ABSTRACT A 33-year-old male presented with unilateral subacute infectious keratitis 4 weeks after surgery. Corneal inflammation was resistant to standard topical antibiotic regimens. During diagnostic flap lifting and sampling, the corneal flap melted and separated. Through flap lifting, corneal scraping, microbiological diagnosis of atypical mycobacteria, and treatment with topical fortified amikacin, clarithromycin, and systemic clarithromycin, clinical improvement was achieved.

RESUMO Paciente do sexo masculino, 33 anos, apresentou ceratite infecciosa subaguda unilateral 4 semanas após a cirurgia. A inflamação da córnea foi resistente aos regimes de antibióticos tópicos padrão. A aba da córnea foi derretida e seccionada durante o levantamento e amostragem para diagnóstico. A melhora clínica só foi alcançada após levantamento do retalho, raspagem e diagnóstico microbiológico de micobactérias atípicas e tratamento com amicacina fortificada tópica, claritromicina e claritromicina sistêmica.

Objective: to analyze the physical and biological barrier characteristics of cotton fields used as a sterile barrier system after multiple use and processing cycles in the clinical practice. Method: an observational and longitudinal study to monitor and evaluate 100% cotton fabric used as a sterile barrier system in a medium-sized hospital. Samples were collected before use (after three washes) and at three, six, nine, 12 and 15 months of use and evaluated for the number, thickness and integrity of threads, weight, water absorption and wet penetration by microorganisms. Results: after 85 washes, the number of threads remained unchanged, and the shredded fibers and the water volume absorbed were increased. The microbiological test using the German standard methodology obtained a negative result and wet penetration by microorganisms did not show significant changes over time, although a percentage of the microbial cells passed through the double-layer samples. Conclusion: the physical properties of 100% cotton used as a sterile barrier system changed with use/processing cycles; however, these alterations did not significantly interfere with the results obtained by the tests performed on the microbiological barrier up to 85 washes.

Objetivo: analizar las características de barrera física y biológica de los campos de algodón utilizados como sistema de barrera estéril después de ser sometidos a múltiples usos y procesos en la práctica clínica. Método: estudio observacional longitudinal de seguimiento y evaluación de tela 100% algodón, utilizada como sistema de barrera estéril en un hospital de mediano porte. Se recolectaron muestras antes del uso (después de tres lavados) y después de tres, seis, nueve, 12 y 15 meses de uso y se evaluaron el número, grosor e integridad de los hilos, peso, absorción de agua y penetración húmeda de microorganismos. Resultados: después de 85 lavados, no cambió el número de hilos, aumentó el número de fibras deshilachadas y el volumen de agua absorbida. La prueba microbiológica mediante la metodología estándar alemana obtuvo un resultado negativo y la de penetración húmeda de microorganismos no mostró cambios significativos con el tiempo, a pesar de que una fracción de células microbianas pasó a través de las muestras de doble capa. Conclusión: las propiedades físicas de la tela 100% algodón utilizada como sistema de barrera estéril cambiaron con el uso/procesamiento; sin embargo, no interfirieron significativamente con los resultados obtenidos en las pruebas realizadas a la barrera microbiológica hasta los 85 lavados.

Objetivo: analisar as características de barreira física e biológica de campos de algodão, que são utilizados como sistema de barreira estéril, após múltiplos usos e processamentos na prática clínica. Método: estudo longitudinal observacional de acompanhamento e de avaliação de tecido 100% algodão que foi utilizado como sistema de barreira estéril em um hospital de médio porte. Amostras foram coletadas antes do uso (após três lavagens) e com três, seis, nove, 12 e 15 meses de uso e avaliadas quanto ao número, à espessura e à integridade dos fios, peso, absorção de água e penetração úmida de micro-organismos. Resultados: após 85 lavagens, o número de fios permaneceu inalterado, porém aumentaram-se as fibras desfiadas e o volume de água absorvido. O teste microbiológico utilizando metodologia padrão alemão obteve resultado negativo; já o de penetração de úmida de micro-organismos não apresentou mudanças significativas ao longo do tempo, embora uma fração das células microbianas tenham passado pelas amostras de dupla camada. Conclusão: as propriedades físicas do tecido 100% algodão, utilizado como sistema de barreira estéril, alteraram com usos/processamentos; entretanto essas não interferiram significativamente nos resultados obtidos pelos testes realizados na barreira microbiológica até 85 lavagens.

