Load Of Microorganisms Research Articles

An open label, single-centric, post market clinical study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new antimicrobial wound dressing (VELVERT) as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of venous leg ulcer.

An open label, single-centric, post market clinical study was undertaken to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new antimicrobial wound dressing (VELVERT) as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of venous leg ulcer (VLU). Patients with VLU of grade C-5 according to CEAP classification and above were evaluated using doppler ultra sound. The efficacy of new antimicrobial wound dressing (VELVERT) was assessed in terms of wound area reduction within a time frame of 60 days and surgeon questioners. Patients were evaluated for VELVERT safety and pain level on a scale of 0-10 Numeric Pain Chart. Presence of micro-organism load was monitored at regular time interval. VELVERT treatment was effective as 71.43% reduction in the ulcer area was observed. After 60 days, a total of 9 (45%) patients had complete ulcer closure. A remarkable decrease in the severity of pain was observed with 11 (55%) patients expressing no pain at the EOT. Swab test showed negative result for micro-organism growth. No serious adverse events were observed during the trial. The data indicates that VELVERT is an effective treatment for VLUs and showed the potential in the wound care of VLUs.

Enhancing Freshness: A Comparative Study of Innovative Preservation Methods for Berries and Leafy Greens

Berry and leafy greens are some of the most difficult types of food to preserve and ensure they be fresh for as long as possible. The present research assesses the impact of modern preservation procedures namely High Pressure Processing (HPP), Active Packaging, and Edible Coatings with the conventional preservation methods such as Refrigeration and Freezing on microbial load, textural properties, color, and nutrient retention of perishable produce. Purchased strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and spinach, lettuce and kale are possible candidates for preservation methods; the treatments employed in the study included a control no treatment group. Microbial load, texture firmness, colour, Vitamin C and Iron content and sensory evaluation parameters were used in this study. Those found out that HPP technology was the most efficient, cutting through microbial deposits to crops, and retaining texture, color, and nutrients in better ways than the ordinary washing techniques or even the control methods. Overall, the microorganism load was the lowest in HPP-treated produce, e. g., strawberries with 2. 5 × 10² CFU/g, while strawberries treated with HPP had the best texture firmness of 8. 5 N, and better retention of Vitamin C and Iron compared with other treatments. Both Active Packaging and Edible Coatings were also observed to be effective in a way that was superior to inactive packaging but not as effective as HPP. However, it was observed that sensory acceptability score was higher in HPP treated samples, so it enhances the quality as well as the appealing aesthetic value of fresh perishables. From this research, it becomes clear that there is a high possibility for innovative methods to extend the shelf life of the perishable crops while positive contributing to the widely useful methods and efficient preservation techniques of perishable crops.

Value of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid metagenomic next-generation sequencing in acute exacerbation of fibrosing interstitial lung disease: an individualized treatment protocol based on microbiological evidence

BackgroundAcute exacerbation of fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (AE-ILD) is a serious life-threatening event per year. Methylprednisolone and/or immunosuppressive agents (ISA) are a mainstay in any regimen, under the premise that pulmonary infection has been promptly identified and controlled. We investigated the value of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) on the treatment adjustment of AE-ILD.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional observational study. All data were collected prospectively and retrospectively analyzed. We included fifty-six patients with AE-ILD and nineteen stable ILD who underwent BALF mNGS at the beginning of admission.ResultsPatients with a variety of ILD classification were included. Connective–tissue disease related ILD (CTD-ILD) occupy the most common underlying non-idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (non-IPF). The infection-triggered AE accounted for 39.29%, with the majority of cases being mixed infections. The microorganisms load in the AE-ILD group was significantly higher. After adjusted by mNGS, the therapy coverage number of pathogens was significantly higher compared to the initial treatment (p < 0.001). After treatment, the GGO score and the consolidation score were significantly lower during follow up in survivors (1.57 ± 0.53 vs. 2.38 ± 0.83 with p < 0.001, 1.11 ± 0.24 vs. 1.49 ± 0.47 with p < 0.001, respectively). Some detected microorganisms, such as Tropheryma whipplei, Mycobacterium, Aspergillus, and mixed infections were difficult to be fully covered by empirical medication. BALF mNGS was also very helpful for excluding infections and early administration of methylprednisolone and/or ISA.ConclusionsmNGS has been shown to be a useful tool to determine pathogens in patients with AE-ILD, the results should be fully analyzed. The comprehensive treatment protocol based on mNGS has been shown crucial in AE-ILD patients.

