PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Food samples”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 919 records · Page 51Linked to original sources

Daily intake of aluminium by adult population of Mumbai, India.

Electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometry (ET-AAS) has been used for the determination of Al in environmental and food samples with a detection limit of 0.3 ng ml(-1). The reliability of estimation is assessed through the analysis of Standard Reference Materials (IAEA SRMs) of Soil-7, SL-3, SD-M2/TM and Hay (V-10). The results indicate that the average concentration of aluminium in air particulate samples is 5.3 microg m(-3). The daily intake of Al by the adult population of Mumbai is 6.4 mg day(-1).

Adult↗

Separation of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella berta from a complex food matrix by aqueous polymer two-phase partitioning.

In the present study, the use of aqueous polymer two-phase systems for separation of pathogenic bacteria from a complex food sample was investigated. Three different two-phase systems, a polyethylene glycol 3350/dextran T 500, a methoxy polyethylene glycol 5000/dextran T 500 and a polyethylene glycol 3350/hydroxypropyl starch system, were compared at pH 3 and pH 6 for their capacity to separate the pathogenic bacteria Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella berta from a Cumberland sausage. In all three phase systems, the food particles partitioned to the lower phase. Best performance was obtained by the polymer combinations, polyethylene glycol 3350/dextran T 500 and polyethylene glycol 3350/hydroxypropyl starch. In these systems, Salmonella berta partitioned to the hydrophobic upper phase both at pH 3 and pH 6 with an average partitioning ratio of 80% and a recovery of 56%. Listeria monocytogenes partitioned to the upper phase at pH 3 only with an average partitioning ratio of 72% and a recovery of 45%. This method may become a valuable tool for separation of bacteria from complex food matrices.

Bacteriological Techniques↗

Analysis of food additives by ion-pairing electrokinetic chromatography.

A mixture of food additives is separated using ion-pairing electrokinetic chromatography with on-column ultraviolet detection at 190 nm. Tetrabutyl ammonium hydrogen sulfate (TBA) is used as modifier. The effect of the concentration of TBA on the migration behavior of the solutes is investigated. This method is used for the determination of the amount of additives in food samples. The percent relative standard deviation (%RSD) for the migration time is found to be less than 0.9% and that of the peak area is less than 2.5%.

Benzoates↗

The detection of irradiated foods using the Direct Epifluorescent Filter Technique.

A method was evaluated which has the potential to detect a food sample which has been irradiated. The technique will give an indication of the total number of viable micro-organisms present before irradiation. It is based on the comparison of an aerobic plate count (APC) with a count obtained using the Direct Epifluorescent Filter Technique (DEFT). When the APC of an irradiated sample was compared with the DEFT count on the same sample, the APC was considerably lower than that obtained by DEFT. The count of orange fluorescing cells after irradiation, however, correlated well with an APC of the same sample before irradiation. For the samples examined the DEFT count determined the viable microbial population in the sample before irradiation. The difference between the APC and the DEFT count gave the number of organisms rendered non-viable by the process.

Animals↗

A molecular method to detect Bacillus cereus from a coffee concentrate sample used in industrial preparations.

AIMS: The aim of this work was to develop specific primers which are able to detect Bacillus cereus in a coffee concentrate sample. METHODS AND RESULTS: A pre-PCR step to clean the DNA, used for PCR, was developed to avoid PCR inhibition by Maillard products. The combination of centrifugation and washing the pellet, employing EDTA and water, before DNA extraction improved the detection of low numbers of B. cereus cells (10 cells ml-1). The development of specific primers enabled to detect low numbers of B. cereus without the need of a pre-enrichment step. CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained demonstrated the specificity and the sensitivity of the primers that could be used to check the presence of B. cereus in different food products, avoiding the need for labourious and time-consuming culture-based techniques. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The method could help food microbiologists to check food samples quickly for the presence of B. cereus.

Bacillus cereus↗

Phytate content of some foods from plant origin from Vietnam and Hungary.