ABSTRACT Introduction: In the Base Business Unit (UEB) La Española I, cured meat is made. In the refrigerated storage stage of the final product, the presence of exudate was observed in the vacuum-sealed blankets. To reduce it, it is proposed to incorporate the baking operation into the process. Objective: To incorporate baking as an operation to reduce the amount of exudate present in the final product once vacuum sealed. Materials and Methods: Two experimental variants were analysed, one of them, the traditional one, where after the dry curing process it is passed to vacuum packaging and in the other the baking is introduced before the final packaging. The characterization of the final product was carried out from the physical, chemical, microbiological and sensory point of view. Different measurements were made before and after the baking process; as well as on the mass of exudate present in the packaged product. Results and Discussion: The baking process decreases the yield of the product and therefore increases the consumption rates of raw materials, which influences the cost of production. The product obtained in each variant complies with the regulated parameters. The baking process was able to reduce the amount of exudate present in the final product. Conclusions: The two variants studied were able to reduce the amount of exudate present in cured beef jerky type after vacuum packaging. The baking process increases the cost of production and decreases the yield of the product.

RESUMEN Introducción: En la Unidad Empresarial de Base (UEB) La Española I se elabora carne curada tipo tasajo. En la etapa de almacenamiento refrigerado del producto final se observa presencia de exudado en las mantas selladas al vacío. Para su disminución se propone incorporar la operación de horneado en el proceso. Objetivo: Incorporar el horneado como operación para disminuir la cantidad de exudado presente en el producto final una vez sellado al vacío. Materiales y Métodos: Se analizaron dos variantes experimentales, una de ellas, la tradicional, donde después del proceso de cura seca se pasa al envasado al vacío y en la otra se introduce el horneado antes del envasado final. Se realizó la caracterización del producto final desde el punto de vista físico, químico, microbiológico y sensorial. Se realizaron distintas mediciones antes y después del proceso de horneado; así como en la masa de exudado presente en el producto envasado. Resultados y Discusión: El proceso de horneado disminuye el rendimiento del producto y por ende se incrementan los índices de consumo de las materias primas, lo cual influye en el costo de producción. El producto obtenido en cada variante cumple con los parámetrosnormados. El proceso de horneado logró disminuir la cantidad de exudado presente en el producto final. Conclusiones: Las dos variantes estudiadas logran disminuir la cantidad de exudado presente en la carne curada tipo tasajo después de envasada al vacío. El proceso de horneado incrementa el costo de producción y disminuye el rendimiento del producto.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the antibiotic susceptibility as well as the clinical, epidemiological, and microbiological profiles of microbial keratitis. Methods: This was a longitudinal retrospective study, and we retrospectively reviewed medical and laboratory records from 2015 to 2019. Results: In total, 380 pathogens (321 bacteria and 59 fungi) were isolated from the corneas of 352 patients. Staphylococcus species (45%) were most abundant within the organisms that were isolated, followed by Pseudomonas (18.4%), fungi (15.5%), Streptococcus (7.9%), and Serratia species (3.2%). The isolated gram-positive bacteria were not resistant to amikacin or vancomycin, although 14.8% of the gram-positive isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin (p<0.05). All the gram-negative isolates were susceptible to amikacin. Male patients represented 62.8% of the 129 cases with accessible clinical data. The mean age of the patients was 53.17 ± 21 years. The time to presentation (from onset of symptoms) was 14.9 ± 19.4 days (median: 7 days). Large ulcers (>5 mm in any dimension) were present in 49.6% (64 eyes) of the cases. The duration of treatment was 49 ± 45.9 days (median: 38 days). Direct ocular trauma was reported by 48 (37.2%) patients, and 15 patients (11.6%) reported using contact lenses. For 72 (55.8%) patients, topical treatment had been previously prescribed, and 16 (12.4%) patients reported using other classes of drugs. Hospitalizations were required for 79 (61.2%) patients, and in terms of major complications, 53 (41.1%) patients had corneal perforations. A total of 40 patients (31%) underwent tectonic penetrating keratoplasty, and 28 (21.7%) developed secondary glaucoma. A progression to endophthalmitis occurred in 8 (6.2%) patients, with 50% of those patients’ (3.1% of the total) endophthalmitis evolving to evisceration. The patients’ microbial keratitis was largely treated empirically, with 94 (72.9%) patients prescribed moxifloxacin and 56 (43.4%) prescribed ciprofloxacin before receiving their culture results. Conclusions: For the most part, our hospital treated patients with severe microbial keratitis. Despite identifying gram-positive bacteria in most of the isolates, we also frequently identified gram-negative rods and fungi. Our susceptibility results support prescribing a combination of vancomycin and amikacin as an effective empirical therapeutic regimen to treat microbial keratitis.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a susceptibilidade a antibióticos, o perfil clínico, epidemiológico e microbiológico das ceratites infecciosas. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo longitudinal. Registros médicos e laboratoriais de 2015 a 2019 foram revisados retrospectivamente. Resultados: Trezentos e oitenta patógenos (321 bactérias e 59 fungos) foram isolados das córneas de 352 pacientes. As espécies de Staphylococcus foram os microorganismos mais isolados (45%), seguidos de Pseudomonas (18,4%), fungos (15,5%), Streptococcus (7,9%) e Serratia (3,2%). Não houve resistência das bactérias Gram-positivas à amicacina ou vancomicina, enquanto 14,8% isolados Gram-positivos foram resistentes à ciprofloxacina (p<0,05). Todos os organismos Gram-negativos eram suscetíveis à amicacina. Pacientes do sexo masculino representaram 62,8% de 129 casos com dados clínicos acessíveis. A média de idade foi 53,17 ± 21 anos. O tempo até a apresentação (desde o início dos sintomas) foi de 14,9 ± 19,4 dias (mediana: 7 dias). Úlceras grandes (>5mm em qualquer extensão) representaram 49,6% (64 olhos) dos casos. A duração do tratamento foi de 49 ± 45,9 dias (mediana: 38 dias). Trauma ocular direto foi relatado por 48 (37,2%) pacientes e uso de lentes de contato por 15 (11,6%) pacientes. Foi prescrito tratamento prévio para 72 (55.8%) pacientes. Outras classes de medicamentos foram prescritas para 16 (12.4%). Setenta e nove (61,2%) pacientes tiveram que ser hospitalizados. Como complicações maiores, 53 (41,1%) pacientes apresentaram perfuração corneana, 40 pacientes (31%) foram submetidos à ceratoplastia penetrante tectônica e 28 (21,7%) desenvolveram glaucoma secundário. Oito pacientes (6,2%) evoluíram para endoftalmite. O tratamento empírico da ceratite microbiana foi amplamente empregado, com 94 (72,9%) pacientes em uso de moxifloxacina e 56 (43,4%) em uso de ciprofloxacina antes do resultado da cultura. Conclusões: Nosso hospital tratou predominantemente de pacientes com úlceras microbianas graves. Embora bactérias Gram-positivas constituíssem a maioria dos isolados, bacilos e fungos Gram-negativos também foram frequentemente identificados nas ceratites microbianas. Os resultados de suscetibilidade sugerem a combinação de vancomicina e amicacina como um regime terapêutico empírico eficaz para essa condição grave com risco de perda visual permanente.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: Apesar do crescente esforço em medidas de segurança alimentar, as intoxicações alimentares continuam a ser uma realidade. A perceção dos colaboradores em relação à segurança alimentar e higiene no local de trabalho (ambiente de segurança alimentar) pode influenciar o estado microbiológico do produto final. OBJETIVOS: Estudar as relações entre o ambiente de segurança alimentar, conhecimentos sobre segurança alimentar e características pessoais e profissionais de colaboradores de unidades de alimentação (cantinas e bares) em instituições do ensino superior. METODOLOGIA: Avaliou-se uma amostra de conveniência de 77 trabalhadores de 15 cantinas e bares em instituições de ensino superior de três cidades portuguesas (Porto, Aveiro e Coimbra). Foram avaliadas as relações dos dados sociodemográficos e sobre o local de trabalho com o ambiente de segurança alimentar (18 itens divididos em seis componentes) e os conhecimentos sobre segurança alimentar (20 itens agrupados em quatro temas). RESULTADOS: O ambiente de segurança alimentar (mediana = 83,3%; P25 = 70,8%; P75 = 88,9%) não se associou significativamente aos conhecimentos (mediana = 45,0%; P25 = 30,0; P75 = 55,0): rs = -0,128; p = 0,262. Os conhecimentos sobre segurança alimentar relacionaram-se positivamente com os anos de experiência no local de trabalho atual (rs = 0,247; p = 0,032) e no setor alimentar (rs = 0,326; p = 0,004). Os trabalhadores que tinham tido formação no local de trabalho atual apresentavam maiores conhecimentos sobre segurança alimentar (média = 45,0% vs. 40,0%; p = 0,021). Nenhuma das relações das características dos trabalhadores com o ambiente de segurança alimentar foi estatisticamente significativa. CONCLUSÕES: Os colaboradores de unidades de alimentação em instituições do ensino superior em Portugal possuem baixos conhecimentos sobre segurança alimentar, apesar da perceção positiva sobre o clima de segurança alimentar. A experiência e formação relacionam-se com os conhecimentos sobre segurança alimentar mas não com o ambiente de segurança alimentar.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Despite the increasing effort in food safety measures, food poisoning remains a reality. Employees’ perception regarding food safety and hygiene at their workplace (food safety climate) can influence the microbiological status of the final product. OBJECTIVES: To study the relationships between food safety climate, knowledge about food safety and personal and professional characteristics of workers of higher education institutions’ food service units (canteens and bars). METHODOLOGY: A convenience sample of 77 workers of 15 higher education institutions’ canteens and bars in three Portuguese cities (Porto, Aveiro and Coimbra) was evaluated. The relationships of sociodemographic and workplace data with food safety climate (18 items divided into six components) and knowledge about food safety (20 items grouped in four themes) were assessed. RESULTS: Food safety climate (median = 83.3%, P25 = 70.8%, P75 = 88.9%) was not significantly associated with food safety knowledge (median = 45.0%, P25 = 30.0, P75 = 55.0): rs = -0.128, p = 0.262. Food safety knowledge had a positive association with years of experience in current workplace (rs = 0.247, p = 0.032) and in food sector (rs = 0.326, p = 0.004). Workers who had attended training in their current workplace presented higher food safety knowledge (mean = 45.0% vs. 40.0%, p = 0.021). None of the relationships of workers’ characteristics and food safety climate were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Workers of Portuguese higher education institutions’ service units present low knowledge about food safety despite the positive perception of food safety climate. Experience and training are related with food safety knowledge but not with food safety climate.

