Co-contamination of Raw Vegetables with Meloidogyne spp. and Human Intestinal Parasites: An Emerging Insight in Public Health

This study was aimed at detecting the parasitic contamination in raw vegetables sold in the four public markets in the city of Manila, Philippines. This cross-sectional study was carried out from March to September 2022. Observations on the personal hygiene of the vendors and environmental sanitation were conducted. A total of 87 fresh vegetable samples were  collected and processed for the detection of parasitic life forms using standard parasitological techniques for protozoa and helminth worms. The occurrence rate of at least one parasitic contamination of the vegetables was 39.1%, mostly with Meloidogyne spp. (26.4%). Other parasites detected are Ascaris lumbricoides (8.0%), hookworm (6.9%), Fasciola spp. (5.7%), Giardia spp. (2.3%), and Cyclospora spp. (1.1%). Other parasites are macroscopic (6.9%). Remarkably, a high level of contamination was detected in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa) 68.8%, cabbage (Brassica oleracea) 55.6%, lettuce (Lactuca sativa) 55.6%, ginger (Zingiber officinale) 44.4%, and carrots (Daucus caruta) 40%. The contamination rates of vegetables from the four public markets were analyzed and a significant difference was noted (x2 = 11.852, p = 0.007908) at p-value <.05. This implies that public markets in the city of Manila could play a role in the transmission of parasitic infections in the area. The high occurrence rate of Meloidogyne spp., which is a spurious parasite of man, was included in the analysis and discussions. It is in response to the emerging discussions regarding the reported passage of Meloidogyne spp. in human stool samples

Continuous immobilized yeast reactor system for complete beer fermentation using spent grains and corncobs as carrier materials

Despite extensive research carried out in the last few decades, continuous beer fermentation has not yet managed to outperform the traditional batch technology. An industrial breakthrough in favour of continuous brewing using immobilized yeast could be expected only on achievement of the following process characteristics: simple design, low investment costs, flexible operation, effective process control and good product quality. The application of cheap carrier materials of by-product origin could significantly lower the investment costs of continuous fermentation systems. This work deals with a complete continuous beer fermentation system consisting of a main fermentation reactor (gas-lift) and a maturation reactor (packedbed) containing yeast immobilized on spent grains and corncobs, respectively. The suitability of cheap carrier materials for long-term continuous brewing was proved. It was found that by fine tuning of process parameters (residence time, aeration) it was possible to adjust the flavour profile of the final product. Consumers considered the continuously fermented beer to be of a regular quality. Analytical and sensorial profiles of both continuously and batch fermented beers were compared.(Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo, Brazil (FAPESPFundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FC

Antimicrobial Activity of the Rhizospheric Bacillus Species Isolated from Potato (Solanum tuberosum) Organic Farm Soils in the Philippines

The purpose of this study is to determine the potential of rhizospheric bacteria belonging to the genus Bacillus isolated from the organic soil of Solanum tuberosum (potato) as an untapped and promising source of novel antimicrobials to combat infections, particularly multidrug-resistant strains. The rhizospheric Bacillus species were isolated using serial dilution and aerobic cultivation. Hydrolytic exoenzyme production was determined using plate techniques, whereas antimicrobial activity was determined using the cross-streak method and agar-disc diffusion assay. The data indicate that the Bacillus isolates possess antimicrobial property against gram-positive bacterial pathogens. The activities were compared to those of the antibiotic Rifampicin as a control. Notably, several Bacillus isolates inhibited the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The top performing Bacillus isolates were identified by 16s rRNA gene sequence analysis, which showed the similarities of the isolates to known soil-associated and plant-growth-promoting species; B. velezensis, B. mojavensis, B. subtilis, B. sonorensis, B. tequilensis, B. clausii, B. amyloliquefaciens, B. altitudinis, and B. siamensis from those sequences available in GENBANK. The present investigation establishes the presence of antagonistic Bacillus species in S. tuberosum's rhizosphere. The findings may form the basis for further investigation of the active compounds produced by the isolates and the mechanisms underlying their antimicrobial activity, while optimizing the culture medium for efficient production of potent antimicrobial compounds to combat infectious agents may further be investigated

Antimicrobial Activity of the Rhizospheric Bacillus Species Isolated from Potato (Solanum tuberosum) Organic Farm Soils in the Philippines

