Non-detectable Levels Research Articles

The Lasting Effects of Wastewater Irrigation: Evaluating Alkylphenols Accumulation in Soil and Potential Health Risks for Farmers and Local Communities

Reclaimed wastewater is being utilized extensively in agriculture worldwide to tackle water scarcity due to the climate change. However, this practice raises concerns about endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) like alkylphenols (APs) in soil and their potential risks to human health. This study examined the presence of APs in both secondary treated wastewater (STW) and agricultural soil, which had been irrigated with wastewater for about 40 years. The study found significant accumulation of 4-Nonylphenol (4-NP) and 4-tert-Octylphenol (4-t-OP), in the agricultural soil compared to non-irrigated soil. The research also calculated the estrogenic equivalence (EEQ) of APs in agricultural soil and wastewater. The concentrations of APs in the agricultural soil were found to range from 5.33 to 89.0mg/kg dry weight (dw) for 4-NP and from non-detectable levels to 0.2643mg/kg dw for 4-t-OP, while in wastewater, the concentrations ranged from 0.42 to 14.61μg/L for 4-NP and 0.0127 to 0.0635μg/L for 4-t-OP. The study highlighted the potential health risks posed by accidental ingestion of contaminated soil and wastewater with APs, especially for children and adults who might face chronic, subchronic, or short-term exposure. The HQ for exposure to 4-NP in contaminated soil was significantly higher than 1 for chronic exposures involving individuals such as farmers, ranging from 3.35*10-4 to 3.31*102. For subchronic exposures affecting individuals like workers, the health risk ranged from 1.01*10-8 to 1.21*101. The hazard index values for chronic exposure to APs for adults exceed 1. There is a potential non-carcinogenic risk for children, with maximum health risk values significantly exceeding 1.

An Alternative Approach to Validate the Cleaning Efficiency of a Skin Cleansing Wipe

A key functionality for cleansing wipes is their efficiency in removing dirt and microbial contamination from the skin to safe or non-detectable levels, traditionally determined using the gravimetric method, which has been reported to be prone to experimental errors. This study evaluates the efficiency of a water-based cleansing wipe, WaterWipes® (WaterWipes, UC, Drogheda, Ireland), for removing synthetic faecal matter (FecloneTM, SiliClone Creations LLC, Havertown, PA, United States) and Escherichia coli (NCTC 10538) from volunteers’ skin, the former using a dermal analytical device called the Antera 3DTM camera (Miravex Ltd., Dublin, Ireland), and the latter using standard microbiological methods. FecloneTM was applied to participants’ forearms and the Antera 3DTM camera captured detailed images of the skin surface before and after wiping. The Antera 3DTM camera approach was found to be effective in measuring cleaning efficiency, with the wipe removing all detectable traces of the FecloneTM applied. The total pore area (mm2), pore count, and total pore volume (mm3) in test participants post-wiping were observed to be reduced on average by 39.05%, 34.39%, and 39.98%, respectively. The wipe removed 99.99% of E. coli (NCTC 10538) applied, as measured using the microbial plate count method. In conclusion, the Antera 3DTM camera method was observed to be effective in evaluating removal of topically applied FecloneTM.

Assessment of the Antibiofilm Performance of Silver-Containing Wound Dressings: A Dual-Species Biofilm Model.