Resumen El trabajo tiene por objetivo analizar y evaluar la calidad del agua subterránea de la ciudad de Sucre, Bolivia, específicamente del área de cobertura del caudal Cajamarca. La metodología consistió inicialmente en la caracterización del área de estudio: localización, topografía, geología, marco hidrológico, hidrogeológico y precipitación pluvial. Posteriormente, se seleccionaron y tomaron muestras de siete pozos (P1-P7). Se realizaron los análisis microbiológicos, organolépticos, químicos e hidroquímicos, además de la evaluación para su uso en el área agrícola. Fueron considerados los requisitos mínimos del control de la calidad del agua para consumo humano de la Norma Boliviana 512, Ley Nº 1333 del Medio Ambiente y las guías para la calidad de agua potable de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Los resultados demuestran que todos los pozos cumplen con los requerimientos establecidos en los parámetros químicos. Sin embargo, los siete pozos se ven comprometidos en la caracterización microbiológica y organoléptica. Respecto al análisis hidroquímico, se observa que la mayoría de las muestras pertenecen al grupo Na^+-HCO_3^- con un contenido iónico relativamente elevado. Por otra parte, sólo los P2 y P7 son aptos para uso agrícola; mientras que, los P3 y P4 pueden ser empleadas bajo ciertas condiciones. Si bien la explotación de aguas subterráneas puede ser una alternativa a la demanda de agua, se debe realizar un análisis detallado de sus características y, si fuera necesario, un tratamiento para su uso.

Abstract The objective of this research work is to analyze and evaluate the quality of groundwater in the city of Sucre, Bolivia, specifically in the area covered by the Cajamarca flow. The methodology consisted initially in the characterization of the study area: location, topography, geology, hydrological and hydrogeological framework and rainfall. Subsequently, samples were selected and taken from seven wells (P1-P7). Microbiological, organoleptic, chemical and hydrochemical analyses were performed, as well as evaluation for agricultural use. The minimum requirements for water quality control for human consumption of Bolivian Standard 512, Law No. 1333 of the Environment and the guidelines for drinking water quality of the World Health Organization were considered. The results show that all the wells meet the requirements established in the chemical parameters. However, the seven wells are compromised in the microbiological and organoleptic characterization. Regarding the hydrochemical analysis, it is observed that most of the samples belong to the Na+-HCO3_- group with a relatively high ionic content. On the other hand, only P2 and P7 are suitable for agricultural use, while P3 and P4 can be used under certain conditions. Although groundwater exploitation can be an alternative to water demand, a detailed analysis of its characteristics and, if necessary, a treatment for its use should be carried out.