Comparative analysis of the microbiota of prostate secretion in patients with chronic abacterial prostatitis of categories IIIa and IIIb

Numerous studies have established that chronic prostatitis/ chronic pelvic pain syndrome ( CP/CPPS) is the focus of attention of the global medical community, because it is the most common type of disease, the treatment of which has largely unsatisfactory results.Purpose of the work: to conduct a comparative analysis of the microbiota of prostate secretions in patients with CP/CPPS IIIa and IIIb using mass spectrometry of microbial markers (MSMM).Material and methods. A prospective comparative study was conducted from 2018 to 2023 at the SM-Clinic medical center. 205 patients with prostatitis-like symptoms and 70 males who applied for a screening examination with no complaints at the age of 25 to 50 years were selected. The subjects were divided into three groups: group 1 – patients with CP/CPPS category IIIa, group 2 ( n = 85) patients with CP/CPPS category IIIb with clinical manifestations of chronic prostatitis and group 3 ( n = 70) – without clinical manifestations prostatitis/control group. A study of the microbiota of prostate secretions was carried out using gas chromatograph mass spectrometer "Maestro" (LLC "Interlab", Russia).Results. The results of statistical analysis showed that the level of cocci and bacilli, anaerobes, actinobacteria, fungi and yeasts, as well as total viruses in patients with CP/CPPS IIIa, compared with patients with CP/CPPS IIIb and the control group, was significantly higher ( p = 0.0020 ; p &lt; 0.0001; p &lt; 0.0001; p = 0.0254; p = 0.0254). It was revealed that in patients with CP/CPPS IIIa, compared with patients with CP/CPPS IIIb and healthy people, there was a significant increase in the total load of cocci and bacilli, anaerobes, actinobacteria, fungi and yeasts, as well as total viruses . When analyzing the relationship between the absolute number of microorganisms, it was revealed that an increase in the level of many microorganisms is associated with an increase in the probability of detecting a leukocyte level 10. An analysis of the relationship between the occurrence of individual microorganisms and leukocyte values in prostate secretions ≥10 showed that an increase in the indicators of many microorganisms, compared with the control group, increased the chances of having a leukocyte level ≥10 several times.Conclusion. Identification of microbial associations in prostate secretions using the MSMM method and an increase in the total load of microorganisms in patients with CP/CPPS IIIa, compared with CP/CPPS IIIa and the control group, suggests the role of infection in a certain part of patients with CP/CPPS IIIa, which dictates the need to change the view of the urologist in the diagnosis and treatment strategy of these patients.

Microbiological Assessment of Dairy Products Produced by Small-Scale Dairy Producers in Serbia.

The microbiological quality of dairy products from small-scale producers in Serbia was analysed. A total of 302 dairy products [raw (n = 111) and pasteurized milk cheeses (n = 79) and kajmak (n = 112)], were collected and tested for the presence of pathogens, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp., and enumerated for Coagulase-positive staphylococci (CPS), Escherichia coli, and yeasts and moulds. None of the samples tested positive for Salmonella spp., while L. monocytogenes was recovered from one raw milk cheese and five kajmak samples. Raw milk cheese and kajmak also had higher levels of indicator microorganisms, namely E. coli and yeast and moulds. Molecular serotyping grouped L. monocytogenes isolates into serogroups 1 (1/2a and 3a) and 3 (1/2b, 3b, and 7). When exposed to eight antibiotics, L. monocytogenes isolates were mostly sensitive, with the exception of oxacillin and reduced susceptibility to clindamycin, penicillin G, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, emphasizing the importance of continuous surveillance for antimicrobial resistance. Samples that tested positive for Listeria spp. also had higher loads of indicator microorganisms, namely E. coli and yeast and moulds, suggesting lapses in hygiene practices during production. Collectively, these data emphasize the need for improved food safety and hygiene practices among small-scale dairy producers. This is crucial to reduce the microbial contamination and improve both the quality and safety of dairy products in the Serbian market.

