[Studies and application method and quality control system for detecting hepatitis A virus in water for fruits and vegetables production].

OBJECTIVE: To explore detecting methods and quality control standard system for hepatitis A virus( HAV) in water for fruits and vegetables production. METHODS: 100 µL of coliphage MS2( 2. 5 × 10~9 pfu / mL) was added into each water sample, and positively charged membrane filter method was used to capture virus. The virus extraction efficiency of each sample can be calculated according to standard curve of coliphage. Then the quality control system and real-time RT-PCR method were established. RESULTS: This research compared the extraction efficiency of HAV and coliphage MS2 which were added into the water samples at the same time. The extraction efficiency of HAV was from 1. 24% to 32. 68%, and coliphage MS2 1. 64% to 14. 24%. The efficiency met the requirements of ISO / TS 15216-2-2013. Meanwhile, the HAV in 30 water samples were detected, and one was positive. The extraction efficiency of coliphage MS2 was from1. 24% to 24. 19%, and the standard deviation was 0. 0612. CONCLUSION: This research establish a quality control system to ensure the quality of test results.

Strain-level visualized analysis of cold-stressed Vibrio parahaemolyticus based on MALDI-TOF mass fingerprinting.

In this study, strain-level visualized analysis of cold-stressed Vibrio parahaemolyticus based on matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass fingerprinting was investigated. All the peptide mass fingerprinting profiles obtained were analyzed by self-organized map (SOM) and cluster analysis. Our results showed that the peptide mass fingerprinting profiles of V. parahaemolyticus substantially changed under cold stress at strain level. The cold-stressed V. parahaemolyticus strains were distributed to 14 neurons by SOM classification, almost totally different from the controls. This is the first time that so many strains had been chosen to study bacterial cold stress responses, which can help promote an overall understanding to stress responses of cold-stressed strains.

Proteomic analysis of protein expression in the induction of the viable but Nonculturable State of Vibrio harveyi SF1.

Vibrio harveyi has been reported to enter into a viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state. One marine V. harveyi strain, SF1 became nonculturable when incubated in seawater microcosm at 4 °C within 60 days. We investigated protein expression in the exponential phase of V. harveyi SF1 and compared it to the VBNC state. Cytosolic proteins were resolved by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis using pH 4-7 linear gradients. Among these proteins, sixteen proteins which were strongly downregulated or upregulated in the VBNC cells were identified by MALDI-TOF-TOF mass spectrometry. The results indicated that the differentially expressed proteins were mainly focused on stress response proteins and key components of central and intermediary metabolism, like carbohydrate metabolism, transport, and translation. This study provided clues for understanding the mechanism of adaptation to the VBNC state.

Determination of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 in olive oil, peanut oil, and sesame oil using immunoaffinity column cleanup, postcolumn derivatization, and liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection: first action 2013.05.

A collaborative study of a method for determination of aflatoxins (AFs) B1, B2, G1, and G2 in olive oil, peanut oil, and sesame oil using immunoaffinity column cleanup, postcolumn derivatization, and LC with fluorescence detection, previously published in J. AOAC Int. 95, 1689-1700 (2012), was approved as First Action 2013.05 on March 29, 2013 by the Method-Centric Committee for Aflatoxins in Edible Oils. The method uses methanol for extraction followed by filtration. The extract is applied to an immunoaffinity column with antibodies specific for AFs, which are then eluted from the column with a methanol solution. Determination and quantification occur using RP-LC with fluorescence detection after postcolumn derivatization. The average recovery of AFs in olive, peanut, and sesame oils in spiked samples (levels between 2.0 and 20.0 microg/kg) ranged from 84 to 92%. The recoveries for AFs B1, B2, G1, and G2 were 86-93, 89-95, 85-97, and 76-85%, respectively. Within-laboratory RSD (RSDr) values for AFs ranged from 3.4 to 10.2%. RSDr values forAF B1, B2, G1, and G2 were 3.5-10.9, 3.2-9.5, 6.5-14.9, and 4.8-14.2%, respectively. Between-laboratory RSD (RSDR) values for AFs were 6.1-14.5%. RSD, values for AFs B1, B2, G1, and G2 were 7.5-15.4, 7.1-14.6, 10.8-18.1, and 7.6-23.7%, respectively. Horwitz ratio values were < or =2 for the analytes in the three matrixes.

