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Effects of long-term intervention with Lactobacillus helveticus-fermented milk on bone mineral density and bone mineral content in growing rats.

BACKGROUND: Lactobacillus helveticus-fermented milk has been shown to increase calcium absorption compared to ordinary sour milk. In the present study the possible effect of L. helveticus-fermented milk on bone was studied in growing rats. METHODS: Spontaneously hypertensive male rats, which develop an osteoporotic bone disorder with age, were randomized into 5 groups (n = 10) receiving milk fermented with L. helveticus 16H and, as reference drinks, milk fermented with L. helveticus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, sour milk, skim milk or water, for 14 weeks. After the intervention bone mineral density and bone mineral content were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The femur weight, length and volume were measured before ashing. From the ashes the weight and mineral content were assessed. RESULTS: As the body weight gain differed significantly between the groups, the results were related to the body weight. The L. helveticus-fermented milk intervention significantly increased the bone mineral density and bone mineral content compared to the sour milk, skim milk and water interventions. The mean values of the bone mineral density and bone mineral content were higher in the L. helveticus-fermented milk group compared to the Saccharomyces-fermented milk group but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: L. helveticus-fermented milk increases bone mineral density and bone mineral content in relation to body weight in the long-term feeding of growing rats. The mechanism of L. helveticus remains to be discovered.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Maleic acid and succinic acid in fermented alcoholic beverages are the stimulants of gastric acid secretion.

Alcoholic beverages produced by fermentation (e.g., beer and wine) are powerful stimulants of gastric acid output and gastrin release in humans. The aim of this study was to separate and specify the gastric acid stimulatory ingredients in alcoholic beverages produced by fermentation. Yeast-fermented glucose was used as a simple model of fermented alcoholic beverages; it was stepwise separated by different methods of liquid chromatography, and each separated solution was tested in human volunteers for its stimulatory action on gastric acid output and gastrin release. Five substances were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography and were analyzed by mass spectrometry and 1H-13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. At the end of the separation process of the five identified substances, only the two dicarboxylic acids, maleic acid and succinic acid, had a significant (P < 0.05) stimulatory action on gastric acid output (76% and 70% of fermented glucose, respectively), but not on gastrin release. When given together, they increased gastric acid output by 100% of fermented glucose and by 95% of maximal acid output. We therefore conclude that maleic acid and succinic acid are the powerful stimulants of gastric acid output in fermented glucose and alcoholic beverages produced by fermentation, and that gastrin is not their mediator of action.

Adult↗

The production of a new tempeh-like fermented soybean containing a high level of gamma-aminobutyric acid by anaerobic incubation with Rhizopus.

A cultivation procedure for the preparation of a new tempeh-like fermented soybean containing a high level of gamma-aminobutyric acid was developed. Steamed soybeans were incubated aerobically with Rhizopus microsporus var. oligosporus IFO 8631 for 20 h, and then anaerobically incubated for 5 h by replacement of the atmosphere with nitrogen. The GABA content in the aerobically fermented soybeans was about 30 mg per 100 g dry fermented soybeans, while the anaerobically cultivation was about 370 mg/100 g dry fermented soybeans. The incubation with several strains of Rhizopus species showed that all of R. microsporus var. oligosporus and R. oryzae examined accumulated GABA in the anaerobically fermented soybeans. In particular, R. microsporus var. oligosporus IFO 32002 and IFO 32003 showed the highest content of GABA (1,740 mg/100 g dry fermented soybeans and 1,500 mg/100 g dry fermented soybeans, respectively). Moreover, the free protein amino acids increased greatly in the fermented soybeans during the anaerobic cultivation.

Aerobiosis↗

On-line fermentation monitoring by mid-infrared spectroscopy.