Background It is commonly accepted that microorganisms found within hard-to-heal wounds are present in biofilm form. Biofilms are often polymicrobial in nature, which increases their virulence and tolerance to antimicrobial agents. The aim of this study was to compare the antibiofilm activity of silver-containing antimicrobial wound dressings in a dual-species simulated wound biofilm model. Materials and methods Four silver-containing wound dressings were evaluated in vitro: Aquacel® Ag+ Extra™ dressing, KerraContact® Ag dressing, Durafiber* Ag dressing, and UrgoClean Ag dressing. Each dressing was applied to a simulated wound assembly containing biofilm-gauze inoculated with Klebsiella pneumoniae and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Each biofilm-inoculated gauze was incubated at 35±3ºC for 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours. Enumeration of surviving biofilm bacteria at each time point was performed in triplicate for each test dressing and its equivalent control. Results Aquacel® Ag+ Extra™ dressing was observed to reduce the biofilm population within 24 hours with a >4 log10 kill observed for K. pneumoniae and >6 log10 for MRSA from an initial biofilm challenge of 4.16×109 CFU/mL. This kill rate was sustained for the duration of the challenge period, with Aquacel®Ag+ Extra™ dressing reducing the biofilm population to non-detectable levels (<30 Colony Forming Units (CFU) per test) by 72 hours for K. pneumoniae and by 48 hours for MRSA. KerraContact® Ag dressing demonstrated an initial reduction at 6 hours of ~2 log10 in both K. pneumoniae and MRSA. Durafiber* Ag dressing exhibited a slight, gradual reduction in biofilm population over the course of the test period, reducing each challenge organism by ~2.5 log10 by 72 hours. UrgoClean Ag was shown to have little to no impact on the dual-species biofilm with levels remaining similar or greater than that recovered prior to dressing application. The no-dressing biofilm-colonised gauze control demonstrated that the biofilm bacteria remained viable throughout the test period and species population proportionality was maintained. Conclusion Using a dual-species simulated wound biofilm model comprising the pathogens K. pneumoniae and MRSA, Aquacel® Ag+ Extra™ dressing demonstrated significantly greater antibiofilm activity than the other silver-containing dressings. The enhanced antibiofilm activity of Aquacel® Ag+ Extra™ dressing in this study may be attributed to the additional antibiofilm agents, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and benzethonium chloride, contained within the dressing.

Effects of anaerobic treatment on the non-volatile components and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of purple-colored leaf tea

This study investigated the effect of anaerobic treatment on the non-volatile components and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity in purple-colored leaf tea. Results showed that after 8 h of anaerobic treatment, the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content significantly increased from 0.02 mg/g to 1.72 mg/g (p < 0.05), while lactic acid content gradually rose from non-detectable levels to 3.56 mg/g. Notably, certain flavonols like quercetin and myricetin exhibited significant increments, whereas the total anthocyanins (1.01 mg/g) and epigallocatechin-3-(3''-O-methyl) gallate (13.47 mg/g) contents remained almost unchanged. Furthermore, the ACE inhibition rate of purple-colored leaf tea increased significantly from 42.16% to 49.20% (p < 0.05) at a concentration of 2 mg/mL. Moreover, galloylated catechins showed stronger ACE inhibitory activity than non-galloylated catechins in both in vitro ACE inhibitory activity and molecular docking analysis. These findings might contribute to the development of special purple-colored leaf tea products with potential therapy for hypertension.

Effect of Sorghum and Maize Malt Particle Size on Physicochemical, Stability, Microbiological, and Sensory Characteristics of Umqombothi

The consumption of Umqombothi alcoholic beverages in South Africa is widespread in townships and rural areas. This study aimed to investigate the effect of sorghum and maize malt particle size on the physicochemical, microbiological, stability, and sensory characteristics of Umqombothi. Three different particle sizes were compared, namely control, coarse, and fine powder particle sizes. Subsamples were taken at the following stages, during the production of Umqombothi: first, second, third, fourth, and fifth. Lactic acid bacteria were significantly dominant, with 8.16, 7.11, and 5.91 log cfu/mL in the final product for the control, coarse, and fine powder particle sizes. The yeast counts were 3.3, 4.64, and 5.63 log cfu/mL for the control, coarse, and fine powder particle sizes. Molds were significantly reduced to non-detectable levels after the second fermentation and the total coliforms in the final product were reduced for all particle sizes. The total soluble solids significantly decreased in the second fermentation samples. The coarse particle size exhibited significantly higher alcohol and significantly lower pH levels, which are encouraging signs for improved quality and shelf life. Different particle sizes of sorghum and maize malt affect the quality of the finished product and the production method of umqombothi.

Enzymatic Acrolein Production System and Its Impact on Human Cells.

