Presentation of the project Sharing molecular techniques for food borne pathogen detection (FoBoS)
The project \u201cSharing molecular techniques for food-borne pathogen detection\u201d (acronym F... more The project \u201cSharing molecular techniques for food-borne pathogen detection\u201d (acronym FoBoS), directly aims to set up a molecular procedure to detect pathogens in milk and foodstuffs. The project is casted inside the mainframe of \u201cInnovation4Welfare\u201d project (INTERREG IVc), whose objectives are improving the quality of life by developing a good practice useful for food-borne pathogen early detection. The project gathers a team in which three University research groups blend with five private company Partners with different missions (from agro-food industries to meal preparation and distribution public companies). Their aims will be to analyze, implement and transfer a DNA-array based protocol to the field of food analysis. In a first step, the protocol will be customized to food-borne pathogen detection and several kinds of food matrices. In a second phase, the procedure will be implemented in an industrial context. The protocols validated at the end of WP2 will be transferred to the agro-food and meal distribution companies, as well as other relevant and interested stakeholders for their implementation on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and other food-chain critical points. The expected result of FoBoS will be a new and innovative good practice, which will improve the effectiveness of regional food safety policies through the implementation of a DNA-array based procedure. Thanks to the application of this new and versatile technology, and the participation in the consortium of several typologies of private and public companies, FoBoS will also encourage new business opportunities focussed into innovative new products and services
IGF-1 free circulating protein and its geneexpression in linseed-rich diet quail
Quail are highly important poultry in regional agricultural poultry meat and egg production (Tikk... more Quail are highly important poultry in regional agricultural poultry meat and egg production (Tikk et al., 2009, 2011). Linseed oil and linseed cake provide components to increase n3- polyunsaturated fatty acid (n3 PUFA) content in poultry products. As described in olive oil and conjugated linoleic acid example, the modification of feed fat composition may result in adverse effects in bird physiological status (Aydin et al. 2001; Karus et al., 2007). Insulinlike growth factors have been well studied and the effect of IGF-1 has been shown to play a significant role in chicken muscle development in all phases (Kocamis and Killefer 2003; Saprokina et al., 2009). The aim of the study was to examine IGF-1 gene-expression and IGF-1 protein content in different feeding conditions in quail blood.
Large amounts of waste and by-products which are suitable for further use are generated in the fo... more Large amounts of waste and by-products which are suitable for further use are generated in the food production chain. Globally, one-third of the food produced virtually becomes waste, in total 1.3 billion tonnes per year. The livestock sector is experiencing new challenges in the food and feed supply chain and waste valorization and there is a considerable diversity in animal origin food processing systems and broad knowledge base of expertise across Europe. However, due to local food production peculiarities, there is a considerable discrepancy in the waste management and processing methodology. An increasing amount of different novel feed and new functional food is available. These new products require a proper authentication and health and safety verification. Available know-how is increasing exponentially and therefore the potential for new and old bioactive component production from various currently poorly used materials is huge. Similarly, our knowledge about threats and food/feed safety is increasing. It is crucial to keep the balance between these processes. There are also several obstacles in data harmonization (data collection, used methodologies and reliability) and in data quality (lack of the comparability and completeness). The aim of the paper is to summarize the challenges in food research related to latest developments in methods.
Bovine colostrum is potentially valuable source of essential fatty acids (FAs), but so far only f... more Bovine colostrum is potentially valuable source of essential fatty acids (FAs), but so far only few studies have made the effort to estimate FA composition of this potential resource. The aim of current research was to fill this gap with selecting and validating an accurate procedure for the analysis of the composition of the FAs in bovine colostrum. We used colostrum samples of Holstein-Friesian cattle from Märja experimental farm as a test material. The validated method includes derivatization, in which FAs are sent through esterification with the acidic catalyst boron trifluoride. Formed methyl esters of fatty acids (FAMEs) were analysed using GC-FID. The obtained LOD and the LOQ of FAMEs were 0.11-0.68 and 0.37-2.27 ppm, respectively. The analysis of fortified samples showed very good and similar recoveries, indicating that the method proposed here can be routinely used for determination and investigation of the fatty acids in dairy products.
