Number Of CFU Research Articles

The Use of Lawn Grasses for Purification of Soil From Toxic Cr(VI)

Background. Environmental pollution with toxic compounds poses a danger to nature and humans. Various technologies for soil purification from toxic metals are being developed. Objective. The work was aimed to study the possibility of lawn grass using for soil purification from Cr(VI). Methods. Plant seeds (Festuca rubra L. 45%, Festuca arundinacea Schreb. 25%, Lolium perenne L. 20%, Poa pratensis L. 10%) were sown in a container at 24 °C and grown for two months to obtain a lawn. K2CrO4 was added to the soil (400 g) (variants: 1.0 g, No. 1 and 2.5 g, No. 2) The following parameters were determined in two, five and ten days after Cr(VI) addition to the soil: the content of Cr(VI) in the roots, aerial part, and the soil; the coefficient of Cr(VI) content reduction; total content of aerobic heterotrophic microorganisms (CFU/g). Results. In 2 days after Cr(VI) adding the roots accumulated Cr(VI) in more significant amounts than the leaves (16.6 and 15 times in No. 1 and No. 2). In 5 days, an increase in Cr(VI) concentration in the plants was detected. Cr(VI) concentration in the soil decreased in 5 days by 45.8 and 13.57 times in variants No. 1 and No. 2, respectively. Inhibition of soil microorganisms growth was detected. CFU number in the control sample was 7.2×108, and in experimental variants No. 1 and No. 2 – 5×106 and 1×106, respectively. Conclusions. The addition of K2CrO4 inhibited the growth of soil microorganisms. Lawn grasses composition was successfully used for Cr(VI) extraction from the soil. A notable (13.8 and 9.3 times) reduction in Cr(VI) content in the soil was observed in two days. This reduction progressed greatly in five days as well (91.8 and 85.0 times). Cr(VI) was accumulated in the root system and the leaves of the plants. Thus, the selected grasses can be used in bioremediation technologies to purify contaminated soil.

Microbiological activity of chernozem depending on the use and size of soil aggregates

The results of the studies of changes in biological and enzymatic activity of soils depending on the anthropogenic influence and the size of soil aggregates are presented. The work was carried out in 2015-2021 in the conditions of the south-east of the Central Chernozem region. The soil of the experimental site is ordinary (segregational) medium–sized medium-humus heavy loamy chernozem. The objects of research are long–used arable land and the layland used for haying since 1882. The quantitative change of individual groups of microorganisms, determined by the nature of the impact on the soil cover, is shown. The total number of microorganisms in both arable land and chernozems under natural vegetation was at the same level of 40.0 and 39.3 million CFU, respectively. Significant differences in the biological activity of chernozems by individual groups of microbial cenosis structure were noted. An increase in the number of ammonification bacteria on the arable analogue was revealed by an average of 30.7%; micromycetes by 4.4%; cellulolytics by 46.4%; nitrifiers by 46.9%; calculated humification coefficient by 45.4%. According to other components of microbial cenosis, the advantage of layland steppe soils is noted: actinomycetes by 18.5%; humus mineralizers by 11.8%. An increase in the activity of most groups of microorganisms was shown in the smaller structural units of 1-5 mm. In larger mesoaggregates, CFU numbers tend to decrease. This pattern is most clearly traced in agrogenically altered soils. In the soils occupied by natural vegetation, there is a higher activity of biochemical processes.

Role of the cGAS/STING pathway in the control of Brucella abortus infection acquired through the respiratory route.

Despite the importance of the respiratory route for Brucella transmission, the lung immune response to this pathogen is scarcely characterized. We investigated the role of the cGAS/STING pathway of microbial DNA recognition in the control of respiratory Brucella infection. After in vitro B. abortus infection, CFU numbers were significantly higher in alveolar macrophages (AM) and lung explants from STING KO mice than in samples from wild type (WT) mice, but no difference was observed for cGAS KO samples. CFU were also increased in WT AM and lung epithelial cells preincubated with the STING inhibitor H151. Several proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IP-10/CXCL10) were diminished in Brucella-infected lung explants and/or AM from STING KO mice and cGAS KO mice. These cytokines were also reduced in infected AM and lung epithelial cells pretreated with H151. After intratracheal infection with B. abortus, STING KO mice exhibited increased CFU in lungs, spleen and liver, a reduced expression of IFN-β mRNA in lungs and spleen, and reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung homogenates. Increased lung CFU and reduced BALF cytokines were also observed in cGAS KO mice. In summary, the cGAS/STING pathway induces the production of proinflammatory cytokines after respiratory Brucella infection, which may contribute to the STING-dependent control of airborne brucellosis.

