Microbiological Indicators Research Articles

Influence of chemicals contained in drinking water on the formation of the risk of health disorders in the population of an industrial city

Introduction. The state of drinking water supplied to consumers through centralized water supply systems is an important factor affecting health.
 The study aims to assess the risk to the health of the population of an industrial city associated with the content of chemicals in tap water.
 Materials and methods. Scientists conducted a study in Novokuznetsk, Kemerovo region, which is a major industrial center of Siberia. They analyzed the average annual values of chemical, microbiological and parasitological indicators of surface waters at the intake gates, as well as the results of studies of drinking water samples. The authors also assessed non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to public health associated with contamination of tap water.
 Results. The surface water supplied to the consumers of Novokuznetsk is taken from the Tom River by the Dragoon and Left-Bank water intakes. The main pollutants of water in the intake gates are suspended solids, iron, common coliform bacteria, thermotolerant coliform bacteria and coliphages. The most dangerous impurities contained in drinking water are silicon, chloroform, bromodichloromethane, boron and formaldehyde. The risk of immediate action associated with contamination of drinking water for the city's population was 0.903, which significantly exceeds the acceptable level (0.05). We identified the risk of chronic intoxication associated with water pollution at the level of 0.0176, which does not exceed the permissible level (0.02). The risk of oncological morbidity associated with the content of carcinogenic substances in drinking water was 1.41×10–5, which is 1.41 times higher than the permissible risk (1×10–5).
 Limitations. The limitations of the study were to conduct only an assessment of the health risk from the effects of chemicals.
 Conclusion. The probability of occurrence of environmentally caused diseases persists at concentrations of pollutants in drinking water at a level below the accepted hygienic standards.
 Ethics. This study did not require the conclusion of the Ethics Committee.

Assessment of Soil Resistance to Contamination by Platinum Nanoparticles by Biodiagnostic Methods

Soil contamination with platinum nanoparticles is reproduced at a rapid rate, primarily because of the operation of vehicles with platinum exhaust gas converters. Already present on the territory with a concentration of platinum in the soil of more than 2 mg/kg, which is the maximum background content of 750 times. At the same time, the environmental risks of the adverse impact of platinum nanoparticles on the soil are practically not studied. The purpose of this work is to assess the consequences of different buffering capacities of soils to contamination with platinum nanoparticles in terms of biological parameters. Laboratory studies of soil resistance to pollution with platinum nanoparticles (PtNP) in the South of Russia were carried out, and their genetic properties were compared: Ordinary Chernozem (Haplic Chernozem (Loamic)), Brown Forest Soil (Eutric Cambisol), and Gray Sands (Eutric Arenosol). PtНЧ concentration studies 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 mg/kg. Soil stability is assessed by the most sensitive and informative biological indicators of the state. It was found that the low content of PtNP (0.01, 0.1 and 1 mg/kg) in most cases does not lead to following the analysis of the biological state of the soil, and higher concentrations (10 and 100 mg/kg) lead to biological indicators. Soil enzymatic activity under PtНЧ contamination was inhibited to a lesser extent than phytotoxic and microbiological indicators. Common chernozem caused greater penetration to PtNP contamination than brown forest soil and gray sands. The results obtained were used to predict environmental risks in case of pollution of paid soils and to develop maximum allowable concentrations of platinum in soils of different buffering capacity.

