Biogenic Amine Content in Retailed Cheese Varieties Produced with Commercial Bacterial or Mold Cultures

Biogenic amines (BAs) are considered a potential microbiological toxicological hazard in aged cheese. Risk mitigation strategies include good hygiene practice measures, thermal treatment of milk and the use of competitive dairy cultures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the amount of BAs—tryptamine, β-phenylethylamine, putrescine, cadaverine, histamine, tyramine, spermidine and spermine—in the core and rind of cheeses ripened by bacteria (n = 61) and by mold cultures (n = 8). The microbial communities were counted, and the dominant lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were identified, corresponding to the BA concentrations. The total BA content was highest in the core of semi-hard cheeses (353.98 mg/kg), followed by mold cheeses (248.99 mg/kg) and lowest in hard cheeses (157.38 mg/kg). The highest number of BAs was present in the rind of cheeses with mold (240.52 mg/kg), followed by semi-hard (174.99 mg/kg) and hard cheeses (107.21 mg/kg). Tyramine was the most abundant BA, represented by 75.4% in mold cheeses, 41.3% in hard cheese and 35% of total BAs in semi-hard cheeses. Histamine was present above the defined European maximum level (ML) of 100 mg/kg in only two semi-hard and three hard cheeses. High amount of BAs (above 600 mg/kg) in cheeses, mainly tyramine, were associated with the presence of Enterococcus durans, while negligible BA concentrations were found in cheeses ripened with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Lactococcus lactis or Lacticaseibacillus paracasei cultures. This study has shown that retailed cheese varieties produced with commercial bacterial or mold cultures have acceptable levels of biogenic amines with respect to consumers.

Hygiene practices in abattoir and slaughter slab, determinants and assessment of abattoir and slaughter slab facilities in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State South-East Nigeria

Background: Workers in slaughterhouses engaging in unhygienic practices create conducive environments for zoonoses and meat contamination. Knowledge of hygiene practices and their determinants provides evidence for the design of targetedinterventions.Objectives: We investigated knowledge and determinants of hygiene practices among workers in slaughterhouses and assessed slaughterhouse facilities in Abakaliki.Methods: Workers in the Central Meat Market abattoir and Slaughter slab Abakaliki were interviewed in a cross-sectional quantitative study to ascertain their knowledge and hygiene practices while abattoir facilities were assessed using a checklist. Associations were analysed with Chi-square while predictors were determined using binary logistic model.Results: We interviewed 188 workers 75.5% and 85.6% of whom had good knowledge and good hygiene practices respectively. However, hand-washing before and after handling meat (44.1%), cleaning work surfaces with soap and water (45.2%) and sanitary disposal of waste (6.9%) were suboptimal. Knowledge of good hygiene practice was a predictor of good hygiene practice (AOR: 4.6, 95% CI: 2.0-11.3, p=0.001). Well water and borehole were present in both slaughterhouses and cold rooms were available in Central Meat market abattoir.Conclusions: The level of good knowledge was high and this was a determinant of good hygienic practices. Training on hygiene practices is recommended to prevent meat contamination and zoonoses. Keywords: Knowledge; Hygiene Practices; Abattoir; Slaughter slab; Determinants; Ebonyi; Nigeria.

Preventive Rules in the Management of Epidemics as per Sunnah

The research aims at understanding the meaning of the preventive rules in the management of epidemics in the Prophet’s Sunnah as visualized by the Prophet, PBUH along with its explanation. The prevention of epidemics through quarantine and sanitary isolation is endorsed by the Sunnah of the Prophet. Moreover the Prophet has recommended actions like prohibition of adultery and sodomy, the clean utensils, mental health and appropriate medical treatment and the like. Good hygiene avoids falling into crises and dangers of ominous consequences, and contributes to the practical application of the preventive rules in managing epidemics according to the Sunnah in contemporary Islamic societies. The preventive measures like maintenance of good hygiene are the focus of this article.

Covid-19 transmission in fitness centers in Norway - a randomized trial

Background Closed fitness centers during the Covid-19 pandemic may negatively impact health and wellbeing. We assessed whether training at fitness centers increases the risk of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. Methods In a two-group parallel randomized controlled trial, fitness center members aged 18 to 64 without Covid-19-relevant comorbidities, were randomized to access to training at a fitness center or no-access. Fitness centers applied physical distancing (1 m for floor exercise, 2 m for high-intensity classes) and enhanced hand and surface hygiene. Primary outcomes were SARS-CoV-2 RNA status by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) after 14 days, hospital admission after 21 days. The secondary endpoint was SARS-CoV-2 antibody status after 1 month. Results 3764 individuals were randomized; 1896 to the training arm and 1868 to the no-training arm. In the training arm, 81.8% trained at least once, and 38.5% trained ≥six times. Of 3016 individuals who returned the SARS-CoV-2 RNA tests (80.5%), there was one positive test in the training arm, and none in the no-training arm (risk difference 0.053%; 95% CI − 0.050 to 0.156%; p = 0.32). Eleven individuals in the training arm (0.8% of tested) and 27 in the no-training arm (2.4% of tested) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (risk difference − 0.87%; 95%CI − 1.52% to − 0.23%; p = 0.001). No outpatient visits or hospital admissions due to Covid-19 occurred in either arm. Conclusion Provided good hygiene and physical distancing measures and low population prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, there was no increased infection risk of SARS-CoV-2 in fitness centers in Oslo, Norway for individuals without Covid-19-relevant comorbidities. Trial registration The trial was prospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov on May 13, 2020. Due to administrative issues it was first posted on the register website on May 29, 2020: NCT04406909.