In the traditional process of lactose production from cheese whey crystallization temperature is ... more In the traditional process of lactose production from cheese whey crystallization temperature is reached by slow cooling. Lactose morphology obtained in this way has been well investigated. The objective of this work was to study morphological parameters of lactose crystals during crystallization at low temperatures, using rapid and extra rapid cooling. Ricotta whey was chosen for analysis because this raw material has been poorly investigated as a source of lactose production. Three temperatures (2, 6 and 12°C) were used for crystallization of lactose. Rapid (0.5°C min-1) and extra rapid cooling (3°C min-1) rates were used to achieve these temperatures. Dimensions of crystals were examined with optical stereo-, and scanning electron microscopes. Pure lactose solution was used as a reference during the study. The results of the study showed the impact of some Ricotta whey components on the crystals morphology and size. These components reduce crystals size, and linked with low crystallization temperature, modify the shape of crystals faces. Extra rapid cooling of Ricotta whey contributes to the growth of needle-like crystals more than the rapid one. In a pure lactose solution no needle-shaped crystals were observed.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ω-3 PUFA-rich linseed-supplemented diet on th... more The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ω-3 PUFA-rich linseed-supplemented diet on the ω-6/ω-3 PUFA content and IGF-I mRNA expression in broiler tissues. Broilers (50 of 21 d old and 90 of 42 d old) were divided into groups according to dietary additives: 1.5% linseed oil (LO), 3.0% LO, 15% linseed cake (LC) and 30% LC and to the duration of modified feeding (1-21, 1-42 and 22-42 days). PUFA content in breast muscles was assayed by gas chromatography and IGF-I mRNA content in liver, muscle and leukocytes was measured by one step RT-PCR. The experimental diets improved the ω-6/ω-3 PUFA ratio through a threefold increase in the ω-3 PUFA content in the breast muscle. The changes in PUFA content were accompanied by changes in IGF-1 gene expression levels in tissues. Therefore, both paracrine and autocrine manner of IGF-1 action are likely to be involved. 15% LC at starting period or 1.5% LO in final diet can be advised as optimal for enriching broiler meat with ω-3 fatty acids.
The development of antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli is a m... more The development of antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli is a matter of increasing concern. Because campylobacteriosis is transmitted to humans usually via food of animal origin, the presence of antimicrobialresistant campylobacters in broiler chickens has important public health implications. The aim of our study was to analyze resistance patterns of C. jejuni isolated from fecal samples collected at a large Estonian chicken farm, from cecal contents collected at slaughterhouses, and from meat samples collected at the retail establishments in 2005 and 2006. A total of 131 C. jejuni isolates were collected over a 13-month period and tested by the broth microdilution VetMIC method (National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden) to determine the MICs of various antimicrobials. Resistance to one or more antimicrobials was detected in 104 (79.4%) of the 131 isolates. High proportions of the isolates were resistant to enrofloxacin (73.3%) and nalidixic acid (75.6%). Multidrug resistance (resistance to three or more unrelated antimicrobials) was detected in 36 isolates (27.5%), all of which were resistant to enrofloxacin. Multidrug resistance was significantly associated with enrofloxacin resistance (P Ͻ 0.01), and the use of enrofloxacin may select for multiresistant strains.
Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, Aug 1, 2004
We studied the dynamics of immune reactions to trekrezan in mouse pups after vaccination of adult... more We studied the dynamics of immune reactions to trekrezan in mouse pups after vaccination of adult mice during pregnancy and mouse pups at different terms after birth with Salmonella typhimurium 34-96. The preparation modulated activity of the immune system and stimulated antibody production in the pre-and postnatal period.
Three main directions must be considered in valorisation studies of animal byproducts: 1. Creatio... more Three main directions must be considered in valorisation studies of animal byproducts: 1. Creation of a monitoring system that reflects the generation of animal by-products and waste in the food production chain (livestock farming companiesmeat industriesmarketing and consumer); this includes mapping of by-products and waste, and the creation of a relevant database and models; 2. Study of pre-treatment of various types of animal by-products and waste, which includes of size-reduction and fractioning as well as a physical and chemical study; 3. Studies concerning the use of animal by-products and waste fractions (fat, protein, carbohydrates etc.) for the production of goods and energy. Large amounts of waste and by-products, which are suitable for further use, are generated in the food production chain. Animal by-products and waste consist of organic substances, which contain fat, protein, carbohydrates and often also important bioactive compounds. However, their use in Estonia is still rather modest and there is no complex approach to this. For example, the common technology for processing the by-products generated in meat industry is not designed for optimal use of protein-rich materials suitable for food (connective tissue, tendons, bones, rind and blood) to reduce the deficit of food protein of animal origin, but instead it is used for technical purposes, poured into sewerage or burnt. Many positive examples of the reuse of animal by-products and food waste can be found in European Union Member States (Denmark, Finland, Germany and Austria). This reduces environmental pollution and supplies energy production and industry with additional raw material. In this paper establishing research for a complex approach in the utilisation of animal by-products and waste for food, feed and technical purpose in the production chain is proposed.
