Advancements in Predictive Microbiology: Integrating New Technologies for Efficient Food Safety Models.

Predictive microbiology is a rapidly evolving field that has gained significant interest over the years due to its diverse application in food safety. Predictive models are widely used in food microbiology to estimate the growth of microorganisms in food products. These models represent the dynamic interactions between intrinsic and extrinsic food factors as mathematical equations and then apply these data to predict shelf life, spoilage, and microbial risk assessment. Due to their ability to predict the microbial risk, these tools are also integrated into hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) protocols. However, like most new technologies, several limitations have been linked to their use. Predictive models have been found incapable of modeling the intricate microbial interactions in food colonized by different bacteria populations under dynamic environmental conditions. To address this issue, researchers are integrating several new technologies into predictive models to improve efficiency and accuracy. Increasingly, newer technologies such as whole genome sequencing (WGS), metagenomics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are being rapidly adopted into newer-generation models. This has facilitated the development of devices based on robotics, the Internet of Things, and time-temperature indicators that are being incorporated into food processing both domestically and industrially globally. This study reviewed current research on predictive models, limitations, challenges, and newer technologies being integrated into developing more efficient models. Machine learning algorithms commonly employed in predictive modeling are discussed with emphasis on their application in research and industry and their advantages over traditional models.

Closing the loop: A framework for tackling single-use plastic waste in the food and beverage industry through circular economy- a review.

The escalating threat of plastic pollution necessitates urgent and immediate action, particularly within the food and beverage (F&B) industry, a significant contributor to single-use plastic waste (SUP). As the global population surges, so does the consumption of single-use plastics in the F&B sector, perpetuating a linear economy model characterized by a 'take, make, use, dispose' approach. This model significantly exacerbates plastic waste issues, with projections indicating an alarming increase in plastic outputs by 2050 if current practices continue. Against this backdrop, the circular economy presents a viable alternative, with its emphasis on resource retention, recovery, and the extension of product lifecycles. This study delves into the problems posed by single-use plastics, introduces the circular economy as a sustainable model, and explores effective strategies for the recycling and reuse of plastic waste within this framework. By examining the environmental impact of SUP in the F&B sector and advocating for the adoption of circular economy principles, this paper underscores a critical pathway towards sustainable solutions in the battle against plastic pollution. In conclusion, the transition to a circular economy, underpinned by global collaboration and the proactive implementation of supportive policies, is imperative for reducing the environmental footprint of single-use plastics and fostering a sustainable future.

Exploring Bacillus subtilis: Ecology, biotechnological applications, and future prospects.

From its early identification by Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg to its current prominence in scientific research, Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) has emerged as a foundational model organism in microbiology. This comprehensive review delves deep into its genetic, physiological, and biochemical intricacies, revealing a sophisticated cellular blueprint. With the incorporation of advanced techniques such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 and integrative computational methodologies, the potential applications of B. subtilis span diverse sectors. These encompass its significant contributions to biotechnology, agriculture, and medical fields and its potential for aiding environmental cleanup efforts. Yet, as we move forward, we must grapple with concerns related to safety, ethics, and the practical implementation of our lab findings in everyday scenarios. As our understanding of B. subtilis deepens, it is evident that its contributions will be central to pioneering sustainable solutions for global challenges in the years to come.

Nourishing the Mind: How Food Security Influences Mental Wellbeing.

Food insecurity is a significant public health problem worldwide and critical to mental health. There is a complex relationship between food security and mental health. We carried out a narrative review study aiming to address how food insecurity impacts mental wellbeing by focusing on the mental health repercussions of food insecurity, recognizing its pivotal role in attaining Sustainable Development Goals 2 (on hunger) and 3 (on enhancing global wellbeing). A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar, incorporating Google searches for pertinent reports and policy documents. To address these questions, we emphasized and elucidated the interconnectedness between food security and mental health. The review shows that food security and mental health share a profound relationship influenced by multifaceted factors like socioeconomic conditions, access to nutritious food, and societal inequalities. We then provide recommendations for integrating food security into mental health strategies based on the insights and conclusions drawn. Strategies ranging from sustainable farming practices to urban agriculture initiatives and digital mental health services demonstrate avenues for enhancing food safety and mental wellbeing. This highlights the need for collaborative interdisciplinary efforts and systemic reforms to address these interconnected challenges.

Assessing the vulnerability of food supply chains to climate change-induced disruptions.

