Number Of Bacteria Research Articles

EffectofbaicalinoneradicatingbiofilmsofbovinemilkderivedAcinetobacterlwoffii.

Acinetobacter lwoffii (A.lwoffii) is a serious zoonotic pathogen that has been identified as a cause of infections such as meningitis, bacteremia and pneumonia. In recent years, the infection rate and detection rate of A.lwoffii is increasing, especially in the breeding industry. Due to the presence of biofilms, it is difficult to eradicate and has become a potential super drug-resistant bacteria. Therefore, eradication of preformed biofilm is an alternative therapeutic action to control A.lwoffii infection. The present study aimed to clarify that baicalin could eradicate A.lwoffii biofilm in dairy cows, and to explore the mechanism of baicalin eradicating A.lwoffii. The results showed that compared to the control group, the 4 MIC of baicalin significantly eradicated the preformed biofilm, and the effect was stable at this concentration, the number of viable bacteria in the biofilm was decreased by 0.67 Log10CFU/mL. The total fluorescence intensity of biofilm bacteria decreased significantly, with a reduction rate of 67.0%. There were 833 differentially expressed genes (367 up-regulated and 466 down-regulated), whose functions mainly focused on oxidative phosphorylation, biofilm regulation system and trehalose synthesis.Molecular docking analysis predicted 11 groups of target proteins that were well combined with baicalin, and the content of trehalose decreased significantly after the biofilm of A.lwoffii was treated with baicalin. The present study evaluated the antibiofilm potential of baicalin against A.lwoffii. Baicalin revealed strong antibiofilm potential against A.lwoffii. Baicalin induced biofilm eradication may be related to oxidative phosphorylation and TCSs. Moreover, the decrease of trehalose content may be related to biofilm eradication.

Biofilm of Cutibacterium acnes: a target of different active substances.

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis. Cutibacterium acnes plays a crucial role in the acne pathophysiology. Recent works present evidence of C.acnes growing as a biofilm in cutaneous follicles. This development is currently considered one of the leading causes of C. acnes in vivo persistence and resistance to antimicrobials used to treat acne. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of various active compounds (clindamycin, erythromycin, doxycycline, and myrtle extract) on eight distinct, well-characterized strains of C. acnes following their growth in biofilm mode. Cutibacterium acnes isolates from phylotypes IA1 and IA2 produce more biofilm than other phylotypes. No antibiotic effect was observed either during the curative test or preventive test. Myrtle extract at 0.01% (w/v) showed significant efficacy on the biofilm for C. acnes strains (curative assays). Furthermore, it appear that myrtle extract and doxycycline together reduce the overall biomass of the biofilm. A significant dose-dependent effect was observed during the preventive test, greater than the one observed under curative conditions, with an important loss of activity of the myrtle extract observed from 0.001% (w/v) concentration onwards. Transmission electron microscopy showed that bacteria treated withmyrtle extract grew biofilms much less frequently than untreated bacteria. Additionally, when the quantity of myrtle extract grew, the overall number of bacteria dropped, indicating an additional antibacterial action. These findings support the hypothesis that the different C. acnes phylotypes have various aptitudes in forming biofilms. They also suggest that myrtle extract is a promising alternative as an anti-biofilm and antibacterial agent in fighting diseases caused by planktonic and biofilm C. acnes.

Isolation and Biological Characteristics of a Novel Phage and Its Application to Control Vibrio Parahaemolyticus in Shellfish Meat.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a common foodborne pathogenic bacterium. With the overuse of antibiotics, an increasing proportion of drug-resistant strains are emerging, which puts enormous pressure on public health. In this study, a V. parahaemolyticus-specific phage, VP41s3, was isolated. The head length, width, and tail length of the phage were 77.7 nm, 72.2 nm, and 17.5 nm, respectively. It remained active in the temperature range of 30-50°C and pH range of 4-11. The lytic curve of phage VP41s3 showed that the host bacteria did not grow until 11 h under phage treatment at MOI of 1000, indicating that the phage had good bacteriostatic ability. When it was added to shellfish contaminated with V. parahaemolyticus (15°C, 48 h), the number of bacteria in the experimental group was 2.11 log10 CFU/mL lower than that in the control group at 24 h. Furthermore, genomic characterization and phylogenetic analysis indicated that phage VP41s3 was a new member of the Podoviridae family. The genome contained 50 open reading frames (ORFs), in which the ORF19 (thymidine kinase) was an enzyme involved in the pyrimidine salvage pathway, which might lead to the accelerated DNA synthesis efficiency after phage entered into host cells. This study not only contributed to the improvement of phage database and the development of beneficial phage resources but also revealed the potential application of phage VP41s3 in food hygiene and safety.

