Microbiological Analysis Research Articles

Use of Neopyropia yezoensis in enriching vegan kefir from oat milk

Neopyropia yezoensis algae, which is a rich source of antioxidants and nutrients, has a potential to be a functional food component. In this research, the possibilities of using N. yezoensis algae to enrich vegan kefir were investigated. For this aim, protein, fat, ash, color, brix, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content and sensory analysis were performed on kefir samples. Additionally, pH, titratable acidity, viscosity, syneresis and microbiological analysis were carried out during the storage period. As the algae concentration increased, dry matter, titratable acidity, fat, ash, total phenolic content, viscosity, antioxidant activity, a∗ and b∗ values of kefir samples increased, while pH and L∗ value decreased statistically significantly (p < 0.05). A decrease was also found in syneresis values (p < 0.05). According to the results of sensory analysis, up to 1% algae can be added without causing unacceptable product in terms of sensory properties. Having positive effects on the antioxidant and nutritional properties of kefir, N. yezoensis powder could be a potential healthy ingredient for various functional foods developed for special groups.

Antimicrobial Properties of Fennel By-Product Extracts and Their Potential Applications in Meat Products.

Background: Beef burgers are perishable meat products, and to extend their shelf life, EU Regulation 1129/11 permits the use of certain additives. Objectives: However, given the concerns of health-conscious consumers and the potential toxicity of synthetic substances, this study aimed to explore the use of fennel waste extracts as natural preservatives. Methods: This study characterized the bioactive compounds (phenolic content), the antioxidant activity (ABTS+ and DPPH assay), and the antimicrobial properties (against Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereusi, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) of different fennel waste extracts (LF, liquid fraction; SF, solid fraction and PF, pellet fraction). Additionally, the potential use of the best fennel extract was evaluated for its impact on beef burger shelf life (up to 18 days at 4 ± 1 °C) in terms of microbiological profile, pH, and activity water (aw). Results: The PF extract, which was rich in flavones, hydroxybenzoic, and hydroxycinnamic acids, demonstrated the highest antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Microbiological analyses on beef burgers with PF identified this extract as a potential antimicrobial substance. The aw and pH values did not appear to be affected. Conclusions: In conclusion, fennel extracts could be proposed as natural compounds exploitable in beef burgers to preserve their quality and extend their shelf-life.

Antimicrobial effects of a multimodal wound matrix against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in an in vitro and an in vivo porcine wound model.

Chronic non-healing wounds pose significant challenges due to an elevated inflammatory response caused in part by bacterial contamination (Physiol Rev. 2019;99:665). These wounds lead to billions being spent in the health care system worldwide (N Engl J Med. 2017;376:2367, Int J Pharm. 2014;463:119). We studied the in-vitro and in-vivo antimicrobial effects of a multimodal wound matrix (MWM) against two common wound pathogens, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA USA300) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27312 (PA27312) (Int Wound J. 2019;16:634). The in-vitro study conducted was a zone of inhibition test with the two microbes at 104 Log CFU/mL inoculated on Tryptic soy agar with 5% sheep blood (TSAII) plates. Treatments used were MWM, Mupirocin (Positive control for MRSA), Silver Sulfadiazine (Positive Control for PA), Petrolatum and Sterile Saline (both serving as Negative Controls). Treatments were allowed to diffuse into the agar for 3 h and then were incubated for 24 h at 37°C. The in-vivo study utilized a deep dermal porcine wound model (22 × 22 × 3 mm) created on six animals. Three animals were inoculated with MRSA USA300 and the other three with PA27312 with each allowing a 72-h biofilm formation. After 72 h, baseline wounds were assessed for bacterial concentration and all remaining wounds were treated with either MWM alone, Silver Treatment or Untreated Control. Wounds were assessed on days 4, 8 and 12 after treatment application for microbiological analysis. In-vitro, MWM exhibited significant inhibition of MRSA USA300 and PA27312 growth when compared to negative controls (p ≤ 0.05). Likewise, in-vivo, the MWM-treated wounds exhibited a significant (p ≤ 0.05) bacterial reduction compared to all other treatment groups, especially on days 8 and 12 for both pathogens. MWM demonstrated promise in addressing colonized wounds with biofilms. Additional studies on MWM's benefits and comparisons with existing treatments are warranted to optimize wound care strategies (Adv Wound Care. 2021;10:281).

