Hygienic Quality Research Articles

Evaluation of Hygienic and Nutritional Quality of ready to eat Kofta and Sausage Sandwiches in New Valley Governorate

Evaluation of Hygienic and Nutritional Quality of ready to eat Kofta and Sausage Sandwiches in New Valley Governorate

Comparative study of the physico-chemical and microbiological characteristics of raw and pasteurized camel milk

Camel milk is three times richer in vitamin C than cow's milk, it is also rich in niacin, antimicrobial factors prostaglandins and insulin. Pasteurization is an adequate option for camel milk conservation, allowing it to be consumed by people not living in arid environments. However, the obvious problem is that people prefer to consume raw camel milk for its therapeutic virtues, which they think, loses its quality after pasteurization. Therefore, the aim of this research is to study the effect of pasteurization on camel milk nutritional and hygienic quality. This work consists on analyzing four camel milk samples: a sample of raw milk and three samples of this milk , pasteurized at 63°C/30min, 72°C/15sec and at 85°C/2min under laboratory conditions. The data was subjected to Kruskal-wallis using XL-Stat software. These results show stability of the physicochemical composition (PH, acidity, density) and chemical composition (dry matter, lactose, fat, vitamine C, protein) ( p > 0.05) of camel milk pasteurized at 63°C (low pasteurization) and instability ( p < 0.05) following pasteurization high at (85°C) except the fat content which remains intact (p > 0.05). For pasteurization at (72°C) we notice a instability (p ˂ 0.05) in pH, acidity, dry matter, vitamine C and protein, a stability in the density, fat and lactose. Only low pasteurization (63°C for 30 min) can be an alternative for the conservation of
 camel milk while preserving its nutritional quality. To study its hygienic quality before and after pasteurization, the reductase test was carried out; it shows a good to fair quality for the raw milk sample and good for the pasteurized milk sample. Contaminating and original flora were counted on appropriate culture media. Results obtained shows that the pasteurization caused a total inhibition of the pathogenic flora (Halotolerants, Coliforms and Enterobacteriaceae), and partial destruction of the total aerobic mesophilic flora (TAMF), psychrotrophic and thermophilic lactic acid bacteria. This study confirms that the nutritional quality can be preserved almost intact after pasteurization at 63°C for 30min. In addition, pasteurization has an important role in camel milk sanitation by inhibiting pathogenic flora.

English

The shortages in the distribution of drinking water from the public network in the municipality of Jacqueville lead the population of the peri-urban villages of the said municipality to turn to well water, the quality of which remains a concern. The objective of this study is to evaluate the hygienic quality of well water used by the population for their domestic needs. The measurement and sampling were carried out on eleven wells in three peripheral villages of the commune. The analysis covered ten physico-chemical parameters (T, pH, EC, Turbidity, salinity, NO3, NO2, NH4, PO4 and SO4) and three microbiological parameters (total coliforms, Escherichia coli and faecal streptococci). Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to the data to highlight the phenomena causing the degradation of the water. The calculation of the fecal contamination index (FCI) revealed three classes of water quality: Uncontaminated wells, moderately contaminated wells, and heavily contaminated wells. The study of the general quality shows that most of the wells studied had warm, turbid water with a high population of pathogenic microorganisms. This study highlighted the health risk incurred by the population when consuming the water from these wells without prior treatment. Key words: Assessment, physicochemistry, microbiology, well, Jacqueville, Côte d’Ivoire.

Aligner therapy in adolescents: first-year results on the impact of therapy on oral health-related quality of life and oral hygiene

ObjectivesThe aim of this multicenter clinical study was to examine the oral health-related quality of life and oral hygiene in adolescents before and during aligner therapy.Materials and methodsForty subjects (18 ♀, 22 ♂; mean age: 13.6 years) scheduled for aligner therapy (Invisalign® Teen) were given oral health-related quality of life questionnaires, Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-G14) and Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetic Questionnaire (PIDAQ), to complete within their treatment (visit 1: 0 start of therapy; visit 2: 0 + 4 weeks; visit 3: 0 + 10 weeks; visit 4: 0 + 6 months; visit 5: 0 + 1 year). To assess oral hygiene, a questionnaire to take home was used, and plaque level was evaluated with the Quigley-Hein Plaque Index (TMQH) modified by Turesky et al.ResultsThe OHIP-G14 mean score before aligner therapy was 3.3 ± 3.2, and 4.9 ± 5.4 after 1 year. The PIDAQ showed a positive psychological change in the well-being, as well as a more effective at-home oral hygiene regime. On average, the TMQH remained at a low level (grade 2 of 0–5). The initial insertion of the aligners caused the most significant changes in all parameters (except TMQH).ConclusionOral health-related quality of life is only slightly affected during the first year of aligner therapy in adolescents. Oral hygiene at home is intensified and there is no increased dental plaque accumulation.Clinical relevanceDentofacial esthetics is a subset of the so-called Oral H-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) which should be considered more during orthodontic therapy.

