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Background: In the Netherlands, living in proximity to goat farms has been consistently associated with an increased incidence of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The cause remains largely unknown though airborne microbial agents could play a role. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore micro-organisms present in goats that can cause human pneumonia. Methods: An extensive literature review was conducted to identify all micro-organisms detected in goats that are associated with human pneumonia. Additionally, the identified micro-organisms were prioritized using a self-developed scoring system and expert opinion. Results: Through extensive literature review, 4309 references describing 302 different micro-organisms in goats or on goat farms were identified. Additional searches and reviews for human respiratory disease caused by each of these micro-organisms yielded a final list of 76 bacteria, 7 viruses, 7 fungi, and 6 protozoa. They were assigned scores based on pneumonia type, diagnosis of respiratory disease, patient immune status, and evidence strength. Based on these scores, the most likely potential causal micro-organisms included Moraxella spp. Chlamydia psittaci, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Subsequently, the list of micro-organisms was reviewed by external experts on their perceived likelihood of the organism causing this CAP. Conclusion: Results of this literature study can give insight into the possible causes of pneumonia. Nonetheless, no unambiguous conclusion on the actual cause of the increased CAP risk around goat farms can be drawn solely based on these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are several uses for bio-convection mechanisms, such as in sedimentary pools, fuel models, and microbially accelerated oil restoration. These are the basis of motile microorganisms which are applied to improve the mixability of fluid and tiny nanoparticles because they are accountable for biological transmission procedure. This work examines the bio-convective nanoparticles fluid flow and electrically conducting incompressible magneto-hydrodynamic flow of nanofluid towards a chemically reactive stretchable surface. Buongiorno model is considered here, which incorporates Brownian motion and thermophoretic diffusion, is employed in this study to explain how nanofluids improve heat transfer. The controlling boundary layer nonlinear PDEs are converted into ODEs by utilizing certain suitable similarity approaches. Numerical scheme is adopted to solve the transformed ordinary differential equations. The main findings of this research are that the magnetic field slows motion of the fluid when the thermal and mass buoyancy forces speed it up, and that thermophoretic diffusion increases the temperature and concentration of dimensionless fluids, resulting in stronger concentration and thermal boundary layers. The Brownian motion, concentration exponent, and chemical reaction parameters show an inverse relationship between temperature and concentration. Additionally, the first-order chemical reaction creates a lighter concentration boundary layer while the magnetic field's presence due to impact of thermal and mass buoyancies helps to lower the heat transfer rate and shear stress. The findings show that while the Nusselt number and wall shear stress values are declining, the microorganism number is increasing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow of Carreau nanofluid through a porous medium with motile microorganisms, focusing on various geometries under shear-thinning and shear-thickening conditions. The aim is to elucidate how factors such as activation energy, Schmidt number, Peclet number, bioconvection, Brownian motion, thermophoresis, and heat generation influence flow dynamics. Using similarity transformations, we nondimensionalize the governing equations and solve them numerically with the Runge–Kutta method and a shooting technique in MATLAB. Our findings indicate that variations in Carreau, magnetic, and suction parameters notably impact velocity, temperature, concentration, diffusion, wall friction, and heat transfer, generally resulting in reduced values. Specifically, the flat plate geometry exhibits lower skin friction, heat transfer, and mass transfer rates, as well as decreased gyrotactic microorganism effects. Increased activation energy enhances concentration fields, signaling slower chemical reactions, while higher Peclet numbers and bioconvection inversely affect flow properties. Additionally, reduced Schmidt numbers lead to lower microorganism concentrations. These results provide valuable insights into the complex interactions between fluid dynamics and microorganism behavior, with implications for optimizing processes in biotechnology and environmental management.

Fitness in micro‐organisms can be proxied by growth parameters on different media and/or temperatures. This is achieved by measuring optical density at 600 nm using a spectrophotometer, which measures the effect of absorbance and side scattering due to turbidity of cells suspensions. However, when growth kinetics must be monitored in many 96‐well plates at the same time, buying several 96‐channel spectrophotometers is often beyond budgets. The MiniRead device presented here is a simple and inexpensive do‐it‐yourself 96‐well temperature‐controlled turbidimeter designed to measure the interception of white light via absorption or side scattering through liquid culture medium. Turbidity is automatically recorded in each well at regular time intervals for up to several days or weeks. Output tabulated text files are recorded into a micro‐SD memory card to be easily transferred to a computer. We propose also an R package which allows (1) to compute the nonlinear calibration curves required to convert raw readings into cell concentration values, and (2) to analyze growth kinetics output files to automatically estimate proxies of growth parameters such as lag time, maximum growth rate, or cell concentration at the plateau. Take‐away: We present a simple and inexpensive do‐it‐yourself turbidimeter for cell suspensions. It records automatically micro‐organisms growth kinetics in 96‐well plates without computer. Temperature is controlled in plate bottom and lid independently to avoid mist on the lids. An associated R package allows automatic kinetics analysis to estimate growth parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Achievement of accurate microbiological diagnosis prior to revision is key to reducing the high rates of persistent infection after revision knee surgery. The effect of change in the microorganism between the first- and second-stage revision of total knee arthroplasty for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) on the success of management is not clear. Methods: A two-centre retrospective cohort study was conducted to review the outcome of patients who have undergone two-stage revision for treatment of knee arthroplasty PJI, focusing specifically on isolated micro-organisms at both the first- and second-stage procedure. Patient demographics, medical, and orthopaedic history data, including postoperative outcomes and subsequent treatment, were obtained from the electronic records and medical notes. Results: The study cohort consisted of 84 patients, of whom 59.5% (n = 50) had successful eradication of their infection at a mean follow-up of 4.7 years. For the 34 patients who had recurrence of infection, 58.8% (n = 20) had a change in isolated organism, compared to 18% (n = 9) in the infection eradication group (p < 0.001). When adjusting for confound, there was no association when the growth on the second stage was the same as the first (odd ratio (OR) 2.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49 to 12.50; p = 0.269); however, when a different organism was identified at the second stage, this was independently associated with failure of treatment (OR 8.40, 95% CI 2.91 to 24.39; p < 0.001). There were no other significant differences between the two cohorts with regard to patient demographics or type of organisms isolated. Conclusion: Change in the identified microorganism between first- and second-stage revision for PJI was associated with failure of management. Identification of this change in the microorganism prior to commencement of the second stage may help target antibiotic management and could improve the success of surgery in these patients. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(9):720–727.

