Performance Efficiency of Conventional Treatment Plants and Constructed Wetlands towards Reduction of Antibiotic Resistance

Domestic and industrial wastewater discharges harbor rich bacterial communities, including both pathogenic and commensal organisms that are antibiotic-resistant (AR). AR pathogens pose a potential threat to human and animal health. In wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), bacteria encounter environments suitable for horizontal gene transfer, providing an opportunity for bacterial cells to acquire new antibiotic-resistant genes. With many entry points to environmental components, especially water and soil, WWTPs are considered a critical control point for antibiotic resistance. The primary and secondary units of conventional WWTPs are not designed for the reduction of resistant microbes. Constructed wetlands (CWs) are viable wastewater treatment options with the potential for mitigating AR bacteria, their genes, pathogens, and general pollutants. Encouraging performance for the removal of AR (2–4 logs) has highlighted the applicability of CW on fields. Their low cost of construction, operation and maintenance makes them well suited for applications across the globe, especially in developing and low-income countries. The present review highlights a better understanding of the performance efficiency of conventional treatment plants and CWs for the elimination/reduction of AR from wastewater. They are viable alternatives that can be used for secondary/tertiary treatment or effluent polishing in combination with WWTP or in a decentralized manner.

Prevalensi dan Tingkat Kontaminasi Listeria monocytogenes di Tambak dan Unit Pengolahan Udang Vaname (Litopenaeus vannamei) untuk Pasar Ekspor

Listeria monocytogenes adalah salah satu bakteri patogen yang dapat menyebabkan penyakit bawaan pangan. Penolakan ekspor produk udang beku Indonesia karena kontaminasi L. monocytogenes masih terjadi yang berdampak pada kerugian material bagi pelaku usaha. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui prevalensi dan tingkat kontaminasi L. monocytogenes pada produk udang beku untuk pasar ekspor. Sampel yang diambil merupakan udang segar dari tambak dan bahan baku dari bagian penerimaan di Unit Pengolahan Ikan (UPI) serta udang beku sebagai produk akhir UPI, dengan menerapkan sistem ketertelusuran. Lokasi penelitian adalah Sumatra Utara (Medan), DKI Jakarta, Jawa Timur (Surabaya dan Banyuwangi), dan Sulawesi Selatan (Makassar). Identifikasi dan enumerasi L. monocytogenes dilakukan dengan metode MPN-PCR dengan target gen hlyA (~456bp). Prevalensi L. monocytogenes pada udang vaname secara keseluruhan sebesar 6,7% (9/135 sampel), dengan prevalensi di masing-masing titik pengambilan sampel berturut-turut 6,1% di tambak, 9,6% di bahan baku, dan 4% di produk akhir, yang merupakan sampel udang dari batch yang sama. Tingkat kontaminasi L. monocytogenes pada sampel udang vaname berkisar 6,1-1.100 APM/g. Persyaratan L. monocytogenes pada bahan pangan adalah negatif/25g, sehingga sampel udang yang terkontaminasi L. monocytogenes tersebut tidak memenuhi persyaratan sebagai pangan yang aman untuk dikonsumsi berdasarkan regulasi yang berlaku di Indonesia maupun di negara lain. Kontaminasi L. monocytogenes pada udang beku kemungkinan berasal dari tambak ataupun lingkungan pengolahan. Penerapan Good Aquaculture Practices (GAP) di lingkungan tambak udang, serta Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) dan Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) di UPI perlu dilakukan dengan benar sebagai upaya pengendalian kontaminasi L. monocytogenes. Selain itu, perlu dilakukan kajian lebih lanjut mengenai sumber dan titik kritis kontaminasi L. monocytogenes di sepanjang rantai pengolahan udang beku mulai dari tambak sampai produk akhir.ABSTRACTListeria monocytogenes is pathogenic bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. Rejection of frozen shrimp exports due to L. monocytogenes contamination still occurs and causes economical losses for the industries. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and the level of L. monocytogenes contamination in frozen shrimp for export markets. Samples collected were fresh shrimp from shrimp culture and raw material from the receiving point of fish processing plants (UPI), and frozen shrimp as the end product, by implementing a traceability system. Study locations were in North Sumatra (Medan), Special Capital Region of Jakarta, East Java (Surabaya dan Banyuwangi), and South Sulawesi (Makassar). Identification and enumeration of L. monocytogenes were carried out using the MPN-PCR method with the target gene hlyA (~456bp). The prevalence of L. monocytogenes in vanname shrimp was 6.7% (9 out of 135 samples), where 6.1%, 9.6%, and 4% of the prevalence were found in samples from shrimp culture, raw material, and end product, respectively. These samples were from the same batch. The contamination level ranged from 6.1 to 1,100 MPN/g. L. monocytogenes in food should be negative/25g, thus the contaminated samples do not meet requirements as safe for human consumption based on food regulation in Indonesia and other countries. Findings from this study suggested that shrimp culture or fish processing environment are potential sources of L. monocytogenes contamination in frozen shrimp. Therefore, the implementation of Good Aquaculture Practices (GAP) in shrimp culture environment, as well as Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in shrimp processing plant are necessary to control L. monocytogenes contamination. Further studies regarding the sources and critical points of L. monocytogenes contamination throughout the processing of frozen shrimp from shrimp culture to end product are also needed.