Relationship of oral bacterial number with medical hospitalization costs in analysis of Diagnosis Procedure Combination database from single institution in Japan

Oral bacteria are known to be associated with perioperative complications during hospitalization. However, no presented reports have clarified the relationship of oral bacterial number with medical costs for inpatients. The Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC) database system used in Japan provides clinical information regarding acute hospital patients. The present study was conducted to determine the association of oral bacterial numbers in individual patients treated at a single institution with length of hospital stay and medical costs using DPC data. A total of 2369 patients referred by the medical department to the dental department at Hiroshima University Hospital were divided into the low (n = 2060) and high (n = 309) oral bacterial number groups. Length of hospital stay and medical costs were compared between the groups, as well as the associations of number of oral bacteria with Charlson comorbidity index (CCI)-related diseases in regard to mortality and disease severity. There was no significant difference in hospital stay length between the low (24.3 ± 24.2 days) and high (22.8 ± 20.1 days) oral bacterial number groups. On the other hand, the daily hospital medical cost in the high group was significantly greater (US$1456.2 ± 1505.7 vs. US$1185.7 ± 1128.6, P < 0.001). Additionally, there was no significant difference in CCI score between the groups, whereas the daily hospital medical costs for patients in the high group treated for cardiovascular disease or malignant tumors were greater than in the low number group (P < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis was also performed, which showed that oral bacterial number, age, gender, BMI, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, malignant tumor, and hospital stay length were independently associated with daily hospitalization costs. Monitoring and oral care treatment to lower the number of oral bacteria in patients affected by cardiovascular disease or cancer may contribute to reduce hospitalization costs.

The microbiome of the pregnant uterus in Holstein dairy heifers and cows assessed by bacterial culture and 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing

IntroductionThe possibility that there is a resident and stable commensal microbiome within the pregnant uterus has been supported and refuted by a series of recent studies. One element of most of the initial studies was that they were based primarily on 16S rRNA gene sequencing from bacteria. To account for this limitation, the current study performed both bacterial culture and 16S rRNA gene sequencing in a side-by-side manner (e.g., same tissues isolated from the same animal).MethodsThe uteruses of 10 mid-pregnant (156 ± 5 d of gestation) Holstein heifers and cows were collected following slaughter. The external surface of the reproductive tract (positive control for contamination during tissue collection) as well as tissues within the pregnant uterus (placentome, inter-cotyledonary placenta, inter-caruncular endometrium, amnionic fluid, allantoic fluid, fetal abomasum content, and fetal meconium) were sampled for bacterial culture and 16S rRNA gene sequencing.ResultsThere were 87 unique bacterial species cultured from the external surface of the pregnant reproductive tract (contamination control) and 12 bacterial species cultured from pregnancy tissues. Six out of 10 cattle (60%) exhibited bacterial growth in at least one location within the pregnant uterus. For the metataxonomic results (16S rRNA gene sequencing), a low targeted microbial biomass was identified. Analyses of the detected amplicon sequence variants (ASV) revealed that there were: (1) genera that were prevalent on both the external surface and within the pregnant uterus; (2) genera that were prevalent on the external surface but either not detected or had very low prevalence within the pregnant uterus; and (3) genera that were either not detected or had low prevalence on the external surface but found with relatively high prevalence within the pregnant uterus.ConclusionThere are a small number of viable bacteria in the pregnant uterus. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing detected a microbial community within the pregnant uterus but with a low biomass. These results are consistent with recent studies of the pregnant bovine uterus and leave open the question of whether there is adequate microbial mass to significantly affect the biology of the normal healthy bovine pregnancy.