ASSESSMENT OF THE QUALITY AND NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF FIRST GRADE WHEAT FLOUR FROM DIFFERENT MANUFACTURERS

Despite the sufficient volume of wheat flour production, there are low-grade, falsified products on the consumer market, and flour with low baking properties is also found. In this regard, the purpose of the research was to assess the quality and nutritional value of first grade baking wheat flour from different manufacturers. Studied: organoleptic, physico-chemical, hygienic quality indicators, the content of dietary fiber, mineral elements and vitamins. It was determined that all flour samples in terms of organoleptic indicators met the regulated requirements of GOST 26574-2017, in terms of the amount of pesticides and mycotoxins - the norms of SanPiN 2.3.2.1078-01 and TR TS 021/2011. Flour produced by IP A.A. Mikhailyuta (Omsk region, Kormilovsky district, Pobeditel village) met the requirements of the current standard for first-class products in terms of physical and chemical parameters, was safe in terms of the level of heavy metals within the framework of current regulatory documents, and had a complete macro- and micronutrient composition. Flour produced by JSC “Shadrinsk combine of bread products” (Kurgan region, Shadrinsk) turned out to be unsafe in terms of Pb content, the excess of which was more than 3 times, which is unacceptable. Flour produced by KFH V.V. Malyutov (Ivanovo region, Puchezhsky district, Poperekovo village) did not meet the requirements of GOST 26574-2017 in terms of such indicators as the quantity and quality of gluten, ash content, which may indicate its falsification.

Milk Quality Parameters of Raw Milk in Ecuador between 2010 and 2020: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis.

With the objective of evaluating the quality parameters of raw milk in Ecuador between 2010 and 2020, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 73 studies on raw milk produced in different regions of Ecuador was performed. Under the random effects model, effect size and heterogeneity were determined vs. climatic region both among analyses and studies, with Cochran’s Q, I2 and Tau (π) statistics. For all the variables, it was observed that there was great heterogeneity (I2 > 90%) among the studies; additionally, it was found that climatic region had an influence only among the variables arsenic, mercury, pH and total solids, and it was greater in the coastal region than the Inter-Andean region. The mean values of the physicochemical characteristics of the milk (titratable acidity, ash, cryoscopy, fat, lactose, pH, protein, non-fat solids and total solids) in the great majority of these studies were within the range allowed by Ecuadorian regulations. As for the hygienic quality of raw milk (total bacterial count, somatic cell count and presence of reductase), although the mean values were within those determined by local legislation, it should be noted that the range established by Ecuadorian regulations is relatively much higher compared to other regulations, which possibly means that there is a high presence of bacteria and somatic cells in raw milk. Finally, the presence of several adulterants (added water) and contaminants (AFM1, antibiotics and heavy metals) was confirmed in the milk, in addition to other substances such as eprinomectin, zearalenone and ptaquilosides, whose presence can be very dangerous, because they can be hepatotoxic, immunotoxic and even carcinogenic. In conclusion, there is great variability among the studies reviewed, with the physicochemical characteristics being the most compliant with Ecuadorian legislation; the hygienic characteristics, adulterants and contaminants of raw milk require greater attention by producers and local authorities, so that they do not harm the health of consumers and the profitability of producers in Ecuador.

Application of Edible Coating Based on Liquid Acid Whey Protein Concentrate with Indigenous Lactobacillus helveticus for Acid-Curd Cheese Quality Improvement.

