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A recent report from Jiangnan University in China discusses the development of a rapid and ultrasensitive paper sensor for detecting Bacillus cereus Haemolysin BL, a toxin produced by the foodborne pathogen Bacillus cereus. The researchers used a double-antibody sandwich detection method and a lateral flow immunochromatographic assay to quantify the concentrations of the toxin in PBS and milk. The sensor was found to be low-cost, rapid, and comparable to commercially available detection kits for food samples. This research provides valuable insights into improving disease diagnosis and food safety. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for methods and compositions for inhibiting detoxification response. The patent, filed by inventors J. Amaranath Govindan and Gary Ruvkun, and assigned to General Hospital Corporation, focuses on the discovery that germline mutations in translation components can induce detoxification and immune responses in somatic cells. The inventors identified genes and signaling pathways involved in this response, which could be targeted to attenuate the response. The patent also discusses the use of microorganisms or their components as inhibitors of the response. The methods and compositions described in the patent could be used to treat subjects with translation defects or improve the pharmacokinetics of drugs that induce such a response. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from Panjab University in Chandigarh, India, explores the use of fluorescent nanosensors for detecting microbial toxins in food products. The presence of these toxins in food is a global concern, as they can pose serious health risks. The study highlights the potential of nanomaterial-based fluorescent sensors, such as metal-based nanomaterials and carbon-based nanomaterials, in providing accurate and rapid results for toxin detection. The review also discusses the advantages, drawbacks, and applications of these nanomaterials, as well as the commercial aspects and future challenges associated with microbial toxin detection. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a device and method that uses plasma to disinfect herbs, particularly medical cannabis, without damaging their characteristics or ingredients. This is important for immunocompromised patients who may be more vulnerable to pathogens. Traditional sterilization methods can be harmful to herbs, so plasma sterilization is a safer and more effective option. The patent describes a method that involves loading the herbs into a chamber, sealing it, evacuating it to a low pressure, releasing a disinfecting gas, generating plasma, ventilating the chamber with air, and removing the herbs. The patent also discusses different ways to generate plasma and the characteristics of ionized gas. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran have developed a new recombinant fusion protein called Tat-Typh, which combines the cell penetrating properties of Tat peptide with the cytotoxic effects of Pertussis-like toxin subunit A (PltA). The protein was found to have significant cytotoxic effects on lung cancer cells and increased cell penetration compared to Typh alone. This research provides insights into the design of cytotoxic agents based on microbial toxins and their potential applications in cancer treatment. The study has been peer-reviewed and published in the International Journal of Peptide Research and Therapeutics. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the University of Coimbra in Portugal have published a report on the potential link between microbial toxins in the gut and Parkinson's disease (PD). The study suggests that certain toxins, such as beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), found in certain foods, may trigger PD by promoting chronic gut inflammation that affects the brain. The researchers conducted experiments on mice, neuronal cultures, cell lines, and isolated mitochondria to analyze the impact of BMAA on gut microbiota, inflammation, and neuronal loss. The findings indicate that chronic exposure to BMAA can lead to the progression of PD pathology from the gut to the brain. [Extracted from the article]

Keywords for this news article include: Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China, Asia, Inflammation, Health and Medicine. Keywords: Health and Medicine; Inflammation EN Health and Medicine Inflammation 4146 4146 1 08/07/23 20230811 NES 230811 2023 AUG 11 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Health & Medicine Week -- New study results on agriculture have been published. Reports Summarize Health and Medicine Research from Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Gastrodia elata and parishin ameliorate aging induced "leaky gut" in mice: Correlation with gut microbiotaAt a glance commentary). [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses research on the harmful bacterium Clostridium difficile, a toxin-producing microbe that affects patients being treated with antibiotics and is known for causing lengthy bouts of diarrhea. The author describes his experience with a dramatic case of Clostridium difficile in a patient in his 70s in 1980.

The article discusses some of the findings of Laurie Lawrence, a professor in the University of Kentucky's Department of Animal and Food Sciences, from research conducted by others in the equine nutrition industry and the equine health profession. Topics cited include the advantages of oats as a major grain source in equine concentrate feeds, the views of real horse owners on oats, and an overview of mycotoxins, toxins that oats are less likely to have than other cereal grains.

The article reports on the decision of U.S. President Richard Nixon to include bacterial toxins under the unilateral ban he placed on biological weapons in November 1969. The ban had been widely criticized by biologists and others. According to the spokesman of the U.S. Department of Defense, the toxins have been exempted because their effects were not communicable from one individual to another.

This article provides answers to questions on how to clean safely and quickly without spreading allergens or toxins throughout the house including how to deodorize, mop, and clean a toilet. INSET: NATURAL SOLUTIONS FOR DIRT.

