Increase In Microbial Load Research Articles

Antimicrobial Effects of Fenugreek (Trigonella foecum-graecum) Extract on Smoked Dried African Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

This study evaluated the antimicrobial effects of fenugreek (Trigonella foecum-graecum) extract solution on smoke-dried African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) stored at ambient temperature (32.0±2°C) over the period of 21 days. The experimental treatments were the control, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% (w/v) fenugreek extract solutions. A total of 70 fish of average mean weight of 30.98±1.32g were degutted, washed and soaked in the extract solutions for 30 minutes and later smoked-dried for 12 hours. The smoked-dried fish treated with 1.0% solution of extract had the highest moisture content of 12.33%, followed by 11.39% recorded in fish treated with 0.0% solution of the extract. Highest crude protein of 49.09% was obtained in the control while the least (37.76%) was recorded in the fish treated with 0.5% fenugreek extract. There was no increase in microbial loads in all the treated samples except in the control which increased from 5×103 to 18×103. There was no significant difference in the general acceptability of all the treated samples. This study revealed that fenugreek extract can be used as a preservative against microbial activities on smoked-dried Clarias gariepinus thereby reducing nutritional and economic loss.

Effect of packaging and storage of RTS beverage from Garcinia cambogia

The present investigation was envisioned to develop RTS from the fruits of Garcinia cambogia. Garciniais a popular perennial tree categorized under spice and condiment, distributed in the world's tropics. Currently, Garciniais gaining attention and is considered a functional food because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and antimicrobial properties. The RTS was pale yellow with a natural fruit flavour and acceptable in taste. Among the treatments T1 (Fresh Garciniaand Jaggery) scores maximum in organoleptic and nutrient evaluation. The developed RTS was stored for 3 months and the changes in physico-chemical parameters were observed. The initial titrable acidity was 0.32 percent. While storing acidity was found to be increased at both ambient and refrigerated temperatures with the decrease in pH. The initial TSS of the prepared RTS was150 Brix. The minimum loss of ascorbic acid was observed in refrigeration storage during the storage period. The sample stored at refrigeration temperature and packed in PET bottles had a lesser percentage of nutrient loss than glass bottles. The total antioxidant activity was around 44.81 percent. An increase in reducing sugar was observed during the storage. The non-enzymatic browning and clarity of the beverage were also influenced by the storage days. A notable reduction in the tannin content of RTS was observed throughout the storage period. There was a slight increase in microbial load during storage. The mean scores of sensorial evaluations of stored GarciniaRTS drinks decreased gradually during the storage period.

Dysbiosis and Associated Stool Features Improve Prediction of Response to Biological Therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is considered a key contributor to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) etiology. Here, we investigated potential associations between microbiota composition and the outcomes to biological therapies. The study prospectively recruited 296 patients with active IBD (203 with Crohn's disease, 93 with ulcerative colitis) initiating biological therapy. Quantitative microbiome profiles of pretreatment and posttreatment fecal samples were obtained combining flow cytometry with 16S amplicon sequencing. Therapeutic response was assessed by endoscopy, patient-reported outcomes, and changes in fecal calprotectin. The effect of therapy on microbiome variation was evaluated using constrained ordination methods. Prediction of therapy outcome was performed using logistic regression with 5-fold cross-validation. At baseline, 65.9% of patients carried the dysbiotic Bacteroides2 (Bact2) enterotype, with a significantly higher prevalence among patients with ileal involvement (76.8%). Microbiome variation was associated with the choice of biological therapy rather than with therapeutic outcome. Only anti-tumor necrosis factor-α treatment resulted in a microbiome shift away from Bact2, concomitant with an increase in microbial load and butyrogen abundances and a decrease in potentially opportunistic Veillonella. Remission rates for patients hosting Bact2 at baseline were significantly higher with anti-tumor necrosis factor-α than with vedolizumab (65.1% vs 35.2%). A prediction model, based on anthropometrics and clinical data, stool features (microbial load, moisture, and calprotectin), and Bact2 detection predicted treatment outcome with 73.9% accuracy for specific biological therapies. Fecal characterization based on microbial load, moisture content, calprotectin concentration, and enterotyping may aid in the therapeutic choice of biological therapy in IBD.