Quantitative Analysis of Bifidobacterium and Scardovia wiggsiae in Dental Plaque from Children in Northern Thailand and Their Association with Caries Factors

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study were to measurably detect Bifidobacterium and Scardovia wiggsiae in plaque from severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) and caries-free children and to analyze the interrelation between these bacteria and clinical caries presentation and caries-related factors assessed by questionnaire. Materials and Methods One-hundred forty supra gingiva plaque samples from children aged between 2 and 5 years were used in this study. There were 70 children in each group. Recorded plaque index, modified gingival index, and decay, missing, and filled tooth (dmft) scores. Parents' attitudes, child's oral hygiene, and diet were assessed by questionnaire. DNA was extracted from plaque samples and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction using fluorescent dye was performed. Results Plaque (p &lt; 0.001) and modified gingival indices (p &lt; 0.001) in the S-ECC group were higher than in the caries-free group. Prevalence of Bifidobacterium (p = 0.004) and S. wiggsiae (p &lt; 0.001) in the S-ECC group was higher than in the caries-free group. The numbers of total bacteria (p = 0.003), Bifidobacterium (p &lt; 0.001), and proportion of Bifidobacterium to total bacteria (p &lt; 0.001) were higher in the S-ECC group. Detections of both bacteria, Bifidobacterium + S. wiggsiae (p &lt; 0.001), were higher in the S-ECC group than in the caries-free group. In the S-ECC group, dmft scores (p &lt; 0.001; p = 0.024) and the modified gingiva index (p = 0.004; p = 0.002) were higher in the presence of Bifidobacterium and S. wiggsiae, respectively. In the S-ECC group, the dmft scores (p = 0.005) and modified gingiva index (p = 0.004) were higher in the presence of both Bifidobacterium + S. wiggsiae. There were positive correlations between the Bifidobacterium level (p = 0.003), the proportion of Bifidobacterium to total bacteria (p = 0.017), and S-ECC. The level of Bifidobacterium (p &lt; 0.001) and ratio of Bifidobacterium to total bacteria (p &lt; 0.001) were correlated with the dmft score and modified gingival index in the S-ECC group. From the questionnaire, S-ECC were associated with major caregiver (p = 0.002), parent education levels (p = 0.02), prolonged bottle-feeding (&gt;18 months) (p = 0.015), night-time feeding (p &lt; 0.001), eating cariogenic snacks (p = 0.019), and frequency of dental visits (p = 0.003). Conclusions Levels of total bacteria, Bifidobacterium, S. wiggsiae and plaque, and the modified gingival indices were higher in the S-ECC group. Factors associated with S-ECC included the major caregiver, parent education levels, feeding patterns, cariogenic snacks consumption, and frequency of dental visits.

Effect of the Addition of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) on the Protein Profile, Antiradical Activity, and Microbiological Status of Raw-Ripening Pork Sausage

The study evaluated the effect of adding dandelion extract on the characteristics of raw-ripening pork sausages while reducing the nitrite addition from 150 to 80 mg/kg. The sausages were made primarily from pork ham (80%) and pork jowl (20%). The process involved curing, preparing the meat stuffing, forming the links, and then subjecting the sausages to a 21-day ripening period. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, water activity, and oxidation-reduction potential were compared at the beginning of production and after the ripening process. The study also examined the impact of ripening on protein metabolism in pork sausages and compared the protein profiles of different sausage variants. The obtained research results indicate that dandelion-leaf extract (Taraxacum officinale) were rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins, and their derivatives (LC-QTOF-MS method). Antiradical activity test against the ABTS+* and DPPH radical, and the TBARS index, demonstrated that addition of dandelion (0.5–1%) significantly improved the oxidative stability of raw-ripening sausages with nitrite content reduction to 80 mg/kg. A microbiological evaluation of the sausages was also carried out to assess the correctness of the ripening process. The total number of viable bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and coliforms were evaluated and subsequently identified by mass spectrometry.

Effect of distiller’s dried yeast on selected microbiotic fractions and the carcass and meat quality of broiler chickens

Abstract The study was conducted on 112 broiler chickens fed for 35 and 37 days with various levels of distiller’s yeast in diets – 3% in starter, 6% in grower, and 9% in finisher feeds. The results showed that as the level of distiller’s dried yeast in the broiler diets increased, the total number of bacteria in the mucosa of the small intestine, cecum, and colon decreased, including mainly Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus, and E. coli. The addition of 9% yeast to the diet significantly reduced the abundance of Lactobacillus sp. in the intestinal mucosa of broiler chickens. There was no significant effect of the level of distiller’s dried yeast in the diet of broiler chickens on carcass quality, pH, water holding capacity, sensory characteristics, and macronutrient and micronutrient content in breast muscle. On the other hand, there was a significant effect of the analyzed distiller’s yeast on color characteristics and basic chemical composition of breast muscle. The highest lightness (L*), yellowness (b*), and chroma (C*) and the lowest dry matter content were found in the meat of chickens receiving 6% and 9% distiller’s dried yeast in their diets. The results of the study indicate that for the best results in terms of carcass and meat quality, the optimal content of the analyzed yeast in the diet of broiler chickens should not exceed 3%.