Efficacy and Nephrotoxicity of Extended versus Intermittent Infusion of Beta-Lactams for the Treatment of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia

Abstract Background Patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) are at risk for dying not only from their critical illness but also from secondary processes such as nosocomial infection. Pneumonia is the second most common nosocomial infection in critically ill patients. Eighty-six percent of nosocomial pneumonias are associated with mechanical ventilation and are termed ventilator- associated pneumonia (VAP). Ventilator-associated pneumonia is defined as pneumonia occurring more than 48 h after patients have been intubated and received mechanical ventilation. Diagnosing VAP requires a high clinical suspicion combined with bedside examination, radiographic examination, and microbiologic analysis of respiratory secretions. Aim of the Work to compare the Efficacy and nephrotoxicity of extended versus intermittent infusion of beta-lactams for the treatment of ventilator associated pneumonia. Patients and Methods This Retrospective cohort study has been held in Intensive Care Units in Ain Shams University Hospitals on critically ill patients with ventilator associated pneumonia after applying exclusion criteria, in the period from April 2023 till December 2023. After approval of Ethical &amp; Research committee of Ain Shams University. Results The current study results compared between the extended infusion group and the intermittent infusion group based on bacterial eradication, statistically significant differences were observed. In the extended infusion group, 70.0% of patients achieved bacterial eradication, whereas in the intermittent infusion group, only 45.0% achieved bacterial eradication. The p-value for this comparison was 0.024, indicating statistical significance. These findings suggest that patients in the extended infusion group had a higher rate of bacterial eradication compared to those in the intermittent infusion group. This implies that extended infusion of beta-lactam antibiotics may be more effective in eliminating bacteria associated with ventilator-associated pneumonia. The current study results compared between the extended infusion group and the intermittent infusion group based on the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI), no statistically significant differences were observed. In the extended infusion group, 35.0% of patients experienced AKI, while in the intermittent infusion group, 40.0% experienced AKI. The p-value for this comparison was 0.644, indicating no significant difference. These findings suggest that there were similar incidences of AKI between the two infusion groups. Conclusion Our study comparing extended infusion versus intermittent infusion of beta-lactam antibiotics for the treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) has provided valuable insights. Extended infusion demonstrated superiority over intermittent infusion in terms of shorter time to normalization of white cell count and C-reactive protein, fewer ventilator days, increased ventilator-free days, higher rates of ICU survival, and improved bacterial eradication. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups2 regarding demographic data, comorbidities, microbiologic characteristics, minimum creatinine clearance reached, and incidence of acute kidney injury. These findings suggest that extended infusion of beta-lactam antibiotics may offer clinical benefits in the management of VAP, particularly in terms of efficacy and patient outcomes, without substantially increasing the risk of nephrotoxicity.

Emission Characteristics of Aerosols Generated during the Micro-Nano Bubble Aeration Process in Wastewater.

Micro-nano bubble (MNB) aeration is an emerging technology that considerably enhances the aeration efficiency of wastewater. This study evaluates, for the first time, aerosolization at the water-air interface during MNB aeration. Our results show that the concentration of culturable mixed microorganisms (i.e., bacteria, fungi, and intestinal bacteria) in the in situ MNB generation (MNBs-G) phase is 2170 CFU/m3, 1.38 and 1.58-fold higher than those in medium-bubble aeration (MBA; 1568 CFU/m3) and small-bubble aeration (SBA; 1376 CFU/m3) aerosols, respectively. Conversely, the concentration of culturable mixed microorganisms in the MNB persistent dissolved oxygen (MNBs-O) phase is only 914 CFU/m3. Microbiological analysis shows a lower abundance of bacterial pathogens in MNBs-G (34.12%) and MNBs-O (34.02%) phases than in MBA (39.63%) and SBA (38.87%) aerosols. Acinetobacter is prevalent in MNBs-G (14.76%) and MNBs-O (8.22%) aerosols, whereas Bacillus and Arcobacter are prevalent in MBA (23.96%) and SBA (6.92%) aerosols, respectively. The total concentrations of chemicals [i.e., total organic carbon, water-soluble ions, and metal(loid)s] in aerosols formed via MNB aeration (205.98-373.74 μg/m3) are lower than those in MBA and SBA (398.69-594.92 μg/m3). Compared to MBA and SBA, the MNBs-G phase exhibits higher emissions of 12 elements in aerosols (i.e., NO3-, NO2-, Ca2+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Zn, Cd, Fe, Mn, As, and Cr), whereas the MNBs-O phase generally shows lower emissions. These findings highlight the potential of optimized MNB aeration technology in considerably mitigating aerosol emissions and thereby advancing environmental sustainability in wastewater treatment.

