Sterile Bottles Research Articles

Benefits of Betel Leaves as a Medicine for Postpartum Perineal Wounds

Indonesia is a country rich in natural materials for human health. One of them is red betel. This research was conducted to formulate red betel as a medicine for perineal wounds in mothers after childbirth. Making wound medicine by boiling. Boil 4-5 sheets or 9-11 grams (Piper Crocatum) that have been washed thoroughly, put 500 ml of water into a pot made of clay so as not to damage the substance content of red betel leaf (Piper Crocatum). Wait for it to boil for 15 minutes. Let the boiled water cool for 30 minutes, then strain the water and put the filtered result in the sterile bottle that has been provided. After that, respondents will use boiled water with red betel leaves (Piper Crocatum) after taking a shower in the morning and also in the afternoon. After finishing, the respondent will dry his female intimate organs with a towel until dry. Rinse the boiled water of red betel leaves (Piper Crocatum) once a scoop is given as much as 200 ml for one use.

Chemical stability and invitro antimicrobial efficacy of diluted silver sulfadiazine powder and cream over a six-month period.

Silver sulfadiazine (SSD) is commonly formulated into otic preparations to treat otitis externa, although evidence of stability and antimicrobial efficacy with long-term storage is lacking. To evaluate the effect of storage time on chemical stability and invitro antimicrobial activity of SSD diluted in sterile water, including two 1% suspensions using SSD pharmaceutical-grade powder stored at room temperature (RT) in plastic or sterile glass bottles, and a 1:9 dilution using prescription SSD 1% cream stored at RT in a sterile glass bottle. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assessed chemical stability. Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole-susceptible and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole-resistant strains of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (SP), meticillin-resistant (MR) SP, S. schleiferi (SS), MRSS, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis and Escherichia coli evaluated by 24 h time-kill analysis assessed invitro antimicrobial efficacy. Each assessment was performed at zero, one, three and six months of storage. LC-MS/MS showed no significant change in concentration over time for any suspension. When adjusted for time and species/strain, all SSD suspensions showed significant reductions in colony forming units (cfu)/mL at 24 h (p < 0.001). Including all suspensions, a bactericidal effect (minimum 3-log cfu/mL reduction at 24 h) occurred against 94% of total isolates, with failure against 33 of 552 isolates (6%). Bactericidal failure was more likely with the cream-based suspension (p < 0.05) and at six months (p < 0.01). Powder-based and cream-based SSD/sterile water suspensions showed no significant change in concentration and demonstrated invitro antimicrobial activity for six months. Bactericidal failure was more likely with the cream-based suspension and after six months of storage.

Bacteriological quality and physicochemical analysis of the Kalte River at Wolaita Sodo Town, southern Ethiopia

ObjectiveThe current research aimed to investigate the physicochemical and bacteriological quality status of the Kalte River in Wolaita Sodo Town, southern Ethiopia.MethodsA total of 42 water samples were collected using sterile glass bottles from three different river sites: Damota (upstream), Kera (midstream), and Gututo (downstream). All the water samples were examined for the presence of heterotrophic bacteria, total coliform and fecal coliform using direct plate count method and membrane filtration method. Standard methods suggested by American water works association were used to analysis the physicochemical parameters of the water samples.ResultsThe results revealed that the total heterotrophic bacteria, total coliform, and fecal coliform count ranged from 8.9 to 12.6 × 104 cfu/ml, 7.5–11.3 × 102 cfu/ml and 5.7–9.7 × 104 cfu/ml, respectively. The bacterial count results indicated that the river water crossed the WHO-recommended limit of potable water. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, and Shigella species were the common bacterial pathogens isolated from river water samples. The results of the physicochemical analysis revealed that some of the parameters Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and turbidity exceeded the maximum permissible limits of WHO and other parameters were below the WHO permissible limits.ConclusionTherefore, the presence of bacterial pathogens, fecal coliform indicators, and some physicochemical parameters of the Kalte River exceeding the recommended limits may expose users of the river water to the risk of infection.