EFFECT OF EXTRUSION ON PROBIOTIC FEED ADDITIVE

Today, in Ukraine, the issue of producing high-quality and safe livestock products is solved by the introduction of intensive technologies that involve the use of various feed additives, including vitamins, probiotics, prebiotics, macro- and microelements. In recent years, the development of feed additives using live cultures of microorganisms, so-called probiotic products, has attracted much attention of scientists. The strategy in the creation of these products is aimed, first of all, at ensuring the physiological needs of the animal body in biologically active substances. The addition of probiotic supplements to feed increases the bioavailability of nutrients, health, immunity, performance and conservation of animals. Probiotic feed additive EnzActive is a special product on the market of feed additives, the addition of which to feed is aimed at reducing, and in the future, the complete elimination of the use of antibiotics in animal feeding. The article examines the mechanism of action of active fodder yeast on the body of farm animals and proves that the use of active fodder yeast in animal feeding helps reduce the cost of feed due to better assimilation by the animal's body and reduction of morbidity among animals. Methods of introduction of active fodder yeast into the technological process of compound feed production are analyzed. On the basis of theoretical and experimental data, a structural scheme for the extrusion of grain raw materials with active fodder yeast is proposed, which involves preliminary mixing with crushed grain raw materials to obtain a highly homogeneous and stable composition. The physical properties of the feed additive, which includes corn grain and active feed yeast EnzActive, were experimentally determined, which indicate that, compared to the loose, extruded feed additive, it has the following advantages: the mass fraction of moisture decreases by 24.4%, the natural slope angle increases by 11, 6%, the flowability decreases by 48.2%, and the volumetric weight decreases by 24%. When extruding corn grain with active fodder yeast, the degree of starch dextrinization is 59%, and the extrudate expansion index is 2.3. Microbiological indicators were determined, which indicate that the number of yeast cells in extruded grain with active feed yeast EnzActive was only 6% compared to the number of yeast cells in untreated corn grain with active feed yeast.

Scientific substantiation to updating drinking water quality monitoring programs

Introduction. The results of systematic drinking water quality laboratory tests are the most informative sources. Recommendations on the managing of drinking water quality monitoring were developed in 2020. 
 The purpose of the study was to substantiate methodological approaches to updating drinking water quality monitoring programs.
 Materials and methods. The results of drinking water quality laboratory tests in the Murmansk region, conducted in 2021 in accordance with the monitoring program, were used. The results were analyzed for compliance with the recommendations of the drinking water quality monitoring program. An assessment of the compliance of the results of laboratory studies with hygienic standards and public health risk.
 Results. In Monchegorsk, the drinking water quality was studied at nine control points according to sanitary-chemical, microbiological, and parasitological indicators. The multiplicity of studies per year ranged from 1 to 12 studies. The quality of drinking water in Monchegorsk corresponded to hygienic standards, with the exception of single excesses in the content of chlorine residual free and colour.
 Limitations. When conducting the study, the results of the monitoring were used only for 2021, the results of drinking water quality production control were not taken into account.
 Conclusion. To carry out an objective drinking water quality assessment, it is necessary to update the existing programs of monitoring its quality in the settlements of the Murmansk region carried out within the framework of the social hygienic monitoring (SHM). The authors propose an algorithm for updating monitoring programs

Soil microbiological indicators in Coffea arabica crops under different weed management strategies

Soil microbiological indicators in Coffea arabica crops under different weed management strategies

Influence of the complex of chitosan-ß-cyclodextrin with levofloxacin on the wounds’ microflora and the Sturgeon’s colon intestine

The authors in the article presented the results of determining the effectiveness of using the chitosan-ß-cyclodextrin complex with levofloxacin in the healing of mechanical wounds of valuable commercial fish sturgeons and their feeding. The experiment was conducted based on the “Progressive biotechnologies in aquaculture” research laboratory of the Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering. N.I. Vavilov. The microflora of incised wounds and the large intestine of sturgeon fingerlings under the influence of fluoroquinolone, represented by levofloxacin based on cyclodextrin, included in the shell of high-molecular chitosan, was studied. The studied microbiological indicators were chosen to determine that changes in the total number of microorganisms show the nature of the course of the inflammatory/pathological process, which contributes to the development of microorganisms (including opportunistic pathogens) and lactic acid bacteria in the intestine. Therefore, they are essential physiological indicators of the formation of “ intestinal immunity. It was found that the use of cyclodextrin with levofloxacin in the treatment of incised wounds in sturgeons leads to a significant decrease in the total microbial number (TMC) on their surface (by 10 thousand times compared to the group without treatment). It has been shown that using cyclodextrin with levofloxacin in feeding sturgeons reduces the total microbial number in the large intestine. This complex is characterised by good solubility and bioavailability for fish. The future study results can be used in aquaculture to treat mechanical injuries received during transportation and sorting in the rearing process in fish.

