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Background: Food borne diseases is a challenging problem nowadays. Salmonella and Shigella species are great concern of food-born outbreaks. Thus, this study was aimed to assess the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility test and associated factors of Salmonella and Shigella species in fruit juices and salads. Methods: A community based cross sectional study design was carried out on 50 juice houses from December to March 2020 in Mekelle. One hundred fifty samples were collected aseptically from the juice houses for laboratory analysis. Information related to risk factors was obtained using a structured questionnaire. In the laboratory, samples were homogenized using peptone water and incubated overnight for enrichment. Then, Salmonella and Shigella species were isolated on Salmonella-Shigella agar and Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate agar. Disc diffusion method was used to perform antimicrobial susceptibility test. Using SPSS (version 22) package, descriptive statistics and Chi square test (χ2) were used to analyze the data, and p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Result: The overall prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella species was 41/150 (27.33%; 95% CI: 20.20 – 34.46) with 33 (22%) Salmonella spp. and 8(5.33%) Shigella spp. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests of both Salmonella and Shigella spp.showed high resistance against ampicillin (100%), tetracycline (63.6 and 62.5%, respectively) and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (100%). Accessibility of fruits to flies and dust had statistical association (p = 0.021) with occurrence of Salmonell a and/or Shigella spp. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella spp. was found to be significant. The resistant rate of isolates against ampicillin, tetracycline and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid was high. Storage sites for fruits should be inaccessible to flies and dust. Therefore, routine monitoring of juice houses should be promoted and regular evaluation of bacterial resistance pattern should be done for selective antimicrobial therapy. Furthermore, consistent training of juice makers on food safety and hygiene should be implemented by the concerned body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was designed to introduce the new onion cultivar WHITE PEARL (VRIO-1) it was derived through recurrent selection from a source population. The source population was made and selection was done in the succeeding years based on bulb shape, bulb color, bulb diameter and bulb weight. Same procedure was followed until desired purity is reached. The preliminary evaluation of the variety was conducted during the years 2015-16 at Vegetable Research Institute, Faisalabad. Due to its encouraging yield performance, it was tested in station yield and multilocational/zonal trials during the years 2017-19 at four different locations (Vegetable Research Institute, Faisalabad; Vegetable Research Sub-Station, Raiwind, Vegetable Research Sub-Station, Multan & Regional Agricultural Research Institute, Bahawalpur). The variety WHITE PEARL is distinguishing in terms of bulb shape, bulb diameter and pungency than check variety Phulkara. Bulb colour is white at mature stage, which is quite attractive to the consumers. In case of disease studies no serious pathological disease has been recorded. White Pearl is moderately resistant to diseases like stemphylium leaf blight, downy mildew and purple blotch. Similarly, the check variety Phulkara is also moderately resistant to these diseases. Its shelf life is comparable to check variety Phulkara. This variety is recommended to be used for autumn cultivation as well as cultivation through nursery sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the manifestations of narrative hegemony in two novels by the Iraqi writer Falah Rahim, namely: (Hedgehogs on a Hot Day) and (The Sound of Drums from afar), through the implicit author and his relationship to ideology, the fictional character and its relationship to identity . The term hegemony is one of the central terms in studies of critical discourse analysis, especially in the theoretical approach enacted by the English academic Norman Faircliffe, which is the adopted approach in this research. Therefore, it was worth starting with a brief definition of this theoretical trend, followed by the discussion of the implicit author, and then discussing his relationship with hegemony and ideology in the novel (The Hedgehogs on a Hot Day), and then moving on to discuss the relationship of personality with dominance and identity in the novel (The Sound of the Drums from Far). The analysis in this research is based on interpretation and interpretation, and linking the text with the social context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salad and other fresh produce were collected in England from retail and catering businesses during 2020 to 2021 and were tested for Salmonella, Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Listeria, Bacillus cereus, and E. coli. Of the 604 samples collected, 57% were from retail settings and 43% were from catering settings; 61% were either salad leaves or salad leaves mixed with other products. Equal numbers of samples were prepacked or loose, and 50% were refrigerated at the time of sampling. Combining results for all microbiological parameters, 84% were interpreted as satisfactory, 12% were interpreted as borderline, and 4% were interpreted as unsatisfactory. One sample (prepacked leaves, cucumber, and tomato from a caterer) was categorized as unacceptable and potentially injurious because of detection of STEC O76; no STEC from human infections in the United Kingdom matched this isolate. No Salmonella enterica was detected, but Listeria monocytogenes was recovered from 11 samples: 1 at 20 CFU/g and the remainder at < 20 CFU/g. B. cereus was detected at borderline levels (103 to ≤105 CFU/g) in 9% of samples and at an unsatisfactory level (>105 CFU/g) in one sample. E. coli was detected in 3% of samples at borderline levels (20 to ≤102 CFU/g) and in 4% at unsatisfactory levels (>102 CFU/g). There was a significant association between detection of L. monocytogenes and borderline or unsatisfactory levels of E. coli. There were no specific risk profiles associated with products with the higher levels of B. cereus, STEC, or Listeria, but elevated levels of E. coli were predominantly confined to loose products from the United Kingdom collected from caterers in summer or autumn 2021 and may have resulted from relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions. Among the L. monocytogenes isolates, only one matched those from human cases and was recovered from a prepacked mixed salad from a catering business in 2021. This isolate was the same strain as that responsible for a multicountry outbreak (2015 to 2018) associated with Hungarian-produced frozen sweet corn; no link to the outbreak food chain was established. The microbiological quality of 604 samples of salad produce was assessed. Of all samples, 84% were satisfactory, 12% were borderline, and 4% were unsatisfactory. No Salmonella was