Food poisonings in Brazil – the impacts of the pandemic and its prevention perspectives

This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile of food poisoning in Brazil with its trends and prospects for prevention, between the years 2016 and 2020. A cross-sectional, retrospective study with a quantitative approach was developed, the data for the research were taken from official government websites, namely: SINITOX (National System of Toxic-Pharmacological Information), DATASUS and IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics). It became evident that a significant and sharp decrease in cases of food poisoning in Brazil and in its five socio-political regions (p<0.0001) in the year 2020, such fact being probably related to the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. Regarding the occurrence of food poisoning by gender there was predominance in males with a sharp and significant decrease in the year 2020 for both genders. The age group between 15-19 years was the most prevalent, followed by children under 1 year old. Thus, it can be concluded that food poisoning is closely related to food consumption outside the home, reinforcing the importance of the professional nutritionist as a propagator of good hygiene, handling, and healthy eating practices.

The significance of Enterobacteriaceae as a process hygiene criterion in yogurt production

Yogurt is one of the most popular fermented dairy products with a worldwide acceptance. There are many types of yogurt differing in flavor, physical and chemical properties. Yogurt is produced by adding bacterial culture of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus to milk and cream products. During the period from January 2017 to December 2020, a total of 202 yogurts from different small and medium sized dairy plants were analyzed as part of HACCP self-control programs. The determination of Enterobacteriaceae was performed as an alternative indicator of good hygiene practice. The results showed that 21.29% of analyzed yogurts contained more than 10 CFU/g Enterobacteriaceae, which is the evidence of poor hygiene or inadequate processing, process failure and post-process contamination. Generally, dairy products are potential vehicles for microorganisms from the Enterobacteriaceae family. Good manufacturing practices and good hygiene practices must be followed throughout the production line thoroughly. The absence of classic foodborne pathogens does not indicate that the yogurt is fit for consumption, since other potentially pathogenic bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family could be present. Thus, rather than pathogen testing, using Enterobacteriaceae to monitor the effectiveness of implemented preventive prerequisite measures could offer a better view of the quality, sanitary conditions, and safety of yogurt products.

Coronavirus disease 2019: an overview

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused over four million deaths worldwide and continues to affect millions across the globe. This review aims to provide an overview of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the progress made to counter COVID-19 through therapeutics and immunizations. We searched preclinical and clinical COVID-19 literature published between January 2018 through June 2021 on PubMed. The medical subject headings used in the literature search were COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Treatment, Remdesivir, Cytokine Storm, Hydroxychloroquine, Epidemiology, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Receptor, Vaccines, and Mitigation. There is credible evidence that shows that the spike protein in the SARS-CoV-2’s structure is crucial for the host to be infected. It spreads through different modes, primarily through aerosols and carriers. Pathophysiologically, SARS-CoV-2 triggers a cytokine storm leading to systemic inflammation, which can be fatal. Although treatment with Remdesivir and Dexamethasone and massive vaccinations have significantly reduced the mortality rate, COVID-19 remains a significant threat. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2’s different strains, notably the Delta variant, demonstrates that the COVID-19 pandemic is not over. More vaccine distribution and increased efforts in developing anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs, social distancing, masking, and practicing good hygiene will be crucial in defeating COVID-19.

The oral manifestations of scurvy in the 21st century

Scurvy is a vitamin deficiency historically associated with pirates and sailors that affects collagen synthesis, leading to hemorrhage, skin, and oral lesions. In the 18th century, the lack of consumption of foods rich in vitamin C was found to cause such a severe condition, whose early diagnosis increases the likelihood of a better prognosis. A 58-year-old female patient complained of fatigue, body pain, and gingival bleeding for nearly 24 months. In 2001, she was diagnosed with lupus, now in remission, and osteoporosis more recently. On clinical examination, gingivitis with spontaneous bleeding was observed, despite the patient’s good hygiene, as well as some petechiae over the body. Due to the hypothesis of a possible autoimmune dermatological disease, the patient was referred to a dermatologist, who requested a series of tests, including vitamin C dosage. The results showed a concentration below 0.25mg / dL (IR, 4 to 2.0 mg / dL), and thus the diagnosis of scurvy was established. The patient was administered vitamin C replacement and in about 3 months, the symptoms started to improve. In some cases, such as this, hospitalization is required for intravenous replacement due to bleeding risks. This case report highlights the importance of the dentist in the early diagnosis and treatment of scurvy. This condition causes oral lesions that are often confused with other more common conditions, such as gingivitis or autoimmune dermatological response. Therefore, we recommend a comprehensive physical examination and anamnesis, including dietary history.

Establishing Healthy Personal Hygiene Habits with Young Children in Australia: A Cross-Sectional Mixed Methods Study

Effective and consistent engagement in personal hygiene practices is important for preventing the acquisition and transmission of communicable diseases in childhood. This study aimed to investigate trends in adherence to recommended hygiene practices and identify factors contributing to difficulties in establishing good hygiene habits with young children (0–4 years) in Australia. A self-selected community sample of parents (N = 426) completed an online survey assessing children's adherence to recommended hygiene practices and barriers and enablers of establishing good personal hygiene habits. Parents reported interest in receiving information/tips on children's personal hygiene (yes/no) and nominated topics of interest. Less than half of children in any age group consistently (always/almost always) covered coughs and sneezes, washed hands after toileting, or washed hands before meals or when dirty. Children's non-compliance (i.e. resistance, refusal) was the most commonly reported barrier to establishing good personal hygiene habits, while children's compliance (i.e. cooperative behaviour, following or complying with caregivers’ instructions) was the most commonly cited enabler. Despite low levels of adherence, less than half (41.2%) of parents wanted information/tips on children's hygiene. Results suggest a disconnect between parents’ knowledge about recommended hygiene practices and actual behaviour. Development and testing of approaches to behaviour change that incorporate evidence-based strategies to manage children's resistance and support parents to encourage the development of healthy hygiene habits is warranted.