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The impact of cold atmospheric pressure plasma treatment on the inactivation kinetics of Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579 and the resulting quality changes was investigated in tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) milk (TNM). The effect of input power (39, 43, and 46 W) and treatment time (0 to 270 s) was fitted using the Weibull model to represent the microbial kinetic inactivation in the treated TNM. Inactivation efficacy increased with an increase in treatment time and input power. A 5.28-log reduction was achieved at 39 to 46 W without significant changes in titratable acidity, whereas no reduction in titratable acidity was observed in the pasteurized sample. The inactivation kinetics was adequately described by the Weibull model. Higher input power of 43 and 46 W and 120 s of treatment resulted in marked decreases in pH, flavonoid concentration, and antioxidant activity compared with those parameters in pasteurized TNM. Increases in total color difference and phenolic concentrations also were observed. The results indicate that these changes were caused by the immanent plasma reactive species. This study provides valuable inactivation kinetics information for food safety assessment studies of B. cereus vegetative cells in TNM. Accumulation of reactive species in tiger nut milk is dependent on plasma treatment time and input power. Weibull model adequately described the inactivation kinetics of Bacillus cereus. Inactivation kinetics depended on plasma input power and time of exposure. Higher input power and extended treatments have led to significant quality changes similar to pasteurization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a method for the synthesis of alkynyl amides via the carbonylation of alkynoic acids and C-N activation of tertiary amines. The reaction of alkynoic acid and tertiary amine with carbon monoxide using a palladium catalyst in the presence of oxygen, KI, and K 3 PO 4 , gave the desired alkynyl amides in good yields. Image 1 • The C N bond activation of tertiary amines. • The decarboxylative aminocarbonylation with alkynoic acids. • Synthesis of alkynyl amides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The microbial and physicochemical properties of tiger nut milk were studied under different dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma exposure time: 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 min. Following the plasma treatment, a significant reduction in the microflora was observed at 2, 4, 6 and 8 min treatment time with 12 min reaching the undetectable limit. The treatment did not result in any significant change in soluble solids and fat contents. Significant reduction in pH was recorded after 8 and 12 min treatment, whereas heightened titratable acidity and lipid oxidation were noticed in all the treated samples. The protein content decreased significantly in all the treated samples, while peroxidase activity only decreased when the treatment time was extended beyond 4 min. The loss in enzyme activity was due to the oxidation effect plasma reactive species including atomic oxygen, ozone, and hydroxyl radicals, which might have oxidized the amino acid side chain. The findings presented here could be a prelude for the potential application of DBD plasma treatment of tiger nut milk in the food industry. Highlights • The dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma has significantly improved the microflora of the treated tiger nut milk. • Changes in the physicochemical characteristics of the tiger nut milk were observed. • Significant reduction in peroxidase activity after 4–12 min of plasma treatment was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Breast cancer has been classified among the major causes of death in women. • Pre and post-menopausal women are the major targets when it comes to breast cancer and osteoporosis. • This may not be unconnected to the fact that, there may be existent biochemical links between the two mayhems. • These might rally round between the cellular and molecular connectivity based on the actions and inactions of RANKL, estrogen and free radicals-induced oxidative stress. • The potentials of functional foods in preventing, managing and possibly treating breast cancer and postmenopausal osteoporosis cannot be overemphasised. Abstract Breast cancer as a multifactorial disease has been classified among the major causes of morbidity and mortality in women across the world, with a higher prevalence among post-menopausal women. Osteoporosis, a condition characterized by altered bone mineralization is also commonly found among