Assessment of Metallic Contamination in Soils and Sediments in the B閠ar�-Oya Gold Artisanal Mine District, East-Cameroon

Mining is an activity that involves the use of chemicals and results in unsustainable and dangerous conditions for the miners, their families, the community and the surrounding ecosystem. This study was done to assess metallic contamination of soils and sediments in the B閠ar�-Oya gold artisanal mine district, East-Cameroon. A total of thirty (30) samples of exploited soils, control soils and sediments were taken from the mining sites of Lom, Mbal and Mali. The concentrations of heavy metals and metalloids (Fe, Sr, Cu, As, Pb and Zn) were determined by Inductive Plasma Ionisation Source Atomic Emission Spectrometry. The results show that in the sediments metals such as: As (1.82), Cu (24.22), Pb (18.04) and Zn (65.69) have average concentrations slightly higher than the UCC and Average Shale reference values. In the exploited soil As (1.93), Cu (16.86) and Zn (96.22) have average concentrations slightly higher than the UCC and Average Shale reference values.While in the cotrol soils only As (1.62) and Zn (59.72) shows an average concentration slightly above the UCC reference values. The average concentrations of the different heavy metals and metalloids were then used to calculate the intensity of contamination in soils and sediments. The results of this calculation indicate that the Enrichment Factor (EF) of As, Sr, Zn and Pb indicate an extremely high enrichment in these elements. The geo-accumulation Index (Igeo) (22.85-25), the Contamination (CF) (1.47), the low values of the ecological risk indices suggest a low potential ecological risk and Pollution load index (PLI) (0.67) indicates extreme contamination with these elements in the soils and sediments. However, only As indicates a slight contamination (class 1) in soils and sediments. Gold panning activities and untreated mine tailings discharges would be considered as the main sources of sediment and soil pollution in B閠ar�-Oya.

Estrategia de cruzamientos para el mejoramiento de pollos Camperos. Un proyecto colaborativo INTA-universidad / Crossing strategy for breeding Campero chickens. An INTA-university collaborative project

RESUMEN El pollo campero es un ave destinado a sistemas productivos alternativos al industrial. Campero INTA es un cruzamiento simple entre poblaciones sintéticas generadas por INTA en Pergamino. Estas poblaciones se han mantenido cerradas y con bajo tamaño efectivo con el consiguiente efecto detrimental asociado a fenómenos de depresión endogámica. Con el objetivo de disponer de una población doble propósito con adecuados niveles productivos de carne y huevos y de rusticidad para ser utilizada en sistemas semi-intensivos que preservan el bienestar animal, se implementó un programa de relevamiento del recurso genético disponible y se diseñó un plan de cruzamientos dirigido a la producción de un híbrido terminal de tres vías. La secuencia incluyó la evaluación de cinco poblaciones sintéticas maternas (A, E, DE, ES y CE), la selección de dos de ellas (ES y A), su caracterización en cruzamientos simples recíprocos [(ESxA) y (AxES)], la elección de la alternativa (ESxA) como progenitor femenino y su cruzamiento por gallos de la estirpe paterna mejorada AH' para la obtención como producto final del pollo Campero Casilda. La evaluación de su patrón de crecimiento, conformación corporal, relación de conversión y caracteres productivos a la faena indican que tanto los machos como las hembras cumplen, como aves destinadas a la producción de carne, con las exigencias establecidas en el protocolo respectivo. La evaluación de los caracteres productivos a la madurez sexual, el patrón dinámico de aumento de peso del huevo y las curvas de postura califican a las hembras para su utilización como ponedoras.

ABSTRACT Campero chicken is a bird destined to production systems alternative to the industrial one. Campero INTA is a two-way cross between synthetic populations generated by INTA in Pergamino. These populations have remained closed and with a low effective size with the consequent detrimental effect associated with inbreeding depression. To have a dual-purpose population with adequate meat and egg production levels and rusticity to be used in semi-intensive systems that preserve animal welfare, a survey program of the available genetic resource was implemented and a crossbreeding plan to produce a terminal three-way hybrid was designed. The sequence included the evaluation of five maternal synthetic populations (A, E, DE, ES and CE), the selection of two of them (ES and A), their characterization in two-way reciprocal crosses [(ESxA) and (AxES)], the choice of the alternative (ESxA) as female parent and its crossing by roosters of the improved paternal line AH' to obtain the Campero Casilda chicken as the final product. The evaluation of their growth pattern, body conformation, conversion ratio and productive characters at slaughter indicate that both males and females satisfied the requirements as birds destined for meat production established in the respective protocol. The evaluation of productive characters at sexual maturity, dynamic pattern of egg weight gain and laying curves allowed to qualify the females as layers.