[Objective] In order to study the bacterial community structure of silkworm excrement under different feeding modes, the effect of different feeds on its microbial composition was explored, which would provide scientific reference for the comprehensive utilization of silkworm excrement in the future. [Method] The silkworm variety '9211 • 9215 X Chuan 58 • Chuan 62' was used in the study. The 16S rDNA V3-V4 region of the excrement produced by the fifth-instar silkworm fed with full-age forage and full-age mulberry leaf was amplified and then sequenced by the 2nd high-throughput sequencing platform. The compositions of the micro-organism community under different feeding modes were investigated by analyzing alpha diversity, OTU cluster, sparse curve and species annotation. [Result] Compared with the excrement of control group (the silkworm fed with full-age mulberry leaf), the species composition and diversity index of bacteria in the excrement of treatment group (the silkworm fed with full-age forage) were higher (P < 0. 05). In terms of microbial community structure, the main dominant bacteria in the control group were Cyanobacteria (55. 38%), Firmicutes (32. 50%) and Proteobacteria (11. 55%). The main dominant bacteria in the treatment group were Proteobacteria (68.18%), Firmicutes (24. 1 %) and Actinobacteria (7. 28%). Firmicutes and Actinobacteria were the dominant bacteria in both control and treatment groups. [Conclusion] There were differences in the species composition and relative abundance of the bacterial community in silkworm excrement under different feeding modes (P < 0. 05). The species number and species diversity of the bacterial community structure in the excrement of the silkworm fed with full-age forage were higher than those in the excrement of the silkworm fed with full-age mulberry leaf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study numerically investigates the steady two-dimensional flow of a Carreau nanofluid with activation energy and motile microorganisms over a plate, wedge and stagnation point. The effects of the magnetic field, the Brownian motion, the viscous dissipation and the thermophoresis examined for both shear-thinning and the shear-thickening fluids. The similarity transformations are implemented to convert the governing equations into a non-dimensional form for easier analysis. The Runge–Kutta Method and the shooting technique are employed for finding numerical solutions using MATLAB plot form. The obtained numerical results were analyzed for a broad spectrum of dimensionless parameters and are discussed through graphs. These encompass 0.1≤M≤0.4,0.2≤We≤0.8,0.1≤S≤0.4,0.1≤Ec≤0.4,5≤Sc≤20,0.01≤R≤0.04,1≤Nb≤4,0.1≤Nt≤0.4,0.1≤Pe≤0.4,0.01≤Pr≤2and 1≤Ec≤2.5. These ranges were explored concerning velocity, temperature, concentration, diffusion, wall frictional factor and heat transfer rate, both through numerical computations and graphical representations. A decreasing trend in profiles is observed except for velocity, as the magnetic field parameter increases. The flow over a plate exhibits lower skin friction, heat transfer, mass transfer and gyrotactic microorganism compared to other geometries. The Brownian motion leads to a decreased nanoparticle concentration and motile microorganism density, while increasing thermophoresis has the opposite effect. The suction/injection parameter increases fluid velocity but decreases the temperature, the concentration and the motile microorganism density. The shear-thinning nanofluids demonstrate higher rates of the heat transfer, the mass transfer and the motile microorganism compared to shear-thickening fluids. Furthermore, the present analysis demonstrates that as the Peclet number and bioconvective Schmidt number increase, there is a corresponding decrease in microorganism concentration. Additionally, the higher activation energy E is found to enhance the concentration field due to the reduced chemical reaction rates.

The production of nanoparticles with the use of microbes is a technology that is environment friendly. This paper highlights the use of a syndicate of various micro-organisms (bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, and algae) for the amalgamation of various metallic and metal oxide nanoparticles. When compared to physical and chemical methods, which are expensive, complicated, hazardous, and produce toxic wastes that are detrimental to the environment and the health of a variety of living beings, the synthesis of nanoparticles through the biological route is not only inexpensive, but also environmentally friendly, sustainable, and does not require a significant amount of energy to complete. This is in contrast to the fact that the physical and chemical methods are responsible for producing nanoparticles, which is an energy-intensive Nanoparticles can be biosynthesized via extracellular or intracellular pathways, depending on the particular circumstances. Capping, enzymatic reduction, and metal capture are the three steps that are involved in the process of nanoparticle production by micro-organisms. The organisms as well as the parameters that are utilised, such as temperature, pH and substrate concentration, all play a role in determining the size and form of the nanoparticles. The biogenesis of these nanoparticles takes place in a short amount of time and results in particles that have the right size and form. These nanoparticles are reliable and risk-free, and they have a wide range of applications in a variety of fields, including drug administration, cancer treatment, gene therapy, agricultural biosensors, the cosmetics sector, and many others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most important condition of modern industrial activities is excellent refrigeration performance for conventional buildings. The Buongiorno relation assessment identifies nanofluid's thermal and mass efficiency, which inspires us to specify different properties of random motion and thermophoretic diffusion. Non-Newtonian nanofluids are used in a variety of fields, including thermal exchangers, solar liquid boiler, and heat control in vehicles. Nanoparticles can significantly enhance a fluid's thermal conductivity and heat transfer properties. This makes nanofluids attractive in cooling systems for electronic devices, such as computer chips and LED lights, and in various industrial applications where efficient heat transfer is important. The proposed thermos-electric system depends on nanomaterial heat flow, fractional volume of nanomaterial, density, and motile microorganisms. Because of their numerous applications, ferromagnetic nanoparticles have become extremely popular in biotechnology. Numerous mathematical and technical constraints are considered to generate more useful data. Using the shooting scheme, evaluating numerically by MATLAB function bvp4c to transform expressions. Some observations about the bio-convection procedure its different exclusive characteristics are elaborated in the literature. The graphs show how multiple flows influence non-dimensional quantities. The present theoretical model could be applied to engineering methods, heat transfer improvements, and thermal energy.