CHD8 regulates gut epithelial cell function and affects autism-related behaviors through the gut-brain axis

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by early-onset social behavioral deficits and repetitive behaviors. Chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein (CHD8) is among the genes most strongly associated with autism. In addition to the core behavioral symptoms of autism, affected individuals frequently present with gastrointestinal symptoms that are also common among individuals harboring mutations in the gene encoding CHD8. However, little is known regarding the mechanisms whereby CHD8 affects gut function. In addition, it remains unknown whether gastrointestinal manifestations contribute to the behavioral phenotypes of autism. The current study found that mice haploinsufficient for the large isoform of Chd8 (Chd8L) exhibited increased intestinal permeability, transcriptomic dysregulation in gut epithelial cells, reduced tuft cell and goblet cell counts in the gut, and an overall increase in microbial load. Gut epithelial cell-specific Chd8 haploinsufficiency was associated with increased anxiety-related behaviors together with a decrease in tuft cell numbers. Antibiotic treatment of Chd8L haploinsufficient mice attenuated social behavioral deficits. Together, these results suggest Chd8 as a key determinant of autism-related gastrointestinal deficits, while also laying the ground for future studies on the link between GI deficits and autism-related behaviors.

Effect of Natural Preservative (Cinnamon Bark Marinade) on the Microbial Load and Shelf-life of Smoked-dried African Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

The study was carried out to determine the antimicrobial effect of Cinnamon bark marinade on stored smoke-dried catfish at ambient temperature (37+2°C) for 28 days. The experimental treatments are the control, 0.5%, 1% and 1.5 %( w/v) Cinnamon bark marinade. Thirty-nine fish of average mean weight of 24.87+1.25g were gutted, washed and randomly assigned to the marinade. Thereafter, the fish were soaked in the marinade for 30 minutes and later hot smoked for 12hours. After smoking, the fish were stored in boxes and place on laboratory table for one month. Microbial counts were conducted 7 days’ interval. Three bacterial species namely; Bacillus sp, Corynebacteria sp, and Staphylococcus sp were observed in the study. There was no increase in microbial load as storage progressed. However, the increment was pronounced in control fish sample. 1% Cinnamon barks marinade exhibited the highest 7x103 antibacterial effect. There was increase in microbial load in control sample 25x103 compared to other treatments while 1.5% marinade of the bark treated sample shows potency in bacteria growth. Cinnamon bark marinade could be used because of it antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, therefore protecting stored smoke-dried catfish from microbial spoilage thus limiting economic loss and possible health risk to consumers.

Salivary oxidative stress during and after rapid maxillary expansion

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to evaluate oxidative stress biomarkers during a rapid maxillary expansion (RME). Material and Methods: Fourteen patients were treated with an acrylic RME device, and after treatment, all were followed for 3 months. Saliva samples were collected before activation (baseline), 1st, 10th days after the first activation, and after retention. Periodontal indexes were recorded at baseline and after retention. Nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were evaluated. Results: NO levels were elevated on the 10th day compared to baseline (P < 0.01), revealing a decrease after retention (P < 0.01). MDA levels were increased on the 10th day and after retention periods compared to baseline (P < 0.01, respectively). Both plaque and gingival indexes increased after retention relative to baseline (P < 0.01, respectively). Conclusion: Initial stages of orthopedic force increased salivary oxidative stress biomarkers. Long-term results showed decreased levels of NO, but still high MDA levels. The initially increased NO expression decreased after retention, despite the increase in microbial load at this period which might show the effect of mechanical stimuli to be more effective than the microbial load. MDA levels remained at high levels during the post-retention period, arising a possible consideration for the impact of material properties or deficiencies of oral hygiene. Future long-term evaluations for oxidative stress status and orthodontic appliances would be useful.

