High Levels Of Antibiotics Research Articles

Dispersive solid phase extraction of chloramphenicol and florfenicol in honey sample performed in narrow bore tube with the aid of magnetic ionic liquids prior to HPLC-DAD analysis

The precedence of high levels of antibiotics in animal-derived foods such as honey poses a significant food safety risk. Therefore, the development of an accurate, and reliable method for determining these residues is crucial. In this study, a new extraction method was proposed for the simultaneous determination of chloramphenicol and florfenicol residues in honey samples prior to high performance liquid chromatography analysis. The method involved using amino-functionalized UiO-66 metal–organic framework (NH2-UiO-66) as a sorbent in a narrow bore tube. To begin, the solution was placed into a narrow bore tube and the pH was adjusted to 6. Then, 100 mg of the sorbent was added to the solution. The particles were slowly passed through the solution and collected in the tube bottom. After removing the supernatant phase, 55 µL of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrachloroferrate (III) magnetic ionic liquid was used as the elution solvent under sonication for 3 min. The optimized method exhibited low limits of detection (0.19 and 0.44 ng g−1) and quantification (0.63 and 1.4 ng g−1), good extraction recovery (81 and 74 %), and good linearity of the calibration curve (r2 ≥ 0.996) over the ranges of 1.2–500 and 2.4–500 ng g−1 for florfenicol and chloramphenicol, respectively. Precision was satisfactory, with relative standard deviations ≤8.1 % for both intra- and inter-day precisions. The developed method was done on ten honey samples and chloramphenicol was found in five samples.

Aerobic granular sludge for swine wastewater treatment: Implications for antibiotic and antibiotic resistance gene elimination

Swine wastewater (SW) contains high levels of traditional pollutants, antibiotics, and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), necessitating effective elimination. Two parallel aerobic granular sludge (AGS) reactors, R1 and R2, were constructed and optimized for treating SW from two pig farms, identified as SW1 and SW2. R2 showed higher antibiotic removal efficiency, particularly in the removal of sulfonamides, while fluoroquinolones tended to adsorb onto the sludge. Process optimization by introducing an additional anoxic phase enhanced denitrification and reduced effluent ARG levels, also aiding in the improved removal of fluoroquinolones. The nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) Nitrospira accumulated after the treatment process, reaching 12.8 % in R1 and 14.1 % in R2, respectively. Mantel’s test revealed that pH, NH4+-N, and Mg significantly affected ARGs and microbial community. Sulfadiazine and sulfamethazine were found to significantly impact ARGs and the microbial communities. This study provides innovative insights into the application of AGS for the treatment of real SW.

Bacterial Persister Cells and Development of Antibiotic Resistance in Chronic Infections: An Update.

The global issue of antimicrobial resistance poses significant challenges to public health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted it as a major global health threat, causing an estimated 700,000 deaths worldwide. Understanding the multifaceted nature of antibiotic resistance is crucial for developing effective strategies. Several physiological and biochemical mechanisms are involved in the development of antibiotic resistance. Bacterial cells may escape the bactericidal actions of the drugs by entering a physiologically dormant state known as bacterial persistence. Recent findings in this field suggest that bacterial persistence can be one of the main sources of chronic infections. The antibiotic tolerance developed by the persister cells could tolerate high levels of antibiotics and may give rise to persister offspring. These persister offspring could be attributed to antibiotic resistance mechanisms, especially in chronic infections. This review attempts to shed light on persister-induced antibiotic resistance and the current therapeutic strategies.

