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1 – 10 of 90Qing Wang, Xuening Wang, Shaojing Sun, Litao Wang, Yan Sun, Xinyan Guo, Na Wang and Bin Chen
This study aims to study the distribution characteristics of antibiotic resistance in direct-eating food and analysis of Citrobacter freundii genome and pathogenicity. Residual…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to study the distribution characteristics of antibiotic resistance in direct-eating food and analysis of Citrobacter freundii genome and pathogenicity. Residual antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment severely threaten human health and the ecological environment. The diseases caused by foodborne pathogenic bacteria are increasing daily, and the enhancement of antibiotic resistance of pathogenic bacteria poses many difficulties in the treatment of disease.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, six fresh fruits and vegetable samples were selected for isolation and identification of culturable bacteria and analysis of antibiotic resistance. The whole genome of Citrobacter freundii isolated from cucumber was sequenced and analyzed by Oxford Nanopore sequencing.
Findings
The results show that 270 strains of bacteria were identified in 6 samples. From 12 samples of direct food, 2 kinds of probiotics and 10 kinds of opportunistic pathogens were screened. The proportion of Citrobacter freundii screened from cucumber was significantly higher than that from other samples, and it showed resistance to a variety of antibiotics. Whole genome sequencing showed that Citrobacter freundii was composed of a circular chromosome containing signal peptides, transmembrane proteins and transporters that could induce antibiotic efflux, indicating that Citrobacter freundii had strong adaptability to the environment. The detection of genes encoding carbohydrate active enzymes is more beneficial to the growth and reproduction of Citrobacter freundii in crops. A total of 29 kinds of ARGs were detected in Citrobacter freundii, mainly conferring resistance to fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, carbapenem, cephalosporins and macrolides. The main mechanisms are the change in antibiotic targets and efflux pumps, the change in cell permeability and the inactivation of antibiotics and the detection of virulence factors and ARGs, further indicating the serious risk to human health.
Originality/value
The detection of genomic islands and prophages increases the risk of horizontal transfer of virulence factors and ARGs, which spreads the drug resistance of bacteria and pathogenic bacteria more widely.
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S. Muhammad, K. Shehu and N.A. Amusa
A survey of the market diseases and aflatoxin contamination of tomato fruits was conducted in Sokoto in northwestern Nigeria in 2001 and 2002, respectively. Rotten tomato fruits…
Abstract
A survey of the market diseases and aflatoxin contamination of tomato fruits was conducted in Sokoto in northwestern Nigeria in 2001 and 2002, respectively. Rotten tomato fruits sold at five different markets in Sokoto town, located at Central market, Kasuwar daji, Mabera, Minanata and Arkilla were heavily contaminated with moulds. Eight different fungi were found associated with the rotten tomato fruits sold in the five different markets. The associated fungi were Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceous, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium citrinum and Helminthosporim fulvum, Curvularia lunata and Sclerotium rolfsii. A. flavus and A. niger have the highest rate of occurrence among the isolated fungi, while S. rolfsii was the least encountered. Pathogenicity tests revealed that of all the isolated fungi, A. ochraceous, A. flavus, Sclerotium rolfsii and P. citrinum were highly pathogenic with the first three leading to rapid disintegration of treated fruits in 3‐5 days. A. niger was moderately pathogenic, while H. fulvum was least pathogenic on tomato fruits. Aflatoxins were detected from the sampled diseased‐marketed tomato fruits and also from the marketed rotten tomato fruits after autoclaving for 15 minutes at 121°C.
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Dennis Appo and Charmine E.J. Härtel
All Australian Aborigines have experienced the impact of Western culture to some extent which has resulted in the traditional cultures being irrevocably decimated. The reaction to…
Abstract
All Australian Aborigines have experienced the impact of Western culture to some extent which has resulted in the traditional cultures being irrevocably decimated. The reaction to the disintegration of traditional culture has been marked by a variety of outcomes. While some Aborigines have either accepted or reached a level of accommodation to the new order, others have responded in maladaptive ways. For some Aborigines, the disintegration of traditional culture and society has generated conflict, confusion and the disintegration of personality, which is conducive to the evolution of a dysfunctional group. It is the circumstances of and policy responses to dysfunctional Aboriginal groups, therefore, that is the concern of this article.
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A proposal for the addition of yeast in routine and clinical diets for optimal nutrition of human beings was made on the premiss of its salubrious effects in laboratory and farm…
Abstract
A proposal for the addition of yeast in routine and clinical diets for optimal nutrition of human beings was made on the premiss of its salubrious effects in laboratory and farm animals. The strong points in favour of the supplement are its ancient use in brewery and bakery production for human consumption, its cultural acceptability and freedom from pathogenicity, allergenicity, toxicity or carcinogenicity. Recommendations for clinical trials with humans were made to confirm a list of tentative advantages obtained in trials with animals.
Carol A. Phillips and Neil Roscoe
Verocytotoxin‐producing Escherichia coli 0157:H7 is known to cause bloody diarrhoea (haemorrhagic colitis) and, in vulnerable groups, haemorrhagic ureamic syndrome. The majority…
Abstract
Verocytotoxin‐producing Escherichia coli 0157:H7 is known to cause bloody diarrhoea (haemorrhagic colitis) and, in vulnerable groups, haemorrhagic ureamic syndrome. The majority of outbreaks have been associated with the consumption of ground beef products, and cattle have been identified as an important environmental reservoir of the organism. Investigates the survival of the organism in ground beef products during normal cooking procedures. Finds that in certain products Escherichia coli 0157:H7 is able to remain viable and, therefore, maintain the potential for human pathogenicity.