post-menopausal women. Consequently, post-menopausal women are at risk of morbidity and mortality associated with breast cancer and postmenopausal osteoporosis. This may not be unconnected to the fact that, there may be existent biochemical links between the two mayhems, which might rally round between the cellular and molecular connectivity based on the actions and inactions of RANKL, estrogen, free radicals-induced oxidative stress and metabolic implications of age related obesity among others. Cells and tissues including breast and bone are more prone to oxidative stress with age, and oxidative stress could alter the activity of key proteins and pathways required for protection against breast cancer and osteoporosis. As a result, the potentials of antioxidant rich functional foods in preventing, managing and possibly treating breast cancer and postmenopausal osteoporosis cannot be overemphasised. This review mainly uses ISI, SCOPUS and PubMed indexed journals and books containing various experimental reports vacillating from humans, animals and in vitro studies in relation to breast cancer and postmenopausal osteoporosis, biochemical links and possible beneficial effects of functional foods. One distinct feature of the review is that it categorically intends to provide a critical appraisal on the said available experimental data within the variables of breast cancer and osteoporosis among females vis-à-vis the potentials of functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A 70-day study was conductedto determine the effects of continuous exposure of magnetized water on red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis sp.). Triplicate groups of tilapia (7.16 ± 0.05 g) were tested with increasing amounts of magnetized water intensity (0.00, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20 T). At the end of the experiment, the growth, feeding efficiency, whole-body proximate composition, water quality, and plasma parameters were measured. Although the survival was unaffected by the magnetised water level, the weight gain and specific growth rate significantly increased (P < 0.05) as magnetised water intensity increases from 0.00 T to 0.15 T, then dropped (P < 0.05) with increasing magnetised water at 0.20 T. The best feed conversion ratio (1.14) was achieved at 0.15 T level. The whole body proximate content, hepatosomatic index (HSI) and viscerosomatic index (VSI) were unaffected by the magnetised water intensity. However, serum electrolyte decreased with increasing tesla intensity. A similar pattern was found for the blood glucose content which was significantly lower in the 0.20 T group, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and calcium ions show an opposite trend while no differences were detected for serum triglyceride, phosphate and total protein. Based on the growth, water properties and serum biochemistry, it was concluded that magnetised water at 0.15 T intensity may improve tilapia growth in Recirculating aquaculture system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anti-proliferative effect and down regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor C and toll like receptor-2 by kolaviron on Wuchereria bancrofti infected peripheral blood lymphocytes were investigated. Blood were collected from consenting volunteers in Talata Mafara, Nigeria, between the hours of 10 pm to 12 am, and microscopically identified for microfilariae. W. bancrofti positive samples were cultured for 72 h treated with Doxycycline (2 μg/ml) and kolaviron (5 μg/ml) in vitro . Mitotic index, expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-c), toll like receptor-2 (TLR-2) were determined using standard procedures. Mitotic index was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in the kolaviron treated group compared to negative control. Kolaviron also significantly (P < 0.05) down regulated the expression of VEGF-c and TLR-2 when compared with the untreated group. In both cases, the effects of kolaviron was not significantly different (P < 0.05) to that of doxycycline. Furthermore, strong positive correlations between mitotic index, VEGF-c and TLR-2 expressions were observed. The study suggests that kolaviron rich portion of Garcinia kola exhibited anti-proliferative effect and down regulation of VEGF-c and TLR-2 in W. bancrofti infected blood. Thus, the results from this study might have unravelled the potency of kolaviron in the management of complications associated with lymphatic filariasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise in sediment pollution is threatening the sustainability of the overlying waters and calls for in situ sediment remediation techniques. Sediment microbial