High Risk Of Contamination Research Articles

Dissemination, virulence characteristic, antibiotic resistance determinants of emerging linezolid and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp. in fish and crustacean

Enterococci are emerging nosocomial pathogens. Their widespread distribution causes them to be food contaminants. Furthermore, Enterococci can colonize various ecological niches and diffuse into the food chain via contaminated animals and foods because of their remarkable tolerance to unfavorable environmental circumstances. Due to their potential dissemination to humans, antimicrobial-resistant Enterococci in fish are a worldwide health issue. This study characterized AMR, ARGs, VAGs, gelatinase activity, and biofilm formation in Enterococcus spp. recovered from fish and seafood and evaluated potential correlations. 54 Enterococcus spp. strains(32.73 %)were isolated from 165 samples (75 Oreochromis niloticus, 30 Argyrosomus regius, and 60 Shrimp), comprising 30 Enterococcus faecalis (55.6 %) and 24 Enterococcus faecium (44.4 %) with total 32.73 % (54/165), The maximum prevalence rate of Enterococcus spp. was observed in Nile tilapia (34/54; 63 %), followed by shrimp (14/54; 25.9 %) and Argyrosomus regius (6/54; 11.1 %). The maximum prevalence rate of E. faecalis was observed in Nile tilapia (22/30; 73.3 %), followed by shrimp (8/30; 26.7 %) with significant differences. The prevalence rate of E. faecium was observed in Nile tilapia (12/24; 50 %), followed by shrimp (6/24,25 %). E. faecium is only isolated from Argyrosomus regius (6/24,25 %). Isolates exhibited high resistance against both tetracycline (90.7 %) and erythromycin(88.9 %), followed by gentamycin (77.8 %), ciprofloxacin (74.1 %), levofloxacin (72.2 %), penicillin (44.4 %), vancomycin (37 %), and linezolid (20.4 %). 50 strains (92.6 %) exhibited resistance to more than two antibiotics, 5 strains (10 %) were XDR, and the remaining 45 strains (90 %) were classified as MDR. 92.6 % of the isolates had MARindices >0.2, indicating they originated in settings with a high risk of contamination. Additionally, ten ARGs were identified, with tet(M) 92.6 %, followed by erm(B) (88.9 %), aac(6′)-Ie-aph(2″)-Ia(77.8 %), tet(K) (75.9 %), gyrA (74.1 %), blaZ (48.1 %), vanA (37 %), vanB (31.5 %), optrA (20.4 %), and catA(3.7 %). Biofilm formation and gelatinase activity were observed in 85.2 %, and 61.1 % of the isolates, respectively. A total of 11 VAGs were detected, with gelE as the most prevalent (83.3 %) followed by agg(79.6 %), pil (74.1 %), both sprE and asa1 (72.2 %), hyl (70.4 %), eps(68.5 %), EF3314 (57.4 %), ace (50 %), and cylA (35.2 %) with no detection of cylB. In conclusion, the emergence of linezolid-resistant -vancomycin-resistant enterococci recovered from Egyptian fish and shrimp, suggests that fish and seafood might participate a fundamental part in the emergence of antimicrobial resistance among humans.

Non-target screening and prioritization of organic contaminants in seawater desalination and their ecological risk assessment

The impact of desalination brine on the marine environment is a global concern. Regarding this, salinity is generally accepted as the major environmental factor in desalination concentrate. However, recent studies have shown that the influence of organic contaminants in brine cannot be ignored. Therefore, a non-targeted screening method based on comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC × GC-qMS) was developed for identifying organic contaminants in the desalination brine. A total of 404 compounds were tentatively identified from four seawater desalination plants (three reverse osmosis plants and one multiple effect distillation plant) in China. The identified compounds were prioritized based on their persistence, bioaccumulation, ecotoxicity, usage, and detection frequency. Twenty-one (21) compounds (seven phthalates, ten pesticides, four trihalomethanes) were then selected for further quantitative analysis and ecological risk assessment, including compounds from the priority list along with substances from the same chemical classes. Ecologically risky substances in brine include diisobutylphthalate and bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate, atrazine and acetochlor, and bromoform. Most of the contaminants come from raw seawater, and no high risk contaminants introduced by the desalination process have been found except for disinfection by-products. In brine discharge management, people believed that all pollution in raw seawater was concentrated by desalination process. This study shows that not all pollutants are concentrated during the desalination process. In this study, the total concentration of pesticide in the brine increased by 58.42%. The concentration of ∑PAEs decreased by 13.65% in reverse osmosis desalination plants and increased by 10.96% in the multi-effect distillation plant. The concentration of trihalomethane increased significantly in the desalination concentrate. The change in the concentration of pollutants in the desalination concentrate was related to the pretreatment method and the chemical characteristics of the contaminants. The method and results given in this study hinted a new idea to identify and control the environmental impact factors of brine.