Hydrogeochemical changes during artificial groundwater well recharge

Artificial groundwater recharge is a relatively economic and efficient method for solving shortages and uneven spatial-temporal distribution of water resources. Changes in groundwater quality during the recharge process are a key issue that must be addressed. Identifying the hydrogeochemical reactions that occur during recharge can be vital in predicting trends in groundwater quality. However, there are few studies on the evolution of groundwater quality during artificial recharge that comprehensively consider environmental, chemical, organic matter, and microbiological indicators. Based on an artificial groundwater recharge experiment in Xiong'an New Area, this study investigated the hydrogeochemical changes during groundwater recharge through a well. The results indicate that (1) as large amounts of recharge water (RW) were injected, the groundwater level initially rose rapidly, then fluctuated slowly, and finally rose again. (2) Water quality indicators, dissolved organic matter (DOM), and microbial communities were influenced by the mixture of RW and the background groundwater before recharge (BGBR), as well as by water-rock interactions, such as mineral dissolution-precipitation and redox reactions. (3) During well recharge, aerobic respiration, nitrification, denitrification, high-valence manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) minerals reduction dissolution, and Mn2+ and Fe2+ oxidation-precipitation occurred sequentially. (4) DOM analysis showed that protein-like substances in the BGBR were the main carbon sources for aerobic respiration and denitrification, while humic-like substances carried by the RW significantly enhanced Mn and Fe minerals reduction dissolution. Therefore, RW quality significantly affects groundwater quality after artificial groundwater well recharge. Controlling indicators, such as dissolved oxygen (DO) and DOM, in the RW can effectively reduce harm to groundwater quality after recharge. This study is of theoretical and practical significance for in-depth analysis of the evolution of groundwater quality during artificial well recharge, prediction of trends in groundwater quality during and after recharge and ensuring groundwater quality safety.

Diseño de un panel de indicadores para programas de optimización del uso de antimicrobianos en los Servicios de Urgencias

ObjectiveTo develop a panel of indicators to monitor antimicrobial stewardship programs activity in the emergency department. MethodsA multidisciplinary group consisting of experts in the management of infection in emergency departments and the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) evaluated a proposal of indicators using a modified Delphi methodology. In the first round, each expert classified the relevance of each proposed indicators in two dimensions (healthcare impact and ease of implementation) and two attributes (prioritization level and frequency). The second round was conducted based on the modified questionnaire according to the suggestions raised and new indicators suggested. Experts modified the prioritization order and rated the new indicators in the same manner as in the first round. Results61 potential indicators divided into four groups were proposed: consumption indicators, microbiological indicators, process indicators, and outcome indicators. After analyzing the scores and comments from the first round, 31 indicators were classified as high priority, 25 as intermediate priority, and 5 as low priority. Moreover, 18 new indicators were generated. Following the second round, all 61 initially proposed indicators were retained, and 18 new indicators were incorporated: 11 classified as high priority, 3 as intermediate priority, and 4 as low priority. ConclusionsThe experts agreed on a panel of ASP indicators adapted to the emergency services prioritized by level of relevance. This is as a helpful tool for the development of these programs and will contribute to monitoring the appropriateness of the use of antimicrobials in these units.

<em>Brochothrix thermosphacta</em> as a microbiological indicator in determining the expiration date of meat products

Microbial spoilage of food products leads to significant losses with negative social and economic consequences. In order to better control contamination and microbiological spoilage of food products, a new GOST P 70354-22 has been introduced. Meat and meat products. General requirements and procedure for testing to justify expiration dates (publication date 09/29/2022). Great importance is attached to the identification and quantification of the additional microbiological indicator Brochothrix termosphacta in meat, meat and meat-containing products packed using vacuum or modified gas atmosphere. Brochothrix sp. may become the dominant type of meat spoilage in MHA packaging and vacuum packed in the presence of sufficient oxygen. Brochothrix causes mucus and stickiness of the meat surface, unpleasant odors. Brochothrix also causes mucus and stickiness on the meat surface. GOST P 70354-22 describes a method for detecting and counting the number of bacteria Brochothrix sp. For their cultivation, a dense selective medium STAA was proposed. It allows you to isolate, identify and determine the amount of Brochothrix in samples. The technique described in GOST P 70354-2022 was tested. According to the results of cultivating primary crops, we observed the growth of characteristic small, round, shiny, gray-white colonies of Brochotrix on the surface of a special medium. The studied bacteria were oxidase-negative and catalase-positive.

