Arsenic content of some edible mushroom species

The arsenic contents of 162 fruit body samples of 37 common edible mushroom taxa were analyzed. The samples were gathered from different habitats of Hungary (mainly from mountains) between 1984 and 1999. The arsenic content of the samples was measured by the inductively coupled plasma spectrometry method. Very low [lower than 0.05 mg/kg dry matter (DM)] concentrations were found in the samples of 13 taxa, while higher (or very high) contents were quantified in other common taxa (the highest arsenic content was recorded in the fruit body of Laccaria amethysthea at 146.9 mg/kg DM). The species of eight genera (Agaricus, Calvatia, Collybia, Laccaria, Langermannia, Lepista, Lycoperdon, Macrolepiota) belong to the so-called accumulating taxa, and this tendency is evident on all habitats. This arsenic accumulation capability is found in two orders of Basidiomycetes (Agaricales and Gasteromycetales), which is to say this phenomenon occurs in the families Agaricaceae, Tricholomataceae and Gasteromycetaceae. The accumulating taxa found all have a saprotrophic type of nutrition; arsenic accumulation is not detectable in xilophagous or in mycorrhizal species. The consumption of the accumulating species found has only a low toxicological risk for three reasons: the consumed fresh fruit bodies contain about a tenfold lower arsenic level than the dried ones, the majority of arsenic occurs not in poisonous inorganic, but in less dangerous (or not poisonous) organic forms, and the frequency of consumption is low.     

Organization and localization of the dnaA and dnaK gene regions on the multichromosomal genome of Burkholderia multivorans ATCC 17616

The Burkholderia multivorans strain ATCC 17616 carries three circular chromosomes with sizes of 3.4, 2.5, and 0.9 Mb. To reveal the distribution and organization of the genes for fundamental cell functions on the genome of this bacterium, the dnaA and dnaK gene regions of ATCC 17616 were cloned and characterized. The gene organization of the dnaA region was rnpA-rmpH-dnaA-dnaN-gyrB with a single consensus DnaA-binding box (TTATCCACA) between the rmpH and dnaA genes. This intergenic region, however, did not work as an autonomously replicating sequence in ATCC 17616. On the other hand, the gene organization of the dnaK region was grpE-orf1 (gene for thioredoxin homologue)-dnaK-dnaJ-pabB (gene for p-aminobenzoate synthetase component homologue). A putative heat-shock promoter that showed good homology to the sigma32-dependent promoter consensus sequence in Escherichia coli was found upstream of the grpE gene, suggesting that these five genes constitute an operon. In M9 succinate minimal medium the dnaJ mutant grew more slowly than the wild-type strain, indicating that this operon is functional. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and Southern blot analyses indicated that both the dnaA and dnaK gene regions exist as single copies on the 3.4 Mb chromosome.     

鸡源大肠埃希氏菌mcr-1基因携带及分析

目的 了解在农业农村部禁止使用多黏菌素作为动物促生长使用后四川部分地区鸡源大肠埃希氏菌（E.coli）mcr-1基因的携带情况,为制定进一步防控措施提供依据。方法 采集四川部分地区市场售卖点肉鸡直肠拭子,用含有多黏菌素（终浓度4 μg/mL）的EC肉汤增菌接种含多黏菌素（终浓度4 μg/mL）的麦康凯平板,挑取可疑菌落,采用PCR方法鉴定菌株并检测mcr-1基因;微量肉汤稀释法测定mcr-1基因阳性菌株对临床常见抗菌药物耐药情况。脉冲场凝胶电泳（PFGE）对mcr-1基因阳性菌株进行同源分析。耐药基因质粒结合实验验证mcr-1基因传播途径。结果 从70份肉鸡样本中的13份检出mcr-1基因阳性大肠埃希氏菌,检出率18.57%（13/70）,对实验的13种抗生素,除13株mcr-1阳性菌株对头孢西丁有12株敏感以外,对其他抗生素都表现出不同程度的耐药,其中四环素和甲氧苄啶/磺胺甲恶唑耐药率最高,达到了100%（13/13）;其次是氨苄西林和氯霉素,耐药率为84.62%（11/13）。PFGE显示13株mcr-1阳性大肠埃希氏菌分属13个不同的型别;质粒结合实验显示mcr-1基因能够通过质粒传播。结论 mcr-1基因在鸡大肠内大肠杆菌中检测率比较高,且鸡大肠中mcr-1阳性大肠埃希氏菌的耐药情况比较严重。     

