Indigenous Microflora Research Articles

The crude oil biodegradation activity of Candida strains isolated from oil-reservoirs soils in Saudi Arabia

Crude oil (petroleum) is a naturally occurring complex composed of hydrocarbon deposits and other organic materials. Bioremediation of crude oil-polluted sites is restricted by the biodiversity of indigenous microflora. They possess complementary substrates required for degrading the different hydrocarbons. In the current study, four yeast strains were isolated from different oil reservoirs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The oil-biodegradation ability of these isolates showed variable oxidation effects on multiple hydrocarbons. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed morphological changes in Candida isolates compared to the original structures. The drop-collapse and oil emulsification assays showed that yeast strains affected the physical properties of tested hydrocarbons. The content of biosurfactants produced by isolated strains was quantified in the presence of different hydrocarbons to confirm the oil displacement activity. The recovery assays included acid precipitation, solvent extraction, ammonium sulfate, and zinc sulfate precipitation methods. All these methods revealed that the amount of biosurfactants correlates to the type of tested hydrocarbons, where the highest amount was produced in crude oil contaminated samples. In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of Candida isolated from contaminated soils for bioremediation of petroleum oil pollution. That raises the need for further analyses on the microbes/hydrocarbon degradation dynamics.

Compositional and Functional Changes in Microbial Communities of Composts Due to the Composting-Related Factors and the Presence of Listeria monocytogenes.

ABSTRACTListeria monocytogenes is a leading foodborne pathogen that can contaminate fresh produce in farm environment, resulting in deadly outbreaks. Composts contain a diversity of microorganisms, and some of them may be compost-adapted competitive exclusion microorganisms against L. monocytogenes. To understand interactions between compost microflora and the pathogen, both dairy- and poultry-wastes based composts (n = 12) were inoculated with L. monocytogenes, and then analyzed by next-generation sequencing approaches along with culturing methods. DNA extraction and enumeration of L. monocytogenes were performed at 0 and 72 h post-incubation at room temperature. The major bacterial phyla were identified as Firmicutes (23%), Proteobacteria (23%), Actinobacteria (19%), Chloroflexi (13%), Bacteroidetes (12%), Gemmatimonadetes (2%), and Acidobacteria (2%). The top three indicator genera enriched in different compost types were identified by LEfSe with LDA score > 2. The interactions between L. monocytogenes and indigenous microflora were limited as no significant changes in the dominant microbial members in compost ecosystem, but some discriminatory species such as Bacillus, Geobacillus, and Brevibacterium were identified by Random Forest analysis. Besides, changes in metabolic pathways and the increased abundance of bacteriocins category in the compost samples containing L. monocytogenes after 72 h postinoculation were revealed by metatranscriptomic sequencing. Taken together, the compost-related factors such as compost types, composting stages, and the collection farms are major drivers that affect compost microbial compositions, and the analysis of compost metagenome implied that interactions between L. monocytogenes and compost microflora may include competition for nutrients and the presence of antimicrobials.IMPORTANCE Listeria monocytogenes has been recognized as the etiological agent causing foodborne disease outbreaks, with fresh produce as vulnerable for contamination at even preharvest stage. Owing to the richness in microbial community, compost may mediate suppression of pathogens. In this study, the impact of compost-related factors and L. monocytogenes intrusion on dynamic changes in compost microbiome was investigated by next generation sequencing techniques. The compost-related factors such as compost types, composting stages, and the collection farms are major drivers that affect compost microbiome. The interactions between L. monocytogenes and compost microflora may include the competition for nutrients and the presence of antimicrobials produced by native compost microorganisms as potential competitive exclusion microorganisms. Findings from this study are important for the composting industry to understand the composition and functionality of microbial community in their products and help developing organic fertilizers fortified with anti-L. monocytogenes competitive exclusion microorganisms.