The article provides information on the signs of Septicemia in the neonatal foal. It defines Septicemia as the systemic reaction caused by the presence of microorganisms or their toxins in the blood which is the most common reason for illness and death in the neonatal period. It states that the physical signs of the disease in the neonatal foal can provide early clues for veterinarians.

Discusses some of the common molds which grow on foodstuffs. Known as mycotoxins; One highly prevalent mycotoxin known as cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) can affect fish health; Experiments show CPA to be very toxic to channel catfish; Tissue damage; Fungal toxins; Study which was inconclusive.

The article reports that harvest samples from across the U.S. that have been submitted to the Alltech 37+ mycotoxin analytical services laboratory in 2018 show high levels of mycotoxins in corn. Mycotoxins thrive in changeable conditions, with lack of rain, excessive rainfall or, sometimes, one after the other causing a perfect storm of contamination.

The article focuses of the use of mycotoxins and binders in the U.S. animal feed industry. Topics discussed include an outline of the emergence and development of mycotoxins and binders in the industry, the factors of growing mycotoxin contamination in animal feeds, the mycotoxin-associated fungi, and the organic and inorganic binders.

The article offers information on bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) transgenic corn in the U.S. Topics discussed include the resistance of western corn rootworm to mCry3A and Cry3Bbl Bt corns, dosage of Bt toxin, and the lack of Bt-free refuges. Also presented are the views of Iowa State University entomology assistant professor Aaron Gassmann and Cornell University entomology professor Elson Shields on topics.

The article provides information on the research examining the efficacy of botulinum toxin in relieving pain. According to the study, botulinum toxin has inhibitory effects which are adequate for patients with painful diabetic neuropathy. Moreover, it notes that botulinum has neuromuscular effects available to reduce intensity of neuropathic pain.

The article focuses on the regulations of the European Union (EU) regarding mycotoxins and contaminants in food. It is stated that the new EU regulations aim to increase the safety of the food chain by reducing chemical residues and pesticides found in food products. It is mentioned that mycotoxins are toxic chemical products produced by fungal species that colonize the crops. Food products prepared from these crops are a threat to human and animal health. According to the new EU legislation, maximum limits have been prescribed for fusarium mycotoxins in cereals and cereal products for human consumption.

The article reports on the study conducted regarding the importance of wine marinating in reducing carcinogenic compounds in beef in Portugal. Portuguese scientists found that marinating the beef in beer or red wine before cooking can reduce the levels of cancer-causing compounds known as heterocyclic amines (HA), which are found to be created when meats are grilled, broiled or pan-fried at high temperature.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "The Most Toxic Places in Your Home" in the May 2008 issue.

The article focuses on the discovery of a toxin responsible for killing fish along the mid-Atlantic coast of the U.S. in the early 1990's. The toxin is a product of a single celled alga. Scientists who worked with the alga in laboratories reported headaches and rashes. The author also describes why the toxin was so difficult to find.

This article reports that Plant Research International, which is a part of Wageningen University, along with CatchMabs, have announced to conduct a cooperative study to apply industrial Molecular Affinity Bodies (iMab) technology to detect mycotoxins in plant and food pathogens in plant material. CatchMabs develops iMabs proteins which are capable of making highly specific and exceptionally strong combinations of previously defined molecules. One of the basic activities of Plant Research International is to improve the health status of food. The institute develops diagnostic methods and techniques for the detection of pathogens in plants, including viruses and fungi. Peter Booman, general director of the Plant Research International said that the techniques available at CatchMabs will support them in realizing their ambition to be a global leader in the research of healthy food as well as diseases and pests in plants.

The article reports that certain compounds that hinder cells from destroying waste proteins can produce symptoms of Parkinson's disease in rats. In Parkinson's disease, neurons die in certain brain areas and abnormal proteins form clusters in other neurons there. Tremors, rigidity, sluggish movement, and balance problems mark the progressive ailment. Some chemicals interfere with proteasome activity. These include toxins produced by bacteria and fungi, certain plant compounds, some pesticides, and a synthetic chemical used to treat leukemia. Kevin McNaught of Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City and his colleagues have tested whether such inhibitors could produce effects similar to those caused by genetic proteasome abnormalities. In their study, within three to 4 weeks, each rat that had received either of the proteasome inhibitors developed Parkinson's-like behaviors. The new findings could provide a "huge clue" to the causes of currently unexplained cases of the disease. McNaught and his colleagues speculate that because proteasome inhibitors occur widely, exposure to agents could represent an important environmental risk factor for Parkinson's disease.

Focuses on the problems encountered in the production of a cholera vaccine. Development of a live bacterium that lacks the gene for the cholera-producing toxin; Appearance of another toxin in the vaccine; Immunological characteristics of cholera microorganisms; Announcement of the successful production of a modified bacterium.