Number Of Colony-forming Units Research Articles

Bacillus velezensis B63 and chitosan control root rot, improve growth and alter the rhizosphere microbiome of geranium

The root rot complex of geranium plants caused by Rhizoctonia solani and Macrophomina phaseolina is a major threat, and control of these pathogens predominantly relies on chemicals. This study explored multifaceted applications of Bacillus velezensis (strain B63) and chitosan, assessing their biocontrol efficacy against root rot, and their subsequent effects on rhizosphere communities. Strain B63 was antagonistic to R. solani and M. phaseolina. Under field conditions, greatest efficacy was obtained with strain B63 (36% and 33% disease reductions in, respectively, two growing seasons), chitosan soaking + foliar spray 0.2% (CSF 0.2%) (33 and 27% reductions), and 0.1% chitosan soaking + foliar spray (CSF 0.1%) (33 and 26% reductions). These treatments also changed rhizosphere microbiota, as shown by numbers of colony-forming units (CFU) and 16S rRNA gene microbiome analyses. Concomitant with rhizosphere shifts, essential oil yields and composition were positively affected, as shown by gas chromatography analyses. Chitosan soaking + foliar spray 0.2% increased concentrations of citronellol (1.36-fold), geraniol (1.37-fold), citronellyl formate (1.54-fold), and geranyl formate (1.94-fold) in geranium essential oil, compared with the experimental controls. Strain B63 also increased these essential oils by 1.04- to 1.27-fold. B63 also enhanced eugenol levels by 1.35-fold. Treatments with B63 were more effective than chitosan in improving the geranium plant morphological parameters (plant height, numbers of branches, biomass). These results show that B. velezensis strain B63 treatments have potential for enhancing yields and product quality from geranium plant under root rot infection.

Fungal profile of eggshells from commercial and free-range hens of a supermarket chain in Fortaleza, CE, Brazil

Eggs are perishable and fragile foods because of their easy contamination by different microorganisms, such as fungi. Hence, research on egg safety and quality has been recently developed worldwide to minimize illness transmitted by this food, although most present mainly pathogenic bacteria. Thus, this study identified potentially pathogenic fungal species in eggshells from free-range and commercial hens offered in supermarkets in Fortaleza, CE, Brazil. The research was performed at the Vettings laboratory at the State University of Ceará (UECE) with 40 eggs: 20 from commercial and 20 from free-range hens. The eggshells were assessed using the dextrose evaluation method for pathogenic cultivation, commensal, and yeast fungi. Subsequently, readings were taken to identify and count the fungi on a binocular light microscope in 100x increments. Both egg categories showed a significant number of colony-forming units (CFU). The study identified eight different fungal species in both egg production types. The most prevalent fungal colonies in the free-range hen lineage (brown shell) were yeast spp. and Penicillium citrinum, and the laying hen lineage (white shell) had mostly Penicillium spp. and yeast spp. Therefore, both egg production systems showed similar fungal contamination, which suggests that the manipulation and/or storage are adequate despite the lack of strict food safety regulations or supervision for eggs in Brazil.

Prophylactic use of standardized extract of propolis of Apis mellifera (EPP-AF®) reduces lung inflammation and improves survival in experimental lethal sepsis

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSepsis poses one of the biggest public health problems, necessitating the search for new therapeutic alternatives. For centuries, propolis has been widely used in folk medicine to treat various inflammatory and infectious diseases. Given its extensive use, it has excellent potential as an adjuvant treatment for patients with sepsis. ObjectiveThis study evaluated prophylactic treatment with standardized propolis extract (EPP-AF®) and followed the prognosis of sepsis induced by ligation and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). MethodsInitially, for survival assessment, Swiss mice were separated into five groups: Sham (false operated), control (PBS), ATB (received antibiotic, 8 mg/kg), P10 (received EPP-AF®, 10 mg/kg), and P100 (received EPP-AF®, 100 mg/kg). The animals received PBS, antibiotic, or EPP-AF® by the subcutaneous route 6 h before the CLP procedure. Animal survival was assessed every 12 h for five days when all of them were euthanized. ResultsWe show that the treatment with EPP-AF® significantly increased the life expectancy of animals with sepsis compared to the control group. Interestingly, prophylactic treatment with EPP-AF® showed no effect on the number of colony-forming units in the peritoneum, blood, or lung. However, there was a decrease in cellular influx in the peritoneum. This alteration was unrelated to the number of bone marrow cells or the differential counting of peripheral blood cells. The coagulogram remained unchanged, including the number of platelets and prothrombin time-activated partial thromboplastin time. However, the inflammatory infiltrate and bleeding in the lung tissue were lower in the animals that received EPP-AF®. ConclusionThus, it was possible to conclude that prophylactic treatment with EPP-AF® preserved the lung parenchyma, resulting in an increased lifespan of mice with sepsis. It can be a helpful adjuvant in prophylactic treatment with antibiotics in presurgical conditions.