Edible coatings as carriers for protective lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can enhance hygienic quality to dairy products. Thus, the aim of this study was to improve the quality of artisanal acid-curd cheese by applying liquid acid whey protein concentrate based edible coating with entrapped indigenous antimicrobial Lactobacillus helveticus MI-LH13. The edible fresh acid-curd cheese coating was composed of 100% (w/w) liquid acid whey protein concentrate (LAWPC), apple pectin, sunflower oil, and glycerol containing 6 log10 CFU/mL of strain biomass applied on cheese by dipping. The cheese samples were examined over 21 days of storage for changes of microbiological criteria (LAB, yeast and mould, coliform, enterobacteria, and lipolytic microorganism), physicochemical (pH, lactic acid, protein, fat, moisture content, and colour), rheological, and sensory properties. The coating significantly improved appearance and slowed down discolouration of cheese by preserving moisture during prolonged storage. The immobilisation of L. helveticus cells into the coating had no negative effect on their viability throughout 14 days of storage at 4 °C and 23 °C. The application of coating with immobilised cells on cheeses significantly decreased the counts of yeast up to 1 log10 CFU/g during 14 days (p < 0.05) of storage and suppressed growth of mould for 21 days resulting in improved flavour of curd cheese at the end of storage. These findings indicate that LAWPC-pectin formulation provided an excellent matrix to support L. helveticus cell viability. Acting as protective antimicrobial barrier in fresh cheeses, this bioactive coating can reduce microbial contamination after processing enabling the producers to extend the shelf life of this perishable product.

Water Quality Status Based on Pollution Index to Meet The Needs of Sanitary Hygienic Water For Communities Around Lake Sentani In Jayapura Regency

Water is one of the most important elements on earth. Water is needed by all living things, both humans, plants and animals. Consuming clean and sanitary water is absolutely necessary to avoid unwanted negative impacts. This research was conducted in February 2022 and aims to determine the status of the water quality of Lake Sentani, Jayapura Regency based on the pollution index according to the hygienic and sanitary water quality standards according to the Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Number: 32 of 2017 concerning Environmental health quality standards and water health requirements for sanitation hygiene needs, swimming pools, solus per agua and public baths. The study used 15 (fifteen) water pollution parameters, namely: physical parameters (turbidity, color, TDS and temperature), and chemical parameters (pH, iron, fluoride, hardness, manganese, nitrate, cyanide, detergent and total pesticides) as well as biological parameters. (total coliforms). The sample in this study was taken from 5 (five) sample points (research stations) namely the mouths of the Haway, Yabawi, Hobay and Kamwalker rivers which are the inlet of Lake Sentani and the headwaters of the Jaifuri river which is the outlet. The results showed that at stations 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, the pollution index (PIj) was 4.07; 3.10; 2.30; 3.75 and 3.88, all of which are based on the Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Number: 32 of 2017 especially environmental health quality standards and water health requirements for sanitation hygiene purposes, are in the range of values of 1 PIj 5 with lightly polluted status. Thus it can be concluded that the water quality status of Lake Sentani based on the pollution index method is in the lightly polluted category.

Water Quality Status Based on Pollution Index to Meet The Needs of Sanitary Hygienic Water For Communities Around Lake Sentani In Jayapura Regency

Water is one of the most important elements on earth. Water is needed by all living things, both humans, plants and animals. Consuming clean and sanitary water is absolutely necessary to avoid unwanted negative impacts. This research was conducted in February 2022 and aims to determine the status of the water quality of Lake Sentani, Jayapura Regency based on the pollution index according to the hygienic and sanitary water quality standards according to the Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Number: 32 of 2017 concerning Environmental health quality standards and water health requirements for sanitation hygiene needs, swimming pools, solus per agua and public baths. The study used 15 (fifteen) water pollution parameters, namely: physical parameters (turbidity, color, TDS and temperature), and chemical parameters (pH, iron, fluoride, hardness, manganese, nitrate, cyanide, detergent and total pesticides) as well as biological parameters. (total coliforms). The sample in this study was taken from 5 (five) sample points (research stations) namely the mouths of the Haway, Yabawi, Hobay and Kamwalker rivers which are the inlet of Lake Sentani and the headwaters of the Jaifuri river which is the outlet. The results showed that at stations 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, the pollution index (PIj) was 4.07; 3.10; 2.30; 3.75 and 3.88, all of which are based on the Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Number: 32 of 2017 especially environmental health quality standards and water health requirements for sanitation hygiene purposes, are in the range of values of 1 PIj 5 with lightly polluted status. Thus it can be concluded that the water quality status of Lake Sentani based on the pollution index method is in the lightly polluted category.