The Price of Water: Evaluating the Potential Cost Savings of Switching from Saline to Distilled Water for Wound Irrigation

As water becomes an increasingly precious commodity, health systems face difficulties in balancing usage and costs. Numerous studies indicate minimal differences in patient outcomes between the use of normal saline and tap water in wound care and surgical procedures. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential cost implications for hospitals when shifting from sterile water and saline to in-house distilled water for wound care and surgical procedures. We analyzed a two-facility hospital network, assessing current sterile water and saline solution usage and expenses and compared it with the cost of implementing an in-house water distillation system. In 2022, the hospital network spent $305,180.78 on sterile water and saline solution bottles. By replacing the current expenditure on sterile water and saline solution bottles for irrigation with a water distillation plant at the hospital network, the estimated annual cost of the new system is projected to be significantly lower, at $83,298.87. This results in substantial total savings of $221,881.91 annually, amounting to $361.37 per bed per year, while also considering the additional benefit of reducing plastic disposal costs. Extrapolating the in-house distillery cost savings to all 919,649 staffed hospital beds in the United States could potentially save approximately $565 million annually. Over a decade, this could reach up to $5.65 billion, if all hospitals adopt similar self-hosted water distillation systems.

Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) Concentration in Borehole Water from Orhuworhun Town, Delta State, Nigeria.

The quest for quality water and its importance have made it necessary to assess the potability of the water supply. This investigation was carried out to evaluate the concentration of PAHs in borehole water obtained from Orhuwhorun town in Delta State, Nigeria. The water sample was collected from a resident borehole and stored in a sterile bottle to avoid contamination. The water sample was analyzed for PAHs with the use of a gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GC-MC). The total concentration of PAH in water (?16 EPA PAHs), which are 16, includes chrysene (Chry), benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbF), acenaphthene (Ace), benz[a]anthracene (BaA), acenaphthylene (AcPy), anthracene (Ant), benzo[k]fluoranthene (BkF), benzo[ghi]perylene (BghiP), benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), Indeno[1,2,3- cd]pyrene (IndP), fluoranthene (Flu), dibenz[a,h]anthracene (DahA), naphthalene (Nap), pyrene (Pyr), phenanthrene (Phe), and fluorene (Flu). The mean concentration in this study ranges from 22.729 to 102.109 mg/L. The concentration of dibenz[a,h]anthracene (DahA) was observed to be the highest, while the concentration of Chry was found to be the lowest amongst all Ó16 PAH congeners detected. The result of this study was compared with the U.S. EPA Standard Limit, and all PAH congeners were found to exceed the standard limit, which shows that the sample is not fit for drinking. This significant concentration of PAH in the water can be attributed to various anthropogenic activities and untreated waste containing PAH. Therefore, there is an urgent need for regulatory agencies to make sure that industries check for environmental compliance.

Monitoring of enteropathogenic Gram-negative bacteria in wastewater treatment plants: a multimethod approach

The wastewater treatment processes are associated with the emission of microbial aerosols, including enteropathogenic bacteria. Their presence in this work environment poses a real threat to the health of employees, both through the possibility of direct inhalation of the contaminated air and indirectly through the pollution of all types of surfaces with such bioaerosol particles. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of enteropathogenic bacteria in the air, on surfaces, and in wastewater samples collected in four wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The effectiveness of conventional culture-biochemical, as well as spectrometric and molecular methods for the rapid detection of enteropathogenic bacteria at workstations related to particular stages of wastewater processing, was also evaluated. Bioaerosol, surface swab, and influent and effluent samples were collected from wastewater plants employing mechanical–biological treatment technologies. The air samples were collected using MAS-100 NT impactor placed at a height of 1.5 m above the floor or ground, simulating aspiration from the human breathing zone. Surface samples were collected with sterile swabs from different surfaces (valves, handles, handrails, and coveyor belts) at workplaces. The raw influent and treated effluent wastewater samples were aseptically collected using sterile bottles. The identification of bacterial entheropathogens was simultaneously conducted using a culture-based method supplemented with biochemical (API) tests, mass-spectrometry (MALDI TOF MS), and molecular (multiplex real-time PCR) methods. This study confirmed the common presence of bacterial pathogens (including enteropathogenic and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., and Yersinia enterocolitica) in all air, surface, and wastewater samples at studied workplaces. Higher concentrations of enteropathogenic bacteria were observed in the air and on surfaces at workplaces where treatment processes were not hermetized. The results of this study underline that identification of enteropathogenic bacteria in WWTPs is of great importance for the correct risk assessment at workplaces. From the analytical point of view, the control of enteropathogenic bacterial air and surface pollution using rapid multiplex-PCR method should be routinely performed as a part of hygienic quality assessment in WWTPs.

