Yersinia enterocolitica detection in pork products: Evaluation of isolation protocols.

Conventional methods for Yersinia enterocolitica detection in food samples are generally considered inadequate. Problems arise from the presence of the so-called "background flora", coupled to the low contamination level of the pathogen. Since, data on the microbial ecology occurring in competitive microflora are still lacking, MALDI TOF MS was used for strains 'identification after enrichment in PSB or ITC broths, and after plating on selective CIN medium at different incubation times. SYBR Green Real time PCR was used for the Y. enterocolitica strains' detection (4/O:3, 1A/O:5) in experimentally contaminated foods, as well as in naturally contaminated samples. A higher number of different bacterial genera (10 on CIN and 18 on PCA) was recorded after enrichment in PSB, whilst enrichment in ITC led to recovery of 6 and 10 genera on CIN and PCA, respectively. Yersiniaceae was the dominant family on the first day of incubation, but on the second day the percentage of isolation considerably decreased. By testing experimentally contaminated samples, substantial difficulties were encountered. The biotype 1A was always detected, whereas strain 4/O:3 proved to be poorly competitive. Based on the data, the enrichment media PSB and ITC, currently proposed for Y. enterocolitica detection, need to be improved to promote a successful pathogen's recovery.

Spray-dried chestnut extract containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus cells as novel ingredient for a probiotic chestnut mousse.

AIMS: Consumers' demand for innovative probiotic products has recently increased. In previous studies, chestnuts were evaluated as substrate for the growth of lactobacilli and chestnut extract was found to enhance acid tolerance of probiotic strains. The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the suitability of chestnut extract as carrier for spray drying of two probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus strains and to develop a probiotic food chestnut based. METHODS AND RESULTS: The optimal settings for the spray-drying processes were defined and the loads of undamaged cells in the dried powders were quantified. Spray-dried cultures were incorporated into an anhydrous basis for chestnut mousse developed ad hoc. In this form, viable cells remained stable over 10(8) CFU g(-1) during a 3 months long storage at 15°C. Sensorial analysis did not highlighted significant differences (P < 0·05) in preference between probiotic-supplemented and control mousses. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that chestnut mousse, a food product naturally rich in antioxidant compounds, may represent an excellent carrier for probiotics delivering. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: To authors' knowledge, this is the first information on the survival of lactobacilli in an anhydrous basis for dessert.

A promising eco-sustainable wound dressing based on cellulose extracted from Spartium junceum L. and impregnated with Glycyrrhiza glabra L extract: Design, production and biological properties.

Glycyrrhiza glabra extract is widely known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can improve the wound healing process. The aim of this work was to shorten the time of the healing process by using an eco-sustainable wound dressing based on Spanish broom flexible cellulosic fabric by impregnation with G. glabra extract-loaded ethosomes. Chemical analysis of G. glabra extract was performed by LC-DAD-MS/MS and its encapsulation into ethosomes was obtained using the ethanol injection method. Lipid vesicles were characterized in terms of size, polydispersity index, entrapment efficiency, zeta potential, and stability. In vitro release studies, biocompatibility, and scratch test on 3T3 fibroblasts were performed. Moreover, the structure of Spanish broom dressing and its ability to absorb wound exudate was characterized by Synchrotron X-ray phase contrast microtomography (SR-PCmicroCT). Ethosomes showed a good entrapment efficiency, nanometric size, good stability over time and a slow release of polyphenols compared to the free extract, and were not cytotoxic. Lastly, the results revealed that Spanish broom wound dressing loaded with G. glabra ethosomes is able to accelerate wound closure by reducing wound healing time. To sum up, Spanish broom wound dressing could be a potential new green tool for biomedical applications.

An apparently benign vulvar mass: possibly a rare malignancy.