fuel cell (SMFC) oxidizes organic and inorganic matter buried in sediment to generate bioelectricity and power environmental monitoring devices. However, the large-scale application of SMFC is hampered by mass transfer limitations of electron donors, poor biodegradation of recalcitrant pollutants, and metabolic product accumulation. The aforementioned challenges arise because active contaminant degradation reactions and electron transfer are restricted to microorganisms attached to the anode that contains active biodegraders and electroactive bacteria. This review critically examined the challenges of SMFC, its fundamental operating mechanisms and performance enhancement strategies. A potential method has been proposed to achieve high-performing SMFC by expanding the radius of influence of biodegradation and electron transfer in sediment through enhancing long distant electron transport. This review has documented fundamental information expected to spur SMFC application in alleviating the toxic black-odor water and other contaminants that endanger the environment. [Display omitted] • Temperature, pH, and oxygen concentration affect SMFC performance. • A near-neutral pH in the anodic niche is needed to maintaian electroactive biofilm. • SMFC can remove OM, AVS, and dissolved sulfides to alleviate black-odor water formation. • SMFC can regenerate sulfate from sulfide oxidation for the degradation of recalcitrant pollutants. • A porous, conductive, hydrophilic anode ensures a strong exoelectrogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clastogenic effect of mixed infection of Trypanosoma evansi and Trypanosoma brucei brucei in the bone marrow (BM) cells of Wistar albino rats was investigated. Clastogenic effects were observed in the BM cells using the micronucleus assay. The findings indicate that T. evansi, T. b. brucei and mixed infection with both parasites induced the formation of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocyte (MN-PCEs) in the BM cells significantly (P < 0.05) by 60, 63 and 81 micronuclei/1000 PCE respectively. Mixed infec-tion induced formation of MN-PCEs increase by about 1.33 fold when compared with single infections of T. b. brucei and T. evansi. These data give a preliminary evidence of possible genotoxic effects in trypanosomiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For decades, viral diseases have been treated using medicinal plants and herbal practices in the northern part of Nigeria. Though scarcely investigated, these medicinal plants could serve as potential sources for novel antiviral drugs against emerging and remerging viral diseases. Therefore, this study is aimed at investigating the medicinal practices and plants used to treat emerging and re-emerging viral diseases including hepatitis, poliomyelitis, monkeypox, smallpox, yellow fever, Lassa fever, meningitis, and COVID-19 in some northern states; Katsina, Kebbi, Kwara and Sokoto states. Administered questionnaires and oral interviews were used to collect information on medicinal plants, method of preparation of herbal formulations, diagnosis, and treatment of viral diseases. Medicinal plants were collected, botanically identified, and assigned voucher numbers. The plant names were verified using www.theplantlist.org , www.worldfloraonline.org and the international plant names index. A total of 280 participating herbal medicine practitioners (HMPs) mentioned 131 plants belonging to 65 families. Plant parts such as roots, bark, leaf, seed, and fruit were prepared as a decoction, concoction, infusion, or ointment for oral and topical treatment of viral diseases. Moringa oleifera (75.3%), Elaeis guineensis Jacq. (80%), and Acacia nilotica (70%) were the most frequently mentioned plants in Kebbi, Kwara and Sokoto states, respectively. The study revealed scarcely investigated and uninvestigated medicinal plants used to treat hepatitis, poliomyelitis, monkeypox, smallpox, yellow fever, Lassa fever, meningitis, and COVID-19. Future studies should be conducted to determine the antiviral potency and isolate novel bioactive agents from these plants against viral diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PAW effectively reduced the spore loads at different conditions. • Temperature, BSA content and other factors influenced the efficiency of PAW. • The inactivation curves of PAW were adequately fitted by the Log-logistic model. In recent years, plasma activated water has attracted more attention as a new disinfectant. The purpose of this study was to explore impact of variation of different treatment conditions on the inactivation kinetics of Bacillus cereus spores by PAW. All survival curves showed that the number of spores