Karakteristik Pasien Demam Tifoid Di Rumah Sakit Ibnu Sina Makassar

Typhoid fever is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi). It is estimated that between 350-850 per 100,000 population per year. This disease attacks all ages, some studies argue that the male sex suffers from typhoid fever more because it is influenced by work, environment, and eating and drinking habits. This disease is an endemic disease that is still a health problem in Indonesia due to the lack of deep quality of personal hygiene and environmental sanitation. This study aims to determine, classify and describe the characteristics (age, gender, type of therapy, length of treatment) in typhoid fever patients at Ibnu Sina Hospital Makassar in 2019. This study is a descriptive observational study with a retrospective approach. The population in the study amounted to 490 samples. The sample of this study is secondary data, namely, by taking medical record data, sampling using purposive sampling method and the sample size is obtained as many as 82 samples. ie 15 – 24 years (39.0%), based on the type of therapy, namely type 1 therapy (92.7%) where this type of therapy used 1 type of antibiotic, based on the length of treatment 7 days (90.2%). The conclusion is that the number of typhoid fever sufferers is 82 people with the most gender being male, the highest age is 15-24 years, the most use of therapy using one type of antibiotic is accompanied by the longest length of treatment, which is an average of fewer than 7 days.

VARIABILITY OF SELECTED PARAMETERS OF HYGIENIC QUALITY OF FRESH, MARINATED AND GRILLED POULTRY MEAT IN RELATION TO ITS STORAGE CONDITIONS

The aim of research was to verify scientifically variability of selected parameters of hygienic quality of fresh (A), marinated (B-E) and grilled (G) poultry meat in relation to its storage conditions. Marinated meat was kept under various conditions (12 hours and 48 hours at a temperature of 0 to 4 °C and 5 to 8 °C) until it was heat-treated. Using microbiological and physico-chemical methods, poultry meat was analysed in fresh, marinated, as well as grilled state. During the experiment period, water activity, pH, salt, and fat content, but also TVC - total viable count of microorganisms, coliforms, MFF - microscopic filamentous fungi and yeast were analysed. The value of aw ranged from 0.92 (EG) to 0.99 (AG and D). The range of mean pH values ranged from 5.82 to 6.15. The salt content was lowest in fresh meat (0.16 g/100g), in samples of marinated meat it ranged from 0.38 to 0.47 g/100g. Thus, in neither case was the maximum permitted salt content (1.3 g/100g) exceeded. The difference between the lowest and the highest fat content was very observable. The lowest value of fat content 3.40 g/100g was obtained in the sample AG. On the contrary, the highest fat content (10.24 g/100g) was detected in the sample D. The average TVC value in fresh poultry meat was 4.01 log CFU/g. In marinating process, the value increased to 4.21 log CFU/g (12 hours, 0 to 4 °C) and to 4.65 log CFU/g (48 hours, 5 to 8 °C). Microorganisms were present in number of less than 1.101 CFU/g in grilled meat. The number of microscopic filamentous fungi and yeasts was low in fresh meat and marinated meat (<4.101 CFU/g). After grilling they were not detected. Coliforms indicating the cross contamination were not present in the samples. All the obtained results were statistically evaluated. The data were processed to the analysis of variance (ANOVA) in the general linear models (GLM), Scheffe’s test and Pearson correlation coefficients (rxy).

Is alfalfa hay an alternative to meadow hay in equine nutrition?

Roughage alternatives for equine nutrition must be found due to the increasing climatic challenges. The aim of this study was to examine the nutrient composition and feed hygiene of alfalfa hay in comparison to meadow hay and to investigate the acceptance, weight development and faecal quality of broodmares fed alfalfa hay. The feed used was examined for nutrient content and hygiene status according to the standards of the Verband Deutscher Landwirtschaftlicher Untersuchungs- und Forschungsanstalten (VDLUFA). Twenty adult pregnant warmblood mares were fed in two groups (n=10) with a defined amount of alfalfa hay or meadow hay in a controlled study with a wash-out phase and subsequent crossing of the groups. Alfalfa hay intake was observed daily, and bodyweight was recorded weekly. On day 0 (T0) and day 28 (T28) of each study period, fresh faecal samples were collected and analyzed for pH, dry matter (DM) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). The hygienic quality of the alfalfa and meadow hay was slightly reduced (quality level II) on average. The intake of the alfalfa hay was carried out in all mares without backweighing. The median crude protein content of the alfalfa hay was 134 g/kg DM, the median calcium content was 13,9 g/kg DM and the median magnesium content was 1,50 g/kg DM. Horses fed alfalfa showed a significantly greater median percent weight gain of 3,25 % compared to hay-fed horses (1,68 %) (p.

