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UNLABELLED: Large-scale studies are essential to answer questions about complex microbial communities that can be extremely dynamic across hosts, environments, and time points. However, managing acquisition, processing, and analysis of large numbers of samples poses many challenges, with cross-contamination being the biggest obstacle. Contamination complicates analysis and results in sample loss, leading to higher costs and constraints on mixed sample type study designs. While many researchers opt for 96-well plates for their workflows, these plates present a significant issue: the shared seal and weak separation between wells leads to well-to-well contamination. To address this concern, we propose an innovative high-throughput approach, termed as the Matrix method, which employs barcoded Matrix Tubes for sample acquisition. This method is complemented by a paired nucleic acid and metabolite extraction, utilizing 95% (vol/vol) ethanol to stabilize microbial communities and as a solvent for extracting metabolites. Comparative analysis between conventional 96-well plate extractions and the Matrix method, measuring 16S rRNA gene levels via quantitative polymerase chain reaction, demonstrates a notable decrease in well-to-well contamination with the Matrix method. Metagenomics, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing (16S), and untargeted metabolomics analysis via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) confirmed that the Matrix method recovers reproducible microbial and metabolite compositions that can distinguish between subjects. This advancement is critical for large-scale study design as it minimizes well-to-well contamination and technical variation, shortens processing times, and integrates with automated infrastructure for enhancing sample randomization and metadata generation. IMPORTANCE: Understanding dynamic microbial communities typically requires large-scale studies. However, handling large numbers of samples introduces many challenges, with cross-contamination being a major issue. It not only complicates analysis but also leads to sample loss and increased costs and restricts diverse study designs. The prevalent use of 96-well plates for nucleic acid and metabolite extractions exacerbates this problem due to their wells having little separation and being connected by a single plate seal. To address this, we propose a new strategy using barcoded Matrix Tubes, showing a significant reduction in cross-contamination compared to conventional plate-based approaches. Additionally, this method facilitates the extraction of both nucleic acids and metabolites from a single tubed sample, eliminating the need to collect separate aliquots for each extraction. This innovation improves large-scale study design by shortening processing times, simplifying analysis, facilitating metadata curation, and producing more reliable results.

Aims: To identify the contaminated areas of the hand collection and analyse the distribution characteristics of bacteria in the hand after swab collection. Design: This study used a cross‐sectional design. Methods: A cross‐sectional study sampling 50 pairs of hands (sampling hand and auxiliary hand) of healthcare workers was performed. Ten samples were collected from each participant. The optimal hand hygiene rates and bacterial colony counts of the whole hand and different hand sections without hand hygiene were identified as the primary outcomes. Results: The optimal hand hygiene rates of the sampling hand and auxiliary hand were 88.8% (222/250) and 91.6% (229/250), respectively. The lowest optimal hand hygiene rates for the sampling hand and the auxiliary hand were both on the dorsal side of the finger and the dorsum of the hand (86.0%, 86.0% vs. 90.0%, 86.0%); the optimal hand hygiene rates for both sites of the sampling hand were 86.0% (43/50), and the optimal hand hygiene rates for the auxiliary hand were 90.0% (45/50) and 86.0% (43/50). The bacteria colony counts did not differ between the sampling hands and auxiliary hand. Conclusions: The dorsal side of the finger and dorsum of the hand were the most likely to be contaminated during oropharyngeal swab collection. Therefore, it is essential to pay extra attention to hand hygiene care of these two sites during the collection process to minimize the risk of cross‐contamination. Reporting Method: The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines were adopted in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastroenteritis caused by Campylobacter represents the most common reported foodborne bacterial illness worldwide, followed by salmonellosis. Both diseases are often caused by the consumption of contaminated, insufficiently heated poultry meat. This can result from contamination of the meat during the slaughtering processes. Food contact surfaces like stainless steel or plucking fingers contribute significantly to cross-contamination of poultry carcasses. Modification of these surfaces could lead to a reduction of the bacterial burden, as already proven by successful application in various food industry sectors, such as packaging.In this study, nanoscale silica-coated and uncoated stainless-steel surfaces and plucking fingers were compared on a pilot scale regarding attachment and detachment of Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella Enteritidis and Escherichia coli.The bacteria did not adhere less to the coated plucking fingers or stainless-steel sections than to the uncoated ones. The coating also did not lead to a significant difference in detachment of Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella Enteritidis and Escherichia coli from the investigated surfaces compared to the uncoated ones.Our study did not reveal any differences between the coated and uncoated surfaces with regard to the investigated bacteria. In order to achieve a better adaptation of the coating to slaughterhouse conditions, future studies should focus on its further development based on the investigation of specific coating parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent foodborne outbreaks and recalls involving Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella-contaminated peaches have caused significant economic losses to the peach industry. This study evaluated the effectiveness of chlorine, a commonly used sanitizer in the fresh produce industry, against L. monocytogenes and Salmonella and its ability to control cross-contamination in fresh peaches. Peaches inoculated with L. monocytogenes or Salmonella (~6 log10 CFU/peach) were treated with 50–150 mg/L of free chlorine (FC, pH6.8) 24 h post-inoculation. The results revealed that chlorine had similar efficacy against L. monocytogenes and Salmonella on peaches (p > 0.05). A 30 s treatment at 50, 100, and 150 mg/L FC resulted in dose-dependent reductions (p < 0.05), achieving reductions of 0.88–0.92, 1.54–1.61, and 1.73–1.79 log10 CFU/peach, respectively. Extending the contact time to 2 min slightly but significantly enhanced the chlorine efficacy (p < 0.05). Additionally, a 30 s to 2 min exposure to chlorine with 50–150 mg/L FC resulted in a 1.05–1.43 log10 CFU/peach reduction in yeasts and molds. Tap water exposure led to substantial cross-contamination between inoculated and uninoculated fruits and processed water, with Salmonella exhibiting higher transfer rates than L. monocytogenes. The application of chlorine mitigated the cross-contamination of both pathogens but did not entirely prevent it. These findings offer valuable insights for the peach and other stone fruit industries to verify process controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Veterinarska Stanica is the property of Croatian Veterinary Institute and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Disinfection of impressions is essential to prevent cross-contamination from the operatory to the laboratory. Various methods have been employed to disinfect the impressions. These disinfection methods should not alter the physical and mechanical properties of impression materials. Aim: To evaluate the Elastic Recovery (ER) of elastomeric impression materials subjected to different disinfection methods. Materials and Methods: This was an in-vitro study conducted at KIMS Dental College and Hospital, Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India and Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India over a period of 5 months from August 2022 to December 2022. A total of 120 impressions were made using three different types of elastomeric impression materials: Poly Vinyl Siloxane (PVS), Vinyl Poly Ether Siloxane (VPES), and Poly Ether (PE). A metal die was made as per American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D412 and International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) Specification 4823, containing a lower and upper member. These impressions were trimmed to the dimensions of a stainless steel stencil, measuring at points with uniform thickness. The impressions were then subjected to autoclave and chemical disinfection using 5% Glutaraldehyde (Korsolex) and Ethanol-2-Propanol (Bacillol). The samples prepared were fixed in the tensile grips of a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) and subjected to tensile loading at a crosshead speed of 10 mm/minute until tearing. The distance between the break ends was measured using a digital Vernier Callipers, and ER was measured. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s post-hoc tests were used to analyse the obtained study data. Results: The PE impression material demonstrated more ER when subjected to different disinfection methods compared to the other materials. Significant differences were observed between the ER of impression materials with different disinfection methods (Autoclave: p

Cross-contamination of foodborne pathogenic bacteria is a widespread phenomenon in food processing and production, storage and transportation, and household consumption. It is regarded as one of the important causes of foodborne disease outbreaks. Using mathematical models to simulate the transfer of foodborne pathogenic bacteria in different food media enhances our understanding of the pattern of transmission of the pathogens through cross-contamination. Determining the key links in the microbial cross-contamination by combined use of cross-contamination modelling with microbiological risk assessment and designing novel antimicrobial coatings will effectively prevent and control the occurrence of microbial cross-contamination. Therefore, this article reviews the food safety problems caused by cross-contamination of pathogenic bacteria in the food industry and household settings, and provides a detailed overview of the latest progress in mathematical modelling of cross-contamination of foodborne pathogenic bacteria, and describes the application of microbial risk assessment combined with hazard analysis and critical control point (MRA-HACCP) and antimicrobial coatings in the prevention and control of cross-contamination of foodborne pathogenic bacteria from the perspectives of both global control and source control. It concludes with an outlook on future research and control strategies for foodborne pathogen cross-contamination.

In pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, products with different therapeutic properties and potencies are manufactured in shared spaces, which poses a potential risk for cross-contamination. During the manufacturing process, cross-contamination may occur due to the uncontrolled release of dust, gases/vapors, mix-ups with other materials, residues on equipment, and contamination from operator's clothing. By implementing adequate facility design and manufacturing operations aligned with Quality Risk Management principles, the risk of cross-contamination can be controlled. If a shared facility is used for manufacturing pharmaceutical products, strategic controls for identifying and managing the risks of cross-contamination should be in place. This article provides a structured and systematic framework for the risk-based identification of the worst-case product and manufacturing process among the products manufactured in the solid oral facility, addressing the high risk of cross-contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a representative heat recovery device, the fixed-plate enthalpy exchanger possesses the advantages of high recovery effectiveness, low pressure drop, and small space occupied. Still, indoor contaminants may transfer to fresh air through the enthalpy exchanger simultaneously, causing cross-contamination risk. However, the cross-contamination risk of the fixed-plate enthalpy exchanger has been under-researched in previous studies. As a result, this study experimentally investigates the energy performance, formaldehyde and ammonia transfer rates of paper-based and membrane-based enthalpy exchangers. The results illustrate that the enthalpy recovery effectiveness of the plate exchangers ranges from 60%–85%. The formaldehyde transfer rate through the exchangers varies from 5%–23%, and the ammonia transfer rate is 0–15%. The high effectiveness and low contaminant transfer rates are conducive to the promising application of the fixed-plate enthalpy exchangers. In addition, the energy reclaimed increases with the increase of the absolute indoor-outdoor enthalpy difference. The formaldehyde and ammonia transfer rates and cross-contamination risk slightly decrease with increasing temperature but significantly increase with increasing humidity. Moreover, the experimental results demonstrate that the contaminant transfer rates through the membrane-based exchanger are lower than those of the paper-based exchanger. This study provides a reference for the fixed-plate enthalpy exchanger design in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The persistence of Listeria monocytogenes biofilms on equipment surfaces poses a significant risk of cross-contamination, necessitating effective surface decontamination strategies. This study assessed the effectiveness of hurdle treatments combining peroxyacetic acid (PAA) and saturated steam against 7-day-old L. innocua (a non-pathogenic surrogate for L. monocytogenes) biofilms on stainless steel (SS), polyester (PET), and rubber surfaces. Results demonstrated >6 log10 CFU/coupon L. innocua reductions on SS and PET surfaces after PAA (40 ppm, 1 min) followed by steam treatment (100 °C, 6 s). On rubber surfaces, PAA (80 ppm, 1 min) followed by steam treatment (100 °C, 6 s) resulted in ~5 log10 CFU/coupon L. innocua reduction. The presence of apple juice soil reduced the efficacy of hurdle treatments, with PAA (40 ppm, 1 min) and steam exposure (6 s) resulting in 5.6, 5.8, and 4.2 log10 CFU/coupon reductions of L. innocua on SS, PET, and rubber, respectively. The efficacy of this antimicrobial combination was further reduced by surface defects, especially in the presence of organic matter. Nevertheless, the treatment still achieved >5 log10 CFU/coupon reductions of L. innocua on worn SS and PET soiled with apple juice and ~4.5 log10 CFU/coupon reduction on worn, soiled rubber surfaces. These findings highlight that PAA treatments followed by a brief steam exposure are effective strategies for controlling Listeria on food-contact surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Disinfection of impressions is essential to prevent cross-contamination from the operatory to the laboratory. Various methods have been employed to disinfect the impressions. These disinfection methods should not alter the physical and mechanical properties of impression materials. Aim: To evaluate the Elastic Recovery (ER) of elastomeric impression materials subjected to different disinfection methods. Materials and Methods: This was an in-vitro study conducted at KIMS Dental College and Hospital, Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India and Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India over a period of 5 months from August 2022 to December 2022. A total of 120 impressions were made using three different types of elastomeric impression materials: Poly Vinyl Siloxane (PVS), Vinyl Poly Ether Siloxane (VPES), and Poly Ether (PE). A metal die was made as per American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D412 and International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) Specification 4823, containing a lower and upper member. These impressions were trimmed to the dimensions of a stainless steel stencil, measuring at points with uniform thickness. The impressions were then subjected to autoclave and chemical disinfection using 5% Glutaraldehyde (Korsolex) and Ethanol-2-Propanol (Bacillol). The samples prepared were fixed in the tensile grips of a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) and subjected to tensile loading at a crosshead speed of 10 mm/minute until tearing. The distance between the break ends was measured using a digital Vernier Callipers, and ER was measured. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's post-hoc tests were used to analyse the obtained study data. Results: The PE impression material demonstrated more ER when subjected to different disinfection methods compared to the other materials. Significant differences were observed between the ER of impression materials with different disinfection methods (Autoclave: p<0.001, Korsolex: p<0.001, and Bacillol: p=0.007). Conclusion: For better ER, PVS can be sterilised with Bacillol and Korsolex. Korsolex should be avoided for disinfecting PE. VPES performed better with autoclave and Korsolex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unexpected cross-contamination by foreign components during the manufacturing and quality control of pharmaceutical products poses a serious threat to the stable supply of drugs and the safety of customers. In Japan, in 2020, a mix-up containing a sleeping drug went undetected by liquid chromatography during the final quality test because the test focused only on the main active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and known impurities. In this study, we assessed the ability of a powder rheometer to analyze powder characteristics in detail to determine whether it can detect the influence of foreign APIs on powder flow. Aspirin, which was used as the host API, was combined with the guest APIs (acetaminophen from two manufacturers and albumin tannate) and subsequently subjected to shear and stability tests. The influence of known lubricants (magnesium stearate and leucine) on powder flow was also