Molecular characterization and evaluation of antimicrobial susceptibility of enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) isolated from minas soft cheese

Virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from commercialized fresh cheese in the south of Espírito Santo

Cheeses are dairy products that can potentially contain a diverse range of harmful bacteria that could be consumed by humans, including the enteric pathogen Escherichia coli. This study aimed to characterize the presence of total coliforms, assess the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of the main commercial antimicrobial classes and biocides, and evaluate the ability of 50 E. coli isolates obtained from fresh cheese sold in the southern region of Espírito Santo, Brazil, to produce biofilms. The counts of total coliforms + E. coli obtained averages of (A) 7.22 × 106 CFU/g, (B) 9.35 × 107 CFU/g, and (C) 1.16 × 106 CFU/g for different brands. All isolates were capable of forming biofilms, with 8%, 76%, and 16% of these isolates presenting high, moderate, and low adherence in biofilm formation, respectively. Most strains showed inhibition halos for the biocides chlorhexidine digluconate 2% (16 mm ± 4.34), iodopovidone 10% (7.14 mm ± 0.36), and sodium hypochlorite 2% (7.12 mm ± 0.33). Out of the 50 strains, 21 (42%) were resistant to at least one of the antimicrobials. Regarding the multiple resistance index, 3 (6%) strains were resistant to 3 or more antimicrobial classes. Furthermore, 2 (4%) were extended-spectrum beta-lactamases producers. Resistance to ampicillin and amoxicillin was observed in 20% and 40% of the strains, respectively. In contrast, gentamicin was the most effective antimicrobial, with a sensitivity rate of 100%. The findings indicate that E. coli present in fresh cheese may possess unique physiological characteristics that could be associated with their persistence, virulence, and multidrug resistance. These results raise significant public health concerns since contaminated food can pose risks to consumers' health, emphasizing the importance of reinforcing hygienic-sanitary controls at all stages of production.

Effects of Shortening Replacement with Extra Virgin Olive Oil on the Physical-Chemical-Sensory Properties of Italian Cantuccini Biscuits

Olive oil is recognised for its beneficial effects on human health, mainly due to it containing oleic acid (a monounsaturated fatty acid), whereas fats of animal origin or margarine, which are often used in recipes for biscuit production, contain mainly saturated fatty acids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the shelf-life and physicochemical properties of biscuits and of the fats contained in original recipe Italian Cantuccini biscuits (50% cow's butter and 50% margarine). Additionally, the sensory properties of the biscuits were evaluated, including their colour, appearance, taste, flavour, texture and overall acceptability. At the same time, the fat composition of the original recipe was also modified to contain 30% cow's butter and 70% extra virgin olive oil, in order to replace an aliquot of the saturated fatty acid content with unsaturated fatty acids, in particular with one monounsaturated fatty acid, oleic acid. Colour (CIELab), water activity, relative humidity, hardness and fracturability analyses were conducted on Cantuccini biscuits. Colour (CIELab), free acidity, spectrophotometric characteristics, DPPH assay and fatty acid methyl ester (FAMEs) analyses were conducted on the fat extracted from Cantuccini biscuits prepared from both the original and modified recipes.

A mothers' perspective on fish and her child's fish consumption in Surakarta, Indonesia

BACKGROUD/OBJECTIVES

Understanding the factors associated with fish consumption is necessary to determine strategies to improve the fish consumption particularly those high in omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA). The aim of this study was to analyse the correlation between a mother's perspective on fish and actual fish consumption in their children.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Two hundred thirty-one elementary school children grade 3-6 and their mothers in Surakarta were recruited using multi stage random sampling for this study. Data was collected in July and August 2017. A validated questionnaire consisted of 3 topics including knowledge related to the health benefits and organoleptic properties of fish and cooking technique-related attitudes on fish were used to measure the mother's response to the fish properties. A validated food frequency questionnaire and a food picture book of fish specifically designed for the survey were developed and used to assess fish consumption of the children. A χ² test was used to analyse the correlation between the mothers' perspective on fish and their children's fish consumption.

RESULTS

The median fish consumption in children was 65 g/d with fried non-oily or lean fish, e.g., milkfish (locally called Bandeng) and catfish (locally called Lele) were consumed more than oily fish as well as processed fish products. Of all children, 31% met the fish consumption recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency-Food and Drug Administration 2017. There was no relationship between a mother's knowledge related to health benefits, organoleptic properties and cooking technique-related attitude toward fish and her child's fish consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

The fish consumption of children is not influenced by their mother's perspective on fish. Nutrition education strategies are warranted to improve fish consumption and maintain the optimal benefits by consuming fish, including fish high in n-3 LCPUFA.

Protective effect of SKB_Gutbiotic against castor oil and E.coli induced diarrhea in laboratory animals

The aim of this study is to evaluate antidiarrheal activity of SKB_Gutbiotic against Castor oil and E.coli induced diarrhea in Swiss albino mice and Sprague Dawley rats. In present study three doses of SKB_Gutbiotic were tested against castor oil induced diarrhea in mice. Its effect on co-administration with l-arginine was studied. SKB_Gutbiotic delayed onset of diarrhea, reduced fecal output and fecal weight. In Gastrointestinal transit time and Castor oil induced enteropooling, SKB_Gutbiotic significantly reduced peristaltic index and volume of intestinal content respectively. In E.coli induced diarrhea model, E.coli suspension was administered for 3 days for inducing diarrhea. SKB_Gutbiotic significantly and dose dependently reduced fecal output, improved fecal consistency, reduced fecal water content and improved WBC count. Histopathological images showed improvement in damage caused to the mucosal epithelium due to E.coli and also improved complete crypt cell architecture and integrity of goblet cells. These results indicated that SKB_Gutbiotic can be used as an antidiarrheal agent against castor oil and E.coli induced diarrhea. It inhibits colonization of E.coli bacteria on colonic epithelium which results into decreased intestinal hypersecretion and motility which is very useful in the management of infectious diarrhea. Thus SKB_Gutbiotic could be an effective alternative to standard antidiarrheal drugs.