Microbiological diversity and biotechnological characteristics of the dominant indigenous lactic microflora in Algerian traditional butter (Dhan)

Traditional butter is widely used in pastoral populations in Algeria, thanks to its nutritional value. Several studies have investigated traditional butter produced in Algeria, our study is a contribution to its improvement and valorisation through the phenotypic identification and characterization of lactic acid bacteria responsible for the fermentation of this product. The samples were collected in the regions of Relizane, Oran, Sidi Bel-Abbes and Tindouf. Physicochemical tests make it possible to specify the quality of traditional butter; the pH is 4.5 ± 0.02 to 5.31 ± 0.2, the fat content is 73 ± 0.2 to 83 ± 0.1%, the acid index is 28.05 ± 0.2 to 44.88 ± 0.2 mg KOH.g-1 and the saponification index is 131.85 ± 0.2 to 359.10 ± 0.2 mg KOHg.-1. The microbiological analysis results show that the lactic microflora isolated from butter consists mainly of different genera; Lactobacillus 49%, Lactococcus 20%, Leuconostoc 15%, Enterococcus 11% and Pediococcus 5%. Species identification is based on classical phenotypic characterization; Lb. plantarum 7 isolates (26%), Lb. casei subsp. casei 6 isolates (22%), Lb. casei subsp. rhamnosus and Lb. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus 5 isolates (19%), Lb. delbrueckii subsp. delbrueckii 4 isolates (14%), Lc. lactis subsp. cremoris 6 isolates (55%), Lc. lactis subsp. lactis 5 isolates (45%), Ln. mesenteroides subsp. dextranicum 5 isolates (62%), Ln. mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides 3 isolates (38%), E. faecalis 4 isolates (67%), E. faecium 2 isolates (33%), P. acidilactici3 isolates (100%). They have considerable biotechnological characteristics which allow the constitution of specific starters in the manufacture of Algerian traditional butter.

Biodegradation of Spent Automobile Engine Oil in Soil Microcosms Amended with Cow Dung

The discharge of spent engine oil in terrestrial and aquatic environments constitutes public health and socio-economic hazards. In this study, the potentials of organic waste (cow dung) amendments as biostimulating agents of the indigenous microflora for hydrocarbon biodegradation in soil microcosms deliberately contaminated with spent engine oil (5%v/w) was investigated for a period of 6 weeks. Physico-chemical and microbiological analysis of soil samples was determined using standard methods. A microcosm constructed consists of 8 trays containing 1kg of soil, artificially contaminated with 50ml of spent engine oil and treated with 50g, 100g and 150g of cow dung. Spent engine oil degradation was assessed gravimetrically at weekly interval and chromatographically after 6 weeks of biodegradation treatment. Results of the physico-chemical analysis showed that the pH of soil was 6.56 while nitrate, moisture content, phosphate and total organic content were 0.82mg/kg, 9.28%, 0.73mg/kg and 3.60mg/kg respectively. Microbiological analysis of the soil sample showed that the total heterotrophic bacteria were 3.6x106cfu/g, while total heterotrophic fungal and hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria (HUB) were 2.2x104cfu/g and 7.9 x104cfu/g respectively. The mean value of the total viable counts (TVC) population of hydrocarbon-utilizers was higher in biostimulated soil which ranged from (2.10x105-5.30x109cfu/g) compared with that of control (1.20x105-3.10x108cfu/g). Residual oil concentration showed a more remarkable decrease throughout the incubation period (0.400-0.259mg/g, 0.420-0.218mg/g and 0.410-0.220mg/g for treatments 1, 2 and 3 respectively) when compared to that of control which ranged from 0.400-0.304mg/g. At the end of 6 weeks of microcosms biodegradation studies, percentage degradations of the spent engine oil were 23.81%, 35.29%, 45.45% and 44.94% for CON, T1, T2 and T3 respectively. The result obtained from this study showed that cow dung can be effectively used as a biostimulant during bioremediation of spent engine oil polluted site to enhance biodegradation ability of the indigenous microbial population.

Survival and inactivation kinetics of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium in irradiated and natural poultry litter microcosms.

