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Topi D, Babič J, Jakovac-Strajn B, Tavčar-Kalcher G. Incidence of Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin A in Wheat and Corn from Albania. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:567. [PMID: 37755993 PMCID: PMC10537406 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15090567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, aflatoxins (AFs) and ochratoxin A (OTA) were analyzed in grains, specifically wheat and corn, from Albania. To summarize, 71 wheat and 45 corn samples from different growing areas were collected. The multi-toxin analytical procedure involved sample extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The incidence of AF was 18% in the analyzed wheat and 71% in the corn samples. The concentration of AFs was much higher in the corn samples than in the wheat samples. The maximum permitted levels for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and total AFs were not exceeded in the wheat samples, while they were exceeded in 36% of the corn samples. In the wheat samples, the AFB1 concentration varied between 0.2 and 0.4 µg kg-1. However, the highest concentrations in the corn samples were 2057, 2944, and 3550 µg kg-1. OTA was present in only three corn samples and one wheat sample. However, all contaminated samples exceeded the maximum permitted levels. This report reveals the presence of AFs and OTA in grain commodities, specifically wheat and corn, grown in Albania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dritan Topi
- Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (J.B.); (B.J.-S.); (G.T.-K.)
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, Boulevard Zogu 1, 25/1, 1000 Tirana, Albania
| | - Janja Babič
- Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (J.B.); (B.J.-S.); (G.T.-K.)
| | - Breda Jakovac-Strajn
- Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (J.B.); (B.J.-S.); (G.T.-K.)
| | - Gabrijela Tavčar-Kalcher
- Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (J.B.); (B.J.-S.); (G.T.-K.)
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Babič J, Tavčar-Kalcher G, Celar FA, Kos K, Knific T, Jakovac-Strajn B. Occurrence of Alternaria and Other Toxins in Cereal Grains Intended for Animal Feeding Collected in Slovenia: A Three-Year Study. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:304. [PMID: 33923249 PMCID: PMC8145452 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13050304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the less-studied Alternaria mycotoxins have attracted increasing interest due to the lack of survey data and their ability to cause toxic effects in animals and humans. To fill the gap, the aim of this three-year survey was to investigate the presence and co-occurrence of Alternaria and other mycotoxins in a total of 433 cereal grain samples from Slovenian farms and agricultural cooperatives from 2014 to 2016. Using the multi-mycotoxin method, 14 mycotoxins were determined. In 53% of 433 analysed samples, contamination with at least one mycotoxin was found. Deoxynivalenol (DON) and tenuazonic acid (TeA) were present in 32% and 26% of cereal grain samples, respectively, whereas alternariol (AOH), tentoxin (TEN), alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), 3- and 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (3- and 15-AcDON), and zearalenone (ZEN) were present in fewer than 15% of the samples. Ochratoxin A (OTA) was found in one rye sample, while diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS), HT-2 and T-2 toxin, and fumonisins B1 and B2 (FB1 and FB2) were not detected. The highest maximum and median concentrations of Alternaria toxins were determined in spelt in 2016 (TeA, 2277 µg/kg and 203 µg/kg, respectively), and those of Fusarium toxins in wheat in 2015 (DON, 4082 µg/kg and 387 µg/kg, respectively). The co-occurrence of two or more mycotoxins was found in 43% of the positive samples. The correlations between Alternaria toxins were very weak but statistically significant (r: 0.15-0.17, p: 0.0042-0.0165). A well-known correlation between Fusarium toxins DON and ZEN was weak and highly significant (r = 0.28, p < 0.0001).
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Affiliation(s)
- Janja Babič
- Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (J.B.); (T.K.); (B.J.-S.)
| | - Gabrijela Tavčar-Kalcher
- Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (J.B.); (T.K.); (B.J.-S.)
| | - Franci Aco Celar
- Department of Agronomy, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (F.A.C.); (K.K.)
| | - Katarina Kos
- Department of Agronomy, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (F.A.C.); (K.K.)
| | - Tanja Knific
- Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (J.B.); (T.K.); (B.J.-S.)
| | - Breda Jakovac-Strajn
- Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (J.B.); (T.K.); (B.J.-S.)
