Microbiological Component Research Articles

P-1546. Discordant Clinical and Microbiological Responses are Associated with Late Clinical Relapse in Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections: Pooled Analysis of EAGLE-2/EAGLE-3 Trial Data

Abstract Background Regulatory guidance recommends the primary endpoint for uncomplicated urinary tract infection (uUTI) trials be a composite of clinical and microbiological response. However, discordant outcomes have raised questions regarding the clinical utility of the microbiological component. The aim of this post hoc analysis was to explore the clinical significance of the microbiological endpoint based on pooled data from two recent Phase 3 trials in uUTI (EAGLE-2 [NCT04020341]/-3 [NCT04187144]). Methods EAGLE-2/-3 compared gepotidacin (1500mg) to nitrofurantoin (NTF; 100mg), both twice daily for 5 days in females aged ≥ 12 years with uUTI. Combined clinical success (CS) and microbiological success (MS) at test-of-cure (TOC) (days 10–13) was defined as quantified complete uUTI symptom resolution with no new symptoms and reduction of baseline qualifying uropathogens from ≥ 105 to < 103 CFU/mL, without other systemic antibiotic use. Pooled trial data with treatment groups combined were used to assess if discordant clinical and microbiologic responses at TOC impacted clinical responses at follow-up (FU; day 28±3). Results In total, 1201 patients were included in the pooled population; 90% had Escherichia coli and 40% had history of recurrence. Overall, 22% of patients with discordant responses at TOC (CS + microbiological failure [MF]) became clinical failure (CF) at FU compared with 14% of patients with concordant success (CS + MS; Figure). The odds ratio of CF at FU for those with discordant vs concordant responses was 1.7 (95% confidence interval: 1.1–2.6, adjusted for study effect; p=0.012). Results were similar when the analysis was conducted excluding patients with missing data and protocol non-adherence (Figure). Conclusion Discordant responses (CS + MF) at TOC were associated with increased risk of CF (relapse) at FU in this post hoc analysis. Based on the results of pooled EAGLE-2/-3 data, microbiological response appears to be an important component of treatment success criteria in uUTI trials and may predict clinical relapse. Funding EAGLE-2 was funded in part by GSK and in part with Federal funds from the US Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (HHSO100201300011C). EAGLE-3 was funded by GSK. Disclosures Amanda Sheets, PhD, GSK: Employee|GSK: Stocks/Bonds (Public Company) Judith Absalon, MD, GSK: Employee|GSK: Stocks/Bonds (Public Company) Jeremy Dennison, MD PhD, GSK: Employee|GSK: Stocks/Bonds (Public Company) Caroline R. Perry, PhD, GSK: Employee|GSK: Stocks/Bonds (Public Company) Nicole E. Scangarella-Oman, MS, GSK: Employee|GSK: Stocks/Bonds (Public Company) Helen Millns, PhD, GSK: Employee|GSK: Stocks/Bonds (Public Company) Salim Janmohamed, MD, GSK: Employee|GSK: Stocks/Bonds (Public Company)

An Overview of the Skin Microbiome, the Potential for Pathogen Shift, and Dysbiosis in Common Skin Pathologies.

Recent interest in the diverse ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses that make up the skin microbiome has led to several studies investigating the microbiome in healthy skin and in a variety of dermatological conditions. An imbalance of the normal skin flora can cause some skin diseases, and current culture techniques are often unable to detect a microorganism to further our understanding of the clinical-microbiological correlates of disease and dysbiosis. Atopic dermatitis and rosacea are presentations that GPs often manage that may have an infective or microbiological component and can be challenging to treat. We aim to discuss the implications of the skin microbiome including the impact of dysbiosis on conditions such as these. We will also discuss some clinical pearls for initial and future directions of the management of conditions such as atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and hidradenitis suppurativa. Further research using culture-independent techniques is needed for conditions involving microbial dysbiosis to advance our knowledge of skin disease pathophysiology and guide future management.