The use of poultry litter as a biological soil amendment presents a risk for the preharvest contamination of fresh produce by Salmonella. In order to properly assess this risk, it is important to understand the factors influencing the persistence of Salmonella in poultry litter. This research was performed to investigate the influence of indigenous microflora on the survival of Salmonella Typhimurium in poultry litter. Microcosms of irradiated (sterilized) and natural poultry litter were inoculated with S. Typhimurium, adjusted to pH 8.0, 0.92 water activity (aw), and stored at 30°C for 6 days. S. Typhimurium populations (log CFU g-1) declined in both litter treatments and there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in recovery between litter treatments on any sampling days (0 to 6). The pH of the natural litter significantly increased (P < 0.05) from 8.42 on day 0 to 9.00 on day 6. By day 6, S. Typhimurium populations in both litter treatments fell below the limit of detection (1 log CFU g-1). The inactivation kinetics of S. Typhimurium in both litter treatments were described by the Weibull model. Under the experimental conditions (pH 8.0, 0.92 aw, 30°C), the presence or absence of poultry litter microflora did not significantly influence the survival of S. Typhimurium. This study demonstrates that the mere presence of poultry litter microflora will not inhibit Salmonella survival. Instead, inhibitory interactions between various microorganisms in litter and Salmonella are likely dependent on more favorable environmental conditions (e.g., aw, pH) for growth and competition.

Microbiological Risk Assessment of Ready-to-Eat Leafy Green Salads via a Novel Electrochemical Sensor

Nowadays, the growing interest in a healthy lifestyle, to compensate for modern stressful habits, has led to an increased demand for wholesome products with quick preparation times. Fresh and ready-to-eat leafy green vegetables are generally perceived as salutary and safe, although they have been recognized as a source of food poisoning outbreaks worldwide. The reason is that these products retain much of their indigenous microflora after minimal industrial processing, and are expected to be consumed without any additional treatment by consumers. Microbiological safety requires a systematic approach that encompasses all aspects of production, processing and distribution. Nevertheless, the most common laboratory techniques used for the detection of pathogens are expensive, time consuming, need laboratory professionals and are not able to provide prompt results, required to undertake effective corrective actions. In this context, the solution proposed in this work is a novel electrochemical sensing system, able to provide real-time information on microbiological risk, which is also potentially embeddable in an industrial production line. The results showed the sensor ability to detect leafy green salad bacterial contaminations with adequate sensibility, even at a low concentration.

Effect of High Pressure on the Properties of Chocolate Fillings during Long-Term Storage

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of high-pressure processing (HPP) on the long-term storage of chocolate fillings at room temperature, compared with conventional storage at lower temperatures. Dark chocolate fillings were treated at different pressure levels, holding times and stored at 20 °C for 12 months. Unprocessed batches were stored at 4 °C and at −12 °C. Moisture, water activity (aw), pH, colour, G′1Hz and indigenous microflora were measured at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 months of storage. Results showed that 600 MPa/20 min processing was the most effective controlling mesophilic group, presenting 3.8 log cfu/g after 12 months of storage, and inactivating moulds and yeasts after HPP treatment. Colour was affected by storage, including a reduction in the L* parameter in all conditions to final values between 37.8 and 39.3, while the a* parameter increased during storage time at −12 °C and 4 °C to final values of around 12, and parameter b* decreased at storage temperature 20 °C to 5.3. Storage time affected the rheological behaviour of HPP-treated samples, increasing G′1Hz from the 2nd to 12th month of storage time to the final values between 1603 kPa and 2139 kPa. Moisture, aw and pH were not affected by HPP treatment nor storage time.