Wearing a Surgical Vest With a Sterile Surgical Helmet System Decreases Contamination of the Surgical Field

BackgroundSterile surgical helmet systems are frequently utilized in total knee arthroplasty procedures to protect the surgeon while maintaining a comfortable working environment. However, common helmet systems pressurize the space between the surgical gown and the surgeon’s skin. In gowns with a back seam, this may allow contaminated skin particles to escape into the surgical field. By measuring bacterial colony-forming units (CFUs), this study sought to determine if occlusion of the open back seam reduced the risk of potential contamination. MethodsFirst, qualitative analysis depicting airflow variations between gown configurations was performed using the Schlieren Spherical Mirror imaging system. Each gown configuration consisted of a sterile surgical helmet and one of 3 gown configurations: a standard gown with rear-tied closure, a standard gown with a surgical vest, and a zippered Toga-style gown. Next, a surgeon then performed simulated surgical activities for 60 minutes within a 1.4 m3 isolation chamber with work surfaces and controllable filtered air exchanges. During each procedure, contaminated particles were collected on sets of agar settle plates positioned directly behind the surgeon. Upon completion, the agar plates were incubated in a biolab, and the number of bacterial and fungal CFUs was counted. The experimental procedure was repeated 12 times for each gown configuration, with sterilization of the chamber between runs. Contamination rates were expressed as CFUs/m2/h. ResultsThe mean contamination rate measured with the standard gown was 331.7 ± 52.0 CFU/m2/h. After the addition of a surgical vest, this rate decreased by 45% to 182.2 ± 30.8 CFU/m2/h (P = .02). Similarly, with the Toga-style gown, contamination rates dropped by 49% to 170.5 ± 41.9 CFU/m2/h (P = .01). ConclusionsWhen used in conjunction with surgical helmet systems, conventional surgical gowns do not prevent potential contamination of the surgical field. We recommend that staff within the surgical field cover the back seam of standard gowns with a vest or don a zippered Toga-style gown.

Transdermal Nicotine Patch Increases the Number and Function of Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Young Healthy Nonsmokers without Adverse Hemodynamic Effects.

Transdermal nicotine patches (TNPs), administering nicotine into the bloodstream through skin, have been widely used as nicotine replacement therapy, and exposure to nicotine can be detected by measurement of plasma cotinine concentration. In animal studies, nicotine treatment could increase the number of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), but the effect of TNPs on circulating EPCs and their activity in humans remained unclear. This study aimed to explore the influence of TNPs on circulating EPCs with surface markers of CD34, CD133, and/or KDR, and colony-forming function plus migration activity of early EPCs derived from cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells before and after TNP treatments in young healthy nonsmokers. In parallel, pulse wave analysis (PWA) was applied to evaluate the vascular effect of TNP treatments. Twenty-one participants (25.8 ± 3.6 years old, 10 males) used TNP (nicotine: 4.2 mg/day) for 7 consecutive days. During the treatment, the CD34+ EPCs progressively increased in number. In addition, the number of EPCs positive for CD34/KDR, CD133, and CD34/CD133 were also increased on day 7 of the treatment. Furthermore, the early EPC colony-forming function and migration activity were increased with the plasma cotinine level positively correlating with change in colony-forming unit number. PWA analyses on day 7, compared with pretreatment, did not show significant change except diastolic pressure time index, which was prolonged and implied potential vascular benefit. In conclusion, 7-day TNP treatments could be a practical strategy to enhance angiogenesis of circulating EPCs to alleviate tissue ischemia without any hemodynamic concern.

