Cosmetic or Dietary Vegetable Oils Sampled in the Cameroonian Market May Not Expose Consumers to Lipid Oxidation Products Generating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Vegetable oils are a source of energy, essential fatty acids, antioxidants and fat-soluble vitamins useful for human health care and development. These oils also contribute to organoleptic quality of their products’ derivatives. However, their chemical and physical properties can be modified by the mode of their extraction, storage and distribution. These modifications might negatively affect the nutritional quality of the oils. The goals of this study were to: sample different vegetable oils for cosmetic or dietary use marketed in Cameroon, and verify purity and oxidation states of each kind of oil through determination of its acidity, iodine, peroxide, saponification, refractive indexes and the conformity of the labeling. The carotene content, the level of polar components and specific absorbance were also determined. As the result, six oils namely palm, palm kernel, coconut, black cumin, peanut and shea butter were collected. Apart from labeling, chemicals and physicals parameters analyzed were generally in accordance with the Cameroonian and Codex Alimentarius standard. This study suggests that vegetable oils sampled in the Cameroonian market may not expose consumers to lipid oxidation products generating pathological oxidative stress and inflammation. However, efforts in application of existing standard need to be done as far as labeling are concerned.

Detection of Adenovirus in Fresh Fruit, Vegetables, Wastewater and Manure from Irrigated Farms in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Enteric viral pathogens are responsible for numerous epidemics associated with the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetable, whether raw or minimally processed. The aim of the present study was to assess agricultural practices and the presence of adenovirus (AdV) in fruits and vegetables, manure and irrigation wastewater sampled in the urban and peri-urban perimeters of Ouagadougou. A total of 286 samples including 30 lettuces, 42 tomatoes, 30 carrots, 30 strawberries, 74 manures and 80 wastewater samples were collected from four market garden sites in and around Ouagadougou. Nested PCR was performed with specific primers to detect adenoviruses (AdVs). A face-to-face survey was carried out using a questionnaire on market garden production practices. Overall, adenoviruses prevalence was 5.9% [IC95, 3.2% - 8.7%] in all samples analyzed. It was specifically 7.14% (3/42) from tomatoes, 6.7% (2/30) from lettuces, 20% (6/30) on strawberries and 7.5% (6/80) in irrigation water. The survey showed that irrigation water came from untreated sources (dam, well, canal) and then 52% of farms used untreated manure. No farms have implemented measures to limit access by domestic and wild animals. This work shows the presence of human adenoviruses in surface irrigation water and fresh produce, which is of concern when fresh produce is consumed raw. To reduce the public health risks associated with consuming these foods, it is essential to follow good hygiene and cultivation practices.

Determination of Coumoxystrobin Residue in Vegetables by QeEChERS-UPLC-MS/MS

[Objectives]This study was conducted to establish a method for determining residual coumoxystrobin in vegetables using QeEChERS-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(QeEChERS-LC-MS/MS).[Methods]The sample was extracted by acetonitrile,and the extract was purified by QeEChERS,concentrated by nitrogen blowing,and then detected.[Results]Coumoxystrobin had a good linear relation in the range of 0.01-10.0 mg/kg,and the linear equation was y=4686.92×x+5683.28,R^(2)=0.999.The limit of detection was 0.001 mg/kg,and the limit of quantitation was 0.003 mg/kg.[Conclusions]The method has the advantages of convenient and fast operation and stable detection process,and can provide technical support for the supervision and monitoring of coumoxystrobin.