Most acute intestinal diseases are caused by food-borne pathogens. A fast and simple real-time PC... more Most acute intestinal diseases are caused by food-borne pathogens. A fast and simple real-time PCR-based procedure for simultaneous detection of food contamination by any of the five food-borne pathogens: Campylobacter jejuni, Mycobacterium bovis, Enterobacter sakazaki, Shigella boydii, Clostridium perfrigens using multiplex EvaGreen real-time PCR for LightCycler was developed and evaluated. Real-time qPCR showed excellent sensitivity. Tm calling and Melting Curve Genotyping (MCG) were used for analysis of PCR product melting curves. The Melting Curve Genotyping option showed good performance for discrimination of positive samples containing DNA of single pathogen or pathogen mixtures from negative samples.
JuhendJuhend on mõeldud Eesti Maaülikooli (EMÜ) veterinaarmeditsiini ja loomakasvatuse instituudi... more JuhendJuhend on mõeldud Eesti Maaülikooli (EMÜ) veterinaarmeditsiini ja loomakasvatuse instituudi (VLI) töötajatele ja üliõpilastele bioohutuse ning bioturvalisuse tagamiseks. Juhendisse koondatud standardne töökord (STK) kehtib üksnes VLI-s. Standardse töökorra eesmärk on minimeerida haiglanakkuste riski ja kokkupuudet zoonootiliste mõjuritega. Uusi töötajaid ja üliõpilasi teavitab juhendist ning sellega tutvumise kohustusest nende vahetu töökorraldaja või juhendaja. Juhendiga tutvumise järel kinnitab töötaja/üliõpilane oma allkirjaga, et ta on teadlik STK-st, mis puudutab tööd/õpinguid tema valdkonnas/erialal. Üliõpilased tutvuvad STK-ga kursuse „Sissejuhatus loomaarstiõppesse“ raames. Instituudi tasandil määrab bioohutuse ja bioturvalisuse eest vastutava töötaja instituudi direktor
Bovine colostrum is potentially valuable source of essential fatty acids (FAs), but so far only f... more Bovine colostrum is potentially valuable source of essential fatty acids (FAs), but so far only few studies have made the effort to estimate FA composition of this potential resource. The aim of current research was to fill this gap with selecting and validating an accurate procedure for the analysis of the composition of the FAs in bovine colostrum. We used colostrum samples of Holstein-Friesian cattle from Märja experimental farm as a test material. The validated method includes derivatization, in which FAs are sent through esterification with the acidic catalyst boron trifluoride. Formed methyl esters of fatty acids (FAMEs) were analysed using GC-FID. The obtained LOD and the LOQ of FAMEs were 0.11-0.68 and 0.37-2.27 ppm, respectively. The analysis of fortified samples showed very good and similar recoveries, indicating that the method proposed here can be routinely used for determination and investigation of the fatty acids in dairy products.
Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 2004
We studied the dynamics of immune reactions to trekrezan in mouse pups after vaccination of adult... more We studied the dynamics of immune reactions to trekrezan in mouse pups after vaccination of adult mice during pregnancy and mouse pups at different terms after birth with Salmonella typhimurium 34-96. The preparation modulated activity of the immune system and stimulated antibody production in the pre-and postnatal period.
Three main directions must be considered in valorisation studies of animal by- products: 1. Creat... more Three main directions must be considered in valorisation studies of animal by- products: 1. Creation of a monitoring system that reflects the generation of animal by-products and waste in the food production chain (livestock farming companies - meat industries - marketing and consumer); this includes mapping of by-products and waste, and the creation of a relevant database and models; 2. Study of pre-treatment of various types of animal by-products and waste, which includes of size-reduction and fractioning as well as a physical and chemical study; 3. Studies concerning the use of animal by-products and waste fractions (fat, protein, carbohydrates etc.) for the production of goods and energy. Large amounts of waste and by-products, which are suitable for further use, are generated in the food production chain. Animal by-products and waste consist of organic substances, which contain fat, protein, carbohydrates and often also important bioactive compounds. However, their use in Eston...
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ω-3 PUFA-rich linseed-supplemented diet on th... more The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ω-3 PUFA-rich linseed-supplemented diet on the ω-6/ω-3 PUFA content and IGF-I mRNA expression in broiler tissues. Broilers (50 of 21 d old and 90 of 42 d old) were divided into groups according to dietary additives: 1.5% linseed oil (LO), 3.0% LO, 15% linseed cake (LC) and 30% LC and to the duration of modified feeding (1-21, 1-42 and 22-42 days). PUFA content in breast muscles was assayed by gas chromatography and IGF-I mRNA content in liver, muscle and leukocytes was measured by one step RT-PCR. The experimental diets improved the ω-6/ω-3 PUFA ratio through a threefold increase in the ω-3 PUFA content in the breast muscle. The changes in PUFA content were accompanied by changes in IGF-1 gene expression levels in tissues. Therefore, both paracrine and autocrine manner of IGF-1 action are likely to be involved. 15% LC at starting period or 1.5% LO in final diet can be advised as optimal for enriching broiler meat with ω-3 fatty acids.
Uploads
Papers by Avo Karus