Effects of Oleanolic Acid Derived from Wine Pomace on Periodontopathic Bacterial Growth in Healthy Individuals: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study

Periodontal disease is caused by oral pathogenic bacteria and is associated with systemic disease and frailty. Therefore, its prevention is crucial in extending healthy life expectancy. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of orally administered oleanolic acid, extracted from wine pomace, on periodontopathic bacterial growth in healthy individuals. In this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group comparison study, 84 healthy adults were assigned to a placebo (n = 29), low-dose (n = 29, 9 mg oleanolic acid), or high-dose (n = 26, 27 mg oleanolic acid) groups. The number of oral bacteria in their saliva, collected before and 5 h after administration, was determined using the polymerase chain reaction-invader technique. The proportion of periodontopathic bacteria among the total oral bacteria in the saliva was calculated. Oleanolic acid significantly decreased the proportion of Porphyromonas gingivalis among the total oral bacteria in a dose-dependent manner (p = 0.005 (low-dose) and p = 0.003 (high-dose) vs. placebo, Williams’ test). Moreover, high-dose oleanolic acid decreased the proportion of Tannerella forsythia (p = 0.064 vs. placebo, Williams’ test). Periodontopathic bacteria are closely associated with the development and progression of periodontal disease; thus, the continuous daily intake of oleanolic acid derived from pomace may be helpful in maintaining a healthy oral microbiome by controlling the proportion of periodontopathic bacteria.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and Twelve Groups of Related Diseases—Current State of Knowledge

The human gut microbiota creates a complex microbial ecosystem, characterized by its high population density, wide diversity, and complex interactions. Any imbalance of the intestinal microbiome, whether qualitative or quantitative, may have serious consequences for human health, including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). SIBO is defined as an increase in the number of bacteria (103–105 CFU/mL), an alteration in the bacterial composition, or both in the small intestine. The PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Medline databases were searched for studies on SIBO and related diseases. These diseases were divided into 12 groups: (1) gastrointestinal disorders; (2) autoimmune disease; (3) cardiovascular system disease; (4) metabolic disease; (5) endocrine disorders; (6) nephrological disorders; (7) dermatological diseases; (8) neurological diseases (9); developmental disorders; (10) mental disorders; (11) genetic diseases; and (12) gastrointestinal cancer. The purpose of this comprehensive review is to present the current state of knowledge on the relationships between SIBO and these 12 disease groups, taking into account risk factors and the causal context. This review fills the evidence gap on SIBO and presents a biological–medical approach to the problem, clearly showing the groups and diseases having a proven relationship with SIBO, as well as indicating groups within which research should continue to be expanded.

Microbiological quality of edible vegetable oils produced and marketed in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia.

Edible oils are imported and produced in Ethiopia, notably in Gondar, and their production has expanded considerably in recent years. The expansion of locally produced edible vegetable oils with severe quality control, substandard edible oil production, and quality deterioration may contribute to the contamination of microbes, which may cause public health problems. This study determines the microbiological quality of edible vegetable oils being produced and marketed in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2021. A laboratory-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from May to July 2021 in Gondar City. A simple random sampling technique was used to collect 17 edible vegetable oil samples. Aseptically collected samples were analyzed in the microbiology lab room. The microbiological quality of vegetable oil was assessed using standard microbiological procedures and techniques. The collected data were entered into a Microsoft Excel 2016 spreadsheet and Stata Version 14. A non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test was used to assess significant variation. Seventeen edible vegetable oil samples were examined and found to contain a varying number of bacteria, yeast, and molds. Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella Pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the identified bacteria, whereas Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus fumigatus were the identified fungi. Total coliform and fecal coliform isolates were also identified in the oil samples. A level of microbial contamination that has public health importance was observed in some of the oil samples analyzed, and the isolated microorganisms indicate unhygienic handling, processing, and storage practices in the oil production and market sites. The introduction of strict rules, regulations, and updated manufacturing technologies and processes to ensure food safety and quality is needed.

