Hygiene Indicators Research Articles

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.

Experimental evaluation of the purity of medical oxygen obtained by adsorption technology with pressure fluctuations taking into account the variability of the parameters of the incoming air

This study presents the results of the evaluation of the purity of medical oxygen obtained by adsorption technology with pressure fluctuations, taking into account the variability of the parameters of the incoming air, and the results of the correlation analysis of data obtained from the monographs of the European and American Pharmacopoeias. The quality of oxygen obtained from air that meets sanitary standards and under conditions of the “worst case,” while fixing the time of the output of the slip signal of monoxide and carbon dioxide as marker gases, was assessed. The slip time under the experimental conditions was 13 h 22 min. The composition of the gas produced by installation was analyzed. Impurities of nitrogen, argon, and water were recognized as predominant quantitatively. Nitrous gases and sulfur dioxide were not detected. A comparative assessment of the data on medical oxygen (93%) presented in the European EP 8. 0 (No. 2455) and the American USP 38-NF (No. 4180) pharmacopeias showed that no single approach is available to assess the quality of 93% medical oxygen in pharmaceutical practice worldwide. The authors of the above-mentioned pharmacopeias note that installations for obtaining 93% medical oxygen, implementing adsorption technology with pressure fluctuations, must be equipped with gas-analytical devices to quantify the level of at least two impurities: carbon monoxide and dioxide. In general, the data obtained indicate that when obtaining 93% medical oxygen by adsorption technology with pressure fluctuations from air corresponding to sanitary and hygienic indicators (clean), the resulting gas did not contain impurities requiring quantitative assessment and/or identification. If oxygen in its pure form is rarely supplied to the patient, its further dilution to 40%–60% is more often required, and the content of hypothetically possible impurities becomes negligible. However, the technology of air separation on molecular sieves is a complex physicochemical (thermodynamic) process, and its effectiveness depends on the component composition of the incoming air, which may change when working under unfavorable environmental conditions in various locations. In this regard, medical oxygen production plants that implement this technology must employ gas-analytical devices to quantify the level of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide impurities without fail.

Динаміка змін гігієнічних індексів у пацієнтів після хірургічної підготовки коміркового відростка та проведення ортодонтичного лікування

Resume. The aim of our work was to carry out a detailed assessment of the periodontal tissues in patients 1, 3 and 6 months after surgical preparation for orthopedic treatment by determining hygienic indices. The obtained results indicate that the overall level of hygiene is significantly higher compared to the state before treatment. The hygiene indicators in the groups of patients did not differ significantly, which is proof of the absence of a direct influence of this factor on the index and laboratory indicators of periodontal tissue and the activity of the inflammatory process. A detailed study of the set of indicators proves the high efficiency of treatment of patients with lumpy particle defects based on a sophisticated method of chiropractor preparation with the extraction of an autograft from the extracted tooth, namely a sliver of autogenous mineralized dentin. The proposed method of reconstructive chiropractic makes it possible to significantly shorten the treatment time, reduce the cost of chiropractic training and, most importantly, to increase the possibilities of further orthopedic treatment, improve its quality, and increase the speed of operation of the corresponding orthopedic surgeons constructions. Key words: dentition defect, implant, bridge prosthesis, periodontium, hygienic index, tissue defect, cellular process, surgical preparation, bone-plastic material.

Геоэкологические подходы к состоянию антропогенных ландшафтов сквера «Радуга» в г. Улан-Удэ

