Stress responses in probiotic Lactobacillus casei.

Survival in harsh environments is critical to both the industrial performance of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and their competitiveness in complex microbial ecologies. Among the LAB, members of the Lactobacillus casei group have industrial applications as acid-producing starter cultures for milk fermentations and as specialty cultures for the intensification and acceleration of flavor development in certain bacterial-ripened cheese varieties. They are amongst the most common organisms in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of humans and other animals, and have the potential to function as probiotics. Whether used in industrial or probiotic applications, environmental stresses will affect the physiological status and properties of cells, including altering their functionality and biochemistry. Understanding the mechanisms of how LAB cope with different environments is of great biotechnological importance, from both a fundamental and applied perspective: hence, interaction between these strains and their environment has gained increased interest in recent years. This paper presents an overview of the important features of stress responses in Lb. casei, and related proteomic or gene expression patterns that may improve their use as starter cultures and probiotics.

Shelf life study of hurdle treated ready-to-eat spiced buffalo meat product stored at 30 ± 3 °C for 7 weeks under vacuum and aerobic packaging.

Shelf stable ready to eat spiced pickle type buffalo meat product was prepared after desorbing in infusion solution (glycerol 3.5%, sodium chloride 5.0%, honey2.0%, mango powder 2.2%, spices 1.0%, sodium nitrite 0.015%, phosphate 0.2%, Sorbic acid 0.2%.and acetic acid 1%), pressure cooking of meat in infusion solution for 20 min followed by frying for 2 min in mustard oil and mixing with prefried condiments and spices. The physico-chemical properties i.e. pH, water activity, proximate composition, FFA, Soluble hydroxyproline, TBA values, nitrite content, protein solubility, shear force value, haempigments, microbiological and sensory quality of the product remained good and hygienically safe and almost comparable in aerobic PET jars and multilayered nylon barrier pouches stored at 30 ± 3 °C for 7 weeks .It can be suggested that storage of such product may be conveniently done even in food grade PET jars without going for vacuum packaging which is a bit costly.

Innovative Foods: The Future Food Supply, Nutrition and Health.

In the coming decades, feeding the growing world population is going to become a global food-supply challenge for our existing food systems [...].

Effect of antiplatelet therapy on minor dental procedures.

INTRODUCTION: Minor oral surgical procedures are very common. Acetylsalicylic acid generically known as aspirin is used clinically as an analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and as a medication to prevent platelet aggregation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine if aspirin or clopidogrel was associated with bleeding after minor oral surgical procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred patients who were planned for extraction of the third molar were divided into two groups. In Group A, patients on antiplatelets were included and in Group B, patients who discontinued the drug before 5 days of procedure were included. The bleeding time of all patients was checked before extraction. The surgical procedure involved simple extraction of a single third molar tooth under local anesthesia. The extraction socket was sutured with 3-0 silk. A pressure pack of gauze was given for 1 h. Bleeding after 1 h and 24 h was compared between two groups. A Chi-square test was used to compare the variables. RESULTS: None of the patients showed active bleeding in the postoperative period. The results for postsurgical bleeding were statistically insignificant with P = 0.05. CONCLUSION: Minor surgical procedures such as single-tooth extraction can be carried out without discontinuation of the antiplatelet therapy.

Clinical factors affecting the outcome of arthocentesis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of clinical factors on the outcome of arthrocentesis in the treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients with TMJ internal derangement underwent arthrocentesis using ringer's lactate. The present study evaluated the contribution of the clinical variables of age, time since onset, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain level, and range of motion (ROM) on the outcomes of TMJ arthrocentesis: age (≤25 years, >25 and ≤40 years, >40 and ≤60 years), VAS pain level (≤5, >5 and ≤7, >7 and ≤10), and ROM (<25 and ≥25 mm). Odds ratios (ORs) were used to describe the proportional benefit of each variable the on successful outcome of arthrocentesis. For the OR to be clinically relevant or even clinically noticeable, we assumed that the OR would need to be larger than 2. RESULTS: Mean preoperative pain score was 6.49±1.560 and at 6 months postoperative was 0.46±1.147 with an average decrease of pain score 6 (P<0.001). The mean preoperactive maximum mouth opening was 26.14±4.969 mm and mean maximum mouth opening at 6-month inerval was 38.92±3.392 mm. The mean increase in the mouth opening was a mean difference of 12.78 mm (P<0.001). Logistic regression showed that the maximum benefit occurred in patients aged <25 years (OR, 12.01; P=0.012), a VAS pain level of >7 (OR, 11.25; P=0.039), and a maximum vertical opening of <25 mm (OR, 7.70; P=0.038). CONCLUSION: Lavage of the superior joint space with ringer's lactate resulted in significant reduction in pain and improvement in mouth opening. Patients with a greater inflammatory component and younger patients benefitted more from arthrocentesis. Evaluation of these clinical variables helped in predictive modelling, which may provide clinicians with the opportunity to identify "at-benefit" patients early and initiate specific treatment.