Effects of Microbiota on the Soiling Process of PV Modules in Arid Zones of the Atacama Desert

Photovoltaic technology has proven to be a reliable, economical, and clean energy source that is capable of adapting to diverse geographical conditions. However, factors such as soiling overshadow these qualities, thus leading to production losses and affecting the profitability of this technology. For these reasons, soiling is a highly studied topic, which involves considering the physicochemical characterization of the deposited material, mitigation strategies, effect predictions, and cleaning mechanisms. However, there is a relatively unexplored area related to the microbiological contribution to soiling. The surface of photovoltaic modules, along with the deposited material and local atmospheric factors, fosters favorable conditions for the colonization of microorganisms. These microorganisms influence the soiling mechanisms and optical properties of photovoltaic modules. This work presents a detailed characterization of the microbial diversity present in the soiling deposited on photovoltaic modules installed in the Atacama Desert. Two study sites were defined: Antofagasta and the Solar Platform of the Atacama Desert, which have warm and cold desert climates, respectively. Mineralogical characterization tests, heavy metal analyses, TOC, and inorganic element analyses were conducted on the deposited material. Additionally, the culturable isolates and the metagenomic DNA of the soiling samples and biofilms grown on standard PV glass were characterized using next-generation sequencing. The results show that the deposited soiling contained a microbiological component that had adapted to extreme desert conditions. The presence of the genera Arthrobacter, Kocuria, and Dietzia were identified in the culturable isolates from Antofagasta, while Arthrobacter and Dietzia were obtained from the Solar Platform of the Atacama Desert. The metagenomic DNA was mainly represented by the genera Pontibacter, Noviherbaspirillum, Massilia, Arthrobacter, Hymenobacter, and Deinococcus at Antofagasta. However, at the Solar Platform of the Atacama Desert, the analyzed samples presented DNA concentrations below 0.5 ng/µL, which made their preparation unviable. At the PSDA, the biofilms formed by the genera Peribacillus and Kocuria were identified, whereas the UA showed a greater abundance of bacteria that favored biofilm formation, including those that belonged to the genera Bacillus, Sporosarcina, Bhargavaea, Mesaobacillus, Cytobacillus, Caldakalibacillus, and Planococcus. Based on these results, we propose a soiling mechanism that considers the microbiological contribution to material cementation.

Microbiological Study of Conventional Drinks in Mirpur Area, North Dhaka City of Bangladesh

Fruit juices are incredibly popular because of how tasty and fresh they are. These juices contain all the nutritional benefits that were found in whole fruits. Juices are a nutritious beverage for people of all ages. People enjoys these drinks to meet their thirst almost every day during their work break or way to work. However, the situation is very different if they are exposed to pathogenic microorganisms when the juice is being processed. Juice might provide the bacteria with adequate chances to survive and grow because of its nutritional qualities. It was a cross sectional study. 10 samples were included in this study from different areas. To examine the microbiological quality, we included two different types of fresh juices in this investigation. There was contamination in every sample. Growth in MacConkey agar media showed pink mucoid colony. And also metallic sheen in EMB media is been noticed which determines the samples contain fecal coliform. The result is in between 1- 100 MPN which indicates these drinks can cause intermediate risk. These beverages' water has both a physicochemical and a microbiological component. For many individuals, buying traditional drinks from street vendors is a crucial way to quench their thirst. However, it might not always be safe to drink and might include potentially dangerous germs. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of ordinary drinks sold on the street, specifically the presence of fecal coliform bacteria. This study demonstrates that juice samples from street vendors in Dhaka North city are not complying with microbiological specifications of WHO. It also indicates that conventional drinks Mirpur area of Dhaka North City may not be safe for human consumption.

Study on the effectiveness of the sanitization activity of a robot equipped with UV lamps

The increasing focus on the health of individuals has forced a strong acceleration on research and development of new technologies to abate the microbiological component. The pandemic generated by the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has imparted an even greater impetus in this direction. In large and busy environments, it is essential to implement existing air purification and surface cleaning techniques, to reduce the concentrations of microorganisms present as much as possible: for the abatement of airborne bacterial loads, physical methods (e.g., HEPA filters) are used, while, for surfaces, chemicals of different compositions (detergents and bactericides) are often used. The use of ultraviolet radiation is proving to be a very viable alternative for this purpose. The use of UV lamps coupled with automated systems allow constant service to prevent the spread of microbiological populations. The study reported here aims to verify the features of the bactericidal action produced by the ARIS-K2 robot. This specific machine is equipped with 6 UV-C mercury lamps, which emit electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength value of 253.7 nm. Ultraviolet light is divided into three categories, depending on the wavelength: UV-A (315-400 nm), UV-B (280-315 nm) and UV-C (100-280 nm). UV-C radiation is demonstrated to have the greatest microbicidal effect. The conducted study analyzes the survival of bacterial populations distributed on surfaces at varying distances from the robot and in the presence of obstacles. The results were also analyzed considering the dose-exposure time relationship to which the colonies were subjected.

