Food Contamination Research Articles

Aflatoxin B1 inhibited the development of primary myoblasts of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) by degrading extracellular matrix

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) has been recognized as a major contaminant in food and animal feed and which is a common mycotoxin with high toxicity. Previous research has found that AFB1 inhibited zebrafish muscle development. However, the potential mechanism of AFB1 on fish muscle development is unknown, so it is necessary to conduct further investigation. In the present research, the primary myoblast of grass carp was used as a model, we treated myoblasts with AFB1 for 24h. Our results found that 5μM AFB1 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration (P < 0.05), and 10μM AFB1 promoted lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release (P < 0.05). Reactive oxygen species (ROS), protein carbonyl (PC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were increased in 15, 5 and 10μM AFB1 (P < 0.05), respectively. Catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activities were decreased in 10, 10 and 15μM AFB1 (P < 0.05), respectively. Furthermore, 15μM AFB1 induced oxidative damage by Nrf2 pathway, also induced apoptosis in primary myoblast of grass carp. Meanwhile, 15μM AFB1 decreased MyoD gene and protein expression (P < 0.05). Importantly, 15μM AFB1 decreased the protein expression of collagen Ⅰ and fibronectin (P < 0.05), and increased the protein levels of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) (P < 0.05). As a result, our findings suggested that AFB1 damaged the cell morphology, induced oxidative damage and apoptosis, degraded ECM components, in turn inhibiting myoblast development by activating the p38MAPK/urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA)/matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs)/extracellular matrix (ECM) signaling pathway.

Fresh Leafy Vegetables and Parasitic Contamination: Practical Solutions.

This study aimed at investigating the parasitic contamination of fresh leafy vegetables in Tehran, Iran, during 2020-2021. A cross-sectional study was conducted and 180 fresh leafy vegetables (including leek, watercress, mint, spring onion, radish, basil, parsley, lettuce, and spinach) were collected randomly in the five regions of Tehran, Iran. Each 200-g sample was soaked with tap water containing detergent, and the obtained sediment was centrifuged and examined for parasitic stages using a light microscope. The overall rate of parasitic contamination was 19.4%, with Trichostrongylus and Toxocara eggs being the most prevalent parasites (3.9%) and the highest rate of parasitic contamination was observed in spinach (40%), whereas no contamination was found in spring onions. Except for radish, other vegetable samples had multiple parasitic infections. Due to the contamination of vegetables, it is necessary to have a suitable method to reduce the parasites. Consequently, policymakers should safeguard public health by consistently monitoring contaminants in food and prioritizing education and research on methods to mitigate their presence in the food chain.

Human Campylobacteriosis: A Threat for Public Health

Global public health is seriously threatened by human campylobacteriosis, which is mostly caused with the bacteria Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli. An extensive summary of the disease's epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentations, diagnosis, therapy, and preventive measures is provided in this abstract. Poultry is a key reservoir for campylobacteriosis, one of the most common foodborne illnesses in the world. Via direct contact with sick animals or by consuming tainted food or water, the virus can spread. Warmer months see a rise in its incidence, which reflects varying seasons and environmental factors. When ingested, certain species of Campylobacter invade the gastrointestinal tract and produce symptoms that can range from a minor case of gastroenteritis to more serious consequences like Guillain-Barré syndrome. Young children and those with impaired immune systems are especially susceptible to its crippling consequences. Microbiological culture techniques are the mainstay of diagnosis, while molecular methods are becoming more and more popular because of their superior sensitivity and specificity. For proper therapy and to reduce the risk of complications, early identification is essential. In severe cases, treatment usually consists of supportive care and antibiotics, albeit there are hurdles due to the growth of antimicrobial resistance. Furthermore, preventive measures include appropriate food handling procedures, stringent cleanliness standards, and focused vaccination programs for livestock. Even with improvements in knowledge and treatment, human campylobacteriosis is still a serious public health issue. Because of its complicated epidemiology and the resilience of the Campylobacter species, it is imperative to use a variety of strategies to stop its spread. In summary, human campylobacteriosis poses a persistent risk to public health, requiring constant monitoring, investigation, and cross-sector cooperation. We can work to lessen its impact on society and protect the welfare of people everywhere by improving our comprehension of its mechanisms and putting in place efficient control measures.