RESUMEN Introducción. En neonatos internados es frecuente sospechar sepsis neonatal, pero solo en el 25 % al 30 % se confirma con cultivos positivos. La selección del esquema antibiótico basándose en la epidemiología local favorece el uso racional y minimiza sus efectos colaterales. Objetivo primario. Describir la prevalencia de sepsis precoz y tardía con rescate microbiológico y sus características clínicas. Población y método. Estudio transversal retrospectivo, realizado del 1 de enero de 2013 al 31 de diciembre de 2017, en una maternidad pública de Argentina, que incluyó todos los recién nacidos internados en la unidad con diagnóstico de sepsis precoz y tardía con rescate microbiológico, y aquellos reingresados dentro del mes de vida. Resultados. Ingresaron 3322 recién nacidos, 1296 evaluados por sospecha de sepsis precoz, cultivos positivos en 25 (1,9 %; tasa: 0,86 %o). El 52 % eran menores de 33 semanas de edad gestacional. Microorganismos: Escherichia coli 5, Listeria monocytogenes 4, Streptococcus agalactiae (SGB) 3, Streptococcus pneumoniae 3. Sepsis tardía (tasa 8,73 %%), el 68 % ocurridas en menores de 33 semanas. Microorganismos intrahospitalarios: Staphylococcus coagulasa negativos 115, Staphylococcus aureus 47, Escherichia coli30, Cándida spp. 16, Enterococcus faecalis 13, Klebsiellapneumoniae 11 y Streptococcus agalactiae 10. En los reingresos: E. coli 11, S. aureus 12, SGB 3 y Haemophilus influenzae 3. Conclusiones. Se observa en el período estudiado una frecuencia de sepsis precoz similar a los reportes internacionales, con predominio de E. coli y L. monocytogenes. La tasa de sepsis tardía presentó una tendencia descendente en los años analizados, con predominio de los cocos grampositivos.

Abstract: Wastewater treatment systems based on floating aquatic plants represent an interesting option, whose development, design, and operation have been based on empirical procedures, mainly because sufficient data has not been generated to create general design and maintenance models. Floating macrophytes have proven to be efficient in bioremediation of wastewater containing organic matter and toxic substances that are harmful to the environment. The need to find a solution to this growing situation of contamination and the possibility of reusing wastewater has motivated this study, whose objective was to study the purifying capacity of Pistia stratiotes L. in wastewater treatment in order to establish the potential use of this species. The physicochemical parameters were analyzed following the standardized analytical techniques published by the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater APHA-AWWA-WPC. Regarding the results obtained from the tested parameters, a removal below 50% was observed: BOD5 (30.7%), COD (40.8%), Total Suspended Solids - TSS (42%), pH it varied between 5.4 and 6.2, the dissolved Oxygen was increasing, taking values from 4.78 mgO2/L to 12.09 mgO2/L. Taking into account the statistical results of the t test values, it was concluded that there was no significant removal of the physicochemical and microbiological parameters analyzed in the different concentrations used (5, 25, 50, 75 and 100) %, this could be influenced by the low temperatures of the season and the short term of exposure of the plant with the residual water.

Resumen: Los sistemas de tratamiento de aguas residuales a base de plantas acuáticas flotantes representan una opción interesante, cuyo desarrollo, diseño y operación se ha basado en procedimientos empíricos debido principalmente a que no se han generado los datos suficientes que permitan crear modelos generales de diseño y mantenimiento. Las macrófitas flotantes han demostrado ser eficientes en la biorremediación de aguas residuales con contenidos de materia orgánica y sustancias tóxicas perjudiciales para el medio ambiente. La necesidad de encontrar alguna solución a esta situación creciente de contaminación y la posibilidad de reutilizar las aguas residuales ha motivado a realizar este estudio, cuyo objetivo fue estudiar la capacidad depuradora de la Pistia stratiotes L. en el tratamiento de aguas residuales a fin de establecer el uso potencial de esta especie. Los parámetros fisicoquímicos fueron analizados siguiendo las técnicas analíticas estandarizadas publicadas por el Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater APHA-AWWA-WPC. Con respecto a resultados obtenidos de los parámetros ensayados se observó una remoción por debajo del 50%, la DBO5 (30,7 %), la DQO (40,8%), los Sólidos Suspendidos Totales - SST (42%), el pH varió entre 5,4 y 6,2, el Oxígeno disuelto fue en aumento tomando valores de 4,78 mgO2/L a 12,09 mgO2/L. Teniendo en cuenta los resultados estadísticos de los valores del tes t, se concluyó que no hubo remoción significativa de los parámetros fisicoquímicos y microbiológico analizados en las distintas concentraciones utilizadas (5, 25, 50, 75 y100) %, esto pudo estar influenciada por las bajas temperaturas de la estación y el corto plazo de exposición de la planta con el agua residual.

Abstract Objective We studied the microbiological profile of periprosthetic knee infections treated in a Brazilian tertiary hospital. Methods The study included all patients undergoing revision surgery for total knee arthroplasty (RTKA) between November 2019 and December 2021, with a diagnosis of periprosthetic infection confirmed per the 2018 International Consensus Meeting (ICM) criteria. Results Sixty-two patients had a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) per the 2018 ICM criteria. Cultures were monomicrobial in 79% and polymicrobial in 21% of cases. The most frequent bacterium in microbiological tissue and synovial fluid cultures was Staphylococcus aureus, observed in 26% of PJI patients. Periprosthetic joint infection with negative cultures occurred in 23% of patients. Conclusion Our results show the following: i) a high prevalence of Staphylococcus as an etiological agent for knee PJI; ii) a high incidence of polymicrobial infections in early infections; iii) the occurrence of PJI with negative cultures in approximately one fourth of the subjects.