A GIS-based analysis of heavy metals around Otukpo rice mill in Benue state

Heavy metals are primarily sourced from natural pedo-geochemical backgrounds and anthropogenic occurrences like composting, sewage sludge, aerosol deposition, and waste animal manure. The study aims to determine the heavy metals within the rice mill in Otukpo to understand the spatial distribution with the objectives to examine the heavy metals within the identified activity areas in the Otukpo rice mill, to determine the spatial distribution of heavy metals within the study area and to compare heavy metal values with the acceptable limits. Soil samples were collected from ten locations at Otukpo Rice Mill to analyze heavy metal concentrations. The samples were collected using sterile bottles and a stainless trowel, and the soil samples were analyzed for the concentrations of Cadmium, Copper, Lead, Nickel, Zinc, Mercury, Iron, Arsenic, and Chromium using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry method. The result was analyzed using interpolation to see the variation of the Heavy metals within the various activity areas. The result of the study reveals that Iron has the highest concentration at the Entrance point and lowest at the Generator house with a range value of 3.92 – 1.12mg/kg respectively. The highest concentration of Zinc was recorded at the Mechanic workshop while the lowest is at the Drying point with a range value of 0.135 – 0.872mg/kg respectively. The Husk dumpsite recorded the highest concentration of Copper (0.666mg/kg) with the Drying point recording the least (0.088 mg/kg). The study reveals uneven concentrations and highlights the effectiveness of the Geographic Information System in mapping heavy metal concentrations.

Prevalence and Some Virulence Factors of Salmonella spp Isolated from Pigs and Piggery in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Piggery habitats are a substantial reservoir and are frequently asymptomatic carriers of the bacterium, Salmonella. Salmonella can be shed in faeces, urine allowing infection to spread to other pigs and the environment. Therefore, there is a need to determine the prevalence and some virulence factors of Salmonella spp in pigs and piggery. The study areas were M &amp; K pig farm Alakahia (station A) and Rivers State University pig farm (station B). A total evaluation of 112 samples were obtained with seven sample types comprising of faeces, floor, food trough, foreskin, urine, walls, and water trough were aseptically collected using sterile universal bottle and swab sticks. Samples were examined for presence of Salmonella using standard microbiological approach for enumeration and identification. Mean Salmonella-Shigella counts (SSC) for faecal sample ranges for station A and B were: 1.6 to 3.1x105cfu/g, floor 5x104 to 2.0x105cfu/m2, food trough 3x104 to 1.2x105cfu/m2, Foreskin 4x104 to 1.4x105cfu/m2, urine 0 to 1x104cfu/ml, Wall 5x104 to 2x105cfu/m2, Water trough 6x104 to 1.3x105cfu/m2. Seventy-five isolates of Salmonella belonging to 5 species were isolated which include with feacal sample recording the highest prevalence (10.7%) at both locations. The virulence test performed on all Salmonella isolates were 100% motile, haemolysis, catalase and S. typhimurium (80%), S. choloraesius (89.4%), S. enterica (93.3%) S.enteritidis (54.5%) and S. bongori (100%) to biofilm production test. The high prevalence and virulent factors observed in this study indicate high potential risk of transmission of Salmonella spp in piggery, which can have a serious implication to public health. It is essential that a more effective control strategies be employed to minimize the prevalence of salmonella spp in pigs and piggery in Port Harcourt metropolis.