Acrolein is an environmental toxicant and is also generated by microbial metabolism in the intestinal tract. Aqueous acrolein rapidly dissipates from standard human cell culture media with nondetectable levels after 8 h, hindering cell-based studies to understand its biological impacts. Thus, we developed an extracellular acrolein biosynthesis system to continuously produce acrolein compatible with human cell culture conditions. The approach uses spermine as a precursor, amine oxidase found in fetal calf serum, and catalase to remove the hydrogen peroxide byproduct. We confirmed amine oxidase activity of calf serum using a colorimetric assay and further tested the requirement for catalase in the system to mitigate hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity. We calibrated responses of human colon cells to this enzymatic acrolein production system by comparing transcriptional responses, DNA adduct formation and cytotoxicity responses to either this system or pure acrolein exposures in a human colon cell line. Several genes related to oxidative stress including HMOX1, and the colorectal cancer-related gene SEMA4A were upregulated similarly between the enzymatic acrolein production system or pure acrolein. The acrolein-DNA adduct γ-OH-Acr-dG increased in a dose-dependent manner with spermine in the enzymatic acrolein production system, producing a maximum of 1065 adducts per 108 nucleosides when 400 μM spermine was used. This biosynthetic production method provides a relevant model for controlled acrolein exposure in cultured human cells and overcomes current limitations due to its physical properties and limited availability.

N-Nitrosodimethylamine formation from anthropogenic nitrogenous compounds during preozonation and post-chloramination with characteristic low treatment dose.

One effective option to minimize N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in finished drinking water is to identify and control its precursors. However, previous works to identify significant precursors use formation potential (FP) tests using high doses to assure the maximum NDMA formation rather than the NDMA formation in finished waters. In this study, we applied characteristic low treatment doses of ozone (O3)-to-dissolved organic carbon (DOC) of target compounds of 0.8mg/mg and NH2Cl of 2.5 ± 0.2mg Cl2/L to evaluate the NDMAFP yields of organic compounds bearing N,N-dimethylamine (DMA) and N,N-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) during preozonation and post-chloramination. The results in pH-buffered Milli-Q water showed a significant decrease from ≤ 52% to non-detectable levels in the O3-NDMAFP yields of O3-reactive precursors (i.e., DMH-like compounds) after preozonation and post-chloramination. Similarly, a significant decrease from 0.5 to 12% to nonquantifiable levels was observed for the NH2Cl-NDMAFP yields of NH2Cl-reactive precursors; however, the NH2Cl-NDMAFP yields of N,N-dimethylbenzylamine (DMBzA)-like compounds only decreased from ~ 110 to ≤ 43%, suggesting that these compounds could contribute to NH2Cl-NDMAFPs even after preozonation. The effect of the matrix in sewage-effluent and lake water samples varied and was specific for precursors; for example, the O3-NDMAFP yield of 1,1,1',1'-tetramethyl-4,4'-(methylene-di-p-phenylene) disemicarbazide (TMDS), an important O3-reactive NDMA precursor, did not significantly decrease when tested in sewage-effluent samples. Based on the previous occurrence concentration of TMDS in sewage samples, we estimated an NDMAFP of ~ 315 ng/L. This estimate exceeds the guidance concentrations of NDMA (3-100ng/L), highlighting the importance of TMDS and its related compounds for NDMA formation.

Phase Ib/IIa randomized study of heterologous ChAdOx1-HBV/MVA-HBV therapeutic vaccination (VTP-300) as monotherapy and combined with low-dose nivolumab in virally-suppressed patients with CHB

