Microbiological Conditions Research Articles

POST-PACKAGE PASTEURIZATION OF PACKAGED WHOLE-MUSCLE PRODUCT

The study considers a problem of repeated contamination of delicious products, ready for consumption. The aim of the work is to study the repeated thermal processing of a ready vacuum-packed whole-muscular meat product for inhibiting a surface microbiota.
 Today it is urgent for the meat industry, because it influences safety and quality, and also limits a storage term of a product. After bringing a meat product to culinary readiness by thermal processing, it has an unessential amount of microbiota. Microorganisms, including pathogenic and conventionally pathogenic ones, fall on a product after its cooking at cutting, prepa-ration to package and at the package stage itself. Microbiological contamination of a ready meat product results in fast spoilage and is a serious problem for producers, because the microbiota growth shortens its storage life. In its turn, it results in a refuse of a consumer to buy this product and great economic losses for producers.
 The study is directed on a possibility of solving a problem of contamination of a whole-muscular delicious meat product. The solution is in package of a ready product under vacuum and short-term heating at a high temperature.
 The work is devoted to the complex study of an influence of repeated pasteurization on safety and quality of a product. There was studied an influence of the repeated thermal processing (post-pasteurization) on microbiological, physical-chemical and also organoleptic parameters of a delicious meat product.
 The special attention is paid to an influence of post-pasteurization regimes on a microbiological condition of studied sam-ples. Studies of a total amount of microbiota and also the presence of sanitary-representative microorganisms were conducted.
 It has been proven, that the use of post-pasteurization essentially inhibits a number of microorganisms, and also doesn’t influence physical-chemical parameters outlook of a product and organoleptic characteristics.
 Based on studying an influence of post-pasteurization, it has been established, that inhibition of a microbiota essentially influences safety and prolongs the storage term of a product.

Microbial Contamination in Drinking Water Fountains and the Potential Risk Associated with Location and Cleanliness

As drinking water fountains are the main source of free drinking water in public spaces, microbiological quality standards in such facilities are strongly relevant to public health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological condition of drinking water fountains in a public institution, specifically investigating the presence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms and to establish possible causes of contamination. Microbiological analysis was conducted with samples from seven drinking water fountain bubbler faucets located near the restrooms. We evaluated the number of users of these fountains under two parameters: individuals who only drank water, and individuals who drank water after using the restroom. The biological samples were cultivated on a specific culture medium, and the results revealed the presence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella spp. Although our findings indicate the presence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms, the results showed no correlation between the number of isolated microorganisms and the number of water fountain users. No specific correlation between the frequency of use of drinking water fountains and restrooms location was identified. We therefore suggest that the contamination present on the surface of the drinking water fountains is due to both the inefficacy of the cleaning procedures and the location of the water fountains. Identification of public health-relevant pathogens may have serious consequences for users.

Comfort based investigation on historic libraries for user satisfaction and preservation of paper-based collections

Historic libraries preserve cultural heritage values while housing rare manuscripts and paper-based collections. The collections in the libraries are deteriorated chemically, biologically and mechanically due to inappropriate indoor environment conditions such as temperature and relative humidity fluctuations and microbiological conditions. Apart from preserving vulnerable paper-based collections, accommodating of a considerable thermal comfort level for visitors is essential in historic libraries. The aim of this study is to analyse indoor environment of a historic library in terms of thermal comfort and preventive conservation of paper-based collections. Izmir National Library, built in 1933, is selected as a case study. Indoor air temperature, relative humidity and air velocity in the library were monitored with a one-year measurement campaign. Meanwhile, thermal comfort of the visitors was assessed with PMV/PPD indices and thermal sensation surveys. The results show that high chemical degradation risk is detected in the library while biological and mechanical degradations are in the low risk zone. On the other hand, 87% and 93% of the visitors feel thermally satisfied in heating and cooling seasons, respectively.