Biogenic amines as an indicator of rye leaven quality during production and storage

Rye leaven, the basic constituent of sour rye soup (‘żurek’ or white borsch), was obtained through three methods of initiating lacto-fermentation of rye flour. Optimal concentrations of NaCl (1.5%) and garlic (0.5%) were selected by utilizing the response surface methodology. During the production and storage of leaven at 10 °C and 20 °C, the secalin proteins of rye flour degraded significantly and the concentration of free amino acids increased, making the rye leaven an environment potentially conducive to the formation of biogenic amines. Putrescine (max. conc: 116.7 mg kg−1) and tyramine (max. conc: 63.4 mg kg−1) were the amines that occurred in the largest amounts in the leavens. The final concentration of histamine (after 150 days of storage) did not exceed 22 mg kg−1. Regardless of the method of initiation of fermentation, the products that contained fewer biogenic amines better retained their sensory characteristics (r ≤ −0.89, p < 0.05) and had a higher number of lactic acid bacteria (r ≤ −0.66, p < 0.05).

Temporal patterns of endophytic microbial heterogeneity across distinct ecological compartments within the Panax ginseng root system following deforestation for cultivation.

Alterations in the microbial community significantly impact the yield and quality of ginseng. Yet, the dynamics of microbial community shifts within the root endophytes of ginseng across varying cultivation periods remain inadequately understood. This study zeroes in on the microbial community variations within the xylem (M), phloem (R), and fibrous roots (X) of ginseng during the fourth (F4) and fifth (F5) years of cultivation, aiming to bridge this research gap. We assessed soil physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, and nine individual saponins, complemented by high-throughput sequencing techniques (16S rDNA and ITS) to determine their profiles. The results showed that cultivation years mainly affected the microbial diversity of endophytic bacteria in ginseng fibrous roots compartment: the ASVs number and α-diversity Chao1 index of bacteria and fungi in F5X compartment with higher cultivation years were significantly higher than those in F4X compartment with lower cultivation years. It is speculated that the changes of fibrous roots bacterial groups may be related to the regulation of amino acid metabolic pathway. Such as D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism D-glutamine, cysteine and methionine metabolism regulation. The dominant bacteria in ginseng root are Proteobacteria (relative abundance 52.07-80.35%), Cyanobacteria (1.97-42.52%) and Bacteroidota (1.11-5.08%). Firmicutes (1.28-3.76%). There were two dominant phyla: Ascomycota (60.10-93.71%) and Basidiomycota (2.25-30.57%). Endophytic fungi were more closely related to soil physicochemical properties and enzyme activities. AN, TK, OP, SWC and EC were the main driving factors of endophytic flora of ginseng root. Tetracladium decreased with the increase of cultivation years, and the decrease was more significant in phloem (F4R: 33.36%, F5R: 16.48%). The relative abundance of Bradyrhizobium, Agrobacterium and Bacillus in each ecological niche increased with the increase of cultivation years. The relative abundance of Bradyrhizobium and Agrobacterium in F5X increased by 8.35 and 9.29 times, respectively, and Bacillus in F5M increased by 5.57 times. We found a variety of potential beneficial bacteria and pathogen antagonists related to ginseng biomass and saponins, such as Bradyrhizobium, Agrobacterium, Bacillus and Exophiala, which have good potential for practical application and development.

Biosurfactant production potentials of microorganisms isolated from atmosphere of five petroleum stations at Tanke, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

Biosurfactants aid in bioremediation by improving the bioavailability of hydrocarbon contaminants. The objective of this work was to isolate, enumerate and identify bacteria and fungi for their biosurfactant production potential in the atmosphere of five petroleum stations at Tanke, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria using appropriate, standard microbiological methods (haemolysis test, emulsification index test, drop collapse test and oil displacement test). Fourteen bacteria and ten fungi were isolated in this study. The bacterial isolates belong to the genus Bacillus, Corynebacterium, Micrococcus, Staphylococcus, Listeria, Clostridium. The fungal isolates are of the genus Neurospora, Curvularia, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Rhizopus, Cladosporium, Colletotrichum, Sclerotinia. The mean number of bacteria counted during the sampling ranged from 3.48±1.15*102 CFU to 4.82 ±1.69*102 CFU, with petrol station 4 having the highest bacteria count (2.41*102 CFU) and petrol station 3 having the lowest bacteria count (1.74*102 CFU). The mean fungal count ranged from 7±3.7 CFU to 8.6±4.7 *102 CFU, with petrol station 4 having the highest fungal count (4.3 *10 CFU) and petrol station 3 having the lowest fungal count (3.4*10 CFU). Bacillus species showed promise of biosurfactant production after screening. Aspergillus fumigatus was the most prevalent fungus isolated (24%) while Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most prevalent bacterium isolated (11%). Some of these organisms are known opportunistic pathogens therefore, improved ventilation and sanitation of the petrol stations should be carried out to reduce the microbial load in the air. Also, bacteria that produce biosurfactant can be isolated from air of gas stations.