For the estimation of phytate-ion the iron content of FeIII-phytate complex was determined by spectrophotometry with o-phenanthroline. In most cases phytate-phosphorus was also evaluated. In different food samples iron to phosphorus ratio in phytate generally deviated significantly from the theoretical 1.20 value. Wheat flour products, maize, rice, beans, peas, lentil and soy from Vietnam and Hungary, furthermore several bakery products from Hungary and some imported soy products were analysed for phytate content. The effect of heat and fermentation on phytate content was also checked in breads and other foods. It was concluded that the processes often used in food industry, namely fermentation and thermal load, have relatively slight effect on the phytate content of plant foods. Cooking losses for phytates ranged 1-60% in cereals and legumes according to the usual kitchen technique in Vietnam.

Bread↗

Detection of type A, B, E, and F Clostridium botulinum neurotoxins in foods by using an amplified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with digoxigenin-labeled antibodies.

An amplified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of Clostridium botulinum complex neurotoxins was evaluated for its ability to detect these toxins in food. The assay was found to be suitable for detecting type A, B, E, and F botulinum neurotoxins in a variety of food matrices representing liquids, solid, and semisolid food. Specific foods included broccoli, orange juice, bottled water, cola soft drinks, vanilla extract, oregano, potato salad, apple juice, meat products, and dairy foods. The detection sensitivity of the test for these botulinum complex serotypes was found to be 60 pg/ml (1.9 50% lethal dose [LD50]) for botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A), 176 pg/ml (1.58 LD50) for BoNT/B, 163 pg/ml for BoNT/E (4.5 LD50), and 117 pg/ml for BoNT/F (less than 1 LD50) in casein buffer. The test could also readily detect 2 ng/ml of neurotoxins type A, B, E, and F in a variety of food samples. For specificity studies, the assay was also used to test a large panel of type A C. botulinum, a smaller panel of proteolytic and nonproteolytic type B, E, and F neurotoxin-producing Clostridia, and nontoxigenic organisms using an overnight incubation of toxin production medium. The assay appears to be an effective tool for large-scale screening of the food supply in the event of a botulinum neurotoxin contamination event.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗

Environmental and food applications of LC-tandem mass spectrometry in pesticide-residue analysis: an overview.

An overview is given on pesticide-residue determination in environmental and food samples by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Pesticides comprise a large number of substances that belong to many completely different chemical groups, the only common characteristic is that they are effective against pests. They still constitute a challenge in MS because there is no collective pathway for fragmentation. A brief introduction to the theory of tandem MS permits a discussion of which parameters influence the ionization efficiency when the ions are subjected to different actions. Emphasis is placed on the different tandem MS instruments: triple and ion-trap quadrupoles, and hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight (Q-TOF), including advantages and drawbacks, typical detection limits, and ion signals at low concentrations. The instrumental setup, as well as LC and mass spectrometric experimental conditions, must be carefully selected to increase the performance of the analytical system. The capacity of each instrument to provide useful data for the identification of pesticides, and the possibility to obtain structural information for the identification of target and non-target compounds, are discussed. Finally, sample preparation techniques and examples of applications are debated to reveal the potential of the current state-of-the-art technology, and to further promote the usefulness of tandem MS.

Chromatography, Liquid↗

[Isotachophoretic determination of preservatives (author's transl)].

The preservatives sorbic acid, benzoic acid, methyl-, ethyl-, propylester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid and propionic acid can be determined quantitatively in one step by isotachophoretic separation based on the different electrophoretic mobilities of these compounds. The determination involves a direct extraction step in the so called Extrelut-columns, where the preservatives are separated from the food sample, mainly from the lipid phase. The whole analysis procedure is short and recoveries for the preservatives in the samples tested are very good. There is no interference by other substances and the range of concentrations for which a determination is possible is large and encompasses virtually all concentrations used in commercial practices.

Benzoates↗

Water supply and nutritional status in rural northern Nigeria.

A high incidence of protein energy malnutrition (PEM) was found in a community survey of preschool children in rural northern Nigeria among whom gastro-enteritis is common. Wasting (less than 80% Weight/Height) was more common (37.9%) among those with scanty, unprotected water supplies than in those with copious protected water (10.2%) whereas the incidence of stunting (less than 90% Height/Age)) was similar. Severe coliform contaminatin of all water sources was demonstrable. Even higher numbers of coliforms in foods sampled suggests that other factors related to water supply may be more important than water purity in the genesis of the PEM/gastro-enteritis complex.