LACTOSE-FREE ICE CREAM TECHNOLOGY BASED ON SECONDARY DAIRY RAW MATERIALS

Expanding the assortment of lactose-free dairy products, namely, ice cream for people who cannot tolerate lactose is a promising direction of research. The purpose of the work is to develop the technology of milk lactose-free synbiotic yogurt ice cream based on buttermilk protein-lipid concentrate, obtained by ultrafiltration/diafiltration, with the addition of natural flavoring and food additives, and the study of its quality indicators. A protein-lipid concentrate of buttermilk with a low lactose content was obtained by ultrafiltration/diafiltration, and its quality indicators were determined. The concentrate has a high protein content (16.01%) and a low lactose content (1.28%). Protein-lipid concentrate fermented with synbiotic sourdough is the main component included in the formulation of lactose-free synbiotic yogurt ice cream. The main physico-chemical parameters of the obtained fermented protein-lipid concentrate were determined, which ensures a rational content of the main components of the chemical composition in the finished lactose-free ice cream (it does not contain lactose, the protein content is 8.46%) and a high content of useful microflora (bifido- and lactobacilli). A mixture for lactose-free synbiotic yogurt ice cream was obtained according to a scientifically based recipe. A sample of lactose-free ice cream was made from the mixture using traditional technology, and organoleptic, physico-chemical and microbiological quality indicators were investigated. A comparison of the quality indicators of the studied sample with the control, which was taken as classic yogurt ice cream, was carried out. The mass fraction of lactose in samples of lactose-free ice cream is 0,011%. The developed lactose-free synbiotic yogurt ice cream has high probiotic activity (contains lacto- (3.0•108 CFU/g) and bifidobacteria (3.5•109 CFU/g)).

Current methods of normalization and maintenance of mucous membranes in gynecology: A prospective study

Background. The study of the recovery and restoration of the mucous membranes of the genital tract with vaginal intimate gels is presented.
 Aim. To determine the clinical effectiveness of special cosmetic gels for intimate hygiene, Floragel and Vagizhenal for restoration of the mucous membranes of the vulva and vagina.
 Materials and methods. Two groups of women were formed, Floragel and Vagizhenal, to analyze the clinical efficacy of cosmetic gels for intimate hygiene. Group 1 included 30 women aged 25 to 55 with clinical symptoms of genital tract mucosa atrophic changes and the absence of normal vaginal microflora. For intimate hygiene, this group regularly used the gel for intimate hygiene Floragel for 1 month. Group 2 included 30 women aged 25 to 55 with clinical symptoms of genital tract mucosa atrophic changes of various etiologies. For intimate hygiene, this group regularly used the gel for intimate hygiene Vagizhenal for 1 month. The gels were applied regularly, two times a day in the morning and evening, in a thin layer after hygienic procedures. Evaluation of the clinical effectiveness of special cosmetic gels for intimate hygiene Floragel and Vagizhenal included assessment of clinical efficacy, indicators of gynecological status, findings of microscopic and microbiological examination of vaginal discharge (Femoflor system), determination of the vaginal health index, and measurement of nonspecific immune protection of the vagina levels of interferon , interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-10 in the vaginal discharge using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
 Results. As shown by the questionnaires and interviews with patients, the use of special cosmetic gels for intimate hygiene, Floragel and Vagizhenal was associated with a significant improvement (p0.05) in clinical symptoms: an improvement of vaginal discharge, the disappearance of unpleasant odor and itching, and an improvement in the state of the vaginal mucous membranes and vulva. A special gynecological examination showed significant changes in the visual morphological and functional state characteristics of the vaginal mucosa and vulva. An improvement was reported in 90% (27) patients (p0.05) who used Floragel and in 80% (24) patients who used Vagizhenal.
 Conclusion. The results demonstrate Floragel and Vagizhenal gels' high efficiency in restoring normal microflora and moisturizing mucous membranes by optimizing microbiological indicators, improving the vaginal health index and local immunity factors, indicating that special gels for intimate hygiene Floragel and Vagizhenal have not only cosmetic but also therapeutic properties.

