The Use of Ozone as an Eco-Friendly Strategy against Microbial Biofilm in Dairy Manufacturing Plants: A Review

Managing spoilage and pathogenic bacteria contaminations represents a major challenge for the food industry, especially for the dairy sector. Biofilms formed by these microorganisms in food processing environment continue to pose concerns to food manufacturers as they may impact both the safety and quality of processed foods. Bacteria inside biofilm can survive in harsh environmental conditions and represent a source of repeated food contamination in dairy manufacturing plants. Among the novel approaches proposed to control biofilm in food processing plants, the ozone treatment, in aqueous or gaseous form, may represent one of the most promising techniques due to its antimicrobial action and low environmental impact. The antimicrobial effectiveness of ozone has been well documented on a wide variety of microorganisms in planktonic forms, whereas little data on the efficacy of ozone treatment against microbial biofilms are available. In addition, ozone is recognized as an eco-friendly technology since it does not leave harmful residuals in food products or on contact surfaces. Thus, this review intends to present an overview of the current state of knowledge on the possible use of ozone as an antimicrobial agent against the most common spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms, usually organized in biofilm, in dairy manufacturing plants.

Bacillus spp. Contamination: A Novel Risk Originated From Animal Feed to Human Food Chains in South-Eastern Bangladesh

The current study provides information on Bacillus spp. contamination along with present status in commercially available poultry and animal feeds as well as animal-derived products in Bangladesh. The research has been conducted to determine if animal feed and its components are a source of Bacillus spp. contamination in feed and food chain. Out of 180 different feeds, milk, egg, and human stool samples, 218 Bacillus spp. were isolated and identified by cultural morphology, microscopic, biochemical, and molecular characteristics where B. cereus, B. subtilis, B. amyloliquefaciens, B. licheniformis, B. thuringiensis, B. megaterium, and B. coagulans accounted for 51, 22, 9.1, 5.9, 5, 3.6, and 2.2%, respectively. Regarding the enumeration of total viable count and total Bacillus count, correspondingly 67 and 39% samples were found to be contaminated with above 10,000 CFU/g, while highest contamination was 85 and 75% in broiler feed, respectively. The total number of bacteria above the regulatory limits in commercially available feeds indicates a poor compliance with regulation and abuse administration in the Bangladeshi market. Moreover, a hospital-based survey showed that food-borne Bacillus spp. contributed to 4.5% human diarrhea cases and 25% food contamination associated with vegetables, rice, RTE food, milk, and egg, accounting for 46, 34, 14, 4, and 2%, respectively. B. cereus was the dominant isolate correspondingly accounting for 56 and 51% egg and milk contamination followed by B. amyloliquefaciens (32%) and B. thuringiensis (12%) in egg and B. subtilis (25%), B. amyloliquefaciens (12%), B. thuringiensis (6.4%), and B. coagulans (3.2%) in milk, respectively. Toxin gene profiling of Bacillus spp. revealed that B. cereus constituted a principal part of virulence, while B. thuringiensis, B. licheniformis, B. megaterium, B. coagulans, and B. subtilis showed genetic diversity and B. amyloliquefaciens had not carried any toxin gene. Detection rate of enterotoxin genes (nheA, nheB, nheC, cytK, hblA, hblC, hblD, and entFM) showed that 55% isolates carried nheABC genes, 80% entFM, and 71% cytK, whereas only 33% of the isolates contained hblACD gene clusters. These virulence genes were posing a threat to human health due to spread across the food and feed chain. Finally, our findings support the hypothesis that B. cereus might contribute to clinical diarrhea, gizzard erosion, and lung infection in duck and poultry, and that it contaminates animal-derived foods resulting in toxicity and antibacterial resistance to humans. Therefore, maximal tolerance limits of Bacillus spp. and their potential risks to the animal industry are urgently needed to clarify. Moreover, Bacillus spp.–induced toxin residual must be altered for human health via food chain transmission.

Probiotic Bifidobacterium Isolated from Chicken Intestine with PVP Showed Synergistic Effects on Reduction of AFB1

Food contamination with aflatoxin is one of the most important concerns of health professionals. One of the best ways to reduce aflatoxin content in food is to use probiotics. Therefore, this study was performed to isolate Bifidobacterium from the chick's intestine and its probiotic activities and also its application with Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to reduce aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) toxin in the medium were investigated. Samples were isolated from the chicken intestine. After preparing the samples, Bifidobacterium was isolated and identified using biochemical and molecular methods. To measure probiotic activities, pH, bile, and salt tolerance tests were used. Then, the antimicrobial activity of isolate against gastrointestinal pathogens and the antibiotic susceptibility test were done. Then, the effect of selected isolate and PVP on reducing AFB1 in the medium was studied using ELISA and HPLC. Biochemical and molecular evaluations indicated isolation of B. bifidum strain from chicken intestine. The selected strain showed antimicrobial activities on S. enterica, E. coli, and P. vulgaricus and was found to be resistant against Amikacin, Ampicillin, Erythromycin, and Ceftazidine antibiotics. The selected strain showed the ability to reduce the concentration of AFB1 in the medium (50% reduction) and when used in combination with PVP showed the synergistic effects in reducing the concentration of AFB1 from the medium (up to 90%). In conclusion, it was found that selected B. bifidum strain together with PVP could have synergistic effects in reducing AFB1 toxin in medium up to 90%.