植物乳杆菌发酵桑葚酵素工艺优化及质量评价

目的:解决新鲜桑葚难以保存的问题，将新鲜桑葚制成桑葚酵素。方法:以新鲜桑葚汁为原料，植物乳杆菌为生产菌种，总酚含量为评价指标，通过单因素试验结合响应面试验优化了植物乳杆菌桑葚酵素的发酵工艺，并对桑葚酵素的理化、微生物及感官质量指标进行评价。结果:优化后发酵工艺条件为发酵时间40 h、发酵温度32℃、接种量25%,所制得的植物乳杆菌桑葚酵素的总酚含量达(43.48±0.67)μg/mL,是未经发酵的桑葚汁的1.62倍，可溶性固体物含量为5.36%,pH值为4.08±0.01,微生物指标满足国家标准；桑葚酵素呈紫红、色泽均匀，具有浓郁的桑葚果香和发酵的香味、无异味，酸味柔和、风味好，有光泽、无杂质及沉淀。结论:经植物乳杆菌发酵制得桑葚酵素的过程有生物活性物质产生，有利于提高桑葚酵素质量。     

单一及混合乳酸菌发酵对番木瓜汁品质的影响

目的：探讨植物乳杆菌Lactobacillus plantarum （Lp）、鼠李糖杆菌Lactobacillus rhamnosus （Lr）、嗜酸乳杆菌Lactobacillus acidophilus （La）及两两混合菌（Lp+Lr、Lp+La、Lr+La）对番木瓜汁发酵后植物化学、微生物学、风味特性和功能特性的影响,并开发出一种具有改善功能和促进健康特性的番木瓜益生菌发酵饮料。方法：通过测定发酵过程中pH值、可溶性固形物、可滴定酸、活菌数、葡萄糖、果糖、蔗糖、有机酸和挥发性化合物的变化,考察各菌发酵过程中总酚、总黄酮含量和抗α-葡萄糖苷酶、抗酪氨酸酶的能力。结果：在72 h的发酵过程中,单一菌株培养和混合菌株培养的变化相似,pH值显著降低,酸度显著提高;乳酸和琥珀酸含量均显著提高,柠檬酸和苹果酸含量显著降低。发酵后,木瓜汁中总酚类物质和总黄酮含量均有所增加。Pearson相关分析表明,酚类物质的代谢可能有助于增强α-葡萄糖苷酶和酪氨酸酶的抑制作用。所有发酵组中,由植物乳杆菌单菌发酵的番木瓜汁乳酸、总酚、总黄酮含量最高,对α-葡萄糖苷酶和酪氨酸酶的抑制作用最强。未经发酵的番木瓜原汁中主要检出6种挥发性化合物,丁酸含量最大为89.742%,其次为芳樟醇。发酵后,从6组发酵果汁中共鉴定出25种主要挥发性成分,其中丁酸含量显著降低,减少了番木瓜不愉快气味的产生。所有发酵中,Lp单菌产生的挥发性成分最多（18种）,混合菌Lp+Lr的较少（5种）。虽然混合菌Lp+Lr存在的活菌数最多[7.61 lg（CFU/mL）],但总体看来,单一菌种Lp可能更可取。结论：单菌种植物乳杆菌发酵可以改善番木瓜汁的感官特性,并增强其潜在的功能特性。     

Contamination with storage fungi of human food from Cameroon

In a mycological study, a total of 95 human food samples were investigated to evaluate the incidence of fungal contamination in Cameroon by conventional identification method and partly confirmed by DNA sequencing. The isolated fungal spp. were further studied to determine their toxigenic potentials. The investigation revealed the predominance of Aspergillus and Penicillium with 96% of samples contaminated with at least one species of these fungi, whereas the incidence of co-contamination of samples was 85%. Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus (Flavi section) were the most predominant species contaminating mainly maize and peanuts. In addition, P. crustosum and P. polonicum were the most common contaminants belonging to the genus Penicillium. On the other hand, A. ochraceus (Circumdati section) registered a low incidence rate of 5%, including other members of the Aspergillus group. Other members of the genera Rhizopus and Alternaria spp. were also registered in the study. A majority of fungal strains of A. ochraceus, A. parasiticus, P. crustosum and P. polonicum isolated were toxigenic, producing the mycotoxins tested for, while none was detected in cultures of A. fumigatus. The high incidence rate of fungi contamination coupled with their potentials in producing mycotoxins gives a strong indication that the samples tested may likely be contaminated with various mycotoxins. There is need for further study to assess the incidence of mycotoxins contamination in similar food samples.     