has decreased rapidly at first, followed by tailing results from the reduction inactivation rate. A linear and two nonlinear models (Weibull and Log-logistic model) were fitted to these data, and Log-logistic model fitted the inactivation of the B. cereus spores best. B. cereus spores in 106 CFU/mL was reduced by 1.62–2.96 log CFU/mL by PAW at 55 °C due to the reactive species generated in PAW. Elevated temperature, lower initial spore concentration, lower bovine serum albumin content, and smaller activation volume of PAW considerably enhanced PAW inactivation of B. cereus spores. These results provide an approach to evaluate the inactivation efficacy of different treatment conditions for PAW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The southwestern and northcentral parts of Nigeria are highly endowed with medicinal plants that have been used for decades to treat cancer. However, these herbal recipes and traditional medicinal practices have been scarcely investigated and documented. New uninvestigated plants could serve as potential sources for novel cytotoxic agents. This study was aimed at documenting the traditional medicinal practices used for treating cancers in Ilorin and Lagos metropolis. Information on herbal practices, medicinal plants and personal information form herbal practitioners was collected using questionnaires and oral interviews. Plants cited were collected, identified and assigned voucher numbers. The names of plants were further authenticated using the plant list (www.theplantlist.org) and the world flora (www.worldfloraonline.org). A total of 41 plants were identified via oral interviews and questionnaires from 65 willing respondents within Ilorin and Lagos metropolis, respectively. Pistia stratiotes was the most frequently cited plant with a citation frequency of 57.1 % whereas, Mangifera indica Linn was the least cited plant with a citation frequency of 2.9 %. Plants parts including leaf, bark, root, and seed were prepared as concoctions, decoctions or powders and administered topically or orally to treat breast, prostate, cervical, skin and ovarian cancer. The study revealed that medicinal plants previously shown to have cytotoxicity in vitro are currently used for cancers in traditional medicine practice. Twenty six medicinal plants are mentioned here for the first time as anticancer plants and could serve as sources for novel cytotoxic agents against cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Some Bacillus species are causative agents of food spoilage and a wide array of diseases. Due to their ability to form highly heat-resistant spores, it is of great interest to develop more effective inactivation strategies whereby these spores could be inactivated. Therefore, this work assessed inactivation of thermal and ultrasound treatments against Bacillus subtilis spores. The study further investigated the thermosonication (thermal and ultrasound, TS) -induced inactivation to the spores through a combination of morphology observation and internal factor analyses. The results of TS indicated that the TS combination synergistically inactivated spores by the maximum log reduction of 2.43 ± 0.08 at 80 °C and 20 W/ml and caused severe cell damage. The visual images revealed that the destructive mode of action of TS had multitarget sites, including coat, cortex, and inner membrane. Three distinct sub-populations were detected by Flow cytometry (FCM), and an unknown step with some physical compromise of the spore's inner membrane and partially hydrolyzed cortex involving the three steps model of inactivation was suggested. The combination of DPA (pyridine-2,6 dicarboxylic acid) content and the relative viabilities of the fractions suggested that during the TS treatment DPA release took place largely after spore death. The dead spores that retained DPA germinated relatively normally, but outgrow poorly, indicating that some key enzymes of intermediary metabolism has been damaged by TS treatment. Such understanding of the lethal action of TS may lead to the development of novel strategies involving spore destruction. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Synergetic inactivation of ultrasound and heat was conducted. • Electron microscopy revealed appearance and ultrastructure changes of Bacillus. subtilis spores. • Flow cytometry distinguished different physiological states of stressed B. subtilis spores. • Internal factor analyses elucidated the initial events in the killing of spores of B. subtilis by thermosonication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasound is a promising non-thermal inactivation technique. However, ultrasound treatment alone is not very effective. In this study, combined applications of ultrasound and non-thermal plasma (NTP) were assessed for their inactivation efficacy and the physiological change on Staphylococcus aureus cells. The lethal and sublethal injury induced by individual ultrasound, NTP, ultrasound-NTP (UP) and NTP-ultrasound treatments was determined by plate count method. Then, we applied fluorescent technology to demonstrate the physiological variations of S. aureus during various treatments. NTP exposure followed by ultrasound treatment exhibited the highest inactivation rate of S. aureus. Prior NTP helped to provide enough reactive oxygen species (ROS) dissolved in the medium, and the subsequent ultrasound assisted in the injection of ROS into S. aureus cells. This accelerated the reaction between ROS and intracellular biomolecules, which led to the rapid death of the microbes. On the contrary, S. aureus cells treated with ultrasound first were more likely to develop and enhance oxidative response, allowing S. aureus to resist toward the following NTP stressor. Therefore, the findings of this study may be used to the optimization of hurdle technologies of ultrasound and NTP in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immunomodulatory potentials of the crude methanolic extract and fractions [n-hexane (Hex), n-dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and n–butanol (BuOH)] of Clerodendrum volubile flowers were investigated on whole blood phagocytic oxidative burst using luminol-amplified chemiluminescence technique. They were also investigated for their free radicals scavenging activities. The DCM fraction showed significant (p < 0.05) anti-oxidative burst and free radical scavenging activities indicating high immunomodulatory and antioxidant potencies respectively. Cytotoxicity assay of the DCM fraction revealed a cytotoxic effect on CC-1 normal cell line. GCMS analysis revealed the presence of triacetin; 3,6-dimethyl-3-octanol; 2R – Acetoxymethyl-1,3,3–trimethtyl – 4 t – (3-methyl-2-buten-1-yl) – 1c – cyclohexanol and Stigmastan – 3,5–diene in DCM fraction. These compounds were docked with the active sites of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Triacetin, 3,6-dimethyl-3-Octanol, and 2R-Acetoxymethyl-1,3,3-trimethtyl-4t-(3-methyl-2-buten-1-yl)-1c-cyclohexanol docked comfortably with COX-2 with good scoring function (-CDocker energy) indicating their inhibitory potency against COX-2. 3,6–dimethyl-3- O ctanol, displayed the lowest predicted free energy of binding (−21.4 kcal mol −1 ) suggesting its stronger interaction with COX-2, this was followed by 2R – Acetoxymethyl-1, 3, 3-trimethtyl-4t-(3-methyl-2-buten-1-yl)-1c-cyclhexanol (BE = −20.5 kcal mol −1 ), and triacetin (BE = −10.9 kcal mol −1 ). Stigmastan – 3,5–diene failed to dock with COX-2. The observed suppressive effect of the DCM fraction of C. volubile flower methanolic extract on phagocytic oxidative burst indicates an immunomodulatory potential. This is further reflected in its free scavenging activities and synergetic modulation of COX-2 activities by its identified compounds in silico . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ultrasonication was applied to the thawing process of bighead carp. • Differences of thawing methods on quality of slow/fast frozen bighead carp were compared. • Shorten thawing time by ultrasound was observed. • Fast frozen samples lost massive water after water immersion or ultrasonic thawing. • Freezing-thawing cycles did not affect the primary protein structure of fish samples. Effects of ultrasound-assisted thawing (UAT), air thawing (AT) and water immersion thawing (WIT) on the quality of slow freezing (SF)/fast freezing (FF) bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) fillets were investigated. The thawing time of AT, WIT and UAT were 138, 30 and 12 min, respectively, indicating that UAT improved the thawing efficiency. UAT maintained the color and pH, and inhibited the lipid oxidation of SF/FF samples. For SF samples, thawing methods did not affect water retention and muscle structure. However, massive water loss and muscle destruction were observed in FF-WIT and FF-UAT samples. The AT did not produce any structural muscle damage; instead, it maintained the water retention in FF samples and prevented the FF fish fillets from massive water loss. No significant difference in the primary protein structure was observed among all samples. UAT can be an alternative strategy to the traditional thawing of SF fish fillets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Ultrasound was applied to the thawing process of mango pulp. • Effects of ultrasonic intensity on quality of pulp were compared at 4 and 25 °C. • Improved thawing