The Impact of Customer Behavior on E-business during of the COVID-19 Crisis in Jordan

Aims: This study was conducted to study the impact of customer behavior on e-business in Jordan in light of the increasing spread of the virus. Study Design: A quantitative research. Place and Duration of Study: Jordan, between January - September 2020. Methodology: The Statistical Analysis Software (SPSS) software is used by the researcher. The survey questionnaires framed by the researcher are helping the researcher in representing the data appropriately Results: The results showed that online purchase was acceptable and high during the Corona pandemic period despite the complete paralysis of movement Before the customer so that there is an alternative in emergency and necessary cases such as the Corona pandemic and the need to take into account the terms and behavior of the consumer when advertising, selling or promoting the commodity on electronic sales platforms. Conclusion: Through the foregoing according to the data analysis carried out above shows the negative impact on e-business in Jordan due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) the negative impact created affects sales as well as the purchasing behavior of customers. The business environment in Jordan is seen as weak due to COVID-19. The challenges that retailers in the e-commerce business face is declining customer buying behavior. Also, lower buying behavior reduces bids and shipping as per the surveys carried out this will lead to the deterioration of the e-business as well as huge losses that the e-business will incur. Research questions as well as research objectives set by the researcher a greater impact has been made on the current e-business in the Jordanian market. Buy food products from food stock for this reason. And the hypothesis of the research papers he developed lies a change in food contamination. For this reason, human-to-human contact is restricted which leads to the deterioration of e-commerce sales. Thus the presented analysis supports for this reason a greater impact has been created on the existing e-business in the Jordanian market since there is a concern of the buyer that with Delivery of food products through the electronic company.

Antimicrobial Activity and Action Mechanism of Thymoquinone against Bacillus cereus and Its Spores

In this study, thymoquinone (TQ), a natural active substance, was investigated for its antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus, and its inhibitory effect on B. cereus in reconstituted infant formula (RIF) was evaluated. In addition, the inhibitory effect of TQ on B. cereus spore germination was explored. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of TQ against eight B. cereus strains ranged from 4.0 to 8.0 μg/mL, whereas B. cereus treated with TQ displayed a longer lag phase than the untreated control. TQ exerted a good bactericidal effect on B. cereus in Luria–Bertani broth. In addition, TQ obviously reduced the intracellular ATP concentration of B. cereus, which caused depolarization of the cell membrane, increased the intracellular reactive oxygen species level, impaired the cell morphology, and destroyed proteins or inhibited proteins synthesis. This provides a mechanism for its bacteriostatic effect. TQ also inactivated B. cereus growth in RIF. Moreover, reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction illustrated that TQ downregulated the transcription of genes related to hemolysin, non-hemolytic enterotoxin, enterotoxin, and cytotoxin K. Meanwhile, TQ displayed the ability to inhibit the germination of B. cereus spores. These findings indicate that TQ, as an effective natural antimicrobial preservative, has potential applications in controlling food contamination and foodborne diseases caused by B. cereus.

Comparative analysis of chemical contamination of baby foods and primary pediatric morbidity

The safety of baby foods is key to a child’s health, which, in turn, is one of the prioritized national goals. As they grow, children get exposed to numerous negative environmental impacts. Chemical contamination of baby foods can increase pediatric morbidity. The aim of this study was to investigate possible correlations between baby food contamination and primary pediatric morbidity using data on 65 Russian regions collected in 2012–2017 by the Russian Federal Information Public Health Surveillance Foundation. The data were processed in Microsoft Word 2010 and Microsoft Excel 2010. Of 67,940 samples of baby foods analyzed for chemical contamination, priority pollutants (toxic element) were detected in 14.1%. The most contaminated were fruit and vegetable purees (47.1%), followed by milk formulas and cultured dairy products (19.9%). We also analyzed 32,914 indicators of pediatric morbidity. The Pearson correlation analysis detected reliable correlations between baby food contamination and the primary incidence of endocrine disorders in infants, as well as the primary incidence of obesity, diabetes mellitus and cancer in children aged 0 to 14 years.