Plastic is a synthetic polymer which finds its use in our everyday life and its production continuous to increase every year due to the massive production and use of different plastic products. It has become a major pollutant of environment. Many traditional methods like UV photo oxidation, Thermal oxidation, Insulation and Land fill which were being practiced earlier are not feasible because they are not environment friendly and costlier. That is why alternative solution for the problem is biodegradation. Microorganism such as bacteria fungi and algae are capable of polythene degradation in its natural habitat. Much of work on biodegradation of plastic has been carried out using bacteria and fungi but very scanty literature is available in this field by using microalgae. That has present prompted us to collect dumped plastic waste from the water bodies of Kota, isolate and identify the microalgae growing on them and to access their biodegrading ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lawns achieve environmental, functional, and aesthetical roles in urban environments. The objectives of this research were to assess the effect of different salinity levels on Trichoderma isolates and to study the effect of Trichoderma spp. on perennial ryegrass under different levels of salinity. T. harzianum (ThLem2017-01) and T. atroviride (TaDP2019-01) isolates had a higher mycelium growth rate than T. atroviride (TaDP2019-02) when salinity levels were low. In contrast, the mycelium growth rate of T. atroviride (TaDP2019-02) isolate at high salinity levels had superior results. Turfgrass seeds that were inoculated with (TaDP2019-02) isolate maintained high radicle length, coleoptile length, and leaf length under high salinity levels. Increasing salinity level decreased clippings' fresh weight (FW), dry weight (DW), and shoot and root dry weight of perennial ryegrass. Interestingly, perennial ryegrass pots that were treated with (TaDP2019-02) isolate had increased FW and DW by 16 to 114% and 24 to 76%, respectively. Soils that were inoculated with Trichoderma (TaDP2019-02) had higher CO2 respiration (75%) than the control. Therefore, using T. atroviride (TaDP2019-02) isolate revealed promising results in increasing plant biomass and as an environmentally friendly alternative factor to overcome salinity stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract 1,2-Propanediol is an important building block as a component used in the manufacture of unsaturated polyester resin, antifreeze, biofuel, nonionic detergent, etc. Commercial production of 1,2-propanediol through microbial biosynthesis is limited by low efficiency, and chemical production of 1,2-propanediol requires petrochemically derived routes involving wasteful power consumption and high pollution emissions. With the development of various strategies based on metabolic engineering, a series of obstacles are expected to be overcome. This review provides an extensive overview of the progress in the microbial production of 1,2-propanediol, particularly the different micro-organisms used for 1,2-propanediol biosynthesis and microbial production pathways. In addition, outstanding challenges associated with microbial biosynthesis and feasible metabolic engineering strategies, as well as perspectives on the future microbial production of 1,2-propanediol, are discussed.

Background: In this single-center study, we analyzed a retrospective cohort of patients with diabetic foot infections (DFIs) between 2011 and 2020. Patients and Methods: The first and second five-year periods were compared. A poor prognosis was defined as a primary composite end point including re-infection, major amputation, or mortality at six months. Results: A total of 484 patients were enrolled. Overall, 269 patients had the primary composite end point. A substantial decrease was detected in the second five-year period in terms of re-infection (n = 132, 66.0% vs. n = 68, 23.9%; p < 0.001) and mortality (n = 22, 11.0% vs. n = 7, 2.5%; p < 0.001). A total of 798 micro-organisms were isolated from 484 patients. A substantial increase was detected in polymicrobial infections (48.5% vs. 65.1%; p = 0.001) as well as Streptococcus spp. (2.5% vs. 9.2%; p = 0.003), Corynebacterium spp. (9.5% vs. 22.9%; p < 0.001), and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli (3.0% vs. 12.7%; p < 0.001) in the second five-year period, whereas the prevalence of multi-drug-resistanct (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.0% vs. 10.2%; p = 0.029) and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (7.5% vs. 2.8%; p = 0.017) decreased. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa (odds ratio [OR], 1.917; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.074-3.420; p = 0.028) and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (OR, 3.069; 95% CI, 1.114-8.453; p = 0.030) were independent predictors for poor prognosis. Conclusions: This 10-year cohort study provides reassuring information about the changing epidemiology of DFIs and the prognostic determinants in patients with DFIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The future of petroleum-based fuel is biodiesel. Biodiesel is an eco-friendly fuel that can be used in any diesel engine without any alterations. Researchers have focused on biodiesel that can be produced from microbial lipids extracted from high lipid-yielding microbes. In this study, microbial cultures were screened for high lipid-yielding capabilities and mutated using UV radiation at three different time intervals of 30, 75, and 90 min. The Nile red fluorescence method was used to analyze high lipid-yielding microbes. An outstanding increase in biomass and lipid productivity was noted when the microbes were exposed to UV for 30 min. For example, an M30-8 UV-mutated strain produced a lipid yield of 68.5%. The lipids produced from the wild and mutated strains were analyzed using GCMS and FTIR spectrophotometric analysis. Then, the lipids extracted from both wild VS3 and UV-mutated M30-8 strains were transesterified using a base catalyst and the produced biodiesel was analyzed using ASTM standards. The aim and objective of the research was to mutate high lipid-yielding microbes by using UV radiation and produce biodiesel from the lipids extracted from both wild and UV-mutated strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The upper respiratory tract of children is colonized by various microbial species during the healthy state, whereas the lungs are believed to be sterile. In children with respiratory infections, micro-organisms can be recovered from the upper respiratory sites, as well as the lungs. However, the correlation of microbial yield between the two sites is unclear. This systematic review is designed to explore the microbial composition of the respiratory system in healthy children, comparing the organisms identified in the upper airways versus the lungs. We will also compare