Ocular Injuries in Patients of Zygomatico-Complex (ZMC) Fractures.

PURPOSE: Mid face injuries commonly destroy the integrity of the orbital skeleton, and are frequently complicated by injury to the eye, ranging between 2.7 and 90.6 % as reported in literature. The eye injuries range from simple subconjunctival haemorrhage to globe rupture. The paper aims to study the types of ocular injuries in patients with ZMC fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A study of 67 patients, who had sustained facial trauma sufficient to lead to a facial bone fracture, was undertaken in the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Govt Dental College, Srinagar from 2008 to 2014 and the patients received a comprehensive examination by an ophthalmologist within 1 week of injury. All the patients sustaining confirmed ZMC fracture were examined by an ophthalmologist for any associated ocular injury. A thorough ophthalmologic examination included assessment of visual acuity, pupillary reactivity, anterior and posterior segment examination and extraocular motility. The variables reviewed included patient's gender, mechanism of injury, visual acuity, pupillary reactivity, extra ocular motility, presence or absence of diplopia, ocular and orbital findings, and intraorbital hypoesthesia. RESULTS: The most common etiology of trauma was RTA (64.1 %), followed by falls (14.9 %) in our study. In our study 83.5 % of the patients were males. Minor ocular injuries such as subconjunctival haemorrhage and corneal injury accounted for most of the cases. Subconjunctival haemorrhage was the most common injury, present in 86.5 % of the cases. Hyphema was present 13.4 %, vitreous haemorrhage 2.98 %, retinal haemorrhage 1.49 %, corneal abrasion 4.47 %, mydriasis 1.49 %, choroidal rupture 5.97 %, retinal detachment 2.98 %, decreased visual activity 13.4 %, retinal tear and angle recession was present 7.46 % times. CONCLUSION: ZMC fractures are associated with higher incidence of ocular injuries. The incidence of traumatic optic neuropathy and other ocular injuries warrants a prompt ophthalmologic examination of all patients with ZMC fractures as quickly as possible to prevent morbidity.

Understanding the Fresh Produce Safety Challenges.

Consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables is important for a balanced diet and healthy life-style. [...].

Listeria monocytogenes in Fresh Produce: Outbreaks, Prevalence and Contamination Levels.

Listeria monocytogenes, a member of the genus Listeria, is widely distributed in agricultural environments, such as soil, manure and water. This organism is a recognized foodborne pathogenic bacterium that causes many diseases, from mild gastroenteritis to severe blood and/or central nervous system infections, as well as abortion in pregnant women. Generally, processed ready-to-eat and cold-stored meat and dairy products are considered high-risk foods for L. monocytogenes infections that cause human illness (listeriosis). However, recently, several listeriosis outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce contamination around the world. Additionally, many studies have detected L. monocytogenes in fresh produce samples and even in some minimally processed vegetables. Thus L. monocytogenes may contaminate fresh produce if present in the growing environment (soil and water). Prevention of biofilm formation is an important control measure to reduce the prevalence and survival of L. monocytogenes in growing environments and on fresh produce. This article specifically focuses on fresh produce-associated listeriosis outbreaks, prevalence in growing environments, contamination levels of fresh produce, and associated fresh produce safety challenges.

Multiple Dentigerous Cysts as a Rare Presentation of Maroteaux-Lamy Syndrome.

Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome is one of the genetic disorders involving disturbances in mucopolysaccaride metabolism, due to deficiency of aryl sulfatase-B which leads to accumulation of dermatan sulfate in tissues and their excretion in urine. The diseases has several oral and dental manifestations, is first diagnosed on the basis of clinical findings. It is characterized by coarse facial features, normal intelligence, organomegaly, enlarged head, short neck, corneal clouding, enlarged tongue, and prominent metachromatic inclusions in leukocytes. Death is usually a result of either respiratory tract infection or cardiac disease, which is caused by the deposition of mucopolysaccharides. An 18-year-old with Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome is described in this article with multiple dentigerous cysts as the first presentation.