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Druzhaeva N, Petrič AD, Tavčar-Kalcher G, Babič J, Nemec Svete A. Randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial of the effects of coenzyme Q 10 supplementation on plasma coenzyme Q 10 concentration in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease. Am J Vet Res 2021; 82:280-285. [PMID: 33764833 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.82.4.280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the dose of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) needed to achieve at least a 3-fold increase in plasma CoQ10 concentration in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and congestive heart failure (CHF). ANIMALS 18 dogs with CHF due to MMVD and 12 healthy dogs. PROCEDURES In a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial, dogs with MMVD were given 50 or 100 mg of water-soluble CoQ10 (ubiquinone; total daily dose, 100 mg [n = 5] or 200 mg [6]) or a placebo (7), PO, twice a day for 2 weeks in addition to regular cardiac treatment. Plasma CoQ10 concentration was measured in dogs with MMVD before (baseline) and at various time points after supplementation began and in healthy dogs once. Concentrations were compared among and within groups. RESULTS No significant difference in median baseline plasma CoQ10 concentration was detected between healthy dogs and dogs with MMVD. Fold increases in plasma CoQ10 concentrations ranged from 1.7 to 4.7 and 3.2 to 6.8 for individual dogs in the 100-mg and 200-mg groups, respectively. The change in plasma CoQ10 concentration after supplementation began was significantly higher than in the placebo group at 4 hours and 1 and 2 weeks for dogs in the 200-mg group and at 1 and 2 weeks for dogs in the 100-mg group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE A daily CoQ10 dose of 200 mg was sufficient to achieve at least a 3-fold increase in plasma CoQ10 concentration and may be used in CoQ10 supplementation studies involving dogs with CHF due to MMVD.
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Jakovac-Strajn B, Brozić D, Tavčar-Kalcher G, Babič J, Trilar T, Vengust M. Entomological Surveillance and Cantharidin Concentrations in Mylabris variabilis and Epicauta rufidorsum Blister Beetles in Slovenia. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:220. [PMID: 33477415 PMCID: PMC7830541 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
True blister beetles (genus Epicauta, family Meloidae) produce cantharidin, which can cause toxicosis in humans and animals. Some recent reports suggest that poisoning by the blister beetle has occurred in the Mediterranean part of Slovenia, which has never been reported before. Drought and modern harvesting techniques are thought to increase the likelihood of blister beetle forage contamination and cantharidin intoxication in animals. A survey of fields associated with blister beetle contamination was conducted and the Meloid species present were identified. Entomological surveillance was conducted for Mylabris variabilis and Epicauta rufidorsum. Cantharidin concentrations were also measured in both blister beetle species. Cantharidin concentration in Mylabris variabilis (n = 17) ranged from 0.038 to 0.354 µg/mg (mean 0.151 µg/mg). Cantharidin concentration in Epicauta rufidorsum (n = 36) ranged from 0.055 to 0.341 µg/mg (mean 0.142 µg/mg). Both species exhibited variable concentrations of cantharidin that could not be associated with their biology, sex, age, size, and/or reproductive status. Epicauta rufidorsum have never previously been studied as a possible source of forage contamination, nor have cantharidin concentrations been determined in this species. It is the most likely source of forage contamination due to its abundance in the investigated fields, its swarming activity, and its tendency to reside in the green parts of plants immediately after cutting. Delaying the simultaneous processing and storage of forage after cutting would reduce the likelihood of forage contamination by blister beetles, as they can then retreat to the ground or fly away.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breda Jakovac-Strajn
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.J.-S.); (G.T.-K.); (J.B.)
| | - Diana Brozić
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Gabrijela Tavčar-Kalcher
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.J.-S.); (G.T.-K.); (J.B.)
| | - Janja Babič
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.J.-S.); (G.T.-K.); (J.B.)
| | - Tomi Trilar
- Slovenian Museum of Natural History, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Modest Vengust
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.J.-S.); (G.T.-K.); (J.B.)
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Topi D, Babič J, Pavšič-Vrtač K, Tavčar-Kalcher G, Jakovac-Strajn B. Incidence of Fusarium Mycotoxins in Wheat and Maize from Albania. Molecules 2020; 26:E172. [PMID: 33396539 PMCID: PMC7796429 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26010172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, ten Fusarium toxins were analysed in wheat and maize commodities from Albania. In total, 71 samples of wheat and 45 samples of maize were collected from different producing regions. The analytical procedure consisted of a simple one-step sample extraction followed by the determination of toxins using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Fusarium toxins were found in 23% of the analysed wheat samples and in 78% of maize samples. In maize samples, most often fumonisins B1 (FB1) and B2 (FB2) were found. They were present in 76% of samples. They were detected in all positive samples except in one with concentrations ranging from 59.9 to 16,970 μg/kg. The sum of FB1 and FB2 exceeded the EU maximum permitted level (4000 μg/kg) in 31% of maize samples. In wheat samples, the only detected Fusarium mycotoxin was deoxynivalenol (DON), present in 23% of samples. In one sample with the concentration of 1916 μg/kg, the EU maximum permitted level (1250 μg/kg) was exceeded. This is the first report on the presence of Fusarium toxins in wheat and maize grains cultivated in Albania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dritan Topi
- Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (D.T.); (J.B.); (K.P.-V.); (B.J.-S.)