Number of melanin-synthesising microorganisms under mineral fertilisation and liming of Albebeluvisoil

The study of the main patterns of distribution of microorganisms that synthesise melanins, which are precursors and components of humus molecules in agrocenosis soils is an urgent scientific task. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of agrochemical factors on the number of melanin-synthesising microbial species and bacteria in grey forest soil. Microbiological, laboratory and analytical, and statistical methods were employed in the study. It was found for the first time that the number of melanin-synthesising micromycetes is minimal in the soil of the variant without fertilisers, liming with one dose according to hydrolytic acidity contributes to an increase in their number by 86.8%, application of mineral fertilisers in a dose of N30Р30К45 – 2.0 times, compatible use of lime and mineral fertilisers – 2.94 times. A 1.5-fold increase in the dose of mineral fertilisers leads to a 2.54-fold increase in the number of colony-forming units (CFU) of melanin-synthesising microbial species compared to a single dose of fertilisers, and a 2.0-2.62-fold increase in the dose of fertilisers, which coincides with the results of the analysis of the humus content in the soil of these variants – it exceeds the humus content in the variant with a single dose of fertilisers by 26.5% and 16.3%, respectively (correlation coefficient is 0.811). The number of melanin-synthesising bacteria in grey forest soil is 2-3 orders of magnitude higher than the number of melanin-synthesising micromycetes. However, the patterns of influence of anthropogenic factors on their number coincide with those established for micromycetes: liming with one dose of hydrolytic acidity leads to an increase in the number of melanin-synthesizing bacteria by 26.1%, application of mineral fertilizers in a dose of N30Р30К45 – 2.03 times, combined use of lime and mineral fertilisers – 2.48 times. A 1.5-fold increase in the dose of mineral fertilisers leads to a 5.8-fold increase in the number of melanin-synthesising bacteria compared to a single dose of fertiliser, while a 2.0-fold increase in the dose of fertiliser leads to a 13.3-fold increase, respectively. The correlation coefficient between the number of melanin-synthesising bacteria and the humus content in the soil is 0.417. The findings of the presented research can be used to develop recommendations for measures to increase the humus content of agricultural soils

Effect of oregano essential oil against selective microorganisms in raw mutton

The current study was conducted to ascertain the impact of various concentrations of oregano essential oil on the microbial population in raw mutton. The experiment was conducted using a complete randomized design (CRD) with six (6) treatments as T0 , T1 , T2 , T3 , T4 , T5 and three (3) replications. The drop plate method was utilized to detect the presence of certain microorganisms. The outcomes showed that adding oregano oil reduced the microbial population in samples. Colony-forming units gradually decreased where T5 being the lowest number of colony-forming units. There was a highly significant difference (p<0.0001) in the colony-forming unit of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Proteus vulgaris. For Klebsiella pneumonia, there was a significant reduction (p<0.01) of the microbes among samples. On the other hand, Staphylococcus epidermidis significantly outperformed Proteus vulgaris in terms of growth inhibition. In light of the findings, it is possible to conclude that the addition of oregano essential oil at a 200 µl level reduces the microbial population of raw mutton.

Perbedaan Jumlah Koloni Bakteri Subgingiva Setelah Menyikat Gigi dengan Berbagai Pasta Gigi yang Mengandung Bahan Herbal Sirih (Peper betle Linn.), Siwak (Salvadaro persica) dan Cengkeh (Eugenia caryophyllus) pada Anak dengan Disabilitas Intelektual

Children with Intellectual Disabilities have a higher risk of oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontal diseases compared to other children. Therefore, efforts are needed to help maximize the prevention of these diseases. The abundance of herbal materials in the community, which have been proven to have antibacterial effects, has been increasingly formulated into toothpaste. This is expected not only to provide a mechanical cleaning effect on plaque but also to have antibacterial effects and inhibit plaque growth for a longer period in the oral cavity.This research aims to determine the difference in subgingival bacterial colonies after brushing teeth with various herbal-containing toothpaste in children with intellectual disabilities. The study was conducted using a quasi-experimental pre-post control group design. Subgingival fluid samples were taken from respondents aged 6-12 years before and after brushing their teeth with four groups: (K) without toothpaste, (A) toothpaste containing betel leaves (Piper betle Linn.), (B) toothpaste containing Miswak (Salvadora persica), and (C) toothpaste containing Clove (Eugenia caryophyllus). The samples were then cultured in Plate Count Agar media for 48 hours. Colony counting was performed using the Total Plate Count (TPC) method with a Colony Counter. Statistical analysis was conducted using Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis tests.The results of the study showed a decrease in the number of CFUs (colony-forming units) after brushing teeth. Significant reductions were obtained in toothpaste B (p-value = 0.046) and toothpaste C (p-value = 0.028). In conclusion, toothpaste containing Miswak and Clove effectively reduces the number of bacterial colonies formed in subgingival fluid samples..

