Behavior of Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli in ewe milk stored at different temperatures and during the manufacture and ripening of a raw milk sheep cheese (Zamorano style)

[EN] This study was conducted to assess the survival of 2 wild Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli strains (one serotype O157:H7 and one non-O157:H7) in ewe milk stored at different conditions and to examine the fate of the O157 strain during the manufacture and ripening of a Spanish sheep hard variety of raw milk cheese (Zamorano). The strains were selected among a population of 50 isolates, which we obtained from ewe milk, because of their high resistance to 0.3% lactic acid. Both strains were inoculated (approximately 2 log10 cfu/mL) in raw and heat-treated (low-temperature holding, LTH; 63°C/30 min) ewe milk and stored for 5 d at 6, 8, and 10°C and also according to a simulation approach for assessing the effects of failures in the cold chain. The minimum growth temperature for the O157:H7 strain in LTH and raw ewe milk was 8°C. For the non-O157:H7 strain, the lowest temperature showing bacterial growth in LTH ewe milk was 6°C, but it did not grow at any of the tested conditions in raw milk. It appears that the O157 strain was more susceptible to cold stress but was likely a better competitor than the non-O157 strain against the milk autochthonous microbiota. For manufacture of Zamorano cheese, raw milk was inoculated with approximately 3 log10 cfu/mL, and after 2 mo of ripening at 10 to 12°C, the cheeses showed the expected general characteristics for this variety. The O157:H7 strain increased 0.9 log10 cfu/g after whey drainage and during ripening and storage decreased by 2.9 log10 cfu/g. Nevertheless, its detectable level (estimated at 6.2 cfu/g) after 2 mo of ripening suggests that Zamorano cheese manufactured from raw ewe milk contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 could represent a public health concern.SIThis work was funded by project AGL2011-26118/ ALI of the Spanish R&D program and “Junta de Castilla y León” (Grant GR155). V. Otero was supported by the Training Programme for Academic Staff (FPU) of the Spanish Government. The authors gratefully acknowledge the Consorcio de Promoción del Ovino (Villalpando, Zamora, Spain) for providing milk samples. The authors have not stated any conflicts of interest

Evaluation of two antimicrobial packaging films against Escherichia coli O157:H7 strains in vitro and during storage of a spanish ripened sheep cheese (zamorano)

P. 296-302Entidades financiadoras: Junta de Castilla y León (Ayuda Grupo de Excelencia GR155 y Proyecto de Investigación LE331A12-2). Proyecto de Investigación AGL2011-26118/ALI. The antimicrobial activity of two packaging films (polypropylene –PP- and polyethylene terephthalate –PET-) coated with different concentrations (0, 4, 6 and 8%) of essential oil from Origanum vulgare (OR) and Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate HCl (LAE) was tested against two E. coli O157:H7 strains using in vitro systems and a raw milk sheep cheese model (Zamorano). The influence of the antimicrobials on the sensory attributes of cheese was also evaluated. For both strains, the MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration) values were identical to their respective MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) values and lower for LAE (25 mg/l) than for OR (200-400 mg/l). PP and PET films coated with OR were tested by a vapour phase assay and the Japanish Standard method (JIS Z 2801:2000). Both films coated with LAE were tested by an agar diffusion method. Overall, in vitro tests were effective against both strains. The inhibitory activity depended on the active compound concentration, the target strain and the packaging material, PET being more effective than PP. For inoculated cheese slices, OR and LAE PP films did not effectively decrease E. coli O157:H7 counts after 7-days cold storage. PET films incorporating 6 and 8 % of OR and LAE significantly (p 0.05) affect sensorial characteristics of Zamorano cheese. Packaging with PET films coated with 6% LAE concentrations might be useful in reducing E. coli O157:H7 numbers in sheep chees

Molecular Diversity of ESBL-Producing Escherichia coli from Foods of Animal Origin and Human Patients

9 p.Abstract: Dissemination of enterobacteria that produce extended spectrum -lactamases (ESBL) throughout the food chain has become an important health concern. This work aimed to evaluate the occurrence of ESBL-producing bacteria in foods of animal origin and to investigate the similarities between food and human isolates. The presence of beta-lactam-resistant Enterobacteriaceae was analyzed in 108 food samples, isolating 10 strains of Escherichia coli, one strain of Citrobacter freundi, and one of Hafnia alvei. E. coli isolates were compared to a group of 15 strains isolated from human patients by antibiotic susceptibility testing, characterization of ESBL genes (blaTEM, blaCTX,), multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Nineteen (14 clinical and five food) isolates carried blaCTX, 14 (six clinical and eight food) carried blaTEM, and three (one clinical and two food) carried blaSHV gen. MLST analysis revealed the prevalence of ST131 among the clinical strains, which grouped together in a PFGE cluster. Food isolates showed higher diversity and two of them (ST57) grouped with clinical strains, whereas another two belonged to clonal groups with virulence potential (ST59). In conclusion, the results showed that foods of animal origin must be regarded as a reservoir of ESBL-producing bacteria of clinical relevance, which might spread through the food chain.S