Determination of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 in olive oil, peanut oil, and sesame oil using immunoaffinity column cleanup, postcolumn derivatization, and liquid chromatography/fluorescence detection: collaborative study.

The accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility characteristics of a method using immunoaffinity column (IAC) cleanup with postcolumn derivatization and LC with a fluorescence detector (FLD) for determination of aflatoxins (AFs; sum of AFs B1, B2, G1, and G2) in olive oil, peanut oil, and sesame oil have been established in a collaborative study involving 15 laboratories from six countries. Blind duplicate samples of blank, spiked at levels ranging from 0.25 to 20.0 microg/kg for AF, were analyzed. A naturally contaminated peanut oil sample was also included. Test samples were extracted with methanol-water (55 + 45, v/v). After shaking and centrifuging, the lower layer was filtered, diluted with water, and filtered through glass microfiber filter paper. The filtrate was then passed through an IAC, and the toxins were eluted with methanol. The toxins were then subjected to RPLC-FLD analysis after postcolumn derivatization. Average recoveries of AFs from olive oil, peanut oil, and sesame oil ranged from 84 to 92% (at spiking levels ranging from 2.0 to 20.0 microg/kg); of AFB1 from 86 to 93% (at spiking levels ranging from 1.0 to 10.0 microg/kg); of AFB2 from 89 to 95% (at spiking levels ranging from 0.25 to 2.5 microg/kg); of AFG1 from 85 to 97% (at spiking levels ranging from 0.5 to 5.0 microg/kg); and of AFG2 from 76 to 85% (at spiking levels ranging from 0.25 to 2.5 microg/kg). RSDs for within-laboratory repeatability (RSD(r)) ranged from 3.4 to 10.2% for AF, from 3.5 to 10.9% for AFB1, from 3.2 to 9.5% for AFB2, from 6.5 to 14.9% for AFG1, and from 4.8 to 14.2% for AFG2. RSDs for between-laboratory reproducibility (RSDR) ranged from 6.1 to 14.5% for AF, from 7.5 to 15.4% for AFB1, from 7.1 to 14.6% for AFB2, from 10.8 to 18.1% for AFG1, and from 7.6 to 23.7% for AFG2. Horwitz ratio values were < or = 2 for the analytes in the three matrixes.

Analysis of the bacterial diversity existing on animal hide and wool: development of a preliminary PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism fingerprint database for identifying isolates.

Twenty-one bacterial strains were isolated from imported cattle hide and rabbit wool using two types of media, nutrient broth, and nutrient broth with serum. The bacteria identified were Brevibacillus laterosporus, Leclercia adecarboxylata, Peptococcus niger, Bacillus circulans, Raoultella ornithinolytica, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thermobacillus, Bacillus choshinensis, Bacillus sphaericus, Acinetobacter haemolyticus, Sphingomonas paucimobilis, Bacillus thuringiensis, Staphylococcus intermedius, Mycobacteria, Moraxella, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Ralstonia pickettii, Staphylococcus chromogenes, Comamonas testosteroni, and Cupriavidus pauculus. The 16s rDNA gene of each bacterium was amplified using the universal primers 27f and 1492r. The amplicons were digested with AvaI, BamHI, BgII, DraI, EcoRI, EcoRV, HindIII, HinfI, HpaI, PstI, SmaI, TaqII, XbaI, XmaI, AluI, XhoI, and PvuI individually. A specific fingerprint from the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism method based on 16s rDNA was obtained for each bacterium. The results showed that the method developed was useful not only for bacterial identification but also for the etiological investigation of pathogens in imported animal hair and wool.

New role of antibody in bacterial isolation.