Role of empirical antitubercular therapy for chronic mastitis—A prospective study

Objectives Chronic mastitis (CM) is an uncommon inflammatory condition of the breast, clinically mimicking malignancy with variable etiological factors. It often recurs, causing cosmetic disfigurement and hampering the quality of life of affected females. Limited literature reveals underlying bacterial infection as causative agents in a few cases, while the majority belong to idiopathic entities. CM can be seen as two histological types—chronic granulomatous mastitis (CGM) and chronic nonspecific inflammatory infiltrates (NGM). Etiological and ethnic variations exist globally, and there is lack of information from India. Understanding this entity is important for undertaking etiology-based therapy and preventing unnecessary mismanagement. Materials and Methods We evaluated the demographic, imaging profile and management protocol of CM patients presenting to a tertiary care center in India. Clinically suspected CM patients were prospectively evaluated by mammography and ultrasound (USG). USG-guided biopsy was performed for histopathological and microbiological analysis and treatment was administered accordingly. Response assessment was conducted at six months through USG and clinical evaluation. Results Out of the 53 clinically suspected CM patients, 48 biopsy-proven CM patients were enrolled (five breast carcinoma cases were excluded). All 48 patients were females, with a mean age of 36 ± 9 years. The most common symptom was a unilateral painful lump with skin discoloration. The etiology was idiopathic in 58.3% of cases, tuberculosis in 29%, and bacterial in 4%. Mammography revealed focal asymmetry, architectural distortion, and trabecular thickening. USG showed tracking fluid collections, microlobulated hypoechoic masses, and skin thickening. Etiology-based treatment was administered, and all patients showed 90–100% resolution between four and six months. Conclusion Mammography and USG are important for raising the suspicion while histopathology and microbiological analysis are mandatory for accurate treatment of CM. In India, idiopathic and tubercular etiology of CM is encountered and patients respond well to therapy.

Issues of classification and examination of lemons in the course of forensic commodity expertise

Identification and examination of export-import goods, in particular lemons, plays a significant role in facilitating the detection of customs violations and crimes, as well as in ensuring preventive measures to eliminate them. The article analyses the peculiarities of examination of citrus fruits, in particular lemons, with a view to their classification under classifier of goods Commodity Nomenclature of Foreign Economic Activity. The methodological approaches to the classification of citrus fruits within the framework of commodity expertise are considered. The main diagnostic tasks to be solved by a forensic expert in the course of lemon examination are identified: determination of product quality, chemical analysis, phytopathological analysis, toxicological analysis, organoleptic analysis, microbiological analysis, identification of origin, assessment of storage and transportation conditions. Modern analytical methods allow to conduct a comprehensive study of lemons at various levels – molecular, chemical and morphological – to obtain objective data on their quality, safety and other important characteristics. This data can be useful in legal proceedings to determine the origin, compliance with quality standards and dispute resolution. The article summarises information on the typical defects of lemons, namely: mechanical damage, diseases and lesions, growth and development defects, skin defects, parasites and pests, physiological defects, chemical defects (these defects are of natural origin). Defects inherent in low-quality products with signs of deterioration include mechanical damage, rot and mould, discolouration, wrinkling, shape defects, pests, disease damage, additional chemical treatment, loss of aroma and taste, improper storage and transportation, black spots, and skin tears. The mechanism for conducting a forensic examination of lemons is described in detail.