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, Boulevard Zogu 1, 25, 1016 Tirana, Albania
| | - Janja Babič
- Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (D.T.); (J.B.); (K.P.-V.); (B.J.-S.)
| | - Katarina Pavšič-Vrtač
- Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (D.T.); (J.B.); (K.P.-V.); (B.J.-S.)
| | - Gabrijela Tavčar-Kalcher
- Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (D.T.); (J.B.); (K.P.-V.); (B.J.-S.)
| | - Breda Jakovac-Strajn
- Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (D.T.); (J.B.); (K.P.-V.); (B.J.-S.)
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Hojnik N, Modic M, Tavčar-Kalcher G, Babič J, Walsh JL, Cvelbar U. Mycotoxin Decontamination Efficacy of Atmospheric Pressure Air Plasma. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E219. [PMID: 31013734 PMCID: PMC6521119 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11040219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycotoxins, the toxic secondary metabolites of mould species, are a growing global concern, rendering almost 25% of all food produced unfit for human or animal consumption, thus placing immense pressure on the food supply chain. Cold Atmospheric pressure Plasma (CAP) represents a promising, low-cost, and environmentally friendly means to degrade mycotoxins with negligible effect on the quality of food products. Despite this promise, the study of CAP-mediated mycotoxin degradation has been limited to a small subset of the vast number of mycotoxins that plague the food supply chain. This study explores the degradation of aflatoxins, trichothecenes, fumonisins, and zearalenone using CAP generated in ambient air. CAP treatment was found to reduce aflatoxins by 93%, trichothecenes by 90%, fumonisins by 93%, and zearalenone by 100% after 8 minutes exposure. To demonstrate the potential of CAP-mediated mycotoxin degradation against more conventional methods, its efficiency was compared against ultraviolet C (UVC) light irradiation. In all cases, CAP was found to be considerably more efficient than UVC, with aflatoxin G1 and zearalenone being completely degraded, levels that could not be achieved using UVC irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataša Hojnik
- Laboratory for Gaseous Electronics F6, Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Martina Modic
- Laboratory for Gaseous Electronics F6, Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Gabrijela Tavčar-Kalcher
- Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Janja Babič
- Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - James L Walsh
- Department of Electrical, Engineering and Electronics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GJ, UK.
| | - Uroš Cvelbar
- Laboratory for Gaseous Electronics F6, Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Topi D, Tavčar-Kalcher G, Pavšič-Vrtač K, Babič J, Jakovac-Strajn B. Alternaria mycotoxins in grains from Albania: alternariol, alternariol monomethyl ether, tenuazonic acid and tentoxin. WORLD MYCOTOXIN J 2019. [DOI: 10.3920/wmj2018.2342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The presence of four Alternaria toxins in maize and wheat harvested in 2014 and 2015 in Albania was investigated. In total, 45 samples of maize and 71 samples of wheat were collected from the country’s main producing regions. The presence of alternariol (AOH), alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), tenuazonic acid (TeA) and tentoxin (TTX) was studied by an LC-MS/MS method. The incidence of Alternaria toxins in maize was 45.2% in the year 2014 and 7.1% in 2015, and the contamination rate in wheat was 82.9% in 2014 and 86.1% in 2015. Considering maize and wheat samples together, 65.2 and 64.0% of samples were contaminated by Alternaria toxins in the harvesting years 2014 and 2015, respectively. The occurrence rate was much higher in wheat than in maize, but the concentrations were higher in maize. The highest concentration of total Alternaria toxins in maize was 1,283 μg/kg (mean 243.0 μg/kg, median 110.2 μg/kg), while the maximum concentration in wheat was 175.7 μg/kg (mean 29.9 μg/kg, median 16.5 μg/kg). TeA was the major Alternaria mycotoxin detected. It was found in 70 out of 116 samples (60.3%). Chronic exposure of the adult population in Albania to Alternaria toxins through cereal consumption was assessed by the estimated daily intake (EDI) taking into account daily consumption of wheat and maize of 380 and 4.9 g, respectively. The main contribution to chronic dietary exposure was by TeA originating from wheat, with EDIs of 88.6-94.1 ng/kg body weight (bw) per day in 2014 and 152.7-155.5 ng/kg bw per day in 2015. TTX EDIs were 7.8- 34.0 and 10.6-38.7 ng/kg bw per day in 2014 and 2015, respectively. The contribution of AOH and AME originating from wheat was 0-31.7 ng/kg bw per day. The contribution of Alternaria toxins through maize consumption was significantly lower.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Topi
- University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- University of Tirana, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Boulevard Zogu 1, 25, Tirana, Albania
| | - G. Tavčar-Kalcher
- University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - K. Pavšič-Vrtač
- University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - J. Babič
- University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - B. Jakovac-Strajn
