Total Microorganisms Research Articles

Effects of potassium lactate on sensory attributes, bacterial community succession and biogenic amines formation in Rugao ham

To deepen the understanding in the effect of potassium lactate on the sensory quality and safety of Rugao ham, sensory attributes, physicochemical parameters, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN), microorganism community and biogenic amines of Rugao ham manufactured with different potassium lactate levels (0 %, 0.5 %, 1 %, 2 %) were investigated; the relationship between microbial community and the formation of TVBN and biogenic amines was further evaluated. With the increase of potassium lactate from 0 % to 2 %, the increased sensory scores and the decreased total aerobic bacterial count and TVBN were observed; the abundance of Staphylococcus increased, while the content of Halomonas decreased. LDA effect size (LEfSe) and correlations analysis showed that Staphylococcus equorum and Lactobacillus fermentum could be the key species to improve sensory scores and decrease biogenic amines and TVBN. Metabolic pathway analysis further showed that amino acids metabolism and nitrogen metabolism were mainly involved in decreasing TVBN and biogenic amines in the treatment of 2 % potassium lactate.

LDPE and PLA Active Food Packaging Incorporated with Lemon by-Products Extract: Preparation, Characterization and Effectiveness to Delay Lipid Oxidation in Almonds and Beef Meat.

Low-density polyethylene-based packaging with 4% lemon extract (LDPE/4LE) and two polylactic-based (PLA) packaging materials with 4% and 6% lemon extract (PLA/PEG/4LE and PLA/6LE) were produced. O2 and water permeability tests were performed, the total and individual phenolic compounds content were measured, and the films' antioxidant activities were determined. The films' ability to delay lipid oxidation was tested in two model foods: almonds, packaged with LDPE/4LE, PLA/4LE and PLA/6LE for a maximum period of 60 days at 40 °C (accelerated assay); and beef meat, packaged with the PLA/6LE for a maximum period of 11 days at 4 °C. The LE improved the WVP in all of the active films by 33%, 20% and 60% for the LDPE/4LE, PLA/4LE and PLA/6LE films, respectively. At the end of 10 days, the migration of phenolic compounds through the PLA films was measured to be 142.27 and 114.9 μg/dm2 for the PLA/4LE and PLA/6LE films, respectively, and was significantly higher than phenolic compounds migration measured for the LDPE/4LE (15.97 μg/dm2). Naringenin, apigenin, ferulic acid, eriocitrin, hesperidin and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid were the main identified compounds in the PLA, but only 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, naringenin and p-coumaric acid were identified in the LDPE films. Regarding the films' ability to delay lipid oxidation, LDPE/4LE presented the best results, showing a capacity to delay lipid oxidation in almonds for 30 days. When applied to raw beef meat, the PLA/6LE packaging was able to significantly inhibit lipid oxidation for 6 days, and successfully inhibited total microorganisms' growth until the 8th day of storage.

Research on quality and shelf life of cool meat of some popular chicken breeds in Viet Nam

In the world, almost all chicken meat is used in chilled or frozen meat to ensure quality and food hygiene and safety, but in Viet Nam, the habit of using hot chicken meat is still quite common (do not lower the carcass temperature after slaughter, in storing, transporting or consuming),  leading to a very high risk of food poisoning from this raw material. The study was conducted to evaluate the quality of cool (chilled) chicken meat of 02 common breeds of chicken raised in Viet Nam, Indian River Meat (coding C2) and Tam Hoang (coding C3), raised at commercial chicken farms, slaughtered and chilled at the factory of 3F Food Co., Ltd (Binh Duong province). Chicken carcasses were chilled down to 0-4°C immediately after slaughter and then cut and packed for transportation at this temperature. This study has developed 19/75 sensory property terms that strongly influence the overall quality of cool chicken meat. The results of evaluating the quality of cool chicken meat at 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14 days showed that, in the period from day 1 to day 5, the values of pH, TVB-N, and total aerobic microorganisms (TAM) values of chicken breasts and thighs of both C2 and C3 showed very little variation and were within the allowable limits, respectively. The sensory properties were evaluated not to be inferior to that of freshly slaughtered meat surgery. By day 7, there were signs of quality deterioration, pH, TVB-N, and TAM all exceeded the regulations, and the level of bad sensory properties gradually increased. Thus, chicken meat products in this study should be stored for up to 5 days.