To eliminate the interference caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the isolation of Salmonella, a rabbit polyclonal antibody against P. aeruginosa was prepared by inoculating four New Zealand rabbits with the pathogen. The antiserum was purified using saturated ammonium sulfate and added into Rappaport-Vassiliadis medium with soya (RVS) broth and Muller-Kauffmann tetrathionate novobiocin broth (MKTTn broth) to evaluate whether it could inhibit the growth of P. aeruginosa. Observations by scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that P. aeruginosa was attacked and destroyed by the antibody when incubated for 10 min at 37 degrees C. The activity of the antibody was also effective against 11 other strains of P. aeruginosa. Twenty-six strains of Salmonella were mixed with P. aeruginosa in RVS and MKTTn broth at 37 degrees C for 12 h, respectively, and the cultures were plated on Salmonella chromogenic medium (SCM; Oxoid, Basingstoke, UK). Only Salmonella grew on SCM; five colonies were randomly selected for identification by VITEK 2 (bioMérieux, Lyon, France). Additionally, when mixed with two strains of Enterobacter cloacae (ATCC 700323 and YG001), the prepared antibody did not affect the growth of E. cloacae. The results demonstrated that the microbicidal activity of the antibody did not affect the tested Salmonella sp. or E. cloacae strains. Therefore, the antibody generated could be used to increase the accuracy of Salmonella isolation.

Discrimination of meat from fur-producing and food-providing animals using mass spectrometry-based proteomics.

Non-edible meat from fur-producing animals entering into meat consumption chain could pose a serious threat to public health. For the purpose of risk prevention and control of meat safety, in this study, marker peptides for discriminating non-edible meat of fur-producing animals (including fox, silver fox, blue fox, raccoon dog, ussuri raccoon dog, mink and American mink) from meat of food-providing animals (including pig, cattle, sheep and donkey) were explored by shot-gun proteomics and verified by target approach. Two mass spectrometry platforms combined with bioinformatic and chemometric tools were integratedly emloyed for method development. Meat samples were first subjected to in-solution protein digestion and the subsequently tryptic peptides were profiled and quantitated by ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q/TOF MS) with sequential windowed acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion mass spectra (SWATH-MS) mode. Candidate marker peptides screened by chemometric tools were further filtered for their biological specificity and detectability through bioinformatics analysis as well as multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) verification with UHPLC-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QQQ MS). As a result, 9 peptides, out of 104 candidates, were selected as markers for discriminating analysis, of which DQTLQEELAR was validated as primary indicator of non-edible meat from the concerned fur-producing animals. An MRM method based on the developed marker peptides for routine use was finally proposed for risk alarming of non-edible meat from fur-producing animals in food safety control.

Potential Biochemical Mechanisms of Brain Injury in Diabetes Mellitus.

The goal of this review was to summarize current biochemical mechanisms of and risk factors for diabetic brain injury. We mainly summarized mechanisms published in the past three years and focused on diabetes induced cognitive impairment, diabetes-linked Alzheimer's disease, and diabetic stroke. We think there is a need to conduct further studies with increased sample sizes and prolonged period of follow-ups to clarify the effect of DM on brain dysfunction. Additionally, we also think that enhancing experimental reproducibility using animal models in conjunction with application of advanced devices should be considered when new experiments are designed. It is expected that further investigation of the underlying mechanisms of diabetic cognitive impairment will provide novel insights into therapeutic approaches for ameliorating diabetes-associated injury in the brain.

Detection of parvalbumin, a common fish allergen gene in food, by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Fish, as one of the most common causes of IgE-mediated food hypersensitivity, has recently received increasing attention from the food industry and legislative and regulatory agencies. A real-time polymerase chain reaction assay based on TaqMan-MGB probe technology was developed for the detection of parvalbumin, a major fish allergen gene. The assay had a sensitivity up to 5 pg purified fish DNA and had no cross-reaction with other species, such as cattle, sheep, swine, chicken, shrimp, lobster, crab, squid, clam, rice, soybean, maize, and potato. The coefficient of variation for both intra- and interexperimental variability demonstrated high reproducibility and accuracy. The assay proved to be a potential tool for the detection and label management of fish allergens in food.