A review:Health benefits and physicochemical characteristics of blended vegetable oils

Oil blending is the method of choice used worldwide to improve oxidative stability and nutritional value.There is no such edible oil/fat that meets all the recommendations from the health point of view.The fatty acid composition of vegetable oils decides the fate of the oil.Pure single oil is unable to provide a balanced amount of fatty acids(FAs)required/recommended on a daily intake basis.Blending oils/fats is an appropriate procedure of physically mixing multiple oils in suitable proportions which may provide functional lipids with improved antioxidant potential and desirable physical and chemical properties.This review piled up the accessible data on the blending of diverse oils/fats in the combination of binary,ternary,quaternary,or other types of oils into a single blended oil.Blending can be found very convincing towards appropriate FA profile,enhancement in physicochemical characteristics,and augmented stability for the period of storage or when used as cooking/frying processes which could ultimately serve as an effectual dietary intervention towards the health protectiveness.

Optimizing Household Wastes (Rice, Vegetables, and Fruit) as an Environmentally Friendly Electricity Generator

The high consumption of electricity and issues related to fossil energy have triggered an increase in energy prices and the scarcity of fossil resources.Consequently,many researchers are seeking alternative energy sources.One potential technology,the Microbial Fuel Cell(MFC)based on rice,vegetable,and fruit wastes,can convert chemical energy into electrical energy.This study aims to determine the potency of rice,vegetable,and fruit waste assisted by Cu/Mg electrodes as a generator of electricity.The method used was a laboratory experiment,including the following steps:electrode preparation,waste sample preparation,incubation of the waste samples,construction of a reactor using rice,vegetable,and fruit waste as a source of electricity,and testing.The tests included measuring electrical conductivity,electric current,voltage,current density,and power density.Based on the test results,the maximum current and voltage values for the fruit waste samples were 5.53 V and 11.5 mA,respectively,with a current density of 2.300 mA/cm^(2) and a power density of 12.719 mW/cm^(2).The results indicate the potential for a future development.The next step in development involves determining the optimum conditions for utilizing of rice,vegetable,and fruit waste.The results of the electrical conductivity test on rice,vegetable,and fruit waste samples were 1.51,2.88,and 3.98 mS,respectively,with the highest electrical conductivity value found in the fruit waste sample.

Effects of long-term partial substitution of inorganic fertilizer with pig manure and/or straw on nitrogen fractions and microbiological properties in greenhouse vegetable soils

Partial substitution of inorganic fertilizers with organic amendments is an important agricultural management practice.An 11-year field experiment(22 cropping periods)was carried out to analyze the impacts of different partial substitution treatments on crop yields and the transformation of nitrogen fractions in greenhouse vegetable soil.Four treatments with equal N,P_(2)O_(5),and K_(2)O inputs were selected,including complete inorganic fertilizer N(CN),50%inorganic fertilizer N plus 50%pig manure N(CPN),50%inorganic fertilizer N plus 25%pig manure N and 25%corn straw N(CPSN),and 50%inorganic fertilizer N plus 50%corn straw N(CSN).Organic substitution treatments tended to increase crop yields since the 6th cropping period compared to the CN treatment.From the 8th to the 22nd cropping periods,the highest yields were observed in the CPSN treatment where yields were 7.5-11.1%greater than in CN treatment.After 11-year fertilization,compared to CN,organic substitution treatments significantly increased the concentrations of NO_(3)^(-)-N,NH_(4)^(+)-N,acid hydrolysis ammonium-N(AHAN),amino acid-N(AAN),amino sugar-N(ASN),and acid hydrolysis unknown-N(AHUN)in soil by 45.0-69.4,32.8-58.1,49.3-66.6,62.0-69.5,34.5-100.3,and 109.2-172.9%,respectively.Redundancy analysis indicated that soil C/N and OC concentration significantly affected the distribution of N fractions.The highest concentrations of NO_(3)^(-)-N,AHAN,AAN,AHUN were found in the CPSN treatment.Organic substitution treatments increased the activities ofβ-glucosidase,β-cellobiosidase,N-acetyl-glucosamidase,L-aminopeptidase,and phosphatase in the soil.Organic substitution treatments reduced vector length and increased vector angle,indicating alleviation of constraints of C and N on soil microorganisms.Organic substitution treatments increased the total concentrations of phospholipid fatty acids(PLFAs)in the soil by 109.9-205.3%,and increased the relative abundance of G^(+)bacteria and fungi taxa,but decreased the relative abundance of G-bacteria,total bacteria,and actinomycetes.Overall,long-term organic substitution management increased soil OC concentration,C/N,and the microbial population,the latter in turn positively influenced soil enzyme activity.Enhanced microorganism numbers and enzyme activity enhanced soil N sequestration by transforming inorganic N to acid hydrolysis-N(AHN),and enhanced soil N supply capacity by activating non-acid hydrolysis-N(NAHN)to AHN,thus improving vegetable yield.Application of inorganic fertilizer,manure,and straw was a more effective fertilization model for achieving sustainable greenhouse vegetable production than application of inorganic fertilizer alone.