Detecção de anticorpos anti-Rickettsia rickettsii em cães residentes em área negligenciada no município de São Paulo, SP, Brasil / [Detection of anti-Rickettsia rickettsii antibodies in dogs living in a neglected area in São Paulo, SP, Brazil]

A febre maculosa brasileira (FMB), descrita inicialmente nos Estados Unidos como febre maculosa das Montanhas Rochosas, é uma antropozoonose relatada apenas no continente americano e causada pela bactéria Rickettsia rickettsii. No Brasil a transmissão ocorre sobretudo pela picada de carrapatos do gênero Amblyomma spp. A doença foi inicialmente descrita como de transmissão em áreas rurais e silvestres, no entanto áreas periurbanas e urbanas vêm apresentando casos, principalmente relacionados com a presença de humanos residindo em pequenos fragmentos de mata ciliar. O presente estudo teve por objetivo elucidar a dispersão da FMB nas proximidades dos reservatórios Guarapiranga e Billings, na cidade de São Paulo, SP. Para tanto, a presença de anticorpos anti-R. rickettsii, Rickettsia parkeri e Rickettsia bellii foi avaliada em cães atendidos nas campanhas de esterilização cirúrgica e residentes ao redor dos reservatórios. Foram coletadas amostras de 393 cães, e as amostras de soro foram analisadas pela reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI), com ponto de corte de 1:64. Os títulos para R. rickettsii variaram de 256 a 4096, com positividade de 3,3% (13/393); para R. bellii, de 128 a 1024 e 4,1% (16/393) de positivos, e um único animal (0,25%) foi soropositivo para R. parkeri, com título de 128. Os achados permitem concluir que a região de estudo apresenta condições de se tornar uma possível área com casos de FMB, pois comporta fragmentação de Mata Atlântica, condições essas ideais para a manutenção do vetor do gênero Amblyomma já descrito na região, bem como para a presença da Rickettsia rickettsii circulante entre os cães, confirmada pela existência de anticorpos. Condutas referentes à conscientização da população por meio de trabalhos educacionais devem ser implantadas para a prevenção da doença na população da área.(AU)

Brazilian Spotted Fever (BSF), initially described in the United States as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, is an anthropozoonosis reported only in the Americas and caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii. In Brazil, transmission occurs mainly through tick bites of the genus Amblyomma spp. The disease was initially described as transmission of rural and wild areas; however, peri-urban and urban areas have been presenting cases, mainly related to the presence of humans residing in small fragments of riparian forest. The present study aimed to elucidate the dispersal of BSF near the Guarapiranga and Billings Reservoirs, in the city of São Paulo, SP. The presence of anti-R. rickettsii, Rickettsia parkeri and Rickettsia bellii antibodies were evaluated in dogs treated in surgical sterilization campaigns and residents around the Reservoirs. Samples were collected from 393 dogs and serum samples were analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence reaction (RIFI) with a cutoff of 1:64. The titles for R. rickettsii varied from 256 to 4096 with a positivity of 3.3% (13/393); for R. bellii from 128 to 1024 and 4.1% (16/393) of positive and a single animal (0.25%) was seropositive for R. parkeri with a titre of 128. The findings allow us to conclude that the study region has conditions to become a possible area with BSF cases, as it involves Atlantic Forest, ideal conditions for the maintenance of the vector of the genus Amblyomma already described in the region and the presence of circulating Rickettsia rickettsii among dogs, confirmed by the presence of antibodies. Conducts regarding the awareness of the population through educational work should be implemented to prevent the disease in the population of the area.(AU)

Dynamics of the Physico-chemical Properties of Sediments along the Bandama River in the Department of Niakaramadougou, Northern Côte d’Ivoire

This work focuses on analyzing of physico-chemical properties of sediment affected by frequent floods along the eastern shore of the Bandama River in the department of Niakaramadougou. Sampling was from 4 excavated graves at two positions of studied area, one near the stream and the other one far away from the stream.. Samples collected were analyzed, including texture with granulometric analysis made by the Robinson pipette, and standard sediment analysis methods for measuring organic carbon (OC), nitrogen (N), and other chemical properties including pH, organic matter (OM), and C/N ratio. Statistical analyses were carried out to assess the differences between the physico-chemical parameters at different sampling areas. Differences are significant when comparing areas that are highly affected by floods and areas that are less affected by floods, especially for concentrations of OM, OC and nitrogen. Results show that successive floods are influencing directly the dynamic of physico-chemical properties of the sediments along the shore.