Aflatoxin testing in peanuts: a proficiency assessment scheme for Chinese analytic laboratories.

This national assessment program was established by the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS) to evaluate the aflatoxin-testing proficiency of a cross-section of Chinese laboratories. The Shan Dong Inspection and Quarantine Bureau of China conducted the assessment according to ISO 13528:2005 (E) and the International Harmonized Protocol for Proficiency Testing. The 77 laboratories that participated in the study had either been previously accredited by CNAS or were candidates for CNAS accreditation. The analytic samples for this testing scheme were prepared from naturally contaminated peanuts and diluted to approximately 10 microg/kg for aflatoxin B1 and 18 microg/kg for total aflatoxins. The Ss/sigma p test (with a required result of Ss < or = 0.3 sigma p) was used to evaluate the homogeneity of the test samples; sample stability was confirmed with a t-test. The performance of each laboratory was designated by a z-score that was calculated using robust statistics. The robust mean of the participants' results in this study was nearly coincident with the median. A modified Horwitz equation was used to determine the standard deviation. The study compared analytic results obtained by 5 different methods: high-performance liquid chromatography (LC), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, thin-layer chromatography, fluorometry, and LC with tandem mass spectrometry. A satisfactory performance rating required z-scores between -2 and +2 for the target analytes. Of the 73 laboratories that reported results for aflatoxin B1, 66 (90.4%) performed satisfactorily. Of 32 laboratories that reported total aflatoxins (B1 + B2 + G1 + G2), 30 (93.8%) performed satisfactorily. Laboratories whose performance ratings were questionable or unsatisfactory were re-evaluated in a second interlaboratory comparison.

15N Stable Isotope Labeling PSTs in Alexandrium minutum for Application of PSTs as Biomarker.

The dinoflagellate Alexandrium minutum (A. minutum) which can produce paralyticshellfish toxins (PSTs) is often used as a model to study the migration, biotransformation,accumulation, and removal of PSTs. However, the mechanism is still unclear. To provide a new toolfor related studies, we tried to label PSTs metabolically with 15N stable isotope to obtain 15N-PSTsinstead of original 14N, which could be treated as biomarker on PSTs metabolism. We then culturedthe A. minutum AGY-H46 which produces toxins GTX1-4 in f/2 medium of different 15N/Pconcentrations. The 15N-PSTs' toxicity and toxin profile were detected. Meanwhile, the 15N labelingabundance and 15N atom number of 15N-PSTs were identified. The 14N of PSTs produced by A.minutum can be successfully replaced by 15N, and the f/2 medium of standard 15N/P concentrationwas the best choice in terms of the species' growth, PST profile, 15N labeling result and experimentcost. After many (>15) generations, the 15N abundance in PSTs extract reached 82.36%, and the 15Natom number introduced into GTX1-4 might be 4⁻6. This paper innovatively provided the initialevidence that 15N isotope application of labeling PSTs in A. minutum is feasible. The 15N-PSTs asbiomarker can be applied and provide further information on PSTs metabolism.

Development of a sensitive and quantitative assay for spring viremia of carp virus based on real-time RT-PCR.