Preparation and characterization of churro dough with malt bagasse flour

Malt bagasse is an interesting by-product from the beer industry that can be used to develop flour for bakery products such as churros. This work aimed to develop a formulation of churro dough by partially replacing wheat flour with malt bagasse flour, and to evaluate its microbiological, physicochemical, and sensory properties. Malt bagasse was prepared at 60 °C during 7 h, and then, four churro dough formulations were elaborated: one without malt bagasse flour (F1) and three others with different concentration of flour malt bagasse, 10% (F2), 20% (F3), and 30% (F4). The malt bagasse flour showed good microbiological conditions and physicochemical characteristics suitable to be used in the preparation of churros. Regarding the churro dough, it was found that all formulations presented microbiological results within the standard established by legislation. The physicochemical parameters were similar to those of the control formulation; they showed an increase in water activity and a decrease in pH proportionate to the increase in the malt bagasse flour content. In the sensory analysis, the formulations did not differ from each other for the evaluated attributes, and they achieved an acceptability index higher than 70%. Thus, the churro dough with a partial replacement of wheat flour with malt bagasse flour has potential as a new product to be explored by the food industry.

Biomonitoring Studies and Preventing the Formation of Biogenic H2S in the Wierzchowice Underground Gas Storage Facility

The article discusses the results of biomonitoring research at the Underground Gas Storage (UGS). Hydrogen sulphide, as one of the products of microbiological reaction and transformation, as well as a product of chemical reactions in rocks, is a subject of interest for global petroleum companies. The materials used in this research work were formation waters and stored natural gas. The biomonitoring of reservoir waters and cyclical analyses of the composition of gas stored at UGS Wierzchowice enabled the assessment of the microbiological condition of the reservoir environment and individual storage wells in subsequent years of operation. Investigations of the formation water from individual wells of the UGS Wierzchowice showed the presence of sulphate reducing bacteria bacteria (SRB), such as Desulfovibrio and Desulfotomaculum genera and bacteria that oxidize sulphur compounds. In the last cycles of UGS Wierzchowice, the content of hydrogen sulphide and sulphides in the reservoir waters ranged from 1.22 to 15.5 mg/dm3. The monitoring of natural gas received from UGS production wells and observation wells, which was carried out in terms of the determination of hydrogen sulphide and organic sulphur compounds, made it possible to observe changes in their content in natural gas in individual storage cycles. In the last cycles of UGS Wierzchowice, the content of hydrogen sulphide in natural gas from production wells ranged from 0.69 to 2.89 mg/dm3, and the content of organic sulphur compounds converted to elemental sulphur ranged from 0.055 to 0.130 mg Sel./Nm3. A higher hydrogen sulphide content was recorded in natural gas from observation wells in the range of 2.02–25.15 mg/Nm3. In order to explain the causes of hydrogen sulphide formation at UGS Wierzchowice, isotopic analyses were performed to determine the isotope composition of δ34SH2S, δ34SSO4, δ18OSO4 in natural gas samples (production and observation wells) and in the deep sample of reservoir water. The results of isotope tests in connection with microbiological tests, chromatographic analyses of sulphur compounds in natural gas collected from UGS Wierzchowice and an analysis of the geological structure of the Wierzchowice deposit allow us to conclude that the dominant processes responsible for the formation of hydrogen sulphide at UGS Wierzchowice are microbiological, consisting of microbial sulphate reduction (MSR). The presented tests allow for the control and maintenance of hydrogen sulphide at a low level in the natural gas received from the Wierzchowice Underground Gas Storage facility.

Artificial neural networks in the evaluation of the influence of the type and content of carrier on selected quality parameters of spray dried raspberry powders

In the paper an attempt was made to evaluate influence of type (maltodextrin, gum Arabic and inulin) and content (50, 60, 70% solids) of carrier on quality of raspberry powders. The different types of powders were compared taking into account the structure of microparticles, water activity and their humidity. The use of modern methods such as: low temperature spray drying, artificial intelligence together with visual technique supported by electron microscope are undoubtedly an innovation in this solution. The aim of this undertaking is monitoring the process in order to obtain raspberry powders characterized by high quality characteristics. The paper shows the created neural models, which allow to obtain homogeneity on the basis of microparticles of powders as well as their microbiological condition (indirectly via water activity and humidity). The created networks were characterized by low Root Mean Square and high effectiveness of classification on the level of 99%.