Evaluation Of Medication Compliance In Patients With Congestive Heart Failure In Yemen

Objective: Non-compliance with heart failure medication is related to the highest mortality, morbidity, and health-care costs. The objective of this study was to evaluate medication compliance with patients with congestive heart failure. Methods:Inpatients of the cardiac care unit and medical ward of Republican Hospital, German Hospital, Revolutionary Hospital, and Chinese–Yemeni Friendship Hospital were recruited for this study. The study was conducted on patients that were diagnosed as having congestive heart failure and were receiving treatment. Questionnaires were distributed and personal interviews to evaluate the patients’ compliance was conducted to determine the reasons for their non-compliance in taking drugs. Results: Of 86 patients, 44% (n = 38) reported compliance and 56% (n = 48) reported non-compliance. The distribution of the patients in terms of sex was as follows: among men, 41% (n = 24) were compliant and 59% (n = 35) were non-compliant; among women, 52% (n = 14) were compliant and 48% (n = 13) were non-compliant. In addition, smoking status was too significantly linked with non-compliance (P = 0.001). Furthermore, the status of chewing of khat tree leaves was also significantly associated with non-compliance (P = 0.007). Conclusion: This study indicates that the reasons for non-compliance with medications among patients can be attributed to lack of education, chewing of khat tree leaves, lack of health insurance, and cigarette smoking. Therefore, healthcare professionals should create strategies to address these reasons in order to increase medication compliance with patients in heart failure.

El envejecimiento saludable y el bienestar: un desafío y una oportunidad para enfermería / Healthy ageing and well-being: A challenge, but also an opportunity for nursing / O envelhecimento saudável e o bem-estar: um desafio e oportunidade para a enfermagem

Actualmente, en los albores del siglo XXI, vivimos una globalización del envejecimiento porque existe en el mundo un aumento progresivo de la esperanza de vida, y una disminución de la fecundidad y mortalidad. Esta transformación demográfica implica un incremento acelerado, drástico e inexorable, de personas adultas mayores, es decir, de 60 años y más. A escala mundial, hacia el 2012, cada segundo 2 personas cumplían 60 años, y representaban 58 millones, el 10% de la población. Se estima que para el 2025 la cifra será del 15% (1,200 millones), y ha de duplicarse a 2,000 millones en el 2050, lo cual constituirá el 25% de la población. Esta tendencia mundial también se extiende para América Latina y el Caribe, de manera que en el 2025 este grupo de edad será de 15% (alrededor de 100 millones), y para el 2050 aumentará a 25% (183.7 millones). Este aumento poblacional ocurrirá en su mayoría en los países en desarrollo. En México, el proceso de envejecimiento es gradual; en el 2015 existían 13.4 millones de adultos mayores, y para el 2050, el Consejo Nacional de Población pronostica que el 30% (27.7 millones) de la población tendrá más de 60 años.

Evaluation of preservative capacity for some selected cosmetic products found in the market

Aim of the study: To determine the preservative capacity of different cosmetic preparations commonly found in the Egyptian markets

Methods: Microbiological evaluation of 74 cosmetic sample and preservative capacity test for cosmetic samples showing no microbial contamination using rejecting microorganisms by cup plate technique

Results: It was found that 29 samples were contaminated at levels >103 or >500 [for baby care products] or contaminated with rejecting microorganisms or both. The preservative capacity was variable between the different types and brands of the tested cosmetics against bacteria [P<0.05], while for Candida albicans all samples of the different cosmetic types were of nearly the same effect [p>0.05]

Conclusion: The detection of microbial counts greater than the microbial limits standards and isolation of rejecting microorganisms are clear evidences of non-adherence to good Manufacturing Practices. Variable preservative capacity in some cosmetics may indicate its ability to withstand microbial contamination which leads to spoilage of these cosmetics

Common mullein, pharmacological and chemical aspects

Verbascum thapsus L. [Khardhag or Common mullein], a member of the family Scrophulariaceae, is a famous herb that is found all over Europe, in temperate Asia, in North America and is well-reputed due to its medicinal properties. This medicinal herb contains various chemical constituents like saponins, iridoid and phenylethanoid glycosides, flavonoids, vitamin C and minerals. It is famous in various communities worldwide for the treatment of various disorders of both humans and animals aliments. A number of pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, antihepatotoxic and anti-hyperlipidemic activity have been ascribed to this plant. The plant is used to treat tuberculosis also, earache and bronchitis. In the present paper botanical and ethnomedicinal description, pharmacological profile and phytochemistry of this herb is being discussed.