Raman scattering by coupled plasmon-LO phonons in InN nanocolumns

Raman measurements on high quality, relaxed InN nanocolumns grown on Si(001) and Si(111) substrates by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy are reported. A coupled LO phonon-plasmon mode around 430 cm-1, together with the uncoupled LO phonon appears in the nanocolumnar samples. The coupled mode is attributed to spontaneous accumulation of electrons at the lateral surfaces of the nanocolumns, while the uncoupled phonon originates from their inner part. Infrared reflectance measurements confirm the presence of electrons in the nanocolumns. The electron density in the accumulation layer depends on the growth temperature and is sensitive to exposure of HCl. Our results indicate that accumulation of intrinsic electrons occurs not only at the polar surfaces of InN layers, but also on non-polar lateral surfaces of InN nanocolumns. Its origin is attributed to an In-rich surface reconstruction of the nanocolumns sidewalls

Antimicrobial-resistant Enterobacter cloacae complex strains isolated from fresh vegetables intended for raw consumption and their farm environments in the Northwest of Spain

[EN] Antimicrobial resistance is a global concern with significant public health implications. We investigated the role of fresh vegetables and their cultivation environments as reservoirs for antimicrobial-resistant Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) strains. The study focused on AmpC-producing ECC isolates and their resistance to colistin, a last resort antibiotic. AmpC-producing ECC isolates were detected and confirmed in 10.2% of the 235 samples examined, with no significant difference (p > 0.05) in prevalence between farm and street market samples. Further analysis of 24 AmpC-ECC isolates revealed that 16.7% exhibited resistance to colistin. A colistin-resistant E. kobei strain (AG07E) was detected in irrigation water from a vegetable farm for the first time in Spain. This strain carried the mcr-9.1 gene, demonstrating transferability. It was included in ST56 which is predominantly reported in clinical E. kobei harbouring the mcr-9 gene. Additionally, we identified a multidrugresistant E. kobei strain (ZA03E) from carrot samples, exhibiting colistin resistance and potential human pathogenicity. This strain belonged to ST125 which has clonal relationships with strains in ST56. Our findings emphasise the importance of monitoring and addressing antimicrobial-resistant ECC strains in fresh vegetables and their production environments, particularly the water, to mitigate potential risks to public health from a One Health perspective.SIAgencia Estatal de Investigació

Acondicionamiento del museo nacional de ciencias naturales, salas de paleontología Madrid-España

After a brief introduction which explains the characteristics of the professional commission, it is analysed, under the point of view of the historic events in the country, the evolution of the building patterns of the time based in the use of iron and in the appearance of the first Science and Nature Museums, till both converge in the birth of this building. A description as a whole lead to lie this reform on the west side, showing the original constructive characteristics before the procedure and to allow through analysis to describe the philosophy of the arrangement, in order to recuperate the primitive space container Afterwards, a description of the works manager of that idea is made paying special attention on the structural studies and with an important graphic information.Tras una breve introducción que marca las peculiaridades del encargo, se procede a analizar, a la vista de los acontecimientos históricos del país, la evolución de los modelos edificatorios de la época basados en la utilización del hierro, y la creación de los primeros Museos de Ciencias Naturales, hasta converger ambos con el nacimiento de este edificio. Una descripción del conjunto conduce a ubicar esta reforma en el ala longitudinal oeste, describiéndose las características constructivas existentes antes de la actuación, y dando pie para, en base al análisis, describir la filosofía del acondicionamiento, justificando las actuaciones en base a la recuperación del contenedor primitivo. Posteriormente se realiza la descripción de la ejecución de la idea mencionada, haciendo hincapié en los estudios estructurales realizados, y acompañando todo el conjunto con una información gráfica

Effects of dietary inclusion of sunflower soap stocks on colour, oxidation and microbiological growth of meat from light fattening lambs

[EN] Thirty-two lambs were finished on a total mixed ration (TMR) pelleted alone (00SS) or including sunflower soap stock (SS): 15SS (15 g SS per kg TMR), 30SS (30 g SS per kg TMR) and 60SS (60 g SS per kg TMR). Lambs (8 per group) were slaughtered at 27 kg live weight. Colour evolution, lipid oxidation, microbial growth and detection of diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli were studied in meat samples. SS in the diet reduced meat lipid oxidation (P 0.05) on the cholesterol oxidation products. Meat from 60SS and control animals (00SS) revealed greater discoloration (P < 0.05) than 15SS. SS supplementation did not affect the microbiological populations, whereas high doses of SS seemed to increase the proliferation of diarrhoeagenic E. coli on day 14 (P < 0.10). These results suggest that the rate of SS inclusion in the diet of fattening lambs should not be above 15 g SS per kg TMR.S