Susceptibility of stored product insects to high concentrations of ozone at different exposure intervals

Ozone is a highly reactive gas with insecticidal activity. Past studies have indicated that ozone technology has potential as a management tool to control insect pests in bulk grain storage facilities. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of short periods of exposure to high ozone concentrations to kill all life stages of red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), and Indianmeal moth (Plodia interpunctella (Hübner)) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), adult maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch.)) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and adult rice weevil (S. oryzae (L)) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Insects were treated with six ozone concentrations between 50 and 1800 ppm. The specific objective was to determine minimal time needed to attain 100% mortality. The most ozone-tolerant stages of T. castaneum were pupae and eggs, which required a treatment of 180 min at 1800 ppm ozone to reach 100% mortality. Eggs of P. interpunctella also required 180 min at 1800 ppm ozone to reach 100% mortality. Ozone treatments of 1800 ppm for 120 min and 1800 ppm for 60 min were required to kill all adult S. zeamais and adult S. oryzae, respectively. The results indicate that high ozone concentrations reduce the treatment times significantly over previously described results. Our results also provide new baseline information about insect tolerance to ozone treatment.     

Microbial profiles of frozen trimmings and silver sides prepared at Indian buffalo meat packing plants

To assess microbiological quality of buffalo meat trimmings (TT = 114) and silver sides (SS = 41), samples were collected from four different Indian meat packing plants. The aim of this study was: (i) to evaluate standard plate count (SPC), psychrotrophic count (PTC), Enterococcus feacalis count (EFC), Staphylococcus aureus count (SAC) and Escherichia coli count (ECC) and the presence of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes; and (ii) also to determine vero toxic E. coli (VTEC) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). TT samples had significantly higher (P < 0.001) SPC, PTC, EFC, and SAC than SS, while across the meat types there was no difference (P > 0.05) in ECC. E. coli was recovered from 32.4% TT and 19.5% SS samples. The prevalence rate of Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes in TT was 1.75% and 0.87%, respectively. But no SS sample was found to be positive for any of these two pathogens. VTEC was found in 2.58% of all the tested samples. This finding suggests that TT contain higher microbes but only small numbers of pathogens of latent zoonotic importance. The present study confirmed the importance of maintaining good process hygiene at meat plants for microbiological status of buffalo meat.     

Formation of cereulide and enterotoxins by Bacillus cereus in fermented African locust beans

Afitin, iru and sonru are three spontaneously fermented African locust bean Benin condiments. The fermentation processes are exothermic, with temperatures mostly being above 40 °C. A total of 19 predominant Bacillus cereus isolates from afitin, iru and sonru, were investigated. The enterotoxin genes nhe (A, B, C) were present in all 19 isolates, the hbl (A, C, D) in one (afitin), and the cytK gene in three isolates (afitin). Levels of cytotoxicity to Vero cells and NheA production in BHI-broth was within the range of known diarrheal outbreak strains. Autoclaved cooked African locust beans inoculated with emetic (cereulide producing) B. cereus Ba18H2/RIF supported growth at 25, 30 and 40 °C with highly different maximum cereulide productions of 6 ± 5, 97 ± 3 and 0.04 ± 0.02 μg/g beans, respectively (48 h). For non-autoclaved cooked beans inoculated with 2, 4 and 6 log₁₀B. cereus Ba18H2/RIF spores/g beans, cereulide production was 5 ± 4, 64 ± 8 and 69 ± 34 μg/g beans, respectively at 24 h, while it was 70 ± 43, 92 ± 53 and 99 ± 31 μg/g at 48 h of fermentation at 30 °C. Even though high toxin levels were observed, to date there are no known reports on diarrhea or vomiting due to the consumption or afitin, iru and sonru in Benin, which also according to the present study is likely to be expected from the low levels of cereulide produced at 40 °C.     

Effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil and nisin on Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus in a food model system and on the bacterial cell membranes

The effects of different concentrations of Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil (EO: 0, 5, 15 and 30 μl 100 ml⁻¹) and nisin (N: 0, 0.25 and 0.5 μg ml⁻¹), temperatures (T: 25 and 8 °C), and storage times (up to 21 days) on growth of Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus in a commercial barley soup were evaluated in a factorial design study. The growth of S. typhimurium was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased by EO concentrations and their combinations with N concentrations at 8 °C. For S. aureus, the viable count was significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited by EO and N concentrations and their combinations, incubated at both storage temperatures. The mechanism of the antimicrobial action of EO, N, and their combinations against cell membranes of the tested organisms were also studied by measurement of the release of cell constituents and by the electronic microscopy observations of the cells. The significant increase of the cell constituents’ release of both organisms was observed as a result of treatments with EO and EO in combination with N. Electronic microscopy observations revealed that the cell membranes of S. typhimurium treated by EO and EO in combination with N were significantly damaged, while cells treated with only N looked similar to untreated cells. The electron micrographs of treated cells of S. aureus with EO, N, and their combination also showed important morphological damages and disrupted membranes.     

Frequency of DLK1 c.639C>T polymorphism and the analysis of MEG3/DLK1/PEG11 cluster expression in muscle of swine raised in Poland

DLK1 — (Drosophila like element 1) is a paternally expressed gene, associated with the callipyge phenotype in sheep. In a present study we designed a new real-time PCR alleleic discrimination assay for genotyping of a silent C/T mutation (c.639C>T) in DLK1 gene in swine. The DLK1 c.639C>T mutation was highly polymorphic in all breeds analyzed and C allele was predominant in Landrace and Duroc while T allele was more frequent in Pietrain and Pu?awska breed. Moreover, we analyzed mRNA expression of DLK1 and adjacent genes — MEG3 and PEG11 in muscles of swines of different breeds raised in Poland. We did not observe significantly different expression of DLK1, MEG3 or PEG11 mRNA in any of analyzed breeds. We also attempted to assess the effect of DLK1 (c.639C>T) on the expression of genes in callipyge locus but did not find significant differences between animals with alternate genotypes (C/C and T/T homozygotes).     

Assessment of the microbiological safety of salad vegetables and sauces from kebab take-away restaurants in the United Kingdom

The purpose of this study was to establish the microbiological safety of salad vegetables and sauces served in kebab take-away restaurants. Comparison with published microbiological guidelines revealed that 4.7% of 1213 salad vegetable samples were of unsatisfactory microbiological quality due to Escherichia coli and/or Staphylococcus aureus levels at ≥10² cfu g⁻¹. Another 0.3% of salad samples were of unacceptable quality due to S. aureus at ≥10⁴ cfu g⁻¹ (2 samples) or the presence of Salmonella Kentucky (1 sample). Cucumber was the most contaminated salad vegetable with regards to unsatisfactory levels of E. coli (6.0%) or S. aureus (4.5%). Five percent of 1208 sauce samples were of unsatisfactory microbiological quality due to E. coli, S. aureus at ≥10² cfu g⁻¹ and/or Bacillus cereus and other Bacillus spp. at ≥10⁴ cfu g⁻¹. A further 0.6% of sauce samples were of unacceptable quality due to Bacillus spp. (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus licheniformis) at ≥10⁵ cfu g⁻¹ or the presence of Salmonella Agbeni (1 sample). More samples of chilli sauce (8.7%) were of unsatisfactory or unacceptable microbiological quality than any other sauce types. The results emphasize the need for good hygiene practices in kebab take-away restaurants handling these types of ready-to-eat products.     

Investigations of the natural microflora of poppy seeds (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Papaver somniferum</Emphasis>) and hazelnut kernels (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Corylus avellana</Emphasis>) including microbiological decomposition

Fatty seeds of Papaver somniferum and Corylus avellana undergo a rapid microbial degradation after being ground. Those bacteria and fungi which are mainly responsible for the microbial decay were identified, and the most important growth and death processes were documented using crucial indicator-organisms. Additionally, an aflatoxin-screening was carried out in order to assess the possible risk-potential of food intoxication. The acid value (indicator for free fatty acids) of poppy seeds and hazelnut kernels was determined during their fermentation in order to document the decomposition of triglycerides.In this study it could be proved that initially a natural decay of oil seeds is caused by bacteria, yeasts and mould fungi. After the bacteria died in the course of time, yeasts and mould fungi dominated the germ spectrum. Bacteria taking part in the degradation were identified as varieties of Staphylococcus xylosus, Enterobacteriaceae and coliforms. Yeasts were identified as Pichia burtonii, and the mould fungi are associated with the genus Alternaria.On account of the absence of the genus Aspergillus in the spectrum of mould fungi, no aflatoxin was produced.     