Treatment of printing and dyeing wastewater in biological contact oxidation reactors comprising basalt fibers and combination fillers as bio-carriers: Elucidation of bacterial communities and underlying mechanisms

This study investigates the nitrogen removal and sludge reduction efficiency of biological contact oxidation reactors in the presence of two bio-carriers namely basalt fibers (R-BF) and combination fillers (R-CF). The results were also compared with a conventional anoxic-oxic reactor (R-A/O). The reactors were operated at pilot-scale (550 L) and pollutant removal mechanisms were studied based on physicochemical parameters, bio-carrier surface morphology, microbial community structures, and activated sludge characteristics. It was found that chemical oxygen demand (COD) removals for R-BF, R-CF, and R-A/O were comparable in all reactor types, whereas R-A/O performed better in terms of ammonium-nitrogen (NH4+-N) and total nitrogen (TN) removal followed by R-BF and R-CF. The sludge reduction in R-BF was 40.4% higher than that in R-CF and 61.9% higher than that in R-A/O. This observation was further correlated with the abundance of protozoa (Vorticella and Epistylis) and metazoan (Aeolosoma hemprichi) communities, diverse and rich bacterial communities, stronger dehydrogenase activity, and low specific oxygen uptake rate in R-BF. The results of 16S amplicon sequencing suggested that microbiological conditions in R-BF were more favorable for heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification, sulfur cycle, hydrolysis and fermentation compared to R-CF. In R-A/O, however, sulfur oxidizing and reducing bacteria were completely absent which also indicated its poor efficiency for sulfur removal. This study concludes that R-BF was a better choice towards sludge reduction whereas conventional R-A/O could be a favorable approach for TN removal.

EFFECT OF DENTAL RESTORATIVE MATERIALS ON LOCAL ORAL MICROBIOCENOSIS IN PATIENTS WITH FRONT TOOTH RESTORATIONS

The aim of this study is determine the changes in the local microbiocenosis of the oral cavity in patients with direct composite and indirect ceramic restorations within 12 months after the treatment completion. Materials and methods. The assessment of changes in the local microbiocenosis was performed on 18 individuals. The species and quantitative composition of the microflora was determined before the treatment and in 1 year after the treatment. To collect biomaterial samples (oral fluid) we used special probe with hygroscopic cotton swabs, then placed into test tubes with Amies transport solution. Results. The general assessment of the microbiological condition of the oral cavity of the patients with restorations of anterior teeth performed with different materials did not reveal a statistical difference in the change of microbiocenosis before the treatment and one year after the treatment. When identifying the relationship between microbiological changes in the oral cavity, depending on age in the group, where light curing composite resin was used, a statistically significant difference was found out in the indicator of opportunistic microflora (in particular Candida albicans) ranging from the "normal" values to the "above normal" values (<102 ) in the middle-aged patients. Conclusions. Restoration material, age and sex of the patient do not have a significant effect on the change of the local microbiocenosis of the oral cavity. However, the use of ceramic restorations in some individual cases may improve the state of the microbiocenosis, as dental ceramics is a worse substrate for microbial plaque adhesion and microorganism development compared with composite materials.

Determination and Modeling Desorption Isotherms of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) and Sweet Green Pepper (Capsicum annum L. Moench)

The aim of this study was to determine the experimental moisture sorption isotherm of green pepper and okra, assess the performance of literature sorption models describing their behavior, and specify bound water properties. Isotherms were determined through the static gravimetric method at 30, 40, 50, and 60 °C. Twenty models were studied and fittings were done through nonlinear regression using MATLAB R2015b. GAB and Caurie models were used to determine energy constants and bound water properties respectively. Structural parameters were determined according to Kelvin and Halsey equations. All the experimental isotherm were of sigmoid shape. For both samples, Peleg, Enderby, and Guggenheim Anderson de Boer (GAB) models gave the best validation statistic criteria. R-squared (R2) values were all greater than 0.926 and root-mean-square error (RMSE) values less than 0.04 for both substrates. The GAB energy constants varied with temperature between 6.00 to 51.75 and 34.23 to 176.78 for Cg constants, and 0.70–0.99 and 0.75–0.93 for Kg constants, respectively, for okra and green pepper. The Cg energy constant globally decreased with increasing temperature. The monolayer moisture content Wm, varied with temperature between (0.0740–0.1044) kg kg−1 and (0.0760–0.1522) kg kg−1 respectively for okra and green pepper. Green pepper bound water property values were globally higher than those of okra and both were successfully modeled according to the equilibrium moisture content and according to the temperature. Analysis based on the IUPAC classification revealed a macroporous structure of the two materials. The hygroscopic equilibriums, physicochemical and microbiological stability conditions of green pepper and okra, were determined, for given environmental temperature values. The results obtained from the present study would serve in understanding the water state and mechanism of water sorption, defining drying and storage conditions of the tested vegetables, as well as designing corresponding dryers and packaging.