Microbiota markers level in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with multiple sclerosis and radiologically isolated syndrome

According to numerous studies, gut microbiota plays a significant role in multiple sclerosis (MS) development. However, data on changes in the gut microbiota in MS is often contradictory. The most common approach in gut microbiota research is the 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing of fecal microbiota. However, such data do not reflect the composition of the entire body microbiota. There is also a lack of data on microbiota markers in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with MS and predisposing conditions.Objective: to assess the level of microbial markers in the CSF of patients with MS and radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS).Patients and methods. We used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to evaluate microbial markers levels in eight patients with MS, five patients with RIS, and seven controls.Results and discussion. We found an increase in microbial load in patients with MS, indicating a possible association of MS with polymicrobial infection. In particular, an increase in the content of Streptococcus markers was observed, as well as a tendency to a three-fold increase in the campesterol content (a marker of campesterol-producing microfungi) in the CSF of patients with MS, compared to the control group (diagnostic punctures, various diseases of the nervous system of a non-autoimmune or inflammatory nature, not acute states).Conclusion. GC-MS of microbial markers can be used to assess the presence of microbial markers in the CSF. The CSF of patients with MS contains an increased amount of various microbial markers, which may indicate a possible association of MS with polymicrobial infection.

Sunroot snack bar: Optimization, characterization, consumer perception, and storage stability assessment.

This study reports the evolution of phenolics, inulin content, proximate composition, hardness, and sensory characteristics of an inulin‐rich healthy snack bar (The Sunroot Snack Bar) over 90 days of storage in refrigerated and room temperature storage. A response surface methodology (RSM) with a central composite rotatable design was first employed for optimizing the concentrations of sunroot, potato, and oats. The optimum selected concentrations of sunroot, potato, and oat were 53.99, 37.88, and 5 g, respectively, and a quadratic model was found to yield the best fit. Analysis of variance revealed that a higher sunroot content resulted in more firmness of the bar and higher overall acceptability in sensory trials. Sunroot snack bar samples without flavor (control), sunroot snack bar with cheese flavor (S1), and sunroot snack bar with olive flavor (S2) were then tested for sensory, chemical, phytochemicals, and microbial contents among control, S1, and S2 samples over a 90‐day shelf‐life study. Results showed no significant (p < .05) changes in these contents on addition of flavor. An increase in microbial load and the appearance of a bitter taste after 30 days of fresh sunroot storage were observed. No microbial growth was observed in all sunroot snack bar samples during storage at 4°C, while some microbial growth was observed at 25°C for 90 days. It was inferred that the high‐quality shelf life of the sunroot bar was 90 days at 4°C, which was shortened to a month if the bars were preserved at 25°C. There was a significant phenolic and inulin content loss at 25°C compared with 4°C in total phenolic component. Based on the results of sensory evaluation, online questionnaire of customer experience, and cost analysis, this study successfully used sunroot tubers for the production of snack bars as a promising new raw material, which was introduced healthily with a suitable price for such product compared with other products in the market.

Evaluation of the quality composition of micromycetes in the air of the premises of stationary medical institutions

Introduction. Today, micromycetes are the most common pathogens found in residential and industrial premises and in the hospital environment. At the same time, mold fungi are the cause not only of allergic diseases but also of mycoses of various localization. Mold fungi are hazardous for patients in hospitals on long-term treatment and exposed to immunosuppression factors. Medical personnel who spent a long time in rooms with high contamination by micromycetes in the air can develop mycogenic sensitization. The aim of this work was to show the quantitative and qualitative composition of fungi surrounding the patient and the doctor in multidisciplinary hospitals. Materials and methods. With the help of a microbiological aspirator, air samples were taken in the premises of class B of surgical and therapeutic departments, followed by sowing on Saburo agar. The identified fungi were identified using classical methods and MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry using Microflex LT (Bruker). Results. In the course of the study, the assessment of fungal contamination of class B premises in treatment and prophylactic institutions was carried out to assess the qualitative and quantitative composition. Also, comparing the composition and number of micromycetes between the premises of departments of different profiles was carried out. A high level of contamination of micromycetes in medical premises of class B - 100% of cases was revealed in studies of objects of the hospital environment. The structure of the identified fungi was very diverse. In all air samples were isolated fungi genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, Mucor, Alternaria, and Ulcoladium. Spores of these fungi belonging to opportunistic or saprophytes are found in the air everywhere. Still, a significant increase in microbial load due to micromycetes can cause such typical allergic diseases as bronchial asthma, allergic skin dermatoses, and allergies of other locations. Conclusion. The study results revealed increased fungal contamination in healthcare facilities that require a more careful approach to compliance with the microclimate parameters.