117 Allocation of Therapist Time: Mobilization of CFU’s in Hand w/Burn Injury

Abstract Introduction Movement of the hands and digits are used to perform communication and activities for IADL’s and competitive employment. Following a second or third degree to the hand(s), there is a potential for the development of burn scar contracture(s) (BSC), which decreases hand skills creating the potential for decreased quality of life. The ABA data base identifies that 70% of burns are sustained to the upper torso, UE, hands. One ABA verified burn center created a study to identify the time required for the burn therapist to elongate hand CFU’s to pre-burn movement. Methods The one-year retrospective study included unilateral and bilateral hand burns with LOS of 2 days or greater or had an outpatient OT session within one week of the burn. Co-author created the Passive Motion Scoring Grid (PMSG), using a number score with higher number indicating greater passive movement. Education was provided to the OT’s to complete the PMSG at the beginning and end of each hand CFU elongation session. Otherwise, there was no change in the OT burn hand therapy treatment. The study included (5) OT’s with mean of 6 years of experience (3-46). Results There were 50 patients, average age was 48.91 years with majority male and African American. All burns were secondary to thermal with burns of 2nd and 3rd degree. There were 33 unilateral hand burns with an average TBSA of 7.02% and 17 patients sustained bilateral hand burns with an average TBSA of 21.3%. Unilateral hand burns had an average number of CFU’s of 39.4 (11-68) and hand CFU’s accounted for 87.1% of the CFU’s. Average number of CFU’s in bilateral hand burns was 90.3 (8-196) with hand CFU’s accounting of 83.4% of the CFU’s. A total of 539 OT sessions were provided to those with unilateral hand burns with an average of 18 OT sessions (3-36). Bilateral hand burns received a total of 487 OT sessions with average of 24.4 OT sessions (4-67) Therapist time for hand CFU elongation to pre-burn status: unilateral hand burns, 43.5 minutes (SD=24.7) and bilateral hand burns was 53.5 minutes (SD=32.2). The minutes only reflect CFU elongation not the entire therapy time. Conclusions Hand burns result in a small number for TBSA, however it results in a greater number of CFU’s than other body locati8ons. The greater number of CFU’s involved, indicates greater potential for development of BSC. At the completion of the burn OT therapy, no patient exhibited BSC. Providing education and information to funding sources regarding CFU’s in hand burns, equating that to potential BSC development and time required for therapist direct hands-on techniques to obtain pre-burn movement can positively influence authorization for therapy. Applicability of Research to Practice Can assist with allocating therapist time with hand burns. Can positively influence funding authorization for therapy.

Molgramostim Efficiency Trial in Acute Radiation Damage (Experimental Study)

The purpose of the study was to study the specific activity of the drug molgramostim (Neostim®) under conditions of a single general γ-irradiation. Evaluation of the anti-radiation efficacy of the conducted studies, studying the 30-day survival rate and life expectancy of irradiated (at doses of 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Gy) mice, as well as the dynamics of peripheral blood, extramedlar and bone marrow hematopoiesis. It has been established that 14-fold (with an interval of 12 hours) subcutaneous administration of the drug molgramostim at a dose of 5 μg/kg to mice after irradiation at an average lethal dose (6 Gy) has a pronounced anti-radiation effect. The value of the dose change factor when the drug is administered at the optimal dose is 1.16. The use of molgramostim increases the survival rate of mice by 30%, contributes to an earlier, compared with irradiated ani-mals of the control group, restoration of the content of peripheral blood cells (by day 10, the number of leukocytes was 50% more, and the number of lymphocytes, erythrocytes and platelets – by 10% than in animals that did not receive the drug), as well as an increase in the number of endogenous CFU by 30% compared with the control and the number of bone marrow myelokaryocytes by an average of 1.2 times.