Detection of cyclospora cayetanensis infections among diarrheal children attending Suez Canal University Hospital

The objective of the present study is to detect the occurrence of Cyclospora cayetanensis among diarrheal children with or without immunosuppressant conditions. Stool samples were collected and examined for identification of the parasite using different concentration methods [Formaline ethely acetate, Potassium hydroxide and Sheather's floatation] and different stains [acid fast, modified Ziehl Neelsen, modified Kinyoun and modified safranin]. Confirmation of the results was performed using autofluorescence technique. Cyclospora oocysts were detected in 19.6% of 230 diarrheal children without immunosuppressant conditions and 34.6% of 230 diarrheal children with immunosuppressant conditions with significant difference between the two groups. Sheather's floatation method was significantly more sensitive than direct smear, FEA and KOH sedimentation methods [with sensitivities of 93.6%, 63.7%, 75.8% and 79.8%, respectively]. Additionally, the modified safranin was the best staining method as it was significantly more sensitive than the acid fast and the modified Ziehl Neelsen staining. On the other hand, no significant differences were found between the acid fast, the modified Ziehl Neelsen or the modified Kinyoun staining. Cyclosporiasis predominated in the age group 1-4 years compared to other age groups. There was a significant association between infection with Cyclospora and low socioeconomic level, living in rural areas and using tap water. Cyclospora was found as a sole parasite in 55 out of 124 [44.4%] infected children. Co-infection with other pathogenic parasites occurred in 69 cases; most commonly Cryptosporidium [30/124]. It was concluded that cyclosporiasis is common among diarrheal children especially if it is associated with immunosuppressant conditions. Feces examination for oocysts using Sheather's floatation and the modified safranin staining are recommended for diagnosis

Hepatitis C viraemia and its value in diagnosis and prognosis of chronic hepatitis C disease

In this study, we tried to determine whether the degree of histological damage correlates with serum RNA titer of HCV and serum ALT level in patients with chronic hepatitis C. The research included 30 patients with chronic hepatitis C related liver disease who were recruited from the out patient clinic of internal medicine department [Gastroenterology unit] Assiut University Hospital, and 10 age and sex matched healthy subjects as a control group. They were subjected to full medical history, complete medical examination, abdominal ultrasonography, laboratory investigations including serum HCV RNA quantitation and liver function tests. Liver biopsies were done for all the patients. The result showed highly significant increase in the mean values of aminotransferases in patients compared with controls [P<0.001]. Significant elevation of serum aminotransferases [P<0.05] were in 15 of 30 patients with low and moderate titer of viral load in comparison with those patients with viral load of less than 600 I.u/ml. Eight [26.6%] of 30 patients with moderate and severe inflammation showed significant elevation of serum aminotransferases [P<0.05] in comparison with those with minimal degree of inflammation. Sixteen [53.3%] of 30 patients with moderate and severe degree of fibrosis had significant elevation of serum aminotransferases [P<005] in comparison with those patients without fibrosis. Nine [50%] out of 18 patients with moderate and high titer of viral load showed a mild degree of inflammation, while 4 [22.2%] of 18 patients with moderate and high titer of viral load showed a moderate degree of inflammation, 4 [22.2%] with moderate and high titer of viral load showed severe degree of inflammation while only one patient of 15 with high load showed only minimal inflammation. Three [42.8%] of 7 patients with moderate fibrosis had less than 600 I.u/ml of viral load and 4 [44.5%] of 9 with severe fibrosis had moderate titer of viraemia. Cirrhosis was found in only 1 of 7 patients [14.3%] with high titer of viraemia. Measurement of HCV concentration in serum is not a mirror of cytopathic damage of the liver in chronic HCV infection and significant liver injury may be present in such patients irrespective of the viral load

Evaluation of the effect of some antibiotics, crystal violet dye and clove oil on bacterial organisms isolated from human teeth affected with caries disease