The intensification of economic activity and especially the construction of industrial or residential facilities next to recreational facilities, in most cases, negatively affects the condition of such facilities. The object of the study is Children’s park "Raduga" in Ulan-Ude. The goal of the study is to consider geoecological approaches to studying the state of anthropogenic landscapes, the Raduga Garden Square in Ulan-Ude, during the implementation of the state program "Formation of a comfortable urban environment" based on the principles of geo-urbanism and geoecology. Research objectives are as follows: implementation of a geo-ecological assessment of the state of the Raduga Garden Square; based on the assessment, phased zoning of the territory of the Raduga Garden Square; preparation of a SWOT analysis of the local residents’ attitude to the Raduga Garden Square in Ulan-Ude; implementation of a sociological survey and the allocation of focus groups of the local population living in the area of the Raduga Garden Square; development of recommendations on the project for the implementation of a comfortable urban environment. In the period of 2023, as a part of the project "Formation of a comfortable urban environment" implementation in the city of Ulan-Ude, the territory of the Raduga Garden Square, one of the popular recreational places for residents of the capital of the republic, has been examined, for this purpose sociological methods and methods of geo-ecological analysis of the condition are used. Anthropogenic landscapes of the park territory. It is discovered that the processes of recreational facilities renovation have begun and require scientific justification, including the standpoint of geo-urbanism and geoecology. The results of sociological and other studies of the Raduga Garden Square have showed that most of it has been subjected to anthropogenic transformation; more than half of the territory of this facility does not meet the requirements for sanitary and hygienic indicators and has a certain degree of degradation. To prevent further regression of the territory of the Raduga Garden Square, a decrease in its attractive properties associated with the anthropogenic transformation of natural components, primarily soil cover, natural vegetation, and the degree of its projective coverage, it is necessary to carry out comprehensive geo-ecological monitoring, and local authorities need to ensure the protection and improvement of the territory of this recreational facility.

Social and ecological determinants of antimicrobial resistance in Africa: a systematic review of epidemiological evidence.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest global health problems for humans, animals, and the environment. Although the association between various factors and AMR is being increasingly researched, the need to understand the contribution of social and ecological determinants, especially in developing nations, remains. This review fills these knowledge gaps by synthesizing existing evidence on the social and ecological determinants of AMR in Africa. Twenty-four studies were selected based on predefined criteria from PubMed. 58.33% (n = 14) and 29.17% (n = 7) of the studies reported on ecological and social determinants of AMR, respectively, and 3 (12.5%) studies documented both social and environmental determinants of AMR. Sociodemographic factors include increased household size, poor knowledge, attitudes toward AMR, low educational levels, and rural residences. Indicators of poor water sanitation and hygiene, framing practices, and consumption of farm products were among the common ecological determinants of AMR and AM misuse in Africa. Our review demonstrates the importance of social and ecological determinants of AMR among African populations. The findings may be valuable to researchers, policymakers, clinicians, and those working in lower-income countries to implement AMR prevention programs utilizing a holistic approach.

Оцінка якості гігієнічного догляду за порожниною рота у дітей з вродженими незрощеннями губи та піднебіння у процесі ортодонтичного лікування

Introduction. Systematic monitoring of the of oral hygiene and professional hygiene with the use of modern, individually selected basic and additional hygiene products and items during orthodontic treatment is a mandatory component of the comprehensive rehabilitation of children with congenital cleft lip and palate (CLP). The aim: to evaluate the quality of individual oral hygiene care of children with congenital unilateral cleft lip and palate in the course of orthodontic treatment in the period of transitional dentition. Materials and methods. The determination of the hygienic condition of the oral cavity in the course of orthodontic treatment was done using the «Differentiated index for determining the indicator of individual oral hygiene, adjusted to take into account the different quality of hygiene on the upper and lower dental rows (DIOH). Results and their discussion. Prevention of diseases of hard tissues of teeth and periodontal tissues in children is important from birth and is especially necessary in the course of orthodontic treatment using removable and fixed orthodontic designs. Children with CLP have an increased risk of developing dental caries for a variety of reasons. Differential examination of the state of dental hygiene on the upper and lower jaws allows giving more targeted recommendations regarding oral hygiene, i.e. personify them. Conclusions. The use of hygiene indices, in particular those that reflect the difference between the level of hygiene on the jaw where the orthodontic appliance is placed and where it is absent, is appropriate for assessing the state of oral hygiene in children with dentognathic anomalies and providing recommendations for its improvement. Key words: congenital unilateral cleft lip and palate, hygiene index, prevention, diseases of hard tissues of teeth and periodontal tissues.