The impact of oil and gas facilities on land pollution in the Saratov Zavolzhye region

The paper presents the data on the situation of the oil and gas complex of the Saratov region. It is shown that the Saratov region is a promising region for hydrocarbon production and one of the leaders in the Volga Federal district, since 85 % of the territory is occupied by oil and gas-promising lands. The structure of the oil and gas complex and the dynamics of production of hydrocarbons in the region are presented in the article. The paper describes the indicators of the oil and gas complex, background accident risks that determine environmental pollution. The results of monitoring the pollution of the territory of the largest in Europe Stepnovsky gas storage facility, created on the basis of the Stepnovsky oil and gas processing enterprise, which operated from 1953 to 1973, are given. It is proved that during the production and storage of hydrocarbons at this enterprise, there was a strong pollution of the soil with oil and petroleum products, so their content reaches 1527 mg/kg of soil in the upper half-meter layer, and 2060 mg/kg of soil in the second half-meter. The content of plumbum and copper in the soil is 3.3 and 2.3 times higher above the background values for dark chestnut soils. The accumulation of a significant amount of unsaturated hydrocarbons (C1-C10) in the subsurface air from 25.97 mg/m3 to 38.17 mg/m3 is proved. It is shown that the extraction and storage of hydrocarbons at the Stepnovsky enterprise did not lead to a deterioration of the sanitary and microbiological condition of the studied soil.

822. Structural Damage and Biofilm Accumulation on Patient-Ready Orthopaedic Implant (Least Used Cortical Screws), Acquired through Loaner System

BackgroundThe acquisition of reusable medical devices through loaner system is a worldwide phenomenon. Single-use implants, such as orthopaedic screws, that remain in the surgical tray are subjected to multiple handling and reprocessing until they are implanted. Exposure to physical, chemical and biological agents may compromise their quality/safety and favor biofilm formation. The aim of this study was to assess the surface integrity and microbiological conditions of patient-ready orthopaedic surgical implants (least used cortical screws), provided through loaner system.MethodsAfter full reprocessing, clinical trays used for small fragment surgery (3,5) provided through loaner system to a large Brazilian teaching hospital were randomly selected between August to November 2019. Trays were opened in a biological safety cabinet and the least frequently used cortical screws (numbers 10 and 38), therefore, the ones most exposed to biological, chemical and physical agents, were randomly removed and subjected to bacterial culture (n = 3 screws/tray, 9 trays) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) (n= 1 screw/tray, 5 trays). The 27 screws were individually cultured in Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB), sonicated and vortexed, and incubated at 35oC for up to 28 days (screws were left in TSB). Positive cultures were plate out for automated bacteria identification.ResultsBacterial growth was identified in 2/27 screws. Three bacterial species were isolated, Staphylococcus hominis resistant to rifampicin and Kocuria rhizophila (screw A), and Micrococcus luteus (Screw B). Structural damage and soil were visualized on all screws subjected to SEM (5/5). Extensive biofilms were detected on three screws (3/5) (Figure 1).Figure 1. Scanning electron micrographs of patient-ready orthopaedic implants (screws), acquired through loaner system showing extensive biofilm, with incorporated bacilli/rods and/or cocci shape bacteria. ConclusionRecovery of bacteria, biofilm accumulation and structural damage were detected on patient-ready least frequently used orthopaedic cortical screws. Screws frequently remain in surgical trays for multiple reprocessing, thus, they are repeatedly exposed to contamination and possible damage. These findings point to the need to discuss and review the way these single-use implants are currently made available for surgery.Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