A new method for on-line monitoring of fermentations using mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy has been developed. The method has been used to predict the concentrations of glucose and ethanol during a baker's yeast fermentations. A completely automated flow system was employed as an interface between the bioprocess under study and the Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer, which was equipped with a flow cell housing a diamond attenuated total reflection (ATR) element. By using the automated flow system, experimental problems related to adherence of CO(2) bubbles to the ATR surface, as well as formation of biofilms on the ATR surface, could be efficiently eliminated. Gas bubbles were removed during sampling, and by using rinsing steps any biofilm could be removed from the ATR surface. In this way, constant measuring conditions could be guaranteed throughout prolonged fermentation times (approximately 8 h). As a reference method, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with refractive index detection was used. The recorded data from different fermentations were modeled by partial least-squares (PLS) regression comparing two different strategies for the calibration. On the one hand, calibration sets were constructed from spectra recorded from either synthetic standards or from samples drawn during fermentation. On the other hand, spectra from fermentation samples and synthetic standards were combined to form a calibration set. Differences in the kinetics of the studied fermentation processes used for calibration and prediction, as well as the precision of the HPLC reference method, were identified as the main chemometric sources of error. The optimal PLS regression method was obtained using the mixed calibration set of samples from fermentations and synthetic standards. The root mean square errors of prediction in this case were 0.267 and 0.336 g/L for glucose and ethanol concentration, respectively.

Biofilms↗

Cellulosic fuel ethanol: alternative fermentation process designs with wild-type and recombinant Zymomonas mobilis.

Iogen (Canada) is a major manufacturer of industrial cellulase and hemicellulase enzymes for the textile, pulp and paper, and poultry feed industries. Iogen has recently constructed a 40 t/d biomass-to-ethanol demonstration plant adjacent to its enzyme production facility. The integration of enzyme and ethanol plants results in significant reduction in production costs and offers an alternative use for the sugars generated during biomass conversion. Iogen has partnered with the University of Toronto to test the fermentation performance characteristics of metabolically engineered Zymomonas mobilis created at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. This study focused on strain AX101, a xylose- and arabinose-fermenting stable genomic integrant that lacks the selection marker gene for antibiotic resistance. The "Iogen Process" for biomass depolymerization consists of a dilute-sulpfuric acid-catalyzed steam explosion, followed by enzymatic hydrolysis. This work examined two process design options for fermentation, first, continuous cofermentation of C5 and C6 sugars by Zm AX101, and second, separate continuous fermentations of prehydrolysate by Zm AX101 and cellulose hydrolysate by either wildtype Z. mobilis ZM4 or an industrial yeast commonly used in the production of fuel ethanol from corn. Iogen uses a proprietary process for conditioning the prehydrolysate to reduce the level of inhibitory acetic acid to at least 2.5 g/L. The pH was controlled at 5.5 and 5.0 for Zymomonas and yeast fermentations, respectively. Neither 2.5 g/L of acetic acid nor the presence of pentose sugars (C6:C5 = 2:1) appreciably affected the high-performance glucose fermentation of wild-type Z. mobilis ZM4. By contrast, 2.5 g/L of acetic acid significantly reduced the rate of pentose fermentation by strain AX101. For single-stage continuous fermentation of pure sugar synthetic cellulose hydrolysate (60 g/L of glucose), wild-type Zymomonas exhibited a four-fold higher volumetric productivity compared with industrial yeast. Low levels of acetic acid stimulated yeast ethanol productivity. The glucose-to-ethanol conversion efficiency for Zm and yeast was 96 and 84%, respectively.

Animal Feed↗

In vitro fermentation characteristics of selected oligosaccharides by swine fecal microflora.