Literature Study: Effectiveness of Scabies Treatment Using Natural Ingredients

The skin is the outermost organ that is often exposed to the external environment, which can cause skin diseases, one of which is scabies. Scabies is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis and its products. often found in densely populated environments, such as Islamic boarding schools and communities with poor personal hygiene quality or tend to be poor, and low economic status. For management, administration of drugs is generally topical to kill the mites that cause this disease. However, it has limitations, such as the relatively expensive price, so that alternative medicine materials with relatively cheaper costs are needed, namely medicines made from plants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate publications on the effectiveness of scabies treatment using natural ingredients. Methods: This study uses a literature study method in obtaining information or data from journals and research documents. The results of the literature study indicate that the use of traditional medicine is effective in the healing process of scabies. The use of traditional medicine is effective in curing scabies but as a complement to the use of topical drugs.

Effects of attribute bonuses on milk quality in 164 dairy farms of Ubaté and Chiquinquirá (March 2012 – March 2018)

Introduction: Given that milk price fluctuations have an impact on local milk production, which affects a vital sector for the economy due to its contribution to GDP and the generation of direct and indirect jobs, this study seeks to establish what has been the effect of monetary incentives on the quality of milk from 164 dairy farms in the Ubaté and Chiquinquirá valley between March 2012 and March 2018. Methodology: To answer this question, it is hypothesized that the implementation of the quality payment scheme described in Resolution 0017 of 2012 positively affected the values with which the hygienic quality of milk is measured. To test this hypothesis, a mixed approach methodology was used (qualitative and quantitative), descriptive, correlational and explanatory, non-experimental, using a longitudinal model of panel data for the sample of milk producing farms. Results: The study allowed establishing that the current quality payment scheme (QPP), the lagged QPP and the price paid to the producer (PPP) have significant effect on decreasing milk microbiological counts, the price per gram of solids and the amount of solids per liter are significant increase milk microbiological counts. Conclusions: It was possible to conclude that it is advisable to increase the participation of bonuses per CFU on the total price, this would incentivize a faster improvement of hygienic quality.

Microbiological Quality of Red Meat Offal Produced at Australian Export Establishments.

A national baseline study of offal hygiene was undertaken at 17 Australian export establishments. A total of 1756 samples of different offal types were analysed for aerobic plate count (APC), generic Escherichia coli, and coliform bacteria. Average APC values varied from 1.51 to 5.26 Log10 CFU/g, depending on species and offal type. The average APC on beef, sheep, lamb, and goat offal was 3.25, 3.38, 3.70, and 2.97 Log10 CFU/g, respectively. There is a small but significant difference in APC on offal sampled frozen (3.26 Log10 CFU/g) and offal sampled fresh (3.73 Log10 CFU/g). Escherichia coli prevalence on beef, sheep, lamb, and goat offal was 15.4%, 28.1%, 17.5%, and 39.3%, respectively. The number of E. coli on positive offal samples ranged from 1.42 to 1.82 Log10 CFU/g. While the quality of some offal approach that of muscle meat, the hygienic quality of red meat offal can be understood by considering the anatomical site from which it is harvested, the usual bacterial levels found at that site, the difficulty in hygienically removing the offal from the carcase, the process prior to packing, and the chilling method used.

Raw Milk for Provolone Valpadana PDO Cheese: Impact of Modified Cold Storage Conditions on the Composition of the Bacterial Biota

The raw milk for production of long-ripened, spicy type, Provolone Valpadana (PV) PDO cheese must be stored, refrigerated, and processed within 60 h from the first milking, according to European and Consortium regulations. Low-temperature storage conditions preserve the hygienic quality, but also reduce the diversity and content of dairy microbiota, which is important to define the characteristics and quality of raw milk cheeses. Eleven bulk, raw milk samples were stored, at laboratory level, under two different time/temperature conditions (i.e., 10 °C or 12 °C for 15 h, then cooled to 4 °C for 45 h). The count of different bacterial groups and the diversity of bacterial communities were determined before and after storage by culture-dependent and DNA metabarcoding methods, respectively. The two-step cold storage conditions increased the mesophilic, psychrotrophic, lipolytic, and proteolytic bacterial load, without affecting the hygienic quality of milk. Among the 66 dominant and 161 subdominant taxa retrieved by DNA metabarcoding, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, and the lactic acid bacteria belonging to the genera Lactococcus and Streptococcus were present in almost all the raw milk samples, and their relative abundance was positively related with the total bacterial count. The storage conditions tested could be considered for eventual application in long-ripened PV cheese production to rationalize storage, transfer, and processing of raw milk.