The expression of novel PII-like protein from Lentilactobacillus hilgardii

The understanding of molecular mechanisms of bacterial adaptation to environmental changes represents the basis for maintaining the homeostasis of microbiomes of natural and artificial biotopes. Lactic acid bacteria are presented everywhere in the environment and present the indigenous microflora of various fermented substrates, fruits, soil and feces. In natural habitats the starvation by available nitrogen, carbon or energy sources can occur. Nevertheless, the regulation of their nitrogen metabolism remains unexplored and is presented only in a few works. Generally, in the most bacteria the nitrogen metabolism is regulated by PII like proteins in response to the nutrition and energy availability via sensing changes of intracellular level of ATP, ADP, 2-OG and glutamine. Among more than 400 species of Lactobacillaceae known to the date, only seven contain genes encoding for PII homologue. In Lentilactobacilli, the gene of PII-like proteins has unique genetic background being located within the potABCDN operon, which encodes the ABC transporter of spermidine/putrescine, the products of amino acids metabolism. These molecules contain multiple amino groups and thus could also serve as nitrogen source. The maximum expression of the potABCDN operon was observed upon transfer to a medium containing spermidine as solely nitrogen source, while is suppressed upon growth with glutamate and glutamine. This suggests the availability of energy supply as the leading factor determining the level of potABCDN operon transcription in L. hilgardii cells.

Is it necessary to correct the intestinal microbiota disorders in chronic pancreatitis?

The frequency of intestinal microbiota disorders in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) is extremely high and can reach 97%. The bacterial overgrowth syndrome (SIBO) and the syndrome of increased epithelial permeability (SPEP), developing against the background of excretory insufficiency of the pancreas, affect the severity of the clinical picture of the disease, reduce the effectiveness of enzyme replacement therapy and generally contribute to the further progression of CP.The article presents a modern view on the mechanisms of the formation of SIBO and SPEP in CP. There is their aggravating effect on the course of the disease and the aggravation of disorders of the digestive and absorption processes that accompany them is shown and analyzed in the article.For decontamination of conditionally pathogenic and pathogenic flora, increasing the number and metabolic activity of indigenous microflora in patients with CP, the use of a non-absorbable broad-spectrum antibiotic rifaximin is effective. In order to restore the barrier function of the gastrointestinal mucosa, the drug of choice is rebamipid, a universal cytoprotector that affects all three levels of epithelial tissue protection (preepithelial, epithelial and subepithelial).Conclusion. CP is characterized by the complexity of its etiology and pathogenesis. Bacterial factors, in particular, SIBO and SPEP, play an essential role in the development of inflammatory changes in the pancreas. In the complex therapy of CP, it is advisable to take measures aimed at correcting disorders of the intestinal microbiota.

Biochemical activity of marine yeast bottom sediments of Sevastopol bays (Black Sea)

Fungi in marine environments, including yeasts, are far less studied than fungi in terrestrial environments, not only in Black Sea but also all over the world. The data about the biochemical activity of marine yeasts are presented. Yeast strains were able to be isolated from bottom sediments of three Sevastopol bays (Karantinnaya bay, Kruglaya Bay, and Yuzhnaya bay) during a sanitary-ecological survey of department of marine sanitary hydrobiology IBSS. We have showed hydrochemical characteristic of the studied area based on the literature review. The isolates grew well in a medium composed of sugars (glucose, lactose), in vitro ability to degrade starch and peptone. In addition, they used oil and petroleum hydrocarbons as the only source of carbon and energy actively. The indigenous microflora in heavily polluted environments faces a regular threat from pollutants and has therefore evolved the necessary enzymatic setup for their detoxification.

ANTIBIOTIC ASSOCIATIVE DISORDERS OF THE MICROBIOCENOSIS OF THE COLON IN INFANTS WITH ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISEASES.