Isolation and characterization of effective microorganisms from palm oil sludge for enhancement of spent bio-adsorbents from aquaculture wastewater treatment

A total of 4 bacterial (Bacillus sp., Bacillus pumilus, Pseudomonas tuomuerensis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and 2 fungal (Talaromyces oumae-annae and Meira sp.) isolates were discovered to have high potential for solubilizing insoluble phosphate, producing IAA, and fixing atmospheric nitrogen. However, only one of the selected fungal isolates was shown to be a potassium solubilizer. The antagonistic test showed that P. aeruginosa was inhibitory against T. oumae-annae. The oil palm fiber (OPF) biochars in this study were produced by two different methods: under a continuous flow of compressed air and in the presence of nitrogen gas. The OPF biochars were then mixed with 10 ppm ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) for an adsorption test, and the products were labeled as air-spent OPF biochar and N2-spent OPF biochar, respectively. When B. pumilus was inoculated to these biochars, the CFU number for N2-spent OPF biochar increased threefold. However, there was no CFU recovered from the air-spent OPF biochar. In scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, the cells of B. pumilus were observed to be localized on both the surface and interior of the biochar particles. These results conclude that the microbial isolates from the palm oil sludge samples are potential plant growth-promoting microbes, and the N2-spent OPF biochar was demonstrated to be a good carrier material in housing and supporting the growth of the test bacteria.

Impact of Growth Conditions on the Viability of Trichoderma asperellum during Storage.

As excellent biocontrol agents and plant growth promoters, Trichoderma species are agriculturally important. Trichoderma spp. cultures can be produced using solid-state or submerged cultivation, the latter being much less labor intensive and easier to control and automate. The aim of the study was to investigate the ability to increase the shelf-life of T. asperellum cells by optimizing cultivation media and upscaling the submerged cultivation process. Four different cultivation media were used with or without the addition of Tween 80 and stored with or without incorporation into peat, and viability, expressed as CFU/g, was assessed during one year of storage in an industrial warehouse. The addition of Tween 80 had a positive effect on the biomass yield. The culture medium played a major role in the ability of the mycelium to produce spores, which in turn influenced the amount of CFU. This effect was less pronounced when the biomass was mixed with peat prior to storage. A procedure that increases the number of CFU in a peat-based product formulation is recommended, namely, incubation of the mixture at 30 °C for 10 days prior to storage at 15 °C over an extended period of time.

Influence of closed glove exchange on bacterial contamination of the hands of the surgical team.

To determine if closed glove exchange (CGE) increases hand contamination. Prospective experimental study. Surgical teams participating in 65 individual surgical procedures were included, resulting in 200 individual enrollments. At the completion of surgery, gloves were removed and hands were swabbed. The inside of the gown cuff was swabbed. Each participant regloved, using a closed gloving technique. The new gloves were removed, and hands were swabbed for culture a second time. Swabs underwent standard bacterial culture. Before glove exchange, or baseline, contamination was found on 17/200 dominant hands and 13/200 nondominant hands. After performing CGE, contamination was found on 14/200 and 15/200 dominant and nondominant hands, respectively. No difference was detected between the number of CFUs cultured from a surgeon's hands before CGE and the number of CFUs cultured from a surgeon's hands post-CGE (one sided sign test, p = .61). Twelve (12) different bacterial species were identified, the most common were Staphylococcus spp. (97/154; 63%). Closed glove exchange did not increase bacterial hand contamination over baseline levels. We found no evidence to support discontinuing CGE.