Exceptionally high levels of total mercury in deep-sea sharks of the Southeastern Mediterranean sea over the last ∼ 40 years

Deep-sea habitats are currently recognized as a hot spot for mercury (Hg) accumulation from anthropogenic sources, resulting in elevated concentrations of total mercury (THg) in deep-sea megafauna. Among them, deep-sea sharks (Class Chondrichthyes) are characterized by high trophic position and extended longevity and are, therefore, at high risk for mercury contamination. Despite this, sharks are overexploited by fishing activity in increasingly deeper water, worldwide, imposing health risks to human consumption. While it is imperative to better understand long-term mercury contamination in deep-sea megafauna, few historical data sets exist to capture this process. Here we explore four decades (1985–2022) of THg accumulation in five species of deep-sea sharks (G. melastomus, E. spinax, S. rostratus, C. granulosus, and D. licha) of the ultra-oligotrophic Southeastern Mediterranean Sea (SEMS) sampled during 19 research cruises. We exhibited exceptionally high THg levels (per length/weight), the highest as 16.6 μg g−1 (wet wt.), almost entirely (98.9 %; n = 298 specimens) exceeding the limit for safe consumption (0.3–0.5 μg THg g−1 wet wt.). The maximal THg levels of the long-lived species D. licha and C. granulosus in the SEMS were enriched by a factor of ∼ 7 and >10 compared to counterpart species from other oceanic areas, respectively. We attribute this to the ultra-oligotrophic conditions of the SEMS, which cause slower growth rates and dwarfism in deep-sea sharks, resulting in an extended exposure time to mercury contamination. In the long-lived species, C. granulosus and D. licha, a temporal increase of average THg levels of ∼ 80 % was recorded between 1987–1999 and 2021–2022. This likely reflects the long-term accumulation of historical anthropogenic Hg in deep-sea environments, which is further amplified in marginal seas such as the Mediterranean, impacted by global air pollution crossroads and surrounded by land-based pollution sources. Future consumption of products from deep-sea sharks is potentially high risk to human health.

Bioaugmentation of manures by a tiamulin-degrading Sphingomonas as a means to alleviate environmental dispersal of antibiotic residues

Bioaugmentation of veterinary antibiotic (VA)-contaminated feces with VA-degrading bacteria, can reduce the VA-selective pressure on manure microorganisms toward antibiotic resistance during organic soil fertilization. We explored the efficiency of a Sphingomonas isolate, able to degrade tiamulin (TIA), as a bioaugmentation agent for removing TIA from pig manures fortified with TIA at two concentrations (5 and 50 µg g−1). Bioaugmentation efficiency was compared with stockpiling and anaerobic digestion. Bioaugmentation accelerated TIA dissipation (DT50 = 32.3 and 66.2 days) compared with anaerobic digestion (DT50 = 103 and 126.7 days) and stockpiling (DT50 = 95.38 and 113.8 days). Furthermore, we determined the impact of TIA on methane production and followed microbial succession during anaerobic digestion. The lower TIA concentration stimulated biomethanation, seemingly, through induction of the increase of Methanosarcina (from below detection at the TIA-free samples to 17.1% of relative abundance at the low in TIA content samples), commonly linked with aceticlastic biomethanation. Our findings highlight (i) the potential of bioaugmentation in treating VA-contaminated manures for mitigating the dispersal of VA residues in agricultural settings (ii) the high risk of contamination of agricultural soils by the use of TIA-contaminated manures that have been stockpiled or anaerobically digested before their use in agricultural settings.