Tracking water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) indicators in tribal districts of India: a secondary data analysis through 2015–2020

Abstract Under Sustainable Development Goal targets 6.1 and 6.2, every nation is committed to ensure universal and equitable access to water and sanitation to its people and India is no exception. The country has made a considerable progress toward these targets through various policy and programmatic initiatives since 2015. Within an overall improvement at the country level, this paper examines the coverage of key WASH indicators in tribal population of the country. Secondary data pertaining to the WASH indicators were obtained from the NFHS 2015–2016 and NFHS 2019–2021 for 90 tribal-dominated districts of the country and were analyzed. We ranked these tribal districts on the basis of their performance. The analysis showed a distinct improvement in terms of marked fall in open defecation, uptake of improved toilet facilities, accessibility to improved sources of water, and improved behaviors in relation to the handwashing and treatment of drinking water in tribal population with varying levels of coverage, which was captured in WASH ranking of these districts. The districts falling toward the bottom side of the ranking ladder need prioritization and entail more attention of programmatic interventions in order to sustain the overall progress and to reach the SDG targets of 100% WASH coverage.

Detection of Salmonella and Enumeration of Hygienic Indicator Bacteria in Dried Wood Ear Mushrooms

An outbreak of Salmonella Stanley in the United States associated with dried wood ear mushrooms imported from China prompted us to conduct serotyping of Salmonella isolated from dried wood ear mushrooms in voluntary testing, and quantitative test for Salmonella along with enumeration of hygienic indicator bacteria in positive samples in order to evaluate the risk of Salmonella outbreak from dried wood ear mushrooms. The major serovars of Salmonella isolates obtained from 20 samples were as follows: O3,10 group-London (n=3) and Weltevreden (n=5) etc, totaling 9 strains; O4 serogroup-Saintpaul (n=2), Stanley (n=1), Typhimurium (including monophasic variant; n=3), totaling 6 strains. O7 serogroup (Potsdam) and O8 serogroup (Newport) were one strain each. Qualitative and quantitative tests for Salmonella were conducted on 10 samples with remaining amounts. As a result, one sample was 220 MPN/g, six samples were<0.6 MPN/g, and three samples were negative for Salmonella per 25 g. The mean aerobic bacterial counts and coliforms in these samples were 7.8 and 6.1 log10 CFU/g, respectively. Furthermore, qualitative test for Salmonella and enumeration of hygienic indicator bacteria were conducted on dried wood ear mushroom products (33 domestic and 30 imported products) retailed in Japan. No samples showed positive for Salmonella per 25 g, and the mean aerobic bacterial counts and coliforms were approximately 2 log10 CFU/g lower than those in the 10 samples where Salmonella was isolated during voluntary testing. While no Salmonella was detected in domestically retailed wood ear mushrooms products, the serovars associated with foodborne diseases were isolated from voluntary testing samples. It indicates that potential for consumption of Salmonella contaminated wood ear mushrooms, which is at risk of causing food poisoning.

Changes in the Microbiota from Fresh to Spoiled Meat, Determined by Culture and 16S rRNA Analysis

Growth of meat microbiota usually results in spoilage of meat that can be perceived by consumers due to sensory changes. However, a high bacterial load does not necessarily result in sensory deviation of meat; nevertheless, this meat is considered unfit for human consumption. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate changes in the microbiota from fresh to spoiled meat and whether the proportions of certain bacteria can probably be used to indicate the hygiene status of meat. For this purpose, 12 fresh pork samples were divided into two groups, and simultaneously aerobically stored at 4°C and 22°C. At each time-temperature point (fresh meat, days 6, 13, and 20 at 4°C, and days 1, 2, 3, and 6 at 22°C), 12 meat subsamples were investigated. Sequences obtained from next-generation sequencing (NGS) were further analyzed down to species level. Plate counting of six bacterial groups and NGS results showed that Pseudomonas spp. and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were found in a high proportion in all stored meat samples and can therefore be considered as important “spoilage indicator bacteria”. On the contrary, sequences belonging to Staphylococcus epidermidis were found in a relatively high proportion in almost all fresh meat samples but were less common in stored meat. In this context, they can be considered as “hygiene indicator bacteria” of meat. Based on these findings, the proportion of the “hygiene indicator bacteria” in relation to the “spoilage indicator bacteria” was calculated to determine a “hygiene index” of meat. This index has a moderate to strong correlation to bacterial loads obtained from culture (p < 0.05), specifically to Pseudomonas spp., LAB and total viable counts (TVCs). Knowledge of the proportions of hygiene and spoilage indicator bacteria obtained by NGS could help to determine the hygiene status even of (heat-) processed composite meat products for the first time, thus enhancing food quality assurance and consumer protection.