An Acceptability of locally produced Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) among children aged 2-4 years in Sri Lanka

Although child wasting is preventable, it is a significant public health problem in Sri Lanka. Imported ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), called BP-100, is part of the locally used treatment of severe acute wasting. However, Sri Lanka has faced economic barriers in providing this product. Two RUTF bars were developed in our laboratory based on global nutrient and other specifications (RUTF-1 and RUTF-2). Nutrient and microbiological analyses were within acceptable limits and shelf life was determined. This observational study was conducted to test the acceptability of locally produced RUTFs among children aged 2-4 years old, a first step in its possible use in place of imported versions. 56 children aged 2-4 years old in two preschools located in poor urban settings were included. These two RUTF bars and BP-100 were given to the children for a total period of three weeks (3 days of each product), with 3 to 4 days of interval in between. At the beginning, weight and height of the children were measured. A five-response hedonic scale was used to test acceptability. Mean daily intakes, and any apparent adverse effects were recorded. A taste test on the acceptability of RUTF and BP-100 among mothers or guardians was carried out on the last day of the trial. The colour, taste, smell, and texture of both RUTF bars were compared to BP-100. Overall acceptability of RUTF-1 (p=0.000) and RUTF-2 (p=0.02) was observed compared to BP-100 among both children and mothers. No adverse effects were reported. Further analysis indicated that there was no significant difference between locally produced RUTFs and BP-100 on acceptability in relation to sex, age, wasting, or stunting; however, a difference was noted related to ethnicity (p=0.000). In conclusion, locally produced RUTFs are as acceptable as BP-100. There is a need to assess the effectiveness of RUTFs while building partnerships with the food industry for sustainable production.

Microbiological Analysis of Laryngeal and Oral Swab Samples from Captive-Bred Snakes with Respiratory Tract Infections in Bulgaria

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the most often isolated bacteria in the oral cavity and glottis in captive-bred pet snakes with respiratory tract infections (RTI) from the Boidae and Pythonidae families in Bulgaria. Swab samples from 29 snakes with clinically presented respiratory disease symptoms were collected. Cultures in different selective and differentiating media were prepared. Bacteria of various groups were isolated such as Pantoea agglomerans, Kluyvera intermedia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and others, as well as some fungi, mainly Aspergillus sp.

Effects on the antioxidant, physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory properties of bread when supplemented with Umbu flour

Umbu fruit is rich in vitamin C and presents excellent antioxidant activity, yet its industrial processing uses only the pulp, while the residues are discarded. The residues present important nutritional properties, able to fight free radicals in the human body, and in the form of flour, might contribute reduce food insecurity and environmental waste. In view of this, our objective was to develop bread using flour from the husks and seeds of Umbu fruit as a partial replacement for wheat flour, and to assess its physical, physical-chemical, bioactive, microbiological, and sensory properties. For this, flour was prepared from Umbu wastes and used in the production of breads in concentrations of 0, 10, 20, and 30%. Respectively, the control at 0% = PC, 10% = P10, 20% = P20, and 30% = P30. Physical-chemical characterization, determination of total phenolic compounds and vitamin C, instrumental colorimetry, microbiological and sensory analyses were performed. The P20 and P30 breads presented lower humidity and pH, with higher ash, protein, lipids, acidity, total phenolic compounds, and vitamin C than the control. By instrumental color, the P20 and P30 breads were both darker and greener than the controls (PC). For microbiological analysis, all formulations were within norms established for human consumption. By sensory analysis, the breads supplemented with the Umbu residues flour were well received, yet with lower test values than the controls for all attributes and for intentions purchase. Yet in view of the above, flour made from Umbu residues remains a promising ingredient for incorporation into both breads and other bakery industry products.