The objective of this study was to quantify the fermentation characteristics of oligosaccharides present in feed ingredients or isolated for dietary supplementation. Substrates studied included short-chain fructooligosaccharides, medium-chain fructooligosaccharides, long-chain fructooligosaccharides, raffinose, stachyose, soy solubles, granular and liquid forms of transgalactooligosaccharides, glucooligosaccharides, mannanoligosaccharides, and xylooligosaccharides. Three healthy pigs that had never received antibiotics served as sources of fecal inoculum. Each substrate was fermented in vitro; samples were taken at 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 h, and pH change and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and gas production determined. Gas production at 12 h did not differ (P > 0.05) among all fructooligosaccharides, transgalactooligosaccharides, soy solubles, and xylooligosaccharides. Raffinose, stachyose, and raffinose + stachyose fermentation resulted in the greatest (P < 0.05) gas production at 12 h of all substrates tested. The rate of gas production was greatest (P < 0.05) for stachyose and least (P < 0.05) for glucooligosaccharides and mannanoligosaccharides. Substrate did not affect (P > 0.05) time to attain maximal rate of gas production. The pH at 12 h for all fructooligosaccharides and xylooligosaccharides did not differ (P > 0.05). The pH values at 12 h for raffinose, stachyose, and raffinose + stachyose were highest (P < 0.05) compared with all other substrates. Total SCFA production at 12 h was similar for all fructooligosaccharides and transgalactooligosaccharides, glucooligosaccharides, and soy solubles. Total SCFA production was greatest (P < 0.05) for xylooligosaccharides, stachyose, and raffinose + stachyose, and least (P < 0.05) for mannanoligosaccharides and raffinose. Stachyose fermentation resulted in the greatest (P < 0.05) rate and earliest time to attain maximal rate of SCFA production. All oligosaccharides studied were readily fermentable but varied in amount and type of SCFA produced. Fermentation of the pure forms of oligosaccharides contained in soy solubles resulted in greater gas production and higher pH compared with soy solubles. The oligosaccharides in the soy solubles matrix seemed to behave differently than their pure counterparts. The high rates of fermentation of most oligosaccharides tested indicate that they may serve as fermentable carbohydrate sources in the terminal small intestine or large intestine of swine.

Animals↗

Potential of fermentation byproducts as nitrogen supplements for lactating dairy cows.

Two feeding trials evaluated several byproducts from commercial amino acid fermentations as N supplements for lactating cows. Trial 1 was a replicated 5 x 5 Latin square that used 2-wk periods and 25 Holstein cows (five with ruminal cannulae) fed diets containing [dry matter (DM) basis] 28% alfalfa silage, 31% corn silage, 28% high moisture ear corn plus 4 percentage units of crude protein (CP) from: soybean meal, urea, commercial fermentation byproduct 1 or 2, or a blend of fermentation byproducts plus wheat middlings. Diets averaged 15.1% CP and 32% neutral detergent fiber. Intake of DM, body weight (BW) gain, and yield of milk and milk components were greatest for cows fed soybean meal; animal performance was similar with urea, byproduct 1 and the byproduct blend. Intake, BW change, and yield of milk and protein when cows were fed byproduct 2 were lower than when fed urea. Urine output (estimated with creatinine in spot urine samples) was greater on fermentation byproduct 1 and the byproduct blend. There were no differences due to N source in microbial synthesis (based on estimated purine derivative excretion), in situ digestion of alfalfa hay DM, or molar proportions of ruminal volatile fatty acids. Trial 2 was a replicated 5 x 5 Latin square using 2-wk periods and 10 Holstein cows fed diets containing (DM basis) 37% alfalfa silage, 28% corn silage, 29% high moisture ear corn plus 2 percentage units of CP from urea, fermentation byproduct 1, or one of three blends of fermentation byproducts plus wheat middlings. Except for greater DM intake in cows fed the byproduct blends, performance and urinary metabolite excretion did not differ because of N supplement. Relative to other fermentation byproducts and urea, byproduct 1 resulted in reduced milk urea N in both trials. Under the conditions of these trials, fermentation byproducts were less effective than soybean meal, and no more effective than urea, as N supplements.

Animal Feed↗

Differences in yields of microbial crude protein from in vitro fermentation of carbohydrates.