evaluated for standardized comparison. Using microscopic morphological analysis, the surface of the powder was observed to confirm physical interactions between the host and guest APIs. In most cases, the guest APIs were statistically detected due to characteristics such as their powder diameter, pre-milling, and cohesion properties. Furthermore, we evaluated the flowability of a formulation incorporating guest APIs for direct compression method along with additives such as microcrystalline cellulose, potato starch, and lactose. Even in the presence of several additives, the influence of the added guest APIs was successfully detected. In conclusion, powder rheometry is a promising method for ensuring stable product quality and reducing the risk of unforeseen cross-contamination by foreign APIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractFood safety is a critical global concern due to its direct impact on human health and overall well-being. In the food processing environment, biofilm formation by foodborne pathogens poses a significant problem as it leads to persistent and high levels of food contamination, thereby compromising the quality and safety of food. Therefore, it is imperative to effectively remove biofilms from the food processing environment to ensure food safety. Unfortunately, conventional cleaning methods fall short of adequately removing biofilms, and they may even contribute to further contamination of both equipment and food. It is necessary to develop alternative approaches that can address this challenge in food industry. One promising strategy in tackling biofilm-related issues is biofilm dispersion, which represents the final step in biofilm development. Here, we discuss the biofilm dispersion mechanism of foodborne pathogens and elucidate how biofilm dispersion can be employed to control and mitigate biofilm-related problems. By shedding light on these aspects, we aim to provide valuable insights and solutions for effectively addressing biofilm contamination issues in food industry, thus enhancing food safety and ensuring the well-being of consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The rules of good practice in French Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ARTs) aim to ensure the quality and safety of care. These rules, which are mandatory for all ARTs facilities, include measures to prevent the transmission of pathogens and guarantee the safety of patients and practitioners. They evolve with the current state of knowledge, which is why the decrees governing these practices are regularly revised. ARTs including artificial insemination, conventional in vitro fertilization or Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), gamete storage, gamete donation and embryo transfer, are evolving in the same direction of scientific and regulatory advances. The revision of the decree of October 5, 2023, following the new bioethics law of 2021, introduces major changes, notably the abolition of the specific "viral risk" circuit and the narrowing of mandatory medical biology examinations that initially aims to minimize transmission risks. However, it maintains strict sanitary safety measures to prevent horizontal and vertical transmission, as well as transmission to health-care workers. Good laboratory practice is a common minimum standard that all ARTs' facilities must adhere to. However, laboratories are free to develop their own protocols in line with the decrees, and to carry out additional biological tests to optimize patient care. Learned societies, such as the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), offer specific recommendations for handling gametes from patients infected with agents such as HBV, HCV, HIV, HPV, Zika and SARS-CoV-2. Good laboratory practices for ARTS, which arecontinuously reviewed, ensure a high level of quality and safety. Recent epidemics have underlined the importance of these measures in adapting rapidly to health emergencies, highlighting their necessity for dealing with the threat of new outbreaks of emerging agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate bacterial contamination of indirect ophthalmoscopes and condensing lenses used in three UK veterinary referral centers, and the impact of an implemented cleaning protocol. Methods: Bacteriology samples from 10 indirect ophthalmoscopes and 10 condensing lenses were taken at each center (n = 30 T0), before initiating one of three cleaning frequencies (every 2 weeks/once weekly/daily) for 28 days. The most contaminated indirect ophthalmoscope and condensing lens from each center were re‐sampled 30 min prior to (T1; n = 9) and 30 min after (T2; n = 9) the final clean. Sensitivity testing was completed using MIC. Results: Seventy‐three isolates representing 15 different bacterial populations (genus/species) were cultured from 36 of 48 (75%) swabs tested. The most frequently cultured isolates were Staphylococcus spp. 30%, Micrococcus 22%, and Bacillus 14%. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pantoea, and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius demonstrated resistance to >50% of antibiotics against which they were tested. Eighty‐three percent of T0 samples (54 isolates across 11 species, median 2 isolates/swab), all T1 samples (15 isolates across 8 species, median 2 isolates/swab), and 22% of T2 samples (4 isolates across 4 species, median 0 isolates/swab) were contaminated. Head contact points were most contaminated irrespective of time point. A T1 sample was 57 times more likely (95% CI: 2.4–1376) to have a positive culture than a T2 sample (p =.01). Conclusions: Baseline contamination was high, representing a potential source of nosocomial infection in ophthalmic patients and handlers of diagnostic equipment. No center implemented a cleaning protocol prior to this study. Routine cleaning reduces bacterial contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farmers markets offer an apparently easy way for small-scale or hobbyist food producers to sell fresh produce, meat, and poultry from their farms or dis­tribute value-added products, but they may be unaware of the foodborne illness risks associated with both fresh produce and derivative products, as well as of their local food safety requirements. Food guidance and rules vary from state to state and market to market, making it difficult for indi­viduals to navigate the various regulatory levels. Even if a local food producer is exempt from these rules due to their amount of sales, they will still benefit greatly from resources and educational tools that increase awareness and knowledge of food safety best practices. This review discusses current knowledge of and guidelines for food safety in farmers markets based on peer-reviewed and grey literature as well as published guidelines and recommendations. We examine facilities and supplies, regulatory measures, education and train­ing, and Good Farmers Market Practices as pre­ventive measures to enhance food safety in farmers markets, which are critical to local and regional food systems. Overall, we identified various barri­ers to implementing farmers market food safety standards and practices in this scoping review; removing these barriers will require the participa­tion of local regularity authorities, market managers, vendors, and consumers.