An insight into the quality of internal built environment in Vladivostok. Part 2: Studying the sanitary and microbiological condition of indoor air

Introduction. This work is devoted to study the microbiological composition of the air 110 dwellings in the city of Vladivostok and the assessment of the impact of various factors on the microbiological condition of premises. The study is aimed at obtaining information about the real sanitary and hygienic conditions of the exploited residential area and identifying patterns of changes in environmental indicators from design decisions, building parameters and conditions of its operation. Research statistics are the result of field research with laboratory processing of the samples obtained. The relevance of scientific work also lies in the possibility of further factor analysis and verification of sanitary norms and rules with the practice of real design and operation of residential buildings. Materials and methods. Surveys were conducted on the basis of air sampling with subsequent assessment of the content of bacteria in the air of apartment buildings of different types, built at different times from different materials. Results. The section presents analytical data on the content of three main groups of bacteria in the air of residential premises located on the territory of Vladivostok. Based on the accumulated data, a comparative analysis was carried out to establish a correlation between the number of microorganisms in the air and the city area, the type of building material of the house, the density of apartment occupancy, and the presence of pets. Conclusions. Data on the influence of apartment occupancy density on the sanitary and microbiological situation were obtained. The assessment of the influence on the density of microbiological contamination of such factors as: the presence of pets, the type of building materials from which buildings are built, as well as the territorial location of the surveyed apartments.

The innovative laryngological cannula facilitates the precise collection of highly diagnostic material from the nose and sinuses in order to improve the diagnostic and therapeutic process

Despite the use of state-of-the-art methods of pharmacological and surgical treatment, patients with chronic sinusitis suffer from recurrent infections which do not respond to treatment. The presence of bacteria in the sinuses structures is confirmed by microbiological tests. The subject of the application is a set of three cannulas dedicated to collecting microbiological samples, a biological material of high-diagnostic value originating from paranasal sinuses. Traditionally the collection of samples is associated with a risk of contamination resulting from presence of randomly collected microorganisms. Sometimes antibiotic therapy is based on the random microorganisms, driving attention away from the proper causative factor of the disease. The application of the invention allows for a non-invasive and quick collection of highly diagnostic samples for proper microbiological testing. The dedicated tip makes it possible to precisely reach natural sinus ostium or sinus ostium created during surgery without contacting other tissues. The samples obtained through the application of the invention reflect the microbiological condition of the sinuses. An incorrectly collected smear from the sinus mucosa surface may misdirect the therapy. The use of advanced model will effectively reduce such errors. In addition, it will contribute to the precise collection of material for testing, without artifacts or contamination by microorganisms present in other structures outside the sinuses. Therefore in the next step application of targeted antibiotic therapy based on antibiogram profile eliminates bacteria that penet

Effects of combined HHP and heat treatment on viscosity attributes and microbiological condition of liquid egg yolk

AbstractMinimal processing technologies, like High Hydrostatic Pressure (HHP), heat treatments at low temperatures have an increasing role in food industry. Eggs are considered as functional foods, but for high retention of biological active compounds adequate minimal processing technologies are needed during preservation procedure. In our study, liquid egg yolk (LEY) was examined to meet consumer's expectations.Combinations of pasteurization (57–63 °C, 5–7 min) and HHP (350–400 MPa, 5 min) were used to provide microbiological stability of LEY. After these treatments samples were examined for mesophyll aerobes and Enterobacteriaceae cell counts (using Nutrient agar an incubation of 30 °C, 48 h) and viscosity attributes (Anton Paar MCR 92).Our results show that microbiological stability is significantly influenced by the different parameters of heat treatments and HHP. Heat treatment effected at least 3 orders of magnitude decrease in cell count. Viscosity attributes point out that higher pressure of HHP have a stronger effect on viscosity than the temperature of pasteurization.The results point out a great opportunity for industrial use of minimal processing technologies for LEY. Microbiological safety is strongly influenced by the order of treatments, but viscosity may be independent from the order of the treatments.

