Intensive Environmental Surveillance Plan for in Food Producing Plants and Retail Stores of Central Italy: Prevalence and Genetic Diversity.

() can persist in food processing environments (FPEs), surviving environmental stresses and disinfectants. We described an intensive environmental monitoring plan performed in Central Italy and involving food producing plants (FPPs) and retail grocery stores (RSs). The aim of the study was to provide a snapshot of the circulation in different FPEs during a severe listeriosis outbreak, using whole genome sequencing (WGS) to investigate the genetic diversity of the isolated, evaluating their virulence and stress resistance profiles.

Identification of a CIP4 PKA phosphorylation site involved in the regulation of cancer cell invasiveness and metastasis.

CDC42 interacting protein 4 (CIP4) is a CDC42 effector that coordinates membrane deformation and actin polymerization. The correlation of CIP4 overexpression with metastatic capacity has been characterized in several types of cancer. However, little information exists on how CIP4 function is regulated.

Unveiling hákarl: A study of the microbiota of the traditional Icelandic fermented fish.

Hákarl is produced by curing of the Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) flesh, which before fermentation is toxic due to the high content of trimethylamine (TMA) or trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). Despite its long history of consumption, little knowledge is available on the microbial consortia involved in the fermentation of this fish. In the present study, a polyphasic approach based on both culturing and DNA-based techniques was adopted to gain insight into the microbial species present in ready-to-eat hákarl.

Metformin and glucose starvation decrease the migratory ability of hepatocellular carcinoma cells: targeting AMPK activation to control migration.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly metastatic cancer with very poor prognosis. AMP activated kinase (AMPK) constitutes a candidate to inhibit HCC progression. First, AMPK is downregulated in HCC.

Distribution of Transferable Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Laboratory-Reared Edible Mealworms ( L.).

In the present study, the distribution of antibiotic resistance genes in laboratory-reared fresh mealworm larvae ( L.), their feeding substrates (carrots and wheatmeal), and frass was assessed. Microbial counts on selective media added with antibiotics highlighted the presence of lactic acid bacteria resistant to ampicillin and vancomycin and, more specifically, enterococci resistant to the latter antibiotic.

A severe outbreak of listeriosis in central Italy with a rare pulsotype associated with processed pork products.

Purpose: From May 2015 to March 2016, an outbreak due to Listeria monocytogenes serotype 1/2a and clinical pulsotype never previously isolated in Europe occurred in central Italy, involving 24 confirmed clinical cases. The article provides a description of the outbreak and the investigation carried out by a multidisciplinary network.

Methodology: Epidemiological and microbiological surveillance was conducted to confirm the outbreak and to detect the food vehicle of infection.

Revealing the microbiota of marketed edible insects through PCR-DGGE, metagenomic sequencing and real-time PCR.

The present study aimed to identify the microbiota present in six species of processed edible insects produced in Thailand and marketed worldwide via the internet, namely, giant water bugs (Belostoma lutarium), black ants (Polyrhachis), winged termites (alates, Termitoidae), rhino beetles (Hyboschema contractum), mole crickets (Gryllotalpidae), and silkworm pupae (Bombyx mori). For each species, two samples of boiled, dried and salted insects were purchased. The microbial DNA was extracted from the insect samples and subjected to polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE), high-throughput sequencing and qualitative real-time PCR assays.

The bacterial biota of laboratory-reared edible mealworms (Tenebrio molitor L.): From feed to frass.

Tenebrio molitor represents one of the most popular species used for the large-scale conversion of plant biomass into protein and is characterized by high nutritional value. In the present laboratory study, the bacterial biota characterizing a pilot production chain of fresh T. molitor larvae was investigated.

Akap350 Recruits Eb1 to The Spindle Poles, Ensuring Proper Spindle Orientation and Lumen Formation in 3d Epithelial Cell Cultures.

The organization of epithelial cells to form hollow organs with a single lumen requires the accurate three-dimensional arrangement of cell divisions. Mitotic spindle orientation is defined by signaling pathways that provide molecular links between specific spots at the cell cortex and astral microtubules, which have not been fully elucidated. AKAP350 is a centrosomal/Golgi scaffold protein, implicated in the regulation of microtubule dynamics.

Microtubules regulate brush border formation.

Most epithelial cells contain apical membrane structures associated to bundles of actin filaments, which constitute the brush border. Whereas microtubule participation in the maintenance of the brush border identity has been characterized, their contribution to de novo microvilli organization remained elusive. Hereby, using a cell model of individual enterocyte polarization, we found that nocodazole induced microtubule depolymerization prevented the de novo brush border formation.

Paediatric HUS Cases Related to the Consumption of Raw Milk Sold by Vending Machines in Italy: Quantitative Risk Assessment Based on Escherichia coli O157 Official Controls over 7 years.

A quantitative risk assessment (RA) was developed to estimate haemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) cases in paediatric population associated with the consumption of raw milk sold in vending machines in Italy. The historical national evolution of raw milk consumption phenomenon since 2008, when consumer interest started to grow, and after 7 years of marketing adjustment, is outlined. Exposure assessment was based on the official Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 (STEC) microbiological records of raw milk samples from vending machines monitored by the regional Veterinary Authorities from 2008 to 2014, microbial growth during storage, consumption frequency of raw milk, serving size, consumption preference and age of consumers.