Effect of ginger extract and papain powder incorporation on physico-chemical and microbial quality of buffalo male calf meat rolls during refrigeration (4±1 °C) storage studies

The study was conducted with an objective to evaluate the effect of Ginger Extract and Papain Powder on shelf life of buffalo male calf meat rolls at refrigeration (4±1 °C) storage. The meat rolls were prepared with incorporation of 5% Ginger Extract (GE1) and 0.25% Papain Powder (PP1) and Combination of Ginger extract and Papin Powder in ration of 1:3 and compared with control (C) meat rolls. The products were assessed for their physico-chemical, sensory and microbiological quality at 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 days. However, the sensory scores and moisture content decreased and microbial load, TBA value and free fatty acids (FFA) increased as the days of storage increased for control as well as treated products. The rate of decline in sensory score and moisture content and rate of increase in microbial load, TBA vale and FFA during storage were higher in control samples as compared to treated meat rolls. It was concluded that Ginger Extract (5%) and Papain Powder (0.25%) incorporation also showed their antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, by keeping the treated products organoleptically acceptable and microbiologically safe up to16 days of refrigeration storage.

Semen quality and total microbial load: An association study in important Indian Goat breeds during different seasons.

The invasion of the male urogenital tract by microorganisms, and its subsequent effects on sperm fertilising ability, has not been well discussed in bucks. The present study was conducted to assess the bacterial load in fresh semen of the 2-6years old bucks. For conducting the experiment, semen ejaculates from 18 bucks (6 from each breed namely Jakhrana, Jamunapari and Barbari) were used. We collected 5 ejaculates from each buck in each season (Summer-April to June, Rainy-July to Sept and Winter-November to January). Semen was collected with the artificial vagina (AV) method, and separate AV was used for each buck every time. The semen collection frequency was once in a week. Immediately after initial evaluation, collected semen samples were transferred to the microbiology laboratory of the institute. Thereafter, the semen samples were subjected to bacteriological examination to assess the microbial load. The results of the current study indicate that the microbial load in the semen was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the Jamunapari bucks and in aged bucks. Bacteriospermia in different seasons was not significantly varied; however, nonsignificant increase in microbial load during the rainy season was observed. Overall, the average bacterial load in the semen of Jamunapari, Barbari and Jakhrana bucks was found 540.50±55.88CFU/ml, 391.81±46.33CFU/ml and 388.93±44.71CFU/ml respectively. No significant difference in bacterial counts in the subsequent ejaculates among bucks was observed. Moreover, correlation analysis revealed that the proportions of motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity and acrosomal integrity were negatively influenced by the increased bacterial contamination of buck semen.

Связаны ли между собой бактериологические и патоморфологические признаки бактериального простатита? (экспериментальное исследование)