FEATURES OF THE GENESIS OF ANTHROPOGENIC SOILS OF LVIV

FEATURES OF THE GENESIS OF ANTHROPOGENIC SOILS OF LVIV

QUALITATIVE INDICATORS OF DRINKING WATER OF THE MAYSKY DISTRICT PAVLODAR REGION OF THE REPUBLIC KAZAKHSTAN

This work considers the quality indicators of drinking water in the Maysky district of the Pavlodar region, Republic Kazakhstan. The organoleptic, generalized, microbiological indicators, as well as organic and inorganic substances of drinking water of, water treatment plant before and after treatment, as well as tap water, were examined for compliance with regulatory requirements. The general mineralization characterizes the water as fresh and the hardness index indicates the average hardness of the water belonging to the hydrocarbonate class. An excess of the MAC norm for turbidity and manganese content before water treatment was established. The bacteriological index of water samples in the Maysky district exceeds hygienic standards. The sanitary and epidemiological hazard of water is confirmed by the presence of genus Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, which indicates anthropogenic and household factors of impact, both on the natural environment and on the formation of drinking water in the Maysky district of Pavlodar region.

QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF THE TOFFEE WITH SWEETENERS AND DYE FROM WALNUT SEPTUM OR KERNEL’S PELLICLE

Reduction of “bad” carbohydrates in sweets is a complex issue, because carbohydrates provide important sensory, physical and textural properties of food. This research illustrated the possible use of the colorant Brown 7 (0.6...1.0%) in combination with sucralose and isomalt for alerting the functional quality of toffee candies. Sensory and physicochemical properties, microbiological indicators and color parameters were analyzed for four samples of toffee. The combination of sweetener with anti-crystallizer and Brown 7 significantly improves the color of toffees. It was established by HPLC that during thermal processing the Casuarictin from Brown 7 transforms into Ellagic acid. These transformations lead to an increase in the intensity of the brown color in the toffee. The addition of Brown 7 contributes to the decrease of titratable acidity from 0.28 ± 0.08 in the control to 0.21 ± 0.06 degrees of acidity in the sample which contain 1.0% dye. The chromatic parameters L*, a*, b* of the toffee sample with 0.6% Brown 7 content are the closest to the classic toffee parameters. Use of colorant in combination with sweetener illustrates a potential synergy of sensorial properties. This help to increase the intake of natural bioactive compounds and to decrease carbohydrates in sweets, promising health benefits.

Chard powder as natural source of nitrites for fermented dried sausages: physicochemical and microbiological studies

Nitrites are added to sausage products to accelerate ripening, improve color and microbiological indicators. Chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) is one of the best natural sources of nitrites, as it contains a lot of nitrates – 1680 mg/kg in a fresh vegetable. However, chard has not been used as a source of nitrites in sausage technology and in cooking it is used only in fresh, boiled or sautéed form. There are no technologies for industrial drying and processing of chard into powder. Chard powder was obtained by microwave vacuum drying and grinding to 200 microns, which was determined by the appropriate sieve size. Five samples of fermented dried sausages were prepared and evaluated during the ripening process: C1 (without nitrite and sodium nitrate), C2 (100 mg/kg sodium nitrite and 100 mg/kg sodium nitrate), M1 (0.5 % chard powder), M2 (1 % chard powder) and M3 (1.5 % chard powder). With the addition of 1.5 % chard powder (Sample M3), the protein content increased by 22.74 %, ash content increased by 41.82 %, and dietary fiber content increased by 93.75 % compared to the control sample C2. Nitrite was formed from chard powder during the ripening process, especially in treatments M2 and M3. After the entire production process of fermented dried sausages for 35 days, nitrates were detected only in sample C2. The yield of fermented dried sausages enriched with chard powder decreased by 15.95 % compared to the control sample C2. Chard powder improved the microbiological parameters of sausage products, especially in sample M3. The content of aerobic mesophilic bacteria increased by 5.84 % and the content of lactic acid bacteria increased by 8.96 % in sample M3 compared to control C2 after 35 days of fermentation and drying, which is related to the activity of the starter. The organoleptic parameters of fermented dried sausages enriched with chard powder for samples M2 and M3 were better in terms of color and texture. The results of the analysis of nutritional value, pH, nitrites and nitrates indicate the effectiveness of adding 1.5 % chard powder (Sample M3) obtained by microwave vacuum drying as a potential source of nitrites in fermented dried sausages.