Comprehensive Prevention and Control Technology of Vegetable Diseases and Pests in Shandong Province

An in-depth research and practice has been conducted on vegetable diseases and pests in Shandong Province,and the principles of comprehensive and ecological control of diseases and pests are put forward,including agricultural control measures such as crop rotation,field cleaning,fertilizer and water management,physical control measures such as catching and killing,trapping,blocking,photoelectric energy treatment,biological control measures such as the use of natural enemies,pathogenic microorganisms,other beneficial organisms and metabolites,and scientific and rational chemical control measures.Comprehensive prevention and control not only controls vegetable diseases and pests effectively,but also protects the ecological environment.

Different Foliar Fertilizer Treatments Affect the Yield and Quality of Brassica napus L.for Both Vegetable and Oil Dual-Use Rape

Field experiments were carried out to study the effect of different foliar fertilizer treatments on the agronomic traits,yield,and quality of Brassica napus L.for both vegetable and oil dual-use rape.The seedlings of‘Youtai 929’,‘Jinyoutai 1’,and‘Zhongshuang 11’were sprayed with potassium dihydrogen phosphate,naphthylacetic acid,and selenium fertilizer,and the agronomic traits,yield,and quality were determined.The results showed that the naphthylacetic acid treatment had the highest indexes before winter,followed by the selenium fertilizer treatment.At the harvesting stage,the plant height,number of siliquae,yield per plant,and number of effective branches on the main stem of the three varieties were the highest in the naphthylacetic acid treatment,followed by those in the potassium dihydrogen phosphate treatment.The fresh shoot quality was the best in the selenium fertilizer treatment and the second in the naphthylacetic acid treatment.‘Jinyoutai 1’applied with naphthylacetic acid had the highest economic benefit of 4971.78 CNY/667m^(2),which was 642.32 CNY/667m^(2) higher than that of the control.The findings suggested that naphthylacetic acid was suitable to be used as the foliar fertilizer for the seedlings of B.napus varieties for both vegetable and oilseed,and the additional application of selenium fertilizer demonstrated better effect.

Adoption of Solar Pumping Systems by Vegetable Farmers in Niayes Agro-Ecological Zone of Senegal: Adoption as a Sequential Process

This article examines the determinants of the adoption of solar pumping systems (PV) by vegetable farmers in the Niayes area of Senegal. To measure the determinants, we used a sequential logit model to translate the adoption process from becoming aware of solar pumping systems to testing them, i.e. using them at least once, and then continuing to use them over time. The results show that the main variables affecting awareness of the use of solar pumping systems (PV) are age, marital status, experience, access to credit, the farmer’s knowledge of climate change, the farmer’s origin in the Thiès region and length of time in the Niayes area. The first use of PVs is influenced by factors such as the size of the plot, the distance of the plot from the main road or from the market. Finally, the decision to adopt or continue use is influenced by gender, experience, household size and access to credit. Surprisingly, access to credit does not affect the first use of solar pumping systems, but plays a key role in their continued use.