detected, one sample had STEC, and one had an elevated level of B. cereus. High levels of E. coli were associated with 11 L. monocytogenes–contaminated samples. One isolate clustered with a previous multicountry outbreak of listeriosis linked to sweet corn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the impact of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) on fresh-cut iceberg lettuce (FIL) quality and stability. CAP treatments were performed using a Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge, applying 6 kV at 23 kHz and exposition times varying from 15 to 60 min. FIL was analysed before and after treatments for polyphenoloxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activity, microbial contamination, colour, surface microstructure properties, chlorophylls content, polyphenols (TPC), ascorbic acid (AA), and antioxidant activity (AoA). TPC, AA and AoA were evaluated also after storage (4 °C for 5 days). CAP treatments provoked a reduction of PPO and POD activity with a processing time- and ozone-concentration-dependent effect. After treatments, a slight inactivation of mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria was observed, while yeast counts remained unaffected. With increasing treatment times, increasing cell damages and colour variations were detected, and a decrease of chlorophylls, TPC, AA, and AoA. After storage, an overall AoA increase was observed due to increased extractability or production by living cells of antioxidant compounds. These findings provide insights into the efficacy of CAP treatment in preserving fresh-cut iceberg lettuce quality. Further investigations are needed to optimize the process conditions and increase microbial inactivation while limiting qualitative damage to the product. • Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) reduced the PPO and POD activity of Iceberg lettuce. • CAP slightly inactivated mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria. • CAP determined damages to plant cells and colour variations. • CAP reduced chlorophylls, phenols, ascorbic acid, and antioxidant properties. • CAP induced an increase in polyphenols and antioxidant properties after storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatal landslides occur every year during the rainy season (June–November) in the Lower Mekong Region (LMR). There is an urgent need to develop a landslide early warning system in the LMR. In collaboration with the Asian Disasters Preparedness Center and NASA's SERVIR Programme, we are regionalizing the global Landslide Hazard Assessment System for Situational Awareness model for the LMR (LHASA‐Mekong). A robust set of landslide inventories are needed to effectively train the machine learning‐based LHASA‐Mekong model. In this study, the Semi‐Automatic Landslide Detection (SALaD) system was modified by incorporating a change detection module (SALaD‐CD) to produce rainfall event‐based landslide inventories using pre‐ and post‐imagery from RapidEye and PlanetScope for various locations in the LMR that were identified based on media and government reports. These rainfall‐induced landslides are published as initiation points for ease of use. In total, we created 22 inventories: 2 in Laos, 4 in Myanmar, 1 in Thailand and 15 in Vietnam. These inventories are being used to train the LHASA‐Mekong model and quantify the effects of Land use/Land cover change on landslide susceptibility. These open data will be a valuable resource for advancing landslide studies in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is important to secure food safety. If a packaged food can be sterilized, food poisoning can be reduced considerably because the packaged food in a plastic container is useful to prevent attaching microorganisms. However, a fresh food, e.g., a salad or sashimi, cannot be sterilized by thermal sterilization. Therefore, we are studying sterilization methods for packaged fresh foods, such as packed salads. In this study, we have investigated the applicable probability of the sterilization method using cold plasma applied to the packaged fresh food. Especially, we have investigated the probability of the sterilization of microorganisms living in a small hollow between the overlapped fresh foods. A plastic petri dish with a lid was used for simulating the plastic container. The cold plasma was applied into the petri dish by a barrier discharge generated by a pulsed voltage. E. coli was used for a target of sterilization. The E. coli was set on a culture agar medium instead of the salad. The experimental results showed that the sterilization method combining the plastic film and cold plasma of the barrier discharge generated by the pulsed voltage is applicable to sterilize microorganisms living in the hollow between the overlapped fresh foods for the packaged fresh food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Water supply limits agricultural productivity of many crops including lettuce. Identifying cultivars within crop species that can maintain productivity with reduced water supply is a significant challenge, but central to developing resilient crops for future water-limited climates. We investigated traits known to be related to water-use efficiency (WUE) and yield in lettuce, a globally important leafy salad crop, in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) lettuce mapping population, produced from a cross between the cultivated Lactuca sativa L. cv. Salinas and its wild progenitor L. serriola L. Results: Wild and cultivated lettuce differed in their WUE and we observed transgressive segregation in yield and water-use traits in the RILs. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis identified genomic regions controlling these traits under well-watered and droughted conditions. QTL were detected for carbon isotope discrimination, transpiration, stomatal conductance, leaf temperature and yield, controlling 4–23 % of the phenotypic variation. A QTL hotspot was identified on chromosome 8 that controlled carbon isotope discrimination, stomatal conductance and yield under drought. Several promising candidate genes in this region were associated with WUE, including aquaporins, late embryogenesis abundant proteins, an abscisic acid-responsive element binding protein and glutathione S-transferases involved in redox homeostasis following drought stress were also identified. Conclusions: For the first time, we have characterised the genetic basis of WUE of lettuce, a commercially important and water demanding crop. We have identified promising candidate genomic regions determining WUE and yield under well-watered and water-limiting conditions, providing important pre-breeding data for future lettuce selection and breeding where water productivity will be a key target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research of the effect of the biostimulant on the growth and development of plants of the 'Robin' lettuce variety was carried out in 2019-2020 in the department of closed artificial agroecosystems for crop production on the basis of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution «Federal Scientific Agroengineering Center VIM», Moscow (VIM, Russia). Succinic acid was used at the stage of inoculation of