The aim: Study the effect of antibiotics of different groups on the condition of the colon microflora in infants with acute respiratory pathology. Materials and methods: 140 infants with acute respiratory pathology were examined. Clinical, laboratory and instrumental examination, assessment of the functional state of all organs and systems, chest x ray, clinical signs of the colon microbiocenosis violation, analysis of bacteriological examination and immunological studies of local colon immunity (immunoglobulin concentration (sIgA, IgA, IgG, IgM) in coprofiltrates) were done. Results: The negative effect of antibiotics of different pharmacological groups on the colon microflora state in infants with acute respiratory diseases has been established. The indigenous microflora of the colon is most inhibited by drugs from the group of 3rd generation cephalosporins, aminoglycosides and their combination. While cephalosporins 1-2nd generations, penicillins and macrolides to a lesser extent affect the state of the microbiocenosis of the colon. The use of two courses of antibacterial therapy to a greater extent disrupts the microbiocenosis of the colon in the examined children, compared with one course of therapy. In commune acquired pneumonia and acute complicated bronchiolitis in infants on the background of antibiotic therapy there is a probable decrease in secretory immunoglobulin in coprofiltrate (sIgA), compared with healthy children (p <0.05). Conclusions: The analysis of the obtained results showed that antibiotic therapy negatively affects not only the condition of the colon microflora in the examined children, but also suppresses humoral factors of local immunity of the colonic mucosa. Key words: digestive tract microbiocenosis, antibiotic therapy, children.

INFLUENCE OF BISPHENOL A AND PROBIOTIC-CONTAINING FEED CARASSIUS GIBELIO BLOCH INDICATES SEPARATELY

One of the most common pollutants of water bodies is bisphenol A (BPA), a plastic monomer used to synthesize polycarbonate plastics, epoxy resins and thermal paper (Barboza L. et. al., 2020). BPA enters freshwater and marine ecosystems as a result of leaching from BPA-based composites, as well as with water discharges from manufacturing plants, wastewater treatment plants and landfills. BPA is characterized by a low accumulation potential in freshwater environments, a short half-life under aerobic conditions, but due to the continuity of exposure, it is a serious problem (Wu N. C., Seebacher F., 2020). The ways BPA enters the fish body are diverse: through the digestive tract, gills, skin. Numerous studies have shown the adverse effects of BPA on the behavioral and morpho-physiological parameters of fish, including swimming patterns, coordination of movements, appetite, and dysfunction of many systems (endocrine, reproductive, nervous). It is possible to prevent the negative effects of hunting through the prophylactic use of agents that enhance the overall reactivity of the body. In this sense, our attention was drawn to probiotics - microorganisms that have a stimu-lating effect on the development of indigenous microflora, have a high antagonistic, synthetic, immunomodulatory, regulatory potential. We have studied the effect of bisphenol A and probiotic microorganisms Lactobacillus casei, introduced in the feed, on certain indicators of Carassius gibelio Bloch (general behavioral reactions, certain mor-pho-physiological parameters, qualitative and quantitative characteristics of erythrocytes and leukocytes). The study was carried out after 15-day acclimatization of fish in aquariums at a water temperature of 14°C, appropriate aera-tion regime and 16-hour photoperiod. It was found that 96-hour exposure to bisphenol A at a concentration of 1.5 mg/l causes darkening of the skin, in-creased mucus secretion, uncharacteristic motor activity, the appearance of unusual morphotypes of red blood cells, a slight increase in the number of leukocytes, and a decrease in the phagocytic activity of Carassius gibelio Bloch. Preventive introduction of probiotic cultures in the feed contributed to the correction of behavioral reactions and individual hematological parameters

New way of valorization of raw coffee silverskin: Biohydrogen and acetate production by dark fermentation without exogenous inoculum

Coffee silverskin, a roasting by-product, was tested for hydrogen production by dark fermentation for the first time. The indigenous microflora converted organic matter into hydrogen without biomass pretreatment, reaching hydrogen yields of up to 24.1 mL H2/g COD (chemical oxygen demand). Hydrogen yield was maintained at high biomass load (minimal dilution) during semi-batch bioreactor operation. Acetate was the main metabolite produced, while butyrate, ethanol and propionate were produced in lower amounts. PCR amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene showed that hydrogen-producing bacteria affiliated to Enterobacteriaceae (27.5%) and Clostridium (5.1%) were selected from the indigenous microflora. In agreement with observed metabolites, acetate-producing Enterococcus (54.1%) was the main bacterial phylotype identified. This study opens a new approach for valorization of coffee silverskin through hydrogen production.

