Foodborne illness resulting from infectious organisms occurring in vegetables and processed meat is a serious health concern in the United States. Improved and cost‐effective techniques for disinfection are needed. Visible light in the blue range (405 nm) was administered to processed meat that had been inoculated with Escherichia coli. One application of light energy at doses of 10, 30, 60, and 100 J/cm2 was applied, in vitro. In the case of vegetables contaminated with Salmonella (cucumbers), 464 nm light was used at 6, 12, and 18 J/cm2. In both cases, after 20 hours of incubation, colony‐forming units were counted and compared to controls to determine whether the light energy inhibited growth of E. coli or Salmonella. E. coli – 405 nm light at doses of 30, 60, and 100 J/cm2 were all effective inhibitors of the organism. Kill rates of 75.61 – 96.34% were achieved. Salmonella – 464 nm light at doses of 6, 12, and 18 J/cm2 produced significant inactivation of the organism. Kill rates of 80.23–100% were obtained. Blue light, delivered in the wavelength/dose combinations used in this study is an effective inhibitor of both E. coli and Salmonella on actual foodstuffs. Blue light should be considered as a potentially effective tool in the effort to protect humans from foodborne illnesses.

The sine oculis (SIX) family of transcription factors are key regulators of developmental processes during embryogenesis. Members of this family control gene expression to promote self-renewal of progenitor cell populations and govern mechanisms of cell differentiation. When the function of SIX genes becomes disrupted, distinct congenital defects develops both in animal models and humans. In addition to the embryonic setting, members of the SIX family have been found to be critical regulators of tumorigenesis, promoting cell proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and metastasis. Research in both the fields of developmental biology and cancer research have provided an extensive understanding of SIX family transcription factor functions. Here we review recent progress in elucidating the role of SIX family genes in congenital disease as well as in the promotion of cancer. Common themes arise when comparing SIX transcription factor function during embryonic and cancer development. We highlight the complementary nature of these two fields and how knowledge in one area can open new aspects of experimentation in the other.

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The application of 405-nm light at a dose of 20 J/cm is an effective in vitro inhibitor of T mentagrophytes. To give results similar to those seen when a photosensitizing material is included, 3 to 5 applications of this wavelength and dose condition delivered over 28 hours is likely needed.