Increased risk of MAFLD and liver fibrosis in inflammatory bowel disease independent of classic metabolic risk factors

ackground & Aims There is conflicting evidence regarding the prevalence of and risk factors for metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to determine MAFLD prevalence and risk factors in IBD patients. Methods Cross-sectional, case-control study included all consecutive IBD patients treated at 2 different university hospitals. Controls were subjects randomly selected from the general population and matched by age, sex, type 2 diabetes status, and body mass index in a 1:2 ratio. MAFLD was confirmed by controlled attenuation parameter. Liver biopsies were collected when MAFLD with significant liver fibrosis was suspected. In addition, age- and fibrosis stage-paired non-IBD patients with biopsy-proven MAFLD served as a secondary control group. Results Eight hundred thirty-one IBD patients and 1718 controls were included. The prevalence of MAFLD and advanced liver fibrosis (transient elastography ≥9.7 kPa) was 42.00% and 9.50%, respectively, in IBD patients and 32.77% and 2.31%, respectively, in the general population (P < .001). A diagnosis of IBD was an independent predictor of MAFLD (adjusted odds ratio, 1.99; P < .001) and an independent risk factor for advanced liver fibrosis (adjusted odds ratio, 5.55; P < .001). Liver biopsies were obtained from 40 IBD patients; MAFLD was confirmed in all cases, and fibrosis of any degree was confirmed in 25 of 40 cases (62.5%). Body mass index and type 2 diabetes prevalence were significantly lower in IBD-MAFLD patients than in severity-paired patients with biopsy-proven MAFLD. Conclusions MAFLD and liver fibrosis are particularly prevalent in IBD patients, regardless of the influence of classic metabolic risk factors.Acknowledgements: The authors report funding support from the Spanish Instituto de Salud Carlos III-FEDER Grant (FIS - PI18/01304) related to this manuscript

Hacia la aplicación efectiva y generalizada del “aula invertida” en algunas asignaturas de ciencias

[ES] El aula invertida o flipped classroom representa un modelo docente para mejorar la calidad del aprendizaje. Se diseñó una experiencia para aplicar y valorar selectivamente esta metodología en varias asignaturas de ciencias como paso previo a su aplicación generalizada, posibilitando la dinamización de las clases mediante tareas activas supervisadas a desarrollar en el aula precedidas por el trabajo autónomo del estudiante (fuera del aula). Se planificó la implementación selectiva (temas de mayor dificultad) del aula invertida en tres asignaturas (Grado en Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos y Grado en Biotecnología). Los estudiantes fueron informados de la utilización de la nueva metodología innovadora. Se les facilitó materiales (adaptados y de nueva elaboración) para la preparación autónoma de los temas. Durante las clases presenciales se llevaron a cabo actividades grupales con exposición conjunta bajo la mediación y colaboración del docente. La aplicación selectiva de esta metodología se realizó utilizando varios instrumentos (encuesta específica a estudiantes, recogida de datos de asistencia a clase, encuesta general a estudiantes, valoración docente). Las altas expectativas por la utilización del aula invertida se vieron correspondidas en dos de las tres asignaturas coincidiendo con estudiantes que mayoritariamente conocían esta metodología innovadora por su previa utilización. Se constataron claramente algunos de los beneficios atribuidos a esta metodología. Sin embargo, mientras que los estudiantes de una asignatura mostraron una plena satisfacción por la inversión del aula en términos de aprendizaje y esfuerzo invertido, en los de las otras dos o el beneficio percibido fue parcial o se manifestaban muy críticos con su aplicación, respectivamente. Nuestros resultados apuntarían a que la utilización previa de esta metodología innovadora por parte del alumnado o, al contrario, su desconocimiento total, podría tener una influencia fundamental en su percepción y aplicación práctica que debería estar muy presente para su implementación generalizada

Prediction of topsoil organic carbon using airborne and satellite hyperspectral imagery

The Airborne Hyperspectral Scanner (AHS) and the Hyperion satellite hyperspectral sensors were evaluated for their ability to predict topsoil organic carbon (C) in burned mountain areas of northwestern Spain slightly covered by heather vegetation. Predictive models that estimated total organic C (TOC) and oxidizable organic C (OC) content were calibrated using two datasets: a ground observation dataset with 39 topsoil samples collected in the field (for models built using AHS data), and a dataset with 200 TOC/OC observations predicted by AHS (for models built using Hyperion data). For both datasets, the prediction was performed by stepwise multiple linear regression (SMLR) using reflectances and spectral indices (SI) obtained from the images, and by the widely-used partial least squares regression (PLSR) method. SMLR provided a performance comparable to or even better than PLSR, while using a lower number of channels. SMLR models for the AHS were based on a maximum of eight indices, and showed a coefficient of determination in the leave-one-out cross-validation R2 = 0.60–0.62, while models for the Hyperion sensor showed R2 = 0.49–0.61, using a maximum of 20 indices. Although slightly worse models were obtained for the Hyperion sensor, which was attributed to its lower signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the prediction of TOC/OC was consistent across both sensors. The relevant wavelengths for TOC/OC predictions were the red region of the spectrum (600–700 nm), and the short wave infrared region between ~2000–2250 nm. The use of SMLR and spectral indices based on reference channels at ~1000 nm was suitable to quantify topsoil C, and provided an alternative to the more complex PLSR method