seed and with constant drip irrigation of plants throughout the growing period. Lettuce plants were grown using a low-volume technology in a climatic chamber produced by VIM (Russia). According to the studies carried out, inoculation of seeds stimulates the development of plants at the initial stages, reducing the period from sowing to germination and increasing the rate of plant growth. As the lettuce plants grew, the leaf surface area increased from 221.0 to 1511.9 cm² with the addition of succinic acid to the hydroponic nutrient solution. The use of succinic acid under controlled growing conditions of 'Robin' lettuce plants allowed to increase the performance of the leaf apparatus in relation to the control. It was experimentally established that productivity directly depended on the value of photosynthetic potential and net productivity of photosynthesis, which is confirmed by a strong degree of dependence with a correlation coefficient of 0.98 and 0.77, respectively. Seed treatment and adding succinic acid to the hydroponic solution increases the accumulation of dry matter in lettuce plants. With this method of using succinic acid, significant differences in the accumulation of dry mass of plants were established. The share of the effect of the factor of inoculation of seeds with succinic acid was 17.5%, the addition of hydroponics to the nutrient solution was 50.1%. The use of succinic acid increases the accumulation of plant biomass, increases the total leaf surface area, and also contributes to an increase in the parameters of photosynthetic activity of the leaf apparatus of the 'Robin' lettuce plants under controlled conditions of the climatic chamber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consuming salad is one strategy with the potential to harmonize diets more closely with national dietary guidance. However, it is not known whether nutrient intake and diet quality differ between people who consume vegetable-based salad and those who do not. The objective of this study was to compare nutrient intake and diet quality between salad reporters and nonreporters. This study is a cross-sectional analysis of 1 day of dietary intake data collected via 24-hour recall. Adults 20 years and older (n=9,678) in What We Eat in America, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2014 were included. Respondents who ate salad on the intake day were considered salad reporters. This study estimated nutrient intake from all foods and beverages (excluding supplements) and evaluated diet quality using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2015. Nutrient intake and HEI scores were compared between salad reporters and nonreporters using paired t tests with regression adjustment for confounding variables. Results were considered significant at P <0.001. On the intake day, 23% of adults consumed salad. Energy, protein, and carbohydrate intakes did not differ between salad reporters and nonreporters. Salad reporters had higher intakes than nonreporters of dietary fiber, total fat, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins A, B-6, C, E, K, folate, choline, magnesium, potassium, and sodium (P <0.001). Total HEI 2015 scores were significantly higher for reporters (56 of a possible 100 points) than nonreporters (50 points) P <0.001. Reporters also had significantly higher scores for eight of 13 HEI components: total vegetables, greens and beans, whole fruits, total protein foods, seafood and plant proteins, fatty acids, refined grains, and added sugars (P <0.001). Incorporating vegetable-based salad into one's diet may be one effective way to increase nutrient intake and improve overall diet quality. Regardless of salad reporting status, HEI scores show that diets of US adults need improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The remarkable diversity of leaf forms allows plants to adapt to their living environment. In general, leaf diversity is shaped by leaf complexity (compound or simple) and leaf margin pattern (entire, serrated, or lobed). Prior studies in multiple species have uncovered a conserved module of CUC2 -auxin that regulates both leaf complexity and margin serration. How this module is regulated in different species to contribute to the species-specific leaf form is unclear. Furthermore, the mechanistic connection between leaf complexity and leaf serration regulation is not well studied. Strawberry has trifoliate compound leaves with serrations at the margin. In the wild strawberry Fragaria vesca , a mutant named salad was isolated that showed deeper leaf serrations but normal leaf complexity. SALAD encodes a single-Myb domain protein and is expressed at the leaf margin. Genetic analysis showed that cuc2a is epistatic to salad , indicating that SALAD normally limits leaf serration depth by repressing CUC2a expression. When both Arabidopsis homologs of SALAD were knocked out, deeper serrations were observed in Arabidopsis rosette leaves, supporting a conserved function of SALAD in leaf serration regulation. We incorporated the analysis of a third strawberry mutant simple leaf 1 (sl1) with reduced leaf complexity but normal leaf serration. We showed that SL1 and SALAD independently regulate CUC2a at different stages of leaf development to, respectively, regulate leaf complexity and leaf serration. Our results provide a clear and simple mechanism of how leaf complexity and leaf serration are coordinately as well as independently regulated to achieve diverse leaf forms. [Display omitted] • Leaf serration is regulated by SALAD , a single-Myb domain protein in strawberry • CUC2a regulates leaf complexity and serration at different stages of leaf primordia • SIMPLE LEAF1 (SL1) and SALAD regulate CUC2a independently at leaf primordia • Knockouts of both SALAD homologs in Arabidopsis also lead to deeper leaf serration Using the wild strawberry as a model, Luo et al. illustrate how two transcription factors, SIMPLE LEAF1 and SALAD , regulate leaf complexity and leaf margin serration, respectively, through modulating CUC2a expression in distinct temporal and spatial domains of leaf primordia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumption of fresh‐cut vegetables has rapidly increased over the past decades. Among salads, escarole is one of the most popular varieties. Specific packaging limits gas exchange and consequently water loss and bacterial respiration, increasing the shelf life of salads. Although the major cause of quality loss for minimally processed salads is the leaf textural changes, this aspect has rarely been investigated. Therefore, investigating structural changes of leaves during storage is important in order to understand and minimize quality loss of salads. In this study, we focused on the impact of storage duration and temperature on the escarole leaf structure. The complex leaf structure was investigated by relaxation NMR, via transverse relaxation times, which allows the specific description of vacuolar water compartment of the cell. The storage duration (maximum 12 days) and temperatures (4°C, 7°C, 10°C, and 12°C) have been chosen in order to represent the conditions registered in factory. The results showed that the temperature did not have significant impact on the salad structure