Hygiene Indicators Research Articles

Microbiological safety of dry-aged meat: a critical review of data gaps and research needs to define process hygiene and safety criteria.

Dry-aged meat is gaining popularity among food business operators and private consumers. The process is carried out in aerobic conditions by hanging beef carcasses or placing subprimal or primal cuts in a dedicated cabinet for several weeks or even months while controlling the environment through the management of process parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, and airflow. In this review, we present a critical evaluation of the literature to evaluate tools to manage the process to guarantee food safety and identify critical control points, as well as good hygiene and manufacturing practices. In controlled aging conditions, only Listeria monocytogenes and Yersinia enterocolitica can multiply, while a reduction in the number of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli O157:H7 is generally reported. Enterobacteriaceae usually decrease on the surface of the meat during maturation; thus, for the purpose of the hygiene evaluation of the production process, a count no higher than that of unmatured meat is expected. Besides, various studies report that the total bacterial count and the spoilage microorganisms significantly increase on the surface of the meat, up to 5-6 Log10 CFU/g in the absence of visible spoilage. Bacteria of the Pseudomonas genus tend to progressively replace other microorganisms during maturation; thus, the total mesophilic or psychrophilic bacterial load is not a good indicator of process hygiene for matured meat. Critical parameters for the control of the process are temperature, relative humidity, and ventilation, which should be monitored during the process. For this reason, equipment designed and certified for dry-aging must be used, and the manufacturer must validate the process. Food business operators must apply general good manufacturing practices (GMP) and good hygiene practices (GHP) for meat processing and some GMP and GHP specific for dry-aging. Several research needs were identified, among them the evolution of the populations of L. monocytogenes and Y. enterocolitica and the microbiology of the inner parts of the dry-aged meat.

The legal norms of the European Union regarding the prevention of foodborne listeriosis, consumer risk assessment, diagnostic methods, and identification of Listeria spp.

Listeria monocytogenes is a common bacterium due to its high adaptability. The pathogen can survive in adverse conditions, making monitoring very difficult. Listeria monocytogenes belongs to the Gram-positive group of bacteria that are relatively anaerobic and exhibit a characteristic tipping movement. There are 6 species in the genus Listeria, but only one – Listeria monocytogenes, under favorable conditions, can cause a disease called listeriosis in humans. The pathogen can grow in aerobic and anaerobic conditions at 0 to 40 °C temperatures. Can survive in adverse conditions, for example, low or high temperature, with a wide range of pH fluctuations or high salinity of the product. Thus, refrigeration conditions (0–4 °C), where we often store manufactured food or raw materials necessary for production, can be ideal for developing Listeria monocytogenes. The pathogen is transmitted through water, soil, infected plants, food, feed, sewage (feces), and meat from farmed or wild animals. To prevent the spread of Listeria monocytogenes. Food manufacturers must comply with national and European Union legal norms regarding producing and selling microbiologically safe food products. Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2073/2005 defines in detail the criteria for limiting the number of Listeria monocytogenes, which must meet the maximum permissible standards according to the type and consumer purpose of the food product. Adherence to the rules of correct hygiene steps in agrarian firms guarantees that products and raw materials of animal and plant origin will be of proper quality with excellent sanitary and hygienic indicators. The mandatory introduction of the HACCP system is an effective tool for analyzing the risks associated with the processing and production of food products, which makes it possible to guarantee freshness, quality, and safety. HACCP must be applied throughout the entire production chain up to the final consumption and is based primarily not on the control of the final product, but on the prevention of risks.

Bacteriological Survey of Insect Products in Japan.

A microbiological study was conducted on 41 insect product samples (29 raw frozen [21 domestic and 8 imported], 10 powdered, and 2 processed), which were commercially available in Japan. The total aerobic count for raw frozen insects was 5.61 log cfu/g (range: 2.52-8.40), whereas the powdered insect count was 2.89 log cfu/g (range: 1.00-4.57). The bacterial count was significantly higher in raw frozen insects (p < 0.05). The coliform count for the raw frozen insects ranged from <1 to 6.90 log cfu/g, and that for the powdered insects ranged from <1 to 1.00 log cfu/g. The number of samples with values above the detection limit was significantly higher in raw frozen insects (p < 0.05). The detection frequencies of aerobic spores (<1-4.63 log cfu/g), anaerobic spores (<0-4.40 log cfu/g), and Bacillus cereus (<1.7-3.83 log cfu/g) showed no sample type-related significant difference. Listeria spp. was isolated from four samples of raw frozen insects, one of which was Listeria monocytogenes. We did not detect any of the following: Salmonella spp., Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), Campylobacter jejuni/coli, or pathogenic Yersinia. We isolated insect products retailed in Japan harboring food poisoning bacteria, including L. monocytogenes and B. cereus. In particular, raw frozen products displayed high levels of hygienic indicator bacteria.