Physicochemical composition of Criolla and Criolla x Saanen goat milk according to age and parity in the central highlands of Peru

Present study aimed to analyze the physicochemical composition of goat milk based on the type of animal, age, and parity in Chupuro, Junin region in the country of Peru. A total of 24 goats were randomly selected, and divided into two groups: 12 native goats and 12 native goats crossed with Saanen. These groups (G1, G2, and G3) included three age categories (1.8, 2.5, and 3.2 years) and three parity levels (first, second, and third parity). The animals were monitored and fed considering their conversion and nutritional requirements. Before the morning milking, 100 ml of milk was extracted in sterile bottles, followed by agitation for 3 to 5 minutes, and the samples were transported using conservation and cooling techniques in a thermal box with ice cubes. These samples were analyzed in the special laboratory. Measurements of pH, acidity, density, lactose, total solids, fat, and protein were conducted using milk analyzer. The findings for the Criollo breed revealed a pH of 6.35 ± 0.31, a lactose concentration of 4.35%, total solids of 11.62 ± 1.31%, protein content of 4.12 ± 0.35%, and fat content of 3.40 ± 0.91%. In comparison, the Criollo x Saanen crossbreed exhibited a pH of 6.43 ± 0.13%, a lactose concentration of 4.45%, total solids of 12.63 ± 0.92%, protein content of 4.26 ± 0.28%, and fat content of 3.95 ± 0.69%. The results indicated that there were no significant differences in the types of milk from native goats and native goats crossed with Saanen. However, significant differences (P&lt;0.05) were observed in density, lactose, total solids, fat, and protein between groups of different ages and parity levels. Crossbreeding with the Saanen breed is well received in the region, as it serves to improve milk production, with favorable percentages of fat, protein, lactose, and total solids.

Assessment of Metal Concentration and Bioaccumulation Factor in Surface Water and Fishes Sampled From Four Creeks in the Bonny River Estuary, Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

The indiscriminate disposal of industrial and urban waste has added to the concerns of global water pollution. Anthropogenic activities and activities of oil companies (oil spills) have also contributed to the pollution of the aquatic ecosystem in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. This study was therefore designed to evaluate the concentration of Iron, Nickel, Lead, Cadmium and Chromium in our surface waters and our marine life. Samples of surface water were collected into 50 cl sterile plastic bottles and labelled accordingly. Twenty medium-sized tilapia fishes from about a one-kilometre radius of each site were caught and also labelled accordingly. Water and fishes from each site were then kept in a cooler, iced and immediately transported to the laboratories for analysis for heavy metals after these fishes were homogenised using a blender. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used for the metal analysis. Standards were prepared using tracecert of each of the above-mentioned metals. The results of these study sites (Akpajo, Okujagu, Woji and Elelenwo) had high concentrations of metals. Fishes from all these sites also had high concentration of these metals. The trend of metal concentration in the surface water as follows: Okujagu–Pb&gt;Cr&gt; Cd&gt;Fe = Ni, Akpajo–Cd&gt;Fe&gt;Pb&gt;Cr&gt;Ni, Elelenwo–Pb&gt;Cr&gt;Fe&gt;Cd&gt;Ni, Woji–Cr&gt;Cd&gt;Pb&gt;Fe&gt;Ni. Results obtained also revealed the trend of metal concentration in fish muscles as follows: Okujagu–Pb&gt;Cr&gt; Cd&gt;Fe = Ni, Akpajo– Cd&gt;Fe&gt;Pb&gt;Cr&gt;Ni, Elelenwo–Pb&gt;Cr&gt;Fe&gt;Cd&gt;Ni and Woji–Cr&gt;Cd&gt;Pb&gt;Fe&gt;Ni. Fishes and surface water sampled from these four creeks in the Bonny estuary in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria had high concentrations of iron, nickel, cadmium, chromium and lead in relation to their concentration in surface water. The results of this study revealed that metal concentration in surface water had some relative effect on their concentration in the fishes. This, therefore, means consumption of these fishes may lead to the accumulation of these metals in man to a toxic concentration. This may be one of the reasons for the increase in some heavy metal-related health issues (diabetes, renal diseases) in this region.