Climate change is one of the most significant challenges worldwide. There is strong evidence from research that climate change will impact several food chain-related elements such as agricultural output, incomes, prices, food access, food quality, and food safety. This scoping review seeks to outline the state of knowledge of the food supply chain's vulnerability to climate change and to identify existing literature that may guide future research, policy, and decision-making aimed at enhancing the resilience of the food supply chain. A total of 1526 publications were identified using the SCOPUS database, of which 67 were selected for the present study. The vulnerability assessment methods as well as the adaptation and resilience measures that have been employed to alleviate the impact of climate change in the food supply chain were discussed. The results revealed a growing number of publications providing evidence of the weakening of the food supply chain due to climate change and extreme weather events. Our assessment demonstrated the need to broaden research into the entire food supply chain and various forms of climatic variability because most studies have concentrated on the relationships between climatic fluctuations (especially extreme rainfall, temperatures, and drought) and production. A lack of knowledge about the effects of climate change on the food supply chain and the underlying socio-economic consequences could result in underperformance or failure of the food supply chain.

Mitigating physical hazards in food processing: Risk assessment and preventive strategies.

Physical contaminants in food, such as glass, metal, and plastic, can cause significant health risks and economic loss. This study explores these understudied physical hazards, aiming to provide comprehensive risk analysis and preventive solutions. Our research identified several key infiltration points in the food supply chain, including raw material sourcing and packaging stages. These hazards can be effectively mitigated by employing advanced technologies like metal detectors and optical sorting machines, along with stringent quality control measures. The findings offer valuable insights for stakeholders in the food industry, emphasizing the need for regulatory compliance and consumer education to ensure food safety.

Listeria monocytogenes Biofilms in Food-Associated Environments: A Persistent Enigma.

Listeria monocytogenes (LM) is a bacterial pathogen responsible for listeriosis, a foodborne illness associated with high rates of mortality (20-30%) and hospitalisation. It is particularly dangerous among vulnerable groups, such as newborns, pregnant women and the elderly. The persistence of this organism in food-associated environments for months to years has been linked to several devastating listeriosis outbreaks. It may also result in significant costs to food businesses and economies. Currently, the mechanisms that facilitate LM persistence are poorly understood. Unravelling the enigma of what drives listerial persistence will be critical for developing more targeted control and prevention strategies. One prevailing hypothesis is that persistent strains exhibit stronger biofilm production on abiotic surfaces in food-associated environments. This review aims to (i) provide a comprehensive overview of the research on the relationship between listerial persistence and biofilm formation from phenotypic and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) studies; (ii) to highlight the ongoing challenges in determining the role biofilm development plays in persistence, if any; and (iii) to propose future research directions for overcoming these challenges.

Africa (COVID-19) Vaccine Technology Transfer: Where Are We?

The rampant spread of the COVID-19 infection poses a grave and formidable challenge to global healthcare, with particular concern to the inhabitants of the African continent. In response to these pressing concerns, different strategies have been employed to combat the emergence of this insidious disease, encompassing crucial measures such as physical distancing, the utilization of face masks, meticulous hand hygiene, and widespread vaccination campaigns. Nevertheless, the economic realities faced by numerous African nations, characterized by their classification as "low-income countries (LICs)", present a formidable barrier to accessing and distributing approved vaccines to their populations. Moreover, it is essential to discuss the hesitancy of the European Union (EU) in releasing intellectual property rights associated with the transfer of vaccine technology to Africa. While the EU has been a key player in global efforts to combat the pandemic, there has been reluctance in sharing valuable knowledge and resources with African countries. This hesitancy raises concerns about equitable vaccine access and the potential for a prolonged health crisis in Africa. This review underscores the urgent imperative and need of establishing localized vaccine development and production facilities within Africa, necessitating the active involvement of governments and collaborative partnerships to achieve this crucial objective. Furthermore, this review advocates for the exploration of viable avenues for the transfer of vaccine technology as a means to facilitate equitable vaccine access across the African continent and also the cruciality and the need for the EU to reconsider its stance and actively engage in transferring vaccine technology to Africa through sharing intellectual property. The EU can contribute to the establishment of localized vaccine production facilities on the continent, which will not only increase vaccine availability but also promote self-sufficiency and resilience in the face of future health emergencies.

Whole genomic sequence of Enterobacter sichuanensis AJI 2411 - A plant growth promoting rhizobacteria.

Enterobacter sichuanensis AJI 2411 is a rhizobacteria displaying plant growth promoting potentials, which was isolated from the rhizosphere of soybeans in Ede, Osun State, Nigeria. The full genome of Enterobacter sichuanensis AJI 2411 was sequenced and reported in this study to shed light on the molecular mechanisms that aids the bacteria's plant growth-promoting abilities.

A study on the effect of natural products against the transmission of B.1.1.529 Omicron.

