Changes in bacterial composition of zucchini flowers exposed to refrigeration temperatures.

Microbial spoilage is one of the main factors affecting the quality of fresh fruits and vegetables, leading to off-flavor, fermented aroma, and tissue decay. The knowledge of microbial growth kinetics is essential for estimating a correct risk assessment associated with consuming raw vegetables and better managing the development of spoilage microorganisms. This study shows, for the first time, that only a part of total microbial community, originally present on fresh harvested female zucchini flowers, was able to adapt itself to refrigerated conditions. Through the study of microbial growth kinetics it was possible to isolate forty-four strains belonging to twenty-two species of the genera Acinetobacter, Arthrobacter, Bacillus, Enterobacter, Erwinia, Klebsiella, Pantoea, Pseudoclavibacter, Pseudomonas, Serratia, Staphylococcus, and Weissella, suggesting Enterobacteriaceae as potentially responsible for pistil spoilage.

Effects of periodontal therapy on glucose management in people with diabetes mellitus.

AIM: The primary aim of this study was to examine the effects of intensive periodontal therapy on HbA(1c) in a mixed diabetes mellitus (DM) (types 1 and 2) population with moderate periodontitis (PD). METHODS: A total of 93 subjects with PD and DM, recruited from referrals to the Department of Endocrinology at the Perugia Hospital, were included in a follow-up cohort clinical study comprising two parallel periodontal therapy groups-one receiving intensive periodontal therapy (IPT, n=44) and the other serving as controls (CPT, n=49)-with an 8-month follow-up. Clinical periodontal examinations and blood samples were collected 4 and 8 months after the completion of therapy. RESULTS: The IPT group presented with greater reductions of all periodontal indices compared with the CPT group at both follow-ups (P<0.001). Whereas, after 4 months, there were no major differences in HbA(1c) levels between groups, after 8 months, the IPT group presented with a 0.57% (95% CI: 0.12 to 1.09) greater reduction in HbA(1c) than the CPT group (P=0.03). This reduction was independent of age, gender, smoking and body mass index. However, the difference in HbA(1c) was greater in individuals with type 2 DM (0.95% reduction, 95% CI: 0.32 to 1.58; P=0.004) compared with those with type 1 DM. CONCLUSION: IPT resulted in greater improvement of gingival health in patients with DM. Improved oral health in those with type 2 DM may have an effect on medium-term glucose management and could possibly lead to long-term health benefits. (ISRCTN00559156).