The effect of using nano and microbubbles as aeration strategies on the nitrification process, microbial community composition, and growth of Penaeus vannamei in a super-intensive biofloc system

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of using nano and microbubbles as aeration strategies on the nitrification process, microbial community composition of water and biofilm, microbial flocs proximate composition, and growth of Penaeus vannamei in a pilot scale super-intensive system with biofloc technology. A grow-out (stocking density: 450 shrimp m−3) was carried out for 74 days in a greenhouse with nine 35 m3 tanks, using the following treatments: T1: nanobubbles, T2: microbubbles, T3: mixed (nano + microbubbles). The nanobubbles were generated by nozzle-type air injectors and the microbubbles were generated by microperforated hoses. Artificial substrates, with an area equivalent to 200% of the lateral surface, were used into the experimental units. Molasses was used as an organic carbon source at a carbon:nitrogen ratio of 15:1. The main morphotypes of bacteria in the water and in the biofilm were analyzed using direct counting and a profile of the bacterial composition of the water was performed using metagenomic analysis. Control of total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) was better in treatments T2 and T3 than in T1. At the end of the experiment, treatment T3 showed a higher total abundance of bacteria in the water than T1 and T2. Bacillus abundance in the biofilm was higher in the T3 treatment than in T1 and T2. The relative abundance of nitrifying bacteria was <1% in all treatments. Treatment T1 had a higher relative abundance of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria than the others. However, the T3 treatment had a better distribution of nitrifying bacteria species. T3 treatment showed a higher diversity and evenness of operational taxonomic units. The microbial flocs in the T2 had a higher crude protein content than in the T1. These results indicate that the use of a mixed aeration system promotes a higher load of microorganisms, which has proven to improve water quality and can influence shrimp growth. The shrimp final weight was higher in T1 (12.57 g) and T3 (12.54 g) than in T2 (11.70 g), survival was higher in T3 (97.17%) than in T1 (80.33%), and yield was higher in T3 (4.61 Kg m−3) than in T1 (4.06 Kg m−3) and T2 (4.21 Kg m−3). The treatment that used nano and microbubble as aeration strategy (T3) proved to be the best as it provided better TAN control, higher abundance of bacillus bacteria in the biofilm, higher diversity and evenness of bacteria, and even higher shrimp growth and survival.

Proximate and Microbial Analysis of Yellow, White and Spoilt Garri Sold in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

This study explored the proximate and microbial composition of garri, a widely consumed starchy food in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria, Ghana, and neighboring countries. Garri, derived from cassava, is esteemed for its extended shelf life, cost-effectiveness, and nutritional value, holding a significant place in West African diets. Samples of yellow and white garri, including spoilt variations, were procured from four distinct local markets (Obinze, Relief, Eke Ukwu, and Ihiagwa) and subjected to thorough analysis using standard methods. Proximate analysis encompassed key components such as ash content, moisture, fiber content, lipids, protein, carbohydrates, and energy in both white and yellow garri from different markets. White garri exhibited a higher ash content (1.70±0.58%) than yellow garri (1.27±0.24%). Moisture content was greater in white garri (15.74±0.23%) compared to yellow garri (12.55±0.57%). Fiber content was 9.12±0.23% in yellow garri and 8.018±0.09% in white garri. Lipid content was 0.33±0.46% in yellow garri and 0.09±0.18% in white garri. Protein content showed values of 0.50±0.89% for yellow garri and 0.66±0.38% for white garri. Carbohydrate content was 76.91±0.71% in yellow garri and 74.91±0.067% in white garri. Energy content (kJ/100g) was 960.59±0.93 for yellow garri and 1268.18±0.39 for white garri. Microbial analysis conducted on the samples from each market revealed bacterial load of various ranges. Fresh white garri bacterial loads ranged from 3.25±0.83 log10 CFU/g (Ihiagwa) to 3.93±0.67 log CFU/g (Eke Ukwu). Fresh yellow garri bacterial loads ranged from 2.27±0.43 log CFU/g (Ihiagwa) to 2.92±0.54 log CFU/g (Eke Ukwu). Statistical analysis indicated no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) in bacterial loads between white and yellow garri. Spoilt white garri bacterial loads ranged from 5.27±0.56 log CFU/g (Ihiagwa) to 5.93±0.43 log CFU/g (Eke Ukwu), and a similar trend was observed for spoilt yellow garri (5.34±0.46 log CFU/g to 5.95±0.16 log CFU/g). The study identified bacteria isolates, including Bacillus spp, Staphylococcus spp, and Streptococcus spp. This study underscores the importance of educating producers and sellers on proper processing and handling procedures to enhance the microbial quality and safety of garri products. The high microbial load and presence of some pathogenic microorganisms in the garri samples should serve as great eye-opener to the consumers of raw garri.

