Microbiological Characteristics Research Articles

Laboratory Evaluation of Transtracheal Wash (TTW) in Buffaloes Affected with Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Background- Evaluation of transtracheal wash (TTW) has been proved beneficial in the diagnosis and understanding the pathology of lower respiratory tract infection in species like equines and dogs. However, its diagnostic potential in buffaloes has not been explored much. This study elucidated the cytological and microbiological features of TTW in buffaloes. Methods- TTW was collected from 36 buffaloes (26 diseased and 10 healthy control) after adequately restraining and using baby feeding tube after giving a small stab incision at ventral neck region. After collection, TTW were subjected to cytological studies following staining with Leishman stain. TTW was also sent aseptically to laboratory for bacteriological culture. Results- The lower respiratory tract affections like aspiration pneumonia, suppurative pneumonia, fibrinopurulent pneumonia, chronic pneumonia and tuberculous pneumonia were diagnosed based on cytology of TTW in correlation with history and comprehensive clinical examination. The mean cell number (cells/HPF) in TTW of diseased buffaloes were significantly higher than control groups. In control groups, the predominant cells were alveolar macrophages followed by neutrophils, epithelial cells, lymphocytes and other cells which includes mast cells, fibroblasts and unidentified nucleated cells. Neutrophils were the predominant cells followed by macrophages in TTW of buffaloes diagnosed with suppurative, fibrinopurulent and aspiration pneumonia, whereas, alveolar macrophage were predominant in TTW of chronic pneumonia and tuberculous pneumonia affected animals. Four out of ten TTW samples from healthy animals were evidenced bacterial growth in which Staphylococcus spp. was the predominantly isolated bacteria. TTW samples from 20 out of 26 diseased buffaloes were found positive for bacterial culture from which a total of 30 bacterial isolates were obtained which include Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pasteurella multocida, Streptococcus spp., E. coli and Bacillus spp. Thus, TTW provides vital information about the ongoing pathogenesis in respiratory tract infection. It is suggested that, cytological and bacteriological culture of TTW samples should be carried out during the diagnosis and therapeutic intervention of respiratory tract infection in buffaloes.

Effect of autochthonous starter and non‐starter cultures on the physicochemical, microbiological and sensorial characteristics of Castellano cheese

The effect of different combinations of starter and non‐starter lactic acid bacteria on the physicochemical, colour, microbiological and sensory characteristics of Castellano cheese was investigated. Five batches of Castellano cheese were produced from pasteurised sheep's milk. Significant differences in pH, titratable acidity, microbial counts and sensory attributes between the cheese batches made with different starter cultures were found. In conclusion, the incorporation of autochthonous non‐starter lactic acid bacteria strains gave cheeses made with pasteurised milk better flavour and aroma characteristics than the batch made only with commercial starter culture.

Chemical, microbiological, textural, and sensory characteristics of pilot-scale Caciofiore cheese curdled with commercial Cynara cardunculus rennet and crude extracts from spontaneous and cultivated Onopordum tauricum