A Study on the Systemic Inflammatory Index (SII) and Related Factors in Patients with Malignant Otitis Externa

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the relationship between systemic inflammatory index and various clinical and microbiological factors in patients with malignant otitis externa (MOE). Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, patients diagnosed with MOE and treated between January 2017 and March 2023 were examined. The data include clinical evaluations, laboratory tests, and imaging results. All patients underwent computed tomography of the temporal bone, and MOE was staged according to Tengku's radiological classification .SII was calculated using neutrophil, platelet, and lymphocyte counts. Results: 11 patients were examined retrospectively, including 8 males (72.7%) and 3 females (27.3%). The mean age of the patients was 72.3±7.5 years. Comorbidities such as Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) were associated with higher SII values. CT phases and cranial nerve involvement were also related to high SII values. Microbiological analyses showed that pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida tropicalis were associated with high SII values. Conclusion: SII is an important biomarker in evaluating the prognosis and treatment response in MOE. Early diagnosis, a multidisciplinary approach, and personalized treatment strategies are critical in managing MOE. Further studies involving larger patient groups will contribute to validating these relationships and improving treatment processes.

Effects of Processing and Preservation Technologies on Keeping Quality of Labeo rohita: Attributes of Nutritional, Microbial and Sensory

Background: Fishes being major sources of protein are susceptible to post-harvest losses. Appropriate processing and preservation makes food healthier, safer, tastier, and more shelf-stable. Therefore, an attempt was made to evaluate the effectiveness of different processing and preservation technologies on keeping quality of Labeo rohita (rohu fish), a widely found ray-finned species in South Asia that is important for aquaculture. Methods: Raw fish fillets were subjected to different processing and preservation technologies including freezing, sun drying, mechanical drying, salting, microwave processing, and marinating to determine their effects on keeping quality. Consequently, sensorial attributes, proximate composition, mineral (calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn)) contents and microbiological analyses were carried out. Obtained data were analyzed statistically and compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Fisher’s LSD test at 5% level of significance. Results: The moisture, protein, fat, ash, and carbohydrate contents were 13.01-77.29, 8.62-52.57, 0.86-18.69, 1.34-12.72, and 1.13-27.22%, respectively in different processing and preservation technologies. Drying manifested to be the efficient method in terms of preserving proteins and fats while retention of sensory attributes was obtained in freezing. The contents of Ca, Fe, and Zn were 120.05-227.97, 0.54-1.14, and 0.72-2.04 mg/100 g, respectively. In addition, maximum retention of Zn, Fe, and Ca contents were observed in freezing, sun drying, and marinating, respectively. Furthermore, total bacterial count was in the range of 0-2.6×104 Colony Forming Unit (CFU)/g and no coliforms were detected in any of the raw and processed fish fillets. Results of microbiological study revealed that microwave processing is highly efficient to reduce microbial loads in processed fish. Conclusion: Combination of different processing and preservation technologies might be useful to the efficient management of fishery resources. Therefore, further research into these combinations is essential to ensure that the nutritional value of fish is preserved.

Food additives Food coloring agents Food ingredients Chromatography, Thin Layer Iran

Background: The sources of milk play a significant role on overall milk quality. Therefore, the current study was intended to evaluate the quality (physiochemical, compositional, and microbiological) and detect the adulterants in milk. Methods: A total of 200 milk samples were collected during mid of October to mid of December 2022 from four sources viz. Farmgate (50), Milkman (50), Bazar (50), and Branded packet milk (50). Milk samples were examined for various physiochemical, compositional, microbiological properties, and existence of adulterants. Data were analyzed by one way ANOVA and differences were determined by least significant difference test using RStudio. Results: Physiochemical analysis found significant variation in titratable acidity, protein, fat, salt, Solids-Not-Fat, and Total-Solids content among the sources (p&lt;0.05), while lactose content was found non-significant. The highest (0.17%) and the lowest (0.13%) values for acidity were found in samples obtained from Milkman and Branded packet milk, respectively. Milk sample collected from Farmgate was found significantly higher in protein, fat, lactose, Solids-Not-Fat, and Total-Solids content than the other sources. In microbiological analysis, significant lower Total Viable Count, Total Coliform Count, and Escherichia coli Count were observed in Branded packet milk compared to the milk from Farmgate, Milkman, and Bazar source (p&lt;0.001). In adulteration examinations, only neutralizers (sodium carbonate and bicarbonate) and nitrates were found positive in milk sample collected from Milkman, Farmgate, and Bazar, and their frequency was varied significantly (p&lt;0.001). Overall, the milk obtained from Farmgate was better in terms of nutrient composition and physiochemical properties than the other sources but in respect to microbiological quality, Branded packet milk was found more hygienic. Conclusion: The study found that the variance in milk sources led to changes in the microbial load, physical appearance, and nutritional content of milk. The present study investigated that the addition of different adulterants and variation in time interval (milking to selling) are the main reasons for the deterioration of milk.