BACKGROUND: Vulvar dermatofibrosarcoma is a rare fibrous tumor of intermediate grade malignancy, with a tendency for local recurrence, and rarely metastasizes. Management should be multidisciplinary. This is a report of an apparently benign vulvar mass with delayed diagnosis of vulvar dermatofibrosarcoma. CASE REPORT: A 42-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of a vulvar tumor lasting 16 years, although several gynecological procedures and a total laparoscopic hysterectomy had been performed two years before. During this long period the lesion did not change morphological features and remained asymptomatic. Only a benign vulvar mass was diagnosed. Then, the swelling became evident showing erythematous skin with an aspect of "peau d'orange", leading the patient to consult a specialist. A firm vulvar swelling was observed in the anterior third of right labia majora continuing with about 3 cm of cord on top, quite movable above the underlying tissue but not on the overlying tissue. A wide excision was performed. The pathological examination showed positive margins. One month later an extensive deeper excision was performed. Histology confirmed a diagnosis of dermatofibrosarcoma. Immunohistochemistry was strongly positive for CD34. CONCLUSION: Vulvar lesions always require complete pathologic examination even in case of features of benign tumor to exclude a dermatofibrosarcoma. The role of the pathologist is essential to ensure negative microscopic margins and to avoid local recurrence.

Short communication: technological and genotypic comparison between Streptococcus macedonicus and Streptococcus thermophilus strains coming from the same dairy environment.

The species Streptococcus thermophilus is widely used for the preparation of several dairy products, and its technological contribution is clear. On the other hand, although Streptococcus macedonicus was first described more than 10 yr ago and, despite the scientific interest around this issue, the exact role of Strep. macedonicus in cheese making has yet to be clarified. In this study, 121 strains belonging to both species and isolated from the same dairy environment were genetically characterized by random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR and compared for the main biochemical features of technological interest, such as acid production, galactose utilization, citrate metabolism, exopolysaccharide production, and lipolytic, ureolytic, exocellular proteolytic, and decarboxylasic activities. Analysis by RAPD-PCR highlighted a remarkable genotypic heterogeneity among strains in both species, and, at a similarity level of 78%, all the isolates and reference strains of Strep. thermophilus grouped together and were well separated from the strains of Strep. macedonicus, confirming that these 2 species are different microbial entities. Comparison between genetic and phenotypic or biotechnological data did not reveal any relationships.

Comparison of droplet digital PCR vs real-time PCR for Yersinia enterocolitica detection in vegetables.

Yersiniosis - the 4th most commonly reported zoonosis in the European Union - is caused by the consumption of food contaminated with the bacterium Yersinia enterocolitica. The number of human cases and contaminated food samples is probably underestimated since conventional molecular methods currently proposed for Yersinia enterocolitica detection proved to have several limitations. Critical issues associated with the detection of Yersinia enterocolitica in meat and/or meat product has already been investigated, whereas data on the possible limits of the molecular methods for Yersinia enterocolitica detection in vegetables are still lacking. According to ISO method (ISO 18867:2015), real-time polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR) should be adopted for Yersinia enterocolitica detection, even if it proved to be affected by some biases. Recently, Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) has been introduced as a useful tool to detect and quantify different pathogenic bacteria in complex food matrices. However, its potential application for Yersinia enterocolitica detection in vegetables has never been investigated before. In the present study two molecular platforms (rtPCR and ddPCR) were used to evaluate the pathogen's behaviour in experimentally contaminated leafy greens (Lactuca sativa L.) and to assess the rate of detection achievable after the incubation for eleven days at different temperatures. By comparing, noticeable differences emerged between the two technical approaches: only ddPCR allowed the detection of the pathogen in leafy greens when contaminated at low levels. Moreover, results of the present work highlighted the importance of length and temperature of incubation on the survival and/or the growth of Yersinia enterocolitica in vegetables: at 18 and 25 °C the concentration of the pathogen considerably decreases along incubation. Based on data, the use of rtPCR leads to an underestimation of the true prevalence of pathogenic Y. enterocolitica in vegetables, while temperature and time currently proposed for Y. enterocolitica (25 °C for 24 h), allow optimizing detection. To conclude, ddPCR may be undoubtedly proposed as a reliable alternative strategy for the quick detection of the pathogen in food samples.