Peptidoglycan modulation by Francisella tularensis

HAYDEN HESS, STUART CANTLAY, JOSEPH HORZEMPA, Department of Biomedical Sciences, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV 26074 and MELANIE SAL, Department of Biology, West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon, WV 26201. Peptidoglycan modulation by Francisella tularensis. Peptidoglycan, a crucial component of bacterial cell walls, plays a fundamental role in maintaining cell shape, integrity, and resistance to osmotic pressure. Mycoplasmas are the only bacteria that do not produce peptidoglycan cell walls. Other peptidoglycan-producing bacteria are capable of transiently existing without a peptidoglycan as an “L-form”, but only on solid media. Preliminary observations made by our laboratory suggested that Francisella tularensis bacteria do not produce detectible levels of peptidoglycan while growing in liquid media. However, increasing salt concentration induces the production of peptidoglycan in all bacteria. In this study we confirmed and extended these observations by incubating bacteria with fluorescent D-alanine (which integrates into the peptidoglycan during synthesis). Fluorescence microscopy revealed that very few F. tularensis bacteria produce detectable peptidoglycan in low salt media, while seemingly all individual bacteria produce this layer in high salt media. Interestingly, the genome of F. tularensis encodes two distinct beta-lactamases. Here we show that both the wild-type F. tularensis LVS and beta-lactamase null mutant were both resistant to high levels of beta-lactam antibiotics in low salt liquid media. However, only the wild type and complemented mutant strains were resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics in high salt media while the beta lactamase null mutant was susceptible. These data further support the conclusion that F. tularensis does not produce, nor need, peptidoglycan in low salt liquid media. Future studies will investigate whether peptidoglycan modulation is required to avoid detection by the innate immune system.

Intramedullary Nailing with an Absorbable Antibiotic Carrier (INaac): A Simple Technique Using Standard Implants

Introduction: Intramedullary nailing has revolutionized the treatment of long bone fractures and non-unions. However, there is rightly concern about the use of nails when there is established infection or when the risk of subsequent infection is high. Recently, this concern has been partly addressed by the introduction of intramedullary nails combined with an antibacterial coating. Various methods have been reported with some success but also with some drawbacks. Methods: This paper reports a simple technique for coating an intramedullary nail with an absorbable antibiotic carrier. The carrier is injected directly into the reamed medullary canal, coating the nail during nail passage and delivering high levels of antibiotics at the nail-bone interface. Results: This technique was found to be easy to apply. It allowed use of standard fracture implants without the need for downsizing of the nail diameter. There is no need for nail removal or exchange after initial treatment of the infection. Conclusion: This simple technique combines the benefits of a bioabsorbable antibiotic carrier with standard fracture nails to prevent or treat long bone infections. It avoids the problems of PMMA coated nails or the need for specialist implants.

Prioritized regional management for antibiotics and heavy metals in animal manure across China

High levels of antibiotics and heavy metals in animal manure pose a potential threat to both the ecological environment and public health. A regional knowledge of their distribution and risk assessment across China remains unclear. A dataset containing 4082 records covering a total of forty-two antibiotics and eight heavy metals was established for animal manure across China. The results showed that the residual concentration of antibiotics was in the order of tetracyclines > aminoglycosides > fluoroquinolones > macrolides > sulfonamides > β-lactams, and that of heavy metals is Zn > Cu > Cr > Pb > Ni > As > Cd > Hg. The mean concentration of antibiotics and heavy metals was higher in pig manure compared to chicken and cow manure (Kruskal-Wallis test). The lowest level of antibiotics was observed in Northwest China based on geographic distribution characteristics. It was related to the high ratio of cow and sheep farming that less antibiotics were administered to. The pollution status of heavy metals was more severe in East China. Furthermore, high correlations were observed between antibiotics (tetracyclines) and heavy metals (Cu, Zn, and As). Especially, tetracycline in North China and Cd in Northeast China exhibited a high risk in manure; thus, they were priority regions for antibiotics/heavy metals pollution control. This study identified risk assessment of typical antibiotics and heavy metals in animal manure and emphasized the necessity of regional management across China.