Evaluation of whey protein coating containing free and Pickering emulsion forms of Trachyspermum copticum L. essential oil on quality of refrigerated beef.

The purpose of the present research was to prepare a novel biodegradable coating of whey protein (whey) and essential oil of Trachyspermum copticum L. (forms of free (EO) and Pickering emulsion (NEO)) to improve the shelf life of beef. In this study, various microbiological, chemical, and sensory analyses were performed. The results showed that after 18 days, the highest and lowest microbiological counts were related to control samples and whey-NEO treatments, respectively. The total viable count (TVC) was 8.2 and 6.8 log CFU/g, the total psychrotrophic count (TPC) was 8.5 and 6.7 log CFU/g, and the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count was 7.7 and 6.5 log CFU/g for control and whey-NEO treatments, respectively. Chemical analysis of whey-NEO treatment and control sample were 6.3 and 7.5 for pH, 9.8 and 13.9 meq/kg for PV (peroxide value), 5.45 and 8.85 mg/kg for TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), and 25.1 and 39.4 mgN/100 g for TVB-N (total volatile basic nitrogen), respectively. The best result was associated with the whey-NEO treatment; consequently, coatings with whey and EO Pickering emulsion should be considered as a potential active coating in the meat industry.

Microbial Biocapsules as Generally Recognized-As-Safe Fungal-Based Immobilized Cell Technology for Precision Sequential Fermentations of Grape Must

This work focuses on the production of a white wine with a specific organoleptic profile by means of sequential fermentation using immobilized yeast in a system known as “microbial biocapsules”. Three fermentation conditions were created: sequential fermentation with immobilized yeast (SqFMB) employing a matrix composed by Aspergillus oryzae (pellet-forming fungus recognized as GRAS), sequential fermentations with non-immobilized yeast cells (SqF), and a control of spontaneous fermentation (SpF). To carry out these fermentations, Pedro Ximénez grape must was used and two non-Saccharomyces yeast strains, Debaryomyces hansenii LR1 and Metschnikowia pulcherimma Primaflora, and the Saccharomyces cerevisiae X5 strain were used. The wines produced were subjected to microbiological and chemical analyses in which metabolites that positively influence the wine profile, such as 1,1-diethoxyethane and decanal, are only produced in the SqFMB condition, and others, like nonanal, were detected in higher concentrations than in SqF and SpF. Microbiological analyses show that less non-Saccharomyces yeasts were isolated in the SqFMB condition than in SqF, which indicates an efficiency in the inoculation and removal method proposed. These results conclude that microbial biocapsules seem to be a good yeast carrier for wine elaboration; however, modulation of some variables like yeast concentration inocula, the employment of preadaptation methods or the use of yeast species with higher fermentative power need to be tested to improve the novel methodology.

Microbial Quality of Kupang Paste Products from Different Producers

General Background the utilization of local ingredients, such as kupang, is integral to the culinary practices in Balongdowo Village, Sidoarjo Regency. Specific Background shrimp paste, a prominent product derived from kupang, is valued in the market, yet its quality raises concerns among consumers and producers. Knowledge Gap despite its economic significance, limited research has been conducted on the microbiological quality of kupang-based products, particularly during storage. Aims this study aims to evaluate the microbiological analysis of two kupang petis products from different producers in Balongdowo Village during ambient temperature storage. Results employing descriptive analysis across five storage treatments (P0: fresh, P1: 1 week, P2: 2 weeks, P3: 3 weeks, P4: 4 weeks), findings indicated that total plate count (TPC) in P0 treatment met national quality standards (SNI 2718.1: 2013), while yeast mold levels exceeded permissible limits. Notably, the TPC of sample B (1.6 x 10³) was lower than that of sample A (2.2 x 10³) in the fresh condition (P0). Novelty this research provides a comprehensive analysis of the microbiological quality of kupang petis, filling a significant gap in the literature. Implications the results underscore the necessity for rigorous quality control measures in the production and storage of shrimp paste to ensure consumer safety and compliance with health standards. Highlights: Microbiological quality assessment of kupang petis during storage. TPC values in fresh condition meet national standards. Yeast mold levels exceed permissible limits in stored samples. Keywords: Kupang, Shrimp Paste, Microbiological Analysis, Quality Standards, Storage