The induction of effective CD8+ T cells is thought to play a critical role in the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Additionally, the use of checkpoint inhibitors is being evaluated to overcome T-cell dysfunction during CHB. A chimpanzee adenoviral vector (ChAdOx1-HBV) and a Modified vaccinia Ankara boost (MVA-HBV) encoding the inactivated polymerase, core, and S region from a consensus genotype C HBV were studied. Fifty-five patients with virally suppressed CHB and HBsAg <4,000 IU/ml were enrolled. Group 1 received MVA-HBV intramuscularly on Day 0 and 28, Group 2 received ChAdOx1-HBV on Day 0 and MVA-HBV on Day 28 (VTP-300), Group 3 received VTP-300+ low-dose nivolumab (LDN) on Day 28, and Group 4 received VTP-300 plus LDN with both injections. VTP-300 alone and in combination with LDN was well tolerated with no treatment-related serious adverse events. Reductions of HBsAg were demonstrated in Group 2: 3 of 18 patients with starting HBsAg <50 IU/ml had durable log10 declines of >0.7 log10 at 2 months after the last dose. Group 3 (n= 18) had mean reductions in HBsAg of 0.76 log10 and 0.80 log10 (p <0.001) at 2 and 7 months after the last dose. Two patients developed persistent non-detectable HBsAg levels. CD4+ and CD8+ antigen-specific T-cell responses were generated and there was a correlation between IFN-γ ELISpot response and HBsAg decline in Group2. VTP-300 induced CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and lowered HBsAg in a subset of patients with baseline values below 100 IU/ml. The addition of LDN resulted in significant reduction in surface antigen. VTP-300 is a promising immunotherapeutic that warrants further development alone or in combination therapies. The induction of potent, durable CD8+ T cells may be critical to achieving a functional cure in chronic HBV infection. A prime-boost immunotherapeutic consisting of an adenoviral-vector encoding hepatitis B antigens followed by a pox virus boost was shown to induce CD8+ T cells and to lower HBsAg, either alone or more impactfully when administered in conjunction with a checkpoint inhibitor, in patients with chronic hepatitis B. The use of immunotherapeutics in this setting warrants further evaluation. NCT047789.

Inactivation of Avian Influenza Virus Inoculated into Ground Beef Patties Cooked on a Commercial Open-Flame Gas Grill

With the emergence of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (AIV) infection of dairy cattle and its subsequent detection in raw milk, coupled with recent AIV infections affecting dairy farm workers, experiments were conducted to affirm the safety of cooked ground beef related to AIV because such meat is often derived from cull dairy cows. Specifically, retail ground beef (percent lean:fat = ca. 80:20) was inoculated with a low pathogenic AIV (LPAIV) isolate to an initial level of 5.6 log10 50% egg infectious doses (EID50) per 300 g patty. The inoculated meat was pressed into patties (ca. 2.54 cm thick, ca. 300 g each) and then held at 4 °C for up to 60 min. In each of the two trials, two patties for each of the following three treatments were cooked on a commercial open-flame gas grill to internal instantaneous temperatures of 48.9 °C (120°F), 62.8 °C (145°F), or 71.1 °C (160°F), but without any dwell time. Cooking inoculated ground beef patties to 48.9 °C (ave. cooking time of ca. 15 min) resulted in a mean reduction of ≥2.5 ± 0.9 log10 EID50 per 300 g of ground beef as assessed via quantification of virus in embryonating chicken eggs (ECEs). Likewise, cooking patties on a gas grill to 62.8 °C (ave. cooking time of ca. 21 min) or to the USDA FSIS recommended minimum internal temperature for ground beef of 71.1 °C (ave. cooking time of ca. 24 min) resulted in a reduction to nondetectable levels from initial levels of ≥5.6 log10 EID50 per 300 g. These data establish that levels of infectious AIV are substantially reduced within inoculated ground beef patties (20% fat) using recommended cooking procedures.

Coupling Peptide-Based Encapsulation of Enzymes with Bacteria for Paraoxon Bioremediation.