INTRODUCTION In some cases, there is a dissociation between the severity of complaints, physical examination data, and levels of contamination of the biomaterial in the differential diagnosis of various categories of prostatitis (NIH-NIDDK, 1995). Patients note the presence of pronounced symptoms when verifying the threshold indicators of microbial load (104-105 CFU / ml) of prostate secretion or post-massage urine in a few observations. However, clinical manifestations and deviations in objective indicators are not so significant in some patients with higher titers of contamination. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY To evaluate the relationship between the microbial load indices and the degree of pathomorphological changes in the prostate tissue during infection with the reference uropathogen E. coli in various titers under experimental conditions MATERIALS AND METHODS: Animal model was carried out using the FELASA protocols. Experimental individuals: 16 New Zealand rabbits, weight: 3580 [3480; 3695] (3300-4410), age: 25 [24; 26] (23-28) weeks. Uropathogen used: E. coli. Titers: 103 CFU / ml, 105 CFU / ml, 107 CFU / ml. Infection pathway: inoculation of the uropathogen was performed through urethra according to the modified technique of J.C. Nickel. Randomization: all lab animals were evenly divided into 4 groups of 4 animals, taking into account the initial titer of the uropathogen and the observation period - experimental groups 1 (103 CFU / ml), 2 (105 CFU / ml), 3 (107 CFU / ml); group 4 was control (Sol.NaCl 0.9%). Observation terms: 1, 3, 7 and 14 days, after which the animals were euthanized and dissected. 4 biopsies (1A-1D) for bacteriological (MacConkey agar - HiMedia, India) and 2 biopsies (P1-P2) for morphological (Hematoxylin-eosin - BlikMediklProduction, Russia; magn. 10x, 40x, 100x, 400x) studies were formed from various parts of the prostatic complex (prostate + proprostate + paraprostate). A three-point grading system was used for morphometric assessment of destructive changes in the prostate tissue in different groups. Analytical processing of the results was carried out using the software packages Microsoft 365 (Microsoft, USA) and Statistica 10.2 (StatSoft Inc., USA) by methods of descriptive and nonparametric statistics. RESULTS The maximum total absolute / median values of the seeding of biopsy specimens of the prostatic complex were revealed ( titer, 1A-1D) in group 1 and amounted to 76 lg CFU / ml / 5.00 [4.00; 5.25] lgCFU / ml, in group 2 defined as intermediate - 57 lgCFU / ml / 3.50 [3.00; 4.00] lgCFU / ml, and in group 3 were minimal - 48 lgCFU / ml / 3.00 [3.00; 3.25] lg CFU / ml according to the indicators of bacteriological research in the period from 1 to 14 days. Nevertheless, it was found that the cumulative maximum degree of histological changes in the prostate was recorded in group 2 ( p. - 84), in group 1 it was defined as intermediate ( p. - 68), and in group 3, it was the smallest ( p. - 64) according to the data of pathomorphological studies. When comparing daily changes in the seeding values and nominal indicators of inflammatory lesions in the prostate tissue, only in group 1, the trend graphs had a synchronous trend - an increase in microbial load led to the formation of more severe pathomorphological transformations on the day 7; in group 2, destructive changes were significant, and the rates of contamination, on the contrary, were minimal on the day 7; in group 3 a pronounced pathomorphological transformations in the tissues were noted on the day 3 and 7, but the microbial load of the tissues gradually decreased from the day 1. Also, differences in the increase in the reactivity of changes in the affected tissues were determined: in groups 1 and 3, a torpid reaction was revealed, accompanied by the development of moderate inflammatory changes on the day 1 and an abrupt increase in the intensity of destruction by the day 3; in group 2, in turn, a rapid reaction was determined, that characterized by the formation of a more pronounced destructive process already from the day 1. CONCLUSION It was found that the parameters of contamination do not fully reflect the nature and severity of pathological changes in the prostate. Low titers of the uropathogen induce the development of an inflammatory process comparable in the severity of changes with that at higher concentrations. On the contrary, inoculation of obligate pathogenic titers does not always lead to a pronounced increase in microbial load but causes significant inflammatory changes in the prostate.

Nutritional and Microbiota Analysis of Fresh Produce in Delhi and National Capital Region

Fresh produce available in an area is the major source of phytonutrients for healthy life. Decrease in the concentration of phytonutrients is directly linked to a range of health issues in terms of increase in the rate of infections. This study conducted on fresh produce available in Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR) on microbiological and nutritional analysis showed a significant increase in microbial load in fruits as they stay over the period of a week to fortnight at room temperature. A total of seven different types of fresh produce were procured for analysis. Out of them, lemon showed the lowest microbial count and sugar content and grapes showed highest microbial count and sugar content. Results were also compared with refrigerated and room temperature stored fruits. It was concluded that fresh fruits have more nutritive value than stored fruits (room and refrigerated). In this study, glucose content was determined by Fehling's titration and Ascorbic Acid by Dichlorophenolindophenol method. The microbial biota was assessed by serial dilution method for determining microbial load of different types of bacteria. Some of the fruits showed decrease in the nutritive value and correspondingly increase in the load of antibiotic resistant microbes during storage rendering them unfit for human consumption.