The aim of this study was the chemical, microbiological, textural, and sensory characterization of pilot-scale prototypes of an Italian ewe’s raw milk cheese (Caciofiore) curdled with commercial Cynara cardunculus rennet, used as a control, and crude extracts obtained from flowers of either spontaneous or cultivated Onopordum tauricum. Hence, the control and experimental cheese prototypes produced in two rounds of cheesemaking trials were assayed, at the end of their 60-day maturation, for the following features: pH, titratable acidity, dry matter, fat, total and soluble nitrogen (TN and SN, respectively), ash, salt, protein, lactose, viable plate counts and composition of the bacterial and fungal populations, color, texture, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and olfactory attributes by sensory analysis (the latter for the sole prototypes curdled with the commercial rennet and the extract obtained from cultivated O. tauricum). The data overall collected showed a very low impact of the type of thistle rennet on the analyzed cheese traits, with significant differences being exclusively found for SN/TN%, titratable acidity, color, and adhesiveness. By contrast, a higher impact of the cheesemaking round was seen, with significant differences being observed for salt content, load of presumptive lactobacilli, thermophilic cocci, and Escherichia coli, and levels of the following VOCs: 2,3-butanedione, 2-pentanone, 1-butanol, 2-heptanone, 3-methyl-1-butanol, 2-heptanol, 2-nonanone, dimethyl trisulfide, 2-methyl propanoic acid, butanoic acid, and 3-methyl butanoic acid. Sensory analysis revealed a strong ewe’s cheese odor, accompanied by other olfactory notes, such as pungent, sour curd, sweet, and Parmesan cheese-like notes, in all the analysed cheese prototypes. Moreover, key odor active compounds, including butanoic acid, ethyl butanoate, 2,3-butanedione, 1-octen-3-one, and dimethyl trisulfide, were identified by GC-olfactometry analysis. Regarding the odor attributes as determined by sensory analysis, again the type of rennet had an almost negligible impact, with significant differences being only perceived for 1 or 2 out of 20 odor attributes, depending on the analytical conditions applied. Although some aspects deserve further investigation, the results herein collected confirm that O. tauricum can be regarded as an alternative source of thistle rennet for the manufacture of Caciofiore cheese, and more in general, Mediterranean ewe’s milk cheeses.

The study on the possibility of using sewage sludge in the ecological reconstruction of contaminated sites from the petroleum industry

One field of activity that pollutes important land surfaces with hydrocarbons is the petroleum industry. In the ecological reconstruction of contaminated sites from the petroleum industry, natural geological resources are used to fill the excavations resulting from the decommissioning of some equipment and installations. Increasing amounts of sewage sludge are generated by the growing number of municipal wastewater treatment plants. For this reason, solutions are being sought for the elimination or utilization of sewage sludge. For the decontamination of soils polluted with petroleum hydrocarbons, bioremediation technologies with the help of microorganisms, especially bacteria are used on a large scale. From the results carried out in the present study, it appears that sewage sludge has microbiological, agrochemical, and geotechnical characteristics, which could make possible their utilization for the ecological reconstruction of sites contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbon. Thus, it would be possible to capitalize on the sewage sludge in the petroleum industry.

Causative microbes and antibiotic susceptibility of acute appendicitis in adults and children

In recent years, some studies have found that acute uncomplicated appendicitis can be treated with antibiotics alone. Because of the lack of relevant research on treating acute appendicitis in Taiwan, this study investigated the microbiological characteristics of acute appendicitis to permit accurate empirical antibiotic use for uncomplicated appendicitis. In this single-center retrospective cohort study, patients listed in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database with a discharge diagnosis of acute appendicitis were identified. Data for bacterial specimens and antibiotic susceptibility tests among patients treated at Tri-Service General Hospital between January 2016 and December 2021 were analyzed. Among 2805 patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis, 167 (6%) were <18 years old. The culture positivity rates among children and adults were 33% and 18%, respectively. In total, 367 aerobes and 207 anaerobes were isolated. The predominant aerobic gram-positive coccus was viridans group streptococci (8.9%), the most common aerobic gram-negative bacillus was Escherichia coli (27.9%), and the most common anaerobic microorganism was Bacteroides spp. (27.7%). The results of antibiotic susceptibility testing of the predominant microorganisms revealed that 86.3% of gram-positive aerobes were susceptible to ampicillin, 76.3% of gram-negative aerobes were susceptible to gentamicin, and all anaerobic isolates were susceptible to metronidazole. Triple first-line antibiotic combination therapy, including ampicillin, gentamicin, and metronidazole, remains highly effective against the pathogens that cause acute appendicitis.