Associations between Sleep Hygiene and Mental Complaints in a French Healthcare Worker Population during the COVID-19 Crisis: A Cross-Sectional Analysis to Personalize Sleep Health Interventions.

Healthcare workers often have irregular work schedules and experience significant stress, which can lead to poor sleep quality and frequent mental health issues, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to assess the prevalence of poor sleep hygiene and mental health complaints among healthcare workers and examine their associations. We investigated participants' typical sleep-wake patterns on workdays and free days as indicators of sleep hygiene. Sleep efficiency and social jetlag were calculated as the ratio of mean sleep duration to time spent in bed, while sleep rebound was defined as the difference in mean sleep duration between workdays and free days. Social jetlag was determined as the difference in mid-sleep timing between workdays and free days, with mid-sleep defined as the midpoint between bedtime and wake-up time. Insomnia severity was assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), daytime sleepiness using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and symptoms of anxiety and depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire 4 (PHQ-4). Fatigue was measured using a single item inspired by the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). A total of 1562 participants (80.5% women, mean age 40.0 years) were included in the study. The results revealed that 25.9% of participants slept less than 6 h, 24.3% had a sleep efficiency of less than 85%, 27.3% experienced a sleep rebound of more than 2 h, and 11.5% reported a social jetlag exceeding 2 h. Additionally, 33.9% of participants reported insomnia, 45.1% reported excessive daytime sleepiness, 13.1% reported fatigue, 16.5% reported symptoms of depression, and 35.7% reported symptoms of anxiety. After adjustment, mean sleep duration and sleep efficiency were associated with most mental health complaints. Sleep rebound and social jetlag were associated with significant insomnia but not with anxiety or depression symptoms. Our findings underscore the high prevalence of poor sleep hygiene and mental health complaints among healthcare workers, exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis. We advocate for the promotion of sleep health through behavioral sleep strategies to safeguard the well-being of healthcare professionals.

Correlation between Aerosol Particulates, Carcass Dirtiness, and Hygiene Indicators of Bovine Carcasses in the Abattoir Environment: Results of a Study in Italy

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the possible correlation of visible carcass contamination and abattoir aerosol quality with microbial hygiene criteria. A total of 279 bovine carcasses were analyzed on 23 different working days. The aerobic colony count and total coliforms on the carcasses were calculated together with the presence of Escherichia coli. To determine the visible contamination of carcasses, we used a 100 cm2 sheet of transparent, adhesive plastic material, applied to the side of the carcass, to collect all the particles, which were then counted against both black and white backgrounds. The daily particulate index in the abattoir aerosol was determined using an air sampler device. The results showed that aerobic colony counts, which ranged from 1.41 to 2.40 log cfu cm−2, total coliforms (from 0.00 to 0.73 log cfu cm−2), and E. coli presence (from 0.00% to 60% of the sampled carcasses per day) are not correlated with the carcasses’ visual dirtiness or the aerosol quality. The factor analysis showed a correlation between the three groups of variables investigated: group 1, representing “aerosol quality”, group 2, representing the “microbiology of the carcass”, and group 3, the “visual dirtiness of the carcass”. Thus, even though microbiology analysis is useful in diagnosing the microorganisms which the official veterinarian is unable to detect during the post-mortem inspection, it is ineffective in evaluating slaughtering procedures. Aerosol monitoring and the visual classification of carcass dirtiness, instead, could provide good indications of the slaughtering process and the quality of the abattoir environment, and guarantee control of manufacturing practices, protecting both animals’ and operators’ health.

Ten years of hand hygiene excellence: a summary of outcomes, and a comparison of indicators, from award-winning hospitals worldwide.