The influence of salivary pH on the adhesion of Candida to acrylic prosthetic materials obtained using conventional and digital techniques

The influence of saliva pH on the adhesion of Candida albicans to PMMA-based prosthetic materials manufactured using conventional and digital techniques (3D printing, milling) was examined. The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA and the Tukey HSD post hoc test (a = 0.05). Materials obtained by 3D printing had the highest surface roughness, while those obtained conventionally had the highest number of CFU (colony-forming unit). The mean CFU value was highest at pH 4.5 and statistically significant compared to other pH values. No significant correlation was found between surface roughness and the average CFU value. The surface of materials obtained using the conventional and milling methods showed lower adhesion of Candida albicans.

Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of triple antibiotic paste and amoxicillin clavulanate paste as an intracanal medicament against Enterococcus faecalis: An in vitro study

Background: Triple antibiotic paste (TAP) is the commonly used intracanal medicament against Enterococcus faecalis. Amoxicillin clavulanate paste (ACP) is recommended as a “fall-back” antibiotic when traditional dental antibiotics fail. Literature comparing the antimicrobial efficacy of TAP and ACP in eradicating E. faecalis from the root canal system is sparse; hence, this in vitro study was conducted to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of TAP and ACP as an intracanal medicament for endodontic treatment of single-rooted permanent teeth against E. faecalis. Materials and Methods: This in vitro, experimental study evaluated 60 root samples obtained from extracted single-rooted human permanent teeth. The canal diameter was enlarged and subsequently infected with E. faecalis for 21 days. Four groups of the contaminated samples were treated with TAP, ACP, calcium hydroxide (positive control), and saline (negative control), respectively. Dentinal shavings were collected at the end of the 1st, 7th, and 10th day and inoculated in agar plates. The number of colony-forming units was determined, and the data were statistically analyzed using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Shapiro–Wilks test. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean number of E. faecalis colony counts across all 3 test days demonstrated that TAP exhibited the highest inhibition of bacterial growth, followed by ACP which is not statistically significant (P = 1.00). Conclusion: Considering the limitations of this in vitro study, the findings suggest that ACP could be an effective alternative intracanal medicament to TAP for endodontic therapy.

Microbiological substantiation of the effectiveness of quercitin and its combination with ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate in the complex treatment of odontogenic phlegmon and maxillofacial abscesses.

The cross-sectional study included 75 patients. Purulent exudate was collected from the infection site. The number of colony-forming units was counted using the standard plate method. The microbiological examination of purulent exudate obtained from the patients revealed the general prevalence of Gram-positive cocci. On the seventh day of treatment, the total number of microorganisms in the purulent exudate of patients in group I, whose treatment included a combination of the standard protocol with quercitin, significantly decreased compared to the first day of the same group. The results of treatment of patients in group II, which included the standard protocol in combination with quercitin and 2-ethyl-6-methyl-3-hydroxypyridine succinate, demonstrate a significant decrease in the total number of bacteria in the infection focus on the fifth day of treatment compared to this indicator of the group at the beginning of the study. When quercitin was used as part of complex treatment, the total treatment period was reduced by 1.4 days. However, the combined use of quercitin and ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate against the background of standard treatment of patients with odontogenic infection contributed to a reduction in hospital stay by 2 days.