The application of cluster nursing to prevent bacterial pneumonia in stroke patients in neurology department

The research aims to explore the intervention effect of cluster nursing methods on bacterial pneumonia in stroke patients in neurology. A retrospective analysis is conducted on 120 patients diagnosed with stroke in the hospital from 2020 to 2022, who are diagnosed as stroke patients in the neurology department by doctors. 120 patients are randomly separated into a control group (CG) and a research group (RG) for the experiment, with 60 people in each group. The CG receive normal nursing; The RG adopt cluster nursing methods. Comparison have done in the general information, nursing satisfaction, physical improvement after intervention, and oral hygiene indicators of the 2 groups of patients, and the intervention effect of the 2 nursing methods on patients suffering from bacterial pneumonia is evaluated. When the time reached the 7th day, the nutritional risk screening scores of both groups were (9.53 ± 2.29) and (8.10 ± 2.12), respectively. The serum albumin levels were (36.46 ± 4.80) g/L and (34.16 ± 3.69) g/L, respectively. After simultaneous nursing intervention, there were P &lt; .005 in respiratory rates in the 2nd and 4th months of intervention, as well as after the completion of nursing intervention. The respiratory rates of the RG patients improved toward a larger range of normal respiratory rates, with significant statistical significance (P &lt; .005). As time passed, the number of people with shortness of breath in the CG increased sharply to 46, while those in the RG was only 27, indicating P &lt; .05 between the 2 groups. At the beginning of the 3rd month, the satisfaction rates of the RG and the CG were (92.33 ± 1.17)% and (78.18 ± 1.07)%, respectively, and there was P &lt; .0.05 between the 2 groups of data. The cluster nursing strategy has a significant relieving effect on bacterial pneumonia in stroke patients in the neurology department, which can effectively reduce the probability of pneumonia, improve their physical condition, and enhance their quality of life. It has certain clinical application value.

Oral Health Statuses of Children and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Umbrella Review.

This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the oral health statuses of children and adults within the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) population through an umbrella review approach. The prevalence of dental caries, periodontal disease, and associated variables were investigated across selected studies. A systematic search was conducted across databases including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Science Citation Index, Science Direct, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and Wiley Online Library to identify relevant studies. The assessed variables included dental caries prevalence, periodontal disease prevalence, oral hygiene indicators, and the necessity of dental treatment. The pooled prevalence rates, odds ratios, and standardized mean differences were calculated where applicable. The pooled prevalence of dental caries among ASD individuals ranged from 60.6% to 67.3%, while the periodontal disease prevalence ranged from 59.8% to 69.4%. High rates of dental treatment under general anesthesia were reported. Heterogeneous dental caries and periodontal disease prevalence rates were identified, highlighting the need for collaboration and preventive care. Several studies also reported higher prevalence rates of dental trauma and self-inflicted oral injuries among individuals with ASD. However, the review also identified significant methodological limitations in the included studies, including inconsistency in oral health assessment methods and potential bias. The necessity for targeted policies due to high prevalence rates and the requirement for integrated care systems in high DMFT regions were also observed. The umbrella review synthesized diverse findings, revealing variations in dental caries and periodontal disease prevalence among ASD individuals. This review underscores the need for tailored interventions and policies to address oral health disparities. It highlights the necessity of integrated care systems, methodological improvements, and longitudinal studies to comprehensively address the multifaceted oral health challenges within the ASD population.

Prevalence of Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes, and Population Levels of Food Safety Indicator Microorganisms in Retail Raw Chicken Meat and Ready-To-Eat Fresh Leafy Greens Salads Sold in Greece.