Farmers’ Knowledge and Awareness towards the Use of Agrochemicals in Vegetable Cultivation, Fako Cameroon

Agrochemicals are contemporary, omnipresent tool used in vegetable cultivation. Farmers’ knowledge and awareness of the proper usage of agrochemicals are critical for mitigating the negative effects on human health. This cross-sectional study was aimed at assessing the usage knowledge, risk awareness of toxicological and chemical classes, proper handling and use practices for agrochemicals homologated for use in vegetable farming, and the occurrence of health-related symptoms as a result of exposure among these farmers. The study included 93 vegetable growers from agricultural hotspot towns in Fako, southwest Cameroon. The field study, ran from November 2021 to December 2023, using a questionnaire to collect information on farmers demographic, and their knowledge of pesticide classes, and the related risk of associated with the handling of agrochemicals. Results show that all vegetable farmers, particularly those engaged in agribusiness, employ pesticide inputs to maximize production. Six pesticides, two fertilizer types, and one unknown substance were identified. While 23 active compounds were found, the most utilized were abamectin, emamectin (10.46%), dimethoate (9.30%,) and ethoprophos (8.13%). Two active chemicals, dimethoate and methalaxyl, are illegal yet remain in circulation. Toxicological classes I and II, with the greatest harmful effect on human health, were the most commonly utilized (64.27%). Thirty-nine percent of farmers never use personal protection equipment when working with agrochemicals, demonstrating a significant gap in knowledge and awareness of agrochemicals and their various applications and handling procedures in the field. The government should implement an intensive specialized educational program for on-field farmers with incentives in order to promote sustainable agriculture methods that ensure environmental and human safety.

Bee pollination in vegetables:current status,challenges and prospects

Vegetables are very important for human health in the era of nutritional security because they are rich in vitamins,minerals,phytochemicals,and dietary fibers.Inadequate pollination due to the decline of pollinators is a major obstacle in achieving high productivity of vegetables that adversely affects the quality and quantity of seed production of vegetables.Bee pollination influences the profitability and productivity of several horticultural crops,especially vegetables.Bee pollination significantly increases crop quality and yield,and it also has widespread nutritional and monetary advantages.Bees encounter various obstacles that might negatively impact their quality of life,such as habitat destruction,effects of agrochemicals,insect-pest and diseases,and changing weather scenarios.The inadvertent usage of agrochemicals contaminates the vegetables and the bee products that are eventually consumed by humans.To meet the pollination demand of cross-pollinated vegetables like cucurbits and cole crops,3−5 bee colonies/hectare are sufficient.Aspects like colony conditions,beehive densities,distribution,and time of placement of bee colonies must be considered to improve bee pollination.Bees are recognized as the most important pollinators because of their effectiveness and wider availability across the globe.To ensure food security,nutritional security,and to preserve biodiversity,bee pollination must be enhanced and given prime importance in vegetables.The integrated pollination technique,which recently arose but is in the infancy stage,links wild and managed bees on more bee-friendly farmlands to provide reliable and sufficient pollination.

Development status and prospect of cold chain logistics of fruits,vegetables,and agricultural products based on intelligent technology

The cold chain in the production area of fruits and vegetables is the primary link to reduce product loss and improve product quality,but it is also a weak link.With the application of big data technology in cold chain logistics,intelligent devices,and technologies have become important carriers for improving the efficiency of cold chain logistics in fruit and vegetable production areas,extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables,and reducing fruit and vegetable losses.They have many advantages in fruit and vegetable pre-cooling,sorting and packaging,testing,warehousing,transportation,and other aspects.This article summarizes the rapidly developing and widely used intelligent technologies at home and abroad in recent years,including automated guided vehicle intelligent handling based on electromagnetic or optical technology,intelligent sorting based on sensors,electronic optics,and other technologies,intelligent detection based on computer vision technology,intelligent transportation based on perspective imaging technology,etc.It analyses and studies the innovative research and achievements of various scholars in applying intelligent technology in fruit and vegetable cold chain storage,sorting,detection,transportation,and other links,and improves the efficiency of fruit and vegetable cold chain logistics.However,applying intelligent technology in fruit and vegetable cold chain logistics also faces many problems.The challenges of high cost,difficulty in technological integration,and talent shortages have limited the development of intelligent technology in the field of fruit and vegetable cold chains.To solve the current problems,it is proposed that costs be controlled through independent research and development,technological innovation,and other means to lower the entry threshold for small enterprises.Strengthen integrating intelligent technology and cold chain logistics systems to improve data security and system compatibility.At the same time,the government should introduce relevant policies,provide necessary financial support,and establish talent training mechanisms.Accelerate the development and improvement of intelligent technology standards in the field of cold chain logistics.Through technological innovation,cost control,talent cultivation,and policy guidance,we aim to promote the upgrading of the agricultural industry and provide ideas for improving the quality and efficiency of fruit and vegetable cold chain logistics.