Stress-induced increased expression of TLR2, TLR3, and TLR4 genes in hypothalamic tissue

The aim of this work was to study the expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) genes in the hypothalamic structures of the brain, after the application of acute stressful effects. A hypothesis has been put forward about Toll-like receptors as a key link in the mechanisms of the implementation of a stress reaction, including at the level of the central nervous system (CNS). The important role of TLR in the pathogenesis of stress-mediated diseases of the central nervous system is assumed. The expression of TLR2, TLR3, and TLR4 genes in rat hypothalamus was studied for after 3 hours after the application of acute emotional-physical stress. A reliable increase in the level of gene expression of all three receptors at the mRNA level in stressed animals was established compared with the control. The obtained experimental data indicate the activation of the system of Toll-like receptors at the level of the central nervous system under stress. The activation of several receptors of the TLR family with different specificities in the absence of an increase in microbial load, including at the level of pathogen-associated molecular factors (PAMP), may also indicate the likely significant role of endogenous TLR ligands in the described processes.

Association of spontaneous abortion and Ureaplasma parvum detected in placental tissue.

Spontaneous abortion is considered a public health problem having several causes, including infections. Among the infectious agents, bacteria of the vaginal microbiota and Ureaplasma parvum have been associated with abortion, but their participation needs to be further elucidated. This study aims to evaluate the influence of Mollicutes on the development of spontaneous abortion. Women who underwent spontaneous abortion and those with normal birth (control) were studied. Samples of cervical mucus (CM) and placental tissue were collected to identify Mollicutes using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction methodology. Eighty-nine women who had a miscarriage and 20 women with normal pregnancies were studied. The presence of Mollicutes in placental tissue increased the chance of developing miscarriage sevenfold. The prevalence of U. parvum in women who experienced spontaneous abortion was 66.3% in placental tissue. A positive association was observed between the detection of U. parvum in samples of placental tissue and abortion. There was a significant increase in microbial load in placental tissue for M. hominis, U. urealyticum and U. parvum compared to the control group. Detection of U. parvum in CM in pregnant women can ascend to the region of the placental tissue and trigger a spontaneous abortion.

Effect of Different Sun Drying Surfaces on the Functional Properties and Microbial Loads of Unripe Plantain Flours

In order to test the effect of commonly used traditional sun-drying surfaces on some qualities of the product, four traditional sun drying surfaces; wooden, corrugated iron sheet, rock and cement surfaces were used to sundry unripe plantain. The sundried samples were milled to flours. Functional, pasting properties and microbial loads of the resulting flours were determined using standard methods. Values of the functional properties determined except bulk density (packed) and solubility were higher in the rock followed by samples dried on cement surface compare to others. Functional properties except oil absorption and solubility generally improved with storage. Pasting property shows that, samples dried on the rock followed by samples dried on cement surface had the highest values in terms of peak viscosity, trough and final viscosity. There was no significant difference (P≥0.05) in breakdown and pasting temperature. Results of the microbial loads monitored for a period of two months show that at the initial stage, flours of samples sundried on rock had the highest microbial growth while samples dried on corrugated iron had the lowest. There was no significant difference (P≥0.05) in others. There was increase in microbial loads of samples dried on rock and corrugated iron but decreased in others after one month of storage. After storing for a period of two months, microbial loads of samples dried on the rock and cemented surfaces increased while no growth was recorded for samples from wooden and corrugated iron. The report from this research work revealed that rock and cemented surfaces are recommended for sun drying unripe plantain for better functionality of the flour while wood and corrugated iron surfaces are recommended based on microbial load for better storability.