Evaluation of Three (3) Techniques in the Diagnosis of Subclinical Mastitis with Antibiotic Resistance of S. aureus in Nigeria

Abstract This study was aimed at evaluation of two diagnostic techniques and the cultural isolation of Staphylococcus aureus for the testing of subclinical mastitis in lactating cows. A total of 144 milk samples from 36 cows were examined. Ten (10) ml milk samples were aseptically collected from each quarter into labelled sterile universal bottles. The California Mastitis Test (CMT) and the Methylene Blue Reduction Test (MBRT) were carried out on each sample, before cultural isolation (gold standard test) was conducted. Forty eight milk samples were CMT-positive and 60 samples were MBRT-positive, while the gold standard (S. aureus isolation) had 31 positives. The 89.5 % samples of CMT-positive were correctly identified by the test culture. The proportions of samples that tested negative for Subclinical Mastitis (SCM) that did not have the disease, which is a negative predictive value, are 97.9 % and 92.9 % for CMT and MBRT, respectively. The highest total resistance of S. aureus to antibiotics was detected for gentamycin and chloramphenicol (100 %), followed by streptomycin and amoxicillin at 80.6 % and 74.1 %, respectively. The control and monitoring of subclinical mastitis in lactating cows are of great importance to human health. A good management system constitutes the priority in controlling subclinical mastitis in lactating cows.

Haematological parameters of sheep in the semi-arid zone of North Eastern Nigeria

Haematological parameters of sheep in the semi-arid zone of North-Eastern Nigeria were studied between August 2022 and April, 2023. Blood was sampled from one hundred and sixty-eight sheep comprising of Yankasa, Balami and Uda (56 per breed) at the Federal University Gashua Teaching and Research Farm, Gashua abattoir and Garin Alkali goats and sheep markets. The study was carried out to determine the blood profile of prominent indigenous sheep breeds in the study area. Blood samples were carefully collected from the animals into labeled sterile bottles containing Ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid for haematological examination. Data analyzed for the effect of breed, sex and age were not significantly affected (p&gt;0.05) for packed cell volume (PCV) and haemaglobin (Hb) concentration. Consequently, values of PCV and Hb differed significantly (p&lt;0.05) with season in favour of wet season, (40.87%) and (13.63g/dl) for PCV and Hb respectively. Values for red blood cell (10.18 x103/µL), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (35.11g/dl), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (12.71 Pg), mean corpuscular volume (45.86 Fl) and white blood cell (10.72 x103/µL) were significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) for Uda sheep. Adult sheep generally had significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher values for haematologic parameters considered. It was concluded that there were breed, sex, age and seasonal differences in haematological parameters of the sheep breeds studied. The blood parameters needed to be monitored frequently and appropriately controlled to ensure stability and adequate health and nutritional status of sheep.

ANTIBIOGRAM OF METHICILLIN-RESISTANT Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) STRAINS FROM KINDIRMO IN NASARAWA, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Dairy products have been found to be a major vehicle for the transmission of multidrug-resistant MRSA strains to man. This study determined the antibiogram of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains from traditionally-pasteurized dairy product (Kindirmo) in selected parts of Nasarawa, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. One hundred and sixty kindirmo samples were collected from vendors using random sampling from the areas selected for the study. Sample collection was between January 2021 and April 2021. Each sample was collected into sterile screwed-capped plastic bottle and labeled appropriately. Standard microbiological procedures were used in isolating and identifying MRSA strains from the samples. Characterisation of the MRSA strains was carried out using Microgen® kits. The MRSA strains were evaluated for their susceptibility to cefoxitin (30µg), clindamycin (2µg), chloramphenicol (30µg), doxycycline (30µg), gentamicin (10µg), sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim (25µg), tobramycin (30µg), and vancomycin (30µg), using the Kirby-Bauer technique. Of the 160 samples examined, eight MRSA strains were obtained, giving a prevalence of 5.0%. All of the MRSA strains were resistant to cefoxitin (0-1mm); 62.5% were resistant to tobramycin (7-11mm); and 25.0% were resistant to chloramphenicol (4-10mm). Five (5) antibiotic resistant phenotypes were recorded among the MRSA strains. The occurrence of MRSA in Kindirmo as recorded in this study, suggest that, the consumption of the product constitute a hazard to consumers. Basic hygiene requirements during production and selling of the product should be imposed by relevant authorities. This will go a long way in ensuring the safety of the product.