Effect of Er,Cr:YSGG laser with a side-firing tip on decontamination of titanium disc surface: an in vitro and in vivo study

PurposeTo evaluate the effectiveness of an erbium, chromium:yttrium–scandium–gallium–garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser with side-firing tip in decontamination of titanium (Ti) disc.MethodsIn the first test series, 29 Ti-discs were contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus and treated as follows: positive control (no treatment); Perioflow; Laser A (0.75 W, 100 Hz), Laser B (1.5 W, 30 Hz); Laser C (no radiation, 60% water); and Laser D (no radiation, 50% water). For bacterial quantification, colony forming units (CFU, vital cells only) and quantitative PCR (qPCR, vital and devital cells) were performed. In a second test series, 92 Ti-discs were used, contaminated with in vivo-grown biofilm and treated as follows: positive control (no treatment); Perioflow; Laser E (1.5 W, 30 Hz), and Laser F (no radiation, 50% water). Considering the different and unknown culture conditions, quantification of bacteria was performed by broad-spectrum bacterial qPCR only. Based on the assumption that all cells of an organism contain an equivalent complement of genetic information, genome equivalent (GE) determination ensured the detection of the different intact and semi-intact genomes, regardless of type of bacterial species and vitality, circumvent the inherent bias of cultures.ResultsThe GE values were significantly reduced by all interventions in both test series, compared to the positive control group (p < 0.001). In the first test series with S. aureus as model organism, Perioflow yielded a lower GE than the Laser groups A–D (all p < 0.025). The number of CFUs was significantly reduced in the intervention groups compared to the positive control (p < 0.001), except for Laser A (p = 0.157) and Laser D (p = 0.393). In the second test series, none of the pairwise comparisons of the intervention conditions showed a significant difference (Perioflow vs. Laser E: p = 0.732; Perioflow vs. Laser F: p = 0.590; Laser E vs. Laser F: p = 0.379).ConclusionThe Er,Cr:YSGG laser with side-firing tip and Perioflow were equally capable of effectively decontaminating a Ti-disc surface. It is assumed that the bacterial reduction was largely due to the mechanical effect of the air and water stream.Graphical

INDICATORS OF THE MICROBIOLOGICAL COMPOSITION OF BROILER CHICKEN DROPPINGS WITH LITTER DURING DIFFERENT STORAGE TIMES

The increase in the population on the planet leads to an increase in the volume of food production. The high demand for poultry products leads to a rapid increase in the number of broiler chickens both in the world and in Ukraine, and at the same time to an increase in the volume of poultry waste, especially droppings and litter. Intensive and uncontrolled use of fresh broiler droppings as organic fertilizer for agricultural plants has a number of economic and ecological disadvantages. Therefore, there is a need to store (ferment) the broiler chickens droppings for a certain period of time (up to 20 months) in order to use it safely in crop production. Bacteria play an important role in the course of enzymatic processes in poultry droppings during its storage. It is of scientific interest to determine the number of bacteria in the droppings of broiler chickens with litter (cereal straw) stored for different times in the cold season. The content of microorganisms was determined in the droppings of broiler chickens. Samples were taken in January at an air temperature of 1.3 °C under the conditions of the experimental farm of the Bila Tserkva National Agrarian University from droppings 2 days after unloading from poultry houses, and which was stored for 4 and 9 months in barns. The content of CFU Bacillus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp. and Escherichia coli was determined in the litter. The indicator of KMAFAnM in the droppings of broiler chickens unloaded from poultry houses was 3.5x108. Until the 4th month of storage of the droppings, the KMAFAnM indicator in it increased. For 9 months of storage, the index of KMAFAnM in the droppings of broiler chickens decreases by 58.7 times compared to the index obtained after 4 months of composting. A group of bacteria Bacillus spp. was represented by the following species: Bacillus subtilis (dominant), Bacillus mesentericus, Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus mycoides. Colonies of Bacillus spp. sown from droppings of different periods of storage were dry, with a wrinkled surface. They were colorless and light velvety in color. The edges of the colony of this bacterium were wavy. The lowest rate of CFU Bacillus spp. was found in the droppings unloaded from poultry houses. The number of CFU Bacillus spp. in droppings that was stored for 4 months was the largest. In broiler droppings that was stored for 9 months, the CFU indicator of Bacillus spp. was 10 times lower compared to droppings that was stored for 4 months. A group of bacteria Staphylococcus spp. was represented mainly by the following species: Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. CFU index of Staphylococcus spp. in the droppings unloaded from the poultry houses was 4.6x107. The largest number of CFU Staphylococcus spp. was found in droppings that were stored for 4 months. In the droppings of broiler chickens after 4 months of storage, the CFU index of Streptococcus spp. was greater than at the beginning of storage by 28.8 times and by 53.1 times relative to the droppings stored for 9 months. Research on the detection of Escherichia coli bacteria in the droppings of broiler chickens had a negative result regardless of the time of storage of poultry droppings. CFU Escherichia coli were not detected.