Using optical coherence tomography images to evaluate fungal growth in reline resins

As changes in hard or soft oral tissues normally have a microbiological component, it is important to develop diagnostic techniques that support clinical evaluation, without destroying microbiological formation. The optical coherence tomography (OCT) represents an alternative to analyze tissues and microorganisms without the need for processing. This imaging technique could be defined as a fast, real-time, in situ, and non-destructive method. Thus, this study proposed the use of the OCT to visualize biofilm by Candida albicans in reline resins for removable prostheses. Three reline resins (Silagum-Comfort, Coe-Comfort, and Soft-Confort), with distinct characteristics related to water sorption and fungal inhibition were used. A total of 30 samples (10 for each resin group) were subjected to OCT scanning before and 96 h after inoculation with Candida albicans (URM 6547). The biofilm analysis was carried out through a 2D optical Callisto SD-OCT (930 nm) operated in the spectral domain. Then, the images were preprocessed using a [Formula: see text] Gaussian filter to remove the noise, and then Otsu binarization, allowing segmentation and pixel counting. The layer’s biofilm formed was clearly defined and, indeed, its visualization is modified by water sorption of each material. Silagum-Comfort and Soft-Confort showed some similarities in the scattering of light between the clean and inoculated samples, in which, the latter samples presented higher values of light signal intensity. Coe-Comfort samples were the only ones that showed no differences between the clean or inoculated images. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that OCT is a viable technique to visualize the biofilm in reline materials. Because findings in the literature are still scarcely using the OCT technique to visualize biofilm in reline resins, further studies are encouraged. It should not contain any references or displayed equations.

Colour, physicochemical, microbiological and bioactive component quality analysis of peppers in Guizhou

SummaryWith the development of the pepper industry and the increasing number of people who prefer spicy peppers, consumers' demands for high‐quality peppers have increased. Nine pepper cultivars from Guizhou province, China were collected and their colour, physicochemical and microbiological indices and bioactive components were analysed and evaluated. Six phenolic compounds and eight carotenoids were determined using HPLC and UPLC, respectively. The nine peppers showed significant colour variability and could be divided into two main categories, red and yellow. In addition, the peppers also differed in physicochemical and microbiological indicators. The capsaicin content ranged from 0.35 mg/g for X63 to 1.64 mg/g for the SH variety. In terms of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and vitamin C (VC) content, SH was the highest, followed by HMPC‐20 and X63 cultivars. Catechin and capsanthin were the main phenolic compounds and carotenoids with levels of 192.21–384.73 μg/g and 42.88–69.94 μg/g, respectively. Overall, SH pepper was significantly better than the other eight samples. This study provides guidance and reference for the selection of optimal pepper raw materials for in‐depth development in the future.

The Effect of Storage Time on the Growth of Microorganisms in Pasteurized and Unpasteurized Donor Human Milk in a Tertiary Hospital in Davao City: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background: Donor Human Milk (DHM) is the recommended food of infants whenever mom’s own milk (MOM) is not available. However, due to the pathogenic microbiological component of DHM, concerns on the safety of the milk are inevitable. Objective: To determine the effect of storage time on the microbial growth of pasteurized and unpasteurized Donor Human Milk maintained at a constant temperature of -20°C. Methodology: This is a Quasi-experimental Research done in the Newborn Care Unit (NCU) and Bacteriology Section of a private tertiary hospital in Davao City. The effect of storage time to the microbial growth of pasteurized and unpasteurized DHM was determined using Friedman Test 2-way Analysis of Variance by Ranks. Pairwise comparison of microbial growth between pasteurized and unpasteurized DHM at different storage times was determined using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Baseline DHM samples had moderately heavy bacterial growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis. There was a decrease from moderately heavy to light growth of the same species in the 24-hour storage time for both pasteurized and unpasteurized DHM. Pasteurized DHM did not have any microbial isolates at 48h, 72h, 4w, 8w and 12w while unpasteurized DHM had Acinetobacter baumanii, Staphylococcus warneri, Kocuria kristinae, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus growths. The analysis revealed that there is a statistically significant difference in the microbial growth in both pasteurized and unpasteurized DHM samples when stored at different times, χ2 (6) = 28.457, p = 0.00. Conclusions: Storage time significantly interacts with the microbial growth on both pasteurized and unpasteurized DHM samples. Therefore, microbial growth in DHM samples may be affected by the length of time stored at a constant temperature of -20°C. Pasteurized DHM samples when stored at -20°C for more than 48 hours resulted to a statistically reduced microbial growth.