Bacteriological Contamination Level of Foods and Water Sold With Escherichia Coli, Salmonella spp, Staphylococcus Aureus, Coliforms and Vibrio Cholera in Food Establishments in Nairobi City Kenya

Purpose: Food borne illnesses are major health burden leading to high morbidity and mortality. It is a growing public health concerns worldwide resulting from food and water contaminated by pathogenic microorganism, toxins or chemical hazards. It is estimated that 10 to 20% of food borne illness are contracted from food establishments. The main aim was to determine bacteriological contamination levels of foods and water sold with Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp, Staphylococcus aureus, coliforms and Vibrio cholerae in food establishments in Embakasi South Nairobi City County Kenya.&#x0D; Methodology: The study design was descriptive analytical design. The Samples were collected in selected food establishments (Cafeteria, Hotels, Restaurants and food Kiosks) in Embakasi South Sub county Nairobi City County. The study collected 274 samples of food and water randomly sampled and collected using sterile food bags and water bottles within selected establishments and transported to the laboratory in cool boxes packed with ice packs. The samples were analyzed within 6 hours after collection. Microbiological analysis of food and water were borrowed from WHO and bacteriological analytical manual of foods to identify and isolate coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio cholera, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp.&#x0D; Results: It was found that some foods and water sold and consumed in the selected food establishments was contaminated with food borne microorganisms. Escherichia coli isolated in 137 food samples were at 24.1%, Vibrio cholera at 23.4%, Staphylococcus aureus at 32.8%, and Salmonella spp at 4.4%. Total coliforms detected in 137 samples of water were at 43.8% where 32.8% of them were Escherichia coli.&#x0D; Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study concluded there was high level of bacterial contamination of foods and water consumed in selected foods establishments. Nairobi City County health officers should enhance regular sampling of foods and water for microbial quality, health education on sources of food contamination at food eateries and establishments to prevent food and water contamination which later lead to food borne illness outbreak.&#x0D;

Protocol for surveillance of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria causing community-acquired urinary tract infections in low-income countries.

The spread of drug-resistant bacteria into the community is an urgent threat. In most low-middle-income countries (LMICs) settings, community-acquired infection (CAI) is empirically treated with no data to support the choice of antibiotics, hence contributing to resistance development. Continuous antimicrobial resistance (AMR) data on community-acquired pathogens are needed to draft empirical treatment guidelines, especially for areas with limited culture and susceptibility testing. Despite the importance of addressing antibiotic-resistant pathogens in the community setting, protocols for the surveillance of AMR bacterial infections are lacking in most (LMICs). We present a protocol for surveillance of AMR in LMICs using urinary tract infection (UTI) as a proxy for CAI to enable users to quantify and establish the drivers of AMR bacteria causing UTI. The protocol intends to assist users in designing a sustainable surveillance program for AMR in the community involving children above two years of age and adults presenting to a primary health facility for healthcare. Implementation of the protocol requires initial preparation of the laboratories to be involved, surveillance areas, selection of priority bacteria and antimicrobials to be used, and the design of a coordinated sampling plan. Recruitment should occur continuously in selected health facilities for at least 12 months to observe seasonal trends of AMR. At least 10 mL of clean-catch mid-stream urine must be collected into 20 mL calibrated sterile screw-capped universal bottles lined with 0.2 mg boric acid and transported to the testing laboratory. Utilise the data system that generates standard reports for patient care to be shared internally and externally in the regions and the world through global platforms such as the Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System.