Resumo Objetivo Identificar o perfil microbiológico das infecções periprotéticas do joelho tratadas em um hospital terciário brasileiro. Métodos Todos os pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revisão de artroplastia total do joelho (RATJ), no período compreendido entre novembro de 2019 e dezembro de 2021, e que tiveram o diagnóstico de infecção periprotética confirmado de acordo com critérios do International Consensus Meeting (ICM) 2018, foram incluídos no estudo. Resultados Sessenta e dois pacientes foram diagnosticados com infecção periprotética (IAP) pelos critérios do International Consensus Meeting 2018. Culturas monomicrobianas foram identificadas em 79% e polimicrobianas em 21% dos casos. A bactéria mais frequentemente identificada nas culturas microbiológicas de tecidos e líquido sinovial foi o Staphylococcus aureus, presente em 26% dos pacientes com infecção periprotética. Infecções periprotéticas com culturas negativas ocorreram em 23% dos pacientes. Conclusão Nossos resultados evidenciam: i) alta prevalência de bactérias do gênero Staphylococcus como causadores da IAP do joelho; ii) a alta incidência de infecções polimicrobianas nas infecções precoces e iii) IAP com culturas negativas ocorre em, aproximadamente, um quarto dos pacientes.

Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar los efectos de la sustitución parcial de grasa por almidón de yuca y fibra de arveja (Pisum sativum L.) en salchichones fermentados. Se analizan las propiedades texturales, microbiológicas, sensoriales y microestructurales utilizando un cultivo iniciador compuesto de Staphylococcus xylosus y Lactobacillus sakei. Se aplica un diseño factorial aleatorio. Los resultados muestran que el almidón de yuca tuvo mayor efecto en la dureza, debido a que se presentaron los valores más altos cuando fue adicionado en mayor proporción (50 %). Los recuentos de microorganismos están dentro de los límites establecidos por la Norma Técnica Colombiana (NTC-1325 del 20-08-2008) de 2008 para salchichones. Se concluye que la fibra de arveja y el almidón de yuca favorecen la microbiota de salchichones, logrando ser ingredientes importantes en la formulación de salchichones fermentados a partir del desarrollo de nuevos productos a nivel industrial.

Abstract: The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of partially substituting fermented salchichón fat with cassava starch and pea fiber (Pisum sativum L.). The analyses examine the textural, microbiological, sensory, and microstructural properties. A starter culture with Staphylococcus xylosus and Lactobacillus sakei is used and a factorial random design is applied. The results show that cassava starch has the most effect on hardness since the highest values are obtained when it is added in high proportions (50%). Microbial counts are within the limits established by the 2008 Colombian Technical Standard (NTC-1325 of 08-20-2008) for salchichón. It is concluded that pea fiber and cassava starch favor salchichón microbiota, making them primary ingredients for fermented salchichón formulation when developing new products at the industrial level.

Resumen Introducción: La meningitis por Listeria monocytogenes (MLM) es una entidad grave con complicaciones a corto plazo. La reacción de polimerasa en cadena (RPC) puede ayudar a mejorar su diagnóstico y pronóstico. Objetivos: Conocer las características de los pacientes diagnosticados de meningitis por L. monocytogenes en los últimos años, a través de diferentes métodos microbiológicos. Pacientes y Métodos: Serie de casos de pacientes adultos ingresados con MLM en el Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, España, durante doce años (2009-2021). Se describieron variables epidemiológicas, clínicas, microbiológicas, radiológicas y terapéuticas. Resultados: Se registraron doce pacientes con MLM (edad media 67,5 años, 75% varones). En ocho se obtuvo un cultivo positivo a L. monocytogenes. La RPC en líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) fue positiva en los dos casos en los que se realizó la prueba. El tratamiento dirigido en todos los casos fue ampicilina durante 21 días. Se registraron complicaciones en un cuarto de los casos. Del total de pacientes uno falleció. Conclusiones: La MLM es una enfermedad poco frecuente y de difícil diagnóstico. En nuestra serie de casos los dos pacientes diagnosticados por RPC tuvieron resultado de cultivo de LCR negativo, y presentaron buena evolución. La determinación de RPC podría permitir diagnosticar un mayor número de casos y con mayor precocidad.