Clinical and microbiological efficacy of "Bioplasmiх throat spray" in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases of the palatine tonsils

Topicality: Chronic inflammatory diseases of the tonsils occupy a significant place in the structure of otorhinolaryngological pathology. The transition of inflammation to a chronic form is associated with the suppression of factors of colonization resistance of this biotope, the emergence of pathogenic microorganisms such as St. рyogenes and S. aureus. Аgainst the background of developing dysbiosis and immune imbalance, a number of complications from organs and systems may develop. Therefore, the search for means for effective topical etiotropic treatment of chronic tonsillitis and, at the same time, gentle on the indigenous microflora, is relevant. Materials and methods: The study involved 52 patients with chronic tonsillitis. All patients were divided into 2 groups of 26 each. Subjects of the 1st group in local therapy used the bacterial component "Bioplasmix throat spray", and patients in the 2nd group – used the traditional course of treatment: washing the lacunae of the tonsils with antiseptic agent – decamethoxine at a concentration of 0.2 mg/ml. Results and discussion: Studies have shown the selective antimicrobial activity of "Bioplasmix Throat Spray". Thus, in relation to the main pathogens "Bioplasmix Throat Spray" showed a pronounced antibacterial effect and, at the same time, helped to normalize the population level of indigenous microflora, which indicates the restoration of colonization resistance of the biotope. The positive dynamics of the main complaints of patients and pharyngoscopic signs testified to the clinical effectiveness of "Bioplasmiх Throat Spray". The analysis of clinical indicators in patients of the 2nd group showed a decrease in the severity of patient complaints and objective signs of the disease during treatment with decamethoxine. The results of repeated microbiological studies showed that, unlike "Bioplasmiх Throat Spray", the broad spectrum of antimicrobial action of decamethoxine does not contribute to the restoration and maintenance of high population levels of indigenous microflora of thepalatine tonsils.

ISOLATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF A NEW ALKALI-HALOTOLERANT BACILLUS AQUIMARIS STRAIN LGMT10, PRODUCING EXTRACELLULAR HYDROLASES, FROM THE EFFLUENTS OF A THERMAL POWER PLANT, IN ALGERIA

Modern biotechnology takes into account cost, performance, and respect for the environment to set up an industrial process. In this sense, the study's goal is to highlight the presence of indigenous microbial microflora in the Terga thermal power plant effluents, which are capable of secreting extracellular hydrolases. Four different extracellular hydrolases classes, which are most of the time used in bioindustry, namely protease, amylase, lipase, and cellulase, were investigated in agar plate assay, to select microorganisms with an interesting enzymatic potential adapted to this type of environment. Consequently, the results have shown that among twelve isolated bacterial strains, three strains were screened based on their enzymatic potential, and were later identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, i.e. showing that the strains belong to the genus Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus wiedmannii with a similarity percentage of 99.33% and 100%, respectively, with their corresponding type of strains. Among them, the strain LGMT10 that belongs to the Bacillus genus, and is closely related to Bacillus aquimaris, showed a 16S rRNA sequence similarity with the type of strain of 99.23%. This strain presents adequate characteristics to resist the harsh conditions of pH and NaCl. It could grow against wide ranges of NaCl concentrations between 0-12% (w/v), pH 5.5-12, and was able to produce extracellular hydrolases (i.e., protease, amylase, and cellulase) against pH ranges of 6.8-12 and NaCl concentrations between 0-12% (w/v) at 30 °C. This strain's intriguing enzymatic potential, as well as its pH and salinity tolerance, make it a promising candidate for various biotechnological applications in detergent, leather, textile, and food processing industries.