Estudio descriptivo de las infecciones asociadas con instrumentación de columna en un hospital terciario

IntroductionSpinal instrumentation-related infections (SIRI) are one of the main causes of post-surgical complication and comorbidity. Our objective was to describe the clinical and microbiological characteristics, treatment and prognosis of these infections. Material and methodsWe conducted a retrospective study in our institution (2011-2018) including adult patients undergoing spinal instrumentation who met the diagnostic criteria for confirmed infection. Superficial surgical wound and deep intraoperative samples were processed for microbiological culture. The medical and orthopaedic team was always the same. ResultsForty-one cases were diagnosed of which 39 patients (95.1%) presented early infection (<3 months after initial surgery) with symptoms in the first two weeks, mean CRP at diagnosis was 133mg/dl and 23% associated bacteremia. The remaining two patients (4.8%) were chronic infections (symptoms >3 months after surgery). The treatment of choice in early infections was the Debridement, Antibiotics and Implant Retention (DAIR) strategy without removal of the bone graft, which successfully resolved 84.2% of the infections. The main etiology was gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus: 31.7%), followed by gram-negative and polymicrobial flora. Antibiotics were optimized according to cultures with a mean duration of 12 weeks. ConclusionsIn early infections, early diagnosis and DAIR strategy (with bone graft retention) demonstrated a healing rate higher than 80%.

Characterization of artisanal saffron ricotta cheese produced in Sicily: Physicochemical, microbiological, sensory, and antioxidant characteristics

The present study aims to characterize the artisanal saffron ricotta cheese produced from the whey of Piacentinu Ennese protected designation of origin (PDO) cheesemaking, including via technological parameters detected during the production process and by assessment of the main physicochemical, microbial, sensory, and antioxidant characteristics. A survey on the manufacture process of saffron and control ricotta cheese was conducted on 3 farms, located in the production area of the Piacentinu Ennese PDO cheese. pH and temperature followed a specific behavior, characterized by an inverse trend where pH decreased and temperature increased, playing an important role in the production process. All the analytical parameters were affected by the presence of saffron, also showing high between-farm variability, with significantly higher total solids and fat contents in saffron ricotta cheese compared with the control cheese (28.68% vs. 23.86%, and 19.83% vs. 14.22%, respectively). Microbial analysis showed significantly lower values in saffron compared with control ricotta cheese, for coliforms (1.51 vs. 1.91 log10 cfu/g, respectively), yeasts (1.55 vs. 2.06 log10 cfu/g, respectively), and molds (1.03 vs. 1.30 log10 cfu/g, respectively), denoting potential reduction of microbial growth asserted by saffron. Escherichia coli concentration (1.26 log10 cfu/g) in saffron ricotta cheese was in accordance with EU Regulation 2073/2005 and then safe for consumption. The presence of saffron influenced all sensory attributes, particularly color and aroma. Interestingly, high total antioxidant activity was found in saffron ricotta cheese (372 µC) compared with the control cheese. Thus, this artisanal dairy production could be considered a suitable option for functional foods with antimicrobial properties, due to the presence of saffron, which may contribute to extend the shelf life of the product. Further studies need to focus on the bioactive compounds that affect the antioxidant proprieties, characterization of the microbiota of saffron ricotta cheese, and evaluation of consumers' acceptance and perception as well as market demand.

Quality and safety aspects of traditionally air-dried and nitrite-free meat product with reduced salt level

This paper studies the effect of reduced sodium chloride amounts (3%, 5% and 7%) on the quality aspects and safety elements of traditionally salted ham without any nitrates and nitrites added, dried and ripened under natural air-drying conditions. The physicochemical and textural properties, the degree of proteolysis, the microbiological characteristics and sensory profile of dry-cured ham were analysed at different production stages. A salting degree above 3% in the manufacture of this traditional dried product had a key role in the development of the desired microbiological and sensory characteristics in the absence of nitrites. Salting of the pork hams with 5% and 7% sodium chloride for 45 days at a temperature of 2±2 °С ensured a salt concentration and water activity that would guarantee the product safety with regard to the microbiological risks during the subsequent drying and ripening under natural air-drying conditions. The Elena ham samples salted with 5% sodium chloride and ripened for a period of 12 months in natural air-drying chambers were characterized as having the most balanced flavor.