Mapping of physical-chemical, microbiological, and chemical component characteristics of water samples from Nile tilapia slaughterhouses

The aim of this study was to analyze the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of the water used in fish processing and tilapia fillets in slaughterhouses. The study analyzed the processing water from nine slaughterhouses. The water samples for analysis were collected at three points: process water (PW), it is the water used inside the slaughterhouses in direct contact with the fish; clean water entering the purification tank (EPT) and water leaving the purification tank (LPT). The processing waters of the nine tilapia slaughterhouses were analyzed and characterized according to their microbiological and physical-chemical characteristics. The results of microbiological analyzes meet the values indicated by legislation, in most cases. Regarding microbiological data, we can highlight that there was an increase in the total coliforms of the water entering the purification tank to the water leaving the purification tank in five slaughterhouses. Still, there was an increase in the aerobic mesophilic bacteria content observed in the outgoing water in relation to the inlet water of the purification tank in seven slaughterhouses. In relation to the physical chemical analyzes for the process water samples, the results show that the evaluated indices are in accordance with the values indicated by the legislation. The levels of Cd, Mg, Sc and Cd were below that detectable by the analysis in all slaughterhouses. The levels of Al, Sc, As, Rb, Ba, Pb, Mn, As, Se, Rb, Ag, Sb, Ba and Pb were detected only in one or two slaughterhouses. It is concluded that although some abattoirs have water characteristics outside the limits indicated by the legislation, the observed changes were not significant and small adjustments are necessary for the adequacy.

Proposed Tasks of Enceladus Missions’ Instrumentation in the Context of Their Astrobiological Goals

Enceladus, Saturnian satellite, is a very significant object for astrobiologists due to the presence of liquid water that forms the ice-covered ocean. Water ice geysers escape from the south pole region through cracks in the ice shield. During the Cassini flight, the probe took samples of plumes matter recognizing besides other methane and molecular hydrogen. Since then, hypotheses have been formulated that life forms similar to those found in the Lost City Hydrothermal Field in the Atlantic ocean bottom may occur near Enceladus’ hydrothermal chimneys. In our work, we analyzed the possibility of a microbial factor detection in the Enceladus geysers. We used as model organisms selected extremophiles. We investigated multi-spectral cameras and mass spectrometers intended for use in mission proposals to Enceladus: Enceladus Orbiter, Enceladus Life Finder, The Explorer of Enceladus and Titan and THEO mission. The review pointed that the configuration of mass spectrometers and the proposed parameters of scientific orbits are appropriate for detecting volatile organic compounds corresponding to selected microorganisms such as aldehyde, ethanol, benzene, toluene, indole, or violacein. The possible presence of a microbiological component with physical dimensions in the order of several micrometres can only be observed for areas of geyser formation at their higher density (> 10 ppm) and with the occurrence of the “snowing microbes” phenomenon. We have found that particularly useful optical channels are 780–975 nm, 860–910 nm, and 5.0–5.3 µm.

Disinfection of Wastewater by UV-Based Treatment for Reuse in a Circular Economy Perspective. Where Are We at?

Among the critical issues that prevent the reuse of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) effluents in a circular economy perspective, the microbiological component plays a key role causing infections and diseases. To date, the use of conventional chemical oxidants (e.g., chlorine) represent the main applied process for wastewater (WW) disinfection following a series of operational advantages. However, toxicity linked to the production of highly dangerous disinfection by-products (DBPs) has been widely demonstrated. Therefore, in recent years, there is an increasing attention to implement sustainable processes, which can simultaneously guarantee the microbiological quality of the WWs treated and the protection of both humans and the environment. This review focuses on treatments based on ultraviolet radiation (UV) alone or in combination with other processes (sonophotolysis, photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis with both natural and artificial light) without the dosage of chemical oxidants. The strengths of these technologies and the most significant critical issues are reported. To date, the use of synthetic waters in laboratory tests despite real waters, the capital and operative costs and the limited, or absent, experience of full-scale plant management (especially for UV-based combined processes) represent the main limits to their application on a larger scale. Although further in-depth studies are required to ensure full applicability of UV-based combined processes in WWTPs for reuse of their purified effluents, excellent prospects are presented thanks to an absent environmental impact in terms of DBPs formation and excellent disinfection yields of microorganisms (in most cases higher than 3-log reduction).