Кетчуп из томатного жмыха: физико-химические, микробиологические и органолептические показатели

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most important crops that is extensively used in the food processing industry. During tomato processing, abundant by-products such as skins, pulps, seeds, and waste are generated and cause environmental burdens. To solve this problem, tomato pomace was subsequently used as a material for making tomato sauce. However, it is essential that the production of tomato ketchup meets the required standards. Therefore, it is important to analyze the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of the product. We aimed to study the effect of corn starch addition on the physicochemical and sensory properties of tomato ketchup made from tomato waste and to assess the acceptability of tomato sauce formulated with different concentrations of corn starch. &#x0D; Tomato ketchup was cooked at 90°C for 15 min and then hot-filled into a sterile glass bottle. It was then analyzed for physical properties (color, viscosity, and total dissolved solids), chemical properties (pH, titratable acidity, moisture content), microbiological quality (total bacteria, mold, and yeast), and sensory acceptance.&#x0D; The results showed that corn starch influenced the color characteristics of the tomato sauce. Adding more than 4% of corn starch increased the viscosity and total solids content significantly (p &lt; 0.05). Also, corn starch addition decreased the water content and acidity, as well as increased the pH of the tomato sauce. Microbiological analysis showed no growth of bacteria, mold, or yeast in any of the test samples. According to sensory analysis, the tomato sauce with 1% of corn starch had the highest acceptance, while higher concentrations of corn starch decreased the texture acceptance. &#x0D; Our findings may indicate that, with proper formulation, tomato by-products can be used as raw materials to develop sustainable alternative value-added products that consumers accept organoleptically. Further investigations can be conducted in the pilot-scale studies to enhance the feasibility of tomato pomace ketchup as a commercial product.

Rancang Bangun Alfepunic (Alat Fermentasi Pupuk Organik Cair) Terhadap Peningkatan Kualitas Hasil Pupuk Organik Cair

The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of the design of liquid organic fertilizer fermentation equipment (ALFEPUNIC). ALFEPUNIC is a tool specifically designed to help facilitate the anaerobic process of fermenting liquid organic fertilizer equipped with a stirrer, removable filter, faucet, hose as a drain for gas, and a sterile bottle. In this study the method used was descriptive qualitative research method with a focus on testing the fermentation tool to determine the increase in the quality of the fermented liquid organic fertilizer. The results showed that the ALFEPUNIC tool worked optimally which was marked by organoleptic from 20 respondents who gave statements, 90% said the liquid organic fertilizer did not smell strong and 75% said the color was not cloudy. The liquid organic fertilizer test from the ALFEPUNIC tool showed an increase in the growth of kale seeds which was faster than the gallon tool and those that were watered with water. Liquid organic fertilizer fermentation tool (ALFEPUNIC) can improve the quality of liquid organic fertilizer to be better than fermentation using a tool without modification (gallon).

Assessment of Physico-chemical Parameters and Water Quality in Communities in Abia State, Nigeria

Background: Worldwide, there has been increased contamination of water bodies, affecting their quality and making them unsafe for human use. This study aims to assess the physico-chemical parameters and water quality in communities in Abia State, Nigeria.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in communities in Umuahia South, Arochukwu, and Bende Local Government Areas in Abia State. The communities were selected through random sampling of balloting. A cross-sectional analytical study design was used for this study. One (1) liter plastic bottle was used to collect water samples from the borehole/tap, spring, and stream in the communities. Water samples collected in sterile (1) liter plastic bottles were stored in iced-lined coolers and then transported to the laboratory for analysis. Laboratory data was entered into, and analysed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25.&#x0D; Results: This study revealed that the pH of the boreholes/ tap water in Arochukwu and Umuahia LGAs in dry and rainy seasons was below the WHO standard. In Bende LGA, the pH was within the WHO standard during the dry season whereas in the rainy season, it was below the WHO standard of 7.0 - 8.9mg/l. There was a statistically significant difference between the pH of borehole water during the dry and rainy seasons (p=0.004). A statistically significant difference was observed between zinc in the borehole water during the dry and rainy seasons (p=0.002). Also, Cadmium in the borehole water had a statistically significant difference during the dry and rainy seasons (p=0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: Generally, the study highlights the poor water quality in different locations and seasons, with several parameters falling below WHO acceptable standards. Community leaders should collaborate with the government to provide safe and quality drinking water.