Ensuring food safety: Microfluidic‐based approaches for the detection of food contaminants

AbstractDetecting foodborne contamination is a critical challenge in ensuring food safety and preventing human suffering and economic losses. Contaminated food, comprising biological agents (e.g. bacteria, viruses and fungi) and chemicals (e.g. toxins, allergens, antibiotics and heavy metals), poses significant risks to public health. Microfluidic technology has emerged as a transformative solution, revolutionizing the detection of contaminants with precise and efficient methodologies. By manipulating minute volumes of fluid on miniaturized systems, microfluidics enables the creation of portable chips for biosensing applications. Advancements from early glass and silicon devices to modern polymers and cellulose‐based chips have significantly enhanced microfluidic technology, offering adaptability, flexibility, cost‐effectiveness and biocompatibility. Microfluidic systems integrate seamlessly with various biosensing reactions, facilitating nucleic acid amplification, target analyte recognition and accurate signal readouts. As research progresses, microfluidic technology is poised to play a pivotal role in addressing evolving challenges in the detection of foodborne contaminants. In this short review, we delve into various manufacturing materials for state‐of‐the‐art microfluidic devices, including inorganics, elastomers, thermoplastics and paper. Additionally, we examine several applications where microfluidic technology offers unique advantages in the detection of food contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, allergens and more. This review underscores the significant advancement of microfluidic technology and its pivotal role in advancing the detection and mitigation of foodborne contaminants.

Filling the Blank Space: Branched 4-Nonylphenol Isomers Are Responsible for Robust Constitutive Androstane Receptor (CAR) Activation by Nonylphenol.

4-Nonylphenol (4-NP), a para-substituted phenolic compound with a straight or branched carbon chain, is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant and food contaminant. 4-NP, particularly the branched form, has been identified as an endocrine disruptor (ED) with potent activities on estrogen receptors. Constitutive Androstane Receptor (CAR) is another crucial nuclear receptor that regulates hepatic lipid, glucose, and steroid metabolism and is involved in the ED mechanism of action. An NP mixture has been described as an extremely potent activator of both human and rodent CAR. However, detailed mechanistic aspects of CAR activation by 4-NP are enigmatic, and it is not known if 4-NP can directly interact with the CAR ligand binding domain (LBD). Here, we examined interactions of individual branched (22NP, 33NP, and 353NP) and linear 4-NPs with CAR variants using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, cellular experiments with various CAR expression constructs, recombinant CAR LBD in a TR-FRET assay, or a differentiated HepaRG hepatocyte cellular model. Our results demonstrate that branched 4-NPs display more stable poses to activate both wild-type CAR1 and CAR3 variant LBDs in MD simulations. Consistently, branched 4-NPs activated CAR3 and CAR1 LBD more efficiently than linear 4-NP. Furthermore, in HepaRG cells, we observed that all 4-NPs upregulated CYP2B6 mRNA, a relevant hallmark for CAR activation. This is the first study to provide detailed insights into the direct interaction between individual 4-NPs and human CAR-LBD, as well as its dominant variant CAR3. The work could contribute to the safer use of individual 4-NPs in many areas of industry.

Combined Contaminant Levels from Local Harvested Food Items in the Norwegian–Finnish–Russian Border Region

This paper presents the results of a multidisciplinary study with the aim of assessing the potential combined risk from consuming locally harvested food products in the Euro-Arctic region of Norway, Finland, and Russia. The three important contaminant groups—radioactive substances, heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs)—were measured in food samples such as berries, mushrooms, fish, birds, reindeer, and moose; they were sampled in 2013–2015. To assess the combined pollution levels and investigate the trends, similarities, and variations between different contaminant groups, subsequent multivariate statistical analysis was performed. The results showed that, in general, the levels of radioactive substances, toxic elements, and POPs were below the permitted EU maximum content in food products. However, statistical analysis revealed some correlations, similarities, and peculiarities between the accumulation of different contaminants in various species, which allowed for a better understanding of the mechanisms of accumulation and interaction between different contaminant groups. It also gave a better insight into the possible added risks and helped pinpoint species that could serve as reference markers for the accumulation of different contaminants in food. Mushrooms, fish, and reindeer were found to be important markers in the combined risk assessments for the contents of metals and radioactive substances. Further research, as well as the development of methodologies for combined assessments, are recommended.