The Risk Monitoring of Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin A in Critical Control Point of Soy Sauce Aroma-Type Baijiu Production

Soy sauce aroma-type baijiu-producing regions are mostly in southwest China (Guizhou and Sichuan province) with a hot and humid subtropical monsoon climate, which is conducive to the propagation of toxigenic fungi. This suggests that there is a risk of potential contamination by mycotoxins in the soy sauce aroma-type baijiu production process, which poses significant food safety risks. Few studies on the safety of mycotoxins in soy sauce aroma-type baijiu production exist. Aiming to evaluate the safety of mycotoxins in soy sauce aroma-type baijiu during its production, this study screened and analyzed mycotoxic risk at critical points throughout the production process, investigated from raw materials, daqu, alcoholic fermentative grains, crude baijiu and microbial communities in different stages of the production process. The aflatoxins (AFs) and ochratoxin A (OTA) contents in wheat, daqu, alcoholic fermentative grains and crude baijiu samples were detected by ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Mycotoxins were detected in wheat, daqu and alcoholic fermentative grains. The AFs and OTA detection rates, as well as their contents in the daqu samples, were relatively higher compared to those observed in the wheat and alcoholic fermentative grains. AFs were detected in 30% of the daqu samples, while OTA was detected in 20% of the daqu samples, though the contents of both AFs and OTA were under the maximum limit of the Chinese national standard. Furthermore, the fungi contained in daqu samples were isolated and identified, and the results showed that no fungi in the separated bacterial strains were producers of mycotoxins. According to the assessment results, the safety of soy sauce aroma-type baijiu production process in terms of AFs and OTA is confirmed.

RNA Binding Protein SRSF3 confers an essential role in megakaryocyte maturation and platelet production

RNA processing is increasingly recognised as a critical control point in the regulation of different haematopoietic lineages including megakaryocytes responsible for the production of platelets. Platelets are anucleate cytoplasts that contain a rich repertoire of RNAs encoding proteins with essential platelet functions derived from the parent megakaryocyte. It is largely unknown how RNA binding proteins contribute to the development and functions of megakaryocytes and platelets. We show that Serine-arginine rich splicing factor 3 (SRSF3) is essential for megakaryocyte maturation and generation of functional platelets. Megakaryocyte-specific deletion of Srsf3 in mice led to macrothrombocytopenia characterised by megakaryocyte maturation arrest, dramatically reduced platelet counts and abnormally large functionally compromised platelets. SRSF3 deficient megakaryocytes failed to reprogram their transcriptome during maturation and to load platelets with RNAs required for normal platelet function. SRSF3 depletion led to nuclear accumulation of megakaryocyte mRNAs demonstrating that SRSF3 deploys similar RNA regulatory mechanisms in megakaryocytes as in other cell types. Our study further suggests that SRSF3 plays a role in sorting cytoplasmic megakaryocyte RNAs into platelets and demonstrates how SRSF3-mediated RNA processing forms a central part of megakaryocyte gene regulation. Understanding SRSF3 functions in megakaryocytes and platelets provides key insights into normal thrombopoiesis and platelet pathologies as SRSF3 RNA targets in megakaryocytes are associated with platelet diseases.