Multi-ceramic additive manufacturing has always been a topic of discussion, considering that implementing multiple materials in one structure can bring innovative functionalities to it. However, the realization of the fabrication system is still plagued by cross-contamination when alternating materials. Therefore, we developed a new machine and suggested a stamping cross-contamination prevention system to address this issue. The contaminant removal mechanism was understood, efficiency was improved, and the stamping process parameters were optimized. To demonstrate, a bone hierarchical structure naturally modeled with advanced functionality to withstand mechanical loads and assist metabolic reactions was replicated. The material combination chosen included chemically identical calcium phosphates and bioglass. First, specific properties such as compressive strength were measured, and in-vitro bioactivity was evaluated to assign appropriate roles. Subsequently, the functionality of the hierarchical structure was controlled and fabricated using the previously optimized parameters. Finally, cross-contamination and multi-functionality of the generated structure were confirmed again for conclusion.

ABSTRACT Large-scale studies are essential to answer questions about complex microbial communities that can be extremely dynamic across hosts, environments, and time points. However, managing acquisition, processing, and analysis of large numbers of samples poses many challenges, with cross-contamination being the biggest obstacle. Contamination complicates analysis and results in sample loss, leading to higher costs and constraints on mixed sample type study designs. While many researchers opt for 96-well plates for their workflows, these plates present a significant issue: the shared seal and weak separation between wells leads to well-to-well contamination. To address this concern, we propose an innovative high-throughput approach, termed as the Matrix method, which employs barcoded Matrix Tubes for sample acquisition. This method is complemented by a paired nucleic acid and metabolite extraction, utilizing 95% (vol/vol) ethanol to stabilize microbial communities and as a solvent for extracting metabolites. Comparative analysis between conventional 96-well plate extractions and the Matrix method, measuring 16S rRNA gene levels via quantitative polymerase chain reaction, demonstrates a notable decrease in well-to-well contamination with the Matrix method. Metagenomics, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing (16S), and untargeted metabolomics analysis via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) confirmed that the Matrix method recovers reproducible microbial and metabolite compositions that can distinguish between subjects. This advancement is critical for large-scale study design as it minimizes well-to-well contamination and technical variation, shortens processing times, and integrates with automated infrastructure for enhancing sample randomization and metadata generation.IMPORTANCEUnderstanding dynamic microbial communities typically requires large-scale studies. However, handling large numbers of samples introduces many challenges, with cross-contamination being a major issue. It not only complicates analysis but also leads to sample loss and increased costs and restricts diverse study designs. The prevalent use of 96-well plates for nucleic acid and metabolite extractions exacerbates this problem due to their wells having little separation and being connected by a single plate seal. To address this, we propose a new strategy using barcoded Matrix Tubes, showing a significant reduction in cross-contamination compared to conventional plate-based approaches. Additionally, this method facilitates the extraction of both nucleic acids and metabolites from a single tubed sample, eliminating the need to collect separate aliquots for each extraction. This innovation improves large-scale study design by shortening processing times, simplifying analysis, facilitating metadata curation, and producing more reliable results.

Introduction: Cell-processing facilities face the risk of environmental bacteria contaminating biosafety cabinets during processing, and manual handling of autologous cell products can result in contamination. We propose a risk- and evidence-based cleaning method for cross-contamination, emphasizing proteins and DNA. Methods: The transition and residual risks of the culture medium were assessed by measuring both wet and dried media using fluorescence intensity. Residual proteins and DNA in dried culture medium containing HT-1080 cells were analyzed following ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, wiping, and disinfectant treatment. Results: Wet conditions showed a higher transition to distilled water (DW), whereas dry conditions led to higher residual amounts on SUS304 plates. Various cleaning methods for residual culture medium were examined, including benzalkonium chloride with a corrosion inhibitor (BKC + I) and DW wiping, which demonstrated significantly lower residual protein and DNA compared to other methods. Furthermore, these cleaning methods were tested for residual medium containing cells, with BKC + I and DW wiping resulting in an undetectable number of cells. However, in some instances, proteins and DNA remained. Conclusions: The study compared cleaning methods for proteins and DNA in cell products, revealing their advantages and disadvantages. Peracetic acid (PAA) proved effective for nucleic acids but not proteins, while UV irradiation was ineffective against both proteins and DNA. Wiping emerged as the most effective method, even though traceability remained challenging. However, wiping with ETH was not effective as it caused protein immobilization. Understanding the characteristics of these cleaning methods is crucial for developing effective contamination control strategies.

AbstractThe number of food safety issues linked to wheat milled products have increased in the past decade. These incidents were mainly caused by the contamination of wheat-based products by enteric pathogens. This manuscript is the first of a two-part review on the status of the food safety of wheat-based products. This manuscript focused on reviewing the available information on the potential pre-harvest and post-harvest sources of microbial contamination, and potential foodborne pathogens present in wheat-based products. Potential pre-harvest sources of microbial contamination in wheat included animal activity, water, soil, and manure. Improper grain storage practices, pest activity, and improperly cleaned and sanitized equipment are potential sources of post-harvest microbial contamination for wheat-based foods. Raw wheat flour products and flour-based products are potentially contaminated with enteric pathogens such as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STECs), and Salmonella at low concentrations. Wheat grains and their derived products (i.e., flours) are potential vehicles for foodborne illness in humans due to the presence of enteric pathogens. A more holistic approach is needed for assuring the food safety of wheat-based products in the farm-to-table continuum. Future developments in the wheat supply chain should also be aimed at addressing this emerging food safety threat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quantitative microbiological risk assessment model for the cross‐contamination transmission route in the kitchen (KCC) is presented. Bacteria are transmitted from contaminated (chicken) meat to hands, kitchen utensils, and other surfaces, subsequently contaminating a salad. The model aims to estimate the fraction of bacteria on the meat that is ingested due to cross‐contamination, determine the importance of the different transmission routes, and assess the effect of scenarios (interventions) on the fraction ingested. The cross‐contamination routes defined, bacterial source‐to‐recipient transfer fractions as available and derived from literature, and important characteristics (e.g., washing in cold water vs. hot water with soap) shaped the KCC model. With this model, 32 scenarios of an eight‐step preparation of a "meat and salad" meal in a domestic kitchen were stochastically simulated. The "cutting board‐salad" route proved dominant and the salad plays a major role in the final exposure. A realistic scenario (washing hands, cutting board, and knife with cold water after cutting the meat) estimates that a mean fraction of 3.2E − 3 of the bacteria on the meat is ingested. In the case of "hand washing with hot water and soap" and "cutting board and knife replacement," the mean fraction ingested is 3.6E − 6. For a subsequent meal, where the contaminated sources were kitchen fomites, the estimated mean fraction is 4.3E − 4. In case of hamburger, part of the bacteria is unavailable for cross‐contamination, resulting in a mean fraction ingested of about 5.4E − 5. The role of the dishcloth in cross‐contamination transmission proved to be