Short notes on molecular mechanisms behind antimicrobial drug resistance

Infectious disease mortality have occurred often, raising public awareness of their hazards and advancing global antibiotic research. On the other hand, higher antibiotic levels in natural ecosystems are a result of increased antibiotic demand and use. Gene mutations causing antibiotic resistance in bacterial populations were brought on by natural selection and adaption. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria was caused by the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in ecosystems, which resulted in a number of antibiotic-resistant diseases on a global scale. An overview of the history of antibiotic discovery, antibiotic use, and antibiotic resistance mechanisms is given in this review study. Bioinformatics is also used to combat antibiotic resistance. To control bacteria that no longer respond to the therapy, the creation of new medications appears to be the primary requirement today.

Development and Validation of UPLC-MS/MS Method for Simultaneous Determination of Multi-Class Antibiotics, Antivirals and Antifungals in Water

According to a WHO report, antimicrobial resistance is one of the top 10 health threats. Environmental sources are extremely contaminated with high levels of antibiotics, antivirals and antifungals due to their excessive and unsafe usage. Hence, there is a need to detect and quantitate the antimicrobial agents in water. Consequently, a simultaneous analytical method is developed and validated, employing a solid-phase extraction methodology with an HLB cartridge. This method was utilized to quantify a minimum of twenty different chemicals derived from antibiotics, antivirals and antifungal drugs. Antibiotics include quinolones, isonicotinic acid, macrolides, oxazolidinones, penicillin, sulphonamides, antivirals that contain nucleotide class compounds and antifungals that comprising of triazoles and imidazoles. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC- S/MS) was used to quantify the analytes. Detection was achieved using multiple reaction monitoring with positive electron spray ionization. All the compounds were well separated with the column, Xterra MS C18 4.6 × 50 mm 2.5 μm, using water and acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid as a mobile phase. The calibration curve range was set at 50 to 2000 ng mL-1. Validation parameters like precision and accuracy, matrix effect, sensitivity, autosampler stability, the limit of detection and recovery were performed.

Microbial community and gene dynamics response to high concentrations of gadolinium and sulfamethoxazole in biological nitrogen removal system

The impact of high antibiotic and heavy metal pollution levels on biological nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) remains poorly understood, posing a global concern regarding the issue spread of antibiotic resistance induced by these contaminants. Herein, we investigated the effects of gadolinium (Gd) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX), commonly found in medical wastewater, on biological nitrogen removal systems and microbial characteristics, and the fate of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), metal resistance genes (MRGs), and mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Our findings indicated that high SMX and Gd(III) concentrations adversely affected nitrification and denitrification, with Gd(III) exerting a strong inhibitory effect on microbial activity. Metagenomic analysis revealed that high SMX and Gd(III) concentrations could reduce microbial diversity, with Thauera and Pseudomonas emerging as dominant genera across all samples. While the relative abundance of most ARGs decreased under single Gd(III) stress, MRGs increased, and nitrification functional genes were inhibited. Conversely, combined SMX and Gd(III) pollution increased the relative abundance of intl1. Correlation analysis revealed that most genera could host ARGs and MRGs, indicating co-selection and competition between these resistance genes. However, most denitrifying functional genes exhibited a positive correlation with MRGs. Overall, our study provides novel insights into the impact of high concentrations of antibiotics and heavy metal pollution in WWTPs, and laying the groundwork for the spread and proliferation of resistance genes under combined SMX and Gd pollution.

The Abnormal Accumulation of Lipopolysaccharide Secreted by Enriched Gram-Negative Bacteria Increases the Risk of Rotavirus Colonization in Young Adults.

Human rotavirus (HRV) is an enteric virus that causes infantile diarrhea. However, the risk factors contributing to HRV colonization in young adults have not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we compared the differences in dietary habits and composition of gut microbiota between asymptomatic HRV-infected young adults and their healthy counterparts and investigated potential risk factors contributing to HRV colonization. Our results indicated that asymptomatic HRV-infected adults had an excessive intake of milk and dairy and high levels of veterinary antibiotics (VAs) and preferred veterinary antibiotic (PVAs) residues in urine samples. Their gut microbiota is characterized by abundant Gram-negative (G-) bacteria and high concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Several opportunistic pathogens provide discriminatory power to asymptomatic, HRV-infected adults. Finally, we observed an association between HRV colonization and disrupted gut microbiota caused by the exposure to VAs and PVAs. Our study reveals the traits of disrupted gut microbiota in asymptomatic HRV-infected adults and provides a potential avenue for gut microbiota-based prevention strategies for HRV colonization.