Microbiological evaluation in invisible aligner chemical cleaning methods against Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of chemical agents in removing Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans biofilm from invisible aligners. The samples were made of EX30 Invisalign trays, biofilm was cultured by standardized suspensions of C. albicans ATCC strain and S. mutans clinical strain on the sample. The treatments used were 0.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) (20 minutes), 1% NaClO (10 minutes), chlorhexidine (5 minutes), peroxide (15 minutes), and orthophosphoric acid (15 seconds). The control group received phosphate-buffered saline for 10 minutes. The colony-forming units per milliliter of each microorganism were determined by serial dilutions seeded in plates with selective culture mediums for each one. Data were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and Conover-Iman tests at an α of 0.05. For the C. albicans biofilm group, the control group had 9.7 Log10 of microorganism growth, and all treatment groups had statistically significant biofilm reduction, in which chlorhexidine presented the highest inhibition of 3 Log10, followed by alkaline peroxide and orthophosphoric acid both with 2.6 Log10, 1% NaClO (2.5 Log10), and 0.5% NaClO (2 Log10). As for S. mutans, the control group had 8.9 Log10 of growth, and a total microorganism inhibition was reached by chlorhexidine, 1% NaClO, and orthophosphoric acid, whereas alkaline peroxide inhibited growth to 7.9 Log10 and 0.5% NaClO 5.1 Log10. Within the limitations, chlorhexidine and orthophosphoric acid had greater efficacy in both biofilms. In addition, 1% NaClO and alkaline peroxide also had significant effects; therefore, their incorporation aligners disinfection protocols are valid.

Quick sterilization of Spirulina powder through dry ozonization for pharmaceutical preparations

Quick sterilization using dry ozonation technology had been developed to destroy total pathogenic microorganism contamination in Spirulina powder effectively. This technology is safe and environmentally friendly, with carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) as output. Quick sterilization applications are easy and inexpensive but provide results that meet the quality standards of pharmaceutical preparations according to government regulations. This work aimed to perform rapid sterilization and determine the microbial level contamination produced by the ozonation sterilization system. The variables of sterilization time, flow rate, and ozone dose differ in the application of the ozonized sterilization system. The sterilization process through an ozonation reaction is carried out by providing ozone at the flow rate of 1, 2, 3, and 4 liters per minute (LPM) and ozone concentrations of 1, 2, 3, and 4 ppm. Ozone was produced at a rate of 5 gr/hour from an ozone generator with a voltage of 30 kV. 40 gr Spirulina powder in a closed reactor with a volume of <50% (Spirulina/reactor volume) was ozonated at room temperature (27 °C) for 1, 2, 3, and 4 minutes. The optimum operating conditions of Spirulina platensis sterilization were an ozone flow rate of 2 LPM, sterilization time of 2 minutes, and ozone dose of 2 ppm. This system reduces the sterilization time from 60 minutes (UV light) to 2 minutes. This technology is a very attractive and potential choice in the large-scale production of Spirulina powder for pharmaceutical industry applications.

Reduction of Pericarp Browning and Microbial Spoilage on Litchi Fruits in Modified Atmosphere Packaging

The pericarp browning and postharvest microbiological decay of litchi fruit (Litchi chinensis Sonn cv Kwai Mai) significantly reduce its commercial potential in the fresh market. In this study, different combinations of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) were applied at 5 ± 1 °C based on the use of natural gases that are innocuous to human health and an alternative to commercially adopted sulfur dioxide (SO2) treatment. The results showed that control fruits, after 6 days of storage, begin to show the first symptoms of decay, revealed by the appearance of lesions and microbial infections determined by total mesophilic microorganisms and molds. This is not the case in the MAP-treated fruits and the MAP 3-treated (5% O2 + 20% CO2 + 75% N2) fruits that show the best results. The control fruits, moreover, turned completely brown by the end of the storage period. The MAP 3 treatment was the most effective in preventing browning and the loss of the red pericarp color and vitamin content and in maintaining acceptable SSC/TA levels and flavor. In addition, a microbiological analysis revealed that all the MAP-treated litchi fruits did not harbor undesirable microorganisms during the entire cold storage period. In conclusion, the MAP 3 conditions delayed pericarp browning and maintained the better organoleptic quality of litchi fruits.