Using amplicon sequencing of rpoB for identification of inoculant rhizobia from peanut nodules

To improve the nitrogen fixation, legume crops are often inoculated with selected effective rhizobia. However, there is large variation in how well the inoculant strains compete with the indigenous microflora in soil. To assess the success of the inoculant, it is necessary to distinguish it from other, closely related strains. Methods used until now have generally been based either on fingerprinting methods or on the use of reporter genes. Nevertheless, these methods have their shortcomings, either because they do not provide sufficiently specific information on the identity of the inoculant strain, or because they use genetically modified organisms that need prior authorization to be applied in the field or other uncontained environments. Another possibility is to target a gene that is naturally present in the bacterial genomes. Here we have developed a method that is based on amplicon sequencing of the bacterial housekeeping gene rpoB, encoding the beta-subunit of the RNA polymerase, which has been proposed as an alternative to the 16S rRNA gene to study the diversity of rhizobial populations in soils. We evaluated the method under laboratory and field conditions. Peanut seeds were inoculated with various Bradyrhizobium strains. After nodule development, DNA was extracted from selected nodules and the nodulating rhizobia were analysed by amplicon sequencing of the rpoB gene. The analyses of the sequence data showed that the method reliably identified bradyrhizobial strains in nodules, at least at the species level, and could be used to assess the competitiveness of the inoculant compared to other bradyrhizobia.

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ БАКТЕРИОТРОПНЫХ СВОЙСТВ СОКА ИЗ ЗЕЛЕНЫХ РОСТКОВ ПШЕНИЦЫ

Juice «vitgrass» made from green wheat sprouts is a valuable biologically active product that has a stimulating effect on the physiological state of a person. Hydroponically grown raw materials for juice production contain proteins, fats, carbohydrates, a large group of vitamins, macro- and microelements, antioxidants, enzymes and other substances. As a part of health programs, the use of this juice is recommended for overweight people to optimize the metabolic processes of the macroorganism. A healthy lifestyle involves reducing the negative impact of environmental factors, including diet correction, on the microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract. The cumulative biological assessment of wheatgrass juice should take into account the results of its effect on the indigenous microflora. Lacto- and bifidobacteria, including industrial strains for the manufacture of probiotic preparations, represent an adequate model for studying the bacteriotropic effect of any plant-based product. The experimental results indicate a pronounced stimulating effect of juice from green wheat sprouts on the growth parameters of probiotic bacterial cultures. Strains of lacto- and bifidobacteria when cultivated under conditions of maximum limitation of nutrients in the composition of the "poor" nutrient medium with the addition of "Vitgrass" juice reacted with an increase in the level of accumulation of cell biomass and a higher activity of acid formation in comparison with the control. The analysis of the results obtained makes it possible to estimate the magnitude of the effects of stimulation in relation to both bacterial cultures as quite comparable, taking into account the known intersstrain differences in growth parameters and their biochemical aspects. This is confirmed by an almost similar increased level of carbohydrate utilization in both variants of culture liquids in the presence of juice. The potential of the positive bacteriotropic activity of "Vitgrass" juice in relation to the representatives of the indigenous microflora can be realized in different ways. It seems expedient to use the product from green wheat sprouts more widely as part of programs for the complex health improvement of the macroorganism, including the prevention and correction of dysbiotic conditions.

Study on Productivity, Quality and Profitability of Soybean (Glycine max L.) as Influenced by Fertility Levels and Enriched Compost in Typic Haplustepts Soil