BACKGROUND: The recent outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic resulted in a successful vaccination program launched by the World Health Organization. However, a large population is still unvaccinated, leading to the emergence of mutated strains like alpha, beta, delta, and B.1.1.529 (Omicron). Recent reports from the World Health Organization raised concerns about the Omicron variant, which emerged in South Africa during a surge in COVID-19 cases in November 2021. Vaccines are not proven completely effective or safe against Omicron, leading to clinical trials for combating infection by the mutated virus. The absence of suitable pharmaceuticals has led scientists and clinicians to search for alternative and supplementary therapies, including dietary patterns, to reduce the effect of mutated strains. MAIN BODY: This review analyzed Coronavirus aetiology, epidemiology, and natural products for combating Omicron. Although the literature search did not include keywords related to in silico or computational research, in silico investigations were emphasized in this study. Molecular docking was implemented to compare the interaction between natural products and Chloroquine with the ACE2 receptor protein amino acid residues of Omicron. The global Omicron infection proceeding SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was also elucidated. The docking results suggest that DGCG may bind to the ACE2 receptor three times more effectively than standard chloroquine. CONCLUSION: The emergence of the Omicron variant has highlighted the need for alternative therapies to reduce the impact of mutated strains. The current review suggests that natural products such as DGCG may be effective in binding to the ACE2 receptor and combating the Omicron variant, however, further research is required to validate the results of this study and explore the potential of natural products to mitigate COVID-19.

Chikungunya outbreak in Africa: a review of the literature.

The Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), transmitted via mosquitoes, exhibits clinical manifestations ranging from headaches, myalgia and arthralgia to debilitating systemic malfunctions. Endemic to Africa, CHIKV has seen an increase in cases since it was first recorded in 1950. There has recently been an outbreak in numerous African nations. The authors aim to review the history and epidemiology of CHIKV in Africa, current outbreaks, strategies adopted by governments and/or international organisations to mitigate such an outbreak, and future recommendations that can be employed. Methodology: Data were collected from medical journals published on Pubmed and Google Scholar, and from the official World Health Organisation, African and United States of America's Centres for Disease Control and Prevention websites. All articles considering CHIKV in Africa, including epidemiology, aetiology, prevention and management, were sought after. Results: Since 2015, the number of Chikungunya cases in Africa has increased, reaching the highest values ever recorded, especially in 2018 and 2019. Even though numerous vaccination and therapeutic intervention trials are still ongoing, no advancement has been made so far, including drug approval. Current management is supportive, with preventative measures, such as insecticides, repellents, mosquito nets and habitat avoidance, paramount to halting disease spread. Conclusion: In light of the recent CHIKV outbreak in Africa, local and global attempts are re-emerging to mitigate the eruption of the case of the lack of vaccines and antivirals, controlling the virus may be an arduous feat. Improving risk assessment, laboratory detection and research facilities should be a priority.

Global nutritional challenges of reformulated food: A review.

Food reformulation, the process of redesigning processed food products to make them healthier, is considered a crucial step in the fight against noncommunicable diseases. The reasons for reformulating food vary, with a common focus on reducing the levels of harmful substances, such as fats, sugars, and salts. Although this topic is broad, this review aims to shed light on the current challenges faced in the reformulation of food and to explore different approaches that can be taken to overcome these challenges. The review highlights the perception of consumer risk, the reasons for reformulating food, and the challenges involved. The review also emphasizes the importance of fortifying artisanal food processing and modifying microbial fermentation in order to meet the nutrient requirements of people in developing countries. The literature suggests that while the traditional reductionist approach remains relevant and yields quicker results, the food matrix approach, which involves engineering food microstructure, is a more complex process that may take longer to implement in developing economies. The findings of the review indicate that food reformulation policies are more likely to succeed if the private sector collaborates with or responds to the government regulatory process, and further research is conducted to establish newly developed reformulation concepts from different countries. In conclusion, food reformulation holds great promise in reducing the burden of noncommunicable diseases and improving the health of people around the world.

Nisin:Carboxymethylcellulose polyion complex (PIC) nanoparticles. Preparation and antimicrobial activity.

Nisin is a cationic antimicrobial peptide used as a natural food preservative against gram-positive bacteria. However, nisin is degraded following interaction with food components. Here, we report the first use of Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), a versatile and affordable food additive, to protect nisin and extend its antimicrobial activity. First, we optimized the methodology by considering the effect of nisin:CMC ratio, pH, and, especially, the degree of substitution of CMC. In particular, we show here how these parameters affected the size, charge, and, notably, the encapsulation efficiency of these nanomaterials. This way, optimized formulations contained over 60 % w/w in nisin while encapsulating ∼90 % of the nisin used. We then show that these new nanomaterials inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, a major foodborne pathogen, using milk as a representative food matrix. Remarkably, this inhibitory effect was observed with one-tenth of the concentration of nisin currently used in dairy products. We believe that the combination of the affordability of CMC, flexibility and simplicity of preparation, and the ability to inhibit the growth of food pathogens, makes these nisin:CMC PIC nanoparticles an ideal platform to underpin new nisin formulations.