Microbiological Analysis of Household Water Tanks in Egypt

Microbiological Analysis of Household Water Tanks in Egypt

Isolation of Burkholderia cepacia complex in adults with primary ciliary dyskinesia.

Burkholderia cepacia complex can be isolated in individuals with PCD. Extended microbiological analysis of respiratory samples can maximise the chances of isolation. Registry studies will help assessing the impact of these pathogens on long-term outcomes. https://bit.ly/3xSHCD9.

Biogeochemical process governing cadmium availability in sediments of typical coastal wetlands driven by drying-wetting alternation

Fluctuations in water levels within coastal wetlands can significantly affect cadmium (Cd) cycling and behavior in sediments. Understanding the effects of drying-wetting cycles on Cd availability and binding mechanisms is crucial. However, information regarding this subject remains limited. This study conducted incubation experiments employing chemical extraction, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and microbiological analysis to investigate the Cd behavior under these conditions. The results from a 40-day anaerobic incubation followed by a 20-day aerobic phase indicated that the drying-wetting cycles triggered fluctuations in physicochemical parameters (e.g., pH, EC, and reactive iron (Fed)), affecting Cd mobility. The mobility of Cd was closely linked to nanozyme activity (R2=0.63), exhibiting a strong correlation with Fed (R2=0.51). This suggested that the drying-wetting cycles induced Fed changes, which regulated the nanozyme activity, thereby affecting Cd availability. The changes in Cd availability were strongly linked to transformations in iron oxides and organic functional groups (carboxylic-OH and aliphatic C-H), whereas the bacterial community composition, particularly Bacilli and Clostridia, notably influenced Cd accessibility. These findings offer valuable insights into the geochemical dynamics of Cd in coastal wetland sediments under alternating drying-wetting cycles, enhancing our understanding of its biogeochemical cycling and potential risks.

Microbiological Analysis of Wild Meat Seized in the Province of Orellana and Its Impact on the SDGS

Objective: The objective of this study is to microbiologically analyse wild meat seized by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition in order to contribute to food security in the province of Orellana. The specific objectives are: 1. To obtain samples of seized wild meat using microbiological monitoring techniques. 2. 2. To analyse the samples microbiologically using techniques standardised by the AOAC. 3. To quantify the microorganisms present in order to evaluate the shelf life and safety of the product according to NTE INEN 1338 and NTE INEN 183 standards. Method: The methodology included the collection of samples of wild meat seized in the province of Orellana, microbiological analysis in the laboratory using techniques standardised by AOAC, and evaluation of the results according to Ecuadorian standards NTE INEN 1338 and NTE INEN 183. Statistical analyses including ANOVA were carried out to compare contamination levels between species. Results and Discussion: Samples of 8 wild species were analysed. The results revealed high levels of microbiological contamination in most of the samples, exceeding the limits established by the regulations for Mesophilic Aerobes, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella. 87.5% of the samples did not meet the limits for mesophilic Aerobes, 100% exceeded the limits for E. coli and S. aureus, and 75% had Salmonella. Research Implications: The results have significant implications for food safety and public health in the region. They suggest the need to implement stricter control measures and surveillance of illegal bushmeat trafficking, as well as the importance of educating the population about the risks associated with bushmeat consumption. Originality/Value: This study provides updated and specific data on the microbiological quality of wild meat seized in the province of Orellana, contributing to the literature on food security and wildlife conservation in the Amazon region of Ecuador.