Effects of Combinations of Hydrogen Peroxide and Vinegar in Different Ratios on the Surface Roughness of Heat-Cure Denture Base Acrylic Resin

Background: Complete dentures are at high risk of contamination, and their disinfection is imperative to prevent cross-contamination. Also, chemical disinfecting agents can effectively eliminate microorganisms. This study aimed to assess the effect of combinations of hydrogen peroxide (HP) and vinegar in different ratios on the surface roughness of heat-cure denture base acrylic resin. Methods: This in vitro, experimental study evaluated 40 heat-cure acrylic resin specimens that were flasked and heated at 70 ° C for 9 hours for heat polymerization. The acrylic specimens were cut into small cubic pieces measuring 20×20×3 mm using a cutting machine and polished with metallographic abrasive paper. The specimens were randomized into 4 groups of control (artificial saliva) and HP and vinegar in 1:1, 1:3, and 3:1 ratios (three experimental groups). Then, they were immersed in the respective solutions for 8 hours/day for one month. Their surface roughness (Ra) was measured before and after immersion by a profilometer. The data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (α=0.05). Results: The immersion of acrylic specimens in HP+vinegar in 1:1 and 1:3 ratios did not cause a significant change in their surface roughness (P>0.05). However, the surface roughness significantly decreased after immersion in HP+vinegar in a 3:1 ratio (P=0.032). Despite the reduction in the surface roughness of specimens in the 3:1 group, the difference in surface roughness was not significant among the four groups after immersion (P>0.05). Conclusion: Combinations of HP and vinegar in different ratios appear to be suitable for cleaning removable dentures due to their insignificant effects on the surface roughness of acrylic resin.

Evaluation of Brazilian pesticide residue reported by monitoring programs considering foods offered to childrens

The consumption of fruits and vegetables, which are the basis of infant nutrition, carries a high risk of pesticide residue contamination. With higher food intake and lower body weight, infants can be considered more sensitive to contamination than adults, which justifies the growing concern about the diet of this population in recent decades. In 2006 in the European Union (EU), processed baby foods were regulated and should not contain individual pesticide residues at levels higher than 0.01 mg/kg, to protect children from ingesting harmful substances. Considering the reference pesticide residues for infant food in the EU and the pesticide residue monitoring programs in Brazil (from the National Health Surveillance Agency and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply), this study compared the results of pesticide residues in some vegetables and fruits with the maximum residue level (MRL) for infant foods established by the EU. 10,174 vegetable samples were analyzed by the monitoring programs, and 80.3% were in accordance with their respective MRLs. Some foods, such as rice, potatoes, and chayote, have average pesticide residue levels equal to or lower than the EU-baby-MRL. However, only 44.0% of the analyzed foods presented residues with results lower than 0.01 mg/kg of food. It can be concluded that most fruits and vegetables contain pesticide residues above the EU recommendations for infant food.

Stream sediment pollution: a compositional baseline assessment

AbstractA high concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) can affect ecosystem health in many ways. It is therefore essential that spatial trends in pollutants are assessed and monitored. Two questions must be addressed when quantifying pollution: how to define a non-polluted sample and how to reduce the problem’s dimensionality. A geochemical dataset is a composition of variables (chemical elements), where the components represent the relative importance of each part of the whole. Therefore, to comply with the compositional constraints, a compositional approach was used. A novel compositional pollution indicator (CPI) based on compositional data (CoDa) principles such as the properties of sparsity and simplicity was computed. A dataset of 12 chemical elements in 33 stream-sediment samples were collected from depths of 0–10 cm in a grid of 1 km × 1 km and analyzed. Maximum concentrations of 3.8% Pb, 750 µg g−1 As, and 340 µg g–1 Hg were obtained near the mine tailings. The methodological approach involved geological background selection in terms of a trimmed subsample that could be assumed to contain only non-pollutants (Al and Fe) and the selection of a list of pollutants (As, Zn, Pb, and Hg) based on expert knowledge criteria and previous studies. Finally, a stochastic sequential Gaussian simulation of the new CPI was performed. The results of the hundred simulations performed were summarized through the mean image map and maps of the probability of exceeding a given statistical threshold, allowing the characterization of the spatial distribution and the associated variability of the CPI. A high risk of contamination along the Grândola River was observed. As the main economic activities in this area are agricultural and involve animal stocks, it is crucial to establish two lines of intervention: the installation of a surveillance network for continuous control in all areas and the definition of mitigation actions for the northern area with high levels of contamination. Graphical Abstract