Effect of Soil Selenium on Nutritional Quality of Vegetables in the Selenium-enriched Areas of Qinghai Plateau

In order to improve the added value of the main vegetable products in Qinghai Province,we researched the effect of soil selenium content on vegetable quality in selenium-enriched area of Qinghai. Through the analysis of Qinghai selenium-enriched soil selenium content and5 kinds of main vegetables corresponds to the total selenium,part of the mineral elements and soluble sugar and VC content,the effects of soil selenium levels on selenium absorption and nourishment quality of vegetables were researched. The results showed that he Qinghai selenium-enriched soil selenium content in the range of 100. 00-563. 00 μg/kg,among them,the soil samples with sufficient selenium and rich selenium accounted for 76. 53% and 18. 88%,respectively. Soil selenium content of garlic sampling area was relatively high,and soil selenium content of sugar beet sampling area was relatively low. Vegetable selenium content was in the range of 11. 00-340. 94 μg/kg,the average content of total selenium content of garlic was up to 170. 40 μg/kg,and the average content of the total selenium content of radish is 73. 00 μg/kg.90. 63% of the vegetables in the region reached the level of sufficient selenium,and 70. 31% reached the level of selenium enrichment. The average content of Ca and Mg was higher than the national average. There was no significant correlation between selenium content of soil and vegetable and nutritional quality.

Vegetable Oil-Based Nanolubricants in Machining:From Physicochemical Properties to Application

Cutting fluid is crucial in ensuring surface quality and machining accuracy during machining.However,traditional mineral oil-based cutting fluids no longer meet modern machining’s health and environmental protection require-ments.As a renewable,pollution-free alternative with excellent processing characteristics,vegetable oil has become an inevitable replacement.However,vegetable oil lacks oxidation stability,extreme pressure,and antiwear proper-ties,which are essential for machining requirements.The physicochemical characteristics of vegetable oils and the improved methods’application mechanism are not fully understood.This study aims to investigate the effects of viscosity,surface tension,and molecular structure of vegetable oil on cooling and lubricating properties.The mechanisms of autoxidation and high-temperature oxidation based on the molecular structure of vegetable oil are also discussed.The study further investigates the application mechanism and performance of chemical modification and antioxidant additives.The study shows that the propionic ester of methyl hydroxy-oleate obtained by epoxidation has an initial oxidation temperature of 175℃.The application mechanism and extreme pressure performance of conventional extreme pressure additives and nanoparticle additives were also investigated to solve the problem of insufficient oxidation resistance and extreme pressure performance of nanobiological lubricants.Finally,the study discusses the future prospects of vegetable oil for chemical modification and nanoparticle addition.The study provides theoretical guidance and technical support for the industrial application and scientific research of vegetable oil in the field of lubrication and cooling.It is expected to promote sustainable development in the manufacturing industry.