efficiency was observed after ultrasonic thawing. • Higher ultrasound intensity increased phenolic acids with no effect on carotenoids. • Higher intensity ultrasound resulted in sensory quality deterioration. Abstract Sensory and nutritional properties of mango pulp thawed by different ultrasound intensities and temperatures were studied. Compared to water immersion thawing, a thawing time reduction of 16–64% (p < 0.05) and more phenolic acids contents (gallic, hydroxybenzoic, and caffeic acid) were observed after ultrasonic thawing. The sensory evaluation revealed texture and aroma deterioration at higher ultrasonic intensities (4 °C:0.074 W/mL; 25 °C:0.123 W/mL) due to increase in viscosity and some volatile compounds in the mango pulp. Ultrasonic thawing treatment at 25 °C reduced thawing time by 51–73% compared to that at 4 °C. Mango pulp processed at 25 °C exhibited better sensory quality and retained 26.5–58.5% more total phenol and 8.7–11.0% more total carotenoid contents. In short, higher ultrasonic intensities (0.074–0.123 W/mL) at a temperature of 25 °C contributed to better thawing efficiency and nutritional quality. The results demonstrated that ultrasound processing at optimized conditions could serve as a potential alternative to conventional thawing processing of mango pulp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been increasing interest in the use of plant-derived substance as immunomodulators for the treatment and management of inflammatory ailments. Clerodendrum volubile , a leafy vegetable is known for its folkloric applications in the treatments of several inflammatory related ailments, but with little scientific evidence. This study reports the isolation, structure elucidation and in vitro immunomodulatory potentials of pectolinarigenin from C. volubile leaves. The immunomodulatory potentials of the crude methanolic extract and fractions [ n -hexane (Hex), dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and n − butanol (BuOH)] were investigated on whole blood, neutrophil and macrophage phagocytic respiratory burst using luminol-amplified chemiluminescence technique. DCM fraction showed higher inhibitory activity on respiratory burst, indicating high suppressive immunomodulatory potency. The DCM fraction was further fractionated using a gravity column chromatography loaded with silica gel. The column was eluted with mixtures of Hex and DCM (92.5:7.5) in increasing order of polarity up to Hex: DCM (88:12) to afford 5,7-Dihydroxy-6,4′-dimethoxyflavone (pectolinarigenin). The structure of the compound was established using data obtained from 1 H- and 13 C NMR spectroscopies and mass spectrometry. The isolated flavone was investigated for its inhibitory activity of neutrophil phagocytes respiratory burst as well as T − Cell proliferation. The compound exhibited significant activities (at p < 0.05) indicating high suppressive immunomodulatory potency. The potent suppressive effect of pectolinarigenin on polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) respiratory oxidative burst and T − cell proliferation suggests an immunomodulatory potential and pathway of the flavonoid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antidiabetic effects of the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction of Clerodendrum volubile leaves was investigated in this study. EtOAc extract was also fractionated to isolate the active compounds. The structure of the isolated compound (Protocatechuic acid) was established using 1 H and 13 C NMR spectroscopies and mass spectrometry. Protocatechuic acid was investigated for its anti-oxidative burst in polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and macrophages. It was also docked with α–glucosidase and TNF-α. Acute treatment with EtOAc fraction of Clerodendrum volubile leaves significantly (p < 0.05) decreased blood glucose level and hepatic biomarkers, and significantly (p < 0.05) increased serum insulin level and β–cell function. It had little or no effect on serum lipid profile and atherogenic indices. Protocatechuic acid significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed phagocytic oxidative burst and docked well with α–glucosidase and TNF-α. These results indicate the therapeutic effect of EtOAc fraction of C. volubile on type 2 diabetes and its complications, which can be attributed to the main bioactive compound, protocatechuic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fatal outbreaks of equine influenza in Nigeria and some West African countries. • The first report of equine influenza virus subtype H3N8 Florida clade 1 in West Africa. • Complete genome revealed substitution in the viral proteins in comparison to the