The Implementation of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points in the Amplang Production Process at UMKM X, Balikpapan

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Background: Amplang is a snack made primarily from fish and is usually given as souvenirs to tourists, especially in Balikpapan. The process of making amplang involves a fairly long process, that might lead to bacterial growth if not handled correctly. Therefore, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point is one of the methods that can be used to prevent food contamination. Purpose: The purpose of this research is to assess the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point implementation in the production process of amplang by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises of X in Balikpapan. Method: This research is qualitative in nature with a case study approach. The informants in this study were the owners and employees of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises of X who are responsible for the amplang production process from fish meat storage to packaging. Results and Discussion: The formulation of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point stages indicates that the critical point is in the fish meat grinding process. Based on the bacterial testing results at each stage of amplang production in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises of X, it meets the requirements of SNI 7763:2013. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises of X has implemented the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point system effectively. To maintain and improve the existing conditions, it is recommended that the owner chooses suppliers of fresh fish raw materials who also implement food safety and personal hygiene systems. The production facility layout should be organized according to the 5R/5S principles to prevent contamination of raw materials and ensure the safety of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises of X workers.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

The Environmental Health Risk Analysis regarding Hepatitis A Transmission among Street Food Vendor in Indonesia

This study aimed to conduct hazard identification and risk assessment for the transmission of hepatitis A among street food vendors (SFVs), whereas risk management was generated. This observational analytic study was conducted in Jember Regency - Indonesia. Cluster random sampling was employed, wherein five distinct locus were selected representing SFVs in campus area and local market area. A total of 100 SFVs in Jember participated in this study. Data was collected using a questionnaire. The risk assessment was measured by multiplying the likelihood and consequence. Additionally, the data was subjected to descriptive analysis. This study found the identification of hazards among SFVs was found inadequate sanitation facilities, poor food processing practice (improper handling of raw ,- cooked ingredients, and poor food serving), limited availability of clean water,substandard building and layout were observed as potential hazards for the transmission of hepatitis A. The risk assessment found inadequate sanitation facilities (18 point), negative attitude (18 point), poor quality assurance (16 point), and food contamination (14 point) have high scores. The risk management including: a) location and building: providing specific location, and maintaining cleanliness of the furniture and equipment on a regular basis, b) sanitation facility: provision of sanitary waste bin, communal toilet and wastewater drainage system; fly control measures, and using piped water supply, c) food processing: increasing food handler personal hygiene, and standard food handling process.In conclusion, the risk of Hepatitis A transmission among street vendors remains high and poses a threat in Jember, indicating the need for health education for the street vendors. Additionally, the author recommends policymakers to implement regular monitoring or inspection of the food quality and the necessity of providing clean water facilities or other fundamental facilities to SFVs.

Effect Of Storing Perishable Food Ingredients On The Quality Of Food Ingredients In The Kitchen

Utilising food storage is necessary to decrease waste and increase food quality. In this study, the effect of tainted food storage on its quality was evaluated at the Cambridge Hotel Medan. 35 people gathered to hear the announcement. Quantitative techniques using a Likert scale and inferential statistics like validity, reliability, simple regression, and determination are included in data analysis. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25 was used for the analysis. The study's findings revealed that, according to the determination test, the Cambridge Hotel Medan's food storage had a 12.6% influence on quality, while other factors outside the study had an 87.4% impact. With a significance level of 0.037, the sum of the t values (2,180) exceeds the table of the t values (2.036). The Ha hypotheses are therefore accepted, and the H0 hypothesis is disproved. According to the Ha hypothesis, there is a direct correlation between the integrity of food and how it is stored. Food and beverage goods must be further trained and supervised at storage in line with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in order to reduce food waste.

Portable ratiometric fluorescence detection of Cu2+and thiram.

Food contaminants pose a danger to human health, but rapid, sensitive and reliable food safety detection methods can offer a solution to this problem. In this study, an optical fiber ratiometric fluorescence sensing system based on carbon dots (CDs) and o-phenylenediamine (OPD) was constructed. The ratiometric fluorescence response of Cu2+and thiram was carried out by the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between CDs and 2,3-diaminophenazine (ox-OPD, oxidized state o-phenylenediamine). The oxidation of OPD by Cu2+resulted in the formation of ox-OPD, which quenched the fluorescence of CDs and exhibited a new emission peak at 573 nm. The formation of a [dithiocarbamate-Cu2+] (DTC-Cu2+) complex by reacting thiram with Cu2+, inhibits the OPD oxidation reaction triggered by Cu2+, thus turning off the fluorescence signal of OPD-Cu2+. The as-established detection system presented excellent sensitivity and selectivity for the detection of Cu2+and thiram in the ranges of 1 ∼ 100μM and 5 ∼ 50μM, respectively. The lowest detection limits were 0.392μM for Cu2+and 0.522μM for thiram. Furthermore, actual sample analysis indicated that the sensor had the potential for Cu2+and thiram assays in real sample analysis.