the prevalence and pattern of upper respiratory micro-organisms in healthy children versus those with various respiratory diseases. We will additionally compare the organisms identified in the upper airway versus the lungs in children with respiratory disease. Methods We will search the following electronic databases: Epistemonikos and Cochrane Library for systematic reviews and MEDLINE (through PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, LIVIVO, Web of Science, Scopus, and CINAHL databases for primary studies. Reference lists of relevant studies will be examined for links to potential related articles. Two reviewers will independently determine eligibility for inclusion. The methodological quality and risk of bias of the included observational studies will be scored using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale tool, and JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for case series. We will present the data with descriptive statistics and provide pooled estimates of outcomes, wherever it is feasible to perform a meta-analysis. Heterogeneity in studies will be explored by using the Higgins and Thompson I 2 method. Sensitivity analysis will be done to explore the impact of study quality, and subgroup analysis will be done based on age, health condition, type of respiratory specimen, and method of identifying organisms. We will prepare a summary of findings’ table and assess the confidence in the evidence using the GRADE methodology. Results This is a protocol; hence, there are no results at this stage. Discussion The proposed systematic review will provide comparisons of the microbiota in the upper respiratory tract versus the lungs, in children, during health as well as respiratory disease. Similarly, the site-specific yield will be compared between healthy children and those with respiratory disease. This will provide clinicians, microbiologists, and respiratory therapists a better understanding of the respiratory system microbiota, suitability (or otherwise) of upper airway specimens in various respiratory diseases, and the potential role of upper airway colonization on specific respiratory diseases. We will disseminate the review through a peer-reviewed journal publication. Data that cannot be included in the published version will be made available on request. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42020202115 .

Biological activity at deep‐sea hydrothermal chimneys is driven by chemotrophic microorganisms that metabolize chemicals from the venting high‐temperature fluids. Understanding taphonomy and microbial microtextures in such environments is a necessity for micropaleontological and palaeoecological research. This study examines fossilized microorganisms and related microtextures in a recent black smoker from the Roman Ruins hydrothermal vent site, Eastern Manus Basin offshore of Papua New Guinea. Whereas the center of the examined sulfide chimney is dominated by high‐temperature mineralogy (chalcopyrite and dendritic sphalerite), filamentous and coccoidal biomorphs occur in an outer, warm zone of mixing between hydrothermal fluids and seawater, which is indicated by their occurrence within colloform and botryoidal pyrite of barite–pyrite coprecipitates. Both morphotypes can be interpreted as thermophilic microorganisms based on their occurrence in a high‐temperature habitat. Their separate (non‐commensal) occurrence hints at sensitivities to microenvironmental conditions, which is expectable for strong temperature, pH, and redox gradients at the walls of deep‐sea hydrothermal chimneys. Whereas both morphotypes experienced mild thermal overprint, taphonomic differences exist: (i) spaces left by cells in filamentous fossils are predominately filled by silica, whereas inter/extracellular features (crosswalls/septae and outer sheaths) are pyritized; (ii) coccoidal fossils show both silica‐ and pyrite‐infilled interiors, and generally better preservation of cell walls. These different manifestations presumably relate to an interplay between microenvironmental and biological factors, potentially contrasting metabolisms, and differences in cell wall chemistries of distinct bacteria and/or archaea. A further hypothesis is that the coccoidal features represent biofilm‐forming organisms, whose organic matter derivates contributed to the formation of intimately associated wavy and wrinkly carbonaceous laminations that are at least locally distinguishable from the texture of the surrounding pyrite. Hence, the presented data provide evidence that microtextures of microbiota from hydrothermal systems can have a similar significance for palaeobiological research as those from sedimentary environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1,2-Propanediol is an important building block as a component used in the manufacture of unsaturated polyester resin, antifreeze, biofuel, nonionic detergent, etc. Commercial production of 1,2-propanediol through microbial biosynthesis is limited by low efficiency, and chemical production of 1,2-propanediol requires petrochemically derived routes involving wasteful power consumption and high pollution emissions. With the development of various strategies based on metabolic engineering, a series of obstacles are expected to be overcome. This review provides an extensive overview of the progress in the microbial production of 1,2-propanediol, particularly the different micro-organisms used for 1,2-propanediol biosynthesis and microbial production pathways. In addition, outstanding challenges associated with microbial biosynthesis and feasible metabolic engineering strategies, as well as perspectives on the future microbial production of 1,2-propanediol, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient extraction of Li from brine at a low cost is becoming a key technology to solve energy and environmental problems. Electrochemical extraction of Li has become a research hotspot due to its low energy consumption, high selectivity, and environmental friendliness. LiMn2O4, LiFePO4, and LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 are widely used as cathode materials for the electrochemical extraction of Li but they also have some drawbacks, such as a small adsorption capacity. In this paper, the principle of electrochemical Li extraction from brine is reviewed and the research progress and analysis of the above three working electrode materials is summarized. In addition, analysis of the extraction of other rare ions from the working electrode material and the effect of micro-organisms on the working electrode material is also presented. Next, the shortcomings of working electrode materials are expounded upon and the research direction of working electrode materials in electrochemical Li extraction technology are prospected. It is hoped that this paper can provide insights and guidance for the research and application of electrochemical Li extraction from brine.