Could halophilic archaea improve the traditional salted anchovies (Engraulis encrasicholus L.) safety and quality?

AIMS: The positive influence of two selected extremely halophilic archaea strains in the production of salted anchovies (Engraulis encrasicolus, L., 1758) was highlighted. METHODS AND RESULTS: Anchovies produced with salt artificially contaminated with halophiles exhibited lower loads of staphylococci, Enterobacteriaceae and lactic acid bacteria, and a reduced content of histamine as well as an improved organoleptic acceptance. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this survey are expected to enhance the safety of salted anchovies, with regard to the histamine formation during ripening, and to improve the sensory attributes of this product. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study represents the first report on the positive influence of halophilic archaea in traditional salted anchovies production, thus suggesting new perspectives about a conscious employment of properly selected haloarchaea strains in this traditional manufacture.

Short communication: Identification and technological characterization of yeast strains isolated from samples of water buffalo Mozzarella cheese.

Sixty yeast cultures were isolated from samples of water buffalo Mozzarella, a popular "pasta filata" cheese, originating on 16 farms located in the provinces of Salerno, Caserta, and Frosinone (Italy). Strains were identified by means of 5.8S internal transcribed spacer rDNA PCR-RFLP combined with 26S rRNA gene partial sequencing and characterized for their ability to exert biochemical properties of technological interest. The recorded dominance of fermenting yeasts such as the lactose-fermenting Kluyveromyces marxianus (38.3% of the total isolates) and the galactose-fermenting Saccharomyces cerevisiae (21.6% of the total isolates) suggests that these yeasts contribute to the organoleptic definition of the water buffalo Mozzarella. The speciographic analysis revealed the presence of 7 other species rarely or never reported in a dairy environment belonging to the genera Pichia and Candida, whose role in Mozzarella cheese organoleptic properties need to be further investigated.

Genotyping of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and determination of the number and forms of rrn operons in L. delbrueckii and its subspecies.

Three different approaches (whole-cell protein profiles, DNA fingerprinting combined with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and analysis of rDNA genes) were used to characterize thirty-one strains of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus from different dairy products, and three type strains belonging to L. delbrueckii subsp. delbrueckii, L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis and L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus. Moreover, the number and different forms of rrn operons in L. delbrueckii and its subspecies were defined. At the strain typing level, Notl macrorestriction analysis permitted grouping of the 32 strains of L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus into 23 restriction patterns, providing a high degree of discriminatory power. Among whole-cell protein profiles, PCR analysis of rDNA genes and ribotyping, the latter method seemed to be the most reliable approach to characterizing the subspecies belonging to L. delbrueckii. Ribotyping combined with enzymes such as HindIII and EcoRI showed that at least six rrn operons were present in L. delbrueckii and its subspecies; two forms of rrn operons were present in the subspecies lactis and bulgaricus and four forms were present in the subspecies delbrueckii.

Degradation of poly[bis(glycine ethyl ester)phosphazene] in aqueous media.

The degradation of poly[bis(glycine ethyl ester)phosphazene] in aqueous media was studied by following the appearance of some of its expected by-products in solution. Disc-shaped polymer slabs of 12 mm diameter and 1.2 mm thickness were prepared by compression moulding, followed by incubation in aqueous media under carefully controlled conditions of pH and temperature. Low molecular weight by-products (phosphate and glycine) were assayed for up to 60 d using ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy. Slabs placed in pH 12.0 media at 20 degrees C took 16 d to disappear completely (no longer visible), while at 37 and 47 degrees C this occurred in 12 d. Also, slabs placed in pH 7.0 and 4.0 media took 60 and 24 d, respectively, to disappear at 47 degrees C. However, at 20 and 37 degrees C only some of the material disappeared at pH 7.0 after 60 d. In all cases, the cumulative fractional loss of by-products from the slabs was < 1, indicating the presence in solution of other species which were unaccounted for. This study showed that poly[bis(glycine ethyl ester)phosphazene] slabs have a lifetime in physiological media which makes them an acceptable support for short-term controlled drug release, and complements others, in which polyphosphazenes were used for a similar application.