Viable Escherichia coli enumeration on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chip with vertical channel-well configuration.

The culture-based methods for viable Escherichia coli (E. coli) detection suffer from long detection time and laborious procedures, whereas the molecule tests and immune recognition technologies lack live/dead E. coli differentiation. Rapid, easy-to-use, and accessible viable E. coli detection is of benefit to bacterial infection diagnosis and risk warning of E. coli contamination of water and food, safeguarding human health. Herein, we propose a microwell chip-based solution to realize simple and rapid determination of viable E. coli. The vertical channel-well configuration is applied to develop the microwell array chip for increasing the microwell density (6200 wells/cm2), yielding abroad dynamic range from 103 to 107 CFU/mL. We incorporate an inducible enzyme assay with the developed chip and achieve the differentiation of live/dead E. coli within 4h, significantly shortening the detection time from over 24h in thestandard method. By encapsulating single E. coli into microwells, the concentration of viable cells can be determined simultaneously through counting positive microwells. In addition, the air soluble PDMS that can store negative pressure for independent sample digitalization endows the developed chip with simple operation and less reliance on external equipment. With further developments for increasing the number of microwell and integrating more sample panels, the developed chip can become a useful tool for rapid viable E. coli enumeration with user-friendly operation, simple procedures, and accessibility in decentralized settings, thereby deploying this device for water and food safety monitoring, as well as clinical bacterial infection diagnosis.

Aflatoxin M1 mitigation by novel biological agents and evaluation of bioaccessibility with enzymatic digestion in milk

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a metabolite of AFB1 that is formed in the liver and excreted in the mammary glands of ruminants who fed an AFB1-contaminated feed. This study focused on the AFM1 binding ability of biological agents including lactic acid bacteria (Leuconostoc mesenteroides) and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), chitosan as a biopolymer, and inulin as a prebiotic besides their effects on the AFM1 bioaccessibility in milk. Bioaccessibility refers to the amount of a contaminant in food that can reach the systemic circulation and exert its toxic effects on the body. In vitro gastrointestinal digestion model developed by RIVM for specifically mycotoxins was employed for assessing AFM1 bioaccessibility. Moreover, the colon phase was enzymatically simulated to evaluate the state of bound and unbound AFM1 that passed from the intestine to the colon and excreted from the body. Unbound AFM1 levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The bound AFM1 percentages after incubation varied between 26.7% and 50.9%, and the best binder was found as S. cerevisiae while chitosan showed the lowest binding level. Following in vitro digestion practice, the lowest bioaccessibility after small intestine (29.30 ± 2.29%) digestion was acquired with S. cerevisiae, however; the lowest bioaccessibility after the colon phase (51.55 ± 3.38%) was acquired with L. mesenteroides. On the other hand, L. mesenteroides and chitosan were found more stable binders through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The present results showed that the bound AFM1 levels in food and absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract were affected by natural binders.

Errors in agricultural practices increase the toxicity of heavy metals in the food chain at Ishwardi Upazila in Bangladesh

Due to the potential harm to human health, heavy metal deposition in agricultural products has.gained importance throughout the world. Excessive use of agrochemicals and poultry wastes dramatically increased during the cultivation processes of rapidly growing vegetables without maintaining authorized guidelines. happens due to the availability and low cost of these materials and higher production of the vegetables. Higher levels of heavy metals, especially Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr), and Cadmium (Cd) contamination in food have detrimental effects on human health as well as the environmental ecosystems. This study revealed the profile of the heavy metals in the fast-growing vegetable called red amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) due to the frequent use of poultry manure. We collected a total of 75 samples of red amaranth, water, and soil from five villages of five different unions at Ishwardi upazila in Bangladesh, and we analyzed the contamination levels of As, Pb, Cr, and Cd in them. Except for the As, we found that the accumulation levels of Pb, Cr, and Cd in samples crossed the highest permissive limit compared to FAO/WHO standards. Results suggested that daily intake of red amaranth in this area is alarming to human health due to the detrimental effects of these heavy metals.

