Optimization of Collagen Extraction from Fish Scales Using Tris-Glycine Buffer: A Taguchi Methodological Approach.

Collagen, a critical biomaterial with wide applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and medical industries, can be sourced sustainably from fish scales. This study optimizes the extraction of collagen using Tris-Glycine buffer from fish scales via the Taguchi method. Various extraction parameters-buffer concentration, temperature, pH, and time-were evaluated to identify optimal conditions.

THE EFFECTS OF TECHNICAL STEPS USED IN EXISTING SANITATION HELMINTH TEST METHODS ON ASCARIS SUUM EGG RECOVERY FROM PIG FECES.

Many technical aspects are associated with helminth egg isolation and enumeration that affect how efficiently eggs are recovered from samples. This study investigated Ascaris egg recoverability when samples were washed with or without pressure, and from different sample types (water, effluent, ventilated improved pit latrine [VIP], urine diversion dry toilet [UDDT], dried, fatty, and septic tank sludges, and soil) when processed with water, ammonium bicarbonate, and 7X®. We also looked at egg recovery after flotation with zinc sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and sodium nitrate at specific gravities of 1.

EFFECTS OF REAGENTS AND CHEMICALS USED IN EXISTING SANITATION HELMINTH TEST METHODS ON THE VIABILITY OF ASCARIS SUUM EGGS.

Various sanitation methods to recover helminth eggs are currently in use; however, no international standard exists. Development of such a method first involves testing the effects of all reagents used in current methods on helminth egg viability to determine whether these chemicals affect the test organism. This study was conducted to investigate the effects on viability and development of Ascaris suum eggs when exposed for various periods to wash solutions (water, ammonium bicarbonate, Tween® 20, Tween® 80, Triton® X-100, Sunlight® Liquid, bentonite, and 7X®), flotation solutions (zinc sulfate, magnesium sulfate, sodium nitrate, brine, and sucrose), extraction solutions (10% formalin, acetoacetic buffer, acid-alcohol, ethyl acetate, and diethyl ether), extraction combinations (10% formalin + ethyl acetate, 10% formalin + diethyl ether, acetoacetic buffer + ethyl acetate, acetoacetic buffer + diethyl ether, and acid-alcohol + ethyl acetate), and incubation solutions (water, 0.

Bundling of unhealthy food products in Johannesburg, South Africa: an exploratory study.

South Africa has high levels of obesity and overweight, which contribute to non-communicable diseases and are associated with poor diets high in ultra-processed foods. Bundling occurs when two or more products are packaged and sold together, often at a discount and is a marketing strategy for unhealthy foods. Given the paucity of data on bundling of unhealthy foods, this exploratory study sought to document how unhealthy foods are bundled together to be more attractive to consumers in Johannesburg, South Africa.