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Article
Publication date: 7 November 2017

Swati Singh, Ankur Kaushal and Ashok Kumar

There is an immense concern in the international community about controlling the outburst of infectious diseases. An essential step towards diminishing it is the development of an…

Abstract

Purpose

There is an immense concern in the international community about controlling the outburst of infectious diseases. An essential step towards diminishing it is the development of an adequate detection system. Among the huge plethora of microorganisms which may infect the human body, Streptococcus pyogenes is important one which infects the upper respiratory tract leading to sore throat, which eventually develops into rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in the absence of timely treatment. A major process in controlling the infection is to detect it at an early stage. Hence, there is a need to develop detection tools which are both rapid and reliable.

Design/methodology/approach

Different types of diagnostic methods are available for identification, but the most commonly used are culturing, staining and rapid antigen detection tests. For better sensitivity and specificity, this review describes the development of biosensor. Compared with the current available methods, which are usually cumbersome, time-consuming and expensive, this approach features sequence specificity, cost efficiency, rapid and ease of use.

Findings

This review outlines various sensors which are available for the detection of Streptococcus pyogenes which causes human RHD. The working scheme of the sensors, their sensitivity and limitation of detection has been described in the review.

Originality/value

The review fulfills an acknowledged the need to study various sensors that are available for the detection of Streptococcus pyogenes, causing human RHD.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 38 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2017

Farhad Sharafati Chaleshtori and Reza Sharafati Chaleshtori

The purpose of this study is to evaluate antimicrobial activity of chitosan incorporated with lemon and oregano essential oils on broiler breast meat during refrigerated storage.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate antimicrobial activity of chitosan incorporated with lemon and oregano essential oils on broiler breast meat during refrigerated storage.

Design/methodology/approach

In this experimental study, antibacterial effect of lemon and oregano essential oils was measured using the microdilution method for four foodborne pathogenic bacteria. The effect of 0.5, 1 and 2 per cent (Wt./Vol.) essential oils with chitosan 2 per cent on microbial quality of broiler breast meat (slaughter age: 42 days), up to 9 days’ storage time in 4 ± 1°C temperature was evaluated. Also, organoleptic characteristics of meat samples in certain storage time were examined.

Findings

The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) for lemon and oregano essential oils ranged between 1.41 and 11.25 and 2.81 and 22.5 mg/mL, respectively. In the treatment groups, A decrease in total mesophilic bacterial count (TMBC) was observed up to sixth day, but TMBC increased on the ninth day. Decrease in lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, mold and yeast in the treatment groups was observed compared with the control group up to the ninth day (p < 0.01). Overall, chicken meat containing 1 per cent lemon essential oil with chitosan had a greater acceptance rate (p < 0.01).

Originality/value

In recent years, active packaging containing essential oils have been used to maintain the quality and increase the shelf life of various types of meat, chicken, fish, shrimp, fruits, etc. Therefore, it can be suggested that using chitosan in combination with the aforementioned essential oils in combination might increase shelf life of chicken meat during refrigerated storage.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 47 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2024

Xingxing Li, Shixi You, Zengchang Fan, Guangjun Li and Li Fu

This review provides an overview of recent advances in electrochemical sensors for analyte detection in saliva, highlighting their potential applications in diagnostics and health…

Abstract

Purpose

This review provides an overview of recent advances in electrochemical sensors for analyte detection in saliva, highlighting their potential applications in diagnostics and health care. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the current state of the field, identify challenges and limitations and discuss future prospects for the development of saliva-based electrochemical sensors.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews relevant literature and research articles to examine the latest developments in electrochemical sensing technologies for saliva analysis. It explores the use of various electrode materials, including carbon nanomaterial, metal nanoparticles and conducting polymers, as well as the integration of microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices and wearable/implantable technologies. The design and fabrication methodologies used in these sensors are discussed, along with sample preparation techniques and biorecognition elements for enhancing sensor performance.