during the first week. During the second week, changes in the water distribution and changes in the relaxation time T2 have been observed. The changes in transverse relaxation times associated with vacuolar water are related to lost of cell membrane and wall integrity. The NMR results confirmed the effect of storage temperature on the degradation process of the cell before visual detection of the salad leaf degradation. The present study confirmed the sensibility of NMR relaxometry for monitoring water changes in the leaf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular disease risk is elevated in postmenopausal women relative to men of the same age or to younger, premenopausal women. This elevated risk is closely linked to the loss of estrogen, which is a potent stimulator of the vasodilator nitric oxide. While studies have largely supported dietary nitrate supplementation (typically concentrated beetroot juice) to augment plasma nitric oxide, these studies focused mainly on improving vascular fitness of athletes or patient populations. The purpose of this controlled crossover trial was to assess the feasibility of consuming a high-nitrate, leafy green salad twice daily for 10 consecutive days versus a low-nitrate, canned vegetable control (beans, corn, or peas) on plasma nitrate/nitrite concentration and measures of cardiovascular health in postmenopausal women. We hypothesized that plasma nitrate/nitrite concentration and flow-mediated dilation would improve following the leafy green salad treatment. Ten women (52.6 ± 4.9 y; 26.4 ± 6.4 kg/m2) completed the two 10-day treatment periods separated by 2–3 weeks washout. The mean fasting plasma nitrate/nitrite concentration was significantly increased following the high-nitrate salad treatment compared to the control (+156% and+ 16% respectively; P =.002, effect size = 0.661). Flow-mediated dilation responded favorably to the high nitrate salad in comparison to the canned vegetable condition (+17% versus −8% respectively; P =.047, effect size = 0.407); however, there were no treatment effects on peripheral or derived central-aortic blood pressure. These data suggest that daily ingestion of nitrate-rich, leafy green salads may prove a useful strategy for improving cardiovascular health in postmenopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To verify the previously untested assumption that eating more salad enhances vegetable intake and determine if salad consumption is in fact associated with higher vegetable intake and greater adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommendations.Design: Individuals were classified as salad reporters or non-reporters based upon whether they consumed a salad composed primarily of raw vegetables on the intake day. Regression analyses were applied to calculate adjusted estimates of food group intakes and assess the likelihood of meeting Healthy US-Style Food Pattern recommendations by salad reporting status.Setting: Cross-sectional analysis of data collected in 2011-2014 in What We Eat in America, the dietary intake component of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.ParticipantsUS adults (n 9678) aged ≥20 years (excluding pregnant and lactating women).Results: On the intake day, 23 % of adults ate salad. The proportion of individuals reporting salad varied by sex, age, race, income, education and smoking status (P<0·001). Compared with non-reporters, salad reporters consumed significantly larger quantities of vegetables (total, dark green, red/orange and other), which translated into a two- to threefold greater likelihood of meeting recommendations for these food groups. More modest associations were observed between salad consumption and differences in intake and likelihood of meeting recommendations for protein foods (total and seafood), oils and refined grains.Conclusions: Study results confirm the DGA message that incorporating more salads in the diet is one effective strategy (among others, such as eating more cooked vegetables) to augment vegetable consumption and adherence to dietary recommendations concerning vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To verify the previously untested assumption that eating more salad enhances vegetable intake and determine if salad consumption is in fact associated with higher vegetable intake and greater adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommendations. Design: Individuals were classified as salad reporters or non-reporters based upon whether they consumed a salad composed primarily of raw vegetables on the intake day. Regression analyses were applied to calculate adjusted estimates of food group intakes and assess the likelihood of meeting Healthy US-Style Food Pattern recommendations by salad reporting status. Setting: Cross-sectional analysis of data collected in 2011–2014 in What We Eat in America, the dietary intake component of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Participants: US adults (n 9678) aged ≥ 20 years (excluding pregnant and lactating women). Results: On the intake day, 23 % of adults ate salad. The proportion of individuals reporting salad varied by sex, age, race, income, education and smoking status (P <0·001). Compared with non-reporters, salad reporters consumed significantly larger quantities of vegetables (total, dark green, red/orange and other), which translated into a two- to threefold greater likelihood of meeting recommendations for these food groups. More modest associations were observed between salad consumption and differences in intake and likelihood of meeting recommendations for protein foods (total and seafood), oils and refined grains. Conclusions: Study results confirm the DGA message that incorporating more salads in the diet is one effective strategy (among others, such as eating more cooked vegetables) to augment vegetable consumption and adherence to dietary recommendations concerning vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to compare the quality of selected fish product samples (cod in mayonnaise) of Slovak and Czech producers at the beginning and end of durability by sensory analysis. The products were approximately the same expiration date and were stored in a refrigerator. The samples were evaluated by a 5 point evaluation system with trained evaluators. The following descriptors have been assessed: general appearance, color, smell, harmonicity taste, palatability of the product, balance of fish-mayonnaise taste, salted, acidity, bitterness and possible foreign flavor. The results of evaluation were that product exhibits characteristic sensory properties during its use. The approaching ending of the durability date is the gradual overlapping of fish taste, such as an acetic taste, as reflected assessors' evaluation. Assessors put emphasis on balance of taste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Bromeliaceae Puya chilensis Mol. is a native monocotyledonous food plant that can be found in central Chile. It is traditionally known as chagual. The tender basal part of the leaves, just starting from the meristem, are consumed as a salad. The aim of this work was to describe the phenolic content and composition of the meristem and leaves of chagual, as well as their antioxidant capacity and inhibitory activity against metabolic syndrome-associated enzymes. Samples of chagual, including two cultivated and three wild growing plants, were analyzed and compared for composition and bioactivity. From the phenolic enriched extract of the plant (PEE), 26 compounds were tentatively identified by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn, including 12 hydroxycinnamic acids and 14 flavonoids. The main compounds were identified as diferuloyl hexaric acid isomers and 5- p -Coumaroylquinic acid. The compounds were quantified in both meristem and leaves. The PEE content was up to ten times higher in the meristem than in the leaves, ranging from 0.18 to 124.08 mg/g PEE. The samples inhibited α-glucosidase, but did not show effect on α-amylase and pancreatic lipase. This is the first report on the polyphenol composition and bioactivity of the edible components of the chagual food plant. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • The food plant Puya chilensis was analyzed for phenolic content and composition. • Bioactivity of phenolic-enriched extracts from meristem and leaves was determined. • 26 phenolic compounds were tentatively identified by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn. • The content of hydroxycinnamic acids was higher in the meristem than in the leaves. • Samples inhibited α-glucosidase with IC 50 values between 1.20 and 2.77 μg PEE/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aims: Α systematic review to investigate fresh produce‐borne viral outbreaks, to record the outbreak distribution worldwide and to analyse the implication of different types of fresh produce and viral types as well. Methods and Results: Four databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Eurosurveillance Journal and Spingerlink electronic journal) and a global electronic reporting system (ProMED‐mail) were searched up to 2016. One hundred and fifty‐two viral outbreaks linked to fresh produce consumption were identified. The majority of the reported outbreaks was reported in Europe, followed by North America, Asia, Australia, Africa and South America. A great number of the outbreaks was recorded in Denmark and Finland. The most common viral pathogens were norovirus (48·7%) and hepatitis A virus (46·1%). The most frequent type of fresh produce involved was frozen raspberries (23·7%). Differences in the reporting of outbreaks were recorded between the scientific literature and ProMED. Conclusions: The number of reported illnesses linked to fresh produce has increased in several countries. Consumption of contaminated fresh produce represents a risk to public health in both developed and developing countries, but the impact will be disproportionate and likely to compound existing health disparities. For this reason, all countries should systematically collate and report such data through a disease surveillance system, in order to adopt risk management practices for reducing the likelihood of contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the quality characteristics and antioxidant activities of salad dressing prepared with acaiberry powder (0, 1, 3, and 5%). The pH and titratable acidity increased as the acaiberry powder increased. The sugar content showed no significant differences between samples. The viscosity was lowest in the controls and increased with increasing amounts of the acaiberry powder. The lightness and yellowness values decreased, while the redness values increased with increasing amounts of acaiberry powder. The total polyphenol content ranged from 10.26-45.19 mg GAE/ 100 g, increasing with increased acaiberry powder levels. The antioxidant activities measured via DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power and FRAP also increased with increasing acaiberry powder concentrations. Finally, a consumer acceptance test revealed that up to 3% acaiberry powder could be added to salad dressing to provide high antioxidant activity without sacrificing sensory quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The objective of this study was to characterize essential oil extracts from laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) leaves and to develop sensory profiles of salad dressings with these extracts. Materials and methods. Laurel leaves (Laurus nobilis L.) originating from the Athon peninsula, northern Greece were used and they were picked in October 2016. The salad dressings, which are belonged to oil-in-water emulsions, were produced with the addition of essential oil extracts from dried and humid laurel leaves. Results and discussion. There were identified 46 components in the extracts which are represented approximately 97% of the total content. The main components in dry leaves extract are: 1,8-cineole (43.65%), a-terpinyl acetate (15.10%), calarene (8.48%), β- bisabolene (3.89%) and р-cymene (3.12%); in humid leaves extract - 1,8-cineole (45.94%), α-terpenyl acetate (15.89%), calarene (8.92%), β-bisabolene (5.09%), р-cymene (3.28%) and terpinen-4-ol (3.03%). The two extracts had difference by content of aromatic components from those obtained with ethanol. There were differences in the composition of the essential oils, and this was probably due to the method of production. In the extract obtained from dry leaves dominated monoterpene oxygen-containing derivatives (68.47%), sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (13.65%), aliphatic hydrocarbons (7.90%), aromatic compounds (4.10%), monoterpene hydrocarbons (2.33%), triterpene (1.43%), sesquiterpene oxygen-containing derivatives (1.23%), diterpene (0.52%) and aliphatic oxygen-containing derivatives (0.37%). In the extract obtained from humid leaves dominated monoterpene oxygencontaining derivatives (72.19%), sesquiterpenehydrocarbons (15.41%), aromatic compounds (4.32%), aliphatic hydrocarbons (3.64%), monoterpene hydrocarbons (2.45%), triterpene (0.66%), sesquiterpene oxygen-containing derivatives (0.70%), aliphatic oxygen-containing derivatives (0.39%) and diterpene (0.24%). Dressings with an oil extract of humid leaf had most intensive smell of laurel leaf. The same is true when this sample was also perceived with the most intensive taste of laurel leaf. The sour and salt taste was equally appreciated for all three samples. The oil extract obtained from humid leaves was preferred and between the oil extract obtained from dry leaves and the control sample the evaluators didn’t not express a preference. A higher total score was obtained by salad dressing with an oil extract obtained from humid leaves. Conclusion. Oil extract obtained from humid leaves was preferred and between the oil extract obtained from dry leaves and the control sample the evaluators didn’t express a preference. A higher total score was obtained by salad dressing with an oil extract obtained from humid leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial safety of ready-to-eat vegetables is currently a global concern. We studied indicator microorganisms in fresh vegetables from “farm to fork” in Rwanda, to identify possible trends in microbial counts along the supply chain in a developing country. A total of 453 samples were taken across the vegetable supply chain (farm, market and food service establishment level) and