Twenty-six bacterial organisms were isolated from nine samples taken from human teeth affected with caries disease. These organisms were identified as Lactobacillus lactis [30.8%], Streptococcus mitis [19.2%], Streptococcus salivarius [15.4%], Staphylococcus aureus [11.5%], Staphylococcus epidermidis [11.5%] and Staphylococcus mutans [11.5%]. Sensitivity of the bacterial strains to the antibiotics cefuroxime [zinnat], ampicillin [ampicillin], amoxycillin [arnoxil], norfloxin [noroxin] and erythromycin [erythromycin] were conducted. Staphylococcus epidermidis was found to be sensitive to all of the tested antibiotics, while Staphylococcus aureus shows sensitivity to amoxycillin and erythromycin only. The two strains were choosen for further studies, Crystal violet dye solution was found, to inhibit the growth of the two bacterial chosen strains at concentration ranged between 0.1 and 0.6 micro g/ml.While as the complete growth inhibition was attained at 0.6 micro g/ml, Sensitivity of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis to the tested antibiotics in the presence of crystal violet solution at concentration ranged between 0.1 and 0.6 micro g/ml increased with ampicillin, amoxycillin and norfloxin, while the sensitivity decreased with cefuroxime and erythromycin. The minimum inhibitory concentrations [MIC[s]] of clove oil against Staph. aureus and Staph, epidermidis were found to be 7% and 6% [v/v], respectively. While, the [MICV] of clove oil were observed in the presence of crystal violet dye to depend on the concentration of the dye in the agar medium

Prevalence and clinical features of Dientamoeba Fragilis infections in patients suspected to have intestinal parasitic infection

The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence and clinical features of dientamoebiasis in patients presumed to be infected with intestinal parasites. A total of 168 patients were examined for D. fragilis using microscopy [after Wheatley's trichrome staining] and culture [using modified Boeck and Drbohlav's medium] D. fragilis trophozoites were detected in 15 samples [8.9%] examined using trichrome staining and in 50 samples [29.8%] by culture method. Other enteric parasites were common in the study population as 48.8% of patients [82/168] were found harboring intestinal parasites. Blastocystis hominis was the most common, identified in 33.3% [56/168] of the samples. Giardia lamblia was detected in 17.9% [30/168] and E. histolytica/E. dispar in 11.9% [20/168]. The symptoms most frequently encountered were diarrhea, abdominal pain and weight loss and fatigue. Diarrhea and abdominal pain were significantly more frequent in patients with dientamoebiasis compared to non pathogenic cases [P<0.05]. Diarrhea was 38.5% of patients infected with D. fragilis compared to 50% of patients infected with G. lamblia, while abdominal pain was encountered with D. fragilis in 41% compared to 33.3% with G. lamblia. These differences were insignificant [P>0.05]

Centralización y gestión del control de las enfermedades transmisibes en América Latina / Decentralization and management of communicable disease control in Latin America

El libro recupera y sistematiza los debates planteados en la reunión, con el propósito adicional de promover la formación de una masa crítica que investigue la descentralización y los PCET. Para ello se ha organizado el material de la siguiente manera. Primero una introducción en la que se presenta en forma sintética la situación actual en lo que atañe a la gestión de los PCET, haciendo hincapié en el contraste entre programas verticales y abordajes horizontales.

Coeliac disease in Sudanese children with clinical features suggestive of the disease

Our prospective hospital- based study examined frequency, clinical presentation and serological indicators of coeliac disease that correlated with intestinal biopsy among high- risk Sudanese children. From July 2001 to July 2002, 80 children aged 15 months- 18 years presented with poor appetite, weight loss, pallor and proximal muscle wasting. We diagnosed coeliac disease in 18 [22.5%]. Antigliadin antibodies [AGA- IgG, AGA- IgA or both] were high in 44; endomysial antibody retest was high in 30. Guardians of 12 children refused consent for biopsy. The other 18 were biopsied: 5 had total villous atrophy, 8 subtotal and 5 partial. All improved with gluten- free diet. Degree of villous atrophy did not correlate with diarrhoea duration or severity, anaemia severity or serological titres