Physicochemical and Microbiological Assessment of Utaewa Estuary Water

Most communities in the oil rich Niger Delta find it difficult to access to potable water due to constant pollution of their natural water sources. The sole aim of this study was to examine the microbiological and physicochemical qualities of the Estuary water at Utaewa to ascertain its suitability for potable use. Standard culture dependent techniques as well as metagenomics approach using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) on Illumina Miseq platform was used to determine the microbiological characteristics while standard analytical procedures were employed to ascertain the physicochemical properties of Utaewa in Imo River. The average microbial counts ranged as follows: Total Heterotrophic Bacteria; 2.17±0.08x106 to 2.23±0.08x106 cfu/ml, Hydrocarbon Utilizing Bacteria; 1.03±0.06x105 to 1.39±0.08x105 cfu/ml, Total Heterotrophic Fungi; 1.23±0.13x105 to 1.64±0.09x105 cfu/ml, Hydrocarbon Utilizing Fungi; 7.9±0.21x103 to 8.6±1.00x103 cfu/ml. Bacterial isolates belonging to the genera Escherichia, Citrobacter, Bacillus, Salmonella, Shigella, Proteus, Flavobacterium, Vibrio, Micrococcus and Pseudomonas. were isolated and identified. The fungal isolates belonged to the genera Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Saccharomyces and Candida. On the other hand, Unknown (50.16%), Acinetobacter (8.34%), Ignatzschineria (4.73%), Planctomyces (3.28%), Anaerospora (3.27%), RS62 (2.73%), Methylophaga (1.64%), Wohlfahrtiimonas (1.31%), Myroides (1.23%) and Candidatus (0.95%) were captured by metagenomics analysis at the generic level. All the physicochemical parameters conformed to WHO and NIS standards for potable water except for Turbidity and Magnesium. Cultural methods used in this study were able to identify many potential water borne pathogens, metagenomics captured more microbial groups and give a better insight to bacterial composition and diversity. The presence of theses pathogenic bacteria underlies poor water quality and can pose public health threat to man and aquatic fauna. There is need to adhere to good hygienic practices and minimize the direct discharge of waste without proper treatment.

Mycobiota in Slovak wine grapes: A case study from the small Carpathians wine region.

The microbiological characteristics of the grapes are made up of a wide variety of microorganisms, including filamentous fungi. Their presence in grapes is traditionally associated with deterioration in quality. The health of the grapes is very important for obtaining quality wine. The objective of this study was to investigate the diversity of mycobiota on the surface and inside of different grapevine varieties at harvest time in the temperate climate of Slovakia and to identify potentially pathogenic isolates of Aspergillus and Penicillium producing selected mycotoxins. During the 2021 grape harvest, grapes were collected from the Small Carpathians wine region. Eleven grape samples were analyzed by the plating method and plating method with surface disinfection. Emphasis was placed on Aspergillus and Penicillium species because of their importance in mycotoxin production. Of the 605 fungal strains detected, 11 genera were identified in the exogenous mycobiota. The most common and abundant genera were Alternaria and Botrytis. In the genus Aspergillus, A. section Nigri is the most abundant, while in the genus Penicillium, P. raistrickii reached the highest frequency and abundance. Of the 379 strains detected and identified from the endogenous mycobiota, the most common genera were again Alternaria and Botrytis and the most abundant genus was Botrytis. Penicillium species were detected in 17% of all fungi found, with P. raistrickii dominating. The A. section Nigri reached only 4% of the relative density of all isolates. Potentially toxigenic Aspergillus and Penicillium species were tested for toxinogenity by thin layer chromatography. The most important mycotoxin-producing species found were A. section Nigri but without ochratoxin A production.

Candida parapsilosis complex in the clinical setting.

