https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1122 Previously known as Department of Food Studies and Environmental Health 2026-08-27T03:59:02Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148711 Title: Evaluation of alternative-to-gas chlorination disinfection technologies in the treatment of Maltese potable water Authors: Psakis, Georgios; Spiteri, David; Mallia, Jeanice; Polidano, Martin; Rahbay, Imren; Valdramidis, Vasilis P. Abstract: For years, gas chlorination has been the adopted disinfection technology in the treatment of Maltese potable water. Despite its strong bacterial inactivation potential, traditional chlorination generates high free chlorine residual and disinfection by-products that compromise the sensory attributes of drinking water and deter the population from consuming it. We have identified plausible alternative-to-gas-chlorination technologies for its treatment, with the aim of (a) reducing the disinfectant and/or chlorination dose used for microbial inactivation, and (b) attenuating the negative impact of putative disinfection by-products on the water’s organolepsis, while safeguarding its safe-for-consumption characteristics. We have subjected ultraviolet C (UVC) irradiation, hydrodynamic cavitation (HC), ClO2 generation, and electrochlorination (NaClO) to bacteriological and physicochemical bench-scale studies to assess their bacterial inactivation efficacy and by-product generation propensity, respectively. All the tested technologies except HC achieved a minimum of 3 Log10 microbial inactivation, with NaClO and ClO2 appearing more effective over neutral and alkaline pH conditions, respectively. In addition, we have identified synergistic effects of cavitation on UVC for Enterococcus faecalis inactivation, stemming from enhancement in oxidative stress. Moderate reductions in the total dissolved solid content and Ca2+ hardness of the tested water also emerged following prolonged cavitation. For feasibility studies, the performance of the technologies was further evaluated on the following areas: (a) implementation, (b) practicality, (c) adaptability, (d) integration, (e) environment and sustainability, and (f) cost and effect. Electrochemical generation of NaClO emerged as the most promising technology for further on-site work, followed by ClO2 and UVC. 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148095 Title: An insight into plant-based, vegetarian and omnivore dietary patterns Authors: Jones, Petra Abstract: In the quest for optimal health and well-being, diet plays a pivotal role. The choices we make regarding what we eat significantly impact not only our personal health but also the environment. As global awareness of these impacts grows, it is increasingly important to understand and navigate the diverse range of dietary patterns available, from traditional vegetarian and omnivorous diets to those that emphasise plant-based components. [extract] 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146080 Title: Modulation of gut microbiome in ecstasy/MDMA-induced behavioral and biochemical impairment in rats and potential of post-treatment with Anacyclus pyrethrum L. aqueous extract to mitigate adverse effects Authors: Baslam, Abdelmounaimh; Aitbaba, Abdelfatah; Lamrani Hanchi, Asmae; Tazart, Zakaria; Aboufatima, Rachida; Soraa, Nabila; Ait-El-Mokhtar, Mohamed; Boussaa, Samia; Baslam, Marouane; Chait, Abderrahman Abstract: The use of illicit substances continues to pose a substantial threat to global health, affecting millions of individuals annually. Evidence suggests the existence of a ‘brain–gut axis’ as the involving connection between the central nervous system and gut microbiome (GM). Dysbiosis of the GM has been associated with the pathogenesis of various chronic diseases, including metabolic, malignant, and inflammatory conditions. However, little is currently known about the involvement of this axis in modulating the GM in response to psychoactive substances. In this study, we investigated the effect of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, “Ecstasy”)-dependence on the behavioral and biochemical responses, and the diversity and abundance of the gut microbiome in rats post-treated (or not) with aqueous extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum (AEAP), which has been reported to exhibit anticonvulsant activity. The dependency was validated using the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm, behavioral, and biochemical tests, while the gut microbiota was identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The CPP and behavioral tests confirmed the presence of MDMA withdrawal syndrome. Interestingly, treatment with AEAP led to a compositional shift in the GM compared to the MDMA-treated rats. Specifically, the AEAP group yielded a higher relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacter, while animals receiving MDMA had higher levels of E. coli. These findings suggest that A. pyrethrum therapy may directly modulate the gut microbiome, highlighting a potential target for regulating and treating substance use disorders. 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146053 Title: Fungal and toxin contaminants in cereal grains and flours : systematic review and meta-analysis Authors: Deligeorgakis, Christodoulos; Magro, Christopher; Skendi, Adriana; Gebrehiwot, Haileeyesus Habtegebriel; Valdramidis, Vasilis; Papageorgiou, Maria Abstract: Cereal grains serve as the cornerstone of global nutrition, providing a significant portion of humanity’s caloric requirements. However, the presence of fungal genera, such Fusarium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria, known for their mycotoxin-producing abilities, presents a significant threat to human health due to the adverse effects of these toxins. The primary objective of this study was to identify the predominant fungal contaminants in cereal grains utilized in breadmaking, as well as in flour and bread. Moreover, a systematic review, including meta-analysis, was conducted on the occurrence and levels of mycotoxins in wheat flour from the years 2013 to 2023. The genera most frequently reported were Fusarium, followed by Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria. Among the published reports, the majority focused on the analysis of Deoxynivalenol (DON), which garnered twice as many reports compared to those focusing on Aflatoxins, Zearalenone, and Ochratoxin A. The concentration of these toxins, in most cases determined by HPLC-MS/MS or HPLC coupled with a fluorescence detector (FLD), was occasionally observed to exceed the maximum limits established by national and/or international authorities. The prevalence of mycotoxins in flour samples from the European Union (EU) and China, as well as in foods intended for infants, exhibited a significant reduction compared to other commercial flours assessed by a meta-analysis investigation. 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z