This study evaluated the capabilities of a high-voltage technique for the detection of pinhole leaks by using flexible pouches and semi-rigid cups for foods. This evaluation was performed by measuring the discharge voltage when high voltages ranging from 0.25 to 10 kV were applied to sample packages. The results showed that package contact surface area, film thickness, food type and electrical conductivity are significant factors affecting the detection of pinhole leaks in flexible pouches by a high-voltage leak detection (HVLD) system within the ranges tested ( p < 0.05). For plastic cups with plastic-laminated and foil-laminated lids, the headspace inside a cup had the greatest effect followed by dielectric constant of lid films, electrical conductivity of foods and pinhole diameter ( p < 0.01). In general, the HVLD system can detect pinholes as small as 10 mm in both plastic-laminated and foil-laminated pouches and lid cups, even at worst-case scenario conditions, including liquid, semi-solid and solid foods with 0.85 a w . Because of high voltages applied, however, delamination in foil-laminated films occurred when an applied voltage was greater than 3.5 kV, which resulted in increased oxygen permeability. Statistical z-test analysis of results from blind studies showed that the HVLD technique is significantly effective in determining defective pouches and cups with pinhole leaks as small as 10 mm ( p < 0.05). Therefore, it can be concluded that the HVLD technique is a promising non-destructive and on-line method to detect pinhole defects, which may be applicable to a wide range of hermetically sealed packages.
Background: Enteric fever remains a major concern in developing countries caused by Salmonella typhi. Recently, an upsurge in antimicrobial resistant strains has complicated the management. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical profile, compare typhidot test with blood culture and determine antimicrobial susceptibility pattern.Methods: Single centre descriptive study was conducted by enrolling children who presented with fever and who were either blood culture positive for S. typhi or typhidot positive. The clinico-laboratory data and antibiogram was studied.Results: Out of 76 cases, blood culture was positive in 35 (46%) cases. Typhidot test showed 92.11% positivity. Abdominal pain (78%), vomiting (68%), hepatomegaly (68%) and splenomegaly (43%) were most commonly observed. The sensitivity for classical drugs chloramphenicol, ampicillin and cotrimoxazole was 88.57%, 74.28% and 77.14%. High susceptibility to ceftriaxone (97.14%) and high resistance to ciprofloxacin (55.14%) was observed.Conclusions: Prompt diagnosis of enteric fever is essential for appropriate management therefore, important to have conventional tests like typhidot test. There is re-emergence of sensitivity to the classical drugs. Ceftriaxone as monotherapy is quite effective. Effective vaccination strategy and hygienic practices can decrease the burden of this disease.
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