analyzed for indicator microorganisms; Enterobacteriaceae , Listeria spp., aerobic plate count and coagulase - positive staphylococci. The sampling at farm and market covered 11 types of vegetables commonly eaten raw in salads. Results show that the mean count of Enterobacteriaceae and Listeria spp. in vegetables were respectively 5.8 and 4.6 log cfu/g at farm, 6.3 and 4.9 log cfu/g at market, 6.0 and 5.1 log cfu/g upon arrival at food service establishments, and finally 3.3 and 2.9 log cfu/g in ready-to-eat salads. Aerobic plate count and coagulase-positive Staphylococci were on average 6.8 and 4.6 respectively at start of salad preparation and 4.9 and 3.0 in the final product. Unit operations like washing with or without sanitizers, trimming and peeling significantly reduced indicator counts by on average 2.1 log cfu/g from start to end of salad preparation. Results also show that 91% (51/56) and 22% (12/56) of ready-to-eat salads prepared by food service establishments met the guidelines for coagulase - positive staphylococci (10 4 cfu/g) and presumptive Listeria spp. (10 2 cfu/g). The high counts of these indicator microorganisms along the vegetable supply chain, raises concern about the potential presence of foodborne pathogens. This study calls for improved adherence to GAPs and GHPs in the fresh vegetable supply chain so as to minimize the potential risk from foodborne pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The study aimed at enumerating, identifying and categorizing the endophytic cultivable bacterial community in selected salad vegetables (carrot, cucumber, tomato and onion). Vegetable samples were collected from markets of two vegetable hot spot growing areas, during two different crop harvest seasons. Crude and diluted vegetable extracts were plated and the population of endophytic bacteria was assessed based on morphologically distinguishable colonies. The bacterial isolates were identified by growth in selective media, biochemical tests and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: The endophytic population was found to be comparably higher in cucumber and tomato in both of the sampling locations, whereas lower in carrot and onion. Bacterial isolates belonged to 5 classes covering 46 distinct species belonging to 19 genera. Human opportunistic pathogens were predominant in carrot and onion, whereas plant beneficial bacteria dominated in cucumber and tomato. Out of the 104 isolates, 16.25% are human pathogens and 26.5% are human opportunistic pathogens. Conclusions: Existence of a high population of plant beneficial bacteria was found to have suppressed the population of plant and human pathogens. There is a greater potential to study the native endophytic plant beneficial bacteria for developing them as biocontrol agents against human pathogens that are harboured by plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the Pulsed Light technology (PL) for its efficiency to reduce the microbial loads on mung bean sprouts and endive salad during a simulated wash process for up to 60 s. The microbicidal action of PL proved to be more efficient than the sanitizers electrolyzed water (40 ppm free chlorine) and chlorine dioxide (15 ppm) within the same treatment time. Reductions of the microbial count up to 2.5 log were found in case of PL treated endive salad while both sanitizers only caused maximum reductions by about 1.5 log. A combination of PL and sanitizers did not have pronounced additional effect for both endive salad and mung bean sprouts. Overall, the decontamination treatments were more effective in case of endive salad compared to mung bean sprouts. It was also shown that the microbial loads in the washing water may be kept on a low level during PL treatments as count reductions of approx. 3 log were found in relation to simply washing in tap water. This study reveals that PL may be a suitable approach to reduce microbial hazards of industrially manufactured fresh produce. The application during the washing process not only reduces microbial loads on the product surface but also efficiently inactivates suspended microorganisms in the wash water and may therefore be an alternative to sanitizers for the prevention of cross contaminations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, toxin genes in the 718 samples in total, feces samples of 110 diarrheic patients from University Hospital beside 103 salad samples, 106 sausage specimens, 162 raw milk, 237 animal feces gathered in Afyonkarahisar city, after pre-enrichment produces in the Cefixime-Tellurite Sorbitol MacConkey Agar, selecting colony that does not ferment sorbitol was defined by conventional methods and latex agglutination. In the results, from 13 cattle feces, four milk and one sausage samples totally total of 18 samples not contain of H antigen, including a number of E. coli O157 isolated, by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT PCR) (ABI 7500 Fast, England), from the 16/18 strains (89%) stx1 and/or stx2 gene has been identified. Eventually, it is required to search for E. coli O157:H7 in patients with bloody stool. Good hygiene and hand washing before eating and preparing food is required to prevent contamination from contact with animals and their surroundings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Zen Maoist koan: Bill is developing a crazy synthesis that brings together Buddhism, Maoism, and French Marxism, especially Badiou. Running through all three are themes concerning emptiness, letting go, and contingency. On the other hand, when Bill's mind runs toward just making up stuff that seems funny to him, it is hard for him to stop. This "essay" is a meeting point between these two activities, and at some point in the underdetermined, contingent future there will have to be expansion upon these themes and "examples" – "Joke Ideas," as Bill calls them – and some serious analysis of what we have learned in this experiment. Best read with John Cage playing in the background – and we don't mean 4′33″. That would be silly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium responsible for food poisoning through ready-to-eat (RTE) food products. In particular, salads are RTE products that lead to many cases of listeriosis. Such concerns have made it necessary to find a method of inhibiting Listeria growth. In this study, coleslaw and egg salads were inoculated with L. monocytogenes , followed by addition of either ferulic acid or ferulic acid + glycine/sodium acetate, and were incubated at 10 °C for a maximum of 5 days. In coleslaw, the addition of 1500 ppm ferulic acid resulted in a 1.5 log CFU/g reduction in L. monocytogenes after 5 days. In egg salad, for 5 days following the addition of 3000 ppm ferulic acid + 1% glycine/sodium acetate compound, no additional L. monocytogenes growth was observed. This study demonstrates that under particular conditions, ferulic acid has anti-bacterial properties against L. monocytogenes . Our results suggest that ferulic acid could be highly useful for inhibiting the growth of L. monocytogenes in salad products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the concept of institutional trust has received considerable attention in different branches of the social science