The presence of microbial pathogens in foods compromises their safety resulting in foodborne illnesses, public health disorders, product recalls, and economic losses. In this work, 60 samples of chilled raw chicken meat and 40 samples of packaged ready-to-eat (RTE) fresh leafy greens salads, sold in Greek retail stores (butchers and supermarkets), were analyzed for the presence of three important foodborne pathogenic bacteria, i.e., Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes, following the detection protocols of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). In parallel, the total aerobic plate count (APC), Enterobacteriaceae, total coliforms, Escherichia coli, and staphylococci were also enumerated as hygiene (safety) indicator organisms. When present, representative typical colonies for each pathogen were biochemically verified, following the ISO guidelines. At the same time, all the Campylobacter isolates from chicken (n = 120) were identified to the species level and further phylogenetically discriminated through multiplex and repetitive sequence-based (rep) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods, respectively. Concerning raw chicken, Campylobacter spp. were recovered from 54 samples (90.0%) and Salmonella spp. were recovered from 9 samples (15.0%), while L. monocytogenes was present in 35 samples (58.3%). No Campylobacter was recovered from salads, and Salmonella was present in only one sample (2.5%), while three salads were found to be contaminated with L. monocytogenes (7.5%). The 65% of the Campylobacter chicken isolates belonged to C. jejuni, whereas the rest, 35%, belonged to C. coli. Alarmingly, APC was equal to or above 106 CFU/g in 53.3% and 95.0% of chicken and salad samples, respectively, while the populations of some of the other safety indicators were in some cases also high. In sum, this study unravels high occurrence percentages for some pathogenic and food safety indicator microorganisms in raw chicken meat and RTE fresh leafy greens salads sold in Greek retail, highlighting the need for more extensive microbiological control throughout the food production chain (from the farm/field to the market).

Hygienic indicator bacteria in the 2 species of wild-caught Japanese cicadas, large brown cicadas and robust cicadas

Abstract Entomophagy is considered a potent dietary practice to replace animal protein due to its highly nutritious and environmentally sustainable features. While entomophagy has many advantages, safety and security concerns still remain, especially for wild-caught insects, not farm-reared insects. This study aimed to clarify the potential microbiological hazards of eating wild-caught cicadas. Large brown cicadas and robust cicadas, which were commonly inhabited in Japan, were caught and examined the hygienic indicator bacteria, standard plate counts (SPC) and Enterobacteriaceae. Then, representative colonies of Enterobacteriaceae were identified. Also, the distribution of bacteria, i.e. the surface or inside the body of the cicadas, and the changes in the bacterial number during the storage of the dead cicadas were examined. SPC was in the range of 3.0 to 9.0 log CFU/g and Enterobacteriaceae was detected in the most of cicadas. Most of the Enterobacteriaceae species identified were biosafety level 2 pathogens or opportunistic pathogens. SPC and Enterobacteriaceae were distributed both on the surface and in the body of the cicadas. SPC and Enterobacteriaceae rapidly increased in the dead cicadas during the storage (at 25 °C). In this study, it is concluded that sufficient heat cooking and proper cold storage should be necessary for the safe consumption of cicadas as food.

Seasonal Comparison of Microbial Hygiene Indicators in Raw and Pasteurized Milk and Cottage Cheese Collected across Dairy Value Chain in Three Regions of Ethiopia.

A longitudinal design with a simple random sampling method was used to collect and compare microbial hygiene levels between the dry season (January to April) and wet season (June to August). A total of 456 milk and cottage cheese samples were collected from each site along the dairy value chain from three regions. Enumeration of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (APC), total coliforms (TCC), and Escherichia coli (EC) was performed according to standard methods. Independent t-tests were employed to assess the significant variation at (p < 0.05) between the two seasons. The cumulative result of APC of 7.61 log cfu/mL and g and TCC of 3.50 log cfu/mL in the dry season were significantly higher than the wet season of 7.15 log cfu/mL and 2.49 log cfu/mL, respectively, whereas generic E. coli count (EC) was significantly higher in the wet season (0.70 log cfu/mL and g) than that in the dry season (0.40 log cfu/mL and g). The results of hygienic indicator microbial load significantly varied with season. Hence, hygienic milk production and handling practices that comprehend seasonal influence should be implemented to improve the safety of milk.

Dental care of disabled people: Descriptive cross-sectional study of social and medico-social establishments

The first objective of this study, concerning the intervention of a dentist in social and medico-social establishments (SMSE), was to diagnose the oral care needs of disabled people (DP). The second objective was to raise awareness of a prevention and follow-up protocol among caregiving staff. We carried out this descriptive cross-sectional study from October 2016 to October 2018, in twenty SMSEs in Essonne. It involved a cohort of 663 volunteer DP, i.e., over 81 percent of the DP accommodated in these establishments. We analyzed DP’s oral hygiene and health indicators, as well as changes in professional practices following simulation workshops, using Pearson’s Chi-square test and Cramer’s test to assess the existence of relationships between variables and their intensity, respectively. Of the 96 percent of DP who accepted a full screening, three-quarters had dental plaque and two-thirds had gingival inflammation, these pathologies being more frequent in the over-20s (p< 0.001 | Cramer’s V=0.26). Only 14 percent had good oral health. Six months later, seventeen SMSEs had recorded dental check-ups in their medical records, and eight SMSEs had introduced brushing after dinner and breakfast, compared with ten and seven respectively before the intervention. This study confirmed the need for SMSEs to carry out dental screening. The involvement of establishments in monitoring the oral hygiene of DP must be strengthened.