Spray-drying of bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacteria.

Cell survival, cellular damage, and antagonistic activity were investigated after spray-drying of four bacteriocin-producing strains of lactic acid bacteria: Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis 140, isolated from natural whey culture and producing a narrow-inhibitory spectrum bacteriocin); L. lactis subsp. lactis G35, isolated from pizza dough and producing nisin; Lactobacillus curvatus 32Y and Lactobacillus sp. 8Z, isolated from dry sausages. Trials were performed with bacteria suspended in skimmed milk or directly grown in whey. Three air temperatures at the inlet of the drier (160, 180, and 200 degrees C) and three flow rates (10, 13, and 17 ml/min) were assayed. Cell viability and bacteriocin activity of the dried materials were determined immediately after the process and after 5, 15, 30, and 60 days of storage at 4 degrees C. There was no significant difference between the two feeding suspensions in cell survival, always decreasing with the increase of inlet-air temperature. No loss of bacteriocin activity was detected in reconstituted powders, nor was any loss of ability to produce bacteriocin found after drying. Investigations of sensitivity to NaCl revealed only temporary damage to dried bacteria. During storage for 2 months at 4 degrees C, all samples, but mainly the lactococcal strains, displayed a gradual decrease in cell survival. Bacteriocin activity remained at the same level, allowing powders to be considered as effective biopreservatives.

New subscales for an anchored version of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale: construction, reliability, and validity in acute psychiatric admissions.

Attending psychiatrists completed an anchored version of the 18-item Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS-A) based on admission and evaluation information on a total of 2,921 adult patients treated at 1 public sector acute psychiatric teaching hospital. Exploratory factor analysis was applied to a 6-month sample to construct 4 nonoverlapping subscales: Resistance, Positive Symptoms, Negative Symptoms, and Psychological Discomfort. Confirmatory factor analysis compared these new subscales to 3 other published subscale models using a second 6-month sample. Internal consistency, rater influence, and interrater agreement were estimated in separate studies. Discriminant validity was explored by comparison of diagnosis-based samples. Application of the BPRS-A as a debriefing instrument in the study of symptomatic change and the multiple challenges inherent in psychometric study of such a rating scale in realistic hospital practice are discussed.

Microbial succession during ripening of Naples-type salami, a southern Italian fermented sausage.

Studies were carried out on the microbiological and physico-chemical changes which occurred during the ripening of five batches of Naples-type salami, manufactured without starter cultures. Salami were sampled internally and externally, and the following microbial groups were studied: lactic acid bacteria, Micrococcaceae and yeasts. The results obtained indicated that lactobacilli constituted the predominant flora, both on the surface and in the interior of the pieces throughout the ripening period. Micrococcaceae and yeasts were also found in considerable number in both locations. Characterisation of 191 lactic isolates indicated that the salami microflora was dominated by homofermentative lactobacilli; approximately 63% of them could be identified as Lactobacillus sake; 40% showing the traits of a racemase negative variant of this species, once referred to Lactobacillus bavaricus. Yeast population mainly comprised Debaryomyces strains. All the colonies grown on mannitol salt and Kranep agar were catalase-positive cocci; novobiocin-resistant staphylococci were the only Micrococcaceae found. The API Staph identification system did not prove to be reliable: 82% of the isolates remained unidentified. To achieve improved characterisation, cluster analysis was subsequently performed on this group, corroborating the existence of a fairly homogeneous group representing an intermediate variety between Staphylococcus xylosus and Staphylococcus saprophyticus that was isolated during the whole ripening process.