Background: The upper respiratory tract of children is colonized by various microbial species during the healthy state, whereas the lungs are believed to be sterile. In children with respiratory infections, micro-organisms can be recovered from the upper respiratory sites, as well as the lungs. However, the correlation of microbial yield between the two sites is unclear. This systematic review is designed to explore the microbial composition of the respiratory system in healthy children, comparing the organisms identified in the upper airways versus the lungs. We will also compare the prevalence and pattern of upper respiratory micro-organisms in healthy children versus those with various respiratory diseases. We will additionally compare the organisms identified in the upper airway versus the lungs in children with respiratory disease. Methods: We will search the following electronic databases: Epistemonikos and Cochrane Library for systematic reviews and MEDLINE (through PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, LIVIVO, Web of Science, Scopus, and CINAHL databases for primary studies. Reference lists of relevant studies will be examined for links to potential related articles. Two reviewers will independently determine eligibility for inclusion. The methodological quality and risk of bias of the included observational studies will be scored using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale tool, and JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for case series. We will present the data with descriptive statistics and provide pooled estimates of outcomes, wherever it is feasible to perform a meta-analysis. Heterogeneity in studies will be explored by using the Higgins and Thompson I2 method. Sensitivity analysis will be done to explore the impact of study quality, and subgroup analysis will be done based on age, health condition, type of respiratory specimen, and method of identifying organisms. We will prepare a summary of findings' table and assess the confidence in the evidence using the GRADE methodology. Results: This is a protocol; hence, there are no results at this stage. Discussion: The proposed systematic review will provide comparisons of the microbiota in the upper respiratory tract versus the lungs, in children, during health as well as respiratory disease. Similarly, the site-specific yield will be compared between healthy children and those with respiratory disease. This will provide clinicians, microbiologists, and respiratory therapists a better understanding of the respiratory system microbiota, suitability (or otherwise) of upper airway specimens in various respiratory diseases, and the potential role of upper airway colonization on specific respiratory diseases. We will disseminate the review through a peer-reviewed journal publication. Data that cannot be included in the published version will be made available on request. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020202115. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Little is known about the presence of infections in nursing home residents, the causative micro-organisms, how hand hygiene (HH) influences the presence of infections in residents, and the extent to which environmental contamination is associated with the incidence of infection among residents. Aims: To establish if environmental contamination can be used as an indicator for HH compliance, and if environmental contamination is associated with the incidence of infection. Methods: Environmental surface samples (ESS) were collected in an exploratory study as part of a HH intervention in 60 nursing homes. ESS results from three distinct surfaces (nurses' station, communal toilet and residents' shared living area) were compared with nurses' HH compliance and the incidence of infection among residents. Real-time polymerase chain reaction assays were used to detect norovirus genogroup I and II, rhinovirus and Escherichia coli. HH compliance was measured by direct observation. The incidence of infection was registered weekly. Findings: Rhinovirus (nurses' station: 41%; toilet: 14%; living area: 29%), norovirus (nurses' station: 18%; toilet: 12%; living area: 16%) and E. coli (nurses' station: 14%; toilet: 58%; living area: 54%) were detected. No significant (P

The hygiene habits and the knowledge that a group of 69 students of Early Childhood Education (4-6 years old) have about microorganisms is presented in this work. The possible influence on them of two different didactic proposals (traditional -control group- and inquiry-based learning -experimental group-) is analysed. The information was obtained at three different moments -pre didactic intervention, post intervention and two months later-. The used tolls were children's drawings, an oral and individually applied questionnaire with closed and open questions and a questionnaire addressed to the families. Indications are detected that the students recognize the microorganisms as living beings. After the intervention, no statistically significant differences were found between the experimental and control groups. Two months later an improvement was observed in the control group with respect to some hygiene habits and in the experimental group the process of investigation with petri dishes was recalled. These results open new research questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jute is a natural cellulosic fiber. Due to its natural traits, jute has a high proclivity to be attracted by microorganisms which degrade the longevity as well as quality. Considering the electrical properties, raw jute has a high proportion of electrical resistance and customarily the useable form of jute is undyed. In this study, the raw jute was chemically processed as well as dyed by utilizing natural ingredients. The electrical resistance of the processed jute was lessened significantly ascertained by electronic mega ohm meter. Due to the treatment of raw jute, the processed jute became adaptable to pass more electron through it which consequently incremented the gettable current. The processed jute was able to attain antimicrobial activity which positively influenced its longevity and the dyeing quality was also satisfactory. Colorfastness to rubbing rating of the dyed jute was excellent in greyscale for dry as well as wet rubbing. Processed jute with less electrical resistance in comparison to raw jute together with the newly attainment of antimicrobial activity can be utilized in the electrical field as well as conductive textiles with high longevity and decorative as well due to its colorization. No possibility of azo and formaldehyde contamination during natural colorization which has been a great concern for synthetic dyes. The incipiently integrated multifunctional characteristics of the jute would be felicitous to regard the processed jute as the supplanting of the traditional electrical instrument used for milliampere level of current conductivity purpose.