Food Contamination: Major Challenges of the Future.

This issue of Foods is dedicated to discuss the microbial, chemical and physical contamination challenges of food products.[...].

recurrent hemorrhoids-efficacy, utility and initial experience with the use of stapled hemorrhoidopexy in recurrent hemorrhoids

Overview: Hemorrhoidal disease (HD) is a common surgical disorder. The treatment modalities can be surgical or nonsurgical. Every surgical option has its own indications and limitations. Postsurgical symptomatic recurrence rates are low and vary between different techniques. The ideal way to deal with recurrent HD is not clear. Material and Methods: The present prospective case series enrolled a total of 87 patients (54male/33 female). Thirteen out of 87 patients (15%) had history of previous intervention for HD. Amodification of the standard technique was adopted for patients with recurrent HD. A mean follow-up of 22 months was achieved. Results: Stapled hemorrhoidectomy (SD)was performedin13patientswho had historyof previous surgical intervention for HD. There were no adverse events related to the technique. Patients with recurrent HD had severe pain scores with SH as compared to patients who underwent SH at the first time. There were no wound related complications. Conclusion: Stapled hemorrhoidectomy can be performed easily and offers good results in patients with recurrent HD. (AU)

Comparison of Microbiological and Probiotic Characteristics of Lactobacilli Isolates from Dairy Food Products and Animal Rumen Contents.

Lactobacilli are employed in probiotic food preparations and as feed additives in poultry and livestock, due to health benefits associated with their consumption. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the probiotic potential of ten lactobacilli strains isolated from commercial dairy food products and animal rumen contents in New Zealand. Genetic identification of the isolates revealed that all belonged to the genus Lactobacillus, specifically the species L. reuteri, L. rhamnosus and L. plantarum. All isolates did not show any haemolytic behaviour. Isolates of dairy origin showed better tolerance to low pH stress. On the other hand, rumen isolates exhibited a higher tolerance to presence of bile salts. All isolates exhibited resistance to aminoglycoside antibiotics, however most were sensitive to ampicillin. Isolates of rumen origin demonstrated a higher inhibitory effect on Listeria monocytogenes, Enterobacter aerogenes and Salmonella menston. Bacterial adherence of all isolates increased with a decrease in pH. This screening study on lactobacilli isolates has assessed and identified potential probiotic candidates for further evaluation.

Efficacy of Temporomandibular Joint Arthrocentesis on Mouth Opening and Pain in the Treatment of Internal Derangement of TMJ-A Clinical Study.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of arthrocentesis on mouth opening and pain in the treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen males and 25 females aged between 18 and 37 years comprised the study material in the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery at Govt Dental College Srinagar (India). The patients' complaints were limited mouth opening and TMJ pain. Arthrocentesis was performed under aseptic conditions. Clinical evaluation of the patients was done before the procedure, and 1 week and 4 months post-operatively. Intensity of TMJ pain and maximal mouth opening were recorded at each follow-up visit. RESULTS: There was significant improvement in mouth opening and reduction in pain scores in the post-operative period. CONCLUSIONS: Arthrocentesis is a simple and safe procedure for patients of internal derangement with closed lock for improving mouth opening and decreasing pain.

Cut off values of laser fluorescence for different storage methods at different time intervals in comparison to frozen condition: A 1 year in vitro study.

AIMS: The aim of the following study is to evaluate the change in laser fluorescence (LF) values for extracted teeth stored in different solutions over 1 year period, to give cut-off values for different storage media at different time intervals to get them at par with the in vivo conditions and to see which medium gives best results with the least change in LF values and while enhancing the validity of DIAGNOdent in research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety extracted teeth selected, from a pool of frozen teeth, were divided into nine groups of 10 each. Specimens in Groups 1-8 were stored in 1% chloramine, 10% formalin, 10% buffered formalin, 0.02% thymol, 0.12% chlorhexidine, 3% sodium hypochlorite, a commercially available saliva substitute-Wet Mouth (ICPA Pharmaceuticals) and normal saline respectively at 4°C. The last group was stored under frozen condition at -20°C without contact with any storage solution. DIAGNOdent was used to measure the change the LF values at day 30, 45, 60, 160 and 365. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The mean change in LF values in different storage mediums at different time intervals were compared using two-way ANOVA. RESULTS: At the end of 1 year, significant decrease in fluorescence (P < 0.05) was observed in Groups 1-8. Maximum drop in LF values occurred between day 1 and 30. Group 9 (frozen specimens) did not significantly change their fluorescence response. CONCLUSIONS: An inevitable change in LF takes place due to various storage media commonly used in dental research at different time intervals. The values obtained from our study can remove the bias caused by the storage media and the values of LF thus obtained can hence be conveniently extrapolated to the in vivo condition.

