Microbiological aspects and challenges of whey powders – I thermoduric, thermophilic and spore-forming bacteria

For dairy processors, spoilage and pathogenic spore-forming bacteria are key sources of concern, not only due to their ability to remain dormant in a desiccated state in powders and to survive heat treatments, but also their ability to form biofilms in the vegetative state that lead to contamination of foods. These include members of the genera Bacillus, Geobacillus, Anoxybacillus, Brevibacillus, Paenibacillus and Clostridium, many of which are associated with food poisoning and spoilage. Here, we review the common bacterial species that form spores in whey powders and their sources and provide insights into their risks and strategies to control them

Production of set-type yoghurt using Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus durans strains with probiotic potential as starter adjuncts

Akpinar, Asli/0000-0002-0037-8295; YERLIKAYA, OKTAY/0000-0002-1532-4687; SAYGILI, Derya/0000-0002-5286-4359WOS: 000529817700001The study investigated the potential use of Enterococcus faecium and E.durans strains as adjunct cultures in the production of set-type probiotic yoghurt. There were significant changes and differences in the pH, titratable acidity, textural properties and microbiological properties of the products containing adjunct culture during the storage period (P 0.05). in conclusion, the use of Enterococcus species that have known probiotic properties as the adjunct culture in yoghurt production can also positively affect the physical, chemical and rheological properties in addition to its positive effects to the functional properties by increasing the viable probiotic bacterial counts.Ege University Scientific Research Projects Coordination UnitEge University [14-ZRF-2017]This study was supported by Ege University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit (Project Number: 14-ZRF-2017) and presented as a proceeding/poster presentation (in Turkish) at the 2nd National Dairy Congress held on 25-26 April 2019 in _Izmir, Turkey

Analysis of some physicochemical, rheological, sensorial properties, and probiotic viability of fermented milks containing Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus durans strains

SAYGILI, Derya/0000-0002-5286-4359; Akpinar, Asli/0000-0002-0037-8295; YERLIKAYA, OKTAY/0000-0002-1532-4687WOS: 000532916700001The aim of this research was to observe the combined usability of Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus durans strains, which are resistant to adverse environmental conditions, together with commercial probiotic starters in the production of probiotic fermented milk. Accordingly, eight different probiotic fermented milks were produced; AF:Lactobacillus acidophilus + Enterococcus faecium, BF:Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis + Enterococcus faecium, CF:Lactobacillus casei + Enterococcus faecium, RF:Lactobacillus rhamnosus + Enterococcus faecium, AD:Lactobacillus acidophilus + Enterococcus durans, BD:Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis + Enterococcus durans, CD:Lactobacillus casei + Enterococcus durans, RD:Lactobacillus rhamnosus + Enterococcus durans. As a result of the data obtained in the study, it was found that fermented dairy products containing Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus durans had no negative effects on the physicochemical, rheological properties and probiotic viability, and positively affected the sensory properties of the samples. the viscosity and hardness values of probiotic fermented milk produced by combining with E. durans were higher than by combining with E. faecium and serum separation was not occurred. Also, probiotic bacteria viability was higher than 7 log cfu/ml level at the end of the storage period. Practical applications Enterococci are found naturally in the human intestinal microbiota and are highly resistant to adverse environmental conditions. Enterococcus strains that produce antimicrobial peptides such as enterocin were found to be able to effectively inhibit the development of many food pathogens when they are added to some foods including cheese. They are microbial additives that are thought to be used in many foods to improve food safety. the bacteriocin called enterocin could act as natural bio-preservatives in foods. This study will guide the use of Enterococcus species as bio-preservative in foods such as dairy products and the possibility of the continuation of probiotic viability.Ege University Scientific Research Fund CouncilEge University [14-ZRF-017]Ege University Scientific Research Fund Council, Grant/Award Number: Project No: 14-ZRF-01

Genetic differentiation of the Meriones tristrami (Mammalia: Rodentia) subpopulations in Turkey - inferring allozyme variations