Development of technology for the production of useful jelly candies from cucurbit crops on a natural basis

The object of the study are the fruits of cucurbits crops, as well as confectionery products based on the fruits of watermelons and melons. The fruits of watermelons and melons are not processed on an industrial scale for a number of reasons: the lack of technological solutions for primary processing and preparation for processing, the instability of raw materials for processing. The pulp of watermelons must be processed within 5 hours under certain conditions; in the pulp of melons, changes in microbiological indicators begin within an hour of storage at room conditions. Because fruits have a high moisture content, the solution for effective fruit processing is to bind this moisture with thickeners and produce jelly candies. Sweets made without antioxidants did not withstand the standard shelf life for jelly sweets, and the growth of mold fungi increased. The reason may be the low acidity of the raw material. Citric acid was added as an antioxidant. There were problems of taste and smell; citric acid interrupts the natural smell of raw materials. During the search, the powder of dried, red-fruited rowan was chosen. The finished product had a barely perceptible natural aroma, the powder did not affect the taste. There were inclusions in the cross-section, but the appearance became more attractive. Jelly sweets without the addition of rowan powder had active mold growth on the 7th day of storage at a temperature of 22–25 °C; with the addition of rowan powder under the same storage conditions, they showed growth on the 16th day. The finished product meets all physical, chemical, and microbiological standards. The shelf life of such jelly sweets at a temperature of +6 °C in sealed packaging is up to 30 days without mold formation

Self-purification monitoring of the Danube delta and Merlo river aquatic water according to microbiological indicators

Purpose. Analysis of self-purification monitoring of the water area of the Danube delta and the small Merlo river (tributary of the Vorskla) according to microbiological indicators. Methods. To evaluate the role of microorganisms in maintaining the homeostasis of aquatic ecosystems, to study the intensity of self-cleaning processes and bioindication of pollution, the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of various ecological and trophic groups were determined. The dynamics and intensity of self-cleaning processes were determined by the ratio indicator (Ri) of TBC of autochthonous and allochthonous saprophytic microorganisms. The level of trophicity and saprobity in the Merlo river was determined by phenomenological signs. Results. It was established that the most intensive processes of self-purification were observed in the water area of the Danube delta above Reni city and in the Bystry branch. The most polluted water areas among studied were in the Kiliya branch near the town of Izmail, below the town of Kiliya and above the town of Vylkove (9th km). Monitoring studies of the Merlo river, in the area of the wastewater discharge in it of the food industry enterprise, were carried out according to hydrobiological and microbiological indicators. It was established that the river is very polluted, is under a large anthropogenic load on the water ecosystem and has a low ratio indicator (Ri). It was determined that according to the degree of saprobity and trophicity, the river in the wastewater discharge zone is related to hypertrophic and polysaprobic. After reconstruction of the treatment facilities at the food industry enterprise, the situation at the wastewater discharge point changed: Ri has increased from 1.1 to 3.2, and the water area at the discharge point has been classified as a polysaprobic zone, with signs of a mesosaprobic zone, which indicates a tendency to self-purification. Conclusions. It was established that the degree of self-cleaning processes is affected by anthropogenic sources of pollution of water bodies. The water ecosystems of the Danube delta have more pronounced tendencies to self-recovery than the ecosystems of the small Merlo river (a tributary of the Vorskla river). The positive impact of effective treatment of industrial wastewater discharged into the river on Ri, as well as on the trophicity and saprobity of ecosystems, has been established.