A large number of historical artifacts have low resistance to pests since they are made of organic substances. Such works can be consumed by several living organ­isms and can often be an ideal environment for micro-organisms to grow, particularly when favorable conditions such as appropriate climate and absence of light are pres­ent. The way in which manuscripts are stored in archives, such as shelves, acid-free boxes and relative temperature control, means that both humidity and aerosols can play a determining role in their safety. Considering the principle of the priority of con­servation over restoration, several measures should be adopted for the safety and authenticity of the works, which will also lead to a decrease in restoration costs. The Central Tabriz Library possesses a precious collection consisting of several thousand volumes of valuable books, authentic documents and lithographic books. It is worth noting that the first hand-written work from Iran to be registered on the UNESCO Memory of the World Heritage list was, “Vaghf Nameh Rab'-e Rashidi,” the Deed of En­dowment of the Rab' i-Rashidi. The document is a historical manuscript book authored by Sheikh Rashid al-din Fazlollah and is regarded as a part of this collection.

Diabetic Foot Infections are ruled as the major complication of Diabetes Mellitus which ultimately results in amputations and associate with greater morbidity and mortality. Appropriate choice of antibiotics andidentification of microbial flora have boundless role in providing optimal therapy to the patients. This study was conducted in a secondary care hospital in South India to spot-out bacteriology and antibiotic sensitivity pattern among patients afflicted with Diabetic Foot Infection. Methods: The Prospective Observational study was carried out for a period of six months from January 2019 to June 2019. Pus swabs were collected aseptically from 169 patients, whom were clinically suspected of infected diabetic wounds. Bacterial isolates were identified by standard methods and undergone antibiotic susceptibility test. Results: Among 169 patients 56.80% were males and 43.19% were females: mean age was 64 ± 18.71years. Sole was found to be the major site of ulcer (31.95%) and Grade III ulceration (41.42) was predominant. Total eight organisms were isolated, in which Staphylococcus aureus44(39.28%) was the most frequent and Meropenem was the antibiotic that showed highest susceptibility rates for the entire organisms. Conclusion: The prevalence of S aureusin this hospital setting was found to be high. The high level of sensitivity was observed to Meropenem and Gentamicin. Appropriate antimicrobial therapy according to susceptibility pattern would reduce further complications and multidrug resistance in diabetic foot ulcer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of disability, morbidity and mortality in the world. Atherosclerosis is accepted as a chronic progressive inflammatory disease. The inflammatory cascade in the vascular wall is well-defined. However, the predictors and contributors of the inflammatory response in atherosclerosis are not completely understood. Systemic and local inflammation, which enhance the burden of inflammation in the vascular wall, have been proposed as risk factors for the progression of atherosclerosis. Infectious micro-organisms are one of the major triggering factors for local and systemic inflammation. In this review, we aimed to emphasize the linkage between micro-organisms and the progression of atherosclerosis. We briefly summarize the current medical literature and discuss the future perspectives of the linkage between microbial agents and atherosclerosis representing cause and effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wireless communication has become an essential technology in our day-to-day life both in air and water medium. To monitor the health parameter of human begins, advancement techniques like internet of things is evolved. But to analyze underwater living organisms health parameters, researchers finding difficulties to do so. The reason behind is underwater channels has drawbacks like signal degradation due to multipath propagation, severe ambient noise and Attenuation by bottom and surface loss. In this paper Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) is used to perform data transfer in water medium. A sample EEG signal is generated and trained with 2 and 20 hidden layers. Simulation result showed that error free communication is achieved with 20 hidden layers at 10th iteration. The proposed algorithm is validated using a real time watermark toolbox. Two different modulation scheme was applied along with ANN. In the first scenario, the EEG signal is modulated using convolution code and decoded by Viterbi Algorithm. Multiplexing technique is applied in the second scenario. It is observed that energy level in the order of 40 dB is required for least error rate. It is also evident from simulation result that maximum of 5% CP can be maintained to attain the least Mean Square Error. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research work assessed the antibacterial properties of probiotic bacterial which was isolated from breast milk. The breast milk has a distinct amalgamation of minerals, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and various vitamins that endorse the proper development, growth and immunity of the children. That's the reason behind it's consideration to be a comprehensive and inclusive food for new born babies. Furthermore, it is also abundant in various bioactive compounds which encourage the maturation of the immune system over and above develop body's defense against infections. This research used a standard methodology to isolate the bacterial. In the midst of these bioactive agents, probiotic bacteria were properly isolated from human milk in this research work by means of selective MRS media. Five Lactobacillus spp. were isolated from every one of the three breast milk samples and two Enterococcus species, were observed as potential probiotics, and identified using morphological and biochemical tests which includes L. rhamnosus, L. plantarum, L. casei, L. fermentum, L. acidophilus, En. faecalis and En. faecium. The isolated bacteria were facultative anaerobic, catalase negative, gram positive and non-endospore forming. Sugar fermentation arrangements of equally isolated bacteria also significantly different. The adding up of breast milk probiotics to children formulas possibly will be an innovative substitute to mimic some of the purposeful consequences of human milk in children who are not breastfed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) is a promising technology for solidifying sandy soil, ground improvement, repairing concrete cracks, and remediation of polluted land. By solidifying sand into soil capable of growing shrubs, MICP can facilitate peak and neutralization of CO2 emissions because each square meter of shrub can absorb 253.1 grams of CO2 per year. In this paper, based on the critical review of the microbial sources of solidified sandy soil, models used to predict the process of sand solidification and factors controlling the MICP process, current problems in microbial sand solidification are analyzed and future research directions, ideas and suggestions for the further study and application of MICP are provided. The following topics are considered worthy of study: (1) MICP methods for evenly distributing CaCO3 deposit; (2) minimizing NH4+ production during MICP; (3) mixed fermentation and interaction of internal and exogenous urea-producing bacteria; (4) MICP technology for field application under harsh conditions; (5) a hybrid solidification method by combining MICP with traditional sand barrier and chemical sand consolidation; and (6) numerical model to simulate the erosion resistance of sand treated by MICP.