The purpose of this study is to determine the potential of rhizospheric bacteria belonging to the genus Bacillus isolated from the organic soil of Solanum tuberosum (potato) as an untapped and promising source of novel antimicrobials to combat infections, particularly multidrug-resistant strains. The rhizospheric Bacillus species were isolated using serial dilution and aerobic cultivation. Hydrolytic exoenzyme production was determined using plate techniques, whereas antimicrobial activity was determined using the cross-streak method and agar-disc diffusion assay. The data indicate that the Bacillus isolates possess antimicrobial property against gram-positive bacterial pathogens. The activities were compared to those of the antibiotic Rifampicin as a control. Notably, several Bacillus isolates inhibited the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The top performing Bacillus isolates were identified by 16s rRNA gene sequence analysis, which showed the similarities of the isolates to known soil-associated and plant-growth-promoting species; B. velezensis, B. mojavensis, B. subtilis, B. sonorensis, B. tequilensis, B. clausii, B. amyloliquefaciens, B. altitudinis, and B. siamensis from those sequences available in GENBANK. The present investigation establishes the presence of antagonistic Bacillus species in S. tuberosum's rhizosphere. The findings may form the basis for further investigation of the active compounds produced by the isolates and the mechanisms underlying their antimicrobial activity, while optimizing the culture medium for efficient production of potent antimicrobial compounds to combat infectious agents may further be investigated

Development of an Animal Microbiota Online Web-Based System Basilio: Bacterial Assemblages and Species Identity Library Online

Zoonotic diseases caused by infectious microorganisms transmitted from animals to humans, are becoming a greater threat to global health security. With the massive amount of data on animal microbiota and zoonosis research that recognize the pivotal roles of microorganisms in animal physiology and human health, it is necessary to process and present the data and make them accessible to researchers, educators, and to those involved in microbiota and zoonotic infections studies. The Bacterial Assemblages and Species Identity Library Online (BASILIO) is a web-based bacterial system and database that was created to curate data from various research publications on isolated bacteria from a variety of animal species worldwide. The system focuses on the presentation of animal and bacterial taxonomy, with an emphasis on the abundance of bacterial diversity in the animals studied and the classification of bacteria according to their pathogenicity. The project gathered data on animal microbiota from published studies in reputable peer-reviewed journals. AGILE development approach was utilized to develop the information system iteratively. Unit, system, and acceptability testing were used to execute test plans. The BASILIO web-system was evaluated using ISO 9126 standards and found to be functional, usable, reliable, efficient, portable, maintainable, and usable. The BASILIO in its current state, fills in the need for a database dedicated to fast access to information on pathogenic bacteria found in animals. Future developers are proposed to adopt the BASILIO system and incorporate other data management tools and algorithms to create a more complex and robust system

Construction of an integrated genetic linkage map for the A genome of Brassica napus using SSR markers derived from sequenced BACs in B. rapa

Background The Multinational Brassica rapa Genome Sequencing Project (BrGSP) has developed valuable genomic resources, including BAC libraries, BAC-end sequences, genetic and physical maps, and seed BAC sequences for Brassica rapa. An integrated linkage map between the amphidiploid B. napus and diploid B. rapa will facilitate the rapid transfer of these valuable resources from B. rapa to B. napus (Oilseed rape, Canola). Results In this study, we identified over 23,000 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) from 536 sequenced BACs. 890 SSR markers (designated as BrGMS) were developed and used for the construction of an integrated linkage map for the A genome in B. rapa and B. napus. Two hundred and nineteen BrGMS markers were integrated to an existing B. napus linkage map (BnaNZDH). Among these mapped BrGMS markers, 168 were only distributed on the A genome linkage groups (LGs), 18 distrubuted both on the A and C genome LGs, and 33 only distributed on the C genome LGs. Most of the A genome LGs in B. napus were collinear with the homoeologous LGs in B. rapa, although minor inversions or rearrangements occurred on A2 and A9. The mapping of these BAC-specific SSR markers enabled assignment of 161 sequenced B. rapa BACs, as well as the associated BAC contigs to the A genome LGs of B. napus. Conclusion The genetic mapping of SSR markers derived from sequenced BACs in B. rapa enabled direct links to be established between the B. napus linkage map and a B. rapa physical map, and thus the assignment of B. rapa BACs and the associated BAC contigs to the B. napus linkage map. This integrated genetic linkage map will facilitate exploitation of the B. rapa annotated genomic resources for gene tagging and map-based cloning in B. napus, and for comparative analysis of the A genome within Brassica species

Male sterility in Indian mustard (<i>Brassica juncea</i> (L.) Coss). IV. Genetics of MS-4

Male sterile plants of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Coss.) were observed in the F2 generation of the cross RLM-198 × EJ-33. The genetic analysis revealed that male sterility occurred when the cytoplasm of RLM-198 interacted with recessive nuclear genes of EJ-33. The genetic constitution of RLM-198 was postulated to be (S) RF RF, EJ-33 as (F) rf rf, and the male sterile plants as (S) rf rf. Varieties of Indian mustard from India mostly contained dominant fertility restorer genes, while European varieties had a greater frequency of the recessive maintainer genes. None of these varieties, however, was capable of complete maintenance of male sterility. Heterosis for yield up to 56% over the national check was observed in field trials. The use of this cytoplasmic male sterile plant in hybrid mustard production will not be economical, until a complete maintainer for male sterility is identified.Key words: Brassica juncea, Indian mustard, male sterility, hybrids. </jats:p