Findings

Electrochemical sensors for salivary analyte detection have demonstrated excellent potential for noninvasive, rapid and cost-effective diagnostics. Recent advancements have resulted in improved sensor selectivity, stability, sensitivity and compatibility with complex saliva samples. Integration with microfluidics and LOC technologies has shown promise in enhancing sensor efficiency and accuracy. In addition, wearable and implantable sensors enable continuous, real-time monitoring of salivary analytes, opening new avenues for personalized health care and disease management.

Originality/value

This review presents an up-to-date overview of electrochemical sensors for analyte detection in saliva, offering insights into their design, fabrication and performance. It highlights the originality and value of integrating electrochemical sensing with microfluidics, wearable/implantable technologies and point-of-care testing platforms. The review also identifies challenges and limitations, such as interference from other saliva components and the need for improved stability and reproducibility. Future prospects include the development of novel microfluidic devices, advanced materials and user-friendly diagnostic devices to unlock the full potential of saliva-based electrochemical sensing in clinical practice.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 44 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1981

Pre‐employment medical examinations with appropriate testing are required in many industries—a basic tenet of Occupational Medicine—and it has long been a recommendation of many…

Abstract

Pre‐employment medical examinations with appropriate testing are required in many industries—a basic tenet of Occupational Medicine—and it has long been a recommendation of many in community medicine and environmental health for those food handlers whose close contact with open food, aspects of its preparation, processing, sale, exposure for sale, make their personal health important and in prevention of diseases and may constitute a health hazard to food consumers. Epidemiological studies have revealed too many instances of a human source of disease, especially in milk and water, for this to be denied or under‐estimated. Food poisioning outbreaks caused by a carrier, of chronic or limited duration, enable those investigating such outbreaks to see there could be advantages in medical screening of certain employees especially in certain areas of food trades. The main problem is to decide the extent of the discipline and who should be subject to it. The fact that by far the majority of the examinations and tests will prove negative should not be seen as removing the need for the service. After all, there are a number of similar circumstances in public health. Meat inspection, for example, in which a 100% inspection of all food animals slaughtered for human food is now fully established, it is not suggested that inspections should in any way be reduced despite the fact that a number of the diseases, eg., tuberculosis, no longer occurs as it once did, which was the prime cause of meat inspection being brought into being. Other areas where routine medical examinations reveal satisfactory health with only a few isolated cases requiring attention, is the school medical service. Here, the “de‐bunkers” have had some success, but if children are not regularly examined at vulnerable age levels and especially in between where the occasion demands, there is no question that much will be missed and ill‐health progress to a chronic state.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 83 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 25 March 2021

Santhosh J. Thattil and T.A. Ajith

Severe bacterial infection is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Geographical-based demographic laboratory and clinical data are required to get a…

Abstract

Purpose

Severe bacterial infection is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Geographical-based demographic laboratory and clinical data are required to get a conclusion about the bacterial infection and their antibiotic susceptibility for the empiric antibiotic treatment in infants who presented with suspected infection. This study was aimed to find the most prevalent bacterial infection and antibiotic sensitivity among infants in the post-neonatal period presented at a tertiary care centre in South India.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study was designed among infants (29 days to 1 year old) presented with suspected infection in the paediatric department. Infants with positive culture report were analysed for the bacteriological and antibiotic profile from the medical records. Antibiotic sensitivity was determined for the isolated bacteria according to standard procedure and data statically analysed.

Findings

Total of 218 samples (138 male and 80 female) were analysed. Most of the samples (171/218, 78.4%) were throat swab (p = 0.0247). Only one sample was cerebrospinal fluid from case of meningitis. Sample from upper RTI was major (162/218, 74.3%) with male dominance followed by stool samples from cases of diarrhoea (22/218, 10.0%). Staphylococcus aureus was the major organism identified in 46/171 (26.9 %) throat swabs. The most sensitive antibiotic against bacteria isolated from throat swab and CSF was gentamicin and cloxacillin. Netilmicin and piperacillin plus tazobactam were the sensitive antibiotics against bacteria isolated from stool, ear secretion and urine samples.