minor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Xinjiang Agricultural Sciences is the property of Xinjiang Agricultural Sciences Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Listeria monocytogenes biofilms formed on food-contact surfaces within foodprocessing facilities pose a significant challenge, serving as persistent sources of cross-contamination. In this review, we examined documented cases of foodborne outbreaks and recalls linked to L. monocytogenes contamination on equipment surfaces and in the food production environment, provided an overview of the prevalence and persistence of L. monocytogenes in different foodprocessing facilities, and discussed environmental factors influencing its biofilm formation. We further delved into antimicrobial interventions, such as chemical sanitizers, thermal treatments, biological control, physical treatment, and other approaches for controlling L. monocytogenes biofilms on food-contact surfaces. This review provides valuable insights into the persistent challenge of L. monocytogenes biofilms in food processing, offering a foundation for future research and practical strategies to enhance food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical equipment can become scarce in disaster scenarios. Prior work has reported that four sheep could be ventilated together on a single ventilator. Others found that this maneuver is possible when needed, but no one has yet investigated whether cross-contamination occurs in co-ventilated individuals. Our goal was to investigate whether an infection could spread between co-ventilated individuals. Four 2-L anesthesia bags were connected to a sterilized ventilator circuit that used heat and moisture exchange filters and bacterial and viral filters, as would be expected in this dire scenario. Serratia marcescens was inoculated into "lung" no. 1. After running for 24 h, each lung and three additional points in the circuit were cultured to see whether S. marcescens had spread. These cultures were examined at 24 and 48 h to assess for cross-contamination. This entire procedure was performed three times. S. marcescens was not found in lung no. 2, 3, or 4 or the three additional sites on the expiratory limb at 24 and 48 h in all three trials. Cross-contamination does not occur within 24 h using the described ventilator circuit configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a type of cancer that originates from the mucosal lining of the nasopharynx and can invade and spread. Although contemporary chemoradiotherapy effectively manages the disease locally, there are still challenges with locoregional recurrence and distant failure. Therefore, it is crucial to have a deeper understanding of the molecular basis of NPC cell movement in order to develop a more effective treatment and to improve patient survival rates. Cancer cell line models are invaluable in studying health and disease and it is not surprising that they play a critical role in NPC research. Consequently, scientists have established around 80 immortalized human NPC lines that are commonly used as in vitro models. However, over the years, it has been observed that many cell lines are misidentified or contaminated by other cells. This cross-contamination leads to the creation of false cell lines that no longer match the original donor. In this commentary, we discuss the impact of misidentified NPC cell lines on the scientific literature. We found 1159 articles from 2000 to 2023 that used NPC cell lines contaminated with HeLa cells. Alarmingly, the number of publications and citations using these contaminated cell lines continued to increase, even after information about the contamination was officially published. These articles were most commonly published in the fields of oncology, pharmacology, and experimental medicine research. These findings highlight the importance of science policy and support the need for journals to require authentication testing before publication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing prevalence of Salmonella contamination in poultry meat emphasizes the importance of suitable predictive microbiological models for estimating Salmonella growth behavior. This study was conducted to evaluate the potential of chicken juice as a model system to predict the behavior of Salmonella spp. in cooked and raw chicken products and to assess its ability to predict cross‐contamination scenarios. A cocktail of four Salmonella serovars was inoculated into chicken juice, sliced chicken, ground chicken, and chicken patties, with subsequent incubation at 10, 15, 20, and 25°C for 39 h. The number of Salmonella spp. in each sample was determined using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Growth curves were fitted into the primary Baranyi and Roberts model to obtain growth parameters. Interactions between temperature and growth parameters were described using the secondary Ratkowsky's square root model. The predictive results generated by the chicken juice model were compared with those obtained from other chicken meat models. Furthermore, the parameters of the chicken juice model were used to predict Salmonella spp. numbers in six worst‐case cross‐contamination scenarios. Performance of the chicken juice model was evaluated using the acceptable prediction zone from −1.0 (fail‐safe) to 0.5 (fail‐dangerous) log. Chicken juice model accurately predicted all observed data points within the acceptable range, with the distribution of residuals being wider near the fail‐safe zone (75%) than near the fail‐dangerous zone (25%). This study offers valuable insights into a novel approach for modeling Salmonella growth in chicken meat products, with implications for food safety through the development of strategic interventions. Practical Application: The findings of this study have important implications in the food industry, as chicken juice could be a useful tool for predicting Salmonella behavior in different chicken products and thus reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses through the development of strategic interventions. However, it is important to recognize that some modifications to the chicken juice model will be necessary to accurately mimic all real‐life conditions, as multiple factors particularly those related to food processing can vary between different products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antimicrobial effect of eight essential oils' vapors against pathogens and spoilage bacteria was assayed. Oreganum vulgare L. essential oil (OVO) showed a broad antibacterial effect, with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values ranging from 94 to 754 µg cm−3 air, depending on the bacterial species. Then, gaseous OVO was used for the treatment of stainless steel, polypropylene, and glass surfaces contaminated with four bacterial pathogens at 6–7 log cfu coupon−1. No viable cells were found after OVO treatment on all food-contact surfaces contaminated with all pathogens, with the exception of Sta. aureus DSM 799 on the glass surface. The antimicrobial activity of OVO after the addition of beef extract as a soiling agent reduced the Sta. aureus DSM 799 viable cell count by more than 5 log cfu coupon−1 on polypropylene and glass, while no viable cells were found in the case of stainless steel. HS-GC-MS analysis of the headspace of the boxes used for the antibacterial assay revealed 14 different volatile compounds with α-Pinene (62–63%), and p-Cymene (21%) as the main terpenes. In conclusion, gaseous OVO could be used for the microbial decontamination of food-contact surfaces, although its efficacy needs to be evaluated since it depends on several parameters such as target microorganisms, food-contact material, temperature, time of contact, and relative humidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the extent of L. monocytogenes transfer from onions to the surface of a commercial dicer, from inoculated onions to uninoculated onions, and the efficacy of various sanitizers during the subsequent flume washing of diced onions. Spanish yellow onions (Allium cepa L.) were dip-inoculated in a 3-strain avirulent L. monocytogenes cocktail (5.9 or 4.2 log CFU/50 g) and air-dried. After dicing one 2.2 kg batch of onions inoculated at ~5.9 log CFU/50 g followed by ten uninoculated batches of 2.2 kg each, L. monocytogenes progressively decreased from 4.6 to 2.6 log CFU/50 g in baches 1 through 10, respectively. After onions inoculated at ~4.0 log CFU/g were diced and flume washed for 2 min in tap water, electrolyzed water containing 55 ppm free chlorine, 80 ppm free chlorine from a commercial sanitizer, or 80 ppm peroxyacetic acid and dewatered on a mechanical shaker table, L. monocytogenes populations decreased 0.4, 0.3, 1.4, and 1.0 log, respectively, with populations of ~1.2 log CFU/mL in water for all three sanitizers. These findings should be useful in future risk assessments and aid in the development of improved industry guidelines to better enhance the safety of diced onions.