Microscopic overdiagnosis of intestinal amoebiasis

To determine the misdiagnosis of intestinal amoebiasis associated to microscopic examination of faeces, 50 stool samples of patients infected with Entamoeba histolytica were collected from different Primary Health Care Centers, hospitals and private laboratories in Ismailia G. The samples were examined using Wheatley's trichrome staining technique to differrentiate E. histolytica E. dispar complex from other non-pathogenic intestinal amoebae and multiplex polymerase chain reaction [PCR]. PCR differentiated between the two morphologic identical species [E. histolytica and E. dispar] and had the advantage to save time and resources. E. histolytica was detected in only 5 [10%] samples and in association with E. dispar in 8 [16%] samples. On the other hand, 20 samples [40%] were E. dispar. The other 17 samples were negative. E. coli, E. hartmanni and polymorphs were commonly misdiagnosed as E. histolytica

Adolescent abuse in a community sample in Beni Suef, Egypt: prevalence and risk factors

Adolescent abuse was studied in 555 school students [mean age 15.6 +/- 1.5 years] selected by multistage random sampling in Beni Suef in 1998. Each student received a general physical examination and a pre-coded questionnaire to identify determinants of abuse. Prevalence of abuse was 36.6%. Emotional, physical, sexual and combined abuse prevalence was 12.3%, 7.6%, 7.0% and 9.7% respectively. Significant predictors of sexual abuse were hyperactive child, disabled child, disinterested mother, low birth order child or wasted child. For physical abuse, significant predictors were maternal disinterest, maternal education and injuries. Significant predictors of emotional abuse were overcrowding, disease and mistreatment by a teacher. Violent behaviour was reported for more than 20% of the emotionally and the sexually abused

Detection of Epstein Barr Virus [EBV] in oral hemangioendothelioma [HE]

Oral HEs are exceedingly rare tumors. Six cases were included in the present study. All Patients were females and the tumors arise mostly from the gingiva, appeared as a large epulides; misdiagnosed as pyogenic granuloma or peripheral giant cell granuloma. No radiolucencies were observed except in three cases which recurred after surgical removal. These recurred three cases showed malignant criteria of pleomorphism, hyperchromatism and brisk mitotic figures more than the other three cases. All the patients were serologically positive to EBV, denoting previous infection. Biopsies were taken from all cases and stained for histochemical and histopathological examination. Immunohistochemical analysis was done using monoclonal antibodies for the demonstration of [1] Factor VIII related antigen,[2] Epstein -Barr virus [EBV]. Histological examination showed that three of the haemangioendotheliomas were of the epithelioid type, while the other three cases were of the spindle-cell type. All cases showed positive linear reaction to Gomori's stain surrounding the endothelidal cells and differentiating HE from haemangiopericytoma. The six cases showed the miniature luminae present intracytoplasmically by factore VIII R-AG, excluding epitheleoid haemangioma and squamous cell carcinoma. Expression of EBV in five cases out of the six immunoanalyzed cases, was detected for the first time in the literature

Fungal growth and mycotoxigenic production in certain medicinal herbs subjected to prolonged cold storage and possible control by gamma irradiation

Twenty-four samples representing four kinds of medicinal herbs; namely, caraway, khella, shih balady and wild chamomile, were exposed to increasing doses of gamma radiation [from 0 to 0.5 kGy]. The sublethal doses ranged from 0.5 to 3.0 kGy. Five fungal isolates from the irradiated herb samples could produced aflatoxins and one isolate could produce ochratoxin B. The isolated fungi were identified as Aspergillus species. The herb samples were stored for two years at 5 +/- 1C and then exposed to increasing dose levels of gamma radiation. One fungal isolate from the stored khella identified as Aspergillus flavus and was confirmed for aflatoxins B1 and B2 production. The D10-value of the tested Asp. flavus isolate was 0.5 kGy

Effect of storage on total moulds counts in certain locally marketed medicinal herbs and possible decontamination by gamma irradiation

Twenty-four samples representing Carum carvi fruits, Ammi visnaga fruits, Artemisia judica and Matricaria chamomilla were exposed to increasing doses of gamma-irradiation. No significant difference could be detected in the mould count of Carum carvi and Ammi visnaga samples before and after storage for a period of two years, while a significant decrease in the total mould count of Artemisia judica and Matricaria chamomilla samples was observed after storage. The effect of gamma-irradiation on the total mould count in the four medicinal herbs was evaluated before and after storage for two years. A gamma radiation dose of 3.0 kGy could decontaminate Carum carvi fruits and Matricaria chamomilla samples from fungi whereas, a higher dose level at 4.0 kGy was required to decontaminate Ammi visnaga fruits and Artemisia judica samples, on the other hand, a dose level up to 3.0 kGy was enough to decontaminate the samples stored for two years