Food Safety Study in Terms of Formaldehyde Content and Bacterial Contamination Levels of Cob Pindang Fish in Simo Gunung and Balong Sari Traditional Markets, West Surabaya

Formalin is a food additive that has been banned by BPOM but can still be found in food products. This study aims to determine: 1) the food safety of pindang fish sold in traditional markets in West Surabaya in terms of formalin content and bacterial contamination; 2) the relationship between the hygienic conditions of traders and formalin content on the level of bacterial contamination; and 3) the bacterial growth patterns during room temperature storage of formalin-positive and formalin-negative tuna pindang fish. This is a cross-sectional study with a sampling technique of saturation. A qualitative formalin test was conducted using a formalin test instrument. The results indicated that 88.23% (15 of 17 samples) of cob pindang contained formalin and that 64.7% (11 of 17 samples) exceeded the SNI 2717: 2017 maximum limit for total microorganisms. There was a significant correlation between the level of bacterial contamination and the hygienic conditions of traders. There is no correlation between formalin concentration and bacterial contamination level. The pattern of bacterial proliferation did not differ between formalin-positive and negative cob pindang fish&#x0D;

90 Bioaerosol Exposure in Automated and Traditional Waste Sorting Plants

Abstract The waste management sector takes a central part in the transition towards circular economy and is subject to technological progress and the implementation of new work operations. Traditional waste collection and processing systems are characterized by numerous tasks that favour waste workers’ exposure to bioaerosols, whereas exposure in modern automated waste sorting plants remains elusive. Moreover, there is still a lack of health-risk based exposure limits for most components contained in bioaerosols. We investigated occupational exposure to bioaerosols in traditional and automated waste sorting plants. The results revealed significant differences in various exposure levels, such as total dust (GM automated: 0.34 mg/m3, GM manual: 0.66 mg/m3), endotoxins (GM automated: 51 EU/m3, GM manual: 32 EU/m3) and microorganisms between and within type of plant. An assessment of the composition of air-borne fungal particles (FESEM based immunodetection method) showed significantly increased levels of fungal spores at automated waste sorting plants (GM automated: 1.2 × 105 spores/m3, GM manual: 2.1 × 104 spores/m3). Elevated total dust levels and concentrations of submicronic fungal fragments were significantly correlated to the occurrence of symptoms of the extrathoracic region, such as congested nose, in exposed workers. The results of this study showed high variation in exposure levels between and within type of waste sorting plant, as well as seasonal variation for some parameters, such as total dust and endotoxins. This indicates that Norwegian waste workers are potentially exposed to high levels of dust and microorganisms that may cause adverse health effects in receptible individuals.

Metagenomic, microbiological, chemical and sensory profiling of Caciocavallo Podolico Lucano cheese

In this study, Caciocavallo Podolico Lucano (CPL) cheese was deeply characterized for its bacterial community, chemical composition and sensory aspects. The entire cheese making process (from milk collection to ripened cheese) was performed by strictly applying the traditional protocol for CPL production in four dairy factories (A–D) representative of the production area. The vat made of wood represents the main transformation tool for CPL cheese production and the biofilms hosted onto the internal surfaces of all vats analyzed in this study were dominated by lactic acid bacteria. Total mesophilic microorganisms present in bulk milk (4.7–5.0 log CFU/ml) increased consistently after contact with the wooden vat surfaces (5.4–6.4 log CFU/ml). The application of Illumina sequencing technology identified barely 18 taxonomic groups among processed samples; streptococci and lactobacilli constituted the major groups of the wooden vat biofilms [94.74–99.70 % of relative abundance (RA)], while lactobacilli dominated almost entirely (94.19–100 % of total RA) the bacterial community of ripened cheeses. Except coagulase positive staphylococci, undesirable bacteria were undetectable. Among chemical parameters, significant variations were registered for unsaturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant properties (significantly lower for CPL cheeses produced in factory B). The cheeses from factories A, C and D were characterized by a higher lactic acid and persistence smell attributes than factory B. This work indicated that the strict application of CPL cheese making protocol harmonized the main microbiological, physicochemical and sensory parameters of the final cheeses produced in the four factories investigated.

Metagenomic Methods for Addressing NASA's Planetary Protection Policy Requirements on Future Missions: A Workshop Report.