Microorganism diversity and contamination risk in mosque rosaries and carpets.

Inevitably, the floors of mosques are contaminated with microorganisms, and the risk of pathogen transmission is probably high between the many visitors, but the issue has been infrequently studied. Investigate microorganism variety and risk of contamination on commonly used carpets and rosaries (prayer beads). Cross-sectional. Mosques. This study was carried out in three different cities of Turkey in 2023, focusing on mosques located around hospitals. Forty mosques were included in the study and from each mosque 10 samples were collected from various parts of carpets and rosaries. The number of positive culture isolates were identified. Diversity and distribution of microorganisms isolated from mosque carpets and rosaries; methicillin-resistance rates in Staphylococci. 400 samples. Growth was observed in 368 (92%) of 400 samples examined. The microorganisms isolated in the highest number were methicillin-susceptible coagulase negative Staphylococci (MSCoNS) (59.8%), Microcooccus (41%) and diphtheroids (31.3%). The rates of total growth (P=.001), including diphtheroids (P=.018), methicillin-resistant coagulase negative Staphylococci (P=.001), Bacillus spp. (P=.036) and Aspergillus spp. (P=.002) rates were significantly higher in the rosary samples than carpet samples. At mosques in Tokat, a province center, 4 samples were positive for Acinetobacter baumannii, two samples were positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and one sample for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and these were isolated from rosaries. 0.3% of Staphylococcus isolates were MRSA. As there is a high risk of contamination of carpets and prayer beads on the mosque floor with human flora, the use of appropriate hygiene practices is necessary. We also found some emerging bacteria in addition to the normal human flora. Our study was conducted in three provinces. Further studies might cover a wider geography.

Afflatoxine Effect on Livestock Health: A Review

Aflatoxins have been the cause of numerous deaths in livestock and it also the cause for economic losses. Aflatoxins belong to a group of mycotoxins that are produced by fungi species (molds) as they grow on their substrates. The major ones are aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2, thus named depending on their fluorescence under blue and green light. Aspergillus parasiticus can synthesize AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2. AFB1=AFM1>AFG1>AFB2=AFM2>AFG2 from strongest to weakest in terms of toxicity. Pigs so affected became lethargic, did not eat, and eventually became hypothermic, icteric, and had blood in their feces. Acute aflatoxicosis is characterized by an acute hepatotoxic disease that manifests itself with depression, anorexia, jaundice, hemorrhages, edema of the lower extremities, abdominal pain and vomiting. Chronic exposure leads liver cancer. The major target organ for aflatoxins in animals is the liver. Aflatoxins are probably not major causes of livestock disease and low productivity, but are contributing factors which are likely to become more important as livestock production intensifies. The animal feeds most likely to be contaminated are maize, cottonseed, and groundnuts. These feeds are at high risk for aflatoxin contamination. Aflatoxins cannot be detected by sight or smell in contaminated food or feed. Aflatoxins are not eliminated by boiling, cooking, or by processing into compound feeds. Animal source foods, especially milk, may also contain aflatoxins if animals eat contaminated feeds. This is often the case with milk; carry-over rates are relatively high, consumption is high, and milk is often given to infants and young children who are most at-risk for negative health outcomes related to aflatoxin exposure. Affected animals may exhibit reduced feed consumption, weight loss, and reduction in production. The more significant effects in cattle may occur when animals consume lower levels of aflatoxins and chronic effects appear such as reduced reproductivity, immunosuppression, and reduced feed efficiency. An increase in dietary protein protects against adverse effects of the toxin. Feeding of extra vitamins, A and K could also decrease the detrimental effects of aflatoxins. The prevention ways are removing the sources; promotes better agricultural and storage techniques; have good resources for testing and early diagnosis; strict food quality standards; General awareness and personal protection; Better livestock feeding & management.