Campylobacteriosis is the most reported gastrointestinal zoonotic disease worldwide and is caused by the consumption of inadequately heated and contaminated food, especially poultry meat. This may result from cross-contamination events during poultry slaughtering and cutting processes. Carcass contact surfaces in slaughterhouses, such as plucking fingers of rubber or stainless-steel surfaces, are high-risk points for contamination, with intestinal contents likely containing Campylobacter bacteria that may result in the cross-contamination of subsequent carcasses. Modification of these food contact surfaces by coating can be beneficial in combating bacterial contamination, as already applied in the packaging materials of the food industry. The aim of this study was to compare the attachment, growth and detachment of Campylobacter jejuni on uncoated and nanoscale silicon dioxide coated stainless steel and plucking fingers during laboratory experiments. The coating partly resulted in significantly reduced attachment and an improved detachment of the target organism on stainless steel. In contrast, there was no significant decrease in Campylobacter adherence to the coated plucking fingers as compared to the uncoated ones. However, a significantly higher reduction of recultivable bacteria on the coated plucking fingers was observed during a five-hour period. In future studies, specific coating parameters should be investigated to further support development, and thus a better adaptation of the coating to the environmental conditions.

Recent foodborne outbreaks and recalls involving Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella-contaminated peaches have caused significant economic losses to the peach industry. This study evaluated the effectiveness of chlorine, a commonly used sanitizer in the fresh produce industry, against L. monocytogenes and Salmonella and its ability to control cross-contamination in fresh peaches. Peaches inoculated with L. monocytogenes or Salmonella (~6 log10 CFU/peach) were treated with 50–150 mg/L of free chlorine (FC, pH6.8) 24 h post-inoculation. The results revealed that chlorine had similar efficacy against L. monocytogenes and Salmonella on peaches (p > 0.05). A 30 s treatment at 50, 100, and 150 mg/L FC resulted in dose-dependent reductions (p < 0.05), achieving reductions of 0.88–0.92, 1.54–1.61, and 1.73–1.79 log10 CFU/peach, respectively. Extending the contact time to 2 min slightly but significantly enhanced the chlorine efficacy (p < 0.05). Additionally, a 30 s to 2 min exposure to chlorine with 50–150 mg/L FC resulted in a 1.05–1.43 log10 CFU/peach reduction in yeasts and molds. Tap water exposure led to substantial cross-contamination between inoculated and uninoculated fruits and processed water, with Salmonella exhibiting higher transfer rates than L. monocytogenes. The application of chlorine mitigated the cross-contamination of both pathogens but did not entirely prevent it. These findings offer valuable insights for the peach and other stone fruit industries to verify process controls.

Listeria monocytogenes, a causative agent of listeriosis, is a major foodborne pathogen. Among pathogens, L. monocytogenes stands out for its unique ecological and physiological characteristics. This distinct lifestyle of L. monocytogenes has a significant impact on food safety and public health, mainly through the ability of this pathogen to multiply at refrigeration temperature and to persist in the food processing environment. Due to a combination of these characteristics and emerging trends in consumer preference for ready-to-eat and minimally processed food, there is a need to develop effective and sustainable approaches to control contamination of food products with L. monocytogenes. Implementation of an efficient and reliable control strategy for L. monocytogenes must first address the problem of cross-contamination. Besides the preventive control strategies, cross-contamination may be addressed with the introduction of emerging post packaging non-thermal or thermal hurdles that can ensure delivery of a listericidal step in a packed product without interfering with the organoleptic characteristics of a food product. This review aims to present the most relevant findings underlying the distinct lifestyle of L. monocytogenes and its impact on food safety. We also discuss emerging food decontamination technologies that can be used to better control L. monocytogenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bipolar redox‐active organic molecule (BROM) is a feasible strategy to address the cross‐contamination issue of the electrolyte and, thus, improve the stability of the flow battery. Herein, a highly‐soluble BROM is developed by combining the 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO) and viologen moieties, and extensive characterizations are performed to evaluate its applicability in flow battery. Salient findings are as follows. First, the compound, viz. 1‐(1‐oxyl‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐4‐yl)‐1′‐(3‐(trimethylammonio)propyl)‐4,4′‐bipyridinium trichloride ((TPABPy)Cl3), features highly hydrophilic groups and yields a high aqueous solubility of 1.76 m. Second, the electrochemical result reveals that the (TPABPy)Cl3 displays two pairs of highly reversible peaks at −0.56 and 0.76 V, which respectively correspond to the viologen and TEMPO moieties. The electronic structure during the redox reactions is identified by both the density functional theory calculation and the electron paramagnetic resonance. Third, the flow battery fed with the 1.0 m (TPABPy)Cl3 solution delivers a high capacity of 25 Ah L−1 and a superior stability over the non‐bipolar counterparts. More to the point, the capacity decay can be effectively recovered by applying the polarity‐inversion rebalance strategy on the BROM. In summary, this work provides a molecular engineering way to rationally design a BROM to improve the capacity and stability of aqueous organic redox flow batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the extent of L. monocytogenes transfer from onions to the surface of a commercial dicer, from inoculated onions to uninoculated onions, and the efficacy of various sanitizers during the subsequent flume washing of diced onions. Spanish yellow onions (Allium cepa L.) were dip-inoculated in a 3-strain avirulent L. monocytogenes cocktail (5.9 or 4.2 log CFU/50 g) and air-dried. After dicing one 2.2 kg batch of onions inoculated at ~5.9 log CFU/50 g followed by ten uninoculated batches of 2.2 kg each, L. monocytogenes progressively decreased from 4.6 to 2.6 log CFU/50 g in baches 1 through 10, respectively. After onions inoculated at ~4.0 log CFU/g were diced and flume washed for 2 min in tap water, electrolyzed water containing 55 ppm free chlorine, 80 ppm free chlorine from a commercial sanitizer, or 80 ppm peroxyacetic acid and dewatered on a mechanical shaker table, L. monocytogenes populations decreased 0.4, 0.3, 1.4, and 1.0 log, respectively, with populations of ~1.2 log CFU/mL in water for all three sanitizers. These findings should be useful in future risk assessments and aid in the development of improved industry guidelines to better enhance the safety of diced onions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectroscopy was applied to detect Tetrodotoxin and analogues (TTXs) on pufferfish (Sphoeroides marmoratus) tissues, accidentally found in the stomach of a cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis). The cuttlefish tissues were also analysed. Pufferfish (digestive tract, skin, gonads, liver/spleen, muscle) and cuttlefish (mantle, head/visceral mass) tissues were tested positive for TTXs. In pufferfish, the highest concentration of TTX was found in the digestive tract (4.94 mg/ kg), while in cuttlefish in the mantle (0.21 mg/kg). The presence of TTXs in S. marmoratus was linked to its geographical area of origin while a TTXs cross-contamination of the cuttlefish was hypothesized. Despite the European ban on pufferfish commercialization, campaigns addressed to their morphological identification by consumers and operators might improve its risk management. The risk related to TTXs cross-contamination of edible seafood such as cuttlefish might require specific control measures. Moreover, the collaboration between competent authorities and medical personnel are essential for the monitoring of human poisoning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The