Some biological properties of the Kuidusun depression soils of Oymyakon

The aim of the study. To investigate some microbiological properties of the catenal series of soils in the Kuidusun depression of the Oymyakon Highlands. Location and time of the study. The study area is located in the vicinity of the Tomtor village (N63°15'41.94''; E143°10'26.91'') of the Oymyakonsky district of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia, Russia). Soil samples were collected in the fall of 2011 at the main positions of the catena. The length of the catena is 38 km, the altitude a.s.l. is 727–821m. Soils are classified as Cambic Cryosols (fragic, мurshic), (forest); Skeletic Cryosols (aridic), (steppe meadow), Cambic Cryosols (fluvic), (typical meadow); Folic Cryosols (swampy meadow). Methods. The content of labile soil organic matter (LOC) was determined photocalorimetrically in soil extracts with phosphate buffer (1/15 M, pH 6,8). The number of colony-forming units (CFU) was determined using standard MPA, KAA, and Czapek media. The functional spectrum of the soil microbiota was assessed using the community level physiological profile (CLPP) method. All properties were studied in 10 cm thick layers to a depth of 40 cm. Soil urease activity was assessed by ammonium production from urea. Results. At the time of sampling moisture content of soil samples down the catena increased from 5 to 20%, whereas the LOC content increased from 2 to 6 g C /kg. In the 0–10 cm layer, the greatest accumulation of LOC was observed in the soil under a typical meadow. The highest number of CFU (150 million/g soil) in a dilute MPA medium was also found there. An increase in the proportion of CFU in the dormant state was revealed in the soil series from the lower position of the catena to the upper one. In the same series, an increase in the oligotrophic index of the community was noted. The highest metabolic activity was observed in the soil under a swampy meadow, whereas the lowest was shown by the soil under a forest. The enrichment of soil organic matter with microbiota cells increased in the series of soils f in the following order: a swampy meadow – a typical meadow – a steppe meadow, whereas the specific activity of the microbiota decreased. Urease activity of the soil was detected mainly in the 0–10 cm layer; in the underlying layers the activity was more than 500 times lower. Conclusions. The biological properties of the studied soils corresponded to the known patterns established for the catenal series of soils in other soil and climatic conditions. The peculiarity of the studied soils was related to the extremely sharp differentiation of the microbiological profile. The absolute predominance of actinomycetes CFU in the soil under the steppe meadow was the major characteristic feature of the culturable part of the soil microbial community.

Effect of combined infection with Salmonella and influenza virus on their respective proliferation in chicken embryonated eggs.

Salmonella is a major food-borne bacterial pathogen that causes food poisoning related to the consumption of eggs, milk, and meat. Food safety in relation to Salmonella is particularly important for eggs because their shells as well as their contents can be a source of contamination. Chicken can also be infected with influenza virus, but it remains unclear how co-infection of Salmonella and influenza virus affect each other. The potential influence of co-infection of Salmonella and influenza virus was examined. Salmonella Abony and influenza virus were injected into chicken embryonated eggs. After incubation, proliferation of Salmonella and influenza virus was measured using a direct culture assay for bacteria and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for influenza virus, respectively. Our findings indicate that the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) of Salmonella did not vary between chicken embryonated eggs co-infected with influenza A virus and Salmonella-only infected eggs. Furthermore, we found the proliferation of influenza A or B virus was not significantly influenced by co-infection of the eggs with Salmonella. These results suggest that combined infection of Salmonella with influenza virus does not affect each other, at least in terms of their proliferation.

Milk quality indiators of highly productive cows when using a pharmaceutical composition based on bacteriocin-nizin

The article presents data on the effect of a new pharmaceutical composition on milk quality indicators of highly productive cows with a subclinical form of mastitis. The therapeutic efficacy of the new pharmaceutical composition in the treatment regimen of cows with a subclinical form of mastitis was 86.9%. An objective indicator of a healthy udder in cows is the amount of somatic cells contained in milk. After applying the pharmaceutical composition, this indicator decreased by 711.88 thousand/ml. At the end of the experimental period, the average amount of lactoferrin in the milk of cows of the experimental group was 0.35±0.15 mg/ml, which indicates the absence of inflammatory reactions in the mammary gland. It was found that the composition used is effective against such pathogens of mastitis as Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium, Streptococcus spp., bacteria of the Escherichia coli group (Escherichia, Enterobacter). Thus, in 60.0% of breast secretion samples from cows of the experimental group, the absence of microflora growth was observed. At the same time, in 40.0% of the samples, the number of colony-forming units of Staphylococcus aureus corresponded to the indicators of normal microflora.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Tubulicid Red as a Cavity Disinfectant in Comparison with Chlor-X Gel against S. mutans in Primary Teeth: Randomised Split-mouth Clinical Study