Effect of Aloe vera Gel and Arjun Tree Bark Extract Incorporation on Quality of Buffalo Male Calf Meat Rolls During Refrigeration (4±1 °C) Storage

The study was conducted with an objective to evaluate the effect of Aloe vera gel and Arjun (Terminalia arjuna) bark extract on shelf life of buffalo male calf meat rolls at refrigeration (4±1°C) storage. The meat rolls were prepared with incorporation of 4% Aloe vera gel (T1) and 2% Arjun tree bark extract (T2) and compared with control (C) meat rolls. The products were assessed for their physico-chemical, sensory and microbiological quality at 0, 4, 8, 12, 15, 18 and 21 days. However, the sensory scores and moisture content decreased and microbial load, TBA value and free fatty acids (FFA) increased as the days of storage increased for control as well as treated products. The rate of decline in sensory score and moisture content and rate of increase in microbial load, TBA vale and FFA during storage were higher in control samples as compared to treated (T1 and T2) meat rolls. It was concluded that Aloe vera gel (4%) and Arjun tree bark extract (2%) incorporation showed their antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, by keeping the treated products organoleptically acceptable and microbiologically safe up to 21 days of refrigeration storage.

An investigation of the microbiological chain of contamination and health implications of fish products from Lake Chivero, Harare, Zimbabwe

A study to determine contamination of fish from Lake Chivero was carried out at selected sites along the fish handling and distribution chain. Samples were collected from lake and vending sites in Harare's high density suburbs, in March, August and November 2012. Pathogenic bacteria indicators were used to investigate the quality of water, fish, and fish contact surfaces to determine the levels of contamination. Swabs on contact surfaces and fish samples were tested for total viable bacterial count, coliforms and Salmonella. The highest coliforms load was recorded in fish trading locations and the lowest in the cold chain samples (Table 1). Salmonella sp. was present in most samples except harvest waters (Table 1). Pathogenic indicator micro-organisms were present in lake water samples (Table 1), suggesting that fish may already be contaminated. The increase in microbial load along the fish handling chain showed poor fish handling was causing additional contamination, presenting a health risk to consumers.

An assessment of human gastric fluid composition as a function of PPI usage.

The standard of care for chronic gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD), which affects up to 40% of the population, is the use of drugs such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that block the production of stomach acid. Despite widespread use, the effects of PPIs on gastric fluid remain poorly characterized. In this study, gastric fluid was collected from patients undergoing cardiac surgery who were not (n = 40) or were (n = 25) actively taking PPIs. Various enzymatic and immunoassays as well as mass spectrometry were utilized to analyze the concentrations of bile, gastricsin, trypsin, and pepsin in the gastric fluid. Proteomic analyses by mass spectrometry suggested that degradation of trypsin at low pH might account, at least in part, for the observation that patients taking PPIs have a greater likelihood of having high concentrations of trypsin in their gastric fluid. In general, the concentrations of all analytes evaluated varied over several orders of magnitude, covering a minimum of a 2000‐fold range (gastricsin) and a maximum of a 1 × 106 –fold range (trypsin). Furthermore, the concentrations of various analytes were poorly correlated with one another in the samples. For example, trypsin and bile concentrations showed a significant (P < 0.0001) but not strong correlation (r = 0.54). Finally, direct assessment of bacterial concentrations by flow cytometry revealed that PPIs did not cause a profound increase in microbial load in the gastric fluid. These results further delineate the profound effects that PPI usage has on the physiology of the stomach.

Preparation and quality evaluation of lime based herbal blended RTS beverage

Lime based RTS beverages were prepared using Tulsi and Arugampul herbal extract. Lime RTS beverage prepared from the selected herbs were filled in glass bottles and stored at room temperature (27±3°C) for 150 days and evaluated physicochemically, organoleptically and microbiologically at an interval of 30 days. A marginal increase in TSS, pH, and total sugars were observed in all beverages for 150 days of storage, whereas acidity and Vitamin C showed decreasing trend. The increase in microbial load for 150 days of storage was negligible and safe for consumption. Sensory evaluation indicated that all the beverages were highly acceptable throughout the storage period. Overall acceptability scores of 8.3, 8.2 and 8.0 were observed for control, Lime + Tulsi juice extract, and Lime + Arugampul juice extract respectively for 150 days of storage.