Características endoscópicas e histopatológicas de los pólipos colorrectales resecados endoscópicamente en una institución universitaria de Bogotá D. C / Endoscopic and Histopathological Characteristics of Colorectal Polyps Resected Endoscopically at a University Institution in Bogotá D. C

Resumen El cáncer colorrectal es una de las causas de mortalidad más importantes en los países occidentales. Desde cuando se estableció la progresión de adenoma a carcinoma, se ha considerado que los pólipos del colon son un factor de riesgo importante para desarrollar el cáncer colorrectal, por esta razón es importante el conocimiento, detección y resección, e investigación del tema. En Colombia no se han realizado estudios prospectivos que evalúen las características de los pólipos colorrectales, razón por la cual se considera de gran importancia la realización de este estudio con el objetivo de determinar las características endoscópicas e histopatológicas de los pólipos colónicos encontrados y resecados mediante colonoscopia. Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo, mediante el análisis de los pólipos resecados en pacientes del servicio de gastroenterología y endoscopia digestiva de la Clínica Universitaria Colombia. Se calculó un tamaño de muestra de forma probabilística (n = 306 pólipos resecados). En cuanto a la histología, y contrario a lo informado en la literatura, la mayoría de los pólipos detectados en nuestro estudio (170) fue de tipo adenomatoso (55,6 %). El mayor porcentaje de ellos (86 %) correspondió al tipo tubular, hallazgo acorde con lo mencionado en la literatura, la mayoría de ellos con displasia de bajo grado. Solo en 2 de nuestros pacientes se realizó el hallazgo de pólipos cuya histología diagnosticó la presencia de adenocarcinoma.

Abstract Colorectal cancer is one of the most important causes of death in Western countries. Since the progression from adenoma to carcinoma was established, it has been considered that colon polyps are an important risk factor for development of colorectal cancer, hence the importance of knowledge and research about them as well as their detection and resection. In our country there had been no prospective evaluations of the characteristics of colorectal polyps, so we considered this study to determine the endoscopic and histopathological characteristics of colonic polyps found and resected through colonoscopy to be of great importance. This descriptive and observational study includes analysis of polyps resected from patients inthe Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy service of the Clínica Universitaria Colombia. Sample size was calculated probabilistically (n = 306 resected polyps). Contrary to reports in the literature, most of the polyps detected in our study (170) were adenomatous (55.6%). The highest percentage (86%) were tubular which is consistent with the literature. Most of them had low grade dysplasia. Only two of our patients had polyps found whose histology indicated adenocarcinoma.

Eficacia y seguridad de tres esquemas para la preparación del colon para colonoscopia (polietilenglicol (PEG) 4 litros (4 L) (dosis única) vs. PEG 4 L dividido (2 L + 2 L) vs. PEG 2 L dividido de volumen bajo (1 L + 1 L): ensayo clínico controlado aleatorizado / A randomized controlled clinical trial of the efficacy and safety of colonoscopy preparation using a single four liter dose of polyethylene glycol (PEG) vs. two 2 liter doses of PEG vs. two low volume (1L + 1L) doses of PEG

Resumen Introducción: la colonoscopia es el examen estándar de oro para evaluar la mucosa del colon. De la limpieza del colon en la preparación intestinal para colonoscopia depende el hallazgo de pólipos, que pueden ser adenomatosos con potencial maligno y con la posibilidad de degenerarse en cáncer de colon. Objetivo: comparar la eficacia y la seguridad de tres tipos de preparaciones para la limpieza del colon: dosis única de polietilenglicol (PEG) 4 litros (4 L) y dosis divididas: PEG 4 L dividido (2 L + 2 L) y PEG 2 L dividido (1 L + 1 L) de volumen bajo. Métodos: en pacientes con una colonoscopia electiva de una clínica universitaria, se realizó un ensayo clínico controlado aleatorizado y ciego (para el médico que evaluó la limpieza del colon). Se asignaron 74 pacientes para cada grupo. El parámetro principal de eficacia fue la preparación integral de calidad adecuada medida con la escala de Boston, y los parámetros secundarios fueron el porcentaje de eventos adversos, la tolerabilidad y la tasa de detección de pólipos. Resultados: la preparación completa de todo el colon fue significativamente de mayor la calidad en la alternativa de 4 L divididos (2 L + 2 L), seguida de la otra alternativa dividida (1 L + 1 L) y menor en la dosis única (79,7 %, 75,7 % y 63,5 %, respectivamente, p = 0,019); también se encontraron diferencias en la detección de pólipos (13,5 %, 24,3 % y 9,5 %, p = 0,037) y sin diferencias en la presentación de al menos un evento adverso (p = 0,254) ni en la tolerabilidad (p = 0,640). Conclusiones: las dos preparaciones de dosis dividida tienen una mayor eficacia en la limpieza del colon en comparación con la dosis única de 4 L y en la detección de pólipos, mientras que no se evidencian diferencias en las preparaciones para la ocurrencia de eventos adversos y la tolerabilidad. La dosis de PEG 2 L dividido puede ser una muy buena opción para las preparaciones de colonoscopia electiva.