The yield of microbial crude protein (CP) from carbohydrate fermentations was examined using trichloroacetic acid (TCA) precipitation of batch cultures. The medium contained ammonium bicarbonate, casein acid hydrolysate, and cysteine hydrochloride as nitrogen sources. Isolated bermudagrass neutral detergent fiber (iNDF) and 60:40 blends of iNDF and sucrose (Suc), citrus pectin (Pec), or corn starch (Sta) (approximately 375 mg of substrate organic matter/vial) were fermented in vitro in two separate fermentation runs with mixed ruminal microbes. Three fermentation tubes for each substrate were destructively sampled at 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 h. Fermented samples were precipitated at a concentration of 19.4% TCA, and filtered to collect unfermented iNDF and precipitate. Collected residues were analyzed for CP as Kjeldahl N x 6.25. Microbial CP (TCACP) was estimated as TCA-precipitated CP corrected for the TCA-precipitated CP content of substrates at 0 h, and the mean of fermentation blanks from each hour. Medium pH did not decline below 6.49 in any fermentation tube. Comparisons of maximal yields based on the hour in which the measured mean yield was greatest for each substrate in each fermentation indicated that Sta > Suc = Pec > iNDF (P < 0.05). All substrates showed increases in TCACP to their maxima, followed by declines in TCACP. This likely reflects the relative dominance of production or degradation of microbes about the point of substrate limitation. Unlike other substrates, Suc had no detectable lag, and presented a more persistent TCACP yield curve than the other non-NDF carbohydrates (NFC). Regression analysis of TCACP yield over time for iNDF versus other substrates, Pec + Sta versus Suc, and Pec versus Sta indicated that the compared curves were not parallel (P < 0.05). The patterns of TCACP yield over time were cubic for iNDF and Suc, and quartic for Pec and Sta. The maximal yields of TCACP predicted from the regressions were Sta: 34.0 mg at 15.6 h, Pec: 29.9 mg at 13.5 h, Suc: 25.5 mg at 12.6 h, and iNDF: 13.6 mg at 19.3 h. The NDF and NFC carbohydrates examined differed in both maximal yields and temporal patterns of yield of TCACP.

Animal Feed↗

Proteolysis, fermentation efficiency, and in vitro ruminal digestion of peanut stover ensiled with raw or heated corn.

Peanut stover (PS) is similar to full-bloom alfalfa hay in chemical composition. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of adding raw or heated corn meal to PS at ensiling on silage N components, fermentation acids, and digestion by ruminal microorganisms. The PS was collected after harvesting of peanuts and ensiled immediately without and with addition of raw or heated corn meal (100 g/kg of fresh weight). Corn was added to PS so that the initial mixture would contain adequate dry matter (DM) (approximately 30%) and additional nonfiber carbohydrate to enhance silage fermentation. After 8 wk of silo fermentation, corn-treated silages contained less structural carbohydrates but more non-fiber carbohydrates compared with the untreated control. A shift from hemicellulose to nonfiber carbohydrate use during silage fermentation was evident by corn treatment. Additional corn at ensiling resulted in silage N with less water-soluble N, protein N, nonprotein N, nonprotein nonammonia N (peptides plus amino acids), and ammonia N. Based on changes in soluble nonprotein N before and after ensiling, the amount of proteolysis was approximately 66% for control silage and was nearly 40% lower in response to corn treatment. Adding corn increased silage lactic acid, but both acetic and propionic acids decreased. These changes were reflected in the lower pH and higher fermentation efficiency with corn-treated silages. More DM was digested and greater amounts of volatile fatty acids, except for branched-chain acids, were produced in vitro by ruminal microorganisms with corn-treated silages. In addition, incubations with silage treated with heated corn contained higher concentrations of acetic and propionic acids compared with raw corn. In vitro ammonia accumulation per unit of DM digested was lower for corn treatments than the control, and for heated corn vs. raw corn-treated silage. These results indicate that supplementation of either raw or heated corn on PS at ensiling could minimize proteolysis and improve fermentation efficiency. Advantages from using heated vs. raw corn could extend beyond silage fermentation and include rumen microbial fermentation.

Acetic Acid↗

Parakari, an indigenous fermented beverage using amylolytic Rhizopus in Guyana.

The alcoholic beverage parakari is a product of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) fermentation by Amerindians of Guyana. While fermented beverage production is nearly universal among indigenous Amazonians, parakari is unique among New World beverages because it involves the use of an amylolytic mold (Rhizopus sp., Mucoraceae, Zygomycota) followed by a solid substratum ethanol fermentation. The mycological significance of this dual fermentation process previously was unrecognized. A detailed study of parakari fermentation was made in the Wapisiana Amerindian village of Aishalton, South Rupununi, Guyana. Thirty steps were involved in parakari manufacture, and these exhibited a high degree of sophistication, including the use of specific cassava varieties, control of culture temperature and boosting of Rhizopus inoculum potential with purified starch additives. During the fermentation process, changes in glucose content, pH, flavor, odor and culture characteristics were concomitant with a desirable finished product. Parakari is the only known example of an indigenous New World fermentation that uses an amylolytic mold, likely resulting from domestication of a wild Rhizopus species in the distant past. Parakari production is remarkably similar to dual fermentations of Asia, yet it was independently derived.