literature, brand trust has been somewhat neglected, particularly with respect to the food sector. Motivated by the need to further investigate the concept, this paper develops a conceptual framework that explores the effects of brand trust, trust in the food system, consumer confidence and brand loyalty. While most extant studies have examined the brand trust-brand loyalty link, this paper proposes that: ( i ) the impact of brand trust on consumer confidence in brand attributes is mediated by trust in the food system, and ( ii ) brand trust leads to brand loyalty via consumer confidence. The proposition is tested using Structural Equation Modelling techniques based on survey data from a sample of Canadian consumers of packaged green salad. Results indicate that in a food context, brand trust is positively associated with consumer confidence in brand quality and safety, largely via trust in the food system. Furthermore, confidence in credence attributes is shown to lead to brand loyalty. While previous research conceived brand trust as a multidimensional construct, the analysis suggests that trust in food brands could be better explained by a one-factor model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Baby leaf crops such as rocket are popular in mixed salads and add flavor and diversity to these dishes. Rocket leaves contain many beneficial compounds to human health, including vitamin C. It is important to determine abiotic factors that influence the concentration of this compound; in order to improve the supply of quality produce with a high nutritional value. The possibility of a nutrient claim for leaves of perennial wall rocket [Diplotaxis tenuifolia(L.) DC.] and annual garden rocket (Eruca sativaMill.) was examined under the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) framework. Crops were supplied with 0, 100, 200, and 300 kg · ha−1of nitrogen (N); leaves were stored at 0, 4, and 7°C for 15 days. The cultivar and amount of nitrogen supplied to perennial wall rocket did not affect the concentration of vitamin C in leaves at harvest, with a mean of 79.6 mg 100 g−1. For annual garden rocket there was an interaction between cultivar and nitrogen supply, with higher levels of supply generally resulting in lower vitamin C concentrations at harvest. The postharvest stability of vitamin C in both crops was best maintained at the lowest storage temperature. The results of this study illustrate that if stored at 0°C, both species contain vitamin C in sufficient quantities 15 days after harvest, to result in a “good source” health claim [>25% recommended daily intake (RDI)]. However, the storage temperature in the supply chain is typically ∼7°C, still permitting a “source” health claim (>10% RDI) for both species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Plants which have been traditionally eaten by the alpine population may provide new opportunities for agricultural development in mountain regions. In this context we have investigated the chemical composition of Phyteuma orbiculare (Campanulaceae), a perennial herb whose leaves have been eaten as salad by rural populations in Valais (Switzerland). Extracts of different polarities were subjected to comprehensive metabolite profiling using a dereplication platform combining HPLC–PDA-MS, and offline NMR analysis. Twenty-three compounds, including various phenolic glycosides, a new dimeric phenylpropanoid glucoside, saponins, and fatty acids were identified online, or after targeted isolation. Selected phenolic constituents were quantitatively assessed by HPLC–PDA analysis. In addition, substances relevant for nutrition, such as β-carotene, fatty acids, ascorbic acid and minerals were quantified in leaves and flowers. The antioxidant capacity was determined with an ORAC assay, and total phenolic compounds were quantified. Finally, the phytochemical profile was compared to that of the related species P. spicatum, P. hemisphaericum and P. ovatum. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Popularity of baby leaf salad crops has increased and is likely to continue. Despite their commercial importance, cultivation of these crops is limited by a lack of appropriate production systems. It is important to establish abiotic constraints for efficient production of these crops to improve supply and quality. In separate experiments, responses of perennial wall rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia [L.] DC.) and annual garden rocket (Eruca sativa Mill.) to harvest number, seasonal conditions, and fertilizer level were measured. The yield of perennial wall rocket was influenced by the interaction between the cultivar, harvest number, and season. No clear response between these factors was identified, with the highest yields for the cvs. European wild rocket [DT1] and Apollo [DT2] for the first harvest summer crop (2.7 and 2.8 kg/m2, respectively) and the cv. Nature [DT3] for the second harvest summer and spring crops (2.5 kg/m2, respectively). For annual garden rocket, there was an interaction between the yield and season with the highest yield during summer (3.3 kg/m2), followed by winter (2.7 kg/m2) and spring (1.9 kg/m2). Nitrogen rate did not affect yield or dry weight for either crop, meaning that the species require only little additional nitrogen for efficient growth, and crops may currently be overfertilized. Optimal production is achieved during spring and summer for perennial wall rocket and summer and winter for annual garden rocket, allowing for the interchangeable use of species throughout the growing seasons. The growth of perennial wall rocket improves from first to second harvest but decreases for annual garden rocket, meaning that the perennial species is better suited to at least two harvests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, the antimicrobial effects of both traditional and commercial pomegranate sour sauce samples on some green vegetables and also on “kısır” which is a popular and traditional appetizer in Turkey were investigated. The inhibitory effect of the pomegranate products on the naturally existing bacterial microflora of lettuce, spring onion, parsley and kısır were analyzed. Also, all these food samples were inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC — 25923) and Escherichia coli O157:H7 (ATCC — 43895) and antimicrobial effect of the pomegranate products on the inoculated microflora was detected. All the food samples were treated with pomegranate products for different time periods and the effect of treatment time was investigated. pH and titratable acidity values of the traditional and commercial pomegranate sour sauce samples were detected. The results showed that although the pomegranate products had an antimicrobial effect on the natural bacterial microflora of the food samples, the effect on inoculated food samples was more prominent and additionally the application time was found to be a crucial parameter for both cases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Baby leaf rocket is consumed worldwide as a salad vegetable. It is usually mixed with other baby leaf crops, such as spinach and lettuce, to form a mesclun-type salad. Rocket crops have become popular due to their distinct taste and textural