Introduction: Microorganisms act as precursors to dental caries. Following cavity preparation, traces of resident bacteria in the smear layer may contribute to the recurrence of caries. Thus, eliminating the underlying causes improves the likelihood of treatment success. Disinfectants are adjuvant tools that should focus on removing microorganisms when combined with procedures that yield positive outcomes. Aim: To compare and evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of Tubulicid Red (TR) Label as a cavity disinfectant with Chlor X gel (2% chlorhexidine) in primary teeth. Materials and Methods: The present randomised double-blind clinical trial was conducted at the Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry, GSL Dental College and Hospital, YSRUHS, Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, India from September 2021 to April 2022. The study assessed the antimicrobial efficacy of TR label against S. mutans in 60 primary carious teeth involving 1/3rd of the dentin. The teeth were divided into two groups, each consisting of 30 teeth. Group-I received TR Label, while Group-II received Chlor X. After excavating the infected dentine, the affected dentine was left in the cavity, and a dentinal sample was collected from the base of the cavity. The cavity was then disinfected with either TR or Chlor X gel, followed by rinsing with saline. A second sample was collected from the base of the same cavity. The collected samples were transferred to Eppendorf tubes and subjected to microbiological analysis to calculate the number of Colony-forming Units (CFU) of S. mutans on Mutans Sanguis (MS) agar medium. The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon’s’s signedrank test and Mann-Whitney test. Results: In the intragroup comparison (Wilcoxon’s signedrank test), both groups showed significant reductions in S. mutans count (p<0.001). The intergroup comparison showed no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) between the Tubulicid and Chlor X groups at baseline and post-treatment. Conclusion: The TR could be used as an alternative to Chlor X gel as a cavity disinfectant in primary teeth before restoration, potentially reducing the occurrence of secondary caries.

Clorhexidina y Morinda citrifolia como enjuague bucal profiláctico previo al raspado ultrasónico: un ensayo clínico aleatorizado

Background: Aerosols released during ultrasonic scaling can cause cross-contaminations. Infections like hepatitis and SARS-CoV-2 can spread through these aerosols. Preprocedural rinse is a cost-effective method to reduce aerosol contami-nation produced during ultrasonic scaling. Materials and Methods: This was a double-blinded randomised trial on 105 subjects diagnosed with chronic generalised periodontitis which was randomly allocated into three groups: Group I received 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX), Group II received 5% Morinda citrifolia (noni) mouthrinse, Group III received distilled water. Participants were advised to mouthrinse for 60 seconds just before the start of ultrasonic scaling. The aerosols released during ultrasonic scaling were gathered on blood agar plates placed at three locations. Colony forming units (CFUs) were counted after 48 hours of incubation. Results: The highest CFU values were observed in the distilled water group and the lowest in chlorhexidine group (p<0.05). Patient chest area has the highest number of CFU than doctors’ and assistant chest area (p<0.05). Conclusions: Preprocedural rinsing with noni mouthwash can be used as an effective method of reducing aerosol contamination during ultrasonic scaling. Keywords: Aerosols; Chlorhexidine; Morinda citrifolia; mouthwashes; Dental prophylaxis; Dental scaling.