Beverages↗

Effect of "siljo" fermentation on growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Listeria monocytogenes.

The fate of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Listeria monocytogenes in control gruel and fermenting "siljo" was assessed. S. aureus reached levels of 10(8) cfu/ml within 48 h in the control gruel. In fermenting "siljo" the count decreased all through the fermentation time. B.cereus was completely inhibited in fermenting "siljo" within 24 h, whereas it survived until 72 h in the control gruel. Complete inhibition of L.monocytogenes was noted at 48 h in fermenting "siljo". L.monocytogenes survived until 96 h in control gruel. Fermentation resulted in fall in pH to < 5.0 within 48-72 h and increase in titratable acidity was also noted. As "siljo" is usually consumed after 72 h of fermentation, "siljo" fermented for more than three days is safe from food intoxication caused by B. cereus or S.aureus or infection from L.monocytogenes.

Bacillus cereus↗

Development of new ethanologenic Escherichia coli strains for fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass.

Two new ethanologenic strains (FBR4 and FBR5) of Escherichia coli were constructed and used to ferment corn fiber hydrolysate. The strains carry the plasmid pLOI297, which contains the genes from Zymomonas mobilis necessary for efficiently converting pyruvate into ethanol. Both strains selectively maintained the plasmid when grown anaerobically. Each culture was serially transferred 10 times in anaerobic culture with sugar-limited medium containing xylose, but no selective antibiotic. An average of 93 and 95% of the FBR4 and FBR5 cells, respectively, maintained pLOI297 in anaerobic culture. The fermentation performances of the repeatedly transferred cultures were compared with those of cultures freshly revived from stock in pH-controlled batch fermentations with 10% (w/v) xylose. Fermentation results were similar for all the cultures. Fermentations were completed within 60 h and ethanol yields were 86-92% of theoretical. Maximal ethanol concentrations were 3.9-4.2% (w/v). The strains were also tested for their ability to ferment corn fiber hydrolysate, which contained 8.5% (w/v) total sugars (2.0% arabinose, 2.8% glucose, and 3.7% xylose). E. coli FBR5 produced more ethanol than FBR4 from the corn fiber hydrolysate. E. coli FBR5 fermented all but 0.4% (w/v) of the available sugar, whereas strain FBR4 left 1.6% unconsumed. The fermentation with FBR5 was completed within 55 h and yielded 0.46 g of ethanol/g of available sugar, 90% of the maximum obtainable.

Biomass↗

Bacteriophage infections in the industrial acetone butanol (AB) fermentation process.

The reported incidence and effects of bacteriophage infections occurring in the industrial acetone butanol (AB) fermentation processes operated in the USA, Japan, and Puerto Rico during the earlier part of the twentieth century is reviewed. The growth characteristics and solvent-producing ability of a lysogenic strain of Clostridium madisonii isolated from a phage infection in Puerto Rico was determined in molasses fermentation medium. The host strain harbours a large lysogenic phage belonging to the Siphoviridae and the growth rate of the lysogenic strain was found to be slower than the non-lysogenic parent strain and exhibited reduced solvent production. The history of phage infections that occurred in the South African AB process is documented along with the various remedial actions that were taken to restore production. A more detailed account of the last phage infection that occurred in 1980 involving a small pseudo-lysogenic phage belonging to the Podoviridae is given. This phage infected Clostridium beijerinckii P260 and a number of closely related industrial strains. Factory-scale fermentations contaminated by this phage were compared with equivalent laboratory-scale control fermentations. The effect of the phage infection in the full-scale and laboratory-scale fermentations were monitored. Results obtained in laboratory-based studies included an assessment of the effect of the multiplicity of infection and the timing of phage infection. The general effects and symptoms of phage infections in the industrial AB fermentation are reviewed including gross changes in the fermentation and changes in cell morphology. Common techniques used for the diagnosis of phage infections and approaches for controlling phage contamination in the AB fermentation are discussed. Prevention strategies included good factory hygiene, sterilisation, decontamination and disinfection, and the use of resistant strains immunised against specific phages.