OIE-recommended Fc-1 vaccine strains. In December 2018, suspected outbreaks of equine influenza (EI) were observed in donkeys in Sokoto State, in the extreme northwest of Nigeria bordering the Republic of the Niger. Equine influenza virus (EIV) subtype H3N8 was the etiologic agent identified in the outbreaks using real-time RT-qPCR and sequencing of both the partial haemagglutinin (HA) gene and the complete genome. Since then the H3N8 virus spread to 7 of the 19 northern states of Nigeria, where it affected both donkeys and horses. Phylogenetic analysis of the partial and complete HA gene revealed the closest nucleotide similarity (99.7%) with EIVs belonging to the Florida clade 1 (Fc-1) of the American lineage isolated in 2018 from Argentina and Chile. In total, 80 amino acid substitutions were observed in the viral proteins when compared to the OIE-recommended Fc-1 vaccine strains. The HA and neuraminidase proteins respectively had 13 and 16 amino acid substitutions. This study represents the first reported outbreak of EI caused by an Fc-1 virus in Nigeria and in the West Africa sub-region. Based on this report, extensive disease surveillance in equids is required to establish the circulating lineages and design an effective control strategy to protect the considerable population of horses and donkeys in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the synergetic inhibitory effects of ultrasound and nisin/carvacrol on spore germination, outgrowth, and subsequent growth of vegetative cell of Bacillus subtilis in laboratory medium and milk. Ultrasound pretreatment (3.33 W/mL, 15 min) and nisin/carvacrol (0.01%, 0.02%) synergistically inhibited spore germination, outgrowth, and vegetative growth of spores in laboratory medium. Whereas no such inhibitory effect was observed in milk even with a 10-fold increase in the concentration (1%) of nisin. Flow cytometry analysis showed that the germination capacities of ultrasound pretreated spores combined with nisin/carvacrol (67.3% and 30.5%, respectively) was lower than that of the untreated spores (95.1%). These results quantitatively revealed the inhibitory effect of the combined treatments which were confirmed by phase-bright spore observations at single cell level. In general, the current work identified the combined ultrasound-carvacrol treatment as an effective strategy to control spores and vegetative cells of B. subtilis in the laboratory medium and milk during abusive storage. • Synergism of ultrasound and nisin/carvacrol demonstrated in laboratory medium. • Spores stressed with the combined treatments were more heterogeneously. • The combined treatments could control B. subtilis in milk better than individual treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extreme resistance of bacterial spores to most killing agents makes them a major concern to the food industry and consumers. This gave rise an increasing interest in developing new strategies to inactivate spores and understand the mechanisms of inactivation by various agents. In this study, ultrasound combined with heat (thermosonication, TS) was used to inactivate the spores of Bacillus subtilis and the factors that influence the resistance to TS were analyzed. The spores of wild-type B. subtilis and isogenic mutants were subjected to heat at 80 °C and ultrasound at 6.67–20 W/mL and 23 °C for 0–40 min. TS treatment has synergistically resulted in spore inactivation, and spores of wild-type B. subtilis and isogenic mutants showed different resistance to TS treatment, which was in the following order: Strains 533 (wild-type) ≈ strains PS3518 (gfp) ≈ strains PS2318 (recA − ) > strains PS578 (α − β − ), and spores of strains PS3328 (cotE − ) were also more susceptible than those of wild-type strains. The inactivated spores lost some proteins in the spore core but initiated germination normally. The germinated inactivated spores did not swell and their plasma membrane permeability was equally altered. It was concluded that the damage to spores' inner membrane (IM) proteins or the IM itself has led to the leakage of intracellular substances and the death of a spore by TS treatment. Our results could support the development and optimization of TS treatment, which has great significance for its further utilization in food industry. Unlabelled Image • Thermosonication (TS) treatment synergistically inactivated the bacterial spores. • The spore coat and α/β-type SASPs were involved in spore resistance to TS treatment. • The TS-inactivated spores lost some proteins in the spore core but initiated germination normally. • IM damage was responsible for inactivation of spores by TS treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]