What is the Personal Health Knowledge Level of Grade VI Students? An Investigation of Grade VI Students at Mangunharjo Elementary School

The purpose of this study was to determine the level of personal health knowledge of class VI students at SD Mangunharjo. The method used is descriptive quantitative. The population and research sample were all 18 students of class VI at SD Mangunharjo. The data collection technique uses a questionnaire consisting of 6 indicators. Data analysis technique uses descriptive quantitative by calculating the mean value and standard deviation. The results of the study stated that the level of student knowledge in terms of personal hygiene indicators was in the moderate category, the indicators of regular living habits were in the moderate category, the food indicators were in the moderate category, environmental hygiene was in the medium category, disease prevention was in the moderate category, and health examination is in the moderate category. It can be concluded that the level of personal health knowledge of class VI students at SD Mangunharjo is in the moderate category.

The alteration of oral microbiota before and after training in swimmers.

We aimed to analyze the effect of acute exercise on oral microbiota in regularly trained swimmers. As environmental factors may affect the oral microbiota; we also aimed to analyze the short-duration effect of swimming training on the oral bacteria relative difference in swimmers. Saliva samples of 20 swimmers both before and after the training were used for the oral microbiota metagenesis. The next-generation sequencing method targeting 16S rDNA gene fragments was used for genotyping. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for the statistical evaluation of the taxons. The alfa diversity comparisons were assessed with the One-Way ANOVA, and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to determine bacterial diversity. Decayed- Missed- Filled total (DMF-T) scores were the indicators of oral hygiene. A comparison of the before and after exercise microbiota of the swimmers gave rise to a statistically significant difference for Firmicutes (p=0.014) and Bacteroidetes (p=0.007) phylum; Clostridia (p=0.006) and Bacilli (p=0.048) classes; Clostridiales (p=0.004), Entomoplasmatales (p=0.009) and Bacillales (p=0.006) for ordo; Lachnospiraceae (p=0.001) family and Stenotrophomonas (p=0.013) genus. Although there were some differences within the other taxa of the bacteria, all were statistically insignificant. Streptococcus, Pseudomonas and Rothia mucilaginosa showed a correlation with the DMF-T values in swimmers. This study was the first in Turkish swimmers to investigate the relative abundance of oral microbiota. We showed that exercise within the pool water changed the oral bacteria's relative abundance. To confirm our results and clarify the effect of pool water on oral bacteria relative abundance, more studies on dietary intake should be carried out.

Resistance and Virulence Surveillance in Escherichia coli Isolated from Commercial Meat Samples: A One Health Approach.

Escherichia coli is a key indicator of food hygiene, and its monitoring in meat samples points to the potential presence of antimicrobial-resistant strains capable of causing infections in humans, encompassing resistance profiles categorized as serious threats by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), such as Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-a problem with consequences for animal, human, and environmental health. The objective of the present work was to isolate and characterize ESBL-producing E. coli strains from poultry, pork, and beef meat samples, with a characterization of their virulence and antimicrobial resistance profiles. A total of 450 meat samples (150 chicken, 150 beef, and 150 pork) were obtained from supermarkets and subsequently cultured in medium supplemented with cefotaxime. The isolated colonies were characterized biochemically, followed by antibiogram testing using the disk diffusion technique. Further classification involved biofilm formation and the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes (blaCTX-M, AmpC-type, mcr-1, and fosA3), and virulence genes (eaeA, st, bfpA, lt, stx1, stx2, aggR, iss, ompT, hlyF, iutA, iroN, fyuA, cvaC, and hylA). Statistical analysis was performed via the likelihood-ratio test. In total, 168 strains were obtained, with 73% originating from chicken, 22% from pork, and 17% from beef samples. Notably, strains exhibited greater resistance to tetracycline (51%), ciprofloxacin (46%), and fosfomycin (38%), apart from β-lactams. The detection of antimicrobial resistance in food-isolated strains is noteworthy, underscoring the significance of antimicrobial resistance as a global concern. More than 90% of the strains were biofilm producers, and strains carrying many ExPEC genes were more likely to be biofilm formers (OR 2.42), which increases the problem since the microorganisms have a greater chance of environment persistence and genetic exchange. Regarding molecular characterization, bovine samples showed a higher prevalence of blaCTX-M-1 (OR 6.52), while chicken strains were more likely to carry the fosA3 gene (OR 2.43, CI 1.17-5.05) and presented between 6 to 8 ExPEC genes (OR 2.5, CI 1.33-5.01) compared to other meat samples. Concerning diarrheagenic E. coli genes, two strains harbored eae. It is important to highlight these strains, as they exhibited both biofilm-forming capacities and multidrug resistance (MDR), potentially enabling colonization in diverse environments and causing infections. In conclusion, this study underscores the presence of β-lactamase-producing E. coli strains, mainly in poultry samples, compared to beef and pork samples. Furthermore, all meat sample strains exhibited many virulence-associated extraintestinal genes, with some strains harboring diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC) genes.