Hand hygiene is a crucial measure for the prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The Hand Hygiene Excellence Award (HHEA) is an international programme acknowledging healthcare facilities for their leadership in implementing hand hygiene improvement programmes, including the World Health Organisation's Multimodal Improvement Strategy. This study aimed at summarising the results of the HHEA campaign between 2010 and 2021 and investigating the relationship between different hand hygiene parameters based on data from participating healthcare facilities. A retrospective analysis was performed on datasets from HHEA forms, including data on hand hygiene compliance, alcohol-based handrub (ABHR) consumption, and Hand Hygiene Self-Assessment Framework (HHSAF) scores. Descriptive statistics were reported for each variable. The correlation between variables was inspected through Kendall's test, while possible non-linear relationships between hand hygiene compliance, ABHR consumption and HHSAF scores were sought through the Locally Estimated Scatterplot Smoothing or logistic regression models. A tree-structured partitioning model was developed to further confirm the obtained findings. Ninety-seven healthcare facilities from 28 countries in three world regions (Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America) were awarded the HHEA and thus included in the analysis. HHSAF scores indicated an advanced hand hygiene promotion level (median 445 points, IQR 395-480). System change (100 [95-100] points) and institutional safety climate (85 [70-95] points) showed the highest and lowest score, respectively. In most cases, hand hygiene compliance was above 70%, with heterogeneity between countries. ABHR consumption above 20 millilitres per patient-day (ml/PD) was widely reported, with overall increasing trends. HHSAF scores were positively correlated with hand hygiene compliance (τ = 0.211, p = 0.007). We observed a positive correlation between compliance rates and ABHR consumption (τ = 0.193, p < 0.001), although the average predicted consumption was stable around 55-60ml/PD for compliance rates above 80-85%. Logistic regression and partitioning tree analyses revealed that higher HHSAF scores were more likely in the high-ABHR consumption group at cut-offs around 57-59ml/PD. Ten years after its inception, the HHEA proves to be a valuable hand hygiene improvement programme in healthcare facilities worldwide. Consistent results were provided by the different hand hygiene indicators and the HHSAF score represents a valuable proxy measure of hand hygiene compliance.

Comprehensive Assessment of Health Impacts from Exposure to Nonionizing Radiation for Healthcare Practitioners Working with MRI and Ultrasound

Background. It is necessary to monitor the health disorders of healthcare practitioners exposed to a complex of occupational hazards to optimize their activities and substantiation of preventive health measures. The purpose of the study was the hygienic assessment of occupational hazards, analysis of data on self-assessment of the state of health (SASH questionnaire) among healthcare practitioners (MRI diagnostics specialists, ultrasound diagnostics specialists, and ophthalmologists, as a control group) exposed to nonionizing radiation, ultrasound, and noise. Materials and Methods. An analysis of hygienic parameters of the working environment (workplace) and questionnaire data of healthcare practitioners were carried out. The number of illnesses and absences from work, the level of quality of life, the level of depression, and the self-assessment of the state of health were evaluated according to the questionnaire. Results. An analysis of workloads made it possible to rank the severity and intensity of labor. Health disorders (according to the self-assessment of the state of health), the number of absences from work due to illness, an increase in complaints and level of depression, and a decrease in the level of quality of life were corresponded to the severity of labor. It was revealed that healthcare practitioners were exposed to a number of hazards during their work (above the threshold limit value (TLV)), which caused an increase in health disorders. Conclusions. During the organization of workplace ergonomics and implementation of preventive measures directed to maintaining health and early diagnosis of diseases, one should take into account the hygienic indicators of the working environment that exceed TLV, the results of self-assessment of the state of health (complaints) and morbidity of healthcare practitioners, the level of quality of life and the level of depression.

Hygienic status of beef butcher shop facilities and antibiotic resistance profile ofSalmonella enterica in Ethiopia.

The microbiological quality of meat is influenced by the conditions of hygiene prevailing during production and handling.Thus, thisstudy aimed to assess the prevalence ofSalmonella entericaand its antimicrobial resistance, load of hygiene indicator bacteria including E. coli(ECC), coliforms (CC), total coliform (TCC), Enterobacteriaceae(EB) and aerobic plate count (APC), and meat handler's food safety knowledge and hygiene practices in butcher shops in two cities, Addis Ababa and Hawassa in Ethiopia, during 2020 and 2021. A total of 360 samples of beef carcasses (n = 120), knives (n = 60), chopping boards (n = 60), weighing balance (n = 60), and personnel's hands (n = 60) were randomly collected for microbial analysis. Besides, 120 participants were selected to participate in a food safety knowledge and hygiene practices assessment. TheS. entericaisolates were identified by agglutination test followed by qPCR targeting invA gene. Phenotypic antimicrobial resistance profiles ofS. entericawere determined using disk diffusion assays as described in CLSI. TheECC, CC, TCC, EB, and APC populations were quantified by plating ontopetrifilmplates.A structured questionnaire was used to determine food safety knowledge and hygiene practices of participants. Overall prevalence of S. enterica was 16.7% (95% CI, 8.3-26.7) and location seems to have no effect (p = 0.806).Only 20% of the S. entericawere resistant to ampicillin and tetracycline. However, the majority (80%) ofS. entericaisolates were susceptible to the panel of 11 antimicrobials tested.The overall mean ± SD (log CFU/cm2) of ECC, CC, TCC, EB, and APCwere 4.31 ± 1.15; 4.61 ± 1.33; 4.77 ± 1.32; 4.59 ± 1.38 and 5.87 ± 1.52,respectively.No significant difference (p = 0.123) in E. coli contamination was observed between samples of beef carcasses and chopping boards. The EB contamination showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) among sample sources. The APC contamination levels on beef carcass were significantly higher (p > 0.05) than other sample sources. A total of 56% (95% CI: 46.7 - 65.0) of the participants had poor knowledge and 65% (95% CI: 56.7 - 73.3)had poor hygiene practices towards food safety. This study highlighted the poor hygiene status of butcher facilities with a potential risk of beef safety. Thus, appropriate food safety control strategies and inspection is needed at retail establishments.