A one-step real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using a TaqMan probe to quantitatively detect spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) is described. In this assay, a pair of primers amplifying an 81-bp DNA fragment and a TaqMan probe was designed targeting the conserved region at the SVCV glycoprotein (G) gene. To avoid the disadvantages arising from plasmids, an extension adding a T7 phage polymerase promoter to the 5' end of the antisense primer was carried out to obtain viral cRNA. Standardized cycle threshold (Ct) values for 10-fold serial dilutions of SVCV cRNA were achieved by real-time RT-PCR and used to create standard curves. A regression line between the mean Ct values and viral template concentrations over a 1:10(7) dilution range with an r(2) value (0.9916) and a slope (-3.36) and the coefficient of variation (intra- or inter-assay is <2% and <4%, respectively) indicated that the assay was highly reproducible. The assay was specific to SVCV and there was no cross-reactivity with other fish viruses (viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus, VHSV; infectious pancreatic necrosis virus, IPNV; grass carp reovirus, GCRV; epizootic haematopoietic necrosis virus, EHNV). The standard curve allows precise absolute quantitation and shows that the detection limit of the assay is 40 copies of the viral RNA. This one-step RT-PCR assay was evaluated using 60 clinical common carp samples collected during the year 2006, indicating such technology offers considerable advantages over conventional RT-PCR methods in current routine use for SVCV surveillance. This is the first report of the development of a one-step TaqMan RT-PCR for SVCV detection.

[Determination of deltamethrin and its toxicity biomarkers in rabbit urine by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry].

A method was developed for the determination of biomarkers related to toxicity of deltamethrin in rabbit urine by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The target analytes in this method are as follows:deltamethrin and its two metabolites (1R-cis)-3-(2,2-dibromoethenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid (dibromochrysanthemic acid) and 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA), and five toxic biomarkers, viz. serotonin hydrochloride (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA), 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and 6-methoxyguanine. Urine samples were cleaned by matrix solid-phase dispersion extraction (MSPD) with diatomite; and protein was precipitated with trichloroacetic acid; and then the sample solutions were purified with hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) solid-phase extraction cartridges. The biomarkers were analyzed with electrospray ionization (ESI) in a positive and negative switching scan mode, in which the positive scan mode was used for deltamethrin, 5-HT, 5-HIAA, 8-OHdG, and 6-methoxyguanine, and the negative scan mode was used for (1R-cis)-3-(2,2-dibromoethenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane, 3-PBA, and 3-NPA. The target compounds were quantified with the external standard using matrix calibration curves. The linear regression curves of the eight target compounds were linear with correlation coefficients no less than 0.9914. The LOD and LOQ of 5-HIAA were 20 µg/L and 50 µg/L, respectively, and the LODs and LOQs of the other analytes were 0.2-5.0 µg/L and 0.5-10 µg/L, respectively. The average recoveries of the analytes spiked in rabbit urine ranged from 74.2% to 98.7% at three levels, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) no more than 12%. The method was simple, fast, accurate, sensitive, and suitable for the detection for the exposure evaluation of deltamethrin.

Development of real-time polymerase chain reaction assay with TaqMan probe for the quantitative detection of infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus from shrimp.

An assay was developed for the detection of infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) based on real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A pair of primers and a TaqMan probe were designed that are specific for the recognition of a conservative region in the IHHNV genome. The IHHNV real-time PCR assay had a detection limit of 9 DNA copies, with a dynamic range of detection between 9 x 106 and 9 DNA copies. The primer pairs and probe were specific to IHHNV and did not cross-react with shrimp genomic DNA or other shrimp viruses such as White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV), Monodon Baculovirus (MBV), and hepatopancreatic parvovirus (HPV). This assay has a broad application for basic and clinical investigations. For clinical samples, the real-time PCR assay detected all the positive samples screened by conventional PCR, which indicated the sensitivity of the real-time assay. The IHHNV real-time PCR assay with high sensitivity, specificity, wide range of detection ability, and simplicity is particularly useful for screening large numbers of specimens and measuring viral loads to monitor the broodstock.

[Prokaryotic expression of the major antigenic domain of equine arteritis virus GL protein and the establishment of putative indirect ELISA assay].