The catalytic efficiency of enzymes can be harnessed as an environmentally friendly solution for decontaminating various xenobiotics and toxins. However, for some xenobiotics, several enzymatic steps are needed to obtain nontoxic products. Another challenge is the low durability and stability of many native enzymes in their purified form. Herein, we coupled peptide-based encapsulation of bacterial phosphotriesterase with soil-originated bacteria, Arthrobacter sp. 4Hβ as an efficient system capable of biodegradation of paraoxon, a neurotoxin pesticide. Specifically, recombinantly expressed and purified methyl parathion hydrolase (MPH), with high hydrolytic activity toward paraoxon, was encapsulated within peptide nanofibrils, resulting in increased shelf life and retaining ∼50% activity after 132 days since purification. Next, the addition of Arthrobacter sp. 4Hβ, capable of degrading para-nitrophenol (PNP), the hydrolysis product of paraoxon, which is still toxic, resulted in nondetectable levels of PNP. These results present an efficient one-pot system that can be further developed as an environmentally friendly solution, coupling purified enzymes and native bacteria, for pesticide bioremediation. We further suggest that this system can be tailored for different xenobiotics by encapsulating the rate-limiting key enzymes followed by their combination with environmental bacteria that can use the enzymatic step products for full degradation without the need to engineer synthetic bacteria.

Influence of different culture media on the antimicrobial activity of Pediococcus pentosaceus ST65ACC against Listeria monocytogenes.

Pediococcus pentosaceus ST65ACC is a bacteriocinogenic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from Brazilian artisanal cheese that is capable of inhibiting different food pathogens, mainly Listeria monocytogenes. The production of bacteriocins can be influenced by several growth conditions, such as temperature, pH, and medium composition. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different culture media on the production of bacteriocins and antimicrobial activity of P. pentosaceus ST65ACC on L. monocytogenes Scott A. The strains were inoculated alone and in coculture in four different media: BHI broth, MRS broth, meat broth, and reconstituted skim milk (RSM) 10% (w/v). The culture media were then incubated at 37°C for 96h, and count analysis, pH measurement, and bacteriocin production were performed at 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96h. L. monocytogenes was inhibited to nondetectable levels in coculture with P. pentosaceus ST65ACC in MRS broth within 96h, consistent with the high production of bacteriocin throughout the analysis period (3,200-12,800 AU/mL). However, lower inhibitory activities of P. pentosaceus ST65ACC on L. monocytogenes Scott A were recorded in BHI, RSM, and meat broth, with low or no production of bacteriocins at the analyzed times. The composition of these culture media may have repressed the production and activity of bacteriocins and, consequently, the antagonist activity of P. pentosaceus ST65ACC on L. monocytogenes Scott A. The results showed that the antimicrobial activity was more effective in MRS broth, presenting greater production of bacteriocins and less variability when compared to the other media analyzed.

Impaired Awareness of Hypoglycemia in Older Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: A Post Hoc Analysis of the WISDM Study.

Up to one-third of older adults with type 1 diabetes experience impaired awareness of hypoglycemia (IAH), yet the factors associated with IAH remain underexplored in older adults. This post hoc analysis evaluated the clinical and glycemic correlates of IAH in adults ≥60 years old with type 1 diabetes in the WISDM study. IAH and normal awareness of hypoglycemia (NAH) were defined by a Clarke score of ≥4 or <4, respectively. Demographic, clinical, and glycemic metrics were compared in those with IAH and NAH at baseline and in whom IAH did or did not improve over 26 weeks, using descriptive statistics and a multiple logistic regression variable selection procedure. Of the 199 participants (age 68.1 ± 5.7 years, 52% female), 30.6% had IAH. At baseline, participants with IAH had a longer diabetes duration and greater daytime hypoglycemia and glycemic variability, and more participants had nondetectable C-peptide levels than those with NAH. Logistic regression associated longer diabetes duration (odds ratio [OR] 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.05; P = 0.008) and greater daytime hypoglycemia (OR 1.31, 95% CI, 1.15-1.51; P < 0.0001) with a greater odds of IAH. A similar modeling procedure identified less daytime hypoglycemia (OR per additional percentage point 0.55, 95% CI 0.32-0.94; P = 0.029) and shorter diabetes duration (OR per additional year 0.96, 95% CI 0.91-1.004; P = 0.07) as predictors of restored awareness at 26 weeks, although the effect size for diabetes duration was not statistically significant. In older adults with type 1 diabetes, longer diabetes duration and greater daytime hypoglycemia are drivers of IAH. Dedicated research can personalize IAH management.