Originality/value

Upper RTI was the prevalent bacterial infection followed by diarrhoea in infants in the post-neonatal period. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the common organism identified in the overall report followed by E. coli and S. aureus. Community-based awareness should be provided to follow good hygiene regularly in child care. Furthermore, avoid delay in seeking treatment and provide the medicine prescribed at the right time and in the right dose to limit the morbidity and bacterial resistance.

Details

Journal of Health Research, vol. 36 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0857-4421

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1975

One of the arguments used against British entry to the EEC was the loss of sovereignty; that Parliament would not be able to fully control all the statutory measures which would…

Abstract

One of the arguments used against British entry to the EEC was the loss of sovereignty; that Parliament would not be able to fully control all the statutory measures which would be applied to the people. EEC regulations apply without implementation by national governments, but since member‐states, through their representatives on Council and Commission, have participated, it is considered that national governments have in effect enacted them. EEC Directives as the name implies requires national governments to apply the provisions of the EEC measure; transitional exemptions up to five years are usually included for individual provisions, where internal adjustment is required. MAFF food regulations, implementing EEC Directives, have been made after this pattern for a number of food additives. The statutory measures are unlikely to present any greater difficulties than usual, but in interpretation, courts in this country have to consider EEC law above that of English and Scottish courts. The Court at Luxemburg exists mainly for interpretation, but courts and litigants have been advised against reference owing to the lengthy delays and the high court or court of sessions should make is interpretation based on EEC law.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 77 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1965

Of matters concerning man's day‐to‐day living, none receives more attention than his diet; the foods which housewives should buy, how they should be prepared and cooked. All women'…

Abstract

Of matters concerning man's day‐to‐day living, none receives more attention than his diet; the foods which housewives should buy, how they should be prepared and cooked. All women's journals and most daily newspapers profess to give expert advice on diet, nutritional needs, recipes, meals, etc. Radio and television have programmes on the subject and television advertisements, when not eulogising drink of all sorts, cigarettes or soap, are largely devoted to extolling proprietary foods, without the generous addition of which to the diet, one gathers, malnutrition is unavoidable.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 67 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1967

The long‐awaited regulations to provide statutory compositional requirements for the ever‐increasing range of meat products have at last arrived; presented in the form of a…

Abstract

The long‐awaited regulations to provide statutory compositional requirements for the ever‐increasing range of meat products have at last arrived; presented in the form of a triology—The Canned Meat Product Regulations, The Meat Pie and Sausage Roll Regulations and The Sausage and Other Meat Product Regulations—all of which apply to England and Wales only; presumably the Scottish counterparts, modified for the geographical variations in commodities, will appear in due course. The Meat Pie and Sausage Roll Regulations come into operation on May 31 1968; the other two on May 31 1969.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 69 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Article
Publication date: 1 September 1966

Times are indeed a‐changing. Once, the night‐owl, roistering the hours of darkness away, could claim that he “came home with the milk!”, but not any more.

Abstract

Times are indeed a‐changing. Once, the night‐owl, roistering the hours of darkness away, could claim that he “came home with the milk!”, but not any more.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 68 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1970

Long before calories and joules were used to indicate energy values in relation to food, popular belief had it that some foods could increase man's output of labour, his physical…

Abstract

Long before calories and joules were used to indicate energy values in relation to food, popular belief had it that some foods could increase man's output of labour, his physical strength and endurance, even his fertility. The nature of the foods varied over the years. From earliest times, flesh foods have inspired men to “gird their loins” and “put on armour”, but too long at the feasting tables produced sloth of body and spirit. Hunger sharpens the wit, which makes one wonder if that oft‐quoted statement of poverty and hunger before the Great War—“children too hungry learn”—was quite true; it is now so long ago for most of us to remember. Thetruism “An army marches on its stomach” related to food in general and relating feats of strength to individual foods is something more difficult to prove. The brawny Scot owes little to his porridge; the toiling Irish labourer moves mountains of earth, not from the beef steaks he claims to consume, but for the size of the pay‐packet at the end of the week!

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 72 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

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