Representatives of the Candida parapsilosis complex are important yeast species causing human infections, including candidaemia as one of the leading diseases. This complex comprises C. parapsilosis, Candida orthopsilosis and Candida metapsilosis, and causes a wide range of clinical presentations from colonization to superficial and disseminated infections with a high prevalence in preterm-born infants and the potential to cause outbreaks in hospital settings. Compared with other Candida species, the C. parapsilosis complex shows high minimal inhibitory concentrations for echinocandin drugs due to a naturally occurring FKS1 polymorphism. The emergence of clonal outbreaks of strains with resistance to commonly used antifungals, such as fluconazole, is causing concern. In this Review, we present the latest medical data covering epidemiology, diagnosis, resistance and current treatment approaches for the C. parapsilosis complex. We describe its main clinical manifestations in adults and children and highlight new treatment options. We compare the three sister species, examining key elements of microbiology and clinical characteristics, including the population at risk, disease manifestation and colonization status. Finally, we provide a comprehensive resource for clinicians and researchers focusing on Candida species infections and the C. parapsilosis complex, aiming to bridge the emerging translational knowledge and future therapeutic challenges associated with this human pathogen.

Global landfill leachate characteristics: Occurrences and abundances of environmental contaminants and the microbiome

Landfill leachates are complex mixtures containing very high concentrations of biodegradable and recalcitrant toxic compounds. Understanding the major contaminant components and microbial community signatures in global landfill leachates is crucial for timely decision-making regarding contaminant management and treatment. Therefore, this study analyzed leachate data from 318 landfill sites primarily used for municipal solid waste disposal, focusing on their chemical and microbiological characteristics. The most prevalent and dominant components in landfill leachates are the chemical oxygen demand (COD, 3.7–75.9 × 103 mg/L) and NH4+ (0.03–0.81 × 104 mg/L), followed by salt species such as SO42- (0.03–5.25 × 103 mg/L), Cl- (3.2–7.8 × 103 mg/L), K+ (0.58–4.20 × 103 mg/L), Na+ (1.3–13.0 × 103 mg/L) and Ca2+ (2.35–230.23 × 103 mg/L), which exhibit significant fluctuations. Heavy metals and metalloids are widely distributed in most landfill leachates but at relatively low concentrations (<182.8 mg/L) compared to conventional parameters. Importantly, there is a distinct global variation in the occurrence of emerging environmental contaminants (ECs). Among these compounds, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, 0.02–7.50 × 103 μg/L) of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), bisphenol A (BPA, 0.01–33.46 × 103 μg/L) belonged to endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), together with di-ethyltoluamide (DEET, 1.0–1.0 × 103 μg/L) affiliated to pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are the most frequently detected in landfill leachates. Additionally, the microbial community compositions in most leachates are primarily dominated by Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, and Chloroflexi, and some of their abundances are correlated with the concentrations of NH4+, NO3-, Cl-, Na+ and Cr. Notably, the leading microbes driving advanced removal of inorganic nitrogen in the treatment systems are Candidatus Brocadia (anammox), denitrifying Thauera, nitrite-oxidizing bacteria Nitrospira, along with ammonia-oxidizing bacteria Nitrosomonas and Nitrosospira. The findings of this work provide a deeper insight into the leachate characteristics and the sustainable management of landfill leachates, especially presenting a snapshot of the global distribution of pollutants and also the microbiome.

Clinical and Microbiological Characteristics of Deep Neck Abscesses in Pediatrics: Analysis of a Case Series from a 3rd Level Pediatric Hospital.

As there is currently no consensus on managing deep neck infections in pediatric populations, we report a case series from a large pediatric hospital. Clinical data of patients discharged from Istituto Gaslini-Children's Hospital from January 2014 to June 2020 with peritonsillar, parapharyngeal, or retropharyngeal abscess diagnoses were collected. A total of 59 patients were identified. Patients underwent surgical drainage in 47% of cases. Streptococcus mitis/oralis was the most isolated pathogen. Surgically treated patients did have larger abscesses compared to others, but there were no differences in the duration of hospitalization. Children who received NSAIDs at home had significant delays in diagnosis (median 4 vs. 1.5 days, p = 0.008). In our experience, clinical presentation of DNIs is often evocative, but evaluation should include imaging with CT/MRI. Surgery is effective in larger abscesses, allowing for etiological diagnosis with consequent antibiotic adjusting. From an anamnestic point of view, home medications such as NSAIDs could delay diagnosis.