According to the antigenic analysis of equine arteritis virus (EAV) GL protein, one pair of primers were designed, with which the gene fragment coding the high antigenic domain of EAV GL protein was amplified from the EAV genome. The cloned gene was digested with BamH I and Xho I and then inserted into pET-32a and resulted pET-GL1. The pET-GL1 was transformed into the host cell BL21(DE3) and the expression was optimized including cultivation temperature and concentration of IPTG. The aim protein was highly expressed and the obtained recombinant protein manifested well reactiongenicity as was confirmed by Western blot. The recombinant GL1 protein was purified by the means of His * Bind resin protein purification procedure. Then an indirect ELISA was established to detect antibody against EAV with the purified GL1 protein as the coating antigen. The result showed that the optimal concentration of coated antigen was 9.65 microg/mL and the optimal dilution of serum was 1:80. The positive criterion of this ELISA assay is OD (the tested serum) > 0.4 and OD (the tested serum) /OD (the negative serum) > 2.0. The iGL-ELISA was evaluated versus micro-virus neutralization test. The ELISA was performed on 900 sera from which were preserved by this lab during horse entry/exit inspection, the agreement (94.1%) of these test were considered suitable for individual serological detection. In another test which 180 sera samples were detected by iGL-ELISA and INGEZIM ELISA kit respectively. The agreement ratio between the two methods is 95.6%.

Serum Bactericidal Assay: New Role in Salmonella Detection.

While inspecting animal feed for Salmonella contamination, we routinely observed bacterial colonies on selective agars that were similar in appearance to those formed by Salmonella. These were identified as Citrobacter freundii, Proteus mirabilis, and Serratia fonticola using biochemical and serological techniques. Because the presence of these bacterial species confounds identification of Salmonella, we refer to them as "interference bacteria." Polyvalent antisera against these interference bacteria were prepared by immunizing rabbits with a mixture of all three organisms. To minimize or eliminate interference by these bacteria, the polyvalent antisera were introduced between the steps of selective enrichment and Salmonella-selective plating. The antisera raised against the interference bacteria, when combined with neonatal rabbit complement, exhibited specific bactericidal activity against C. freundii, P. mirabilis, and S. fonticola. The respective serum bactericidal assay titers were 2(9), 2(8), and 2(10). In selective broth, polyvalent antisera could also kill the target bacterial cells effectively. We tested 526 samples (186 white fishmeal, 97 red fishmeal, and 243 cattle bone powder) using the polyvalent antisera and found that the rates of contamination of each species of the three respective foods decreased by 58.8, 100, and 83%. Our data indicates that polyvalent sera against C. freundii, P. mirabilis, and S. fonticola can be used as inhibitors to increase the accuracy of Salmonella detection.

[Risk Assessment and Genotyping of Hepatitis A Virus in Fruit and Vegetable Products].

This study explored risk assessment and genotyping of hepatitis A virus(HAV)in fruit and vegetable products. Two hundred and sixteen samples of fruit and vegetable products were examined by real-time RT-PCR. Six samples tested positive for hepatitis A virus, including frozen strawberries, frozen blueberries, frozen diced potatoes, frozen diced apple and frozen raspberries, accounting for 2.8% of the total samples tested. These six HAV isolates were genotyped by nested RT-PCR amplification, and a single band was detected in isolates from frozen diced apple(210-1999)and frozen blueberries(210-2002).These two isolates belong to the HAV IB subtype, based on analysis of evolution and homology. This study provides HAV risk information for fruit and vegetable enterprises and food safety management departments. Furthermore, it lays a foundation for HAV traceability, and provides technical support to ensure product safety for enterprises at critical control points including planting, harvest, processing and packaging. These results provide reliable data for epidemiological diagnosis.

Electrochemical sensing of bisphenol A by graphene-1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate modified electrode.

Simple and low cost sensor for the determination of bisphenol A (BPA) based on graphene-1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BmimPF6) modified glassy carbon electrode was developed. It was an irreversible oxidation process of BPA on the modified electrode. Experimental conditions such as modified volume, pH, scan rate and accumulation time have been optimized. The modified electrode provided a considerable enhancement of BPA oxidation. The electrochemical response of BPA on this modified electrode was better than those on the graphene modified electrode and bare electrode. The detection limit of BPA was 8nM (S/N=3), the linear range was from 20nM to 2µM. The modified electrode has been employed for determination of milk and soda spiked BPA successfully.