A novel Colorcult hemoculture in early diagnosis of blood stream infection: A boon in meagre resources

Blood stream infections (BSIs) account for major cause of morbidity and mortality. Conventional hemoculture methods are time consuming, with poor sensitivity and high risk of contamination. Automated blood culture systems are highly sensitive but are overpriced. Hence, it is not suitable for resource poor settings. In this background, this study was done to analyze the sensitivity of novel non automated chemical sensor-based blood culture and to compare the time to detection of both conventional and colorimetric method of blood culture. Blood specimens were collected from 50 study participants, admitted with suspected sepsis, inoculated into the colorcult & conventional culture media and processed as per CLSI guidelines. Culture positive by both conventional and colorcult method was six (12%). Most of the study isolates were Gram negative bacteria (83.4%). The isolates were detected at the earliest within 96 hours by colorcult, whereas by conventional method only three (50 %) were detected within 96 hours and another three (50%) after seven days only. Owing to the escalation in BSIs associated morbidity and mortality, early diagnosis by a simple, cost effective, highly sensitive and specific method is an absolute necessity in resource poor settings. The performance of colorcult is superior to conventional method but cost effective than automated methods and can be used as an alternative method in the diagnosis of BSIs.

Comparative study of the vulnerability to groundwater pollution by the DRASTIC and SINTACS methods on the Amizour plain (Béjaia, North Algeria)

The present study deals with the vulnerability and the risks of pollution on the Amizour plain aquifer (north Algeria), already threatened by several sources of pollution (e.g., industries, agriculture, illegal dumping, etc.) that collapsed this region, without any planned environmental protection measures. In the aim to study the sensitivity of the Amizour plain against pollution two methods (DRASTIC and SINTACS models) were used and the results were compared and evaluated. The maps showed a similarity in the degrees of vulnerability ranged from high to medium. Most of the plain is affected by a high degree of vulnerability of 76% and 67% as estimated by DRASTIC and SINTACS, respectively. In fact, such remarkable degree is justified by the shallow position of the groundwater and the type of aquifer. The degree of groundwater vulnerability was 18% and 33% in the northern and southern part of the studied zone as estimated by DRASTIC and SINTACS methods, respectively. According to the DRASTIC approach, an area with a very high vulnerability (6%) was observed amidst the Amizour plain. Superimposing both maps of vulnerability and the pollution source sites allowed us through the risk map to frame the areas at high risk of groundwater contamination. This investigation will facilitate to make decisions in implementing of an accurate and urgent management project for safeguarding the studied zone. The applicability of these findings has been discussed and suggestions for attenuating the risk of contamination have been given.

Sediment Quality Indices for the Assessment of Heavy Metal Risk in Nador Lagoon Sediments (Morocco) Using Multistatistical Approaches

Heavy metals in coastal ecosystems caused by the increased expansion of urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural practices have become a significant environmental risk to human well-being. This study evaluates and compares 17 sediment quality indices to examine the possible ecological and human health risks associated with heavy metal concentrations in the sediments of the Nador lagoon in Morocco. The concentration order of the HMs and sulfurs evaluated was S > Sr > Ba > V > Zr > Zn > Cr > Rb > La > Cu > Pb > Ni > Ce > Nd > Co > Sc > Nb > Ga > Th > Y > Hf. Sulfurs, Pb, Sr, and Nd exhibited concentrations that exceeded geochemical background values. The analysis of the sediment quality indices allowed us to understand that the Nador lagoon was moderately to strongly polluted by heavy metals originating from various anthropogenic activities. Results from the Sediment Quality Guidelines indicated a toxic response in the benthic organisms within the lagoon, while the ecological hazard analysis revealed a very high risk of heavy metal contamination in the ecosystem. The Hazard Index for non-carcinogenic values was below the limit, suggesting a lack of non-cancerous effects. However, Cu and Pb concentrations surpassed the Lifetime Cancer Risk range, indicating a potential cancer risk with prolonged exposure. Integrating our research into coastal management frameworks can contribute to the preservation and enhancement of these coastal ecosystems for future generations.