Risk Factors and Characteristics of Recalcitrant Osteomyelitis Following Initial Surgical and Antibiotic Treatment.

To evaluate the injury, patient, and microbiological characteristics that place patients at risk for recalcitrant fracture related infection and osteomyelitis despite appropriate initial treatment. Retrospective Chart Review. Three level I trauma centers. Two hundred and fifty-seven patients undergoing surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy for osteomyelitis from 2003 to 2019. Patients were categorized as having undergone serial bone debridement if they had two separate procedures a minimum of six weeks apart with a full course of appropriate antibiotics in between. Patient records were reviewed for age, injury location, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, comorbidities, and culture results including the presence of multidrug resistant organisms (MDRO) and culture-negative osteomyelitis. A total of 257 patients were identified; 49% (n=125) had a successful single course of treatment, and 51% (n=132) required repeat debridement for recalcitrant osteomyelitis. At the index treatment for osteomyelitis, the most common organisms in both groups were Methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). There was no significant difference in incidence of polymicrobial infection between the two groups (25% vs 20%, p=0.49). The most common organisms cultured at the time of repeat saucerization remained MRSA and MSSA, however, the same organism was cultured from both the index and repeat procedure in only 28% (n=37) of cases. Diabetic patients, IVDU, delay to diagnosis, and open fractures of the lower leg are independent risk factors for failure of initial treatment of post-traumatic osteomyelitis. Successful eradication of fracture related infection and post-traumatic osteomyelitis is difficult and fails 51% of the time despite standard surgical and antimicrobial therapy. While MRSA and MSSA remain the most common organisms cultured, patients who fail initial treatment for osteomyelitis often do not culture the same organisms as those obtained at the index procedure.

Quality evaluation and shelf life analysis of fruit juice cocktail containing Mango (Mangifera indica) and Pineapple (Ananascomosus)

The development of the innovative flavored juices by coalescing two or more distinct types of fruits is encouraged by the tremendous expansion of the juice industry. Fruit juice cocktails frequently contain high nutritional content as well as organoleptic features such as color, flavor, taste, and overall attractiveness of various fruits. The use of different heat treatments and storage temperatures on single juice has previously been extensively researched, however, only a limited study has been performed on a juice cocktail. Therefore, the effect of pasteurization temperature (60 °C and 90 °C) and storage temperature (4 °C and 25 °C) on physicochemical, microbial, and sensory properties of pineapple-mango juice cocktail was investigated. Standard procedures were used to determine physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics. The results of the study demonstrated a slight increase in TSS, acidity, and cloud stability during storage, while a gradual decrease in vitamin C, pH, total sugars, and Lovibond color. The S4 sample that was pasteurized at 60 °C for 20 min and maintained at 4°C storage temperature retained more vitamin C, acidity, and total sugar than the other samples. According to the microbiological data, the total viable count in the fruit juice cocktail samples varied from 3.42 × 102 to 8.5 × 107, and after two months of storage, the bacterial load in sample S4 increased from 3.52 × 102 to 5.5 × 103. The sensory evaluations revealed that all of the samples were widely accepted, with sample S4 having the greatest overall acceptance owing to the cocktails color, flavor, and taste. Therefore, this study demonstrates that perishable fruits may be turned into appealing juice cocktails, increasing the sensory characteristics and hence the products escalation value. These findings also promote the development of a healthy and nutritious, fruit-based juice cocktail.