Microbiological quality of irrigation water on highly diverse fresh produce smallholder farms: elucidating environmental routes of contamination.

To evaluate the microbiological safety, potential multidrug-resistant bacterial presence and genetic relatedness (DNA fingerprints) of Escherichia coli isolated from the water-soil-plant nexus on highly diverse fresh produce smallholder farms. Irrigation water (n=44), soil (n=85), and fresh produce (n=95) samples from six smallholder farms with different production systems were analysed for hygiene indicator bacterial counts and the presence of shigatoxigenic E. coli and Salmonella spp. using standard microbiological methods. Identities of isolates were confirmed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and the genetic relatedness of the E. coli isolates determined using enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR) analysis. Irrigation water E. coli levels ranged between 0 and 3.45 log MPN/100 ml-1 with five farms having acceptable levels according to the World Health Organization limit (3 log MPN/100 ml-1). Fresh produce samples on four farms (n=65) harboured E. coli at low levels (<1 log CFU/g-1) except for one sample from kale, spring onion, green pepper, onion, and two tomato samples, which exceeded international acceptable limits (100 CFU/g-1). Only one baby carrot fresh produce sample tested positive for Salmonella spp. Of the 224 samples, E. coli isolates were identified in 40% (n=90) of all water, soil, and fresh produce types after enrichment. Additionally, the DNA fingerprints of E. coli isolates from the water-soil-plant nexus of each respective farm clustered together at high similarity values (>90%), with all phenotypically characterized as multidrug-resistant. The clustering of E. coli isolated throughout the water-soil-plant nexus, implicated irrigation water in fresh produce contamination. Highlighting the importance of complying with irrigation water microbiological quality guidelines to limit the spread of potential foodborne pathogens throughout the fresh produce supply chain.

The Association between Gender, Personal Hygiene Indicators, and Occupancy Density with the Incidence of Pediculosis Capitis at Madrasah Tsanawiyah Pondok Pesantren (Ponpes) Nurus Sunnah Semarang

Background: Pediculosis capitis is one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) caused by Pediculus humanus capitis, an obligate ectoparasite that lives parasitically on human skin. This disease is most common in women, in people with poor personal hygiene, and in densely populated areas. Boarding schools are densely populated and pose a risk for transmission of pediculosis capitis due to the many interactions among residents. Purpose: This study aims to investigate the association between gender, personal hygiene indicators, and occupancy density with the incidence of pediculosis capitis at Madrasah Tsanawiyah Pondok Pesantren Nurus Sunnah Semarang. Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, all the junior high school students at Ponpes Nurus Sunnah were included in a total of 49 subjects. The data were collected by filling out questionnaires, doing a direct examination of the hair, and counting the measurements of the room area. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 23.0 for Windows. Result: Pediculosis capitis infestation was found among 13 (26.5%) students, with a higher incidence in females (46.4%) than males (0%), in respondents with the habit of combing hair using a personal comb (37.1%), and in non-densely populated areas (58.8%). There was an association between gender (p=0.000), the habit of combing hair using a personal comb (p=0.006), and occupancy density (p=0.000) and the incidence of pediculosis capitis. Conclusion: Gender, the habit of combing hair using a personal comb, and occupancy density are associated with the incidence of pediculosis capitis...