Body Height↗

An improved ELISA method for the detection of Salmonella typhimurium.

The applicability of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of salmonellas in foodstuffs was investigated. Several factors affecting the sensitivity of the ELISA, such as the type of protein used for plate post-coating, the method of antibody labelling, and accelerators for antigen-antibody and enzyme-substrate reactions, were studied. Labelling of the antibody with horseradish peroxidase and the use of o-phenylenediamine as substrate in the detection system were demonstrated to be most suitable for the enzyme assay. Based on these findings, an improved ELISA method was developed for the detection of Salmonella typhimurium. The improved technique was able to detect as few as 5 x 10(4)-10(5) cell/ml of salmonellas, and about 24 h were required to enrich the bacteria in food samples and to perform the test. With some modifications, the ELISA assay could reach a very high level of sensitivity and provide excellent reproducibility.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗

Resuscitation of acid-injured Salmonella in enrichment broth, in apple juice and on the surfaces of fresh-cut cucumber and apple.

AIMS: To investigate the resuscitation of acid-injured Salmonella enterica in selected enrichment broths, in apple juice and on cut surfaces of apple and cucumber slices. METHODS AND RESULTS: Following exposure to 2.4% acetic acid for 7 min, S. enterica (serovars Mbandaka, Chester and Newport) cells were used to inoculate enrichment broths, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), apple juice and fruit slices. Injured Salmonella cells resuscitated and regained the ability to form colonies on selective agar (Xylose-Lysine-Tergitol 4) if they were incubated in lactose broth (LB), universal pre-enrichment broth (UPB) or buffered peptone water (BPW), but not in tetrathionate broth, PBS or apple juice. The resuscitation occurred at a significantly (P > 0.05) faster rate in UPB than in LB or BPW. The resuscitation also occurred on the surfaces of fresh-cut cucumber at 20 degrees C, but not at 4 degrees C. CONCLUSIONS: Acid-injured Salmonella cells resuscitated in nonselective enrichment broths at different rates, but not in selective enrichment broth, apple juice, PBS or on fresh-cut apple. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Pre-enrichment of food samples in UPB prior to selective enrichment is recommended. Injured Salmonella cells have the ability to resuscitate on fresh-cut surfaces of cucumber when stored at abusive temperatures.

Acids↗

Latex agglutination test for detection of Escherichia coli serotype O157.

The value of a latex agglutination test (Escherichia coli O157 latex test; Oxoid Ltd.) for rapid presumptive detection of E. coli serotype O157:H7 was determined by laboratory trials and during an outbreak of hemorrhagic colitis. The latex test was found to be a simple, highly efficient and reliable test in detecting E. coli O157:H7 with 100% sensitivity and specificity. It was also found that sorbitol-MacConkey agar cultures were not as useful for food samples as they were for fecal specimens in screening for E. coli O157:H7, but the use of the latex screen was particularly efficient in this setting.

Colitis↗

Evaluation of motility enrichment on modified semi-solid Rappaport-Vassiladis medium (MSRV) for the detection of Salmonella in foods.

The detection and identification of Salmonella spp. is still troublesome and time consuming to the food industry. Employing the modified semi-solid Rappaport-Vassiliadis medium (MSRV), presumptive results for Salmonella can be obtained in 48 h, representing an interesting alternative to the standard methods. The specificity and sensitivity of the MSRV method were evaluated in this research. The efficiency of this method was also compared with the methodology recommended by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) using bismuth sulfite agar, XLT4 agar and Rambach agar. A total of 146 food samples comprised of 41 chicken thighs, 35 Brazilian fresh pork sausages, 35 samples of cocoa powder and/or granulated cocoa and 35 samples of grated fresh coconut, were examined. Overall, the rapid method (direct + indirect) and the standard culture detected 96.1% and 84.6% of the positive samples, respectively. No Salmonella was detected in the coconut or cocoa samples by any of the methods. Eighteen (43.9%) chicken thigh samples were contaminated with the microorganism. The rapid method (direct + indirect) and the standard culture detected 94.4% and 88.9% of these, respectively. Salmonella was detected in eight (22.8%) fresh pork sausage samples. The MSRV method detected Salmonella in all eight samples, while the standard gave positive results in six (75%). When compared with the standard method, the indirect method showed 86.4% sensitivity and 96.8% specificity, while the direct MSRV showed a sensitivity of 71.4% and specificity of 99.2%. Combined, both MSRV methods showed 95.5% sensitivity and 96.8% specificity. The MSRV medium also reduces the time necessary for the isolation of Salmonella from foods.