Background: Enriched composts supply the plant nutrients and add a sufficient amount of organic matter to the soil, which helps in improving the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. It helps to maintain and sustain soil fertility for enhancing crop productivity and also acts as a recess for microbes and enriches the soil with a variety of the indigenous micro-flora and fauna. Hence, the present investigation was carried out to study the effect of fertility levels and enriched compost on productivity, quality and profitability of soybean (Glycine max L.) in sub-humid southern plain and Aravalli hills region of Rajasthan. Methods: The experiment was undertaken during kharif 2018 at Rajasthan College of agriculture, Udaipur (Rajasthan) in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. The treatments were comprised of three levels of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) (control, 50% RDF and 100% RDF) and four levels of enriched compost (control, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 t ha-1). Result: The increasing fertility levels upto 100% RDF and enriched compost upto 4 t ha-1, significantly increased (P=0.05) the plant height, dry matter accumulation, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, seed yield, haulm yield and protein and oil content in seed of soybean. However, the combined application of 100% RDF along with 6 t ha-1 enriched compost recorded higher seed and haulm yield. The results further revealed that the application of 100% RDF and 4 t ha-1 enriched compost significantly improved the productivity, quality and profitability of soybean under Typic Haplustepts soil.

Microbial Quality of Industrially Processed Sachet-Packed Fruit Drinks Consumed Mostly by School Children in Nigeria

Fruit drinks are often packed as accompaniments with school children’s lunch packs in Nigeria. In recent times, reports from consumers stated that a lot of these drinks when opened up and poured into cups before drinking, fungal mass was present and this has queried the safety of consumption of these drinks. The aim of this study was to determine whether commercially packed fruit drinks consumed majorly by school children were microbially contaminated. Twenty (20) samples of sachet packed fruit drinks comprising of 4 different flavours precisely orange, pineapple, apple and multivitamin flavours were analyzed for their microbial quality. The total bacterial and fungal counts in the samples examined did not exceed the regulatory microbiological criteria for fruit drinks. Lactobacillus, Bacillus, Staphylococcus aureus, Rhizopus, Aspergillus and Penicillium species were isolated from the samples. Lactobacillus poses no health risk to the consumer however, the incidence of Bacillus and Staphylococcus aureus in the drink samples is quite worrisome as they have been implicated as potential pathogens. The fungal species isolated are of public health concern especially as some have been implicated as mycotoxin producers. The presence of these organisms in the drinks may be attributed to indigenous microflora of fruits or concentrates used, poor hygienic practices during production and low pH of the drinks. It is therefore necessary that fruit drink manufacturers adhere strictly to microbiological quality standards and specifications during production especially for foods to be consumed by children with developing immune systems.

Assessment of the response of indigenous microflora and inoculated Bacillus licheniformis endospores in reconstituted skim milk to microwave and conventional heating systems by flow cytometry

Heat treatment is one of the most widely used processing technologies in the dairy industry. Its primary purpose is to destroy microorganisms, both pathogenic and spoilage, to ensure the product is safe and has a reasonable shelf life. In this study microwave volumetric heating (MVH) was compared with a conventional tubular heat exchanger (THE), in terms of the effects of each at a range of temperatures (75°C, 85°C, 95°C, 105°C, 115°C, and 125°C) on indigenous microflora viability and the germination of inoculated Bacillus licheniformis endospores in reconstituted skim milk. To assess the heat treatment-related effects on microbial viability, classical agar-based tests were applied to obtain the counts of 4 various microbiological groups including total bacterial, thermophilic bacterial, mesophilic aerobic bacterial endospore, and thermophilic aerobic bacterial endospore counts, and additional novel insights into cell permeability and spore germination profiles post-heat treatment were obtained using real-time flow cytometry (FC) methods. No significant differences in the plate counts of the indigenous microorganisms tested, the plate counts of the inoculated B. licheniformis, or the relative percentage of germinating endospores were observed between MVH- and THE-treated samples, at equal temperatures in the range specified above, indicating that both methods inactivated inoculated endospores to a similar degree (up to 70% as measured by FC and 5 log reduction as measured by plate counting for some treatments of inoculated endospores). Furthermore, increased cell permeability of indigenous microflora was observed by FC after MVH compared with THE treatment of uninoculated skim milk, which was reflected in lower total bacterial count at a treatment temperature of 105°C. This work demonstrates the utility of FC as a rapid method for assessing cell viability and spore inactivation for postthermal processing in dairy products and overall provides evidence that MVH is at least as effective at eliminating native microflora and inoculated B. licheniformis endospores as THE.