Ratiometric fluorescence platform for the ultrasensitive detection of kanamycin based on split aptamer co-recognition triggers Mg2+-DNAzyme-driven DNA walker systems

In this work, a novel 3D-DNA walker signal amplification strategy was designed to construct a fluorescent aptasensor for the detection of kanamycin (KAN). The aptasensor utilizes split aptamers for the synergistic recognition of KAN. The presence of KAN induces the split aptamers recombination to form the Mg2+-DNAzyme structure, which is activated by Mg2+ to drive the 3D-DNA walker process for cascading signal amplification. Employing gold nanoflowers (AuNFs) as walking substrate material increases the local DNA concentration to enhance the walker efficiency. The prepared fluorescent aptasensor achieved efficient and sensitive detection of KAN with satisfactory results in the concentration range of 1 × 10−8 - 1 × 10−3 μg/kg and the detection limit of 5.63 fg/kg. Meanwhile, the designed fluorescent aptasensor exhibited favorable specificity, anti-interference, storage stability and reproducibility, and verified the feasibility of its application in milk samples. The present work provides an effective tool for the regulation of KAN contamination in animal-derived foods with promising prospects.

Differential susceptibility of BRL cells with/without insulin resistance and the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling pathway in response to acrylamide-exposure toxicity effects in vitro

Acrylamide (ACR) is an endogenous food contaminant, high levels of ACR have been detected in a large number of foods, causing widespread concern. Since different organism states respond differently to the toxic effects of pollutants, this study establishes an insulin-resistant BRL cell model to explore the differential susceptibility of BRL cells with/without insulin resistance in response to acrylamide-exposure (0.0002, 0.02, or 1mM) toxicity effects and its mechanism. The results showed that ACR exposure decreased glucose uptake and increased intracellular lipid levels by promoting the expression of fatty acid synthesis, transport, and gluconeogenesis genes and inhibiting the expression of fatty acid metabolism genes, thereby further exacerbating disorders of gluconeogenesis and lipid metabolism in insulin-resistant BRL cells. Simultaneously, its exposure also exacerbated BRL cells with/without insulin-resistant damage. Meanwhile, insulin resistance significantly raised susceptibility to BRL cell response to ACR-induced toxicity. Furthermore, ACR exposure further activated the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) signaling pathway (promoting phosphorylation of PERK, eIF-2α, and IRE-1α) and the apoptosis signaling pathway (activating Caspase-3 and increasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio) in BRL cells with insulin-resistant, which were also attenuated after ROS scavenging or ERS signaling pathway blockade. Overall results suggested that ACR evokes a severer toxicity effect on BRL cells with insulin resistance through the overactivation of the ERS signaling pathway.

Pathogen-responsive delivery of Nisin

Nisin, a food preservative commonly used in dairy and meat products, would be more effective if it was kept protected within a delivery system and its release accelerated in response to food contamination. Thus, nisin would remain stable in food for longer and only target harmful microorganisms. To achieve this goal, we describe here the first example of pathogen-responsive polyion complex (PIC) nanoparticles that release nisin preferentially in the presence of hyaluronidase-producing foodborne pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus. In brief, we used a simple electrostatic complexation method with hyaluronic acid as an enzyme-degradable encapsulating polymer to produce small, well-defined spherical nisin-loaded PIC nanoparticles with good encapsulation efficiencies. These nisin-HA PIC nanoparticles displayed good stability at high salt concentrations, while the release of nisin was accelerated by hyaluronidase during in vitro experiments. More importantly, these nisin-HA PIC nanoparticles showed a better inhibitory effect against hyaluronidase-producing S. aureus than Bacillus cereus, a non-hyaluronidase-producing control. Finally, we performed a controlled contamination experiment to evaluate if these pathogen-responsive nanoparticles prevented microbial growth in milk, a representative food matrix. Remarkably, these nisin-HA PIC nanoparticles showed the same inhibitory effect as free nisin against hyaluronidase-producing S. aureus while having a minimal impact on non-hyaluronidase-producing B. cereus. Altogether, our findings highlight the potential of pathogen-triggered nisin release, suggesting innovative avenues for optimizing the delivery of this food preservative.

