https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1123 2026-07-24T07:48:44Z 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 https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145886 Title: Co-occurrence of taste and odor compounds and cyanotoxins in cyanobacterial blooms : emerging risks to human health? Authors: Manganelli, Maura; Testai, Emanuela; Tazart, Zakaria; Scardala, Simona; Codd, Geoffrey A. Abstract: Cyanobacteria commonly form large blooms in waterbodies; they can produce cyanotoxins, with toxic effects on humans and animals, and volatile compounds, causing bad tastes and odors (T&O) at naturally occurring low concentrations. Notwithstanding the large amount of literature on either cyanotoxins or T&O, no review has focused on them at the same time. The present review critically evaluates the recent literature on cyanotoxins and T&O compounds (geosmin, 2-methylisoborneol, β-ionone and β-cyclocitral) to identify research gaps on harmful exposure of humans and animals to both metabolite classes. T&O and cyanotoxins production can be due to the same or common to different cyanobacterial species/strains, with the additional possibility of T&O production by non-cyanobacterial species. The few environmental studies on the co-occurrence of these two groups of metabolites are not sufficient to understand if and how they can co-vary, or influence each other, perhaps stimulating cyanotoxin production. Therefore, T&Os cannot reliably serve as early warning surrogates for cyanotoxins. The scarce data on T&O toxicity seem to indicate a low health risk (but the inhalation of β-cyclocitral deserves more study). However, no data are available on the effects of combined exposure to mixtures of cyanotoxins and T&O compounds and to combinations of T&O compounds; therefore, whether the co-occurrence of cyanotoxins and T&O compounds is a health issue remains an open question. 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z