Interaction of Neisseria meningitidis carrier and disease isolates of MenB cc32 and MenW cc22 with epithelial cells of the nasopharyngeal barrier.

Neisseria meningitidis (Nm, the meningococcus) is considered an asymptomatic colonizer of the upper respiratory tract and a transient member of its microbiome. It is assumed that the spread of N. meningitidis into the bloodstream occurs via transcytosis of the nasopharyngeal epithelial barrier without destroying the barrier layer. Here, we used Calu-3 respiratory epithelial cells that were grown under air-liquid-interface conditions to induce formation of pseudostratified layers and mucus production. The number of bacterial localizations in the outer mucus, as well as cellular adhesion, invasion and transmigration of different carrier and disease N. meningitidis isolates belonging to MenB:cc32 and MenW:cc22 lineages was assessed. In addition, the effect on barrier integrity and cytokine release was determined. Our findings showed that all strains tested resided primarily in the outer mucus layer after 24h of infection (>80%). Nonetheless, both MenB:cc32 and MenW:cc22 carrier and disease isolates reached the surface of the epithelial cells and overcame the barrier. Interestingly, we observed a significant difference in the number of bacteria transmigrating the epithelial cell barrier, with the representative disease isolates being more efficient to transmigrate compared to carrier isolates. This could be attributed to the capacity of the disease isolates to invade, however could not be assigned to expression of the outer membrane protein Opc. Moreover, we found that the representative meningococcal isolates tested in this study did not damage the epithelial barrier, as shown by TEER measurement, FITC-dextran permeability assays, and expression of cell-junction components.

Antibacterial activity and perineal wound healing of swallow’s gel extracts

Background: Swallow's nest has a glycol content of proteins, carbohydrates (25.62–27.26%), and proteins (62–63%); protein is an indispensable content for the healing process of perineal wounds, protein plays the main ingredient in cell formation, and repairs damaged tissues. In previous studies, swallow's nest extract against perineal wounds in mice obtained the results of accelerated healing on days 3 and 4. However, no studies have been conducted on human perineal injuries.Purpose: Knowing the effectiveness of the swallow's nest extract gel (Aerodramus Fuciphagus) 30% against wound healing and a decrease in the number of colonies of staphylococcus aureus bacteria in the perineal wounds of the postpartum mother.Methods: This experiment study has a post-test with a control group design. The sample comprised 34 postpartum maternal respondents divided into two groups randomly (intervention and control groups). The intervention group was given gel from swallow's nest extract while the control group carried out a dry clean treatment; both were treated to the wound. Perineal wound healing based on REEDA scores was analyzed using the Friedman test, while bacteria in perineal wounds were analyzed using the Man-Whitney test.Results: Based on the REEDA scale, the perineal wound healing rate in the intervention group was better, where healing had already occurred on day 5, compared to the control group that occurred on day 7 (p&lt;0.0001). The number of bacteria in the perineal wounds of the intervention group was less, with an average of 0.06 CFU, compared to the control group's average control group's average of 1.11 CFU (p&lt;0.05).Conclusion: Swallow's nest extract is influential and beneficial in healing perineal wounds in postpartum mothers and has antibacterial activity.

UVC Stokes and Anti-Stokes Emission of Ca9Y(PO4)7 Polycrystals Doped with Pr3+ Ions.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has made everyone aware of the threat of viruses and the growing number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It has become necessary to find new methods to combat these hazards. One tool that could be used is UVC radiation, i.e., 100-280 nm. Currently, the available sources of this light are mercury vapor lamps. However, the modern world requires more compact, mercury-free, and less energy-consuming light sources. This work presents the results of our research on a new material in which efficient UVC radiation was obtained. Here, we present the results of research on Ca9Y(PO4)7 polycrystals doped with Pr3+ ions prepared using the solid-state method. The absorption, excitation, emission, and emission decay profiles of praseodymium(III) ions were measured and analyzed. The upconversion emission in the UVC region excited by blue light was observed. Parameters such as energy bandgap, refractive index, and thermal stability of luminescence were determined. The studied phosphate-based phosphor possesses promising characteristics that show its potential in luminescent applications in future use in medicine or for surface disinfection.