Acetone↗

Fermentation of "Quick Fiber" produced from a modified corn-milling process into ethanol and recovery of corn fiber.

Approximately 9% of the 9.7 billion bushels of corn harvested in the United States was used for fuel ethanol production in 2002, half of which was prepared for fermentation by dry grinding. The University of Illinois has developed a modified dry grind process that allows recovery of the fiber fractions prior to fermentation. We report here on conversion of this fiber (Quick Fiber [QF]) to ethanol. QF was analyzed and found to contain 32%wt glucans and 65%wt total carbohydrates. QF was pretreated with dilute acid and converted into ethanol using either ethanologenic Escherichia coli strain FBR5 or Saccharomyces cerevisiae. For the bacterial fermentation the liquid fraction was fermented, and for the yeast fermentation both liquid and solids were fermented. For the bacterial fermentation, the final ethanol concentration was 30 g/L, a yield of 0.44 g ethanol/g of sugar(s) initially present in the hydrolysate, which is 85% of the theoretical yield. The ethanol yield with yeast was 0.096 gal/bu of processed corn assuming a QF yield of 3.04 lb/bu. The residuals from the fermentations were also evaluated as a source of corn fiber oil, which has value as a nutraceutical. Corn fiber oil yields were 8.28%wt for solids recovered following pretreatment.

Biomass↗

Manufacture of a beverage from cheese whey using a "tea fungus" fermentation.

Kombucha is a sour beverage reported to have potential health effects prepared from the fermentation of black tea and sugar with a "tea fungus", a symbiotic culture of acetic acid bacteria and yeasts. Although black tea is the preferred substrate for Kombucha fermentation, other beverages have also been tested as substrates with fair results. Cheese whey is a by-product with a good amount of fermentable lactose that has been used before in the production of beverages, so the objective of this study was to test three types of whey (fresh sweet, fresh acid and reconstituted sweet) in the elaboration of a fermented beverage using a kombucha culture as inoculum. The isolation and identification of bacteria and yeasts from the fermented tea and wheys was done along with the study of the rates of change in sugar consumption, acid production and pH decrease. Several species of acetic acid bacteria (Acetobacter aceti subsp. aceti, Gluconobacter oxydans subsp. industrius, subsp. oxydans and Gluconoacetobacter xylinus) were isolated from the different kombuchas along with the yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kluyveromyces marxianus, and Brettanomyces bruxelensis. The main metabolic products in the fermented wheys included ethanol, lactic and acetic acids. A good growth was obtained in both sweet wheys in which a pH of 3.3 and a total acid content (mainly lactic and acetic acids) of 0.07 mol/l was reached after 96 h. The sweet whey fermented beverages contained a relatively low lactose concentration (< 12 g/l). The final ethanol content was low (5 g/l) in all the fermented wheys. The whey products were strongly sour and salty non sparkling beverages.

Acetobacteraceae↗

[Selection of methods of detecting lactose-fermenting Salmonella strains and evaluating their usefulness for diagnostic studies].

Salmonella rods of subspecies I, lactose-fermenting were first isolated in Poland in 1980. They were isolated from a plus sample taken from a brain abscess of a child. Next strains were isolated from faeces of newborn and hospitalized children. Growth characteristic of colonies of lactose-fermenting Salmonella strains on selective-differentiating media (Mac Conkey's Levine, SS, Sołtys) recommended for inoculation of clinical material resembled Escherichia coli. So far these type of colonies were omitted in diagnostic examinations. Lactose-fermenting variants showed on Bismuth sulfate agar "Difco" (WB) typical for Salmonella growth pattern. They grew on this medium after 48 hr of incubation in a form of black, medium sized colonies, with some metallic brilliance and characteristic blackening of the medium undercolonies. Precise knowledge of biochemical properties of lactose-fermenting Salmonella allows to supplement so far used diagnostic scheme with additional tests permitting differentiation of lactose-fermenting variants of Salmonella from the other members of Enterobacteriaceae family. Taking into consideration biochemical variants in diagnostic procedure i.e. lactose-fermenting Salmonella, allowedns to isolate in the years 1983-1985 lactose-positive strains in 1305 out of 2773 (47%) individuals positive for S. agona. In 1987, 246 persons (28.3%) out of 869 with lactose-fermenting Salmonella of various serotypes were simultaneously infected with lactose-negative variant. Lactose-fermenting strains of Salmonella belonged most frequently to the following genera: S. agona, S. enteritidis, S. oranienburg, S. typhimurium, and S. goldcoast. It was found that the modified diagnostic procedure makes possible the isolation and the identification of lactose-positive varians of Salmonella.

