ABSTRACT
This study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of benzalkonium chloride combined with ultrasound in eliminating Listeria monocytogenes biofilm from polystyrene surface. The test strain of L. monocytogenes, previously classified as strong biofilm producer, was grown to form biofilm in tryptic soy broth at 20°C for 6 days in polystyrene specimen containers. The biofilms formed on surface of containers were treated with ultrasound alone, benzalkonium chloride (100 and 400 mg l(-1)) alone and their combination for three different exposure times (1, 5 and 15 min) at room temperature. Sonication was performed using an ultrasound bath at a constant ultrasound frequency of 35 kHz. After treatments, levels of biofilm biomass and viable cells in biofilm were determined using crystal violet staining and XTT assays, respectively. The combined treatment of ultrasound and benzalkonium chloride resulted in significant (P < 0·05) more decrease in the level of viable cells in the L. monocytogenes biofilm compared to individual treatments of benzalkonium chloride. Our results suggest that the combination of benzalkonium chloride with ultrasound is useful approach for the elimination of L. monocytogenes biofilms from plastic surfaces.
Subject(s)
Benzalkonium Compounds/pharmacology , Biofilms/growth & development , Disinfection/methods , Listeria monocytogenes/growth & development , Sonication , Biofilms/drug effects , Disinfectants/pharmacology , Food Contamination/prevention & control , Gentian Violet , Listeria monocytogenes/drug effects , Microbial Viability , PolystyrenesABSTRACT
Propolis is a sticky resin produced by worker honeybees from substances collected from plants, and it has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties. The purpose of this study was to establish the effects of propolis on egg weight loss, hatchability, chick performance, and to control microbial activity naturally occurring on eggshells. A total of 750 fresh eggs was randomly divided into 5 groups. Eggs from the first group were sprayed with ethyl alcohol (70%, A), the second group was sprayed with benzalkonium chloride (B), and the third, fourth, and fifth groups were sprayed with propolis at 3 doses: 5, 10, and 15%. Eggs sprayed with propolis had lower egg weight loss than eggs from groups A and B (P < 0.001). Bacterial activity was reduced significantly in all propolis groups. There were no significant differences between treatments for hatchability, embryonic mortality, BW gain, and relative growth. Results of the present study indicated that propolis could be an alternative hatching egg disinfectant versus a chemical disinfectant, without adverse effects on hatchability and performance of quail chicks.
Subject(s)
Anti-Infective Agents/administration & dosage , Bacteria/drug effects , Bird Diseases/microbiology , Coturnix/growth & development , Egg Shell/microbiology , Propolis/administration & dosage , Animals , Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology , Bacteria/classification , Bacteria/isolation & purification , Bacterial Load/veterinary , Bird Diseases/mortality , Colony Count, Microbial/veterinary , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Egg Shell/drug effects , Egg Shell/growth & development , Embryo, Nonmammalian/microbiology , Embryonic Development , Fungi/classification , Fungi/drug effects , Fungi/isolation & purification , Fungi/physiology , Ovum/growth & development , Ovum/microbiology , Propolis/pharmacology , Random AllocationABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to establish the effects of ultrasonic treatment of eggs on egg weight loss, hatchability, tibia mineral content, chick performance, and eggshell microbial activity. A total of 600 fresh eggs was randomly divided into 5 groups. Treatments were no ultrasound, 35 kHz for 5 min, 35 kHz for 10 min, 35 kHz for 15 min, and eggs sprayed with benzalkonium chloride solution at 0.02% (negative control). The eggshell microbial activity was reduced significantly at all ultrasonic treatments (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences among treatments for egg weight loss, hatchability, embryonic mortality, chick weight, or tibia Ca, P, K, Na, and Mg content.
Subject(s)
Coturnix/microbiology , Egg Shell/microbiology , Tibia/chemistry , Ultrasonics/methods , Animals , Body Weight/physiology , Colony Count, Microbial/veterinary , Egg Shell/diagnostic imaging , Male , Random Allocation , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
Chylomediastinum is a rare but potentially serious complication. There is as yet no definitive treatment. We present an exceptional case of chylomediastinum due to mitral valve replacement. The patient was successfully treated using a conservative approach with total parenteral nutrition, nothing by mouth, and mediastinal tube drainage.
Subject(s)
Chylothorax/etiology , Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation/adverse effects , Mediastinal Diseases/etiology , Mitral Valve Insufficiency/surgery , Mitral Valve Stenosis/surgery , Aged , Chylothorax/therapy , Drainage , Female , Humans , Mediastinal Diseases/therapy , Parenteral Nutrition, Total , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
In this study, the effects of ultrasonic treatment and storage temperature on egg weight, specific gravity, shell strength, albumen height, Haugh unit, color, pH, water activity, total mesophilic aerobic bacteria, mineral content, and sensory properties were investigated. Ultrasonic treatment was used to improve egg properties. The lowest weight loss values were obtained with eggs treated with 15 min of ultrasonic treatment and stored at 5°C for 10 d. The higher specific gravity, shell strength, albumen height, and Haugh unit were observed in ultrasonic-treated eggs. The egg quality was significantly improved with ultrasonic treatment (P < 0.01). The total mesophilic aerobic bacteria values of yolk and albumen decreased with increase in ultrasonic treatment time from 5 to 30 min. Ultrasonic treatment improved the sensory properties of egg shells.