Abstract Introduction: Colonoscopy is the gold standard for evaluation of the colonic mucosa. Colon cleansing in preparation for colonoscopy depends on finding of polyps which can be adenomatous with malignant potential and the possibility of degenerating into colon cancer. Objective: This study's objective was to compare the efficacy and safety of three types of preparations for colon cleansing: a single four liter dose of polyethylene glycol (PEG) vs. two 2 liter doses of PEG vs. two low volume (1L + 1L) doses of PEG. Methods: This is a randomized controlled clinical trial of patients who underwent elective colonoscopy at a University clinic. It was blinded for the doctor who evaluated colon cleansing. Seventy four patients 74 patients were randomized into each group. The main parameter of effectiveness was integral preparation of adequate quality measured on the Boston scale. Secondary parameters were the percentage of adverse events, tolerability and detection rate of polyps. Results: Complete preparation of the entire colon was achieved significantly more often with 4 liters divided into two 2 liter doses followed by the other divided alternative (1 L + 1 L). It was achieved least frequently with in the single dose: 79.7%, 75.7% and 63.5%, respectively, p = 0.019. Differences were also found in the detection of polyps (13.5%, 24.3% and 9.5%, respectively, p = 0.037). ) There were no differences in presentation of at least one adverse event (p = 0.254) or in tolerability (p = 0.640). Conclusions: The two divided dose preparations had higher colon cleansing and polyp detection efficacies than did the single 4L dose while there were no differences in occurrence of adverse events and tolerability. The divided PEG 2L dose could be a very good option for elective colonoscopy preparation.

Volatile compounds and bacterial community dynamics of chestnut-flour-based sourdoughs.

The aims of this study were the monitoring of the microbial dynamics by means of a polyphasic approach based on conventional isolation techniques and PCR-DGGE-based methods in different chestnut-based sourdoughs and the evaluation of the impact of fermentation on volatile organic compounds formation during sourdoughs ripening. Members of the Lactobacillus plantarum group and Pediococcus pentosaceous dominated the sourdough ecosystems. Nevertheless, RAPD-PCR allowed recording a relevant genotypic biodiversity among strains coming from gluten-free flour combinations. Volatile compounds were characterised by GC/MS. A total of 59 volatile compounds were identified, mainly alcohols, esters, acids, aldehydes and ketones. Principal component analysis of samples at the beginning and at the end of ripening offered a good separation of the samples and highlighted the effect of fermentation on the sensorial profile.

Enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal: características de fenotipo y tratamiento en un hospital universitario de Bogotá, Colombia / Phenotypic characteristics and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease at a university hospital in Bogotá, Colombia