supply chains of food raw materials have recently been heavily influenced by geopolitical events. Products that came from, or transited through, areas currently in conflict are now preferentially supplied from alternative areas. These changes may entail risks for food safety. Methods: We review the potential allergenicity of botanical impurities, specifically vegetable contaminants, with particular attention to the contamination of vegetable oils. We delve into the diverse types of botanical impurities, their sources, and the associated allergenic potential. Our analysis encompasses an evaluation of the regulatory framework governing botanical impurities in food labeling. Results: Unintended plant-derived contaminants may manifest in raw materials during various stages of food production, processing, or storage, posing a risk of allergic reactions for individuals with established food allergies. Issues may arise from natural occurrence, cross-contamination in the supply chain, and contamination at during production. The food and food service industries are responsible for providing and preparing foods that are safe for people with food allergies: we address the challenges inherent in risk assessment of botanical impurities. Conclusions: The presence of botanical impurities emerges as a significant risk factor for food allergies in the 2020s. We advocate for regulatory authorities to fortify labeling requirements and develop robust risk assessment tools. These measures are necessary to enhance consumer awareness regarding the potential risks posed by these contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human cancer cell lines have an essential role in cancer research, but only authentic cell lines should be used as biological models. Authentication testing using short tandem repeat (STR) loci has shown that MGC-803 cells, which were reported to come from gastric adenocarcinoma, are similar to HeLa. In this study, we confirmed that the MGC-803 cell line contains genetic material from HeLa, including genetic sequence from human papilloma virus 18 (HPV18). Additional alleles were present on STR analysis that remained stable after extensive passaging and generation of mono-clones. This behavior is consistent with a hybrid cell line arising from cell–cell fusion. Further genetic analysis revealed that MGC-803 originated from donors with different genetic ancestries, one African (HeLa) and the other Asian. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated that MGC-803 closely resembles HeLa and another nasopharyngeal–HeLa hybrid cell line CNE-2. Based on these findings, we conclude that MGC-803 is a hybrid cell line derived from HeLa and other cells, the latter derived from a different patient with Asian genetic ancestry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transmission and outbreaks of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CRGN) in hospitals are often associated with contamination of the wastewater environment. We performed a prospective observational study to investigate the colonization of the hospital wastewater environment during the first year of occupancy of the surgical intermediate and intensive care units of a newly constructed building at the University Hospital of Heidelberg, Germany. We performed monthly screening of the wastewater system (toilets and sinks) for 12 months, starting 1 month before opening (1st October 2020 to 30th October 2021). Admission and weekly rectal screening of patients for CRGN were also performed in parallel. Bacterial isolates were characterized by whole-genome sequencing. Twenty-seven of 1978 (1.4%) admitted patients were colonized/infected with CRGN. A total of 29 CRGN isolates from 24 patients and 52 isolates were available for sequencing. Within the first month of occupancy, we identified seven patients colonized/infected with CRGN, while none were found in the environmental reservoirs. The first detection of CRGN isolates in the sewage system started five months after the first occupancy. Two previously non-colonized patients were colonized/infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains colonizing the sewage system. The significant identity of plasmids carrying the carbapenemase gene suggests that long-term colonization of the sewage system facilitates the emergence of new carbapenem-resistant clones. Cross-contamination between patients and the hospital environment is bidirectional. Our study demonstrated that contamination of the hospital wastewater environment may lead to persistent colonization and may serve as a reservoir for nosocomial acquisition of CRGN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) in the air and indoor environments are of growing concern and have led to increased testing for MPs. This study draws attention to the quality and quantitative measures of MP studies by conducting laboratory experiments (on solutions, filters, and blank samples) that were rarely or were not adopted in the airborne and indoor MP literature. Experiments have been conducted to identify contaminations that may come from experimental procedures while determining MPs in the air samples. MPs in different matrices during experiments were counted and categorized by their shapes. Chemical characterization was performed by Raman Spectroscopy. Results showed that laminar flow is the best option over a fume hood or standard laboratory environment for detecting air MPs to reduce blank levels. Blue-green and Black-Grey were the dominant colors; fiber was the predominant type of MPs seen, and most of them fall under the size range from (1—1000 µm) in different indoor environments and blanks. Common MPs seen were PP, PVA, PTFE, PVC, and HDPE. Thermal treatment of fresh unused filters at 450 °C for 4 h was effective as it reduced the MP count by 50%. Working solutions are mainly contaminated, and their pre-filtration is essential. The average deposition of MPs in blank samples during seven days was around 55 MPs. There is an urgent need for studies on developing quality control and quality assurance of airborne and indoor MPs. Hence, a standard protocol needs to be accepted; by harmonizing procedures, comparable results can be found, uncovering the correct levels of MP contamination, as required for risk assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High resistance to environmental factors as well as the ability to form biofilms allow Listeria monocytogenes to persist for a long time in difficult-to-reach places in food-producing plants. L. monocytogenes enters final products from contaminated surfaces in different areas of plants and poses a health risk to consumer. Modified surfaces are already used in the food industry to prevent cross-contamination. In this study, stainless-steel surfaces were coated with nanoscale silicon dioxide and the effects on attachment, bacterial growth and detachment of L. monocytogenes were evaluated. Attachment was considered for three different ways of application to simulate different scenarios of contamination. Bacterial growth of L. monocytogenes on the surface was recorded over a period of up to 8 h. Detachment was tested after cleaning inoculated stainless-steel surfaces with heated distilled water or detergent. Coating stainless-steel surfaces with nanoscale silica tends to reduce adherence and increased detachment and does not influence the bacterial growth of L. monocytogenes. Further modifications of the coating are necessary for a targeted use in the reduction of L. monocytogenes in food-processing plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is the initiation toward halal supply chain 4.0. This study suggests the full halal dedicated model and the mixed model as the first steps in halal food distribution. The operational cost, product quality, and halal integrity are used to evaluate both models, which are both developed as Mixed Integer Linear Programs (MILP). Each model has a distinct advantage, according to the results of the numerical experiment that is being run using CPLEX Solver. The first model has no cross-contamination risk but has higher overall costs for transportation, vehicle rental, and tardiness. On the other hand, the mixed model has some risk of cross-contamination despite producing a low overall cost. Therefore, the best course of action is to select the distribution model while also considering the product's characteristics, including its cross-contamination risk and whether it falls into the high or