Young people exposure to antibiotics: Implication for health risk and the impact from eating habits of takeaway food

Exposure to antibiotics, mainly from animal food ingestion, may have adverse effects on human health. Takeaway food is the preferred choice for the dietary of most Chinese young people nowadays, but the relationship between takeaway eating and antibiotic exposure is not yet adequately understood. In the present study, 297 young people were recruited to collect urine samples and questionnaires with an emphasis on their takeaway eating habits. The internal exposure to 16 antibiotics and three metabolites was measured in urine samples by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, as well as a DNA oxidative damage marker, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). At least one kind of antibiotic was found in over 90 % of urine samples, with total concentrations from 0.667 to 3.02 × 104 ng/mL. High exposure levels of antibiotics were more likely to be found in individuals with a larger body mass index. The concentrations of six antibiotics were significantly different among people with different overall weekly eating frequencies, usually an upward trend. The estimated daily intakes of antibiotics were on the levels of 0.001–1.0 μg/kg/day, mainly contributed by clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin and oxytetracycline, indicating a potential health risk based on the microbiological effect. A significantly positive correlation was found between DNA oxidative damage and exposure for four categories of antibiotics, conformed by both Spearman correlation and multiple linear regression analysis. The levels of 8-OHdG were 355 %, 239 %, 234 %, and 334 % higher with elevated levels of phenicols, macrolides, tetracyclines and sulfonamides from quartiles 2 to 4. Our results suggest that high-frequency consumption of takeaways may exacerbate oxidative stress trends through human exposure to antibiotics.

REGULAR USE OF ANTIBIOTICS AMONG THE STUDENTS OF LAHORE: A SURVEY BASED STUDY

This research investigates antibiotic usage patterns among university students in Lahore, Pakistan. The study, conducted through a cross-sectional design with a sample of 50 participants, reveals a high level of awareness about antibiotics among students. However, prevalent misconceptions persist, including the belief that antibiotics are effective against viral infections. Findings indicate that a significant proportion of students have used antibiotics in the past year, with common reasonsincluding flu and cold. The study sheds light on the easy availability of antibiotics without prescriptions, contributing to selfmedication practices. Despite awareness of antibiotic resistance, discussions with healthcare providers remain limited. The study suggests a pressing need for educational initiatives, stricter regulations on antibiotic sales, and enhanced awareness campaigns to address these issues among university students.

Spatial variability, source identification and risks assessment of antibiotics in multimedia of North China's largest freshwater lake using positive matrix factorization and Monte Carlo simulation

Antibiotics are widely found in aquatic ecosystems and pose a serious threat to human and the ecological system. Samples of surface water (SW), overlying water (OW), pore water (PW) and sediments (Sedi) were collected to investigate the spatial variability, potential sources, ecological risk (RQs) and health risks (HQs) of nine common antibiotics in Baiyangdian Lake using positive matrix factorization (PMF), and Monte Carlo simulation. Significant spatial autocorrelation of most antibiotics were observed in PW and Sedi samples rather than in SW and OW samples, and higher antibiotic levels were found in the northwest of waters and the southwest of sediments. Livestock (26.74–35.57%) and aquaculture (21.62–37.70%) were identified as primary sources of antibiotics in the water and sediments. Norfloxacin and roxithromycin showed high levels of RQ and HQ in more than 50% of samples, respectively. The combined RQ (ΣRQ) in the PW can be used as a sign of across multimedia risk. Notably, appreciable health risks were observed for the combined HQ (ΣHQ) in about 80% of samples, indicating the importance of taking health risk of antibiotics into consideration. The findings of this work provides a reference for antibiotics pollution control and risk management in shallow lake.