Sensitivity of microbial bioindicators in assessing metal immobilization success in smelter-impacted soils

While plant toxicity reduction remains the primary metric for judging the success of metal immobilization in soil, the suitability of microorganisms as universal indicators of its effectiveness in various contaminated soils remains a point of contention. This study assessed the sensitivity of microbial bioindicators in monitoring metal immobilization success in smelter-impacted soils. It compared plants and microorganisms as indicators of the efficiency of natural Fe-Mn nodules from the Gulf of Finland in immobilizing metals in soils contaminated by a Ni/Cu smelter, on the Kola Peninsula, Murmansk region, Russia. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) was grown on nodule-amended and control soils. Plant responses in the smelter-impacted soils proved to be sensitive and robust indicators of successful metal immobilization. However, microbial responses exhibited a more complex story. Despite the observed reductions in soluble metal concentrations, shoot metal contents in ryegrass, and significant improvements in plant growth, certain microbial bioindicators were unresponsive to metal immobilization success brought about by the addition of Fe-Mn nodules. Among microbial bioindicators studied, community-level physiological profiling, microbial biomass carbon, and basal respiration were sensitive indicators of metal immobilization success, whereas the number of saprotrophic, oligotrophic, and Fe-oxidizing bacteria and fungi, the biomass of bacteria and fungi, and enzymatic activity were less robust indicators. Interestingly, the correlations between different microbial responses measured were weak or even negative. Some microbial responses also exhibited negative correlations with plant biomass. These findings underscore the need for further research on comparative evaluations of plants and microorganisms as reliable indicators of metal immobilization efficacy in polluted environments.

Difference in formation of a dental multi-species biofilm according to substratum direction

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the difference in dental biofilm formation according to substratum direction, using an artificial biofilm model. MethodsA three-species biofilm, consisting of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus oralis, and Actinomyces naeslundii, was formed on saliva-coated hydroxyapatite (sHA) discs oriented in three directions: downward (the discs placed in the direction of gravity), vertical (the discs placed parallel to the direction of gravity), and upward (the discs placed in opposite direction of gravity). The biofilms at 22h and 46h of age were analyzed using microbiological and biochemical methods, fluorescence-based assays, and scanning electron microscopy to investigate difference in bacterial adhesion, early and mature biofilm formation. ResultsThe biofilms formed in the upward direction displayed the most complex structure, with the highest number and biovolume of bacteria, as well as the lowest pH conditions at both time points. The vertical and downward directions, however, had only scattered and small bacterial colonies. In the 22-h-old biofilms, the proportion of S. oralis was similar to, or slightly higher than, that of S. mutans in all directions of substratum surfaces. However, in the 46-h-old biofilms, S. mutans became the dominant bacteria in all directions, especially in the vertical and upward directions. ConclusionsThe direction of the substratum surface could impact the proportion of bacteria and cariogenic properties of the multi-species biofilm. Biofilms in an upward direction may exhibit a higher cariogenic potential, followed by those in the vertical and downward directions, which could be related to gravity.

Flow cytometry: Unravelling the real antimicrobial and antibiofilm efficacy of natural bioactive compounds

Flow cytometry (FCM) provides unique information on bacterial viability and physiology, allowing a real-time early warning antimicrobial and antibiofilm monitoring system for preventing the spread risk of foodborne disease. The present work used a combined culture-based and FCM approach to assess the in vitro efficacy of essential oils (EOs) from condiment plants commonly used in Mediterranean Europe (i.e., thyme EO, oregano EO, basil EO, and lemon EO) against planktonic and sessile cells of food-pathogenic Listeria monocytogenes 56 LY, and contaminant and alterative species Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 13525. Evaluation of the bacterial response to the increasing concentrations of natural compounds posed FCM as a crucial technique for the quantification of the live/dead, and viable but non-culturable (VBNC) cells when antimicrobial agents exert no real bactericidal action. Furthermore, the FCM results displayed higher numbers of viable bacteria expressed as Active Fluorescent Units (AFUs) with a greater level of repeatability compared with outcomes of the plate-count method. Overall, accurate counting of viable microbial cells is a critically important parameter in food microbiology, and flow cytometry provides an innovative approach with high-throughput potential for applications in the food industry as “flow microbiology”.