Screening Studies of Chemical Composition, Antibacterial Activity and Acute Toxicity of Siberian Fir Oil Fraction

Siberian fir is a common species in the taiga zones. A man produces oils, balms, extracts, cell sap, phytoconcentrates, syrups, etc., used in the food, phar-maceutical, perfume and cosmetic industries, in the household chemicals produc-tion and in medicine from the waste left after harvesting the wood. Siberian fir waste processing products have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can be components of the biologically active additives and functional prod-ucts manufacture. The research aims at studying chemical composition of biologically active substances, macro- and microelements, as well as the antibacterial activity and toxicity of the oil fraction obtained from Siberian fir. The study ob-ject is the oil fraction obtained from the Siberian fir extract by extraction with liquid carbon dioxide. A man run screening and identification of target biologically active substances using methods of analytical HELC, IR spectroscopy (IR), gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (GLC-MS). The researchers de-termined antibacterial activity of the samples in relation to ten clinical microor-ganism isolates by the agar diffusion method. They studied toxicity on outbred mice, males and females CD-I at doses of 2.5, 1.25, 0.625 g/kg animal weight. The thesis consists of microbiological parameters of Siberian fir extract; experi-mental data on the qualitative and quantitative content of biologically active sub-stances, macro- and microelements in the oil fraction of Siberian fir. The study results of the oil fraction indicate that it is a rich source of biologically active sub-stances with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; it belongs to the third hazard class (moderately dangerous substances). Microbiological indicators are within the permissible norm. The oil fraction of Siberian fir extract can be rec-ommended in the production of biologically active additives, functional products, but only after deep processing associated with the components fractionation of the raw materials used.

Insights into the relationships among the formation of biogenic amines, microbiota composition using a culture‐independent method, and metabolic potential in chill‐stored Scomber japonicus

SummaryFish spoilage is significantly influenced by the microbiota composition, in which the specific spoilage organisms are the main factors. In this article, we used the 16S rRNA V3–V4 hypervariable areas of bacteria to assess the microbial community and metabolic function of Scomber japonicus during storage at 4 °C for 9 days. The physicochemical and microbiological indices including total viable counts (TVC), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) and biogenic amines (BAs) were determined. Observations revealed that TVC, TVB‐N and BAs content dramatically increased over the storage, TVB‐N, histamine, cadaverine and tyramine content reached 54.18 mg/100 g, 621.26, 190.93 and 57.48 mg kg−1, respectively, at the end of storage. The decrease of alpha diversity indicated the decrease of microbial community plenty and diversity. Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter and Moraxellaceae unclassified occupied the dominant position during storage. The accumulation of histamine and cadaverine correlated positively with Pseudomonas and Brochothrix while negatively with Acinetobacter, Arthrobacter and Flavobacterium. Putrescine production and Photobacterium showed a strong favourable association. Amino acid metabolism and glucose metabolism were the two primary metabolic routes during the storage of S. japonicus, according to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Overall, this study explored the interrelationships among the microbial community, functional metabolisms and spoilage characteristics during the storage of S. japonicus, which aimed to identify the specific spoilage organisms and help to deepen the understanding of roles that this microbiota played during spoilage.

Verification of prerequisite programs implemented in a honey extraction establishment: A case study

The implementation of a management system based on Prerequisite Programs (PRPs) provides the basic environmental and operational conditions that are necessary for the production of safe and healthy food. The objective of this study was to verify the PRPs implemented in a honey extraction establishment. The work was carried out in an establishment located in Tandil (Buenos Aires, Argentina) during the honey harvest period (January to March). To collect information on the level of compliance with the PRPs, a checklist was developed. Microbiological indicators were also used to analyze honey samples (n = 80) and food contact surfaces (uncapping machine, honey and wax separator machine, draining table, honey extractor, collection container and hoses). Honey samples were analyzed to determine molds and yeasts, total coliforms and Salmonella spp.; while on food contact surfaces, mesophilic aerobic bacteria, molds and yeasts were determined. The checklist was divided into seven blocks containing 35 requirements, with 83% compliance being observed. The results showed that the main non-compliances were related to written programs and records. In addition, it was observed that the flow diagram and the description of the honey extraction process were incomplete. However, the microbiological indicators showed that the performance of the implemented PRPs was acceptable. Only one of the honey samples analyzed did not meet the microbiological requirements established in current Argentine legislation. Most of the food contact surfaces analyzed presented microbial loads below 10 CFU/cm2. The verification of compliance with the PRPs is a useful tool to identify aspects that can be improved in the management systems implemented in food establishments. Finally, this study recommends the use of the checklist as a support tool to diagnose the degree of compliance with the established requirements, which could be adopted by other establishments.