Multi-criteria comparison of various drinking water installations for low-temperature supply systems in apartments

Rules to prevent from legionnaires disease gain importance as the building sector, esp. multi-family houses, needs to be decarbonized with temperature sensitive heat pumps. As legionella grow often in the peripheries of the pipe networks, we carried out dynamic simulations with TRNSYS of four different piping designs with composite pipes inside a reference apartment (T-piece, in-series, ring and a mix of T-piece for potable hot water (PWH) and ring for potable cold water (PWC)). We applied PWH and PWC tapping profiles for each tap, investigated two different supply temperatures of potable hot water 60 °C and 45 °C, and compared the results using hygienic, comfort and energy efficiency performance indicators. Based on the indicators and the boundary conditions used, classical T-piece and the mix installation show the best results, followed by series and ring, especially when using decentral water heaters with 45 °C.

Diagnosis of the microbiological quality of fiscal artisanal Minas cheese samples

Minas Gerais State is the largest producer of artisanal cheeses in Brazil. In order to preserve production traditions and guarantee sanitary quality, the laws, decrees and other regulations have been constantly updated. Considering its inspection duties and aiming to identify compliance with the microbiological requirements defined in the legislation, the Instituto Mineiro de Agropecuária (IMA) took 1390 indicative samples of Artisanal Minas Cheese (AMC) from 364 cheese dairies in the micro-regions of Araxá, Campo das Vertentes, Canastra, Cerrado, Serra do Salitre, Serro and the Triângulo Mineiro. Coliforms at 35 °C, Escherichia coli, coagulase-positive staphylococci, Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes were analyzed at the Laboratory of Microbiological Safety in Food at IMA, according to the analytical methodologies determined by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply. The mean coliform count at 35 °C, E. coli and coagulase-positive staphylococci ranged from 1.0 to 5.3 log CFU/g, 0.3 to 3.3 log CFU/g and 1.0 to 6.3 log CFU/g, respectively. Thus, 18.7%, 14.1% and 25.0% of the samples, respectively, did not conform with the legislation for these microbial groups. In addition, Salmonella spp. was present in one sample and L. monocytogenes in seven samples. The percentage of non-compliance per micro-region analyzed was 30% in Araxá, 29% in Campo das Vertentes, 23% in Canastra, 44% in Cerrado, 32.5% in Serra do Salitre, 50% in Serro and 20% in the Triângulo Mineiro. Of the cheeses sampled before completing the minimum period of ripening required by state legislation, 51.5% were non-compliant, while for those that completed the minimum time, this index was 24.2%, evidence that the ripening time is essential for the adequacy of AMC to the microbiological standards. On the other hand, the percentages of non-compliance showed very similar values (39.3% and 42.0% respectively) in the dry and rainy seasons. When evaluating the evolution of microbiological quality over 11 years, and comparing the micro-regions, no tendency for improvement in quality was found, and of the hygiene indicator microorganisms, coagulase-positive staphylococci were responsible for the highest number of nonconformities, especially in the Serro regions. Thus, there is a need to implement projects and public policies to improve the microbiological quality of the AMC.