Toward the clinical application of time-domain fluorescence lifetime imaging

High-speed (video-rate) fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) through a flexible endoscope is reported based on gated optical image intensifier technology. The optimization and potential application of FLIM to tissue autofluorescence for clinical applications are discussed. (c) 2005 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers

Microbiological quality of raw milk under a scheme of good milking and storage practices in a goat production system in the Lagunera Region, Mexico

Dairy products provide essential nutrients when consumed and they also create rural employment. A small dairy can help a family maintain their livelihood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of raw goat milk obtained during the milking-storage process using Good Hygiene Practices. The study was carried in northern Mexico, which is characterized by a desert climate. The experiment was carried in four herds, six samplings per herd with a total of 302 goats. Samples of milk extracted directly from the udder, milk extracted from the milking bucket and milk extracted from the storage bucket were analyzed. In addition, samples were taken from the milker’s hands. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and the statistical difference with the Tuky test (p < 0.05). A significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed in Total Coliforms (TC) for milker’s hands, milk extracted directly from the udder, milk extracted from the milking vat and milk extracted from the storage vat. However, at the time when the Good Hygiene Milking Practices GHPM treatment was stopped (June-July), higher CFU/mL of TC were observed in all stages of the milking-storage process. The pathogenic microorganisms identified were Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. raw goat milk can be easily contaminated during the milking-storage process, since the common practice is to milk in the pen among other animals, manure and soil. To improve quality and sustainability parameters, it is necessary to have an exclusive space for milking as well as the implementation of GHPM. Better business alliances and better ethics between suppliers and industrial producers are also necessary

Tomato plant extract (Lycopersicon esculentum) obtained from agroindustrial byproducts and its antifungal activity against Fusarium spp.

Phytopathogenic fungi are a constant danger in the production of different crops around the world, especially in melons, since they can cause significant economic losses during the harvest, affecting the quality and shelf life. In recent years, producers have increasingly used chemical pesticides indiscriminately, causing environmental problems and damage to public health. For this reason, phytopathogenic fungi become more resistant. However, it is essential to guarantee the safety, quality, and shelf life of food after harvest, during transportation, storage and marketing. The presence of fungi in food can cause diseases transmitted through the production of toxins. Most producers depend on the discriminated use of chemical pesticides, which is a great challenge to guarantee food safety and sustainable agricultural production. To solve this problem, some extracts derived from tomato plants after harvest containing bioactive compounds have been implemented. These compounds can be natural antifungal agents as they contain phenols, flavonoids, and vitamins. Bioactive compounds emerge as a sustainable and safe opportunity in the search for new antifungal and antimicrobial agents. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the in vitro antifungal activity of whole tomato plant extracts on three phytopathogenic fungi. The research findings indicated that a concentration of 74.7 μg/mL of TPE resulted in a complete inhibition of mycelial growth in Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium graminearum, and Fusarium verticillioides. Additionally, TPE exhibited both fungistatic and fungicidal effects on these Fusarium species, with a MIC50 of 30.7, 31.5, and 29.5, and a MFC of 82.4, 78.6, and 75.8 μg/mL, respectively. As a result, this study suggests that TPE can be considered as an environmentally friendly solution for extracting tomato plants, which can be applied to the surface of whole fruits or incorporated into semi-processed foods

Real-time time-domain fluorescence lifetime imaging including single-shot acquisition with a segmented optical image intensifier

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