant extracts as the main research object, evaluated its antibacterial efficacy and application in cosmetics, expect that it can be used in cosmetics to replace conventional chemical preservatives. Research on its antibacterial efficacy through inhibition zone and MIC experiment, and product application research used anti-corrosion challenge and antibacterial rate experiment. The results showed that the plant-derived antiseptic system had a broad antibacterial spectrum, inhibition of 10 different common pathogenic bacteria, and had a very significant inhibitory effect on Gram-positive bacteria and fungi;Among them, the diameter of the antibacterial circle for Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus niger can reached 31.89 mm and 28.26 mm, while the MIC value was 0.4 mg/mL and 0.8 mg/mL. The spray product with 1.5% addition amount successfully passed the anti-corrosion challenge test and meets the anti-corrosion standard requirements;The 2% added amount of disposable gel product has an inhibitory rate of 51.05% and 70.74% against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus within 20 minutes of action. In summary, the plantderived compound preservative has ability to be used in cosmetic preservative systems.

Actuality and Influencing Factors of Integrated Production Capacity of Foodstuff in Heilongjiang Province

Heilongjiang Province is an important marketable grain depot in China. Since the reform and opening up, Heilongjiang Province production capacity of foodstuff is increasingly growing into a new level. This paper started with the actuality of Heilongjiang Province integrated production capacity of foodstuff, and analyzed its major factors empirically through the mathematical model, then proposed some measures to enhance Heilongjiang Province production capacity of foodstuff which ensured China foodstuff security

Present Situation and Strategies for State Foodstuff Security

The system of State Foodstuff Security is a comprehensively systematical framework, which needs concerted support and energetic cooperation from all walks of lives. This paper analyzes the strategies for State Foodstuff Security： integrating new biological techniques with traditional methods, full utilization of soil with its protection, policies leading with market regulation, steady high yield with promoting additional value through further processing, general foodstuff production with substitute food seeking, domestic self-supply with international trade complementarities as well as short-term exploiting with long-term development on the basis of the increase of general foodstuff production capability.

Standardizing Foodstuff Processing & Its Improvement in Guangzhou

Based on a survey carried out on all fully certificated foodstuff manufacturers in Guangzhou, an analysis of the status quo of Foodstuff Processing Standardization in Guangzhou is made to identify the major problems and measures to be adopted for improvement.

微波技术在食品和农产品加工中应用研究进展

微波加热技术具有速度快、可控性高等特点,在食品和农产品的热加工过程中具有较强的应用潜力。该文在分析微波加热原理的基础上,从技术应用、设备研制和仿真研究等方面介绍微波加热应用现状,如在农产品干燥、杀菌、萃取和膨化等方面进行深入研究和应用。指出微波加热在机理解析、工艺局限性、加热不均匀性和能量利用低等问题,尤其是微波场对物料内极性成分作用机制的研究深度、微波加热时在物料内温度和水分分布的不均匀性规律定量表征等方面,严重影响产品质量稳定性和能量充分利用。从揭示微波在加热腔体内传递和物料内吸收的机理,提高微波加热均匀性和改善加工质量,以及研制智能化工业用微波加工设备等方面,指出微波加热技术在食品和农产品加工中应用热点研究方向。针对微波加热技术在农产品和食品加工中科学问题、技术需求和设备现状,为发挥技术优势、拓展应用领域,该文提出微波加热理论研究与技术应用的发展趋势,以期提高微波热加工技术工业化应用适用性、保证产品质量和能量利用率。

Saline-alkali land reclamation boosts topsoil carbon storage by preferentially accumulating plant-derived carbon

Saline–alkali land is an important cultivated land reserve resource for tackling global climate change and ensuring food security, partly because it can store large amounts of carbon(C). However, it is unclear how saline–alkali land reclamation(converting saline–alkali land into cultivated land) affects soil C storage.We collected 189 adjacent pairs of salt-affected and cultivated soil samples(0–30 cm deep) from the Songnen Plain, eastern coastal area, Hetao Plain, and northwestern arid area in China. Various soil properties, the soil inorganic C(SIC), organic C(SOC), particulate organic C(POC), and mineral-associated organic C(MAOC) densities, and plant-and microbial-derived C accumulation were determined.Saline–alkali land reclamation inconsistently affected the SIC density but significantly(P < 0.001)increased the SOC density. The SOC, POC, and MAOC densities were predicted well by the integrative soil amelioration index. Saline–alkali land reclamation significantly increased plant-derived C accumulation and the plant-derived C to microbial-derived C ratios in all saline–alkali areas, and less microbial transformation of plant-derived C(i.e., less lignin degradation or oxidation) occurred in cultivated soils than salt-affected soils. The results indicated that saline–alkali land reclamation leads to plant-derived C becoming the dominant contributor of SOC storage. POC storage and MAOC storage were strongly linked to plant-and microbial-derived C accumulation, respectively, caused by saline–alkali land reclamation.Our findings suggest that saline–alkali land reclamation increases C storage in topsoil by preferentially promoting plant-derived C accumulation.

A review:the mechanism of plant-derived polysaccharides on osteoblasts and osteoclasts

Bone loss and deterioration of bone microarchitecture would increase the bone fragility and fracture risk,leading to the osteoporosis.More and more evidences proved that plant-derived polysaccharides could have a remarkable influence on osteoblasts and osteoclasts,exerting anti-osteoporosis effects.According to the previous research,the extract of Cibotium barumoz,Achyranthes bidentata,Curculigo orchioides,Epimedium brevicornum,Angelica sinensis,Polygonatum sibiricum,Dendrobium officinale,Morinda officinalis,Nelumbo mucifera,Diospyros kaki,Hordeum vulgare,Cistanche deserticola,Commiphora Myrrha and other plant-derived polysaccharides could benefit to the osteoblasts and osteoclasts.The essential mechanisms are mainly related to the activation or inhibition of many factors,including runt-related transcription factor 2(Runx2),B-catenin,osterix(Osx),activator protein-1(AP-1),osteocalcin(OCN/BGP),alkaline phosphatase(ALP),osteopontin(OPN),bone morphogenetic protein(BMP),phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/C-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)/extracellular regulated protein kinase(ERK),osteoprotegerin(OPG),receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB(RANK),monocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor(M-CSF),tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6(TRAF-6),receptor activator of nuclear factor(NF)-KB ligand(RANKL),nuclear factor of activated T cells 1(NFATc1),c-Fos,matrix metallopeptidase-9(MMP-9),glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK3B)/B-catenin,nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nf2),as well as these related pathways,such as Wnt/p-catenin,BMP-2/SMAD1/5/8,PI3K/AKT,OPG/RANKL/RANK,NF-κB,MAPKs,etc.These plant-derived polysaccharides could improve the dynamic balance of bone formation and resorption through promoting the differentiation and maturation of osteoblast or inhibiting its formation.The reviewed plant-derived polysaccharides and their regulating mechanisms on the osteoclasts and osteoblasts provide the evidences for the development of osteoporosis therapeutics.