Abstract Background: Listeria monocytogenes meningitis (LMM) is a serious entity with short-term complications. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can help to improve its diagnosis and prognosis. Aim: To know the characteristics of patients diagnosed with meningitis by L. monocytogenes in recent years, through different microbiological methods. Methods: Case series of adult patients admitted with LMM at the Hospital Clínico San Carlos of Madrid, Spain, during twelve years (2009-2021). Epidemiological, clinical, microbiological, radiological and therapeutic variables were described. Results: Twelve patients with LMM were recorded (mean age 67.5 years, 75% male). Eight had a positive culture for L. monocytogenes. cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) PCR was positive in the two cases in which the test was performed. Treatment in all cases was ampicillin for 21 days. Complications were recorded in a quarter of the cases. One patient died. Conclusions: LMM is a rare and difficult to diagnose disease. In our series of cases, the two patients diagnosed by PCR had negative CSF culture results, and presented good evolution. PCR determination could allow a greater number of cases to be diagnosed earlier.

ABSTRACT: The objective was to determine the effectiveness of the larva of Hermetia illucens as a bioconverting organism of human excreta, in favor of a basic sanitation system in rural areas lacking it. The method by induction of postures in substrate for occlusion and larval development, the first sample 181.2 g of biomass (1010 larvae) for the first treatment in a substrate of 4.5 kg of fecal matter and 364.2 g of biomass (1908 larvae) for the second treatment in a substrate of 4.9 kg of fecal matter. Monitoring of physicochemical parameters of NPK, pH, EC, T and HR and biological (Blastocystis hominis and helminth eggs). The results showed a reduction of MO (4.5 kg to 1.5 kg sample 1) and (4,942 kg to 1.1 kg sample 2) reducing odors and eliminating protozoa. The mineralizing effectiveness of Hermetia illucens evidenced in the electroconductivity (1536 µS/cm initial and 5487 µS/cm final) for sample 1, (2463 µS/cm initial and 4825 µS/cm final) for sample 2. In the analysis by X-ray fluorescence, N: 4.4%, P: 1.9% K: 2.5% was obtained for sample 1 treated and N: 4.9%, P: 2.9% K: 2.5% for sample 2 treated. The decrease in microbiological agents was evaluated by SEM, without protozoan cysts described by microbiological analysis (Blastocystis hominis) and decrease in the volume of excreta.

RESUMEN: El objetivo fue determinar la efectividad de la larva de Hermetia illucens como organismo bioconversor de excretas humanas, en pro de un sistema de saneamiento básico en zonas rurales carentes de éste. El método por inducción de posturas en sustrato para oclusión y desarrollo larval, la primera muestra 181,2 g de biomasa (1010 larvas) para el primer tratamiento en un sustrato de 4,5 kg de materia fecal y 364,2 g de biomasa (1908 larvas) para el segundo tratamiento en un sustrato de 4,9 kg de materia fecal. Monitoreo de parámetros fisicoquímicos de NPK, pH, EC, T y HR y biológicos (Blastocystis hominis y huevos de helmintos). Los resultados evidenciaron una reducción de MO (4,5 kg a 1,5 kg muestra 1) y (4.942 kg a 1,1 kg muestra 2) reduciendo olores y eliminando protozoarios. La efectividad mineralizadora de Hermetia illucens evidenciada en la electroconductividad (1536 µS/cm inicial y 5487 µS/cm final) para la muestra 1, (2463 µS/cm inicial y 4825 µS/cm final) para la muestra 2. En el análisis por fluorescencia de rayos X, se obtuvo, N: 4,4%, P: 1,9% K: 2,5% para la muestra 1 tratada y N: 4,9%, P: 2,9% K: 2,5% para la muestra 2 tratada. Se evaluó la disminución de agentes microbiológicos por SEM, sin quistes de protozoarios descritos por análisis microbiológico (Blastocystis hominis) y disminución del volumen de las excretas.