Photodynamic antimicrobial therapy (A-PDT) using 1,9-Dimethyl-Methylene Blue zinc chloride double salt - DMMB and λ640 ± 5ηm LED light in patients undertaking orthodontic treatment

Orthodontic treatment involves the use of apparatuses that impairs oral hygiene making patients susceptible to periodontal diseases and caries. To prevent increased antimicrobial resistance A-PDT has shown itself a feasible option. The aim of this investigation was to assess the efficiency of A-PDT employing 1,9-Dimethyl-Methylene Blue zinc chloride double salt - DMMB as a photosensitizing agent combined with red LED irradiation (λ640 ± 5 ηm) against oral biofilm of patients undertaking orthodontic treatment. Twenty-one patients agreed to participate. Four biofilm collections were carried out on brackets and gingiva around inferior central incisors; first was carried out before any treatment (Control); second followed five minutes of pre-irradiation, the third was immediately after the first AmPDT, and the last after a second AmPDT. Then, a microbiological routine for microorganism growth was carried out and, after 24-h, CFU counting was performed. There was significant difference between all groups. No significant difference was seen between Control and Photosensitizer and AmpDT1 and AmPDT2 groups. Significant differences were observed between Control and AmPDT1 and AmPDT2 groups, Photosensitizer and AmPDT1 and AmPDT2 groups. It was concluded that double AmPDT using DMBB in nano concentration and red LED was capable to meaningfully decrease the number of CFUs in orthodontic patients.

Ru(II) Complexes with Enaminone Structures for Rapid Sterilization of Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA with Little Accumulation of Drug Resistance.

Drug-resistant bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), pose a serious threat to human life. Therefore, there is urgent need to develop antibiotics with new chemical structures and antibacterial mechanisms, especially those that elicit little drug resistance after long-term use. Herein we synthesized three novel ruthenium complexes (Ru1-Ru3) containing the enaminone structures for the first time. At a concentration of 5 μM, Ru1-Ru3 can lead to a CFU reduction of about 5 log units towards S. aureus and MRSA. Interestingly, Ru3 displayed rapid bactericidal effects and could decrease the CFU numbers of both pathogens by 5 log units within 40 min. The control compounds (Ru4 and Ru5) without the enaminone structures displayed very poor antibacterial activity under the same conditions. Moreover, S. aureus did not show apparent drug resistance towards Ru3 after 20 passages incubation with a sublethal concentration. These results highlight the critical role of enaminone structures for antibacterial applications.

Antifungal and Antibiofilm Activity of Riparin III against Dermatophytes.

The ability of dermatophytes to develop biofilms is possibly involved in therapeutic failure because biofilms impair drug effectiveness in the infected tissues. Research to find new drugs with antibiofilm activity against dermatophytes is crucial. In this way, riparins, a class of alkaloids that contain an amide group, are promising antifungal compounds. In this study, we evaluated the antifungal and antibiofilm activity of riparin III (RIP3) against Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum canis, and Nannizzia gypsea strains. We used ciclopirox (CPX) as a positive control. The effects of RIP3 on fungal growth were evaluated by the microdilution technique. The quantification of the biofilm biomass in vitro was assessed by crystal violet, and the biofilm viability was assessed by quantifying the CFU number. The ex vivo model was performed on human nail fragments, which were evaluated by visualization under light microscopy and by quantifying the CFU number (viability). Finally, we evaluated whether RIP3 inhibits sulfite production in T. rubrum. RIP3 inhibited the growth of T. rubrum and M. canis from 128 mg/L and N. gypsea from 256 mg/L. The results showed that RIP3 is a fungicide. Regarding antibiofilm activity, RIP3 inhibited biofilm formation and viability in vitro and ex vivo. Moreover, RIP3 inhibited the secretion of sulfite significantly and was more potent than CPX. In conclusion, the results indicate that RIP3 is a promising antifungal agent against biofilms of dermatophytes and might inhibit sulfite secretion, one relevant virulence factor.