Effects of antibiotics on the endophyte and phyllosphere bacterial communities of lotus from above and below surface water in a typical shallow lake

Antibiotics are ubiquitous pollutants that are widely found in aquatic ecosystems, where the bacterial community of aquatic plants is influenced by antibiotics. However, differences between endophyte and phyllosphere bacteria of Lotus from above and below surface water remains unclear. Lotus samples from above and below the surface water were collected to investigate the differences in endophyte and phyllosphere bacteria and dominant environmental factors in regions with low (L-) and high (H-) total antibiotic levels. There were significant differences in Shannon diversity between endophyte and phyllosphere bacteria except between the below-surface water phyllosphere bacteria and below-surface water endophytes in both L-antibiotic and H-antibiotic regions, with higher values for phyllosphere bacteria. The dominant phylum in all phyllosphere samples was Proteobacteria (76.1%–92.5%), while Cyanobacteria (47.8%–81.1%) was dominant in all endophyte samples. The dominant source of above-surface water endophytes was below-surface water endophytes (83.68–91.25%), below-surface water phyllosphere bacteria (48.43–55.91%) for above-surface water phyllosphere bacteria, and above-surface water endophytes (53.83–61.80%) for below-surface water endophytes, while the dominant contributor to the below-surface water phyllosphere bacteria was also below-surface water endophytes (52.96–61.00%) in two regions, indicating that antibiotic stress changed the sink‒source relationship between endophytes and phyllosphere bacteria. The physical-chemical properties of surface water and sediments could be responsible for the variations in the above- and below-surface water endophytes and phyllosphere bacteria in both regions. It is suggested that antibiotics may have a substantial effect on endophyte and phyllosphere bacterial community.

Distribution and risk assessment of antibiotics under water level fluctuation in the riparian zone of the Hanjiang River

The riparian zone (RZ) is an important region connecting surface water and groundwater, and it has widely been acknowledged for its pollutant buffering capacity. However, the decontaminating effect of RZ on trace organic compounds such as antibiotics has received little attention. This study explored the distribution of 21 antibiotics and 4 sulfonamide metabolites in river water and groundwater in the lower reaches of the Hanjiang River. The diffusion and exchange of contaminants between the river and riverbanks under the influence of water conservancy projects (Xinglong Dam and the Yangtze-Hanjiang Water Diversion Project) were investigated. Macrolide antibiotics were prevalent in river water (62.5–100%) and groundwater samples (42.9–80.4%). Ofloxacin and chlortetracycline were detected with the highest concentrations in river water (12.2 ng L−1) and groundwater (9.3 ng L−1) respectively. Higher levels of antibiotics were observed in spring and winter than in other seasons. The river-groundwater interaction has a certain interception effect on antibiotics, especially near riverbanks. Redox sensitive element Fe2+ showed significantly positive correlations with some tetracycline and macrolide antibiotics (p < 0.05), and thus the migration mechanism between Fe2+ and antibiotics under the condition of redox change should be investigated further. Environmental risks posed by antibiotics were assessed for algae, daphnids, and fish in surface water and groundwater. Only clarithromycin and chlortetracycline presented a medium risk to algae (0.1 < RQ < 1), and the rest presented low risk (RQ < 0.1). Nevertheless, the risk range may be further extended by interactions between groundwater and surface water. Accurate understanding of antibiotic transport in RZ is critical for developing management strategies aimed at reducing the pollution load on the watershed.