USO DE COAGULANTES NO TRATAMENTO DE EFLUENTE DE LAVANDERIA HOSPITALAR: A BUSCA POR PROCESSOS FÍSICO-QUÍMICOS SUSTENTÁVEIS VISANDO REMOÇÃO DE POLUENTES E MICRORGANISMOS PATOGÊNICOS

USE OF COAGULANTS IN THE TREATMENT OF HOSPITAL LAUNDRY EFFLUENT: THE SEARCH FOR SUSTAINABLE PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL PROCESSES TO REMOVAL POLLUTANTS AND PATHOGENIC MICROORGANISMS. Hospital laundry is an important source of environmental pollution because its effluent contains high loads of organic matter and microorganisms. Conventionally, the treatment is carried out using aluminum sulfate, a low-cost and highly efficient coagulant that is related to secondary contamination due to the generation of non-biodegradable sludge, its ability to accumulate metals and toxicity. Aiming for sustainable alternatives, the efficiency of tannin from the natural coagulant and Moringa oleifera seed was evaluated in relation to aluminum sulfate, seeking to adapt the color and turbidity parameters and determine the antimicrobial activity of the seed. Using a concentration of 100 mg L-1 of aluminum sulfate, 97.4 and 93.95% of color and turbidity removals in the effluent were obtained, respectively. With 50 mg L-1 tannin showed an efficiency of 84.96% for color removal and 89.75% for turbidity. Tests were also carried out with Moringa oleifera seeds using saline seed extract, crushed seeds and aqueous seed extract, with a reduction in conductivity by more than 99%, removing pollutant ions for the saline extract. Of the methodologies used, the best result was obtained with the aqueous extract, achieving removals of 89.63% of color, 78.33% of turbidity, and inhibition of more than 98.1% of microorganism growth.

Сравнительный анализ микробиоты секрета простаты у больных хроническим абактериальным простатитом категории IIIа и IIIб

Numerous studies have established that chronic prostatitis/ chronic pelvic pain syndrome ( CP/CPPS) is the focus of attention of the global medical community, because it is the most common type of disease, the treatment of which has largely unsatisfactory results. Purpose of the work: to conduct a comparative analysis of the microbiota of prostate secretions in patients with CP/CPPS IIIa and IIIb using mass spectrometry of microbial markers (MSMM). Material and methods. A prospective comparative study was conducted from 2018 to 2023 at the SM-Clinic medical center. 205 patients with prostatitis-like symptoms and 70 males who applied for a screening examination with no complaints at the age of 25 to 50 years were selected. The subjects were divided into three groups: group 1 – patients with CP/CPPS category IIIa, group 2 ( n = 85) patients with CP/CPPS category IIIb with clinical manifestations of chronic prostatitis and group 3 ( n = 70) – without clinical manifestations prostatitis/control group. A study of the microbiota of prostate secretions was carried out using gas chromatograph mass spectrometer "Maestro" (LLC "Interlab", Russia). Results. The results of statistical analysis showed that the level of cocci and bacilli, anaerobes, actinobacteria, fungi and yeasts, as well as total viruses in patients with CP/CPPS IIIa, compared with patients with CP/CPPS IIIb and the control group, was significantly higher ( p = 0.0020 ; p &lt; 0.0001; p &lt; 0.0001; p = 0.0254; p = 0.0254). It was revealed that in patients with CP/CPPS IIIa, compared with patients with CP/CPPS IIIb and healthy people, there was a significant increase in the total load of cocci and bacilli, anaerobes, actinobacteria, fungi and yeasts, as well as total viruses . When analyzing the relationship between the absolute number of microorganisms, it was revealed that an increase in the level of many microorganisms is associated with an increase in the probability of detecting a leukocyte level ≥10. An analysis of the relationship between the occurrence of individual microorganisms and leukocyte values in prostate secretions ≥10 showed that an increase in the indicators of many microorganisms, compared with the control group, increased the chances of having a leukocyte level ≥10 several times. Conclusion. Identification of microbial associations in prostate secretions using the MSMM method and an increase in the total load of microorganisms in patients with CP/CPPS IIIa, compared with CP/CPPS IIIa and the control group, suggests the role of infection in a certain part of patients with CP/CPPS IIIa, which dictates the need to change the view of the urologist in the diagnosis and treatment strategy of these patients