Upregulated expression of transforming growth factor-β receptor I/II in an endemic Osteoarthropathy in China

Background Kashin–Beck disease (KBD) is a chronic, deforming, endemic osteochondropathy that begins in patients as young as 2–3 years of age. The pathogenesis of KBD remains unclear, although selenium (Se) deficiency and T-2 toxin food contamination are both linked to the disease. In the present study, we evaluated transforming growth factor-β receptor (TGF-βR I and II) levels in clinical samples of KBD and in pre-clinical disease models. Methods Human specimens were obtained from the hand phalanges of eight donors with KBD and eight control donors. Animal models of the disease were established using Sprague–Dawley rats, which were fed an Se-deficient diet for 4 weeks and later administered the T-2 toxin. Cartilage cellularity and morphology were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Expression and localization of TGF-βRI and II were evaluated using immunohistochemical staining and western blotting. Results In the KBD samples, chondral necrosis was detected based on cartilage cell disappearance and alkalinity loss in the matrix ground substance. In the necrotic areas, TGF-βRI and II staining were strong. Positive percentages of TGF-βRI and II staining were higher in the cartilage samples of KBD donors than in those of control donors. TGF-βRI and II staining was also increased in cartilage samples from rats administered T-2 toxin or fed on Se-deficient plus T-2 toxin diets. Conclusion TGF-βRI and II may be involved in the pathophysiology of KBD. This study provides new insights into the pathways that contribute to KBD development.

Food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices of food handlers at kitchen premises in the Port ‘X’ area, North Jakarta, Indonesia 2018

Improper food handling can be a major cause of food contamination. To prevent food contamination, the food handler should have good knowledge, display a positive attitude, and practice proper food handling practices. This study aimed to evaluate the food safety and personal hygiene knowledge, attitudes, and practices of food handlers at kitchen premises in the Port ‘X’ area in North Jakarta, Indonesia. This study uses a cross-sectional design. The research was conducted in April 2018 and May 2018. Data were collected from 72 food handlers from kitchens located in the Port ‘X’ area in North Jakarta. Data collection was performed through interviews and observations, using questionnaires and checklists as research instruments. The results show a significant correlation between the level of knowledge about food safety and the attitude of food handlers (p=0.01), and attitude scores were significantly higher among food handlers who reported attending a previous food safety training course (p=0.002) with (r=0.302) it means a weak uphill (positive) linear relationship attitude scores and training that food handlers attended. This study found a significant relationship between the knowledge and attitude of food handlers, but there was no significant relationship between knowledge or attitude and food handling practices. Thus, it is recommended that training activities for food handlers be held regularly, as the food safety knowledge obtained from training or courses can translate into the improvement of attitudes and food handling practices.

Mapping Aspergillus niger Metabolite Biomarkers for In Situ and Early Evaluation of Table Grapes Contamination

The Aspergillus niger exometabolome was recently investigated using advanced gas chromatography in tandem with multivariate analysis, which allowed a metabolite biomarker pattern to be proposed. Microbial metabolomics patterns have gained enormous relevance, mainly due to the amount of information made available, which may be useful in countless processes. One of the great challenges in microbial metabolomics is related to applications in more complex systems of metabolomics information obtained from studies carried out in culture media, as complications may occur due to the dynamic nature of biological systems. Thus, the main objective of this research was to evaluate the applicability of the A. niger metabololite biomarkers pattern for in situ and early evaluation of table grapes contamination, used as study model. A. niger is a ubiquitous fungus responsible for food contamination, being reported as one of the main agents of the black mold disease, a serious post-harvest pathology of table grapes. This work included analysis from 1 day of growth time of pure A. niger cultures, A. niger cultures obtained from previously contaminated grapes, and finally, an in situ solid-phase microextraction (SPME) approach directly on previously contaminated table grapes. Supervised multivariate analysis was performed which revealed that after 1 day of inoculation it was possible to detect A. niger biomarkers, which can be extremely useful in making this type of method possible for the rapid detection of food contamination. The results obtained confirm the potential applicability of the pattern of A. niger biomarkers for early detection of the fungi (after 1 day of contamination), and may be further explored for access food susceptibility to fungi contamination, based on direct analysis of the food item.

Rhamnolipids as a Tool for Eradication of Trichosporon Cutaneum Biofilm

Microbial biofilms formed by pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms represent a serious threat for public health in medicine and many industrial branches. Biofilms are involved in many persistent and chronic infections, the biofouling of water and food contamination. Therefore, current research is involved in the development of new treatment strategies. Biofilm is a complex system, and thus all aspects of the measurement and monitoring of its growth and eradication in various conditions, including static and dynamic flow, are issues of great importance. The antibiofilm character of rhamnolipid mixtures produced by four Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains was studied under different conditions. For this purpose, the biofilm of opportunistic pathogen Trichosporon cutaneum was used and treated under static conditions (microscope glass coverslip in a Petri dish) and under dynamic conditions (a single-channel flow cell). The results show that the biological activity of rhamnolipids depends both on their properties and on the conditions of the biofilm formation. Therefore, this aspect must be taken into account when planning the experimental or application design.