Biogeochemistry of Impact Regions: the Role of Edaphic and Phytocoenotic Environmental Factors

The paper addresses the removal of chemical elements by suprasoil and subsoil phytomasses of herbaceous phytocenoses and their subsequent return to soil during decomposition of plant remnants. The obtained results allowed us to evaluate the biogeochemical cycles of essential (Zn, Cu) and toxic (Pb, Cd) elements in natural biogeocenoses of the Middle Urals. It has been shown that the intensity of such an exchange in areas subjected to variable anthropogenic impact is determined not only by the direct influence of mobile forms of chemical elements, which are contained in soils and operate as environmental pollutants, but also by a combination of edaphic (physicochemical parameters of soils), coenotic (abundance and correlation of agrobotanical groups in phytocenosis) and microbiological (level of evolution of soil microbiocenosis) conditions.

Optimization of microbiological plastic film test plate conditions for rapid detection of antibiotics in milk

Food safety and quality are issues of great concern to food producers and consumers. Key challenges towards achieving these include availability of rapid, user-friendly, economic and reliable techniques to detect problems such as antibiotic residues. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate performance of plastic film test plate (PFTP) as influenced by antibiotic type, test bacterium, inoculum volume and concentration. Comparison was made to the microtiter test plate (MTP) and the National Standard method (SN/T 3979-2014). For this, antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted on four bacterial types (Micrococcus luteus, Streptococcus thermophillus suspensions, Staphylococcus aureus and Coliform bacteria) against three antibiotics (penicillin G, sulfadiazine and tetracycline). Results showed high susceptibility of Micrococcus luteus to penicillin G with minimum inhibitory concentration of 3 µg L−1 and 1 µg L−1 via PFTP and MTP respectively. Optimum performance was realized at bacterial concentration of 104 CFU ml−1 with detection limit of 1 µg L−1, sensitivity and predictive positive value (PPV) of 81–83% and 97–100% respectively. Detection time was recorded as 6 and 9 h for MTP and PFTP respectively compared to the 18–24 h of the National Standard method (SN/T 3979–2014). The microbiological plastic film test plate under optimized bacterial culture conditions demonstrated tremendous potential for rapid and reliable detection of antibiotics in milk.

Proximate Composition, Sensory Properties and Microbial Quality of Chin-chin Developed from Wheat and African Walnut Flour Blends for Household Food Security

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the proximate composition, sensory properties and microbial quality of chin-chin developed from wheat and African walnut flour blends as a means of achieving household food security.
 Methodology: African walnut was processed into flour. Chin-chin was prepared from blends of wheat and African walnut flours using 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50 of wheat flour to African walnut flour (AWF), and 100% wheat flour as control. Samples were subjected to sensory evaluation within 30 min of production. Proximate analysis was carried out using standard methods. The samples were also stored for 3 weeks and evaluated at weekly intervals for total bacterial and fungal counts.
 Results: composition of the chin-chin revealed a significant (p<0.05) increase in ash (0.42-1.38%), fat (34.39-40.03%), crude protein (5.53-7.95% protein), crude fibre (0.98-1.86%), and energy contents (402.65-414.08kcal) with a decrease in moisture (3.31-4.85%) and carbohydrate (45.59-53.84%) . Sensory analysis of the chin-chin showed that the control chin-chin was more preferred than all other samples. This was followed closely by chin-chin substituted with 10% African walnut flour having mean scores above 6 for all sensory attributes. Total bacterial counts (TBCs) and fungal counts (TFCs) of the chin-chin samples were observed to increase during storage. TBCs and TFCs of chin-chin samples after 3 weeks of storage ranged from 6.00×103-8.50×103cfu/g and 6.80×103-8.00×103cfu/g, respectively. The samples presented adequate microbiological conditions and were within recommended safe limit of microbial guidelines.
 Conclusion: The findings of the study showed that chin-chin of acceptable sensory attributes and improved nutritional content could be produced with up to 10% African walnut flour (AWF) level. In effect, chin-chin substituted with African walnut flour can be consumed by households thereby improving their nutritional status and eradicating food insecurity and malnutrition which is common among households.