Molecular Characterisation of Gut Bacteria in Wista Rat After Green Tea Consumption

Green tea can influence the gut bacteria by either stimulating or hindering the growth of specific species. This experimental study was carried out in Rivers State, Nigeria to molecularly characterize gut bacteria in Wista rats after green tea consumption. Twenty-five (25) rats divided into five groups were used; each group had five (5) rats having an average weight range of 70g – 130g. After acclimatization of 2 weeks, groups (2, 3, 4 &amp; 5) were feed with green tea extract based on standard method using oral gavage with rat feed pellet and water for seven (7) days and fourteen (14) days respectively based on their body weights and group 1 (control) was fed with rat feed pellet and water only for same duration and their weights recorded. Stool samples were collected aseptically by pulling from each group into sterile stool sample bottles and sent to the laboratory for immediate analysis. Conventional microbiological methods of culturing and molecular methods were utilized for identification of isolates, total heterotrophic plate count and antibiotic susceptibility were also done. The data from this study were analysed using SPSS version 23, to survey difference in gut bacterial count of wista rats after fed with green tea, rat weight across the study groups, and the values were expressed as mean ± SD at a 5% alpha level. The study reported a statistical difference in bacterial plate count at (P≤0.05) in Groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 after 14 Days of Acclimatization, after 7 days of Treatment and after further 14 Days of Treatment. Group 1 showed no statistical significance at P=0.212. Furthermore, there was significant difference in weight comparison at (P≤0.05) in rats contained in all groups after 7 days and after further 14 days of treatment, rats in group 1 showed weight gain. There was weight loss in all the treatment groups (2 ,3, 4, and 5). Antibiotic-resistant assay pattern of the isolates showed multiple drugs resistance to all the antibiotics used with Bacillus and Enterobacter being the most resistant isolates. The molecular characterization and identification of the isolates revealed close relatedness to Staphylococcus arlettae, Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter cancerogenus, Acinetobacter nosocomialis, Comamonas testosterone, Klebsiella veriicola, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus cereus, it showed that the molecular technique proved to be more specific and accurate than the convectional technique in the identification and characterization of the isolates. Also, the gut bacterial count of the rats that were treated with the tea were significantly raised indicating that the tea has the potential to influence the abundance and diversity of gut bacteria. As seen in this study, molecular characterisation of gut bacteria identifies bacteria upto their specie level and they are influenced by diet.

Photosynthetic Bacteria as an Alternative Wastewater Treatment in Freshwater Aquarium Fish Set Up

Waste produced from aquaculture ultimately hampered the water quality and growth performance of species cultured. Therefore, the potential exploitation of photosynthetic bacteria (PSB) from aquaculture waste was investigated to treat the wastewater in the fish culture. In this study, the wastewater was collected from a fishpond and cultured in sunlight-exposed sterile bottles for 14 days. In the water additive experiment, five treatments (in a 30 cm3 aquarium) were prepared namely cultured PSB (T1), aquatic plant hornwort (T2), aquatic plant salvinia (T3), positive control (P), and negative control (N). Five individuals of Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi (2.5±0.5 cm length) were placed in each treatment and reared for 30 days. Meanwhile, for the wastewater treatment, four treatments (in a 30 cm3 aquarium) were prepared namely wastewater from the hatchery fishpond (S1), wastewater from the hatchery fish tank (S2), positive control (P), and negative control (N). The results obtained indicate that T1 treatment significantly improved and maintained the water quality as compared to other treatments. The results showed the amount of ammonia and nitrite in S1 and S2 supplied with T1 for 30 days gradually decreased from day 1 until day 18. While zero amount of ammonia and nitrate was acquired from day 21 until day 30 of the wastewater experiment. The treatment with PSB showcased the bacteria's ability to utilize and absorb nutrients, thereby maintaining and improving water quality. The potential use of beneficial bacteria in the culture system can accelerate the nitrogen cycle for a sustainable way of wastewater management.