Global Food Safety-International Consumers' Rights?

Your submissions to this Special Issue "Food Microbiology and Safety" of Foods-a new open access journal-are welcome. We understand there are no foodborne illness-free zones in the world. Therefore, a proper understanding of foodborne pathogens and the factors that impact their growth, survival and pathogenesis would equip us with tools to ensure global food safety. This Special Issue publishes articles on different aspects of food microbiology and safety. [...].

Evaluation of biological, physical and chemical properties of mineral trioxide aggregate mixed with 4-META/MMA-TBB.

AIM: To evaluate the change in physical, chemical and biological properties when mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is mixed with a resin 4-methacryloxyethyl trimellitate anhydride (4-META)/methyl methacrylate-tri-n-butyl-borane (MMA)-TBB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For biological evaluation MTA was inoculated in Wistar rat's subcutaneous tissue and peripheral tissue response was checked after 72 h, 7 days, 15 days and 30 days. Setting time was evaluated using Gillmore needle. The Ca++ release at the end of 24 h was checked using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid titration method. For all the trials MTA mixed with water was kept as a control and the ratio of MTA with resin was 1:1 by weight. RESULTS: The biological reaction was verified by two observers and their readings were matched using kappa test and there was an excellent relevance. There was no significant difference in the tissue reaction at the end of 30 days where both the groups seemed to show healing. Setting time of MTA with 4-META/MMA-TBB was coming to a mean of 26 min (approx.), which is almost 6 times lesser than that of MTA with water. After applying t test, the difference in Ca++ release was found significant (P = 0.00), with mean of 0.044 and 0.031 mol/L of MTA with water and MTA with 4-META/MMA-TBB respectively. CONCLUSION: Under the parameters of this study, this new experimental cement has better handling, physical and chemical properties. Even its subcutaneous tissue reaction is comparable to MTA mixed with water.

Economic Impact of Food Safety Outbreaks on Food Businesses.

A globalized food trade, extensive production and complex supply chains are contributing toward an increased number of microbiological food safety outbreaks. Moreover, the volume of international food trade has increased to become very large. All of these factors are putting pressure on the food companies to meet global demand in order to be competitive. This scenario could force manufacturers to be lenient toward food safety control intentionally, or unintentionally, and result in a major foodborne outbreak that causes health problems and economic loss. The estimated cost of food safety incidents for the economy of the United States is around $7 billion per year which comes from notifying consumers, removing food from shelves, and paying damages as a result of lawsuits. Most other countries similarly have economic losses. Much of these losses represent lost markets, loss of consumer demand, litigation and company closures. Concrete steps are needed to improve safety of foods produced for local or overseas markets to avoid unexpected food scandals and economic losses.

Midline segmental odontomaxillary dysplasia.

Segmental odontomaxillary dysplasia (SOD) is a rare developmental disorder of the maxilla, characterized by variability of its clinical and radiological features and may mimic other fibro-osseous lesions. Clinically, the disorder is often diagnosed in early childhood due to a unilateral buccolingual expansion of the posterior alveolar process, gingival enlargement, absence of one or both premolars in the affected region, delayed eruption of the adjacent teeth, and malformations of the primary molars. We describe a rare case of a SOD in a 19-year-old female comprising findings similar to earlier reports, but for the first time SOD is reported along midline. She presented with pre-maxillary enlargement and abnormal pattern of eruption of anterior maxillary permanent teeth. Radiographic imaging showed abnormal bony trabeculation. Histopathologic findings showed characteristic features of SOD. We herein report a case of this rare unusual anomaly and review the literature. Clinicians should be aware of its presence when encountering patients presenting with facial asymmetry unresponsive to treatment.

Schwannoma causing resorption of zygomatic arch.

Schwannoma (also known as neurilemmoma, peripheral glioma and peripheral nerve sheath tumor) is a common, histologically distinctive, benign, usually encapsulated, peripheral nerve tumor of Schwann cell origin. Schwannomas can appear anywhere in the body, but are more frequently reported in the head and neck with an incidence of 25-48% in maxillofacial region. Resorption of bones due to schwannoma is rarely noticed in maxillofacial region. We hereby present a case report of schwannoma in a 35-year-old female, causing resorption of zygomatic arch along with review of literature.