Assessment of pesticide contamination in groundwater bodies in the Jucar River Basin (Spain) and its spatial distribution

Exposure to the pesticides used in agriculture is a threat to human health and the environment. Nowadays, the world experiences a number of global changes, such as anthropogenic climate change and agricultural expansion which are associated to an increased consumption of water, fertilisers, and pesticides. This has increased the risk of soil and groundwater contamination. In this study, the model Pesticide Root Zone Model 5 (PRZM 5) has been applied to model the behaviour of pesticides in groundwater bodies within the Júcar River Basin (JRB) in Spain. We consider a groundwater body to be at risk of contamination if pesticide estimated concentrations exceed the Maximum Concentration Levels (MCL) and two additional indicators. We identified that Mancha Oriental groundwater body presents a high risk of Atrazine contamination. In the case of the Bromacil risk indicators, Castellón groundwater body was the most likely to be contaminated. Regarding Terbuthylazine risk maps, the probability of exceeding the threshold is low, thus posing a minimal risk in the studied area. Conversely Terbumeton risk maps, showed a high risk of contamination, detecting new areas of contamination that had not been studied for contamination for any pesticide. The spatial distribution of pesticides corresponds to areas mostly dedicated to irrigated agriculture which are associated to regular pesticide applications. Therefore, it can be concluded that the amount of pesticide applied on the field is the most important factor influencing pesticide concentration in groundwater bodies.

The potential of plant protease enzymes as rennet alternatives for developing halal cheese product: A review

Cheese, a derivative of dairy products made using the enzyme rennet, has received full attention because of the critical point for halalness from the milk coagulation process, which uses the rennet enzyme. Rennet enzymes can be obtained from the stomachs of animals such as cows, pigs, and goats, and they can also be produced from microbes. This very high risk of haram sources or unclean contamination has led to the development of cheese products using plant protease enzymes as a substitute for rennet enzymes. This study aims to highlight plant protease enzymes, characterize the enzymes produced, characterize cheese produced, and the potential of plant protease enzymes in replacing Rennet. Plants that have protease enzymes, such as noni, papaya, pineapple, red ginger, strawberries, pears, biduri, moringa, kiwi, tamarillo, and many other plants, have the potential to replace the rennet enzyme in making cheese. Thus, the doubts (mashbooh) arising from making cheese can be avoided by developing products from raw materials with guaranteed halal quality. Plant ingredients that can replace the rennet enzyme in making cheese are many and varied, for example, noni, papaya, moringa, bidi, pineapple, red ginger, kiwi, tamarillo, pears, Balanites aegyptiaca, strawberries, and many more. Doubtless, the problem of making cheese with Rennet can be avoided by developing cheese products from raw materials guaranteed to be halal. Limitations to plant protease enzymes on cheese production only apply to soft cheese, while it is difficult to produce hard cheese from plant enzymes.

Critical assessment and recommendations for sewage sludge management in Poland

The purpose of the article is to demonstrate practices used to supervise the use of sewage sludge for agricultural purposes. The presented research and conclusions are a trend analysis and are not to be used to penalise entities. Sewage sludge, which comes from the illegal dumping of wastewater into municipal wastewater by industrial plants, contains large amounts of heavy metals. Treatment plants transfer the sludge for agricultural use. Regulations specifically restrict the mode and conditions for such use of sludge. Methods: the research was carried out using a proprietary questionnaire, which is a supplement to the reporting questionnaire of the National Urban Wastewater Treatment Program implemented by the State Water Company "Wody Polskie". Results: The survey was conducted at 208 wastewater treatment plants in Poland. The results show that the majority of wastewater treatment plants do not properly supervise the process of introducing sewage sludge into the soil. They also lack supervision of how much heavy metals from wastewater are introduced into the soil. This means that there is a very high risk of contamination of agricultural soils. The results obtained could initiate a detailed analysis of this phenomenon in Poland. A comprehensive study of the scale of the practice and its current effects is required to determine the actual condition of soil treated with sewage sludge.