Animals↗

[Epidemiological study of outbreaks and sporadic cases due to Vibrio parahaemolyticus--serotype O3:K6 in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, during 1988 and 2001].

Percentage of the outbreaks by O3:K6 Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. p) in Aichi Prefecture Japan increased from 3% (3/86) for 1988-95 to 75% (33/44) for 1996-2001. The percentage of the sporadic diarrhea cases caused by O3:K6 V. p in a general hospital in Aichi Prefecture also increased from 0% (0/253) to 61% (135/221) during the same periods. Thermostable direct hemolysin (TDH)-positive O3:K6 were isolated from 95% (19/20) of the outbreak incidents and 100% (135/135) of the sporadic cases. Only one TRH (TDH-related hemolysin)-positive O3:K6 was isolated from one outbreak incident. Percentage of the outbreaks by O3:K6 V. p associated with the consumption of boiled shellfishes increased from 5% (6/117) for 1988-95 to 25% (15/59) for 1996-2001, in particular, boiled crabs and squillas associated outbreaks increased from 2% (2/117) to 17% (10/59) and from 2% (2/117) to 10% (6/59), respectively. From 1,548 raw sea foods sampled in the Nagoya Central Wholesale Market in Aichi Prefecture in 1995-99, one TDH-positive O3:K6 was isolated from one live squilla (1/30). Increase in the percentage of outbreaks associated with TDH-positive O3:K6 V. p after 1996 in Aichi Prefecture was revealed to correlate with the increase in the outbreaks associated with consumption of boiled sea foods, especially boiled crabs as well as squillas. Accordingly, it becomes clear that sanitary handling of these boiled foods is important to prevent outbreaks and sporadic cases of diarrhea caused by O3:K6 V. p infection.

Disease Outbreaks↗

[Verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) and Escherichia coli O157:H7 in medicine and food industry].

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is now recognised as an important human pathogen. Illness caused by E. coli O157:H7 infection can range from self limited, watery diarrhea to life-threatening manifestations such as hemorrhagic colitis, hemolytic uremic syndrome or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. The mode of transmission is primarily through food (e.g. undercooked minced beef products, especially beef burgers, raw cows' milk and cheese, contaminated pasteurised milk and untreated water.). Studies to date indicate that cattle is an important reservoir of the organism. Public health measures to control VTEC infection are broadly similar to the measures needed to control other gastro-intestinal infections. Because of the potential low infection dose, laboratory diagnosis of O157 VTEC in food samples has developed over recent years with the use of liquid enrichment and the development of methods such as immunomagnetic separation. VTEC of other serogroups than O157 have no reliable biochemical, serological or morphological characteristics (other than VT production itself) to distinguish them from commensal E. coli. Thus to detect VTEC other than O157 and phenotypic variants of E. coli O157 in food, we have to use methods for detection of verocytotoxin production and VT genes.

Animals↗

Simple and sensitive determination of methylglyoxal in biological samples by gas chromatography with electron-capture detection.

Methylglyoxal was allowed to react with 4,5-dichloro-1,2-phenylenediamine, and the 6,7-dichloro-2-methylquinoxaline formed was determined by gas chromatography with electron-capture detection. The standard curve of the quinoxaline was linear up to 160 pmol/ml. The recoveries of methylglyoxal from coffee and rat liver homogenate were 84.1 and 77.6%, respectively. This procedure was very selective and so sensitive that as little as 9 fmol of the quinoxaline could be measured in biological and food samples.

Aldehydes↗