Prevalence of Sleep Hygiene Awareness, Practices and Quality among Elementary School Students in Canada

Enough sleep is crucial for physical and emotional growth of kids and students. It has been noted that there is a progressive decline in bedtime as kids turn into teens, despite the fact that the need for sleep among students does not decrease. Teenagers need for sleep has been estimated as much as 9.2 h per day. Poor sleep has actually been noted to lead to poor diet regimen, excessive weight, stunted growth, psychological health concerns, as well as chemical abuse. Much as the need for sleep is an individual particular, approximately at least 8.3 hrs. of rest per evening is recommended for teens, to avoid excessive daytime drowsiness. High quality sleep is necessary for young professional athletes for making sure much better performance in psychomotor as well as cognitive activities, and for minimizing the chances of creating challenging factors for musculoskeletal discomfort. Detection of sleep disorders in adolescent complaining of sleeplessness is a day-to-day challenge for doctors and clients alike. The purpose of the research study was to assess the prevalence of sleep hygiene awareness, practices and quality among elementary schools students in Canada. The study was a literature based. The research discovered that a boost in the occurrence of difficulty in getting sleep and in too much screen time exposure and marginal increase in physical activity levels. In addition, teens exceeding 2-h everyday display time had 20% higher probabilities of reporting sleep-onset problems, while no association was discovered for physical activity. The study also discovered that a regular every night routine aids the body recognize that it is going to bed; this could consist of taking warm shower or bathroom, checking out a publication, or light stretches. Whenever feasible it is essential for the students to try to avoid emotionally distressing conversations and activities before attempting to sleep considering that maintaining a routine sleep timetable also on weekends keeps the timing of the body's body clock and also can aid you fall asleep and wake up much more quickly. Based on the finding, the research study concluded that the daily substances that students take, the medicines one takes, how long they sleep in a day and exactly how they choose to invest their nights can considerably influence their quality of sleep. Also a couple of mild adjustments can, in many cases indicate the difference between sound rest as well as a restless evening. Finishing a two-week rest diary can help one understand how their routines impact their sleep. The study suggested that teenagers must reserve no more than eight hrs. For sleep given that the suggested quantity of sleep for a healthy grownup goes to least 7 hrs. Keywords: Sleep Hygiene, Awareness, Sleep Quality, Sleep Disorder, Students

The effect of acute gamma radiation onto growth media for mother culture of a Volvariella mushroom

Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) is a semicrystalline polymer made from amylopectin, agarose, and amylose, used in laboratories for Agar plate culturing for a multitude of fungal strains. The existing pretreatment method for the elimination of pathogenic bacteria, namely steam sterilization, has shown several drawbacks, including high cost, uneven heating due to temperature differentials and an inability to treat specimens volumetrically. These drawbacks are mitigated by gamma irradiation, being carried out in order to improve hygienic quality and germination control, retarding sprouting, also enhancing physical attributes of the food product. Present study investigates the growth and survival of pretreated potato dextrose agar (PDA) substrate with gamma irradiations, for doses ranging from 0 kGy (unirradiated) up to 20 kGy, particularly for Volvariella mushroom cultivation. The relative elemental composition of PDA substrate has been obtained through use of Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX), identifying carbohydrate (53.35%), oxygen (45.29%) and 1.36% of mineral trace elements. Gamma irradiation doses to the PDA substrate of 0.5 kGy, 1 kGy and 1.5 kGy have been found to be associated with respective growth rates of 0.93 ± 0.03, 0.94 ± 0.02 and 0.89 ± 0.02 cm/day, the PDA becoming more amorphous and acidic with reduced viscosity at higher doses. The findings of this study could pave the way for a low-cost yet highly effective system for irradiation in mushroom, as well as offering a viable alternative to current conventional sterilizations, well suited to applications in food security.