Feeding deterrent activity of terpenoid lactones with a p-menthane system against stored-product pests

Feeding deterrent activity of eight enantiomeric pairs and one optically inactive terpenoid lactone with a p-menthane system against three storage pests was determined. The lactones were tested on adults of Sitophilus granarius, adults and larvae of Tribolium confusum and larvae of Trogoderma granarium. The isomeric starting natural compounds, (+) and (−) pulegones and (+) and (−) isopulegols, were also tested. The results showed that the introduction of the lactone moiety into the p-menthane system produced antifeedant activity in the lactones obtained. The lactones with a spiro arrangement of lactone and cyclohexane rings were more active than those with condensed rings. The configuration of chiral centres present in the molecule significantly influenced the activity of the compounds studied. In most cases, lactones obtained from R-(+)-pulegone were more active antifeedants than those obtained from S-(−)-pulegone.     

Cloning and expression analysis of two catalase genes from Aspergillus oryzae

Fungi contain distinct genes encoding the same class of enzyme that are differentially regulated according to conditions. We cloned two catalase genes, catA and catB, from Aspergillus oryzae. The catA gene predicts a 747-amino-acid polypeptide sharing 81% identity with Aspergillus fumigatus catalase (catA) and 77% with Aspergillus nidulans catalase (catA). The catB gene predicts a 725-amino-acid polypeptide sharing 82% identity with A. fumigatus catalase (catB) and 75% with A. nidulans catalase (catB). However, the catA and catB genes share little homology (41%) with one another, suggesting that each gene belongs to a distinct gene family. Overexpression studies demonstrated that both genes encode a functional catalase. Promoter assays indicated that the catA gene is developmentally regulated as it was preferentially expressed in solid-state cultures undergoing sporulation. However, its expression was not affected by hydrogen peroxide treatment. Conversely, the catB gene was highly expressed under all culture conditions tested, and it was induced by hydrogen peroxide treatment. These results suggest that the catB gene may be mainly used for detoxification of oxidative stress while the catA gene may have another role such as chaperoning proteins in the spore.     

Salmonella real-time PCR-Nachweis

Salmonella belongs to the most important bacterial pathogens worldwide causing disease in humans and animals mainly by the oral uptake of contaminated food. Consequently, detection methodologies for Salmonella from food items are meaningful for routine laboratories. Here, we describe two different real-time PCR based methods for the detection of Salmonella in food. The procedure begins with a cultural pre-enrichment in buffered peptone water for 18–24 hours at 37 °C followed by a selective enrichment step in Rappaport-Vassiliadis medium for at least six hours at 42 °C. Next, the microbial DNA is extracted and finally Salmonella-DNA is specifically detected by the real-time PCR. Both methods differ in the Salmonella target gene sequence. One assay amplifies a 285-bp-DNA-Fragment of the invA-gene, and the other a 95-bp-DNA-Fragment of the ttrC/ttrA-gene. An internal amplification control indicates the correct carrying out of the PCR. The duration of both detection methods is between 24 and 28 hours.

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Zusammenfassung: Salmonellen z?hlen zu den bedeutendsten bakteriellen Erregern weltweit, die meist durch die Aufnahme von belasteten Lebensmitteln eine Erkrankung bei Menschen und auch Tieren verursachen k?nnen. Verfahren für den Nachweis von Salmonellen in Lebensmitteln haben daher für die diagnostischen Routinelabore eine besondere Bedeutung. Hier beschreiben wir zwei verschiedene real-time PCR basierte Verfahren zum Nachweis von Salmonellen in Lebensmitteln. Das Verfahren beginnt mit einer kulturellen Voranreichung in gepufferten Peptonwasser für 18 bis 24 h bei 37°C und darauf folgender selektiver Anreicherung in Rappaport-Vassiliadis Medium für sechs Stunden bei 42 °C. Anschlie?end erfolgt eine mikrobielle DNA-Extraktion und der Nachweis der Salmonella DNA im Extrakt mittels der realtime PCR. Beide Verfahren unterscheiden sich in der Zielsequenz der nachzuweisenden Salmonella DNA. W?hrend der eine PCR Assay ein 285-bp-DNA-Fragment des invA Gens amplifiziert, weist der zweite Assay ein 95-bp-DNA-Fragment des ttrC/ttrA-Gens von Salmonellen spezifisch nach. Eine interne Amplifikationskontrolle, die in jeder PCR-Reaktion mitgeführt wird, zeigt den funktionsrichtigen Ablauf jeder PCR-Reaktion an. Die Gesamtdauer des Nachweises betr?gt 24 bis 28 Stunden.

Eingegangen: 18. Januar 2007