Occurrence and ecological risks assessment of representative herbicides in a plateau alkali lake: Implications water management in prairie lakes

Herbicide residues in surface waters pose a potential hazard to aquatic ecosystems. Moreover, there is a scarcity of data regarding the occurrence of herbicide residues in lakes predominantly surrounded by non-agricultural land. This study aimed to monitor and assess seasonal variations in four commonly used herbicides (i.e., acetochlor, pretilachlor, butachlor, and atrazine) in the surface waters of the Hulun Lake Basin in China. The results indicated that the target herbicides were widely distributed throughout the study area.The residues of the four herbicides in surface water ranged from non-detectable levels to 1,978.60 ng L−1. Among the herbicides, atrazine had the highest detection rate (90.48 %). When considering the temporal factor, the median concentration of the selected herbicides in the lake was significantly higher during summer (102.68 ng L−1) than that during spring (97.59 ng L−1) and autumn (6.78 ng L−1). Furthermore, there were spatial variations in the surface waters of the Hulun Lake Basin. The residual levels in the lake exceeded those found in the inlet river, and the concentrations of herbicides in the estuary of the Kerulen River and central area of Hulun Lake were higher. The environmental risk assessment results indicated that the selected herbicides posed acceptable risks to fish in the aquatic environment of Hulun Lake. However, the risk quotient (RQ) values for acetochlor and atrazine in relation to algae exceeded 0.10. Similarly, the RQ values for butachlor in relation to algae and crustaceans exceeded 0.10 during the summer and autumn seasons and even surpassed 1.00 in certain samples. This can potentially endanger the survival of aquatic organisms. The findings of this study offer valuable insights to support efforts in pollution control, environmental safety assessments, and decision-making regarding water resource management in the Hulun Lake Basin.

New reducing agents and optimized redox techniques: Formaldehyde-free for the sustainable production of emulsion polymers

In April 2024, Brueggemann announced that at the American Coatings Show (30 April to 2 May 2024 in Indianapolis, booth 1060), Brüggemann would showcase their advancements in environmentally friendly reducing agents and processes for the production of emulsion polymers used in coatings, inks and adhesives. The company is highlighting its formaldehyde-free, multi-constituent sulfur-based Bruggolite® products, which are suitable for use under a wide variety of conditions. These products are claimed to also offer increased reactivity for higher performance at lower dosages and they can reportedly be used to achieve low to non-detectable levels of free monomer. They are claimed to be compliant with strict regulatory requirements throughout the world and most reportedly have FDA clearance for direct food contact. Formaldehyde-free for a wide range of applications

Quantitative Analysis of Genomic DNA Degradation of E. coli Using Automated Gel Electrophoresis under Various Levels of Microwave Exposure.

The problem that this study addresses is to understand how microwave radiation is able to degrade genomic DNA of E. coli. In addition, a comparative study was made to evaluate the suitability of a high-throughput automated electrophoresis platform for quantifying the DNA degradation under microwave radiation. Overall, this study investigated the genomic DNA degradation of E. coli under microwave radiation using automated gel electrophoresis. To examine the viable organisms and degradation of genomic DNA under microwave exposure, we used three methods: (1) post-microwave exposure, where E. coli was enumerated using modified mTEC agar method using membrane filtration technique; (2) extracted genomic DNA of microwaved sample was quantified using the Qubit method; and (3) automated gel electrophoresis, the TapeStation 4200, was used to examine the bands of extracted DNA of microwaved samples. In addition, to examine the impacts of microwaves, E. coli colonies were isolated from a fecal sample (dairy cow manure), these colonies were grown overnight to prepare fresh E. coli culture, and this culture was exposed to microwave radiation for three durations: (1) 2 min; (2) 5 min; and (3) 8 min. In general, Qubit values (ng/µL) were proportional to the results of automated gel electrophoresis, TapeStation 4200, DNA integrity numbers (DINs). Samples from exposure studies (2 min, 5 min, and 8 min) showed no viable E. coli. Initial E. coli levels (at 0 min microwave exposure) were 5 × 108 CFU/mL, and the E. coli level was reduced to a non-detectable level within 2 min of microwave exposure. The relationships between Qubit and TapeStation measurements was linear, except for when the DNA level was lower than 2 ng/µL. In 8 min of microwave exposure, E. coli DNA integrity was reduced by 61.7%, and DNA concentration was reduced by 81.6%. The overall conclusion of this study is that microwave radiation had a significant impact on the genomic DNA of E. coli, and prolonged exposure of E. coli to microwaves can thus lead to a loss of genomic DNA integrity and DNA concentrations.