Source apportionment of PM2.5 in Montréal, Canada, and health risk assessment for potentially toxic elements

Abstract. Source apportionment of PM2.5 was performed using positive matrix factorization (PMF) based on detailed chemical composition data from 24 h filter samples collected over a 3-month period (August–November 2020) at an urban site in Montréal, a Canadian city with a population of approximately 4×106 people. This source apportionment study, which examined the main contributing sources to PM2.5 using a larger suite of organic molecular markers than other Canadian studies, is the first of its sort in Canada. A focus of this study was on quantifying previously unresolved sources of PM2.5 through the inclusion in the PMF analysis of additional organic molecular markers beyond those measured typically by the Canadian government's National Air Pollution Surveillance Program (NAPS). The organic species included in the PMF model were comprised of six n-alkanes, two fatty acids, one dicarboxylic acid, two biogenic secondary organic aerosol (SOA) tracers, and hopane. Secondary inorganic aerosols (SIAs) and SOAs were the dominant components and constituted 39 % of the measured PM2.5 mass, while the local primary anthropogenic sources, namely traffic exhaust, road dust, industrial, and cooking emissions, contributed 23 %. The chemical transport model GEOS-Chem revealed that ammonium sulfate concentrations in Montréal are strongly influenced by both local sources in Quebec and transboundary input from the United States, with the transboundary input exceeding the local emissions for SOA. Co and Cr(VI) presented an elevated cancer risk, highlighting that more attention should be given to these trace metals, which were associated with industrial emissions by the PMF analysis. Furthermore, the results showed that industrial emissions were minor contributors to the total PM2.5 mass concentration but were the largest contributors to Co and Cr(VI) concentrations. Thus, the health hazards associated with this source cannot be entirely established by the PM2.5 mass concentration alone. This study highlights that, when evaluating air quality in Montréal and other urban regions, the prioritization of sources for mitigation strategies will diverge if one considers total PM2.5 mass concentration or the concentration of individual particulate-bound contaminants. Furthermore, the large transboundary contribution from the United States to total PM2.5 levels suggests that future municipal, provincial, and federal monitoring and regulations would be more effective if they focus on specific high-risk contaminants (e.g., Co and Cr(VI) rather than total PM2.5).

Distribution, source and potential biological impacts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the core sediments of a networked aquatic system in the northwest coast of India – A special focus on Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary (Ramsar site)

Mumbai, one of the most industrialised and inhabited cities in the world, has been confronting an exponential increase in pollution brought about by anthropogenic activities throughout its coastal belt over the years. The historical accumulation of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the sediments of Thane creek, Panvel creek and the Ulhas estuarine river system was examined in light of these circumstances. The present study has found that the PAHs were distributed vertically in the sediments of Thane Creek as 16.53 – 1317.02 ng/g dw and Ulhas Estuary as 105.44 – 1815.20 ng/g dw. Major sources of PAHs pollution to the system like petroleum spillages, biomass burning and vehicular exhaust was discernible based on molecular diagnostic ratio (MDR) and principal component analysis (PCA) tools, signifying petrogenic and pyrogenic origins. Based on the total toxicity equivalence (TEQ) and sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) indices, high or moderate contamination risks have been identified in the lower and middle regions of the Ulhas estuary, as well as in the lower regions of Thane creek. Specifically, high contamination risk of benzo[a]pyrene which has high cancerous potential, was identified in the above sites.