An extended SEIRDV compartmental model: case studies of the spread of COVID-19 and vaccination in Tunisia and South Africa.

In the wake of the unprecedented health crisis triggered by the global COVID-19 pandemic, countries are still grappling with the pandemic's immediate health and socioeconomic consequences. This paper presents an extended SEIRD model with vaccination to study the evolution of COVID-19 in South Africa and Tunisia since the commencement of the vaccination campaign in each country, respectively. Epidemiologists often quantify a risk reduction following the implementation of non-pharmaceutical containment measures and vaccines when attempting to stem the spread of pandemics. However, an important question they often ask is the effectiveness of the non-pharmaceutical containment measures (social distancing and lockdowns) and the efficacy of such measures, including vaccines. Africa's COVID-19 vaccine roll-out stands at 16% as of April 2022; however, the continent lags behind many developing countries even though it harbours about 16% of the world population. While proliferating literature quantifies the efficacy and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, very little has been done using the SEIRDV model in African countries. This study compares the model-predicted results with the available data to estimate the dynamics of the infected population, using data from 20-03-2021 to 30-12-2021. A simulation of the SEIRDV model is performed and fitted to the data. Simulating the model involves solving a system of Ordinary Differential Equations numerically by taking the initial values for the key model parameters as inputs. After simulating the SEIRDV model, the model parameters are compared with real-world COVID-19 and vaccination data in order to estimate the values of the different parameters that best fit the observed data. The results of the study showed an inverted U-shaped trend for the infection rate after vaccination, indicating that increasing the vaccination rates reduces the transmission rates. Therefore African countries must continue to scale up the vaccination campaigns, and the world needs to endeavour to ensure an equitable vaccination roll-out to developing countries.

The need for Africa to develop capacity for vaccinology as a means of curbing antimicrobial resistance.

The high prevalence of infectious diseases in Africa, combined with weak healthcare systems, poor antimicrobial stewardship, and an unchecked drug supply chain, is steadily reversing the trend in the fight against infectious diseases in this part of the world, posing severe threats to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR continuously evolves and threatens to undermine antimicrobial efficacy and undo advances against infectious diseases. This brewing pandemic is now recognized as a significant worldwide health danger, implicated in several cases of morbidity, mortality, and increasing healthcare costs. Vaccine technology has been proven to be the principal remedy to this imminent danger since it prevents microbial infections. However, since Africa cannot produce its vaccines, it relies on external sources and, as a result, it is significantly affected by vaccine nationalism, hoarding, and instabilities in global supply chains. This has further adversely impacted the ability of African governments to regulate rollouts, protect their citizens, and ultimately rejoin the global economy. This dependency is a severe challenge to Africa's health resilience, as it is unsustainable. Given the inevitability of potential global pandemics and the alarming incidences of multi-drug resistance infections reported daily, Africa must develop the capability to produce its vaccines. The review utilized a systematic search of academic databases and grey literature, as well as a manual search of relevant reports and articles. In this review, we outline the public health threats and concerns that AMR poses to Africans, and the hurdles and advances achieved in vaccine development over the years. We also highlight possible strategies, particularly collaborative efforts, that will accelerate vaccine production and ease the strain of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance in Africa. Key findings indicate that Africa has significant gaps in its vaccine manufacturing and distribution capacity, with only a few countries having the ability to produce vaccines. Additionally, existing vaccine production facilities are often outdated and require significant investment to meet international standards. The review also highlights successful initiatives in Africa, such as the mRNA vaccine hub and the African Vaccine Manufacturing Initiative, which have demonstrated the potential for building local vaccine manufacturing capacity. The study concludes that Africa needs to prioritize investment in vaccine research and development, regulatory capacity, and infrastructure to build a sustainable vaccine manufacturing ecosystem. Overall, this review emphasizes the urgent need for Africa to develop its vaccine manufacturing capacity to improve vaccine access and strengthen its ability to respond to future pandemics. The findings underscore the importance of collaboration between African governments, international organizations, and the private sector to build a resilient vaccine ecosystem in Africa.