Microbiological Quality of the Effluents Produced by the University and Hospital Centres in the Department of Littoral, Republic of Benin

Introduction: The effluents generated by hospital activities pose a potential danger to health and the environment. This study aimed to study the microbiological quality of the effluents produced by the university and hospital centres of Littoral department. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 60 samples of hospital effluents from sewage treatment plants and septic tanks carried out during the period from April to June 2019. Samples at the station were made at the entrance and exit of the station. Samples for microbiological analysis were collected in pre-sterilized 500 mL glass bottles. Samples were kept between at 2°C - 8°C and in the dark to ensure satisfactory preservation. ANOVA one-way analysis of variance was performed for each microbiological parameter and principal component analysis (PCA) was also performed. Results: The bacteriological analyses carried out on the 60 samples taken showed a significant microbiological load. In fact, the bacteriological parameters measured and compared to the pollutant release standards in the environment show that the number of germs identified is above the recommended guideline values. The average values for total coliforms, faecal coliforms, faecal streptococci and staphylococci were: 3.91 × 105 UFC/100 mL, 0.52 × 105 UFC/100 mL, 3.92 × 105 UFC/100 mL and 1.36 × 105 UFC/100 mL, respectively. The most isolated bacteria were: Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas horizyhabitans, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. Most strains were resistant to at least 3 families of antibiotics (beta-lactams, aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones). Conclusion: These effluents therefore present health and environmental risks. It is of utmost importance to develop methods for the treatment of these effluents before their release into the natural environment.

Effect of natural zeolites and zeolites added with microorganisms for the growth of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)

In this study the effect of natural zeolites and zeolites added with micro-organisms for the growth of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) was evaluated, in order to highlight whether the microbiological component is the basis of the functionality of zeolites. The 3 experimental groups in cultivation were: 1) group without zeolites (CTRL) (peat 100%), irrigated with water and substrate previously fertilized; group with natural chabazite (CN) and fertilised substrate; group with chabazite enriched with micro-organisms (CM) and fertilised substrate. (Patented formula rif.28106IT/MB/BF). The test showed a significant increase in the agronomic parameters analyzed in plants treated with natural zeolites and zeolites with the addition of micro-organisms compared to the control. Also with regard to the physiological analysis of plants there was a significant increase in the parameters analysed, in the thesis treated with zeolites with the addition of micro-organisms and natural zeolites compared to the control. Finally, it should be noted that in the thesis treated with zeolites enriched with micro-organisms and in that with natural zeolites, the experiment also showed an increase in the percentage of germination of seeds and a significant reduction in the average time of germination compared to the untreated control (CTRL). The use of zeolites, as demonstrated by this test, can guarantee the grower a qualitative improvement of the plants in cultivation, ensuring better management of the use of fertilizers and water for irrigation. The zeolites are able to interact actively with the organic components present in the soil or brought with the fertilization, and have the ability to make more available the mineral and nutritional components present within their crystal lattice, based on the needs of the plant.

Artificial-turf surfaces for sport and recreational activities: microbiota analysis and 16S sequencing signature of synthetic vs natural soccer fields

Synthetic fibres are used in place of the natural grass worldwide, for realizing playgrounds, soccer fields and even domestic gardens or recreational structures. An intensive use of artificial turf is currently observed in sports facilities, due to lower costs, higher sustainability in recycling of materials, and advantages related to athletic practice and performance. However, even if chemical and physical risks were studied, the microbiological component was not fully addressed, especially considering a comprehensive evaluation of the microbiota in synthetic vs natural playground surfaces. Here, we investigated the microbial community present on soccer fields, using Next Generation Sequencing and a 16S amplicon sequencing approach. Artificial and natural turfs show own ecosystems with different microbial profiles and a mean Shannon's diversity value of 2.176 and 2.475, respectively. The bacterial community is significantly different between facilities (ANOSIM: R = 0.179; p < 0.001) and surface materials (ANOSIM: R = 0.172; p < 0.005). The relative abundance of potentially pathogenic bacterial OTUs was higher in synthetic than in natural samples (ANOVA, F = 2.2). Soccer fields are characterized by their own microbiota, showing a different 16S amplicon sequencing signature between natural and artificial turfs.