The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of these unethical promotional activities on patient’s quality of life.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of these unethical promotional activities on patient’s quality of life.
Design/methodology/approach
In-depth interviews were conducted, and then quantitative method was also used on a large number of health care professionals.
Findings
Findings of the study demonstrated that unethical activities influence biased prescriptions and then it helps to misuse of medicines. The drug resistance is also affected by misuse of medicines. Misuse of medicine further affects on financial burden on patient. Drug resistance has impact on health compromise. Furthermore, finding of the study describes that drug resistance, health compromise and financial lead to the imbalance of patient’s quality of life. Overall, findings revealed that pharmaceutical unethical promotional activity to achieve sales target is also a major cause of elements that disturbs patient’s quality of life.
Originality/value
This is a research paper and not published before.
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N.A. Amusa, I.A. Kehinde and A.A. Adegbite
The etiology of fruit anthracnose in hot pepper (Capsicum frutescens) was investigated at Ibadan, Osogbo, and Ikenne in the lowland forest zone of western Nigeria. Collectotrichum…
Abstract
The etiology of fruit anthracnose in hot pepper (Capsicum frutescens) was investigated at Ibadan, Osogbo, and Ikenne in the lowland forest zone of western Nigeria. Collectotrichum capsici (Synd) Butler & Bisby was found associated with the fruit anthracnose of hot pepper in all locations. Out of 300 plants examined in all the locations, over 70 per cent had fruit anthracnose, while in some pepper fields all the fruits produced had the disease symptom. The pathogen overseasoned in pepper plant debris. A high inoculum population of 4.9×106 g−1 colony forming units/g was estimated in the soil of pepper fields. The seed from the infected hot pepper fruits also carried propergules of the pathogen. The fungus was also found on Lycopersicon esculentus, C. annum and Vigna unguiculata growing in and around the pepper fields. Pepper fruits infection by the disease occurs during the peak of the rainy season beginning in patches which spread later, resulting in extensive infection of the pepper field.
Listeriosis in animals and humans has been known for over 60 years.Outbreaks in humans have been reported since 1951 but the importance offoodborne transmission has only been…
Abstract
Listeriosis in animals and humans has been known for over 60 years. Outbreaks in humans have been reported since 1951 but the importance of foodborne transmission has only been realised recently. Listeria monocytogenes is of concern to the food industry because of its ability to grow at refrigeration temperatures and the serious nature of listeriosis. Surveys have shown a widespread incidence of L. monocytogenes in foods and high numbers in certain foods. Hygienic practices in food production are being modified to reduce this incidence, and conditions to minimise the survival and growth of listeria in foods are being determined. Listeriosis is still a relatively rare disease and the majority of people may be resistant, or develop immunity to the bacterium. Because of the fact that a significant proportion of the population is likely to be vulnerable to infection, and the trend towards increased consumption of chilled foods which may have an extended shelf life, it is important to minimise the incidence of listeria in foods.
L. Manning, R.N. Baines and S.A. Chadd
Aims to highlight how food contamination, whether accidental or deliberate, can have far‐reaching impact on individuals, organisations and the food supply chain.
Abstract
Purpose
Aims to highlight how food contamination, whether accidental or deliberate, can have far‐reaching impact on individuals, organisations and the food supply chain.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper focuses on the use of agents such as foreign animal disease (FAD). The research included a literature review and evaluation to determine the mechanisms currently in place to counter‐act bioterrorism in the food supply chain with particular emphasis on poultry.
Findings
Food terrorism, where the contaminant is a FAD, would cause severe economic disruption by direct costs due to the culling of livestock and the compensation paid to growers. It could also lead to consequential loss to the local or national economy, loss of consumer confidence in the food supply chain and loss of political confidence and support following the mass culling of livestock, with some agents having the ability to impact directly on human health.
Originality/value
This paper analyses the current state of preparedness for food terrorism in the food supply chain and is of relevance to a cross‐section of the industry.
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Malnutrition is widespread and affects about one-third of humanity. Increasing production and consumption of vegetables is an obvious pathway to improve dietary diversity…
Abstract
Malnutrition is widespread and affects about one-third of humanity. Increasing production and consumption of vegetables is an obvious pathway to improve dietary diversity, nutrition and health. This chapter analyses how climate change is affecting vegetable production, with a special focus on the spread of insect pests and diseases. A thorough literature review was undertaken to assess current global vegetable production, the factors that affect the spread of diseases and insect pests, the implications caused by climate change, and how some of these constraints can be overcome. This study found that climate change combined with globalization, increased human mobility, and pathogen and vector evolution has increased the spread of invasive plant pathogens and other species with high fertility and dispersal. The ability to transfer genes from wild relatives into cultivated elite varieties accelerates the development of novel vegetable varieties. World Vegetable Center breeders have embarked on breeding for multiple disease resistance against a few important pathogens of global relevance and with large evolutionary potential, such as chili anthracnose and tomato bacterial wilt. The practical implications of this are that agronomic practices that enhance microbial diversity may suppress emerging plant pathogens through biological control. Grafting can effectively control soil-borne diseases and overcome abiotic stress. Biopesticides and natural enemies either alone or in combination can play a significant role in sustainable pathogen and insect pest management in vegetable production system. This chapter highlights the importance of integrated disease and pest management and the use of diverse production systems for enhanced resilience and sustainability of highly vulnerable, uniform cropping systems.
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