Presence of Escherichia coli O157, Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes in Raw Ovine Milk Destined for Cheese Production and Evaluation of the Equivalence Between the Analytical Methods Applied.

Italy is one of the main producers and exporters of cheese made from unpasteurized sheep milk. Since raw milk and its derived products are known sources of human infections, cheese produced from raw sheep milk could pose a microbiological threat to public health. Hence, the objectives of the study were: to characterize the potential risk of the presence of pathogens Escherichia coli O157, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella in raw ovine milk destined for cheese production obtained from all the sheep farms (n = 24) in the Marches region (Central Italy) that directly transform raw milk into cheeses and to evaluate the equivalence between the analytical methods applied.

AMPK and PKA interaction in the regulation of survival of liver cancer cells subjected to glucose starvation.

The signaling pathways that govern survival response in hepatic cancer cells subjected to nutritional restriction have not been clarified yet. In this study we showed that liver cancer cells undergoing glucose deprivation both arrested in G0/G1 and died mainly by apoptosis. Treatment with the AMPK activator AICAR phenocopied the effect of glucose deprivation on cell survival, whereas AMPK silencing in HepG2/C3A, HuH-7 or SK-Hep-1 cells blocked the cell cycle arrest and the increase in apoptotic death induced by glucose starvation.

Trends in the microbial contamination of bovine, ovine and swine carcasses in three small-scale abattoirs in central Italy: A four-year monitoring.

The microbial contamination of animal carcasses with respect to the limits established by Regulation (EC) No. 2073/2005 was investigated. Bovine, ovine, and swine carcasses (n=536 samples) from three small-scale abattoirs were sampled using abrasive sponges and tested for aerobic colony counts (ACC) and Enterobacteriaceae in the period 2010-2013.

Effect of farm characteristics and practices on hygienic quality of ovine raw milk used for artisan cheese production in central Italy.

A survey on ovine dairy farms directly transforming own-produced milk, in the Italian Marche region, was carried out to assess flock and milking practices that may influence milk hygienic-sanitary conditions. A census survey established that 24 dairy farms were located in this region. Bulk milk samples were collected throughout the milking period in each dairy farm in 2013.

Centrosomal AKAP350 and CIP4 act in concert to define the polarized localization of the centrosome and Golgi in migratory cells.

The acquisition of a migratory phenotype is central in processes as diverse as embryo differentiation and tumor metastasis. An early event in this phenomenon is the generation of a nucleus-centrosome-Golgi back-to-front axis. AKAP350 (also known as AKAP9) is a Golgi and centrosome scaffold protein that is involved in microtubule nucleation.

Quantitative risk assessment of human salmonellosis and listeriosis related to the consumption of raw milk in Italy.

Two quantitative risk assessment (RA) models were developed to describe the risk of salmonellosis and listeriosis linked to consumption of raw milk sold in vending machines in Italy. Exposure assessment considered the official microbiological records monitoring raw milk samples from vending machines performed by the regional veterinary authorities from 2008 to 2011, microbial growth during storage, destruction experiments, consumption frequency of raw milk, serving size, and consumption preference. Two separate RA models were developed: one for the consumption of boiled milk and the other for the consumption of raw milk.

Centrosomal AKAP350 modulates the G/S transition.

AKAP350 (AKAP450/AKAP9/CG-NAP) is an A-kinase anchoring protein, which recruits multiple signaling proteins to the Golgi apparatus and the centrosomes. Several proteins recruited to the centrosomes by this scaffold participate in the regulation of the cell cycle. Previous studies indicated that AKAP350 participates in centrosome duplication.

Four-year monitoring of foodborne pathogens in raw milk sold by vending machines in Italy.

Prevalence data were collected from official microbiological records monitoring four selected foodborne pathogens (Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Campylobacter jejuni) in raw milk sold by self-service vending machines in seven Italian regions (60,907 samples from 1,239 vending machines) from 2008 to 2011. Data from samples analyzed by both culture-based and real-time PCR methods were collected in one region. One hundred raw milk consumers in four regions were interviewed while purchasing raw milk from vending machines.

Evaluation of the quality of foods for special diets produced in a school catering facility within a HACCP-based approach: a case study.

A study was carried out to verify the appropriateness of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan adopted in a school catering facility. To that end, the microbiological quality of foods, the correct implementation of special diets (lactose- and gluten-free) and the nutritional value of foods were assessed. Thirty-six samples of lactose-free and 87 samples of gluten-free special diet food preparations were subjected to microbiological, chemical, and nutritional analyses.

Microbiological surveillance of a bovine raw milk farm through multiplex real-time PCR.

Raw milk is increasingly appreciated by consumers but can be contaminated by a variety of zoonotic pathogens. Therefore, preventive measures, such as on-farm hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) programs, must be applied to protect consumers. The aim of the present study was the comparison of a multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay with a culture-based approach in an on-farm quality assurance program for the detection of Escherichia coli O157, Salmonella spp.