Airborne Prokaryote and Virus Abundance Over the Red Sea.

Aeolian dust exerts a considerable influence on atmospheric and oceanic conditions negatively impacting human health, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions like Saudi Arabia. Aeolian dust is often characterized by its mineral and chemical composition; however, there is a microbiological component of natural aerosols that has received comparatively little attention. Moreover, the amount of materials suspended in the atmosphere is highly variable from day to day. Thus, understanding the variability of atmospheric dust loads and suspended microbes throughout the year is essential to clarify the possible effects of dust on the Red Sea ecosystem. Here, we present the first estimates of dust and microbial loads at a coastal site on the Red Sea over a 2-year period, supplemented with measurements from dust samples collected along the Red Sea basin in offshore waters. Weekly average dust loads from a coastal site on the Red Sea ranged from 4.6 to 646.11 μg m−3, while the abundance of airborne prokaryotic cells and viral-like particles (VLPs) ranged from 77,967 to 1,203,792 cells m−3 and from 69,615 to 3,104,758 particles m−3, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first estimates of airborne microbial abundance in this region. The elevated concentrations of resuspended dust particles and suspended microbes found in the air indicate that airborne microbes may potentially have a large impact on human health and on the Red Sea ecosystem.

The composition of the pulmonary microbiota in sarcoidosis \u2013 an observational study

BackgroundSarcoidosis is a systemic disease of unknown etiology. The disease mechanisms are largely speculative and may include the role microbial patterns that initiate and drive an underlying immune process. The aim of this study was to characterize the microbiota of the lung of patients with sarcoidosis and compare its composition and diversity with the results from patients with other interstitial lung disease (ILD) and historic healthy controls.MethodsPatients (sarcoidosis, n = 31; interstitial lung disease, n = 19) were recruited within the PULMOHOM study, a prospective cohort study to characterize inflammatory processes in pulmonary diseases. Bronchoscopy of the middle lobe or the lingula was performed and the recovered fluid was immediately sent for analysis of the pulmonary microbiota by 16sRNA gene sequencing. Subsequent bioinformatic analysis was performed to compare the groups.ResultsThere were no significant differences between patients with sarcoidosis or other ILDs with regard to microbiome composition and diversity. In addition, the abundance of the genera Atopobium, Fusobacterium, Mycobacterium or Propionibacterium were not different between the two groups. There were no gross differences to historical healthy controls.ConclusionThe analysis of the pulmonary microbiota based on 16sRNA gene sequencing did not show a significant dysbiosis in patients with sarcoidosis as compared to other ILD patients. These data do not exclude a microbiological component in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis.

Assessment of ozone and UV pre-oxidation processes for mitigating microbiologically accelerated monochloramine decay

This paper reports the effects of pre-oxidation processes including ozone and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation prior to chloramination on microbiologically assisted monochloramine decay. Water samples with varying water qualities were pre-oxidated by ozone and UV irradiation, followed by determination of chemical and microbiological monochloramine decay (Fm). Both ozone and UV could effectively improve the reduction of microbial-like compounds responsible for monochloramine decay in treated water samples. Reductions in Fm values were observed for ozone contact times (Ct) greater than 5mgmin/L and UV doses greater than 30mJ/cm2. However, UV was less effective than ozone in reducing Fm values in raw water samples. Complete removal of the microbiological component of the decay for raw water samples was not found either with ozone (even with Ct of 50mgmin/L) or UV (even with UV dose of 120mJ/cm2). The effects of pre-oxidation processes on chemical (kc) and microbial (km) decay coefficients were assessed. Increasing both ozone Ct and UV dose ahead of chloramine did not affect the chemical decay component, but they changed the microbiological component of decay. Changes in organic matter after ozonation were also characterized using three-dimensional fluorescence excitation–emission matrix (3D-FEEM) spectroscopy, and correlations between 3D-FEEM spectroscopy results and Fm values were found. Intensities of humic-like, fulvic-like, microbial protein-like and aromatic protein-like substances were reduced by pre-ozonation. Based on the 3D-FEEM results, we can confirm that the slowdown of monochloramine decay rate is due to the reduction of marine humic-like substances and soluble microbial protein-like compounds by pre-ozonation.