Kombucha based on unconventional parts of the Hibiscus sabdariffa L.: Microbiological, physico-chemical, antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity and sensorial characteristics

This study aimed to develop and characterize two new types of kombucha beverages on H. sabdariffa L. of leaves and stems. For kombucha production, the microorganism's growth conditions in the tea from the leaves or stems were first evaluated. After that, the flavoring of the beverages with grape juice was performed. For the kombucha beverage on H. sabdariffa leaves, the optimized fermentation conditions were 5.93% leaves and 5.81% sucrose; for the kombucha beverage on H. sabdariffa stems, they were 4.75% stems and 9.30% sucrose. The fermentation and flavoring increased the phenolic and flavonoid compounds and the antioxidant activity. For the cytotoxicity, the incubated cells' morphologies and cell viability were not affected by the kombuchas. The two new types of grape-flavored kombucha beverages on H. sabdariffa were characterized by the sensory panel as vinegar aroma, leaves H. sabdariffa flavor, vinegar flavor, sour taste, and concentrated. The two new types of grape-flavored kombucha beverages on H. sabdariffa were well accepted. The results showed that the leaves and stems of the H. sabdariffa are potential raw materials for kombucha production.

Effect of Vacuum and Aerial Packaging on the Quality and Shelf Life of Broiler Meat Treated with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) treatment during the vacuum and aerial packaging affected the sensory, physicochemical, biochemical, and microbiological characteristics of chicken breast meat. Meat samples were separated into four treatment groups: T1 (aerial packaging of EVOO- treated meat), T2 (aerial packaging of raw meat), T3 (vacuum packaging of EVOO-treated meat), and T4 (vacuum packaging of raw meat). The samples' sensory, physicochemical, biochemical, and microbiological characteristics were determined at the 0, 5, 10, and 15 d of preservation. Regarding sensory properties, no significant differences (p&gt;0.05) were found in color, flavor, tenderness, juiciness, and overall acceptability scores of all the tested samples; still, T3 performed best and was most preferable among those. The pH levels varied significantly (p&lt;0.05) amongst the four treatment groups. In the T2 group, the most favorable raw pH was observed. Cooking loss varied significantly (p&lt;0.05) among various treatments, although water holding capacity (WHC) did not vary significantly (p&gt;0.05). However, T3 performed best in both cases. The most favorable thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value was found in T3. Additionally, compared to the other groups, T3 had significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower total viable count (TVC) and total yeast mold count (TYMC) values, whereas T4 had significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower total coliform count (TCC) values. Therefore, it can be concluded that, regarding sensory, anti-oxidative, physicochemical, and microbial properties, T3 (vacuum packaging of EVOO-treated meat) was better among all treatments.

Comparison of Physicochemical, Microbiological, and Sensorial Characteristics of Fermented Probiotic Drinks Produced from Corn and Cow Milks

This study was focused on preparing corn milk by boiling corns, and producing fermented probiotic drinks by adding inulin and sugar into this milk as well as producing a probiotic drink from cow's milk. Milks were fermented by using a yogurt starter culture and Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5. Fermented probiotic drinks were stored at 4°C for 30 days, and the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensorial characteristics of the drinks were compared during storage. The probiotic drink made from cow's milk exhibited the highest protein (2.25%), titratable acidity (0.46%), L* color (84.41) values and general sensory liking score (4.09) while having the lowest pH (4.46), syneresis (4.50 mL/50 mL) and apparent viscosity (0.09 Pa.s) values. The titratable acidity, syneresis, and apparent viscosity values of drinks increased during storage as the counts of S. thermophilus, L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, and L. acidophilus decreased. The power-law model showed that the probiotic drinks exhibited a pseudoplastic flow behavior. Notably, the apparent viscosity value of probiotic drinks produced from corn milk was higher than that of the other samples (p

Epidemiology and Clinical Patterns of Lung Abscesses in ICU: A French Multicenter Retrospective Study

