An improved Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy combined with partial least squares regression for rapid quantification of total aflatoxins in commercial chicken feeds and food grains.

Objective: This study aims to develop and validate an Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopic technique combined with a partial least squares regression (PLSR) model for rapid quantification and monitoring of aflatoxins in chicken feeds and food grains.

Materials And Methods: A model of ATR-FTIR-PLSR was developed using ATR-FTIR spectra of mixed aflatoxin standards in 100% acetonitrile (112 samples) and 75% methanol (112 samples), validated by testing its prediction on 125 feed/food samples spiked with variable concentrations of aflatoxins, and applied to screen 660 samples of commercial chicken feeds and food grains from Nigerian and Malaysian markets for total aflatoxins, for which the dietary exposure risks to aflatoxins (DERA) and associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risks were evaluated for both countries.

Results: The ATR-FTIR-PLSR model demonstrated excellent prediction power [ = 99.

Ultra-fast RP-HPLC-FD-DAD for quantification of total aflatoxins in maize, rice, wheat, peanut and poultry feed without sample clean up, and population exposure risk assessment in Katsina, Nigeria: an optimization study.

This study reports the development and validation of a simple, yet efficient method called the ultra-fast reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence and photodiode array detector (UF-RP-HPLC-FD-DAD) to extract and quantify the total aflatoxin from grains and poultry feed. The proposed method is used to determine the total aflatoxin content in 150 samples of maize, rice, wheat, peanut and poultry feed obtained from open markets in a state in Nigeria. The extent of consumer exposure to aflatoxins and the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are evaluated.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and their associated factors among quarry workers in Nigeria: A cross-sectional study.

Unlabelled: Quarry workers are commonly afflicted with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This health problem has been recognized as a significant threat to the quarry workers' safety but is rarely reported, particularly in Nigeria. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of MSDs and their associated factors among quarry workers.

Levels of house dust mite allergen in cars.

This small study investigated house dust mite (HDM) allergen levels in cars and their owners' homes in north-east Scotland. Dust samples from twelve households and cars were collected in a standardised manner. The dust samples were extracted and measured for the Dermatophagoides group 2 allergens (Der p 2 and Der f 2) and total soluble protein.

The 'take home' burden of workplace sensitizers: flour contamination in bakers' families.

Background: Exposure to flour/flour constituents is a leading cause of occupational asthma. Paternal occupational exposure to flour has been associated with increased likelihood of childhood asthma, raising the possibility of para-occupational exposure whereby family members are exposed to sensitizers 'taken home' on contaminated skin/clothing.

Objective: To establish whether workplace contamination of skin/clothing with wheat flour allergen (WFA) and fungal α-amylase (FAA) is associated with increased levels of these allergens in bakers' homes.