Sources, accumulation levels and environmental hazard of heavy metals and metalloids in soils and PM10 fractions of Severobaykalsk

Relevance. The need to study the ecological state of the soil cover of industrial cities, which is the main depositing environment for technogenic emissions of heavy metals and metalloids, to identify the geochemical characteristics of the region and assess the impact on public health. Aim. To assess the sources and accumulation of heavy metals and metalloids in soils and their fraction PM10 in Severobaikalsk and to assess the risks associated with them for public health. Methods. Total content of Zn, As, Cd, Pb, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Sb, Mo, V, W, Sr, Bi in soil, coal and ash samples was determined by mass spectral and atomic emission methods with inductive-coupled plasma. Geochemical (KK, Kc, Zc), sanitary and hygienic (Ko) indicators were used. Health risks for adults and children were assessed. Principal component analysis was used. Results. In Severobaikalsk, the priority soil pollutants are Sb, Cu, Pb, Mo, Cr. The soils and their PM10 fraction in the transport zone, where Sb, Cu, Pb, Co, V, W, Ni are accumulated, are the most polluted. The greatest influence on the chemical composition of urban soils and PM10 particles is exerted by emissions from railway infrastructure and coal combustion at the Central Thermal Power Plant (22% for soils in general and 48% for the PM10 fraction). The average total level of contamination of urban soils and PM10 fraction corresponds to a low, non-hazardous level (Zc=6). The total non-carcinogenic risk of soil particles contaminated with heavy metals and metalloids. entering the body of children, exceeded the safe level 1 (from 1.60 in a residential one-story zone to 1.81 in a transport zone). For the adult population, HI values were below the acceptable threshold value. For adult health, there is no carcinogenic risk associated with ingestion or skin contact of As, Cr and Pb. For children, a dangerous risk (ILCRingest 5.56*10–4) of ingestion of carcinogenic heavy metals and metalloids was identified.

Milk productivity of cows-daughters of different sires of foreign breeding

The widespread use of Holstein sires of different selections in the breeding of dairy cattle and the study of their influence on the productive traits of daughters is relevant and of practical importance. The purpose of the research was to study the milk productivity of cows-daughters of different sires of foreign breeding. The research was carried out in one of the breeding farms in the Sverdlovsk region for breeding Holstein black-and-white cattle. The object of the research was Holstein sires of diff erent breeding and their daughters. A comparison was made of the milk production of daughters of four sires: Alta Bloomberg (country of origin USA), Bourbon (Denmark), Norton (Germany) and Lisborn (Canada). It was found as a result of the research that the diff erence in milk yield between herdmates daughters of diff erent sires was statistically insignificant, but there was a tendency for higher milk yields in the daughters of the sires Alta Bloomberg, Norton and Lisborn, compare to the daughters of the sire Bourbon. In the milk of the daughters of sires Alta Blumberg and Norton, the mass fraction of fat in milk was higher (p ≤ 0,05–0,01), and in the daughters of the sire Bourbon, the mass fraction of protein was higher (p ≤ 0,01). Signifi cant differences were also revealed in the chemical composition of milk from cows-daughters of different sires. The results of the assessment on sanitary and hygienic indicators confirmed the high quality of milk. Indicators of bacterial contamination of milk and the presence of somatic cells in milk were low and met the requirements for premium milk. A significant difference was established in the increase in the number of bacterial and somatic cells in milk with the age of cows in daughters of the sires Alta Blumberg and Bourbon (p ≤ 0,05–0,01). In the milk of the daughters of the sires Norton and Lisborn, a statistically significant difference was obtained only for somatic cells (p ≤ 0,01 and p ≤ 0,001).

Valorization of kiwi waste through composting

ABSTRACT Kiwi waste from the calibration process is a major environmental problem of kiwi production due to landfill deposition. This work aims to contribute to the agronomic use of recycled kiwi waste through composting. With this objective, a composting experiment was carried out with kiwi fruit waste mixed with 5%, 10% and 20% (fresh weight) of wheat straw from bundles used to protect kiwifruit trunks from frost, as abulking agent to increase aeration, in the piles 5S, 10S and 20S, respectively. The highest temperatures for piles 5S and 10S were above 60°C, whereas the temperature did not reach 40°C in the pile with the highest straw content (20S) because the aeration increased heat loss in addition to increased C/N ratio of this pile. Also, the amount of organic matter mineralized decreased with increasing amount of straw because of the high C/N ratio of the straw. The highest total N (29.7 g kg−1) and the lowest C/N ratio (13) of the compost with 5% of straw is important from the agricultural point of view to promote N availability. In contrast, the high electrical conductivity (4.6 dS m−1) of this compost increases the risk of salt accumulation in the soil. Our results show that the compost with 10% straw, with high degree of maturation, absence of poor hygiene indicators as coliforms and pathogens as Salmonella sp., high organic matter content and rich in nutrients, together with the adequate compost pH and low electrical conductivity improves compost quality.