Greening winter wheat seed crops

Purpose. To study the influence of biological preparations on yield and seed quality of bread winter wheat. Methods. Laboratory (evaluating 1000 seed weight, activity of seed sprouting, seed vigor, laboratory germination, number of embryonic roots and coleoptile length); measuring and weight (yielding capacity); mathematical statistics (to assess the validity of research results). Results. It was established that when treating winter wheat crops with biofertilizers during spring and summer vegetation,, the yields of the cultivar Kolos Myronivshchyny, Myronivska storichna, Natalka, Yuviliar Myronivsky increased by 0.28-0.37 t/ha, the 1,000 seed weight increased by 1.3-1.5 g. The best result was obtained with the use of biofertilizer “Biokompleks BTU” in the VIII stage of organogenesis at the rate of 500 ml/ha. Spraying winter wheat crop with “Microbiological component of culture” (1 l/ha) resulted in increase of the yield (by 0.22-0.45 t/ha), output of conditioned seeds (by 3.0-8.0 %) and 1,000 seed weight (by 1.3-2.0 g). The highest yield for varieties Horlytsia myronivska (5.50 t/ha) and Hospodynia myronivska (6.05 t/ha) was obtained by application of the fertilizer “Microbiological component of culture” on the III, IV and VIII stages of organogenesis. In the case of application of the biofertilizers, a tendency has been found to increase indices of seed sprouting activity, seed vigor, laboratory germination, coleoptile length and number of embryonic roots in comparison with the control. Conclusions. Based on the results obtained, increase in the yields, sowing qualities and biological indices of winter wheat seeds produced on crops treated with the biofertilizers was revealed. To be adopted into production it is recommended to carry out spraying seed crops in spring-summer period of vegetation with the biofertilizers "Biokompleks BTU" and "Microbiological component of culture".

Influence of the microbiological component of Cariogram® for evaluating the risk of caries in children

Objective: To compare the risk for caries in children as determined by Cariogram® software (CS; Stockholm, Sweden) with and without its microbiological component and by a form based on Cariogram® (FBC).Methods: Children (n = 28) aged 3–9 years were included. Data were collected clinically and from anamnesis. The salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans (SM) were evaluated. A linear regression model was used to determine which variables were predictive for each type of risk analysis. Caries risk was the dependent variable and the independent variables were caries experience, related disease, plaque amount, diet frequency, salivary levels of SM, fluoride sources and clinical judgment. A paired Student t-test was used for the following comparisons: (a) CS with and without SM; (b) CS without SM and FBC; (c) CS with SM and FBC.Results: The mean dmft/DMFT was 5.56 ± 2.51. There was no difference between the methods (p < .05). Regardless of caries risk, the children presented the same levels of SM (p = .889). Caries experience, plaque amount, diet frequency and fluoride sources were predictors of caries risk in all assessment methods. Clinical judgment was a significant predictor in CS.Conclusions: Caries experience, plaque amount, diet frequency and fluoride sources are valuable predictors of caries risk; microbiological tests are not necessary for evaluating caries risk in children, which can be assessed similarly by CS without SM and FBC.

Pathogenesis and persistence of cryptoglandular anal fistula: a systematic review.

Anal fistulas continue to be a problem for patients and surgeons alike despite scientific advances. While patient and anatomical characteristics are important to surgeons who are evaluating patients with anal fistulas, their development and persistence likely involves a multifaceted interaction of histological, microbiological, and molecular factors. Histological studies have shown that anal fistulas are variably epithelialized and are surrounded by dense collagen tissue with pockets of inflammatory cells. Yet, it remains unknown if or how histological differences impact fistula healing. The presence of a perianal abscess that contains gut flora commonly leads to the development of anal fistula. This implies a microbiological component, but bacteria are infrequently found in chronic fistulas. Recent work has shown an increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines and epithelial to mesenchymal cell transition in both cryptoglandular and Crohn's perianal fistulas. This suggests that molecular mechanisms may also play a role in both fistula development and persistence. The aim of this study was to examine the histological, microbiological, molecular, and host factors that contribute to the development and persistence of anal fistulas.