Efficacy of lyophilised bacteria-rich faecal sediment and supernatant with reduced bacterial count for treating patients with Clostridioides difficile Infection - A novel method for capsule faecal microbiota transfer.

Faecal microbiota transfer (FMT) has managed to earn its place in the Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) guidelines by having comparable efficacy and recurrence rate of fidaxomicin. After more than 100 successful FMT administration through nasogastric tube, we started using hard gelatine capsules filled with lyophilised faecal sediment and supernatant. Our main question was whether uncoated capsules (containing faecal sediment or supernatant) are comparable to the widely used nasogastric tubes in CDI. We also investigated the effect of storage and time on the survival rate of bacteria in the samples. We compared the efficacy of our capsules to other treatment options of CDI at the Department of Infectology at the University of Pécs (Hungary). For our study, stool was collected from a single donor. We treated 10 patients with relapsing CDI, 5 of them received supernatant, 5 received sediment. Donor samples were stored on 4 different temperatures and tested to determine the survival rates of bacteria. As pilot projects, we also assessed the changes of bacterial taxa, protein- and lipid compositions. Moreover, we selected 4 patients to compare their samples prior and after FMT by using microbiome (16S amplicon sequencing), protein, and lipid analyses. 4 out of the 5 patients who received supernatant became symptomless within 2 days after FMT. In the sediment group 3 out of 5 patients were cured from CDI. Comparing the supernatant to the sediment, we found significantly lower number of colony-forming units in the supernatant. We found that -80°C is the most suitable temperature to store the samples. The stool lipid profiles of recipients showed a more diverse composition after FMT, and changes in the stool protein profiles were observed as well. In the microbiome analysis, we observed an increase in the alpha diversity after FMT. Our study of 10 patients showed good efficacy of lyophilised faecal supernatant using capsules. The single donor approach proved to be effective in our investigation. A significantly lower CFU number was sufficient for the effect, the separation can be achieved by widely available instruments. For storage temperature, -20°C was sufficient in our clinical practice.

Determining the best anti-microbial properties of dental cements used for pulp capping procedures using deep dentinal carious material.

The exposure of the healthy pulp in cases of deep dentinal caries (DDC) that contain carious microorganisms can be prevented by placing a layer of pulp capping agent on the affected dentin. The cements used for pulp-capping should also ensure good anti-microbial properties. The present study was carried out to detect the antimicrobial efficacy of the commonly used cements by culturing the samples directly from DDC. To determine the efficacy of dental cements in the growth inhibition of microorganisms involved in DDC using direct contact anaerobic culture test. 100 samples of DDC were collected in RTF. Ten microliters of the specimen containing RTF was incubated in thioglycolate broth consisting of 1 mm3 cement blocks of GIC, CaOH2, ZnOE and MTA anaerobically for 24 hours. This was further sub-cultured using selective media for streptococcus mutans, lactobacillus and bifidobacterium. Growth inhibition was measured by calculating the number of CFUs and statistically analysed using ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc tests. Tests showed variation in the anti-microbial effects of the cements and was highly significant at P < 0.001. Bifidobacterium showed most number of CFUs. MTA was the most effective pulp capping agent exhibiting 87.13% reduction in microbial growth, followed closely by ZnOE (84.6%). A conservative approach to treat DDC is the need of the hour which calls for the use of pulp capping cements of good antimicrobial efficacy. The current study revealed bifidobacterium to be the most prevalent in DDC and the cement that would best inhibit the mixed culture growth was MTA followed closely by ZnOE.