Оптимизация регулирующих воздействий на основе дифференцированного подхода к управлению качеством атмосферного воздуха и риском здоровью населения

The study focuses on substantiating the most optimal regulatory actions aimed to minimize health risks caused by airborne exposures within Rospotrebnadzor activities including the Clean Air Federal project and the ongoing experiment on setting quotas for emissions. The aim of this study was to comparatively assess effectiveness of regulatory actions as regards specific subjects (exemplified by heat-power engineering objects) with or without use of differentiated approaches to managing ambient air quality and health risks. We analyzed a database on priority sources of ambient air pollution in an analyzed area; performed a hygienic assessment of ambient air quality relying on computed data and also estimated contributions made by specific chemicals and objects to the total pollution; calculated population health risks; implemented an algorithm for substantiating optimal regulatory actions aimed to mitigate health risks under airborne exposures; comparatively analyzed activities stipulated by the Complex plan and suggested optimal regulatory actions identified by solving the optimization task. We conducted a reconnaissance stage-by-stage assessment of effectiveness of air protection activities over 2019–2023 relying on hygienic indicators and risk levels. As a result, we established that implementation of air protection activities and a reduction in total emissions of more than 20 pollutants by heat-power engineering objects would not ensure significant improvement of environmental conditions in the analyzed area considering their share contributions. Safe standards would still be violated in residential areas with levels of chemicals reaching 6.25 single MPL and 7.0 average annual MPL. An optimal sufficient result, considering this share contribution, would be a reduction in emissions from all heat-power engineering objects by 3.47 thousand tons of 10 specific chemicals. This is lower than a reduction planned within the Complex plan on total emission reduction (18.1 thousand tons). To ensure conformity with safe standards that stipulate chemical levels in ambient air and to achieve permissible risk levels, it is necessary to apply a differentiated approach to reductions in emissions (by 1.06 thousand tons overall), which targets specific chemicals, at other sources of ambient air pollution. Use of a differentiated approach to selecting optimal regulatory actions as regards all sources of ambient air pollution considering their share contributions will make it possible to define priority environmental protection activities, adjust the Complex plans and ensure conformity with safe standards and permissible risk levels in all residential areas.

Optimization of regulatory actions based on a differentiated approach to managing ambient air quality and health risks

The study focuses on substantiating the most optimal regulatory actions aimed to minimize health risks caused by airborne exposures within Rospotrebnadzor activities including the Clean Air Federal project and the ongoing experiment on setting quotas for emissions. The aim of this study was to comparatively assess effectiveness of regulatory actions as regards specific subjects (exemplified by heat-power engineering objects) with or without use of differentiated approaches to managing ambient air quality and health risks. We analyzed a database on priority sources of ambient air pollution in an analyzed area; performed a hygienic assessment of ambient air quality relying on computed data and also estimated contributions made by specific chemicals and objects to the total pollution; calculated population health risks; implemented an algorithm for substantiating optimal regulatory actions aimed to mitigate health risks under airborne exposures; comparatively analyzed activities stipulated by the Complex plan and suggested optimal regulatory actions identified by solving the optimization task. We conducted a reconnaissance stage-by-stage assessment of effectiveness of air protection activities over 2019–2023 relying on hygienic indicators and risk levels. As a result, we established that implementation of air protection activities and a reduction in total emissions of more than 20 pollutants by heat-power engineering objects would not ensure significant improvement of environmental conditions in the analyzed area considering their share contributions. Safe standards would still be violated in residential areas with levels of chemicals reaching 6.25 single MPL and 7.0 average annual MPL. An optimal sufficient result, considering this share contribution, would be a reduction in emissions from all heat-power engineering objects by 3.47 thousand tons of 10 specific chemicals. This is lower than a reduction planned within the Complex plan on total emission reduction (18.1 thousand tons). To ensure conformity with safe standards that stipulate chemical levels in ambient air and to achieve permissible risk levels, it is necessary to apply a differentiated approach to reductions in emissions (by 1.06 thousand tons overall), which targets specific chemicals, at other sources of ambient air pollution. Use of a differentiated approach to selecting optimal regulatory actions as regards all sources of ambient air pollution considering their share contributions will make it possible to define priority environmental protection activities, adjust the Complex plans and ensure conformity with safe standards and permissible risk levels in all residential areas