Rapid screening of 420 pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables using ultra high performance liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry

A new method for screening and identification 420 pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF/MS)were developed.The samples were extracted with acetonitrile/acetic acid(99:1,V/V),and clean-up by SinChERS-Nano(single-step,cheap,effective,rugged,safe,nano)column,determined by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS.The accurate mass database and MS/MS database which contains 420 pesticides were established,the automatic retrieval of detection results was carried on according to the accurate mass,retention time,isotope ratio,ion fragment information,and so on.Method verification was performed on leeks samples.The results showed that 420 pesticides had good linearity in the range of 0.1-100μg/L,and the correlation coeffificients(R2)was greater than 0.990.The limits of detections(LODs)and limits of quantifications(LOQs)of 420 pesticides were in range of 0.05-2.0 and 0.1-5.0μg/L,respectively.The average spike recoveries at 3 levels were 70.1%to 119.7%,and the relative standard deviations(RSD)were lower than 20%(n=6).With this method,a survey of pesticide residues was conducted for 110 samples of 10 different fruits and vegetables,which provided scientific data for ensuring pesticide residue safety of the fruits and vegetables consumed daily by the public.This method was simple,sensitive and accurate,and could be used for rapid screening of 420 pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables.

Selected fermented indigenous vegetables and fruits from Malaysia as potential sources of natural probiotics for improving gut health

In the Peninsular Malaysia and Northern Borneo island of Malaysia, various rich indigenous leafy vegetables and fruits grow and contribute to the nutritional and dietary values of the population. They have high water contents, thus, naturally vulnerable to rapid food spoilage. Food preservation and processing play a vital role in the inhibition of food pathogens in fruits and vegetables that are prevalent in Malaysia. Lactic acid fermentation is generally a local-based bioprocess, among the oldest form and well-known for food-processing techniques among indigenous people there. The long shelf life of fermented vegetables and fruits improves their nutritional values and antioxidant potentials. Fermented leaves and vegetables can be utilized as a potential source of probiotics as they are host for several lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus confusus, Weissella paramesenteroides, Enterococcus faecalis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus buchneri, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus pentosus, Pediococcus acidilactici, Pediococcus pentosaceus and Leuconostoc mesenteroides. These strains may be more viable in metabolic systems whereby they can contribute to a substantial increase in essential biologically active element than industrial starter cultures. This review is aimed to address some essential fermented fruits and vegetables in Malaysia and their remarkable reputations as a potential sources of natural probiotics.

Assessment of Lubrication Property and Machining Performance of Nanofluid Composite Electrostatic Spraying(NCES)Using Different Types of Vegetable Oils as Base Fluids of External Fluid

The current study of minimum quantity lubrication(MQL)concentrates on its performance improvement.By contrast with nanofluid MQL and electrostatic atomization(EA),the proposed nanofluid composite electrostatic spraying(NCES)can enhance the performance of MQL more comprehensively.However,it is largely influenced by the base fluid of external fluid.In this paper,the lubrication property and machining performance of NCES with different types of vegetable oils(castor,palm,soybean,rapeseed,and LB2000 oil)as the base fluids of external fluid were compared and evaluated by friction and milling tests under different flow ratios of external and internal fluids.The spraying current and electrowetting angle were tested to analyze the influence of vegetable oil type as the base fluid of external fluid on NCES performances.The friction test results show that relative to NCES with other vegetable oils as the base fluids of external fluid,NCES with LB2000 as the base fluid of external fluid reduced the friction coefficient and wear loss by 9.4%-27.7%and 7.6%-26.5%,respectively.The milling test results display that the milling force and milling temperature for NCES with LB2000 as the base fluid of external fluid were 1.4%-13.2%and 3.6%-11.2%lower than those for NCES with other vegetable oils as the base fluids of external fluid,respectively.When LB2000/multi-walled carbon nanotube(MWCNT)water-based nanofluid was used as the external/internal fluid and the flow ratio of external and internal fluids was 2:1,NCES showed the best milling performance.This study provides theoretical and technical support for the selection of the base fluid of NCES external fluid.

