5 research outputs found
Species authentication of canned mackerel: Challenges in molecular identification and potential drivers of mislabelling
No full textThe market for canned mackerel is growing, due to their competitive price and to the excellent properties of the meat. However, the weak rules of current legislation, coupled with the loss of discrimination power due to being obliged to use short barcode regions, open up new challenges for traceability in processed products. In this study, for the first time, we applied a two-step mini-barcoding approach to identify canned mackerel sold in Italian markets and make assumptions on the potential drivers of mislabelling. Preliminary identification was performed using mini-barcode universal primers targeting a COI-fragment; then, in order to discriminate within the complex Scomber colias/S. japonicus/S. australasicus, we applied a second step, using new specific primers designed in the mitochondrial control region (D-loop). Comparison between labels and molecular identifications highlighted that the chance of mislabelling could be either 45% or 0%, depending on the interpretation of the generic terms used on the labels. Therefore, the study revealed that the ambiguous use, in the ingredient list, of ‘umbrella’ terms for naming fish species, such as ‘sgombro’ could be related to geographic origin of products and creates opportunities for fraudulent activities, but also misleads consumers. In light of this pattern, an urgent update of European legislation is needed to face current and future challenges for full chain traceability
DNA metabarcoding for identification of species used in fish burgers
No full textThe absence of morphological identification characters, together with the complexity of the fish supply chain make processed seafood vulnerable to cases of species substitution. Therefore, the authentication and the traceability of such products play a strategic role in ensuring quality and safety. The aim of the present study was to detect species used in the production of multi-species fish burgers and to evaluate mislabelling rates, using a DNA metabarcoding approach by sequencing a fragment of the 16S rRNA mitochondrial gene. The study highlighted the presence of 16 marine and 2 mammalian taxa with an overall mislabelling rate of 80%, including cases of species substitution, the undeclared presence of molluscs and of taxa whose use is not permitted by current Italian legislation. The presence of swine DNA as well as the inclusion of undeclared taxa potentially causing allergies raise concerns regarding consumer safety and protection regarding ethical or religious issues. Overall, the study shows that the application of DNA metabarcoding is a promising approach for successfully enforcing traceability systems targeting multi-species processed food and for supporting control activities, as a guarantee of an innovative food safety management system.Peer reviewe
Effect of COVID-19 quarantine on cognitive, functional and neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with mild cognitive impairment and dementia
No full textBackground During the last two years, COVID-19 affected older people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), but conflicting and sparse results are still present. The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency and type of changes in functional, cognitive and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), and caregiver's stress during the period of quarantine in 2020 in patients affected by dementia/MCI living in Palermo, Sicily. Methods Outpatients affected by MCI/dementia were evaluated before and after COVID-19 quarantine. Functional status was investigated using basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL); cognitive performance with the mini-mental state examination; BPSD through the neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI). All scales were reported as pre/post-COVID-19 quarantine and a logistic regression analysis was performed for investigating the factors associated with worsening in NPI in patients and their caregivers. Results One hundred patients (mean age 77.1; females = 59%) were evaluated over a median of 10 months. In the sample as whole, a significant decline in functional and cognitive status was observed (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). The NPI significantly increased by 3.56 +/- 8.96 points after the COVID-19 quarantine (p < 0.0001), while the caregivers' stress increased by 1.39 +/- 3.46 points between the two evaluations (p < 0.0001). The decline was more evident in people with milder dementia. Higher values of instrumental ADL at baseline were associated with a significant lower worsening in NPI and caregiver's stress. Conclusions COVID-19 quarantine negatively affected functional, cognitive, and neuropsychiatric symptoms in older people affected by dementia/MCI, highlighting the impact of COVID-19 quarantine for this population