New fungicides for managing Phytophthora diseases of tree crops with foliar and soil applications

Four new modes of action, oxathiapiprolin, fluopicolide, mandipropamid, and ethaboxam, have or are pending registrations on multiple tree crops in the USA including avocado, citrus, almond (and other tree nuts), and stone fruits to be used in sustainable anti-resistance rotation and mixture programs for managing Phytophthora diseases. All four fungicides are highly toxic in vitro against species of Phytophthora from different tree crops. Efficacy of foliar applications of oxathiapiprolin and mandipropamid for the management of citrus brown rot persisted for over 10 weeks. Still, residues could be removed to non-detectable levels by postharvest washing and brushing of fresh-market fruit. The four fungicides were highly effective in reducing root rot and crown/trunk cankers on tree crops and demonstrated acropetal systemic movement through the xylem after soil application and absorption by almond, citrus, and cherry roots. This was substantiated by reduced lesion size in stem inoculations of potted trees that were treated by soil applications or by in vitro bioassays and HPLC–MS–MS analyses of root, stem, and leaf extracts. Using an adapted Bromilow model that is based on the partition coefficient logP that indicates the lipo- or hydrophilicity and the acid dissociation constant pKa, mobility of ethaboxam, fluopicolide, mandipropamid, and oxathiapiprolin in plants was predicted, and this was supported by our studies. Mandipropamid and a mandipropamid–oxathiapiprolin pre-mixture are now registered as foliar applications for managing citrus brown rot, whereas oxathiapiprolin and fluopicolide are registered, and ethaboxam is pending registration as soil applications to control citrus root rot. Oxathiapiprolin has also been registered for soil use on almond and other nut crops, as well as avocado, and soil applications of mandipropamid are planned to be restricted to nursery use of multiple crops.

Low gH/gL (Sub)Species-Specific Antibody Levels Indicate Elephants at Risk of Fatal Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus Hemorrhagic Disease.

Elephant endotheliotropic herpesviruses (EEHVs), of which eleven (sub)species are currently distinguished, infect either Asian (Elephas maximus) or African elephants (Loxodonta species). While all adult elephants are latently infected with at least one EEHV (sub)species, young elephants, specifically those with low to non-detectable EEHV-specific antibody levels, may develop fatal hemorrhagic disease (EEHV-HD) upon infection. However, animals with high antibody levels against EEHV(1A) gB, an immunodominant antigen recognized by antibodies elicited against multiple (sub)species, may also occasionally succumb to EEHV-HD. To better define which animals are at risk of EEHV-HD, gB and gH/gL ELISAs were developed for each of the Asian elephant EEHV subspecies and assessed using 396 sera from 164 Asian elephants from European zoos. Antibody levels measured against gB of different (sub)species correlated strongly with one another, suggesting high cross-reactivity. Antibody levels against gH/gL of different subspecies were far less correlated and allowed differentiation between these (sub)species. Importantly, while high gB-specific antibody levels were detected in the sera of several EEHV-HD fatalities, all fatalities (n = 23) had low antibody levels against gH/gL of the subspecies causing disease. Overall, our data indicate that (sub)species-specific gH/gL ELISAs can be used to identify animals at risk of EEHV-HD when infected with a particular EEHV (sub)species.