From Nutritional Adequacy to Hygiene Quality: A Detailed Assessment of Commercial Raw Pet-Food for Dogs and Cats.

Simple SummaryAs alternative diets to processed pet food, raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) have received increasing attention in recent years. Commercial RMBDs consist mainly of raw meats, animal by-products, such as offal, and bones. Most RMBDs do not contain additives; therefore, they potentially pose a risk of nutritional imbalances to adults and, to a greater extent, growing animals. RMBDs are frozen ready-to-use products that are fed to pets after being thawed. Bacterial contamination of RMBDs is an area of concern, including the risk of spreading zoonotic diseases to humans. In this study, a detailed assessment of commercial RMBDs was performed in relation to nutritional adequacy and hygiene quality. The results showed that the tested products often provided deficient amounts of essential nutrients, were nutritionally unbalanced, and very rich in fat. They were also characterized by high microbial contamination, showing low hygiene quality. This study provides information that indicates the need for strict monitoring of the nutritional and microbiological quality of commercial RMBDs.Raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) are widely used as unconventional diets for dogs and cats at different life stages, despite concerns regarding nutritional adequacy and microbial contamination. The aim of this study was to evaluate both the nutritional and hygiene quality profile of RMBDs purchased in Germany. For this purpose, crude nutrients were assessed in 44 RMBDs and compared to declared values. In addition, selected minerals were determined in 31 RMBDs labelled as complete and compared to the minimum requirement (MR) for intended species and life stages. Aerobic colony count (ACC) and Enterobacteriaceae were used to assess the hygiene quality of 37 commercial RMBDs, while the presence of Salmonella spp. was examined in 10 products. Fat and protein content exceeded tolerated deviation from declared values in 33% and 45% of RMBDs, respectively. Each RMBD showed at least one concern regarding nutrient content. The RMBDs had high fat contents (mean 69, range 33–95 g/Mcal) that were negatively correlated with protein (r = −0.74, p < 0.0001). Considerable contaminations by ACC and Enterobacteriaceae were found (2.61 × 108 ± 3.63 × 108 and 3.61 × 106 ± 8.39 x106 CFU/g, respectively). A higher count of Enterobacteriaceae was detected in a frozen RMBDs made of poultry or carcasses from different animals, compared to the thawed counterpart (p = 0.003), as well as compared to other sources, such as beef, horse, and lamb, regardless of the storage condition. Salmonella spp. were found in 2/10 RMBDs. This study confirmed that feeding commercial RMBDs might pose a risk to pet health.

Mini-Implant Rejection Rate in Teenage Patients Depending on Insertion Site: A Retrospective Study.

Mini-implants have undeniable advantages in Orthodontics. However, the use of mini-implants shows some limitations and disadvantages related to patient age, the quality of the bone tissue, the characteristics of the oral mucosa, implant site, the state of health of the organism and the quality of oral hygiene. The aim of this paper was to analyze the rejection rate of mini-implants in teenage patients, depending on their insertion site, and examine their stability up to three months after insertion. This retrospective study was conducted on dental charts belonging to patients aged between 12 and 17 years, from Oradea, Romania. The mini-implants were placed for various therapeutic reasons and were inserted in the following sites: buccal maxillary area, the infrazygomatic region, palatal area, buccal mandibular area and lingual area; they had a diameter of 1.6 mm (inter-radicular spaces) and of 2 mm (nonbearing tooth areas), and a length of 6–8 mm (mandible) or 8–10 mm (maxilla). The rejection rate was checked in the first month, second month, third month and after the third month from insertion. A total of 432 patients were included in the study, and they had a total of 573 mini-implants. Most implants were placed in the buccal region of the maxilla (27.7%), and most patients had one mini-implant placed (65.7%). The highest rejection rate was obtained in the first month (15.2%). The rejection rate between genders was similar. The mini-implants from the buccal mandibular region had a significantly higher rate of rejection in the first month (M1) in comparison to the mini-implants from the palatal region (24.4% vs. 8.3%). The mini-implants from the lingual region of the mandible had a significantly higher rate of rejection in the second month (M2) in comparison to the mini-implants from the infrazygomatic or the palatal region (10.5% vs. 0%/0%). Mini-implants are very useful for carrying out various orthodontic treatments, but their stability should be enhanced.