Prevalence of Antibiotic-Resistant Seafood-Borne Pathogens in Retail Seafood Sold in Malaysia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The objective of this study was to examine the frequency and extent of antibiotic-resistant pathogens in seafood sold in Malaysia, using a systematic review and meta-analysis approach to analyze primary research studies. Four bibliographic databases were systematically searched for primary studies on occurrence. Meta-analysis using a random-effect model was used to understand the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in retail seafood sold in Malaysia. A total of 1938 primary studies were initially identified, among which 13 met the inclusion criteria. In the included primary studies, a total of 2281 seafoods were analyzed for the presence of antibiotic-resistant seafood-borne pathogens. It was observed that 51% (1168/2281) of the seafood was contaminated with pathogens. Overall, the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant seafood-borne pathogens in retail seafood was 55.7% (95% CI: 0.46-0.65). Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella species had an overall prevalence of 59.9% (95% CI: 0.32-0.82) in fish, Vibrio species had an overall prevalence of 67.2% (95% CI: 0.22-0.94) in cephalopods, and MRSA had an overall prevalence of 70.9% (95% CI: 0.36-0.92) in mollusks. It could be concluded that there is a high prevalence of antibiotic-resistant seafood-borne pathogens in the retail seafood sold in Malaysia, which could be of public health importance. Therefore, there is a need for proactive steps to be taken by all stakeholders to reduce the widespread transmission of antibiotic-resistant pathogens from seafood to humans.

Food safety in vulnerable populations: A perspective on the challenges and solutions.

Vulnerable populations are a particular group that are not capable of fending for themselves due to a number of limitations. Among many things, of particular concern is the food safety challenges faced by these individuals and the high risk of susceptibility to foodborne diseases. In this paper, an attempt is made to point out the various challenges faced by vulnerable populations that make them more susceptible to foodborne illness than other healthy adults. Also, the paper highlights possible improvement pathways through which these people can have access to safe and nutritious food, and the current interventional steps taken to address the food safety risk associated with food handling activities of food meant for vulnerable groups.

Filamentous fungi for sustainable remediation of pharmaceutical compounds, heavy metal and oil hydrocarbons.

This review presents a comprehensive summary of the latest research in the field of bioremediation with filamentous fungi. The main focus is on the issue of recent progress in remediation of pharmaceutical compounds, heavy metal treatment and oil hydrocarbons mycoremediation that are usually insufficiently represented in other reviews. It encompasses a variety of cellular mechanisms involved in bioremediation used by filamentous fungi, including bio-adsorption, bio-surfactant production, bio-mineralization, bio-precipitation, as well as extracellular and intracellular enzymatic processes. Processes for wastewater treatment accomplished through physical, biological, and chemical processes are briefly described. The species diversity of filamentous fungi used in pollutant removal, including widely studied species of Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Verticillium, Phanerochaete and other species of Basidiomycota and Zygomycota are summarized. The removal efficiency of filamentous fungi and time of elimination of a wide variety of pollutant compounds and their easy handling make them excellent tools for the bioremediation of emerging contaminants. Various types of beneficial byproducts made by filamentous fungi, such as raw material for feed and food production, chitosan, ethanol, lignocellulolytic enzymes, organic acids, as well as nanoparticles, are discussed. Finally, challenges faced, future prospects, and how innovative technologies can be used to further exploit and enhance the abilities of fungi in wastewater remediation, are mentioned.

Bioactive compounds by microalgae and potentials for the management of some human disease conditions.

Microalgae biomasses are excellent sources of diverse bioactive compounds such as lipids, polysaccharides, carotenoids, vitamins, phenolics and phycobiliproteins. Large-scale production of these bioactive substances would require microalgae cultivation either in open-culture systems or closed-culture systems. Some of these bioactive compounds (such as polysaccharides, phycobiliproteins and lipids) are produced during their active growth phase. They appear to have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidative, anticancer, neuroprotective and chemo-preventive activities. These properties confer on microalgae the potential for use in the treatment and/or management of several neurologic and cell dysfunction-related disease conditions, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), AIDS and COVID-19, as shown in this review. Although several health benefits have been highlighted, there appears to be a consensus in the literature that the field of microalgae is still fledgling, and more research needs to be carried out to ascertain the mechanisms of action that underpin the effectiveness of microalgal compounds. In this review, two biosynthetic pathways were modeled to help elucidate the mode of action of the bioactive compounds from microalgae and their products. These are carotenoid and phycobilin proteins biosynthetic pathways. The education of the public on the importance of microalgae backed with empirical scientific evidence will go a long way to ensure that the benefits from research investigations are quickly rolled out. The potential application of these microalgae to some human disease conditions was highlighted.