Prevalence of salivary microbial load and lactic acid presence in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals with different dental caries stages.

This study aims to correlate caries-causing microorganism load, lactic acid estimation, and blood groups to high caries risk in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals and low caries risk in healthy individuals. This study includes 30 participants divided into 3 groups: Group A, High-risk caries diabetic individuals; Group B, High-risk caries non-diabetic individuals; and Group C, Low-risk caries individuals. The medical condition, oral hygiene, and caries risk assessment (American Dental Association classification and International Caries Detection and Assessment System scoring) were documented. Each individual's 3 mL of saliva was analyzed for microbial load and lactic acid as follows: Part I: 2 mL for microbial quantity estimation using nutrient agar and blood agar medium, biochemical investigation, and carbohydrate fermentation tests; Part II: 0.5 mL for lactic acid estimation using spectrophotometric analysis. Among the selected individuals, blood group correlation was assessed. The χ2 test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and post hoc analysis were done using Dunn's test (p < 0.05). Group A had the highest microbial load and lactic acid concentration, followed by Groups B and C. The predominant bacteria were Lactobacilli (63.00 ± 15.49) and Streptococcus mutans (76.00 ± 13.90) in saliva. Blood Group B is prevalent in diabetic and non-diabetic high-risk caries patients but statistically insignificant. Diabetic individuals are more susceptible to dental caries due to high microbial loads and increased lactic acid production. These factors also lower the executing tendency of neutrophils, which accelerates microbial accumulation and increases the risk of caries in diabetic individuals.

CHALQUEÑO MAIZE (Zea mays L.) YIELD UNDER DIFFERENT FERTILIZATION SCHEMES IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF APAN, HIDALGO, MEXICO

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background.&lt;/strong&gt; In Mexico, corn is the most important crop, being an important input with food, economic, political, and social implications. However, intensive cultivation methods, based on chemical pesticides, monoculture and synthetic agrochemicals have caused a reduction in soil fertility and crop yields. An alternative, which can help restore soil fertility, increasing organic matter, moisture retention and the load of microorganisms, is mixed fertilizer. Stimulating, in addition, the defense systems of the plants and thus increasing the yield of the crops. &lt;strong&gt;Objective.&lt;/strong&gt; To evaluate some fertilization schemes in Chalqueño maize plants through the measurement of some growth and yield variables. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology.&lt;/strong&gt; A completely randomized block experimental design was established with three repetitions, where four fertilization schemes were evaluated (T1, control without fertilizer input; T2, chemical fertilizer; T3, organic fertilizer; and T4, chemical fertilizer + organic fertilizer) during the crop years 2019-2020. &lt;strong&gt;Results.&lt;/strong&gt; The analyzes showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) between the evaluated treatments and years of cultivation. Being the T4 treatment, the one that obtained the best grain yield for the years 2019 and 2020, with values of 5.11 ± 0.05&lt;sup&gt;b&lt;/sup&gt; t ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; and 6.57 ± 0.95&lt;sup&gt;a&lt;/sup&gt; t ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;, while the T1 treatment, recorded 1.59 ± 0.12&lt;sup&gt;f&lt;/sup&gt; t ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; and 2.15 ± 0.38&lt;sup&gt;e&lt;/sup&gt; t ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;, respectively. &lt;strong&gt;Implications.&lt;/strong&gt; With the information generated, it will be possible to implement the best fertilization scheme that provides the corn plants with all the necessary nutrients so that year after year they obtain the best grain yields. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusion.&lt;/strong&gt; Through the results it was possible to demonstrate the negative effect of environmental factors (higher temperature and less rainfall), on the yield of the corn crop during the year 2019, with respect to the best yield result obtained for all the treatments during the year 2020 where a lower temperature and higher rainfall were recorded. Being equally evident the positive effect on the yield when plants were fertilized with the T4 treatment that provided to the corn crop with an adequate dose of moisture and macro and micronutrients.&lt;/p&gt;