Antibiotic Sensitivity for Ready-to-Eat Fish-Based Food-Borne Bacterial Pathogens

For the degradation of fish-based foods that consumed without any further processing, microbes play an important role. Proper knowledge of microbiological conditions can ensure quality food products that can save from foodborne diseases. The present study was carried out to investigate the microbiological quality of 30 ready-to-eat fish-based foods. The results exposed that the highest standard plate count (SPC) was 3.986x10³ CFUg^-1. Hence, the analyzed samples were of acceptable microbial quality based on the total aerobic bacterial count. On the contrary, about 20% of food samples were identified as inappropriate because of containing fecal coliform. <i>Salmonella spp</i>. was not detected in any of the investigated samples. Six antibiotics namely tetracycline hydrochloride, erythromycin, amoxicillin, chlorpheniramine maleate, cephalexin, and ciprofloxacin were employed for susceptibility testing. Among the tested antibiotics, tetracycline hydrochloride and ciprofloxacin showed 87-100% susceptibility at the concentration of 240 μg/mL. In the same concentration cephalexin showed 78% but other three antibiotics showed very less susceptibility against ready-to-eat fish-based food born bacterial pathogens.<div><br></div>

Utilization of Soursop (Annona muricta) Flour for the Production of Chin-Chin

The present study was aimed at utilizing soursop flour for the production of chin-chin. Soursop (SS) was processed to flour. Chin-chin was prepared from blends of wheat and soursop flours using 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50 of wheat flour to soursop flour (SSF), and 100% wheat flour as control. Proximate and sensory analysis of the chin-chin was determined using standard methods. The samples were also stored for 3 weeks and evaluated at weekly intervals for total bacterial and fungal counts. Proximate composition of the chin-chin revealed a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in ash (0.42-0.96%), fat (33.31-39.29%), crude protein (5.32-7.94% protein), crude fibre (0.95-1.12%), and moisture content (4.85-7.65%) with a decrease in carbohydrate content (55.14-42.94%) as substitution of soursop flour increased. Energy content decreased as substitution of soursop flour increased, but beyond 30%, level, the energy content was observed to increase significantly. Substitution of soursop flour with wheat flour at the level of 10% compared favorably with the control sample suggesting that acceptable chin-chin could be produced at SSF substitution of up to 10%. The samples presented adequate microbiological conditions after storage of 3 weeks with counts ranging from 5.20×103-7.00×104cfu/g and 4.00×104-6.00×104cfu/g, for total bacterial and fungal counts, respectively. The study therefore showed that soursop can be utilized for the development of chin-chin with improved nutritional value over 100% wheat flour thereby serving as a nutritious household food which will help address the problem of protein-energy malnutrition.

The analysis of methods of investigation of negative impact on mesofauna and microbiology of soils of contaminated solutions for foam makers

Nowdays the problem of fires is becoming more widespread and global in scale. According to statistics published by the Ukrainian Research Institute of Civil Protection obtained as a result of analysis of the fire registration cards of the SES of Ukraine – for 11 months of 2019 the number of fires in Ukraine increased by 23.1% compared to the same period last year. The most common extinguishing agent being used by fire and rescue units today is а foam. The main component of different foaming agents are surfactants. Their excessive emission into the environment leads to pollution of the surrounding areas. The constant increasing of the land areas affected by the effects of firefighting influence both the state of the environment in the region as a whole and the level of soil fertility. Microbiological indicators and the content of harmful substances in crops are increasing and thus the negative impact on public health grows. The analysis of microbiological monitoring methods with the aim of the contaminated solutions foam makers impact on the nearby territories’ soils estimation has been carried out. The pros and cons of modern physical and chemical methods of soils quality estimation have been defined. The necessity of microbiological methods usage which allow to get full and sufficient information not only about the pollution volume, but also to rate the results of such pollution has been justified. It is determined that in order to obtain the most complete and objective information about the microbiological condition of soils contaminated with foaming agents for fire extinguishing, a complex of bioindication methods should be used. It should include a growth test and a chromosome aberration test, with the use of test organisms that are most sensitive to the chemical composition of the test solution for firefighting.