Assessment of the extent implementing the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point System (HACCP) in Sudan sugar industry factories

The present study was conducted in Sudan Sugar industry factories (Kenana, White Nile, Assalaya, Sennar, Guneid, and New Halfa) during the production season of 2017. The study aimed to evaluate the existing Assessment of the extent of implementing the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point System (HACCP) by Sudanese sugar factories with reference to FSMS of the ISO 22000: 2005. The data were collected using ISO 22000 checklist and direct interviews. Likert Five-Point Scale was used in scoring the checklist statement and the arithmetic mean was obtained. The result showed that the Good Manufacturing Practices were varied between major deficiencies in White Nile, Assalaya, Sennar, and New Halfa due to score less than (3.6 points) and non-compliance in Kenana and Guneid due to score less than (2.6 points); the Sanitation Standard Operation Procedures (SSOP) assessed as major deficiencies in (Assalaya and Sennar) and minor deficiencies in (White Nile and New Halfa) due to score less than (5points). Moreover, the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points System revealed that it was varied between non-compliance in (Kenana, White Nile, and Guneid) and not applicable in (Assalaya, Sennar and New Halfa) due to score less than (1.8 points). Interestingly, the Sudanese sugar industries take all quality control characteristics from cane production to sugar production carefully, but unfortunately don’t care about any food safety systems. Lack of top management commitment and involvement and lack of government support represent the main constraints and Barriers of implementing food safety systems in Sudanese sugar companies. The study recommendations that the Sudanese Sugar Industry needs to establish proper quality assurance laboratories to help in monitoring the quality and safety of raw materials and end productions.

Risk of HACCP Plan Implementation for Food Safety in Fruit Combining Start up Business PT Redceri Indonesia

HACCP is a tool to assess hazards and establish control systems focused on preventative measures rather than relying mainly on end product testing over seven basic principles underline the concept. These principles include an assessment of the inherent risk that may be present from harvest through ultimate consumption. Six hazard characteristics and a ranking schematic are used to identify those points throughout the food production and distribution system whereby control must be exercised in order to reduce or eliminate potential risks. A guide for HACCP plan development and critical control point (CCP) identification. Furthermore, the document points out the additional areas that are to be included in the HACCP plan: the need to establish critical limits that must be met at each CCP, appropriate monitoring procedures, corrective action proceed ures to takes if a deviation is encountered, record keeping, and verification activities.

Analysis of hazardous factors related to foodstuffs in a retail establishment

According to the current legislation of Ukraine, retail establishments must develop, implement, and apply permanent procedures based on the principles of hazard analysis and critical control point system, as well as provide persons responsible for these procedures with appropriate training in the application of permanent procedures based on HACCP principles during foodstuff production and circulation. During the research, we used the methods of analysis of Internet resources and regulations on the food safety management system. Food safety is associated with the presence of food hazards during consumption. The emergence of hazards to food safety can occur at any stage of the food chain. Therefore, proper control throughout the food chain is necessary. Food safety is ensured by the joint efforts of all participants in the food chain. Therefore, the aim of the article was to characterize a scientifically based hazard analysis and critical control point system and to reveal the main difficulties caused by using such a system in retail establishments. The implementation of HACCP principles not only ensures the safety of products and culinary products but also promotes the development of retail establishments in general – the process of production of culinary products becomes safe, staff adheres to sanitary and hygienic standards; the confidence of visitors in the quality and safety of the food they consume, the rating of the establishment increases; detection of possible violations during inspections is practically excluded; the establishment gains a marketing advantage in today's competitive environment. Therefore, the analysis of food hazards is an important and quite relevant issue.