Molecular biology methods and technologies have advanced substantially over the past decade. These new molecular methods should be incorporated among the standard tools of planetary protection (PP) and could be validated for incorporation by 2026. To address the feasibility of applying modern molecular techniques to such an application, NASA conducted a technology workshop with private industry partners, academics, and government agency stakeholders, along with NASA staff and contractors. The technical discussions and presentations of the Multi-Mission Metagenomics Technology Development Workshop focused on modernizing and supplementing the current PP assays. The goals of the workshop were to assess the state of metagenomics and other advanced molecular techniques in the context of providing a validated framework to supplement the bacterial endospore-based NASA Standard Assay and to identify knowledge and technology gaps. In particular, workshop participants were tasked with discussing metagenomics as a stand-alone technology to provide rapid and comprehensive analysis of total nucleic acids and viable microorganisms on spacecraft surfaces, thereby allowing for the development of tailored and cost-effective microbial reduction plans for each hardware item on a spacecraft. Workshop participants recommended metagenomics approaches as the only data source that can adequately feed into quantitative microbial risk assessment models for evaluating the risk of forward (exploring extraterrestrial planet) and back (Earth harmful biological) contamination. Participants were unanimous that a metagenomics workflow, in tandem with rapid targeted quantitative (digital) PCR, represents a revolutionary advance over existing methods for the assessment of microbial bioburden on spacecraft surfaces. The workshop highlighted low biomass sampling, reagent contamination, and inconsistent bioinformatics data analysis as key areas for technology development. Finally, it was concluded that implementing metagenomics as an additional workflow for addressing concerns of NASA's robotic mission will represent a dramatic improvement in technology advancement for PP and will benefit future missions where mission success is affected by backward and forward contamination.

Soil nutrient and invertase-producing bacteria relation impact on Cilembu sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) growth: A study based on upland and wetland cultivation in Cilembu village Sumedang district

Environment is one important factors that must be considered in supporting sweet potato productivity. Environmental factors can be biotic and abiotic, including the availability of nutrients and microbes in the soil. This study aimed to identify the nutrient content of the soil in paddy fields and dry fields, identify the total invertase microorganisms in paddy fields and dry fields, and identify the relationship between soil nutrients and microorganisms during the growth of Cilembu sweet potato in dry and paddy fields agroecosystems. This research was conducted on dry fields and paddy fields in Cilembu Village, Sumedang Regency. The experimental design used was a randomized block design (RBD) with six treatments and three replications: A; Rancing, paddy fields, B; Biang, paddy fields, C; Mencrang, paddy fields, D; Rancing, dry fields, E; Biang, dry fields, F; Mencrang, dry fields. The observed parameters included pH, C-organic, total-N, available-P, exchangeable-K, exchangeable-Na, exchangeable-Ca, and exchangeable-Mg, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and total invertase-producing bacteria. The results showed that in paddy fields, the pH was slightly acidic, and the nutrient content such as N, available P, exchangeable Ca, Mg, Na, CEC, and C-organic tended to be more available. Soil K and abundant invertase bacteria were more available in the dry fields. The activity of invertase bacteria had a close relationship with the K content. The information generated in this study could be used to determine an effective location to produce good quality sweet potato.

The role of multiple sclerosis therapies on the dynamic of human gut microbiota

Gut microbiota, the total microorganisms in our gastrointestinal tract, might have an implication in multiple sclerosis (MS), a demyelinating neurological disease. Our study included 50 MS patients and 21 healthy controls (HC). Twenty patients received a disease modifying therapy (DMT), interferon beta1a or teriflunomide, 19 DMT combined with homeopathy and 11 patients accepted only homeopathy. We collected in total 142 gut samples, two for each individual: at the study enrolment and eight weeks after treatment. We compared MS patients' microbiome with HC, we analysed its evolution in time and the effect of interferon beta1a, teriflunomide and homeopathy. There was no difference in alpha diversity, only two beta diversity results related to homeopathy. Compared to HC, untreated MS patients had a decrease of Actinobacteria, Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium prauznitzii and increased Prevotella stercorea, while treated patients presented lowered Ruminococcus and Clostridium. Compared to the initial sample, treated MS patients had a decrease of Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcus and an increased Enterococcus faecalis. Eubacterium oxidoreducens was reduced after homeopathic treatment. The study revealed that MS patients may present dysbiosis. Treatment with interferon beta1a, teriflunomide or homeopathy implied several taxonomic changes. DMTs and homeopathy might influence the gut microbiota.

Intermediate Cluster Disinfection: Which Disinfection Solution Is Most Effective on Milking Liners? A Comparison of Microorganism Reduction on Liner Inner Surfaces Using Quantitative Swab Sampling Technique.