This study confirms that microwave treatment of healthcare waste can significantly reduce the number of bacteria in a given sample. The bacterial reduction with duration of the application of radiation and the power of radiation has been quantified. In contrast to the previous experiments that showed mid 30 °C as favourable temperature range for the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, this study depicts that the bacteria are destroyed even at such temperatures, in the application of microwaves. Thus, it confirms that power of microwaves is an equally dominating factor as the duration of application and the temperature attained by the material. The empirical findings combined with SEM images indicate that there is a marked difference in the resistance against microwave radiation between G+ (S. aureus) and G− (E. coli) bacteria, which may be due to the convoluted cell wall of G+ (S. aureus) bacteria, which is much stronger and thicker than that of G− for (E. coli) bacteria. Thus, S. aureus is considered to be more resistant and less sensitive to microwave radiation than E. coli. The outcomes support the adoption of microwave technologies for the treatment and disinfection of healthcare waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Dental biofilm constitutes micro-organisms existing in an intercellular matrix containing organic and inorganic materials derived from saliva, gingival crevicular fluid, and bacterial products. Dental plaque biofilm inhibition by certain herbs and medicinal plants has been used as a treatment modality for the prevention of white spot lesions in orthodontic subjects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-quorum sensing and anti-biofilm activity of Terminalia catappa and Murraya koenigii against Streptococcus mutans. Materials and methods Samples of dental plaque were taken from patients receiving orthodontic care. The colonies of the S. mutans were isolated and biochemical characterization was done. Leaf extracts of Terminalia catappa and Murraya koenigii were used in the study. Methanolic extracts were subjected to evaluation of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using the broth microdilution (two-fold) method and anti-biofilm activity using the crystal violet staining method. Results  The MIC of methanol leaf extracts of Murraya koenigii  against S. mutans was noted at 0.62 mg/ml and Terminalia catappa at 1.25 mg/ml. At the lowest concentration of 0.03 mg and 0.01 mg methanol extract of Murraya koenigii had remarkably inhibited biofilm formation of 57.6% and 43.6% against S. mutans , respectively. Terminalia catappa leaf extracts did not show any anti-biofilm activity when the organisms were grown in the presence of S. mutans . Conclusion  Both Murraya koenigii and Terminalia catappa had antibacterial effects against S. mutans and Murray koenigii remarkably inhibited biofilm formation by S. mutans ., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Ramsundar et al.)

Background: In Brazil, cats in households has recently increased dramatically, likely due to their lower space and care requirements. We need to know the health of these companion animal species, since they have behavioral patterns that make them an important link in the epidemiological chain. Extended spectrum beta-lactamase producer strains (ESBL) are resistant to penicillin, cephalosporin and monobactam, but they are susceptible to clavulanate. The goal of this study is to detect Enterobacteriaceae that produce extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and evaluate the bacterial resistance profile in isolated cats (Felis silvestris catus) that live in a city located at west of Parana state, Brazil. Materials, Methods & Results: Swabs were aseptically collected from the anal orifice and oral cavity of 49 female domestic cats that were healthy upon clinical and physical examination, a minimum age of one year, weighing up to 3 kg, and had attended a veterinary clinic specializing in cats, in order to, later, perform the isolation and bacterial identification, antimicrobial sensibility phenotypic test and the phenotypic test to detect ESBL producer strains. From the 98 swabs collected it was possible to perform the bacterial isolation in 68 samples; 40.81% isolated from anal orifice and 28.57% isolated from oral cavity. From rectal and oral cavities 77.50% and 71.42% of the isolated were identified as Escherichia coli respectively, being 2.94% considered ESBL producer strains. In relation to bacterial resistance the antibiotics that shown more resistance in anal orifice were ampicillin, amoxicillin, nalidixic acid, sulfazotrim, tetracycline and aztreonam. In oral cavity they were ampicillin, amoxicillin, cefoxitin, amoxicillin + clavulanate, aztreonam, ceftriaxone and nalidixic acid; and the bacterial resistance index shown that 39.70% were considered high level risk. Discussion: Household cats have a very important role in society, since the benefits they provide to their owners are clear, however, it is worth pointing out that these animals also pose risks to human health, caused by the transmission of zoonoses and also the possibility of transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes between bacteria of animal and human origin, as well as between bacteria of the normal microbiota and pathogenic microorganisms of diferents origins. Therefore, it is important to understand the health of these companion animal species, because they exhibit behavioral patterns that make them an important link in the epidemiological chain of potentially infectious microorganisms, which may show antimicrobial resistance. Extended spectrum beta-lactamase producer strains (ESBL) are resistant to penicillin, cephalosporin and monobactam, but they are susceptible to clavulanate. These enzymes hydrolyze the beta-lactam ring of the antibiotic structure, inactivating them. Nowadays bacterial resistance is considered to be one of the greatest problems in public health worldwide, as infections and diseases outbraks are caused by multiresistant bacteria are more and more frequent. The results of this study demonstrate the presence of strains of Enterobacteriaceae family associated to the high bacterial resistance, with samples that indicate ESBL producer strains in domiciled cats, in a city of west Parana state in Brazil. These results confirm that these cats can be considered as reservoirs of different microbial agents and resistance gens, being a health problem by the possibility of dissemination. The cat population is multiplying in a higher proportion compared to dogs and may probably became predominant in less than one decade. Due this situation and thinking about human, animal and environmental health new phenotypic studies to confirm the resistance gens and ESBL producers should be conducted in this specie. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new (6, 9, and 12) and nine known steroidal saponins were obtained from the fermentation broth of pseudoprotodioscin (PPD) incubated with a fungus Gibberella fujikuroi CGMCC 3.4663. Structures of the metabolites were elucidated by 1-D (1H, 13C), 2-D (HMBC, HSQC, NOESY) NMR, and HR-MS analyses. The biotransformation pathway of pseudoprotodioscin by Gibberella fujikuroi CGMCC 3.4663 was proposed. Compounds 1-11 were tested in vitro for their cytotoxic activities against two human cancer cell lines (HepG2 and Hela). Compounds 1, 6, 9, and 10 exhibited cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cells. Compound 10 exhibited cytotoxicity to Hela cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: A clinical prospective study was designed to evaluate microbiological, cytomorphometric and clinical efficacy of low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) as an adjunct to periodontal therapy in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Methods: Sixty subjects were included and randomly assigned into 2 groups: SRP (scaling root planning) group (n = 30) and LLLT + SRP group (n = 30). Clinical parameters were measured before intervention, after the fifth treatment, and after a month. All subjects received oral hygiene instructions and full‐mouth conservative periodontal treatment (removal of dental plaque followed by SRP). Afterwards, in group II, Kavo LLLT (980 nm, 0.2 W, 6 J/cm2) was applied. Subgingival samples were collected at baseline and after the fifth treatment to quantify Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythensis and Treponema denticola by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Gingival swabs were taken, and direct smears were prepared on slides for cytomorphometric analysis. Results: Evaluation using clinical parameters showed better results in LLLT group. A statistically significant decrease in the prevalence of bacteria after treatment in LLLT group was observed for the following: T. forsythensis and T. denticola (P < .001), P. gingivalis (P < .01), A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. intermedia (P < .05). The values of nuclear area, perimeter and Ferret's diameter were significantly lower in both studied groups after treatment, but statistical significance was higher in LLLT group (P < .001) than in the SRP therapy group (P < .05). Conclusion: Low‐level laser therapy as an adjunct to periodontal therapy demonstrates short‐term additional bacteriological, cytological and clinical benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Revealing the biochemistry associated to micro-organismal interspecies interactions is highly relevant for many purposes. Each pathogen has a characteristic metabolic fingerprint that allows identification based on their unique multivariate biochemistry. When pathogen species come into mutual contact, their co-culture will display a chemistry that may be attributed both to mixing of the characteristic chemistries of the mono-cultures and to competition between the pathogens. Therefore, investigating pathogen development in a polymicrobial environment requires dedicated chemometric methods to untangle and focus upon these sources of variation. The multivariate data analysis method Projected Orthogonalised Chemical Encounter Monitoring (POCHEMON) is dedicated to highlight metabolites characteristic for the interaction of two micro-organisms in co-culture. However, this approach is currently limited to a single time-point, while development of polymicrobial interactions may be highly dynamic. A well-known multivariate implementation of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) uses Principal Component Analysis (ANOVA-PCA). This allows the overall dynamics to be separated from the pathogen-specific chemistry to analyse the contributions of both aspects separately. For this reason, we propose to integrate ANOVA-PCA with the POCHEMON approach to disentangle the pathogen dynamics and the specific biochemistry in interspecies interactions. Two complementary case studies show great potential for both liquid and gas chromatography - mass spectrometry to reveal novel information on chemistry specific to interspecies interaction during pathogen development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgae might be considered as an alternative source of fat and/or protein for ruminant's diets. However, changes in populations of ruminal micro-organisms associated with biohydrogenation process, methane and ammonia production in response to microalgae dietary supplementation have not been well characterized. Thus, 16 cross-bred goats were divided into two groups. Each goat of both groups was fed individually with alfalfa hay and concentrates separately. The concentrates of the control group had no microalgae while those of the treated group were supplemented with 10 g lyophilized Chlorella vulgaris/kg concentrate (chlor). On the 30th experimental day, samples of rumen fluid were collected for microbial DNA extraction, fatty acid profile and enzyme activity analyses. The results showed that the chlor diet compared with the control increased significantly the populations of Methanosphaera stadtmanae, Methanobrevibacter ruminantium and Methanogens bacteria and protozoa in the rumen of goats. A significant reduction in the cellulase activity and in the abundance of Ruminococcus albus, and a significant increase in the protease activity and in the abundance of Clostridium sticklandii in the rumen liquid of goats fed with the chlor diet, compared with the control, were found. Chlorella vulgaris supplementation promoted the formation of trans C18:1 , trans-11 C18:1 and monounsaturated fatty acids ( MUFA), while the proportions of C18:0 and long-chain fatty acids ( LCFA) reduced significantly in the rumen liquid of goats. This shift in ruminal biohydrogenation pathway was accompanied by a significant increase in Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens trans C18:1-producing bacteria. In conclusion, the supplementation of diets with microalgae needs further investigation because it enhances the populations of methane-producing bacteria and protozoa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional chemical bleaching of coir generates a considerable amount of effluent which is discharged into the local water bodies thereby affecting the water quality there. The possibility of bio-bleaching and bio-softening of coir yarn in order to reduce the requirement of softening and bleaching chemicals in wet processing of coir was studied. Treatment of coir yarn for 72 hrs using Trametes versicolor (NCIM 993) and Coirret, a bacterial consortium was carried out. The bio-treatment could impart an appreciable degree of softness to the yarn which was confirmed by the Flexural Rigidity Test. An improvement in softness of the yarn to the extent of 38% using bacterial treatment and 46% using fungal treatment was achieved. A noticeable change was observed in surface morphology of the fibre through SEM analysis. The lignin content of the fungal treated yarn was also reduced to some extent. An increase of 10% in Brightness Index of the fungi treated yarn was observed and a reduction in the requirement of bleaching chemicals could also be achieved. The physico-chemical parameters of the residual bleach liquor were also studied and a considerable decrease in BOD, COD and phenol content was observed.