Bacteriological Techniques↗

[In vitro effect of 10 antimicrobial agents on the fermentative capacity of the intestinal bacteria].

Using a technique previously described a study was done on the in vitro effect of 10 antimicrobials on the fermentative capacity of human fecal bacteria. The antimicrobials were: 5 antibiotics, oxytetracycline, chloramphenicol, neomycin, paramomycin and lincomycin; and 5 chemotherapeutic agents, bismuth subnitrate, cotrimoxazole, furazolidone, norfloxacin and metronidazole. The study was done with 162 stool samples, 27 to investigate the effect of bismuth subnitrate, and 135 to investigate the effect of the remaining 9 antimicrobials (15 for each one of them). The quantities of antimicrobials used were calculated to reproduce in vitro minimal inhibitory concentrations against fecal bacteria and/or concentrations reached by the respective antimicrobials or their active metabolites in the colonic contents or the stools after regular oral doses. For greater simplicity and clarity, whenever two concentrations of an antimicrobial were reproduced they were denominated low concentration and high concentration as it corresponded. Oxytetracycline, neomycin, paramomycin, cotrimoxazole and norfloxacin did not significantly affect fermentation by fecal bacteria. Chloramphenicol, lincomycin, bismuth subnitrate and furazolidone did not seem to affect significantly fermentation when the variations, increases and decreases produced in it, where evaluated as a whole. But, when increases and decreases were evaluated separately it was found that: chloramphenicol, at low concentration, increase fermentation significantly with 11 from 15 stool samples and diminished it although not significantly with the remaining 4 samples, and at high concentration, increased fermentation significantly with 8 from the 15 samples and diminished it although not significantly with the remaining 7 samples; lincomycin, at low concentrations, increased fermentation with 6 from 15 stool samples and diminished it with the remaining 9 samples although not significantly, and at high concentration, increased it significantly with 9 from the 15 samples and diminished it although not significantly with the remaining 6 samples; bismuth subnitrate, at low concentration, increased fermentation although not significantly with 5 from 27 stool samples and diminished it significantly with the remaining 22 samples, and at high concentration, increased it although not significantly with 2 from 10 stool samples and diminished it significantly with the remaining 8 samples; and furazolidone, at a unique concentration, increased fermentation significantly with 9 from 15 stool samples and diminished it although not significantly with the remaining 6 samples.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Anaerobic fermentations--some new possibilities.

Anaerobic fermentations start with the major advantage that, unlike aerobic processes, they do not incur the cost penalties associated with the need to sustain high rates of culture aeration, agitation and cooling. Even so, many of the more traditional fermentations that yield high volume, low value products (such as alcohols or fatty acids) are currently only economically viable if they utilize biological wastes and agricultural surpluses as substrates. To achieve maximum conversion efficiency it is necessary to select the appropriate species/strain of micro-organism which will perform best under the intended conditions of operation (which could include elevated temperatures and extremes of pH). Knowledge of the mechanisms whereby the fermentation is physiologically controlled can then suggest means, including genetically engineered strain improvements and/or the establishment of stable co-cultures with other microbes, whereby the yield of a desired product can be optimized. The biology of a fermentation process can thus be rendered sufficiently consistent and predictable for the biochemical engineer to be able to achieve optimal fermenter productivity. Anaerobic processes are particularly well suited to a continuous flow mode of operation (with cell retention) and new techniques for selective product removal and concentration can reduce the energy costs associated with 'downstream processing'. Hitherto, most interest has been centred on those anaerobic fermentations of renewable biomass which yield immediately useful products (fuel alcohols, methane). However, by combining biological and chemical procedures the profitability of even some superficially unpromising fermentations could be substantially enhanced. Collaborative research by microbial physiologists, geneticists and biochemical engineers is a prerequisite for marketable success in new applications of fermentative anaerobes and their enzymes.

Anaerobiosis↗