Viability dyes quantitative PCR (vPCR) assays targeting foodborne pathogens - scientific prospecting (2010–2022)

This prospective review aims to map published assays using viability dyes combined with qPCR (vPCR) to detect viable cells or capsid integrity of pathogens, focusing on food analysis. Studies in the period 2010–2022 were identified in web databases. This scientific foresight study summarizes information on the number of publications, vPCR assays carried out in recent years, and the main target foodborne pathogen species. When using the search terms (“viability dyes” OR “PMA”) AND “quantitative PCR” AND “Foodborne pathogens”, 441 documents were found, of which 288 scientific articles. Among the scientific articles in our search using these keywords, 58 articles refer to the vPCR use for foodborne pathogens detection. Scientific papers on vPCR assays primarily target the following foodborne pathogens: Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Bacillus cereus, and Cronobacter sakazakii, which pose problems for food safety and public health. Challenges for vPCR assay are the optimization of intercalating dye concentration and light exposure conditions for different food matrices. The interference of non-target microorganisms should be considered for food samples containing high microorganisms load.

Genital tract infections, the vaginal microbiome and gestational age at birth among pregnant women in South Africa: a cohort study protocol

IntroductionPreterm birth complications are the most common cause of death in children under 5 years. The presence of multiple microorganisms and genital tract inflammation could be the common mechanism driving...

Does aPDT reduce bacterial load in endodontic infected teeth? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review investigated whether antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) after chemomechanical root canal disinfection (CD) yields a greater microbial load reduction than only CD. An electronic literature search was conducted on four databases up to November 2022, with no language or publication date restrictions. Randomized and non-randomized clinical trials were included if participants had a primary endodontic infection in permanent teeth, and if microbial loads before and after using aPDT were compared. Two researchers independently screened titles and abstracts to determine study eligibility. Assessments included risk of bias and methodological quality. This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020181783). Eight studies were included in the qualitative analysis, and six were eligible for meta-analysis. In the random effects model, aPDT significantly improved the results of root canal disinfection when compared with standard protocols for cleaning and shaping (p = 0.04, 95% CI -1.72, -0.05). Subgroup analysis suggested that aPDT has a better effect on reducing the load of anaerobic microorganisms (p = 0.003, 95% CI -3.36, -0.69). The use of aPDT as an adjunct to chemomechanical disinfection promotes additional reduction of the microbial load and, therefore, seems to improve the results of root canal treatments in permanent teeth with a primary endodontic infection. However, certainty of evidence should be improved.

Mechanisms and Applications of Citral's Antimicrobial Properties in Food Preservation and Pharmaceuticals Formulations.

Citral is a monoterpene constituted by two isomers known as neral and geranial. It is present in different plant sources and recognized as safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In recent years, investigations have demonstrated that this compound exhibited several biological activities, such as antibacterial, antifungal, antibiofilm, antiparasitic, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, by in vitro and in vivo assays. Additionally, when incorporated into different food matrices, citral can reduce the microbial load of pathogenic microorganisms and extend the shelf life. This compound has acceptable drug-likeness properties and does not present any violations of Lipinski's rules, which could be used for drug development. The above shows that citral could be a compound of interest for developing food additives to extend the shelf life of animal and vegetable origin foods and develop pharmaceutical products.