Biological Characteristics and Thermal Requirements of Telenomus podisi and Trissolcus basalis (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) in Fresh and Cryopreserved Eggs of Euschistus heros and Nezara viridula (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Brazil is one of the largest producers of pulses globally, and soybean ranks highly in terms of production. However, pests increase crop production costs and affect oilseed production and quality. Pests are primarily controlled by chemicals, leading to changes in insect pest populations. For example, secondary pests can become primary pests because of the selection of resistant insects and the elimination of natural enemies. Farmers have widely accepted biological control because of its high control efficacy and low environmental contamination risk. Two successful biological control programs in soybean used Telenomus podisi Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) to manage the Neotropical brown stink bug, Euschistus heros (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), and Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston, 1858) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) to manage the southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (Linnaeus) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), when these pests were the most abundant in soybean-producing regions. To release parasitoids, rearing protocols must be developed in order to optimize production. This study evaluated the effect of temperature on the biological characteristics of T. podisi and T. basalis when fresh or frozen E. heros eggs were provided. Fifty fresh or previously frozen eggs were placed with parasitoids for 24 h in a climate chamber (25 ± 1 °C, 70 ± 10% RH, and 14-h photophase). At the end of this period, the eggs were transferred to other chambers and maintained at different temperatures (19, 22, 25, 28, 31, and 34 ± 1 °C, 70 ± 10% RH, with a 14-h photoperiod). The number of emerging adults from eggs parasitized by T. basalis was lower than that from eggs parasitized by T. podisi. Differences in T. basalis and T. podisi parasitism were observed depending on whether the E. heros eggs were frozen or fresh, but neither development nor emergence were affected. The duration of egg–adult development and the longevity of the two parasitoids were inversely proportional to the temperature increase. The sex ratio of T. basalis and T. podisi progeny was not affected by different temperatures or by the use of frozen or fresh eggs. The estimated number of both parasitoids’ generations corresponded with temperature, reaching 14–15 generations/cycle of soybean for Rio Verde, GO, and 12–14 generations/cycle for Barreiras, BA. Given these characteristics, we conclude that a biological control program using T. podisi can benefit large areas of soybean production by controlling the eggs of phytophagous bugs in soybean crops.

Food Traceability Rule Overview: A Guide for Florida Food Industry

The FSMA's Traceability Rule, finalized in 2022, aims to establish a comprehensive system for tracking specific foods along the value chain from farm to fork, to prevent and respond to foodborne illnesses more effectively. The industry should implement the rule by 2026. This revision is part of the FDA's New Era of Smarter Food Safety blueprint and implements Section 204(d) of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The FDA's Final Traceability Rule initially focuses on specific food categories identified as higher risk for contamination and foodborne illnesses. These categories are referred to as the "Food Traceability List" (FTL). In this EDIS publication, we have provided to the food industry background information and an overview of the rule's key components and the foods covered by it. Additionally, available resources have been compiled in a table to help the industry understand the rule better and find more information about it.

Effectiveness of integrated prophylactic antibiotics prescription in patients undergoing radiofrequency and microwave ablation of liver tumors: a retrospective cohort study

An institutionalised in-house antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) guideline was developed in May 2019 to standardize AP prescription. This retrospective cohort study evaluated the effectiveness and clinical outcomes of the newly launched AP guideline on patients undergoing radiofrequency (RFA) and microwave (MWA) ablation of the liver from November 2018 to March 2020. Patients without high risk of biliary tree contamination were recommended a single dose of 2g IV cefazolin (or 600mg IV clindamycin in cases of beta-lactam allergy). Univariate analysis was conducted to evaluate the clinical outcomes.
 
 The study included 87 patients who underwent 93 procedures consisting of 18 RFAs and 75 MWAs for liver tumours. Concordance with AP guidelines improved significantly (38.5% vs. 87.0%; p<0.001). There were no ablation-related infections and mortality within 30 days post-ablation, and post-procedural nausea and vomiting were significantly reduced (15.4% vs. 1.9%; p=0.020). No significant difference in post-procedural fever (7.7% vs. 5.6%; p-value=0.693), chest and/or abdominal pain (5.1% vs. 7.4%; p=1.000) were noted.
 
 The newly implemented in-house antibiotic prophylaxis guideline streamlined AP prescribing in patients undergoing RFA and MWA. Additional research is needed to determine the effects on infection and mortality in patients with high-risk factors such as bile duct stents, sphincterotomies, and biliary-enteric anastomoses.