Decellularized banana leaves: eco-friendly scaffolds for cell-based seafood

Cellular agriculture holds the potential to address sustainability, food security, and agricultural resilience. Within the cell-based meat supply chain, one of the key steps is developing sustainable scaffolding. In this study, we evaluated the impact of decellularized banana leaves, various coating materials including soy protein and gelatine, and different cell seeding strategies on cell viability, cell growth, cell alignment, and the response of the materials to thermal processing. Kinetics of the quality degradation of the scaffolds with and without cells were determined through kinetics equations. The efficiency of decellularization was verified through DNA quantification, which decreased from 445 ng/mg in fresh banana leaves to non-detectable levels in the decellularized samples. The alignment of cells on gelatin-coated samples was the highest among the samples, with a dominant orientation of 65.8°, compared to soy-coated and uncoated samples, with dominant orientations of 9.2° and −6.3°, respectively. The kinetics of shrinkage indicated that coating with soy and the presence of cells increased the activation energy due to the higher energy required for protein denaturation. The kinetics of area changes in plain scaffolds without cells followed a first-order pattern, while with seeded cells a second-order pattern was followed. Overall, the results showed that decellularized banana leaves provide sustainable scaffoldings for cellular agriculture applications. In addition, soy coating provided many benefits for decellularized samples by supporting cell adhesion and cell proliferation.

The addition of tiger nut by-product improved the physical, nutritional and safety quality of gluten-free cookies

The purpose of this study is to investigate the quality attributes of gluten-free cookies from sorghum flour and tiger nut pomace (TNP). Flour blends containing sorghum and TNP at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% were evaluated for functional and dough textural properties, while the cookies were evaluated for proximate, physical, bioactive, microbial storage and sensory properties. Addition of TNP significantly (p<0.05) increased flour bulk density (0.74–0.84 g/ml), WAC (1.31–1.97 g/g), OAC (1.57–2.00 g/g), swelling capacity (15.33–25.18 ml), but decreased foam capacity (12.05–9.98%) and foam stability (85.56–80.76%). Meanwhile, the cookie sample had a lower moisture content (3.58–3.71%), improved protein (0.91–3.02%), fat (19.72–31.87%), ash (3.27–5.02%) and total dietary fibre (1.84–10.28%) content. Physical parameters of hardness (5.12–10.23 N), weight (10.17–13.05 g) and thickness (6.56–8.03 mm) improved in composite cookies, with a reduction in diameter (46.91–42.67 mm) and spread ratio (7.15–5.13). The total phenolic content (0.689–0.741 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant capacity (10.33–14.61 μmol TE/g) increased, while the microbial population was reduced to a non-detectable level after storage for 28 days. The sensory scores were slightly higher than the control sample. The use of TNP as a functional ingredient in gluten-free cookies is technically feasible, especially for people with coeliac disease.

Thermal and Chemical Inactivation of Bacillus Phage BM-P1

Bacillus spp. are often used as probiotics; however, they can be infected by phages, leading to significant economic losses. Biocidal and thermal treatments are considered rapid and effective methods for controlling microbial contamination. To prevent viral contamination in industrial dairy production, the impact of temperature and biocides on the viability of Bacillus methylotrophic phage BM-P1 was assessed. The results demonstrated that reconstituted skim milk (RSM) as a medium showed the most effective protective effect on phage BM-P1. Treatment at 90°C for 5 min or 72°C for 10 min inactivated it to nondetectable levels from the initial titer of 7.19 ± 0.11 log, regardless of the culture medium. Sodium hypochlorite exhibited the best inactivating effect, which could reduce the phage titer below the detection level in 4 min at 50 ppm. Additionally, treatment with 75% ethanol for 20 min or 50% isopropanol for 30 min could achieve inactivation to nondetectable levels. The inactivating effect of peracetic acid was limited; even when treated at the highest concentration (0.45%) for 60 min, only a 2.47 ± 0.17 log reduction was observed. This study may provide some theoretical basis and data support for establishing measures against Bacillus spp. phages.