appearance in mixed salads. There are two common forms of rocket that are commercially cultivated, a perennial species ( Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC.) known as perennial wall rocket and an annual species ( Eruca sativa Mill.) known as annual garden rocket. The popularity of baby leaf crops has increased in recent years due to consumer demand for a convenient, nutritious and easily accessible product. The baby leaf salad sector is now a significant part of the leafy vegetable market, with growth in this sector estimated to continue. The leaves of cultivars of perennial wall rocket and annual garden rocket have been bred to look similar, allowing for a year-round supply of produce. Despite this, there are many differences between the species that affect their responses to abiotic factors during growth and storage. This paper aims to provide some perspectives on the historical importance, botanical classification and cultivation techniques of these economically important plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Watercress is an herb traditionally consumed fresh. If frozen, would be readily available to consumers. However, pathogenics resistant to frozen storage are a safety concern in this new product. In this study watercress was artificially contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212. Their survival was evaluated after blanching, frozen storage and temperature fluctuations of the frozen product. The blanching caused a reduction of about 2logcfu per gram of product of total viable count (TVC) and about 1.7 and 1.3logcfu per gram of product of P. aeruginosa and E. faecalis, respectively. P. aeruginosa seemed to be more sensitive to temperature abuses than E. faecalis. After 3 months, TVC was still observed with a reduction of about 3logcfu per gram of product. At the end of the study, exposure to freeze–thaw cycles resulted in death or injury of the microorganisms. These findings on the behaviour of two microorganisms of concern in frozen watercress will help improving the safety and cold chain settings for this product. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study investigated the antimicrobial activity of lime oil (LO) at 50, 100, and 200 μl to control microbial spoilage and the survival of Listeria monocytogenes on ready-to-eat (RTE) mixed vegetable salads in 1-L glass boxes for 7 days in a refrigerator (~4 °C). The bacteriostatic properties of L. monocytogenes were investigated by cell constituent release analysis and crystal violet assays, which are related to the bacterial cell wall and cell membrane. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the morphology of L. Monocytogenes , and the components of LO in treated RTE mixed vegetable salads using were studied by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results indicated that LO at 100 μl L−1 could inhibit cell cultures and reduce the growth of L. monocytogenes (⁓104 cfu ml−1) on RTE salads in refrigerated conditions by 0.6–1.5 log 10 cfu g−1. The results revealed that LO affected bacterial cell permeability and cell membrane integrity. The treated cells showed serious detrimental defects in their membrane morphology. Furthermore, α-terpineol, terpineol and limonene were confirmed as the key components that inhibited bacteria during cold storage. The quality of RTE salads stored with LO in a 1-L glass box showed good results, and the consumers also accepted the salads with a hedonic score (~6.1 ± 0.7) rated as 'like slightly' for sensory evaluation. • Lime oil (LO) vapour can decrease Listeria monocytogenes growth during cold storage. • The LO vapour can inactivate bacteria contaminated ready to eat salad stored at 4 °C. • Effect of LO in cold condition was confirmed by cell membrane disruption. • α-Terpineol, Terpineol, and limonene are the key main components to inhibit bacteria. • LO vapour provided twice time extension of ready to eat salad shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A surveillance study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Campylobacter in meat, milk and other food commodities in Pakistan. Over a period of 3 years (January 2002–December 2004), a total of 1636 food samples of meat, milk and other food commodities were procured from three big cities of Pakistan (Faisalabad, Lahore and Islamabad) and were analysed. Among meat samples, the highest prevalence (48%) of Campylobacter was recorded in raw chicken meat followed by raw beef (10.9%) and raw mutton (5.1%). Among other food commodities, the highest prevalence was observed in vegetable/fruit salad (40.9%), sandwiches (32%), cheese (11%) and raw bulk milk samples (10.2%). The overall prevalence of Campylobacter was found to be 21.5%, out of which 70.6% were identified as Campylobacter (C.) jejuni and 29.4% as C. coli. The study reported that the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. was significantly higher in the food commodities, which included raw/undercooked ingredients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To assess the possibilities of a culture-independent monitoring of bacterial communities in the food chain, samples of salad from farming sites as well as corresponding, processed products in stores were analysed. The bacterial DNA was extracted using a modified soil extraction protocol. Amplification of 16S rDNA was carried out using primers specific for eubacteria and enterobacteriaceae. Fingerprints of 200/370 bp respectively were obtained by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis following PCR and nested PCR amplification. In parallel to DGGE analysis, clone libraries containing PCR fragments of the ribosomal gene were constructed and clones were screened by DGGE. DGGE analysis indicated a high diversity of bacterial communities in salad samples. Fingerprints indicated clearly reduced diversity of bacterial communities in processed samples from markets compared to field-grown salads. Surprisingly, primers pointed out in literature as specific for enterobacteriaceae did amplify pseudomonadeceae as well. Therefore, the more specific primers fD2 and rP1 were used subsequently in this study to amplify specific members of the family enterobacteriaceae. A total of 11 different 16S rDNA sequences were obtained and subjected to sequencing and phylogenetic affiliation. Sequences derived from the eubacterial clone library from organically farmed salad were affiliated to the family microbacteriaceae and pseudomonadaceae. In addition, a potential new genus within the family of enterobacteriaceae was detected. Furthermore, a sequence showing 98.9% similarity to Pseudomonas libaniensis (fluorescence subgroup) was found in a processed salad sample but not in the corresponding field samples. This species is generally known as an opportunistic pathogen. Whereas molecular based monitoring of bacterial communities in food still may need more experience and standardisation to detect specific bacteria present, the monitoring strategy presented in this paper, combining DGGE analysis with the construction of clone libraries, is an attractive method for culture-independent monitoring of changes of bacterial communities in the food chain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]