low-risk category. The outcomes of the numerical experiment further demonstrated that neither model could address the issues presented by large data sets. This discovery is the impetus to adopt metaheuristics methodology and Industry 4.0 technologies like AI and big data for the halal supply chain problem. Implementing Industri 4.0 technologies can help the halal supply chain to be operationalized better and more in accordance with the disruptive market demand because the halal supply chain has more complex problems than the standard supply chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In poultry slaughtering, cross-contamination with Salmonella Enteritidis is a constant ongoing challenge. Interaction between food contact surfaces can potentially transfer pathogenic material like feces from carcasses to another one. One approach to break this chain is to modify surfaces that frequently come into contact with the animal during the slaughtering process. Surface alterations like nanoscale coatings have already been successfully applied in various fields to lower the bacterial load. The aim of the study was to compare bacterial attachment, proliferation and detachment of Salmonella Enteritidis and Escherichia coli on uncoated and on nanoscale silica coated rubber picker fingers at laboratory scale. It was shown that both target organisms did not adhere less to coated surface than to uncoated picker fingers, whereas no difference in bacterial growth or detachment was detected. It can be concluded that the coating used in this study did not contribute to a reduction of the bacterial load on this surface in the specific experimental setups employed. Further studies should focus on whether nanoscale surface modifications achieve improved results under more practical conditions and whether other factors such as surface durability can be influenced by a coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Campylobacteriosis is the most reported foodborne disease in the European Union, with more than 100,000 confirmed cases annually. Human infection can be caused by a low infectious dose, and in fragile populations, the food disease can manifest itself in acute and severe forms. This study aims to analyze two cases of campylobacteriosis in fragile people caused by Campylobacter jejuni in 2023 in Tuscany and the actions of the Local Health Competent Authority. From the results of the related investigations, it was possible to attribute both cases of foodborne diseases to unsafe food management during preparation/administration. Given the peculiar characteristics of the etiological agent, it is necessary to focus the attention of the population, especially those who deal with fragile subjects, on the good hygiene practices to be followed both at home and in collective catering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The short‐tandem‐repeats (STR) profiles of MGc80‐3 and HeLa partially overlap, raising suspicion of contamination in the MGc80‐3 cell line. However, there has not been any relevant study demonstrating whether MGc80‐3 was fully replaced by HeLa cells, just mixed with HeLa cells (co‐existing), or was a somatic hybrid with HeLa cells. In addition to STR profiling, various approaches, including single nucleotide polymorphisms genotyping, polymerase chain reaction, screening for human papillomaviruses type 18 (HPV‐18) fragment, chromosome karyotyping, pathological examination of xenografts, tissue‐specific‐90‐gene expression signature and high‐throughput RNA sequencing were used to determine the nature of MGc80‐3. Our study found that the abnormal STR profile, partially overlapping with that of HeLa cells (64.62% to 71.64%), could not verify MGc80‐3 as a HeLa cell line. However, the STR 13.3 repeat allele in the D13S317 locus that seemed to be unique to HeLa cells was detected in MGc80‐3. Almost all the MGc80‐3 cells exhibited HPV‐18 fragments in the genome as well as certain HeLa marker chromosomes, such as M7 and M12. The molecular assay of the 90‐gene expression signature still considered MGc80‐3 as a stomach cancer using an algorithmic analysis. The expression pattern of multiple genes in MGc80‐3 was quite different from that in HeLa cells, which showed that certain characteristics belonged to gastric cancer cell lines. High throughput RNA sequencing showed the distinct patterns of gene expression in MGc80‐3. In conclusion, MGc80‐3 cell line is a somatic hybrid with HeLa cells rather than a pure gastric cancer cell line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Campylobacteriosis is the most reported gastrointestinal zoonotic disease worldwide and is caused by the consumption of inadequately heated and contaminated food, especially poultry meat. This may result from cross-contamination events during poultry slaughtering and cutting processes. Carcass contact surfaces in slaughterhouses, such as plucking fingers of rubber or stainless-steel surfaces, are high-risk points for contamination, with intestinal contents likely containing Campylobacter bacteria that may result in the cross-contamination of subsequent carcasses. Modification of these food contact surfaces by coating can be beneficial in combating bacterial contamination, as already applied in the packaging materials of the food industry. The aim of this study was to compare the attachment, growth and detachment of Campylobacter jejuni on uncoated and nanoscale silicon dioxide coated stainless steel and plucking fingers during laboratory experiments. The coating partly resulted in significantly reduced attachment and an improved detachment of the target organism on stainless steel. In contrast, there was no significant decrease in Campylobacter adherence to the coated plucking fingers as compared to the uncoated ones. However, a significantly higher reduction of recultivable bacteria on the coated plucking fingers was observed during a fivehour period. In future studies, specific coating parameters should be investigated to further support development, and thus a better adaptation of the coating to the environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last few years have seen an increasing use of spherical metals powders to produce bulk parts through metal forming technologies like Additive Manufacturing and Metal Injection Molding. This, coupled with the wide availability of metal powders, leads to a critical issue: contamination across different systems in different process steps. Consequently, it is necessary to find a new, fast, and reliable analysis sensible to tiny traces of contamination. This work evaluates the applicability of Ultraviolet–Visible-Near InfraRed (UV–Vis-NIR) spectroscopy, a technique providing information on powders’ reflectance, for studying contaminated powders. This work focuses on assessing 3 binary systems obtained from the cross-contamination of 3 components (A92618, C10200 and S31603) in a low contamination range (from 0.5 vol% to vol. 6%) and in a high contamination range (25 vol% and vol.50%). After the UV–Vis-NIR analysis, multivariate analysis has been used to obtain quantitative results. Results show that, as the contamination level increases in the binary system, the shape of spectra changes and becomes progressively more similar to the contaminant one. The chemometric analysis allows the detection of the contaminant type and its concentration percentage in the contaminated powder.

Abstract The implementation of effective cleaning and disinfection procedures is crucial to ensure quality control and food safety in food services. This study aimed to evaluate the hygienic conditions in the gastronomy laboratories of a university in Colombia. The study conducted ATP bioluminescence detection and microbiological analysis on various surfaces and food handler's hands. The results indicated the presence of aerobic mesophilic bacteria and total coliforms on the surfaces, but no Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, or Salmonella spp. The cutting-board had the highest microbial counts, while the countertop and serving dish had the lowest. Total coliform counts exceeded the acceptable limits on most surfaces. Correlations between ATP levels and microbial counts were not significant. ATP measurements indicated organic contamination, but not necessarily high microbial loads. The findings emphasize the importance of proper cleaning, disinfection protocols, and personal hygiene practices to prevent cross-contamination and ensure food safety.