CHANGES IN THE MICROBIOME OF THE SKIN AND PHARYNGEAL MUCOSA IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES

Background. According to the data from a World Health Organization report for 2022, the prevalence of diabetes among children under the age of 18 has increased by 21.1% over the past 5 years. Often, these patients have a number of concomitant systemic conditions, in particular diseases caused by skin or mucosa microbiome changes (usually chronic tonsillitis and pustular skin lesions) due to dysregulation of carbohydrate metabolism and increased lipid peroxidation. Therefore, the study is relevant.
 Aim: to determine the quantitative and qualitative composition of the microbiological community of the skin and throat in children with type 1 diabetes in comparison with the control group.
 Materials and methods. 20 children of the control group (CG) and patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), on insulin therapy, aged 8-17 years, were involved in the study. The skin washes and throat swabs were delivered to the laboratory within 2 hours after collection and immediately cultured on sterile nutrient mediums: Endo, YSA, blood agar and Saburo. The nature of the growth of microorganisms on the medium was evaluated and microscopy of Gram-stained micropreparations was performed after cultivation within 1-2 days in a thermostat at a temperature of 37°C. The photos of every colony on the medium were taken with further quantitative and qualitative analysis. Statistical analysis of the obtained results was conducted. Comparisons between control and patient groups were done using the Mann-Whitney U-test. A result of p<0.05 was considered statistically sufficient.
 Results. As a result of our study, St. aureus was detected on the skin in 80.0% of patients with diabetes and in 55.0% of subjects in CG. St. epidermidis was isolated in 90.0% of patients with DM and in 70.0% of cases in CG. β-hemolytic streptococci were also more frequently observed in patients with DM (60.0% and 35.0% in CG). Nonhemolytic streptococci were revealed in 40.0% of patients with diabetes and only in 10.0% of children in CG. Candida were observed in 25.0% of the cases with DM and no one in CG. The number of colony-forming units in 1 ml (CFU/ml) of all detected microorganisms was higher in patients with diabetes (p<0.05) in general.
 In addition, the microflora of the mucous membrane of the pharynx was studied. Colonization with St. aureus was more often observed in patients with DM (65.0% and 45.0% in CG). St. epidermidis were detected in 90.0% of patients with DM and 85.0% of patients with CG. Carrier of β-hemolytic streptococci was revealed in 70.0% of patients of the experimental group and 55.0% in CG. Nonhemolytic streptococci were found in all patients from the general sample. The number of CFU/ml of all above mentioned microorganisms was higher in patients with diabetes (p<0.05).
 Conclusion. Thus, our study revealed a pattern of increasing the number of pathogenic (Staphylococcus aureus, hemolytic streptococci) and opportunistic microflora (Candida) on the skin and mucous of the pharynx in children with type 1 diabetes and on insulin therapy, in comparison to the control group. However, the trend of increasing the frequency of pathogens in the study group was not statistically confirmed. An increase in the number of microorganisms in the diabetic patients can lead to various complications: purulent-septic (furunculosis, tonsillitis) and fungal diseases caused by Candida. Therefore, such children should be advised to avoid diseases of the nasopharynx, damage to the skin and, if necessary, to use antimicrobial agents.

Counterfactual Analysis of the Efficiency of Decontamination of Livestock Production Organic Wastes

Introduction. The implementation of the decree of the President of the Russian Federation is aimed at ensuring the food security of the country and requires the industrialization of the agro-industrial sector. The effectiveness of industrialization depends on the use of automated, intelligent solutions at all stages of implementing technological processes. Livestock is an agro-industrial sector generating the largest amount of organic waste materials, which are potential energy carriers: litter, liquid manure, process effluents, etc. According to the data from the Russian Statistics Committee and the research results, the annual volume of manure generated from farms is from 43.3 to 45.1 million tons, while there is an upward trend. The used energy potential from the entire volume does not exceed 40%. It is possible to increase the efficiency of using the energy potential of organic animal waste materials through implementing digitalized solutions. A strategic tool for the effective industrialization of livestock is the implementation of application software products that ensure the growth of ecological and energy effects. Aim of the Article. The aim of the study is a counterfactual evaluation of the efficiency of the model for decontaminating liquid pig manure in the decontamination activator. Materials and Methods. Counterfactual analysis is a tool for formalizing complex, multifactorial processes to ensure their subsequent digitalization. The essence of the analysis consists in a “surveyˮ of the analyzed model through which the values of variables are determined providing changes that lead to a deviation of the response beyond the boundary conditions during interpretation. The advantage of counterfactual analysis is the stability and transparency of the model to external influences during machine learning. It is known that the representative pathogenic markers of the decontamination efficiency of liquid pig manure are helminth eggs and the number of colony-forming units of common coliform bacteria (CFU CCB). However, for testing and implementing an algorithm for counterfactual analysis of a mathematical model, it is acceptable to use the number of CFU CCB. The object of the study was liquid pig manure with a humidity from 88% to 98%, the subject was a counterfactual analysis of the dependence of the number of CFU CCB on the exposure time in the activator, the concentration of active chlorine, the mass of working bodies, magnetic induction, and liquid manure humidity. Results. The results of counterfactual evaluation and analysis carried with the use of the Python programming language and the PyCharm 2022.2 environment are presented in the tables. The counterfactual evaluation made it possible to identify ranges of variation of factors, the use of which can represent the potential of boundary conditions in solving the optimization problem. The cells of these values are highlighted in grey-blue. The most preferred ranges based on counterfactual evaluation are in the cells highlighted in green. Discussion and Conclusions. There has been substantiated the prospects of using active chlorine in combination with the influence of ferromagnetic working bodies moving in an alternating rotating electromagnetic field as a decontamination activator. On the basis of counterfactual evaluation it was established that the most significant factors for determining the efficiency of decontamination of liquid pig manure by the number of CFU CCB are: magnetic induction in the working zone of the activator inductor, active chlorine concentration and exposure time.