Resumen El objetivo del estudio fue predecir el riesgo potencial de exposición a V. cholerae y V. parahaemolyticus asociado al consumo de ostión americano (Crassostrea virginica) crudo colectado del Sistema Lagunar Mandinga (SLM), en restaurantes, coctelerías y puestos ambulantes. El riesgo se estimó como casos esperados/100,000 porciones con el modelo de la FDA. En ostiones del SLM el riesgo estimado por consumir ostiones contaminados con V. cholerae noO1/noO139 chxA+ sin refrigerar 10 h en verano fue bajo (99×10-5 casos); V. parahaemolyticus tdh+ y tdh+/trh+ representaron un riesgo estimado alto en primavera (2,200×10-5 y 4,000×10-5 casos, respectivamente) y la cepa pandémica orf8+ un riesgo medio (110×10-5 casos) en invierno. El consumo de ostión crudo sin refrigerar 10 h contaminado con V. cholerae noO1/noO139 chxA+ representó un riesgo promedio bajo (0.87×10-5 y 0.44×10-5 casos) para restaurantes y coctelerías, respectivamente, alto para cocteles expendidos en puestos ambulantes a temperatura ambiente 24 h (2,500×10-5 casos) y bajo a V. parahaemolyticus tdh+ en restaurantes (0.21×10-5 casos) y coctelerías (1.1×10-5 casos). El porcentaje patogénico, el sitio de venta y el tiempo sin refrigerar fueron las variables que incrementaron el riesgo de enfermar, siendo primavera la estación con el mayor riesgo para el consumidor.

Abstract The aim of the study was to assess the potential risk of exposure to V. cholerae and V. parahaemolyticus associated to raw American oyster (Crassostrea virginica) consumption collected from the Mandinga Lagoon System (MLS), in restaurants, oyster bars, and street vendors. Risk was estimated as number of cases/100,000 servings with FDA model. The risk of oyster consumption from MLS contaminated with V. cholerae noO1/noO139 chxA+ and unrefrigerated 10-h was low (99 × 10-5 cases) in summer; V. parahaemolyticus tdh+ y tdh+/trh+ estimated risk was high in spring (2,200 × 10-5 y 4,000 × 10-5 cases, respectively) and the pandemic strain orf8+ risk was medium in winter (110 × 10-5 cases). Oyster cocktail consumption unrefrigerated for 10 h and contaminated with V. cholerae noO1/noO139 chxA+, represented a low mean risk (0.87 × 10-5 and 0.44 × 10-5 cases) for oyster cocktails from restaurants and oyster bars, respectively, a high mean risk for street vendor cocktails stored at ambient temperature 24-h (2,500 × 10-5 cases), and a low mean risk for V. parahaemolyticus tdh+ in restaurants (0.21 × 10-5 cases) and oyster bar (1.1 x 10-5 cases) cocktails. Risk assessment results indicated that pathogenic percentage, type of establishment, and unrefrigerated storage time were variables that most increased the probability of illness, and spring the season with the highest risk for consumers.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar los factores higiénico-sanitarios asociados a la contaminación microbiológica de la carne de pollo comercializada en los mercados municipales de El Salvador. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio transversal analítico en los 33 mercados municipales de las cabeceras departamentales de El Salvador. La muestra se calculó a partir de 456 puestos de venta, obteniendo un total de 256 puestos. Por cada puesto se obtuvo una muestra de carne de pollo. El análisis microbiológico se realizó en el Laboratorio Nacional de Salud Pública. Se calcularon frecuencias, porcentajes, medidas de tendencia central y de asociación utilizando SPSS versión 21. Resultados. En el 74% de las muestras se encontró Escherichia coli, en el 24%, Staphylococcus aureus y en el 16%, Salmonela spp. La presencia de Salmonella spp, estuvo asociada con el no uso de desinfectante para las manos y no utilizar toalla para secarse las manos. La presencia de E. coli estuvo asociada al uso de accesorios personales y la inadecuada temperatura de almacenamiento. Mientras que la presencia de S. aureus, estuvo asociada a la falta de lavado de manos, no utilizar toalla para secarse las manos y no utilizar delantal. Conclusión. Las condiciones higiénico-sanitarias de los manipuladores y de los puestos de venta están asociadas a la contaminación microbiológica en la carne de pollo comercializada en El Salvador.

ABSTRACT Objective. To determine the hygienic-sanitary factors associated with the microbiological contamination of chicken meat sold at the municipal markets of El Salvador. Materials and methods. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 33 municipal markets of the 14 departmental capitals of El Salvador. The sample consisted of 256 out of 456 possible market stalls. A sample of chicken meat was obtained from each market stall. The microbiological analysis was conducted at the National Public Health Laboratory. Frequencies, percentages, measures of central tendency and association were calculated with SPSS version 21. Results. Escherichia coli was found in 74% of the samples, Staphylococcus aureus in 24% and Salmonella spp. in 1%. The presence of Salmonella spp. was associated with not using hand sanitizer and not using towels for drying the hands. S. aureus was associated with the use of personal accessories and improper storage. The presence of S. aureus was associated with the lack of hand washing, not using a towel to dry the hands and not wearing an apron. Conclusion. The hygienic-sanitary conditions of the handlers and the market stalls were associated with microbiological contamination of chicken meat marketed in El Salvador.