Effects of Combined Pollution of Tetracycline and Sulfamethazine on Tomato Growth and Antibiotic Absorption

Antibiotics are widely used in livestock and poultry farming for disease prevention and animal growth promotion. Due to the low absorption rate of antibiotics by animals, antibiotics can remain in livestock and poultry manure as parent or metabolites and enter the farm environment with the application of livestock and poultry manure, which has potential effects on crop growth. This study assessed the effects of single and combined contamination of antibiotics in soil on tomato plants. The accumulation of antibiotics in tomato plants and the impacts on crop growth were investigated. A pot experiment with sandy soil was conducted in a greenhouse, and a 100-day tomato growth experiment was conducted by adding different doses of tetracycline and sulfadiazine (0, 25, and 50 mg/kg). The antibiotic contents in various tissues and organs of the tomato were examined, and the changes in photosynthetic intensity and biomass of the tomato were observed to simulate the effects of exogenous antibiotic addition on the growth and quality of the tomato. The results indicated that tomato plants simultaneously absorbed tetracycline and sulfamethazine from soil. Antibiotics were primarily absorbed by tomato roots and were further delivered to plant leaves, stems, and fruits. Antibiotics exhibited the highest concentration in roots, followed by leaves, stems, and fruits. The contents of tetracycline and sulfamethazine in plant tissues elevated with the increase in soil antibiotics, which were higher in the vegetative growth stage than those in the late growth stage. At concentrations of 25 and 50 mg/kg, tetracycline and sulfamethazine combined pollution significantly reduced leaf photosynthetic rates and plant biomass. Notably, high levels of antibiotics led to decreases in tomato yield and quality. Additionally, high concentrations of antibiotic contamination elevated leaf nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, but reduced the leaf carbon/nitrogen ratio, as well as reduced the vitamin C content in the fruits. Overall, since antibiotics can accumulate in vegetables and enter the food chain, the findings are crucial for evaluating the impacts of soil antibiotic contamination on the production and food safety of tomato products, and will also add to our knowledge of antibiotic migration into the food chain.

Occurrence and human health risk assessment of antibiotics in cultured fish from 19 provinces in China.

The occurrence of antibiotics and potential health risk of 300 cultured fish samples from 19 provinces in China were investigated. The levels of 28 antibiotics (15 fluoroquinolones, 4 tetracyclines, 8 macrolides and rifampin) in 8 fish species were measured through liquid chromatography electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. As a result, 10 antibiotics were detected with an overall detection frequency of 24.3%, and the individual detection frequency of antibiotics ranged from 0.33 to 16.7%. The extremely high concentrations (above 100 µg/kg) of doxycycline and erythromycin were found in the samples. Antibiotics with high detection frequency was noticed in largemouth bass (41.2%), followed by snakehead (34.4%) and bream (31.2%). Specifically, Heilongjiang, Xinjiang, Qinghai and Gansu presented high detection frequency values of more than 60%. Moreover, the highest mean concentration was observed in Shandong, and the concentration covered from 34.8 µg/kg to 410 µg/kg. Despite the high detection frequency and levels of antibiotics were found in samples, ingestion of cultured fish was not significantly related to human health risks in China, according to the calculated estimated daily intakes and hazard quotients. These results provided us the actual levels of antibiotics in cultured fish and human health risk assessment of consuming fishery products.

Antibiotic-Induced Treatments Reveal Stress-Responsive Gene Expression in the Endangered Lichen Lobaria pulmonaria

Antibiotics are primarily found in the environment due to human activity, which has been reported to influence the structure of biotic communities and the ecological functions of soil and water ecosystems. Nonetheless, their effects in other terrestrial ecosystems have not been well studied. As a result of oxidative stress in organisms exposed to high levels of antibiotics, genotoxicity can lead to DNA damage and, potentially, cell death. In addition, in symbiotic organisms, removal of the associated microbiome by antibiotic treatment has been observed to have a big impact on the host, e.g., corals. The lung lichen Lobaria pulmonaria has more than 800 associated bacterial species, a microbiome which has been hypothesized to increase the lichen’s fitness. We artificially exposed samples of L. pulmonaria to antibiotics and a stepwise temperature increase to determine the relative effects of antibiotic treatments vs. temperature on the mycobiont and photobiont gene expression and the viability and on the community structure of the lichen-associated bacteria. We found that the mycobiont and photobiont highly reacted to different antibiotics, independently of temperature exposure. We did not find major differences in bacterial community composition or alpha diversity between antibiotic treatments and controls. For these reasons, the upregulation of stress-related genes in antibiotic-treated samples could be caused by genotoxicity in L. pulmonaria and its photobiont caused by exposure to antibiotics, and the observed stress responses are reactions of the symbiotic partners to reduce damage to their cells. Our study is of great interest for the community of researchers studying symbiotic organisms as it represents one of the first steps to understanding gene expression in an endangered lichen in response to exposure to toxic environments, along with dynamics in its associated bacterial communities.