Detailing the chemical composition of roasted soybeans and the effect for its use in the diet of dairy cows

Roasted soybeans are a complete source of indigestible protein in the rumen, have high sanitary and hygienic indicators, are devoid of non-nutritional substances of ordinary raw soybeans. The SoyPass and RaPass technology provides all the advantages of roasting soybeans and creates prerequisites for prolonged storage of beans for up to two years without prior drying. The introduction of full-fat flattened soybeans roasted by the Roast-A-Matic roaster into the diet of dairy cows leads to an increase in their milk productivity. Certified results of chemical research show that after frying, the percentage of crude protein significantly increased (by 2.92 points, P &lt; 0.05) and the content of total digestible nutrients (by 8.1 %, P &lt; 0.05), urease activity decreased to 0.06 ± 0.007 units of pH. The biological value of soy protein after frying corresponds to the indicators of the reference protein. Two groups of cows were involved in the study: № 1 – high-yielding cows with a daily milk yield of 30.69–35.96 L (n = 307) and № 2 – medium- and low-yielding cows with a yield of 19.05–28.88 L (n = 377). Group № 1 was given 300 g of roasted soybeans (111 g of protein) daily in their diet instead of 250 g of a high-protein supplement (200 g of protein); group No. 2 – gradually replaced 230 g of the supplement (184 g of protein) and 1500 g of 51 % meal (765 g of protein) with 1700 g of roasted soybeans (629 g of protein). In both groups, the 65-day observation period should be divided into 2 periods: 1) a 30-day period of intensive growth with a rapid increase in milk yield (up to +24.2–25.0 %); 2) the period of stabilization (from the 31st to the 65th day), characterized by some fluctuations in the % increase in milk, but in general by reliable maximum values (up to +25.0–36.7 %). The maximum daily volume in group № 1 reached 41.83 ± 1.04 and 41.83 ± 0.3 L (Р &lt; 0.01) on the 32nd and 38th days, respectively. At the same time, the range of the indicators of the individual yield in the group ranged from 10.7 to 11.7 L. Similar indicators for group № 2 were: 32.56 ± 2.74 L (Р &lt; 0.025) on the 58th day and 10.4–23.8 L. So, in the first 30 days of feeding full-fat fried soybeans, there is a rapid but unstable (with fluctuating peaks) increase in milk productivity of cows. During the 2nd month of soy consumption, the maximum milk yield is reached, when the increase in added milk is not rapid, but stable. Thus, it is advisable to introduce 1.5–2.0 kg/day of roasted soybeans (equivalent to 0.3–0.4 kg of fat/day) into the diet of dairy cows.

The Trajectory of Oral Mucositis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy and its Influencing Factors

Background: Oral mucositis (OM) is a common and severe side effect of radiotherapy in head and neck cancer (HNC). The study aimed to investigate the longitudinal changes in OM and its influencing factors in patients with HNC during radiotherapy. Methods: This was a retrospective longitudinal observational study. From July 2022 to March 2023, patients with HNC undergoing radiation therapy were enrolled. OM, oral hygiene, oral infections, oral pain, feeding route, and laboratory indicators were measured at 7 times. The influencing factors of OM were analyzed using generalized estimation equations (GEEs). Results: A total of 160 patients were included in this study. The prevalence of severe OM at T0, T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6 was 0, 0, 2.5%, 9.4%, 26.9%, 24.4%, and 26.9%, respectively. The prevalence of grade 1-2 OM at T0, T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6 was 0, 16.3%, 53.1%, 65.1%, 61.9%, 70.7%, and 71.3%, respectively. Duration of diagnosis, clinical stage, N stage, M stage, surgery, diabetes, radiotherapy dose, oral hygiene, oral infection, oral pain, feeding route, and lymphocyte impacted OM significantly in the GEEs multivariate model. Conclusions: OM occurs in almost all patients with HNC who undergo radiotherapy. Changes in the severity of OM are a dynamic process, with the severity increasing with the cumulative radiotherapy dose. Specialist oral evaluation and oral care are needed to alleviate the severity of OM in HNC patients.