- University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Hojnik N, Cvelbar U, Tavčar-Kalcher G, Walsh JL, Križaj I. Mycotoxin Decontamination of Food: Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma versus "Classic" Decontamination. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9050151. [PMID: 28452957 PMCID: PMC5450699 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9050151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by several filamentous fungi, which frequently contaminate our food, and can result in human diseases affecting vital systems such as the nervous and immune systems. They can also trigger various forms of cancer. Intensive food production is contributing to incorrect handling, transport and storage of the food, resulting in increased levels of mycotoxin contamination. Mycotoxins are structurally very diverse molecules necessitating versatile food decontamination approaches, which are grouped into physical, chemical and biological techniques. In this review, a new and promising approach involving the use of cold atmospheric pressure plasma is considered, which may overcome multiple weaknesses associated with the classical methods. In addition to its mycotoxin destruction efficiency, cold atmospheric pressure plasma is cost effective, ecologically neutral and has a negligible effect on the quality of food products following treatment in comparison to classical methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataša Hojnik
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Surface Engineering and Optoelectronics, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Uroš Cvelbar
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Surface Engineering and Optoelectronics, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Gabrijela Tavčar-Kalcher
- University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment, Gerbičeva 60, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - James L Walsh
- University of Liverpool, Department of Electrical, Engineering and Electronics, Brownlow Hill, Liverpool L69 3GJ, UK.
| | - Igor Križaj
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Topi D, Jakovac-Strajn B, Pavšič-Vrtač K, Tavčar-Kalcher G. Occurrence of ergot alkaloids in wheat from Albania. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2017; 34:1333-1343. [PMID: 28332434 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2017.1307528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The occurrence of ergot alkaloids in wheat harvested in Albania was investigated. A total of 71 samples of winter wheat collected in 2014 and 2015 were analysed for the 12 most important ergot alkaloids using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In the harvesting year 2014, 48.6% of samples were contaminated with ergot alkaloids, whereas in 2015 only 19.4% of samples were contaminated. In 2014, the concentrations of total ergot alkaloids ranged from 17.3 to 975.4 μg kg-1, and in 2015 they ranged from 10.3 to 390.5 μg kg-1. The samples contained from one to nine ergot alkaloids. The most frequent were ergometrine, ergosine and ergocristine, and the least frequent were ergocryptine, ergocryptinine and ergocorninine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dritan Topi
- a University of Ljubljana , Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment , Ljubljana , Slovenia.,b University of Tirana , Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry , Tirana , Albania
| | - Breda Jakovac-Strajn
- a University of Ljubljana , Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment , Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Katarina Pavšič-Vrtač
- a University of Ljubljana , Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment , Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Gabrijela Tavčar-Kalcher
- a University of Ljubljana , Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment , Ljubljana , Slovenia
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Kušar D, Šrimpf K, Isaković P, Kalšek L, Hosseini J, Zdovc I, Kotnik T, Vengušt M, Tavčar-Kalcher G. Determination of N-acylhomoserine lactones of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in clinical samples from dogs with otitis externa. BMC Vet Res 2016; 12:233. [PMID: 27756390 PMCID: PMC5070178 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-016-0843-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bacterial intercellular communication, called quorum sensing, takes place via the production and collective response to signal molecules. In Gram-negative bacteria, like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, these signaling molecules are N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs). P. aeruginosa is a common cause of inflammation of the ear canal (otitis externa) in dogs. It employs quorum sensing to coordinate the expression of host tissue-damaging factors, which are largely responsible for its virulence. The treatment of P. aeruginosa-associated otitis is challenging due to a high intrinsic resistance of P. aeruginosa to several antibiotics. Attenuation of quorum sensing signals to inhibit bacterial virulence is a novel strategy for the treatment of resistant bacterial pathogens, including P. aeruginosa. Therefore, it is important to recognize and define quorum sensing signal molecules in clinical samples. To date, there are no reports on determination of AHLs in the veterinary clinical samples. The purpose of this study was to validate an analytical procedure for determination