During machine milking, pathogenic microorganisms can be transmitted from cow to cow through liners. Therefore, in Germany, a spray method for the intermediate disinfection of the milking cluster is often used for prevention. This method of cluster disinfection is easy to perform, requires little time and no extra materials, and the disinfection solution is safe from outside contamination in the spray bottle. Since no data on a systematic efficacy trial are available, the aim of this study was to determine the microbial reduction effect of intermediate disinfection. Therefore, laboratory and field trials were conducted. In both trials, two sprays of 0.85 mL per burst of different disinfectant solutions were sprayed into the contaminated liners. For sampling, a quantitative swabbing method using a modified wet-dry swab (WDS) technique based on DIN 10113-1: 1997-07 was applied. Thus, the effectiveness of disinfectants based on Peracetic Acid, Hydrogen Peroxide and Plasma-Activated Buffered Solution (PABS) was compared. In the laboratory trial, the inner surfaces of liners were contaminated with pure cultures of Escherichia (E.) coli, Staphylococcus (S.) aureus, Streptococcus (Sc.) uberis and Sc. agalactiae. The disinfection of the contaminated liners with the disinfectants resulted in a significant reduction in bacteria with values averaging 1 log for E. coli, 0.7 log for S. aureus, 0.7 log for Sc. uberis and 0.8 log for Sc. agalactiae. The highest reduction was obtained for contamination with E. coli (1.3 log) and Sc. uberis (0.8 log) when PABS was applied and for contamination with S. aureus (1.1 log) and Sc. agalactiae (1 log) when Peracetic Acid Solution (PAS) was used. Treatment with sterile water only led to an average reduction of 0.4 log. In the field trial, after the milking of 575 cows, the liners were disinfected and the total microorganism count from the liner surface was performed. The reduction was measured against an untreated liner within the cluster. Although a reduction in microorganisms was achieved in the field trial, it was not significant. When using PAS, a log reduction of 0.3 was achieved; when using PABS, a log reduction of 0.2 was obtained. The difference between the two disinfection methods was also not significant. Treatment with sterile water only led to a reduction of 0.1 log. The results show that spray disinfection under these circumstances does result in a reduction in the bacteria on the milking liner surface, but for effective disinfection a higher reduction would be preferred.

Comparison of the potential of local microorganisms several bio activators as biological agents for the production of organic fertilizers

One way to reduce dependence on the use of inorganic fertilizers is to substitute organic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers come from the process of degradation of organic matter. To speed up the degradation process, a bio activator containing local microorganisms (LMO) was added as a starter. This study aims to compare bio activators from various sources of local microorganisms as a starter for organic fertilizer production. Media for microbial growth in LMO during fermentation (NA and MEA), media for testing the potential of bacterial isolates from each bio activator (modified GPA, SMA, CMC, SA, and YEMA). Experimental research methods, including; fermentation of organic matter making up the bio activator and testing the potential of LMO isolates for each bio activator. The number of bacteria respectively in BA-1, BA-2, BA-3 and Control; 45x105; 48.3x105; 5.8 x105 and 1.09 x107 CFU/ml, while total yeast respectively; 13.3x105; 16.4x105; 5.3 x105 and 4.30 x107 CFU/ml. The highest total microorganisms were found in BA-2. Proteolytic, amylolytic, cellulolytic, fermentative (LAB), and nitrate potency were positive for all treatments. BA-2 has the highest potency for proteolytic index 6.0, fermentative (LAB) 5.0, and nitrogen-fixing bacteria 4.0, the highest amylolytic and cellulolytic potentials are on BA-1 and BA-3 with indexes 11.0 and 5.0. The three types of LMO contain specific microorganisms and have catalytic potential so they can be used as bio activators for the manufacture of organic fertilizers. BA-2 is the best bio activator in terms of total microorganisms.