Plankton community in Penaeus vannamei nurseries with synbiotic system under different frequencies of adjustment on Ca:Mg:K ratio in low salinity water

The aim of this study was to evaluate plankton communities in Penaeus vannamei nurseries under different frequencies of adjustment on Ca:Mg:K ratio in low salinity water and with synbiotic system. A nursery culture was carried out for 40 days, using 2000 shrimp m⁻³. Following treatments were established: 1IA (Ca:Mg:K ratio adjustment to 1:3:1 on day 1); 2IA (Ca:Mg:K ratio adjustment to 1:3:1 on day 1 and day 20); 3IA (Ca:Mg:K ratio adjustment to 1:3:1 on day 1, day 10, and day 20); SW (seawater - salinity of 31 g L−1); and SWD (seawater diluted to a salinity of 2.3 g L−1). Rice bran processed by probiotic microorganisms was used as an organic carbon source. Treatments did not have a significant effect on phytoplankton and zooplankton composition. However, plankton composition was significantly different over the experimental course. A reduced abundance of Cyanophyta was observed compared to traditional aquaculture systems. This can be explained by the probiotic bacteria addition to the system, along with fertilization, which may have limited the growth of this harmful algae. Throughout the experiment, zooplankton community had a dominance by protozoan microorganisms, such as amoebae and ciliates. The presence of copepods and rotifers was also observed throughout the experimental course. This proves that the use of the synbiotic system provides conditions for the microbial loop development, mimicking a natural environment. Different adjustment frequencies in the water Ca:Mg:K ratio do not significantly change plankton composition in P. vannamei intensive nurseries using low salinity water and synbiotic system. Temporal variation in plankton composition probably occurred due to fertilization of the system with an organic carbon source. The use of the synbiotic system proved to be efficient in microbial loop development, providing the growth of a high load of microorganisms that can influence water quality and shrimp growth in low salinity water.

Comparative analyses of milk and water kefir: Fermentation temperature, physicochemical properties, sensory qualities, and metagenomic composition

Milk and water kefir have been attractive to consumers as health-promoter fermented beverages. Although both are called “kefir”, they differ in physicochemical and microbial properties. In this study, we aimed to compare milk and water kefir in terms of biomass increase, physicochemical properties, sensory qualities, and microbial loads incubated at different incubation temperatures (20 °C, 25 °C, and 30 °C) to mimic approximate room temperatures in various seasons. Additionally, the microbial diversity of the grains was compared through metagenomic analysis. The results showed that the biomass increase, physicochemical properties, and sensory analysis of milk kefir grains depended on the fermentation temperature (p < 0.05); while in general, water kefir was not affected by the fermentation temperature. The highest total dry matter, protein, and fat content, and the least acidity were recorded at 20 °C in milk kefir drinks (p < 0.05). Around 8 and 6 log CFU/ml microorganism loads (Lactobacillus spp., Lactococcus spp., yeasts, total aerobe, and anaerobe bacteria) were recorded for milk and water kefir drinks, respectively, regardless of the temperature. Bifidobacterium load was recorded as the lowest for both kefir drinks. The dominant species of bacteria and yeasts were determined as Lactobacillus parakefiri (21.28%) and Geotricum silvicola (65.10%) in milk kefir grain, and Lactobacillus nagelii (95.69%) and Dekkera bruxellensis (95.24%) in water kefir grain, respectively. The study showed that milk and water kefir differ in terms of physicochemical, sensory, and microbial aspects. Despite its low protein content, water kefir would be a probiotic substitute for milk kefir due to its probiotic features for vegans or people with lactose intolerance.