A Cross-sectional Study to Assess Bacteriological Quality of Fresh Vegetable Salads and Associated Risk Factors in Food Service Establishments in Mwanza City

This study examined the bacteriological quality of fresh vegetable salads and associated risk factors in restaurants and street food vendors in Nyamagana and Ilemela municipalities, Mwanza City, Tanzania. Thirty samples of vegetable salads (i.e., Kachumbari), along with 30 swabs from hands and chopping boards, were collected and analyzed. High contamination levels exceeding acceptable limits were observed with total bacterial counts, S. aureus, and E. coli ranging from 3.6 to 6.7 log CFU/g. All Kachumbari samples (100%) were unsatisfactory, and 17 (56.7%) had unsatisfactory E. coli levels. Moreover, 22 samples (73.3%) had unsatisfactory S. aureus levels, and 10 samples (33.3%) showed unsatisfactory Salmonella spp. contamination. Further, Kachumbari from street food vending sites had a significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher TBC mean value (6.5 ± 0.3 log CFU/g) than the one from restaurants (5.2 ± 0.6 log CFU/g). On the other hand, chopping boards and hands had high total counts ranging from 3.5 to 4.7 log CFU.cm-2. Also, the type of chopping board was significantly related to the S. aureus contamination levels in the Kachumbari salads (p &lt; 0.05). The presence of both hygiene indicator microorganisms and pathogens indicates a potential public health risk associated with the consumption of Kachumbari. Urgent intervention measures are required to enhance handling practices, personal hygiene, and overall safety throughout the food value chain, thus ensuring the quality and safety of vegetable salads in food service establishments.

Status quo: Levels of Campylobacter spp. and hygiene indicators in German slaughterhouses for broiler and turkey

Poultry is a common reservoir for Campylobacter and a main source for human campylobacteriosis. With broiler being the predominant poultry for food production, most food safety related research is conducted for this species, for turkey, few studies are available. Although animals are typically colonized at the farm level, the slaughtering process is considered an important factor in re- and cross-contamination. We examined the development of Campylobacter, E. coli and total colony counts (TCC) after several processing steps in three broiler and one turkey slaughterhouses. Whole carcass rinsing and neck skin sampling was applied for broilers resulting in 486 samples in total, while 126 neck skin samples were collected for turkeys. A decrease in the loads of the different bacterial groups along the broiler slaughtering process was observed. Campylobacter mean counts dropped from 4.5 ± 1.7 log10 CFU/ml after killing to 1.6 ± 0.4 log10 CFU/ml after chilling. However, an increase in Campylobacter counts was evident after evisceration before the values again decreased by the final processing step. Although the Campylobacter prevalence in the turkey samples showed a similar development, the bacterial loads were much lower with 1.7 ± 0.3 log10 CFU/g after killing and 1.7 ± 0.4 log10 CFU/g after chilling compared to those of broilers. The loads of E. coli and total colony count of turkey were higher after killing, were reduced by scalding and remained stable until after chilling.This study highlights trends during the slaughtering process in reducing the levels of Campylobacter, E. coli, and total colony counts for broiler and turkey carcasses, from the initial step to after chilling. These results contribute to our understanding of microbial dynamics during meat processing.

The use of non-traditional prescription components to expand the range of functional pastille products

The article investigates the development of functional confectionery products. It seems relevant to use non-traditional recipe components with increased nutritional value. As a basis for the design of such food products, pastille products containing technologically necessary and useful functional components – protein and pectin – are proposed. A promising source for replacing sugar is fructose-glucose syrup. The object of the research is pastille products with increased nutritional value using non-traditional recipe components. Quince was used as a fruit filling for marshmallows. Expanding the range of plant raw materials used in the production of pastille products, it is advisable to use legumes, which supposedly have a high foaming ability due to the presence of a complex of surfactants in their composition. Legumes are characterized by high nutritional value, have a wide distribution area and are included in the diet of the majority of the Russian population. The purpose of the research is to develop a confectionery sugary product with a whipped structure – marshmallows of increased nutritional value using processed legume products – aquafaba, as well as fructose-glucose syrup. In the course of experimental studies conducted at the Department of Public Nutrition and Service of the Kuban State Technical University, the authors substantiated the choice of non-traditional raw materials to be included in the recipe composition and technology for the production of marshmallows with increased nutritional value. Research has been carried out and the process of foaming and foam resistance of dispersed systems based on aquafaba of canned chickpeas has been optimized. The technology and the recipe for marshmallows with increased nutritional density have been developed based on quince puree, aquafaba, canned chickpeas and fructose-glucose syrup. The main consumer properties of the finished product have been studied: organoleptic characteristics, chemical composition, nutritional value, hygienic safety indicators. The conclusions: in the development of confectionery products, an increase in their nutritional value, a reduction in calorie content, and the replacement of sucrose with sweeteners of natural origin have been achieved, which makes it possible to recommend them for inclusion in the diet of people suffering from diabetes.