Reuse of almond by-products: Functionalization of traditional semolina sourdough bread with almond skin

Almond production generates large amounts of by-products rich in polyphenols. In this study, almond skin was explored as a valuable food ingredient in bread making. To this purpose, almond skin was used to produce functional products modifying a traditional sourdough bread recipe. The doughs were prepared replacing semolina with powdered almond skin (PAS) at 5 and 10 % (w/w). Sourdough inoculum was started with a mix of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and propagated in semolina until reaching pH 3.7. The pH of PAS added breads was higher than that of control (CTR) breads before and after fermentation. Plate counts showed a similar evolution of LAB and total mesophilic microorganisms, but members of Enterobacteriaceae and coliform were detectable in PAS doughs. Illumina data clearly showed a dominance of lactobacilli in all trials, but PAS doughs displayed the presence of Bacillus. The final bread characteristics were influenced by PAS and its addition percentage; in particular, crust and crumb colour resulted darker, the alveolation decreased and, regarding sensory attributes, odour intensity increased, while bread odour diminished. In presence of PAS, bread emissions were characterized by lower percentages of alcohols and aromatic hydrocarbons and higher percentages of the other volatile compound classes, especially terpenoids like β-pinene, β-myrcene and limonene than CTR trial. After in vitro simulated digestion, the final release of phytochemicals from 10 % PAS bread was almost 100 %. Thus, PAS determined an increase of the antioxidant capacity of the breads. Phytochemicals released from digested PAS-fortified bread can provide antioxidant protection in a complex biological environment such as human intestinal-like cells. Besides the positive functional properties of PAS, this work also evidenced the hygienic issues of almond skin and, in order to avoid potential risks for the human health, highlighted the need to preserve its microbiological characteristics during storage for their reuse in bread production.

Effect of commission implementing regulation (EU) 2020/1319 on the bacterial composition of PDO Provola dei Nebrodi cheese

In this study, PDO Provola dei Nebrodi cheese was deeply characterized for its bacterial community and chemical composition. Four dairy factories (A–D) were monitored from milk to ripened cheese. Wooden vat biofilms were dominated by thermophilic rod LAB (4.6–6.5 log CFU/cm2). Bulk milk showed consistent levels of total mesophilic microorganisms (TMM) (5.0–6.0 log CFU/mL) and, after curdling, a general increase was recorded. The identification of the dominant LAB in wooden vat biofilms and ripened cheeses showed that the majority of wooden vat LAB were lactococci and Streptococcus thermophilus, while cheese LAB mainly belonged to Lacticaseibacillus paracasei and Enterococcus. Illumina sequencing identified 22 taxonomic groups; streptococci, lactococci, lactobacilli and other LAB constituted the majority of the total relative abundance % of the wooden vat (69.01–97.58 %) and cheese (81.57–99.87 %) bacterial communities. Regarding chemical composition, the effect of dairy factories was significant only for protein content. Inside cheese color was lighter and yellower than surface. Differences in fatty acids regarded only myristic acid and total amount of monounsaturated fatty acids. The sensory evaluation indicated some differences among cheeses produced in the four dairies regarding color, homogeneity of structure, overall intensity, salty, spicy, and hardness. The integrated approach applied in this study showed that PDO Provola dei Nebrodi cheese characteristics are quite stable among the dairy factories analyzed and this has to be unavoidably imputed to the application of the same cheese making protocol among different dairies.

Predicting microbial responses to changes in soil physical and chemical properties under different land management

Microbial abundance and community structure can be altered directly and indirectly by soil physical and chemical characteristics which, in turn, can be influenced by land use management. This study utilized the cubist model to predict soil microbial communities based on soil properties at different depths and under different agricultural management in Dawson County, Montana, USA. A total of 538 soil samples were collected from three management treatments (control, no-tillage (NT), and no-tillage with livestock grazing in winter (NTLS)) from three depths (0–5, 5–15, and 15–30 cm). Soil physical and chemical properties and total phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis were used to predict soil biological properties. Root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), relative error (RE), mean bias error (MBE), and R squared (R2) were used to assess the performance of predictions. Results showed that the strongest correlation was between the total PLFA and soil microorganisms. Different soil chemical and physical properties were useful to predict soil microbial communities; ammonium-N, phosphorus, potassium, electrical conductivity, pH, organic matter, bulk density, sand, and clay significantly correlated with most soil microorganisms. Results indicated that the cubist algorithm produced promising results to predict most soil microorganism responses to various treatments and depths. However, this model did not perform well when attempting to predict the ratio of bacteria to fungi. The most important variable to predict all soil microorganisms was the total PLFA, with >90 % effectiveness. These results imply that applying pedotransfer functions (PTFs) to predict soil microbial communities in areas with limited soil data and monetary resources shows promise.

