Propolis is a resinous vegetal exudate modified by bees, and is interesting as a preservative and potentially functional product. This work dealt with studying the common phenolic profiles and antioxidant capacities of 13 bee propolis from different geographical areas. Both hyaluronidase and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities were also assessed and related when possible with particular phenolic compounds. High performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) analysis showed that every propolis contained p-coumaric acid (1.2–12.2 mg/g) and ferulic acid (0.3–11.0 mg/g). Pinocembrin, catechin, and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) plus galangin were the main flavonoids. Antioxidant activities were higher than 280 µmol trolox/g for trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), 0.099 mmol uric acid/g for radical-scavenging effect on hydroxyl radicals, and 0.19 mg/mL for half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of antioxidant activity against superoxide anion radical. Working with solutions of 10 mg/mL propolis, hyaluronidase inhibitory activity ranged between 0% and 68.20%, being correlated to ferulic acid content. ACE inhibitory effect determined by HPLC was higher than 78%, being correlated with catechin and p-coumaric acid. Therefore, propolis could be useful for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic companies, also helping to reduce risk factors for diseases related to oxidative damage, inflammatory processes, and hypertension. This research also highlights the necessity for harmonized analysis methods and the expression of results for propolis.

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We have developed a method for the detection of viruses in environmental samples that we have called enterophages, that specifically infect Enterococcus faecalis. This method has allowed us to determine the prevalence and to study the ecology of this group of phages. The enterophages replicate at 37 degrees C, and at 41 degrees C. The presence of NaN(3) in the media inhibits the growth of background microbiota and allows an accurate, specific and rapid detection of these viruses. Enterophages were present in raw domestic sewage at lower concentrations (average 1.8 x 10(2) PFU/100 mL) than those of coliphages (average 1.7 x 10(5) PFU/100 mL). Phages were characterised by transmission electron microscopy showing icosahedral capsids, some with non-contractile tails as well as icosahedral non-tailed capsids. Different isolates had capsid sizes ranging from 20 nm to about 75 nm in diameter. These data describe a new group of phages that may serve as alternate indicators of human faecal pollution, especially in recreational waters. The ecology of these enterophages indicates that these may be strictly of human origin.

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No microbial source tracking tool satisfies all the characteristics of an ideal indicator of human fecal pollution. For this reason, the potential of Enterococcus faecalis phages (enterophages) as markers of this type of contamination was tested by using eight Enterococcus type strains as the possible hosts. The prevalence of enterophages in animal feces and domestic sewage were determined, as were the inactivation rates in raw sewage at 4 °C and surface and tap waters at 22 °C. Enterophages were exclusively detected in raw sewage (up to 66.0 plaque forming units (PFU)/100 mL), suggesting a strictly human origin; and exhibited inactivation rates of approximately 0.002 to 0.05, 0.3 to 0.5 and 0.4 to 1.4 log day(-1) in raw sewage and surface and tap waters, respectively, similar to those of previous reports on human enteric viruses under similar conditions. Interestingly, phages infecting other Enterococcus type strains were detected in both animal feces and domestic sewage in concentrations of up to 335.8 PFU/g and 96.0 PFU/100 mL, and certain phage isolates infected several of the strains tested. This clearly indicates the possible promiscuous nature of some Enterococcus phages and thus opens up the opportunity to further characterize these as indices of specific fecal sources.

In a crossover study, 30 stethoscopes were assessed and disinfected using 3 protocols: isopropyl alcohol, a quaternary ammonia or biguanide disinfectant, and ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI). All protocols effectively reduced bacterial loads, but UVGI was less effective at higher contamination levels (P = .0004). The effectiveness of each intervention was short in duration.

A six-month-old male entire golden retriever was presented with an umbilical mass noted by the owners four days before. Clinical examination revealed fever (39.7°C) and an umbilical fistulised abscess. Abdominal palpation revealed a solid mass in the caudal abdomen. The ultrasonographic study confirmed the presence of an abdominal mass (7 cm in diameter) adhered to several abdominal organs, mild localised peritonitis and an umbilical defect. The mass was compatible with an abscess or a granuloma potentially associated with an urachal remnant. An exploratory laparotomy confirmed the suspicion. The mass was removed and the urachal remnant corrected. Histopathology revealed the presence of a granuloma with multiple necrotic areas and basophilic structures suggestive of bacterial infection. Few days after surgery, all clinical signs resolved completely. Urachal remnants are rarely reported in small animals. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report describing such a severe presentation with complete resolution.

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