Two new toxic yellow Inocybe species from China: morphological characteristics, phylogenetic analyses and toxin detection

Some species of Inocybes. str. caused neurotoxic poisoning after consumption around the world. However, there are a large number of species in this genus that have not been studied for their toxicity or toxin content. In this study, we report two new toxic yellow Inocybes. str. species from China based on morphological characteristics, phylogenetic analyses and toxin detection. Among the two species, Inocybe squarrosolutea is reported as a newly recorded species of China. We also describe a new species, I. squarrosofulva, which is morphologically similar to I. squarrosolutea. The new species is characterized by its ochraceous squarrose pileus, distinctly annulate cortina on the stipe, nodulose basidiospores and thick-walled pleurocystidia. Muscarine in the fruitbodies was detected by UPLC–MS/MS, the content in I. squarrosolutea and I. squarrosofulva were 136.4 ± 25.4 to 1683.0 ± 313 mg/kg dry weight and 31.2 ± 5.8 to 101.8 ± 18.9 mg/kg dry weight, respectively.

Regarding Toxin Detection Mechanisms for Harmful Algae Blooms and Current Device Apparatuses or Development

Current toxin detection mechanisms are insufficient in comparison to a software defined networking system with P2P compatibility in regards to real time detection. In regards to current mechanisms, this involves both wet chemical as well as physical devices and/or buoys. The introduction of new technologies in regards to network latency in relation to novel detection methods is what will be the cornerstone of this research. The importance of this field is to draw conclusions in regards to technological implementations in relation to detection, time, network latency and quality of the data.

"Panton-Valentine leukocidine"-producerende Staphylococcus aureus als belangrijke pathogeen voor purulente huidinfecties

“Panton-Valentine leukocidin”- producing Staphylococcus aureus is an important pathogen of purulent skin and soft-tissue infections Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) colonises the skin, nose or throat in 20% to 30% of the adult population and is the most common pathogen causing mild to moderate skin infections. Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) is an important virulence factor for S. aureus and plays a potential role in the pathogenesis of dermal necrosis. PVL is strongly associated with recurrent purulent skin infections and frequent need for surgical drainage. It is comparatively less common in colonisation and invasive infections (such as pneumonia, musculoskeletal disease and bacteraemia). The number of community-acquired PVLP-SA clones in Belgium remains stable since 2014. PVL-toxin detection in Belgium is limited to the National Reference Centre for S. aureus (LHUB-ULB, Brussels). Because of the limited indications for toxin testing and lack of impact on antibiotic therapy, there is currently no need for PVL-toxin detection outside the reference laboratory. On the other hand, increased awareness can lead to more efficient and systematic decolonisation policies and thereby reduce the risk of recurrent skin infections or outbreaks in (healthcare) institutions. In this case report followed by a literature review, we would like to inform all interested and involved clinicians (general practitioners, dermatologists, internists, paediatricians) about the national guidelines for PVL-toxin detection and the associated approach.

Performance Characteristics of refined LC-FLD and HILIC-MS/MS methods for the Determination of Paralytic Shellfish Toxins in Shrimp, Whelk and Crab

Background PSP toxins have been reported in non-bivalve shellfish species, including crustaceans and gastropods. Routine surveillance of these species is currently conducted in parts of England. To date detection methods have not been validated for these matrices. Validation is required to ensure the test is fit for purpose, to give greater confidence in any results generated and ultimately facilitates accreditation. Objective The aim was to test and validate two independent PSP toxin detection methods previously validated for bivalve shellfish matrices, for applicability to commercial non-bivalve species of interest. Methods Matrices were shrimp (Crangon crangon), common whelk (Buccinum undatum) and edible crab (Cancer pagurus). The two methods assessed were the pre-column oxidation LC-FLD AOAC 2005.06 Official Method of analysis and an internationally validated HILIC-MS/MS method. Brown and white crab meat were assessed separately. Results A refined extraction protocol was implemented with an increased solvent to sample ratio. The same extraction protocol was utilized for both methods, allowing both methods to be run simultaneously. Method sensitivity, recovery, repeatability, and method uncertainty were characterized in all matrix/toxin combinations. Overall, both methods performed similarly to that previously reported in bivalve molluscs. Acceptability of the majority of toxin/matrix combinations was evidenced through comparison of method performance characteristics against specific performance criteria, including Horwitz ratio values. Conclusions Both PSP toxin detection methods were found to provide acceptable performance for the monitoring of shrimp, whelk and crab species. Highlights Two PSP toxin detection methods have been single-laboratory validated successfully for three non-bivalve shellfish species.