To compare the antimicrobial efficiency of three different intracanal medicament against candida albicans

Introduction: The removal of germs, especially fungi, from the intricate three-dimensional root canal system is a crucial aspect of endodontic treatment. Antimicrobial flora in the endodontic canal is treated with intracanal medications. There is prevalence of C.albicans in oral cavity. The aim of this study is to compare the antimicrobial efficiency of three different intracanal medicament against C. albicans.Material and Methods: There were 75 teeth removed for orthodontic purposes were randomly assigned to one of three exploratory groups (n = 25), and the following intracanal medications were used: GA-Ca(OH)2, GB-Leder mix paste, and GC-silver nanoparticles (SNP). After loading the various intracanal medications, all groups were randomly separated into three uniform subgroups (n = 5), and they were subsequently incubated for varied lengths of time at a temperature and humidity of 37 °C and 100%, respectively. A 0.1 mL aliquot of the microbial suspension was respectively plated on SDB agar. The number of CFU was determined and reported for groups A, B, and C after the incubation periods of 24 hours, 7 days, and 14 days, respectively.Results: There was a notable dissimilarity between the groups A, B, and C (p

Synergistic effect of honey in combination with silver nanoparticles on isolated pathogens from urinary tract infection

Background Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most prevalent bacterial infections, affecting 150 million people worldwide each year. UTIs can be caused by a variety of pathogens, but Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis are the most frequent culprits. The growth and development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria are currently a major worry for the international health community. Looking for a treatment substitute could be effective in tackling this issue. The honey has a low pH (mean 4.4) value, which makes it unfavorable for bacterial growth; undiluted honey combination with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) shows synergistic antimicrobial effect and helps lessen infection.Aim This study was undertaken to find out the effectiveness of honey containing AgNPs in the antibacterial activity of isolated urine pathogens.Patients and methods A total of 30 patients with UTI were included through purposive sampling technique, and urine samples were collected from them. A semiquantitative approach was used to cultivate specimens of urine on MacConkey agar and blood agar. After 24 h of incubation, bacterial growth was seen on the plates. Then, colonies were counted and the number of microorganisms per milliliter in the original material was calculated by multiplying the number of CFUs by 1000.Results A total of 10 bacterial isolates were found in the 30 urine samples, and biochemical studies showed that these isolates were from three different species. The most common strain of E. coli represented 82%, followed by P. aeruginosa (12%) and P. mirabilis (6%). In all three organisms examined with undiluted honey mixed with AgNPs, the zone of inhibition was more pronounced when compared with only honey, AgNPs, and diluted honey mixed with AgNPs.Conclusion The results of the current investigation showed that multifloral honey combined with AgNPs was effective against urinary infections.

Effects of supplementing a yeast culture in a pelleted total mixed ration on fiber degradation, fermentation parameters, and the bacterial community in the rumen of sheep

Feeding animals with pelleted total mixed ration (TMR) is a widespread practice as it reduces feed losses during storage, feeding and the animal’s sorting. Supplementation of yeast culture can promote rumen fiber degradation, which may occur through stabilizing rumen pH. There are few studies, however, evaluating the optimal supplementation level of yeast culture in pelleted TMR in which rumen pH has been continuously measured. This study aimed to determine the optimal level of a commercial yeast culture product (of which the number of viable CFU was not measured) mixed and pelleted with the TMR, on fiber degradation in situ, rumen pH dynamics, rumen fermentation variables, and the bacterial community composition of rumen fluid. Under a partial Latin square design, a total of twelve wethers equipped with permanent rumen fistulas were randomly assigned to four treatments of yeast culture at 0, 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0% dietary dry matter. After a 28 d period comprising 21 d for adaptation and 7 d for measurements, each group of three wethers was randomly reassigned to another treatment. Thus, each yeast supplementation level was fed to a total of six animals. In situ dry matter (DMD) and neutral detergent fiber (NDFD) disappearance of corn stover, mean rumen pH, total volatile fatty acids concentration, acetate, propionate, and n-butyrate molar percentages, and the acetate to propionate ratio were influenced (P ≤ 0.05) by dietary treatments. Quadratic (P ≤ 0.03) responses to increasing yeast culture supplementation level were observed for mean rumen pH, daily duration of pH below a 5.8 threshold considered inhibitory for fibrolysis, and the molar percentages of propionate, n-butyrate, and the acetate to propionate ratio. The highest in situ DMD and NDFD occurred when yeast was supplemented at 1%. Increasing yeast culture supplementation level tended to quadratically increase the abundance of fibrolytic bacterial genera NK4A214 and FD2005, which peaked at 1% yeast culture in the diet DM. The molar percentage of n-butyrate was positively correlated with the relative abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9 and NK4A214. In our study, supplementation of pelleted TMR with 1% yeast culture provided as residual yeast medium components, was optimal for fiber degradation of forage fed to ruminants. Members of genera NK4A214 and FD2005 may contribute extra n-butyrate.