PHYSICOCHEMICAL, MICROBIOLOGICAL AND SENSORY ANALYSES OF FUNCTIONAL DETOX JUICES FERMENTED WITH WATER KEFIR GRAINS

In this study, detox juice prepared from green fruit and vegetable juices was fermented with water kefir grains at 25 ℃ for 48 hours and stored at 4 ℃ for 6 days. The samples had pH values of 3.41-3.97, titratable acidity of 0.196-0.495 g/100 mL, and brix values of 8%-10.4%. The 0th day samples had less phenolic substance than the control (861.26±0.24 mg GAE/L) (P&amp;lt;0.05). DPPH (82.2±0.19%) and CUPRAC (1.18±0.05 mmol Trolox/g) were the highest on the 6th day of storage. At the end of fermentation, an increase in color values for L* and b* and a decrease in a* value were determined (P&amp;lt;0.05). The microorganism loads rose from the 2nd to the 6th day of storage. Green fruit and vegetable juices may be utilized to make water kefir, an innovative functional beverage for vegetarians and vegans who can not consume probiotic dairy products.

The Effect of Vitamin C and E Supplementation into Drinking Water on Carcass Characteristics, Meat Quality and Intestinal Microflora During Pre-Slaughter Feed Withdrawal in Broiler Chickens

This study investigates the effects of adding vitamin C and E to the drinking water on carcass characteristics, meat quality and intestinal microflora populations in broiler chickens during the 10-h pre-slaughter feed withdrawal (FW) period. As study materials, forty male broilers at the age of 42 days were used. The broilers were randomly divided into four groups: Control (non-vitamin, NV), vitamin C (1000 mg/L, VC), vitamin E (500 mg/L, VE) and vitamin combination (1000 mg/L VC+500 mg/L VE, VCE). In the study, vitamin additions didn’t affect carcass characteristics, visceral weights and the pH values of the digestive system (P&amp;gt;0.05). The addition of VC and VE increased the weight of the Bursa of Fabricius, and the addition of VE increased the weight of thymus (P&amp;lt;0.05). Additions of vitamin decreased tendency of carcass contamination (P&amp;lt;0.01) and increased pH45min and pH24h of thigh meat and pH24h of breast meat (P&amp;lt;0.05, P&amp;lt;0.01, P&amp;lt;0.01, respectively). While a* color intensity of breast and thigh meat increased with all vitamin supplements, L* and b* values of thigh meat decreased (P&amp;lt;0.01). Vitamin supplements, especially VE, reduced the drip loss of breast and thigh meat (P&amp;lt;0.05) and the pathogenic microorganism populations of intestinal contents (P&amp;lt;0.01). As a result, it is thought that the addition of 500 mg/L vitamin E to the drinking water of broiler chickens exposed to the pre-slaughter fasting period will be beneficial to improve meat quality and reduce intestinal pathogenic microorganism load. However, more extensive experimental studies are needed.

Isolation and Screening of Agriculturally Important Bacteria (PGPR) from Organic Sources of Nutrient (Panchgavya, Jeevamrit and Farm Yard Manure) for Future Use

Agriculture is an essential component to maintain the human health but due to sudden increase in population the demand has increased and to meet the requirement the use of chemical fertilizer has also increase. The continuous use of chemical fertilizer and pesticides degrade the quality and fertility of soil and also reduce the yield of various crops. The organic sources such as panchgavya, jeevamrit and Farm Yard Manure consists load of beneficial microorganisms that promote the plant growth, yield and promote natural resources. The present study was carried out by isolating the bacteria from organic sources (panchgavya, jeevamrit and FYM) because minute amount of bacterial culture is suffient to prepare large one according to need and can be stored for longer time as compare to organic input. The samples of panchgavya, jeevamrit and FYM were collected from different location of Himachal Pradesh. A total of 32 bacterial isolates from panchgavya, 43 from jeevamrit and 59 from FYM were isolated and screened for multiple plant growth promoting traits. Only 4 bacterial isolates from panchgavya, 2 from jeevamrit and 2 from FYM were preferred on the basis of maximum plant growth promoting traits like P-solubilization, Nitrogen fixer, Siderophore production, HCN production, IAA production and Antifungal activity. From the selected bacterial isolates 67.78% were P- solubilizers, 60.37% were Nitrogen fixer, 62.37% were Siderophore producer, 34.29% HCN producer, 45.88% IAA producer and 78.22% show antagonism against Pythium graminicolum and 74.81% show antagonism against Collectotrichum capsici. Hence these bacterial isolates have potential to act as biofertilizer for environment friendly sustainable agriculture systems and alternative to harmful chemicals.