GbLMI1 over-expression improves cotton aboveground vegetative growth

Leaves are the main organ for photosynthesis and organic synthesis in cotton.Leaf shape has important effects on photosynthetic efficiency and canopy formation,thereby affecting cotton yield.Previous studies have shown that LMI1(LATE MERISTEM IDENTITY1)is the main gene regulating leaf shape.In this study,the LMI1 gene was inserted into the 35S promoter expression vector,and cotton plants overexpressing LMI1(OE)were obtained through genetic transformation.Statistical analysis of the biological traits of the T_(1) and T_(2) populations showed that compared to the wild type(WT),OE plants had significantly larger leaves,thicker stems and significantly greater dry weight.Furthermore,plant sections of the main vein and petiole showed that the numbers of cells in those tissues of OE plants were significantly greater.In addition,RNA-seq analysis revealed the differential expression of genes related to gibberellin synthesis and NAC gene family(genes containing the NAC domain)between the OE and WT plants,suggesting that LMI1 is involved in secondary wall formation and cell proliferation,which promotes stem thickening.Moreover,Gene Ontology(GO)analysis revealed enrichment in the terms of calcium ion binding,and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)analysis showed enrichment in the terms of fatty acid degradation,phosphatidylinositol signal transduction system,and c AMP(cyclic adenosine monophosphate)signal pathway.These results suggested that LMI1 OE plants are responsive to gibberellin hormone signals,and have altered messenger signals(c AMP,Ca^(2+))which amplify this function,to promote stronger aboveground vegetative growth.This study found the LMI1 greatly increased the vegetative growth in cotton,which is the basic requirement for higher yield.

The Status of Vegetables Research in Malawi, Capacity, Progress, Gaps, and Way Forward—A Scoping Review

Vegetables are key to nutrition and economic security, especially for developing societies. Research in vegetables has been historically key. From early domestication efforts to modern-day breeding and value addition, research has enabled vegetable productivity to support the nutritional and economic needs of societies. Impactful research, however, requires competent research capacity and a guiding framework, in a continuously changing socio-climatic world. Vegetable research appraisal in Malawi, especially regarding capacity, focus, and a guiding framework, is lacking. By using 5 search engines and 506 analyzed publications, this review sought to first examine the existing research capacity in Malawi and assess the vegetable research focus in terms of both value chain analysis themes and specific vegetable tax. This approach allowed for the isolation and flagging out of key emerging issues from existing research that positively contextualize future vegetable research direction in Malawi. It has been found that Malawi has adequate institutional and expertise capacity to further vegetable research. The identified challenges include local funding and infrastructural capacity to leverage donor funding. Three key emerging issues of climate change, modeling, and biofortification in vegetable crops have been identified. It is suggested that, with Malawi facing the climate change challenge, research focus in these areas, will enhance not only nutritional and economic security, but also overall climate change readiness. Key to climate change readiness is the involvement of indigenous vegetable production. As a package, vegetable cultivation can play a critical role in contributing to the achievement of pillar 1 of the Malawi vision 2063, which seeks to leverage agricultural productivity and commercialization with a focus on climate change resilience.

Twelve family members with tetramine poisoning after consumption of vegetables grown in polluted soils

The main toxic component of tetramine is tetramethylenedisulfotetramine(TETS).It is a sulfonamide derivative without special antidote,tasteless and tasteless,with high toxicity and high mortality.[1]It was first discovered by a German scientist Hagen in 1949.Although its use has been banned worldwide due to its high toxicity and mortality rate,it is still available in certain countries and has led to cases of intentional and unintentional poisoning.Tetramine blocksγ-neurons,leading to dizziness,fatigue,nausea,vomiting,convulsions,and other symptoms.[2-4]Due to the lack of recognized effective antidotes,many poisoned people suff ocate and die as a result of continuous spasms of the respiratory muscles.[5-7]Tetramine poisoning sometimes occurs,but it is rare for vegetables grown in tetraminecontaminated soil to cause group poisoning after being eaten.