Bacterial Contamination in Frozen Food Manufacturing Facilities after HACCP Institutionalization

Bacterial Contamination in Frozen Food Manufacturing Facilities after HACCP Institutionalization

Synthesis of β-Cyclodextrin@gold Nanoparticles and Its Application on Colorimetric Assays for Ascorbic Acid and Salmonella Based on Peroxidase-like Activities

The peroxidase-like behaviors of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have the potential to the development of rapid and sensitive colorimetric assays for specific food ingredients and contaminants. Here, using NaBH4 as a reducing agent, AuNPs with a supramolecular macrocyclic compound β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) capped were synthesized under alkaline conditions. Monodispersal of β-CD@AuNPs possessed a reduction in diameter size and performed great peroxidase-like activities toward both substrates, H2O2 and TMB. In the presence of H2O2, the color change of TMB oxidization to oxTMB was well-achieved using β-CD@AuNPs as the catalyst, which was further employed to develop colorimetric assays for ascorbic acid, with a limit of detection as low as 0.2 μM in ddH2O. With the help of the host-guest interaction between β-CD and adamantane, AuNPs conjugated with nanobodies to exhibit peroxidase-like activities and specific recognition against Salmonella Typhimurium simultaneously. Based on this bifunctional bioprobe, a selective and sensitive one-step colorimetric assay for S. Typhimurium was developed with a linear detection from 8.3 × 104 to 2.6 × 108 CFU/mL and can be provided to spiked lettuce with acceptable recoveries of 97.31% to 103.29%. The results demonstrated that the excellent peroxidase-like behaviors of β-CD@AuNPs can be applied to develop a colorimetric sensing platform in the food industry.

Cyanotoxins in food: Exposure assessment and health impact

The intricate nature of cyanotoxin exposure through food reveals a complex web of risks and uncertainties in our dietary choices. With the aim of starting to unravel this intricate nexus, a comprehensive review of 111 papers from the past two decades investigating cyanotoxin contamination in food was undertaken. It revealed a widespread occurrence of cyanotoxins in diverse food sources across 31 countries. Notably, 68% of the studies reported microcystin concentrations exceeding established Tolerable Daily Intake levels. Cyanotoxins were detected in muscles of many fish species, and while herbivorous fish exhibited the highest recorded concentration, omnivorous species displayed a higher propensity for cyanotoxin accumulation, exemplified by Oreochromis niloticus. Beyond fish, crustaceans and bivalves emerged as potent cyanotoxin accumulators. Gaps persist regarding contamination of terrestrial and exotic animals and their products, necessitating further exploration. Plant contamination under natural conditions remains underreported, yet evidence underscores irrigation-driven cyanotoxin accumulation, particularly affecting leafy vegetables. Finally, cyanobacterial-based food supplements often harbored cyanotoxins (57 % of samples were positive) warranting heightened scrutiny, especially for Aphanizomenon flos-aquae-based products. Uncertainties surround precise concentrations due to methodological variations (chemical and biochemical) and extraction limitations, along with the enigmatic fate of toxins during storage, processing, and digestion. Nonetheless, potential health consequences of cyanotoxin exposure via contaminated food include gastrointestinal and neurological disorders, organ damage (e.g. liver, kidneys, muscles), and even elevated cancer risks. While microcystins received significant attention, knowledge gaps persist regarding other cyanotoxins' accumulation, exposure, and effects, as well as combined exposure via multiple pathways. Intriguing and complex, cyanotoxin exposure through food beckons further research for our safer and healthier diets.

Detection and Molecular Characterization of Canine Coronavirus Based on Partial Membrane Gene Sequences

Canine coronavirus (CCoV) infection in dogs is common all over the world and progresses with gastroenteritis findings. Infection as a result of complications with secondary factors may result in death, especially in puppies. The virus, which is excreted in the feces, spreads indirectly through the contamination of food, water, and the environment. This study, it was aimed at revealing the CCoV infection and obtaining current molecular information about the infection. In addition, molecular characterization of CCoV strains circulating in the region was made based on the M (membrane protein) gene. The study material consisted of stool samples from 12 dogs with gastroenteritis findings. The amplified PCR products were subjected to sequence analysis and a phylogenetic tree was constructed by comparing them with different reference CCoV isolates from GenBank. In the phylogenetic tree, 1 of the 5 positive samples was determined to be CCoV-I, and 4 samples were determined to be CCoV-IIa. It was determined that the strains obtained were 85.4 - 97.7% similar among themselves and 82.7-98% similar to other strains obtained from GenBank. As a result of study, current molecular information about CCoV circulating in the Balıkesir region was obtained. With this study, it is thought that new research on the existence and molecular epidemiology of CCoV infection in Türkiye will make important contributions to vaccine studies and the control of infection.