Biofertilizer based on fish waste increases the yield of Vigna unguiculata L. Walp, Zea mays L., and the rhizospheric microbiota

Crops of Vigna unguiculata L. “cowpea” and Zea mays L. “corn” require chemical fertilizers for proper growth and development; however, its inadequate application contaminates the environment, creating the need to search new alternatives that reduce its impact. Due to this, the objective of this research was to determine the effect of a biofertilizer from fish wastes on the yield of cowpea and corn, and its effect on their rhizospheric microbiota. The physicochemical and biological characteristics of the biofertilizer were determined, and then was applied on the field under a completely randomized block design with six treatments: absolute control, chemical control, biofertilizer at 1%, 1.25%, 1.5% and 1.25% plus chemical fertilizer. The application of biofertilizer at 1, 1.25 and 1.5% increased the height, root length and yield of cowpea; however, the increase percentages were lower than those obtained with chemical fertilizer and the biofertilizer at 1.25% plus chemical fertilizer. In the case of corn, all treatments with biofertilizer increased the growth and yield of aerial biomass compared to the control, and the percentages of increase exceeded the chemical fertilizer in terms of the number of leaves, length and root biomass. In addition, the biofertilizer increased the microbial fertility of the soil expressed as the number of colony-forming units of nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms per gram of soil in both crops. In conclusion, a positive effect of the biofertilizer from fish wastes was evidenced, which increased the yield of cowpea and corn, as well as an increase in soil microbial fertility.

The Impact of Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) Fumigation on Bacterial Levels in Dental Office Environments: A Randomized Clinical Trial Investigation.

Fumigation with hydrogen peroxide has proven to be a highly effective approach to maintaining biological safety within dental offices. The main purpose of this research was to investigate the efficacy of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) fumigation in reducing bacterial levels in dental office environments. The study involved 30 participants diagnosed with moderate caries decay (ICDAS 3 and 4) in their mandibular molars. Sixty Petri dishes (two per patient) with Columbia Agar and 5% Sheep Blood were opened at the beginning of the caries treatment. After the completion of caries treatment and tooth restoration, 30 plates (G1 group) were closed. Following this, a 20 min fumigation procedure with 6% hydrogen peroxide biosanitizer using a compressed air device was conducted. After the fumigation, the remaining plates were closed (G2 group). The total number of bacteria CFUs (colony-forming units) in the dental office air was determined using the Koch sedimentation method. The total bacterial colony (TBC) level, measured in cfu/m3, demonstrated a significant decrease in the number of bacteria following room environment fumigation (163.1 ± 145.7; G2 group) compared to non-fumigated samples (817.2 ± 208.2; G1 group) (p < 0.001). The predominant bacteria observed in the microbiological plates before fumigation were Micrococcus and Bacillus species, found in 80% (24/30) and 60% (18/30) of the plates, respectively. Application of H2O2 room fumigation resulted in a significant reduction in bacterial numbers: 79.2% (5/30) for Micrococcus species (p < 0.001), 83.3% (3/30) for Bacillus species (p < 0.001), and 100% (0/30) for Staphylococcus arlettae (p < 0.05). Fumigation with 6% H2O2 is an effective method for reducing bacterial counts in a dental office environment.