Sequential removal of human antibiotics as a function of the dynamic of organic matter fractions and 3D fluorescence during sludge composting

This study investigated the fate of antibiotics during composting and its relationship with organic matter fractionation. Sludge was spiked with roxithromycin (ROX), chlortetracycline (CTC), oxytetracycline (OTC), and ciprofloxacin (CIP), at 3 different levels. Accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) were used for the extraction and the quantification of antibiotics. Sludge composting effectively removed parent compounds (p < 0.01) such as ROX, CTC, and OTC (52–87, 69–95 %, and 100 % respectively), while CIP persisted in the final compost (p > 0.05). The thermophilic stage was responsible for ROX removal, and the maturation stage was more implicated in removing CTC and OTC. Chemical accessibility and 3D fluorescence showed that high level of antibiotics affected the behavior of organic fractions. ROX removal was more associated with decreasing the most accessible fractions. The removals of CTC and OTC was more associated with the depletion of the complex organic matter. The observed results were confirmed by PCA and dendrograms analysis that confirmed the relationship between antibiotics removal and the evolution of organic pools. On the other hand, germination test indicated that cress and turnip were more sensitive to high antibiotic concentration. These results have been explored for the first time and they are recommended for controlling antibiotic removal based on organic matter fractionation.

Antibiotic exposure and risk of overweight/obesity in school children: A multicenter, case-control study from China

BackgroundAlthough the use of antibiotics during early life has been associated with increased risk of adipogenesis, effect of antibiotic exposure from various sources, including food or drinking water, on adiposity in children is largely unknown. ObjectiveTo investigate associations between urinary biomarkers of multiple antibiotics and risk of adipogenesis in school children. MethodsThis case-control study recruited 410 overweight/obese school children aged 6–9 years and 410 controls from Shandong and Guangdong Province, China, matched on sex, age and school. Diagnosis of overweight and obesity was based on body mass index-based criteria derived from national data. Urinary concentrations of 45 antibiotics from 8 categories (macrolides, β-lactams, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides, phenicols, lincosamides, and quinoxalines), including 6 human antibiotics (HAs), 6 antibiotics preferred as HAs (PHAs), 16 veterinary antibiotics (VAs), and 17 antibiotics preferred as VA (PVAs), were measured by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry. Conditional logistic regression analyses were used to assess odds ratios (ORs) of childhood overweight/obesity in relation to urinary antibiotic concentrations. ResultsA total of 32 antibiotics were found in urine samples with an overall detection frequency of 92.93 %. Children with overweight/obesity have higher veterinary antibiotic levels than those with normal weight. Compared with undetected levels of antibiotics, the multivariable-adjusted ORs (95 % confidence interval) of overweight/obesity for high levels of antibiotics divided according to median values were 1.63 (1.02, 2.62) for florfenicol, 1.62 (1.04, 2.54) for phenicols, and 1.41 (0.97, 2.04) for sum of VAs and PVAs. These associations predominantly existed in boys and remained significant in florfenicol after FDR multiple testing correction (FDR adjusted p < 0.05). ConclusionExposure to certain antibiotic for veterinary use mainly from food or drinking water was associated with an increased risk of adipogenesis in children. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and clarify the underlying mechanisms.