Data are scarce regarding epidemiology and management of critically ill patients with lung abscesses. What are the clinical and microbiological characteristics of critically ill patients with lung abscesses, how are they managed in the ICU, and what are the risk factors of in-ICU mortality? This was a retrospective observational multicenter study, based on International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, codes, between 2015 and 2022 in France. In-ICU mortality-associated factors were determined by multivariate logistic regression. We analyzed 171 ICU patients with pulmonary abscesses. Seventy-eight percent were male, with a mean age of 56.5 ± 16.4 years; 20.4%misused alcohol, 25.2%had a chronic lung disease (14%COPD), and 20.5%had a history of cancer. Overall, 40.9%were immunocompromised and 38%qualified for nosocomial infection. Presenting symptoms included fatigue or weight loss in 62%, fever (50.3%), and dyspnea (47.4%). Hemoptysis was reported in 21.7%. A polymicrobial infection was present in 35.6%. The most frequent pathogens were Enterobacteriaceae in 31%, Staphylococcus aureus in 22%, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 19.3%. Fungal infections were found in 10.5%. Several clusters of clinicoradiologic patterns were associated with specific microbiological documentation and could guide empiric antibiotic regimen. Percutaneous abscess drainage was performed in 11.7%; surgery was performed in 12.7%, and 12%required bronchial artery embolization for hemoptysis. In-ICU mortality was 21.5%, and age (OR: 1.05 [1.02-1.91], P= .007], renal replacement therapy during ICU stay (OR, 3.56 [1.24-10.57], P= .019), and fungal infection (OR, 9.12 [2.69-34.5], P= .0006) were independent predictors of mortality after multivariate logistic regression, and drainage or surgery were not. Pulmonary abscesses in the ICU are a rare but severe disease often resulting from a polymicrobial infection, with a high proportion of Enterobacteriaceae, S aureus, and P aeruginosa. Percutaneous drainage, surgery, or arterial embolization was required in more than one-third of cases. Further prospective studies focusing on first-line antimicrobial therapy and source control procedure are warranted to improve and standardize patient management.

Microbiological and echocardiography characteristics in the prosthetic valve endocarditis patients

Objectives: The goal of the study was description the status of describe microbiological and cardiac injury characteristics through echocardiographic images in prosthetic valve endocarditis patients.&#x0D; Methods &amp; Results: Cross-sectional description of 64 prosthetic valve endocarditis patients at Hanoi Heart Hospital and Cardiology Institute - Bach Mai Hospital from June 2016 to August 2018. Aged 54.01±17.25 (18-84) years old, (60.9% male). Bacterial endocarditis was found in 50% of cases, the most common causative pathogens were Gr(+) bacteria 81.25% (26/32), Gr(-) bacteria 18.75%, multi drug resistant 22.73%. The results of antibiogram showed that Staphylococcus aureus and the group of Gr (-) bacteria had the highest antibiotic resistance. Echocardiographic characteristics of infective endocarditis mitral valve 57.8%, aortic valve 34.4%, in many valve sites very few (3.1%). Biological aortic valve (27.6%) lower than mechanical aortic valve (63.6%). The aortic valve had multiple vegetations (45.65%), size of vegetations was 11.3±4.26 (mm), periprosthetic aortic abscess and dehiscence at the lateral annulus (17.39%). Biological mitral valve (48.7%), mechanical mitral valve (51.3%). Mitral valve had multiple vegetations (60.66%), size of vegetations was 8.99±5.6 (mm), prosthetic valve with dehiscence at the lateral annulus (11.48%). Early infectious endocarditis postop was characterized by heart failure, reoperation and mortality higher than lated infective endocarditis (p&gt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusions: The half of prosthetic valve endocarditis had bacterial evidence, common causative pathogens were Gram positives. Multi drug resistant due to staphylococcus aureus and Gram negatives. Prosthetic mitral valve endocarditis had the highest rate, followed by prosthetic aortic valve, endocarditis lesions in many valve sites were few. The Characteristics of prosthetic aortic valve werre periprosthetic aortic abscess and dehiscence at the lateral annulus, the mitral valve had multiple vegetations.