of the concentration of AHLs in the ear rinses from dogs with P. aeruginosa-associated otitis externa. Samples were obtained with rinsing the ear canals with physiological saline solution. For validation, samples from healthy dogs were spiked with none or different known amounts of the selected AHLs. With the validated procedure, AHLs were analyzed in the samples taken in weekly intervals from two dogs, receiving a standard treatment for P. aeruginosa-associated otitis externa. Results Validation proved that the procedure enables quantification of AHLs in non-clinical and clinical samples. In addition, a time dependent reduction of AHL concentration was detected for the treated dogs. Conclusions Our results indicate that liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is superior in detecting AHLs compared to other chromatographic techniques. This is the first report on determination of AHLs in the clinical samples of veterinary importance. The analytical procedure described in this paper is capable of supporting novel antimicrobial strategies, which target quorum sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darja Kušar
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, SI-1115, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Karin Šrimpf
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, SI-1115, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Petra Isaković
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, SI-1115, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lina Kalšek
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, SI-1115, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Javid Hosseini
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, SI-1115, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Irena Zdovc
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, SI-1115, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tina Kotnik
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, SI-1115, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Modest Vengušt
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, SI-1115, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Kirinčič S, Škrjanc B, Kos N, Kozolc B, Pirnat N, Tavčar-Kalcher G. Mycotoxins in cereals and cereal products in Slovenia – Official control of foods in the years 2008–2012. Food Control 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2014.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Žele D, Kobal S, Vengušt G, Bidovec A, Vengušt A, Tavčar-Kalcher G. Detection of trace amounts of abamectin used as an antiparasitic agent in fallow deer tissues. Acta Vet Hung 2009; 57:99-107. [PMID: 19457778 DOI: 10.1556/avet.57.2009.1.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A sensitive and reliable method for the determination of trace amounts of abamectin in muscles, kidneys and fat tissue of fallow deer is presented. Abamectin was extracted from the tissues with acetonitrile and the extract was cleaned up on a C8 solid-phase extraction cartridge. Abamectin residue was derivatised with trifluoroacetic acid anhydride and 1-methylimidazole, and determined using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography under isocratic conditions and fluorescence detection. The recoveries of the method were high and consistent, ranging from 78% to 90%. The limit of detection of the method was below 1 microg/kg when analysing muscle, kidney and fat tissue. Matrix-matched calibration was used in order to obtain accurate values and to avoid matrix interference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Žele
- 1 University of Ljubljana Institute for Breeding and Health Care of Wild Animals, Fishes and Bees Gerbičeva 60 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Silvestra Kobal
- 2 University of Ljubljana Institute of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology Gerbičeva 60 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Gorazd Vengušt
- 1 University of Ljubljana Institute for Breeding and Health Care of Wild Animals, Fishes and Bees Gerbičeva 60 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Andrej Bidovec
- 1 University of Ljubljana Institute for Breeding and Health Care of Wild Animals, Fishes and Bees Gerbičeva 60 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Anton Vengušt
- 3 University of Ljubljana Institute for Hygiene and Pathology of Animal Nutrition, Veterinary Faculty Gerbičeva 60 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Gabrijela Tavčar-Kalcher
- 3 University of Ljubljana Institute for Hygiene and Pathology of Animal Nutrition, Veterinary Faculty Gerbičeva 60 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
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Tavčar-Kalcher G, Pavšič-Vrtač K, Vengušt A. Validation of the procedure for the determination of maduramicin in concentrates, premixes, and feeds by liquid chromatography. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2009; 26:63-7. [DOI: 10.1080/02652030802225973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Tavčar-Kalcher G, Vrtač K, Pestevšek U, Vengušt A. Validation of the procedure for the determination of aflatoxin B1 in animal liver using immunoaffinity columns and liquid chromatography with postcolumn derivatisation and fluorescence detection. Food Control 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2005.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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