Assessment of microbiological growth on surgical face mask

Wearing surgical face masks for a long time has a number of physiologic and psychological consequences, as well as the potential to reduce work efficiency. Physical side effects of long-term usage of surgical masks include headaches, trouble breathing, acne, skin breakdown, rashes, and reduced memory. It also obstructs eyesight, communication, and thermal balance. The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of bacteria growth and type of bacteria morphology present on the face mask. Serial dilutions were used to calculate the concentration of microorganisms. As it would usually be impossible to actually count the number of microorganisms in a sample, the sample was diluted and plated to get a reasonable number of colonies to count. Since the dilution factor was known, the number of microorganisms Log CFU per mL was calculated. The CFU count results clarify the growth curve pattern of bacteria formed on agar plate surfaces and revealed some details of bacterial life after their adhesion onto surfaces in the presence of agar. This growth curve exhibited distinct phases: the lag phases, the exponential (log) phases, the stagnant phases and the dead phases. Gram staining and hanging drop method was used to identify the gram positive, gram negative and the bacteria morphology. This study provides insightful on the investigation of bacteria present on surgical face masks which is little available in literature.

614. Pharmacodynamics (PD) of the Beta-Lactamase Inhibitor Xeruborbactam When Administered as the Oral Prodrug in Combination with Ceftibuten

Abstract Background Xeruborbactam (XERU) is a member of a new class of cyclic boronic acid β-lactamase inhibitors with inhibitory activity against major members of Class A, B, C, and D beta-lactamases. XERU is highly orally bioavailable when administered as the isobutyryloxymethyl prodrug, with a long terminal plasma half-life that supports once daily dosing. The purpose of these studies was to determine the pharmacodynamic parameter that best described the activity of XERU administered as the oral prodrug in combination with a fixed dosage regimen of ceftibuten in the neutropenic mouse thigh infection model. %24h Free Xeruborbactam Time &amp;gt; 4 mg/L 24h Free Xeruborbactam AUC Methods Three E. coli and five K. pneumoniae isolates were used in these studies. Ceftibuten MICs (with 4 mg/L XERU) ranged from 0.125 to 2 mg/L and included strains with ESBLs and KPC. Mice were rendered neutropenic, infected with ∼107 CFU/thigh and were treated with various doses of XERU in combination with ceftibuten (50 mg/kg q6h) by the PO route starting 2 hours post infection for 24 hours. The ceftibuten dosage regimen was designed to simulate once daily 800 mg oral doses in humans obtained from a previous Phase 1 study. Plasma exposures (PK) were measured in neutropenic, infected mice. The relationship between PK-PD indices and the reduction in the log number of CFU per thigh were analyzed by using the sigmoid maximum (Emax) PD model. Results The activity of xeru was best described by the % 24h free xeru plasma concentrations exceeded 4 mg/L and 24h free XERU plasma AUC. Xeru PK-PD Parameters in Combination with Ceftibuten Conclusion The PK-PD of XERU administered as the oral prodrug in combination with ceftibuten, and the clinical PK of both drugs support once-daily dosing for the treatment of cUTIs due to Enterobacterales, including ESBL- and carbapenemase-producing strains. Disclosures Ziad Tarazi, Qpex Biopharma: Employee Niki Roos, n/a, Qpex Biopharma: Employee Ted Page, n/a, Qpex Biopharma: Employee David Griffith, n/a, Qpex Biopharma: Employee.