Resumen Introducción: la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII) (colitis ulcerativa [CU], enfermedad de Crohn [EC]) es una patología inflamatoria crónica y recurrente del tracto digestivo, de causa aún incierta. La incidencia y prevalencia de esta enfermedad están en aumento a nivel mundial, especialmente en los países en vías de desarrollo. Objetivo: describir las características del fenotipo y el tipo de tratamiento administrado a 165 pacientes con diagnóstico de EII que consultaron durante el período comprendido entre el 5 de julio del 2013 y el 31 de diciembre del 2016 en un hospital universitario de la ciudad de Bogotá, Colombia. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo basado en frecuencias y proporciones de los pacientes con diagnóstico de EII atendidos en la Clínica Universitaria Colombia (Bogotá) entre el 5 de julio del 2013 y el 31 de diciembre del 2016. Resultados: el 75,8% de los casos correspondió a CU y el 24,2% a EC, con un leve predominio del sexo femenino en ambas (56% y 55%, respectivamente); la forma de presentación más frecuente de la CU fue la pancolitis en el 46,4%. Los pacientes con EC tuvieron un compromiso más frecuentemente ileocolónico (52,5%) e inflamatorio no estenosante ni fistulizante (60%), un mayor porcentaje de manifestaciones extraintestinales (35%), de uso de medicamentos biológicos (35%) y requirieron un mayor número de cirugías (27,5%) en comparación con los pacientes con CU.

Abstract Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease which are chronic and recurrent inflammatory pathologies of the digestive tract whose causes are still uncertain. IBD's incidence and prevalence are increasing worldwide, especially in developing countries. Objectives: The objective of this study was to describe phenotypic characteristics and types of treatment of 165 patients diagnosed with IBD treated between July 5, 2013 and December 31, 2016 at a university hospital in Bogotá, Colombia. Methods: This is a descriptive study based on frequencies and proportions of patients diagnosed with IBD at the University Clinic Colombia in Bogotá between July 5, 2013 and December 31, 2016. Results: UC accounted for 75.8% of the cases while CD accounted for 24.2% of these cases. Women accounted for a slightly larger proportion of patients than did men: 56% of UC cases and 55% of CD cases. UC's most frequent form of presentation was pancolitis which was found 46.4% of the patients. Frequent forms of CD presentation were ileocolonic (52.5%) and inflammatory non-stenosing or fistulizing (60%). CD patients had a greater percentage of extraintestinal manifestations (35%), greater use of biological medications (35%) and required a greater number of surgeries (27.5%) than did UC patients.

Production of fermented chestnut purees by lactic acid bacteria.

The objective of this study was to develop a new chestnut-based puree, in order to seasonally adjust the offer and use the surplus of undersized production, providing, at the same time, a response to the growing demand for healthy and environmentally friendly products. Broken dried chestnuts have been employed to prepare purees to be fermented with six different strains of Lactobacillus (Lb.) rhamnosus and Lactobacillus casei. The fermented purees were characterized by a technological and sensorial point of view, while the employed strains were tested for their probiotic potential. Conventional in vitro tests have indicated the six lactobacilli strains as promising probiotic candidates; moreover, being the strains able to grow and to survive in chestnut puree at a population level higher than 8 log10 CFU/mL along 40 days of storage at 4 °C, the bases for the production of a new food, lactose-free and with reduced fat content, have been laid.

Absceso de pared duodenal secundario a palillo de dientes enclavado en duodeno como causa inusual de dolor abdominal crónico / Duodenal Wall Abscess Secondary to a Toothpick in the Duodenum is an Unusual Cause of Chronic Abdominal Pain

Resumen Los cuerpos extraños (CE) constituyen una de las urgencias más frecuentes en gastroenterología. Aunque la mayoría de estos pasan de forma espontánea, en algunos casos pueden causar perforaciones. Presentamos el caso de un paciente masculino de 32 años quien consultó de forma ambulatoria por un cuadro de dolor abdominal de 4 meses de evolución. Dentro de los estudios solicitados se realizó una endoscopia de vías digestivas altas (EVDA) cuyo principal hallazgo fue la presencia de un cuerpo extraño (palillo de dientes) enclavado en el duodeno, que fue extraído sin complicaciones.

Abstract Foreign bodies are one of the most frequent emergencies in gastroenterology. Although most of these pass spontaneously, in some cases they can cause perforations. We present the case of a 32-year-old male patient who came to the outpatient clinic after four months of abdominal pain. An endoscopy of the upper digestive tract found a toothpick embedded in the duodenum. It was extracted without complications.