WOS: 000393615100007Allozyme variations of Tristram's jird Meriones tristrami, which is distributed in the steppe and semiarid areas of Turkey, were studied using 24 loci of 83 specimens from ten locations in Turkey. Seven loci were found to be polymorphic. According to the patterns of allozyme variation, the percentage of polymorphic loci was 12.5. F-ST was found to be 0.44, indicating high genetic variations among M. tristrami; accordingly the Nm value (0.3157) appeared quite low. The UPGMA dendrogram, based on genetic distance, showed that the populations established two very close subclusters, and supported the idea that the westernmost population connected to the northern part of the central Anatolian population. As expected, the eastern population appeared to be more divergent due to geographic distance. Our findings supported that genetic isolation among these subpopulations might be caused by geographic isolation.Ankara University-BAP (TUBITAK, Turkey) [09H4240003, TBAG-107T324]This research was financially support by Ankara University-BAP 09H4240003 and TBAG-107T324 (TUBITAK, Turkey)

Endoscopic Treatment of the Zenker Diverticulum With Flexible Endoscopic Myotomy: A Single Tertiary Center Experience

Introduction:The Zenker diverticulum (ZD) is the most common type of esophageal diverticula. Management of ZD has different options; however, there is a recent increase in treatment with flexible endoscopic myotomy (FEM). In our study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of FEM among patients with ZD.Materials and Methods:The data of patients who underwent FEM for ZD in our clinic between January 2008 and May 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Myotomy was performed with a needle-knife sphincterotome by using pulse-cut or forced coagulation electrocautery mode. Myotomy was performed on the common wall of the diverticulum up to 0.5 to 1cm of the distal end. A handmade diverticuloscope, which was modified from an overtube, was used in most of the patients to focus more carefully on the septum. Dysphagia scores of the patients before and after the procedure were compared and complications were evaluated.Results:A total of 17 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 65.3 years, and mean diverticular diameter was 3.2cm. The most common symptoms were dysphagia and regurgitation. The mean in-hospital stay was 5 days. The dysphagia score was significantly decreased after FEM among the patients (0.170.39 vs. 2 +/- 0.79; P=0.0001). Complications were observed in 3 patients (17.6%); however, there was no procedure-related mortality.Discussion:FEM is an efficient and safe procedure as a treatment modality for ZD. However, lack of a standard algorithm is a remarkable disadvantage

Tumor-free distance from outermost layer of cervix is of prognostic value in surgically treated cervical cancer patients: a multicenter study

This study aimed at determining if tumor-free distance (TFD) from outermost layer of cervix predicts surgicopathologic factors and outcome in surgically treated cervical cancer patients

Incidence and clinical characteristics of acute rheumatic fever in Turkey: Results of a nationwide multicentre study

© 2021 Paediatrics and Child Health Division (The Royal Australasian College of Physicians)Aim: To evaluate the incidence and clinical features of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) in Turkey, following the revised Jones criteria in 2015. Methods: This multicentre study was designed by the Acquired Heart Diseases Working Group of the Turkish Pediatric Cardiology and Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Association in 2016. The data during the first attack of 1103 ARF patients were collected from the paediatric cardiologists between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2016. Results: Turkey National Institute of Statistics records of 2016 were used for the determination of ARF incidence with regard to various cities and regions separately. The estimated incidence rate of ARF was 8.84/100 000 in Turkey. The ARF incidence varied considerably among different regions. The highest incidence was found in the Eastern Anatolia Region as 14.4/100 000, and the lowest incidence was found in the Black Sea Region as 3.3/100 000 (P < 0.05). Clinical carditis was the most common finding. The incidence of clinical carditis, subclinical carditis, polyarthritis, aseptic monoarthritis, polyarthralgia and Sydenham's Chorea was 53.5%, 29.1%, 52.8%, 10.3%, 18.6% and 7.9%, respectively. The incidences of clinical carditis, subclinical carditis, polyarthritis and polyarthralgia were found to be significantly different among different regions (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this nationwide screening of ARF suggest that Turkey should be included in the moderate-risk group