Limitations of dairy products, such as lactose intolerance, problems related to a high cholesterol intake in diet, malabsorption, and the requirement for cold storage facilities, as well as an increasing demand for new foods and tastes, have initiated a trend in the development of non-dairy probiotic products. The possibility of producing beverages based on soy milk, sea buckthorn powder, and fermented by Bifidobacterium bifidus (Bb-12^®, Bb) strain at different temperatures (30 °C and 37 °C) was examined. Strain viability, pH, and titratable acidity were measured during the fermentation period while the viability, pH, titratable acidity, and water holding capacity were determined during the storage time at 4 °C ± 1 °C within 14 days. Additionally, the survival and stability of Bb-12^®, inoculated into a functional beverage when exposed to simulated gastrointestinal tract conditions, were assessed. The results obtained in this study revealed that the content of potent bioactive compounds in fermented soy milk and sea buckthorn powder depends on the processing conditions, the bacteria used in the fermentation step, and storage time.

Vulvovaginitis with Candida spp. is the most common infection in women and the rate is increased during pregnancy. Antifungal prescription in pregnant women continues to present challenges and the decision must balance the risk of fetal toxicity with the benefits to the fetus and mother. Starting from the idea that clotrimazole is the most recommended antifungal in candidal vaginitis in pregnancy, we tested the sensitivity of different species of Candida spp. to other azoles, polyenes, and antimetabolites. This retrospective study (January to June 2019) assessed 663 pregnant women hospitalized for various pregnancy-related symptoms in which samples of phage secretion were taken. The laboratory results confirmed 21% of cases, indicating 140 positive mycologic samples. In this study, vaginal candidiasis was mostly related to the first trimester of pregnancy (53.57%,) and less related in the last trimester (17.14%). Candida albicans was the most frequent isolated strain in this study, accounting for 118 cases, followed by 16 strains of Candida glabrata and 6 cases of Candida krusei. The highest sensitivity for C. albicans was found in azoles, mostly in miconazole (93.2%), while C. krusei was completely resistant to polyene with low sensitivity in antimetabolites and even in some azoles, such as fluconazole. In our study, higher resistance rates to flucytosine were found, with C. glabrata and C. krusei exhibiting greater resistance than C. albicans.

Elephantiasis nostras is a chronic disorder that is difficult to treat. It is characterized by marked lymphedema, associated with hyperkeratosis, ulceration, deep skin folds and a cobblestone appearance of the skin. Causes include parasitic and bacterial infections, neoplasia and obesity, but numerous cases have uncertain aetiology. Treatment includes surgery and medication, which are associated with variable results. In the present study, a 72‑year old female with renal insufficiency presented with leg enlargement of 3‑4 years duration, which rendered her housebound. Examination showed massive lower limb enlargement, with typical cobblestone appearance. She was on furoseminde 80 mg/day. A diagnosis of elephantiasis nostras was made. Then, she was treated with increased furosemide from 80 to 120 mg daily and homeopathic Apocynum cannabinum, CH30 potency, t.d.s. Unavailability of corresponding fit excluded the use of compressive stockings. The patient remitted over 18 months, with limb diameters dropping from 68/46 cm (right mid‑calf/ankle) and 67/43 cm (left mid‑calf/ankle) to 64/43 cm (right mid‑calf/ankle) and 64.5/45 cm (left mid‑calf/ankle) at 6 months, 63/42 cm (right mid‑calf/ankle) and 65/41 cm (left mid‑calf/ankle) at 12 months, and 46/35 cm (right mid‑calf/ankle) and 48/36 cm (left mid‑calf/ankle) at 18 months, with improvement of skin appearance. Elephantiasis nostras is not spontaneously remitting. In this resource‑limited setting, furosemide combined with homeopathic Apocynum cannabinum has proved valuable and may be used for similar cases.