Responses of High Carbon Dioxide Concentration on Postharvest Quality of Fresh Fig Fruit during Storage

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of high CO2 with the constant O2 level on the postharvest quality of fig cv. Bursa Siyahi. For this purpose, the atmospheric compositions of 3% O2 + 10% CO2 (PA-1), 3% O2 + 15% CO2 (PA-2), 3% O2 + 20% CO2 (PA-3), and 21% O2 + 0.03% CO2 (RA) were tested under a palliflex controlled atmosphere (PA) storage system at 0°C for 28 days. At the end of the storage, weight loss increased during the storage period, but this increase slowed down in all tested PAs compared to RA. PA-1 and PA-2 delayed softening while PA-3 accelerated this process. There were no side effects in fruits stored under PAs for taste. The lowest total microorganism and decay rates were found in PA-2 and PA-3. The fig fruits stored under PAs had higher sugar and organic acid contents compared to the figs stored under the RA. Respiration rate decreased in all PAs compared to the RA. Ethylene productions increased with senescence in all atmospheres, but PA-3 inhibited this increase. Consequently, 15% CO2 (PA-2) can be used to maintain postharvest quality of Bursa Siyahi fresh fig for 28 days at 0 °C.

Quality and Microbiological Safety of Poultry Meat Marinated with the Use of Apple and Lemon Juice.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of apple juice for the marinating of poultry meat and its effect on the technological as well as sensory characteristics and microbiological safety of the raw product after heat treatment. Broiler chicken breast muscles were marinated for 12 h in apple juice (n = 30), a mixture of apple and lemon juice (n = 30) and compared with those in lemon juice (n = 30). The control group (n = 30) consisted of unmarinated breast muscles. Following the evaluation of the technological parameters (pH, L*, a*, b* colour, cutting force, cooking losses) quantitative and qualitative microbiological evaluations were performed on the raw and roasted products. The microbiological parameters were determined as total Mesophilic aerobic microorganisms, Enterobacteriaceae family, and Pseudomonas count. The bacterial identification was performed using a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The marinating resulted in lower pH value, but increased tenderness of raw and roasted products. Marinating chicken meat in both apple and lemon juices, including their mixtures and in the control sample, resulted in increased yellow saturation (b*). The highest flavour desirability and overall desirability were obtained in products marinated using a mixture of apple and lemon juice, while the most desirable aroma was obtained from products marinated with apple juice. A significant antimicrobial effect was observed in marinated meat products compared to unmarinated, irrespective of the type of marinade used. The lowest microbial reduction was observed in the roasted products. Apple juice can be used as a meat marinade because it promotes interesting sensory properties and improves the microbiological stability of poultry meat while maintaining the product's good technological characteristics. It makes a good combination with the addition of lemon juice.

Natural photosensitizer-loaded in micellar copolymer to prevent bovine mastitis: A new post-dipping protocol on milking

Good management practices such as post-dipping applications (post-milking immersion bath) contribute to the dairy cattle health during lactation and minimize the appearance of mastitis (an infection in the mammary gland). The post-dipping procedure is performed conventionally using iodine-based solutions. The search for therapeutic modalities that are not invasive and do not cause resistance to the microorganisms that cause bovine mastitis instigates the interest of the scientific community. In this regard, antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT) is highlighted. The aPDT is based on combining a photosensitizer (PS) compound, light of adequate wavelength, and molecular oxygen (3O2), which triggers a series of photophysical processes and photochemical reactions that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) responsible for the inactivation of microorganisms. The present investigation explored the photodynamic efficiency of two natural PS: Chlorophyll-rich spinach extract (CHL) and Curcumin (CUR), both incorporated into the Pluronic® F127 micellar copolymer. They were applied in post-dipping procedures in two different experiments. The photoactivity of formulations mediated through aPDT was conducted against Staphylococcus aureus, and obtained a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 6.8 mg mL−1 for CHL-F127 and 0.25 mg mL−1 for CUR-F127. Only CUR-F127 inhibited Escherichia coli growth with MIC 0.50 mg mL−1. Concerning the count of microorganisms during the days of the application, a significant difference was observed between the treatments and control (Iodine) when the teat surface of cows was evaluated. For CHL-F127 there was a difference for Coliform and Staphylococcus (p < 0.05). For CUR-F127 there was a difference for aerobic mesophilic and Staphylococcus (p < 0.05). Such application decreased bacterial load and maintained the milk quality, being evaluated via total microorganism count, physical-chemical composition, and somatic cell count (SCC).