Advances of miRNA-mediated regulatory roles in plant-microbe interaction / 生物工程学报

There are many bidirectional communication and crosstalk between microbes and host plants. The plant-pathogen interaction directly affects the survival of host plants, while the interaction between plants and their probiotics benefits both. Plant miRNA responds quickly to pathogenic or beneficial microbes when they enter the plant tissues, while microbes also produce miRNA-like RNA (milRNA) to affect plant health. These means miRNA or milRNA is an important fast-responding molecular mediator in plant-microbe interactions, and these internal mechanisms have been better understood in recent years. This review summarized the regulatory roles of miRNA in plant-pathogens and plant-probiotics interaction. The regulatory role of miRNA in disease resistance of host plants during plant-pathogens interaction, and the regulatory role of miRNA in promoting host growth and development during plant-probiotics interaction, as well as the cross-kingdom regulatory role of milRNA in host plants, were discussed in-depth.

Microorganisms in the typical anaerobic digestion system of organic solid wastes: a review / 生物工程学报

The facultative anaerobic and strict anaerobic microorganisms enriched and acclimated during the anaerobic digestion process are crucial for the efficiency of the anaerobic digestion system. Most of the problems encountered during running anaerobic digestion processes could be effectively improved via stimulation of microbial metabolic activity. Benefited from the rapid development of microbiome techniques, deeper insights into the microbial diversity in anaerobic digestion systems, e.g. the microbe-microbe interactions and microbe-environment interactions, have been gained. A complex and intricate metabolic network exists in the anaerobic digestion system of solid organic wastes. However, little is known about these interactions and the underlying mechanisms. This review briefly summarized the representative interactions between microbial communities during anaerobic digestion process discovered to date. In addition, typical issues encountered during the anaerobic digestion of solid organic wastes and how microbes can tackle and alleviate these issues were discussed. Finally, future priorities on microbiome research were proposed based on present contribution of microbiome analysis in anaerobic digestion system.

Respiratory Microbiome in Children

The human respiratory tract hosts both pathogenic and commensal bacteria. The development of well-conserved 16S rRNA sequencing and culture-independent techniques has enabled many achievements in the study of the human microbiome. Microbial composition of the respiratory tract in early childhood has been shown to correlate to respiratory health in later stages of life. This review highlights current understandings of respiratory microbiota development in healthy children, examples of microbial interactions, impacts on the host immune system, and the relationship between respiratory tract microbiome and respiratory health.

Microbial Contamination of Reusable Suction Container and Cost Analysis of Reusable Suction Container and Disposable Suction Container

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to check the degree of residual microbial contamination after disinfection of reusable suction containers, used in an intensive care unit (ICU) and present basic data for efficient use through cost analysis in comparison to disposable suction containers. METHODS: This study was conducted on 32 reusable suction containers used in an ICU on a selected specific day. After disinfection and washing, specimens were collected from the used containers and cultured to check for microbial contamination. Additionally, a comparative narrative study analyzes the cost of using reusable suction containers and disposable suction containers. Data were analyzed with the SPSS WIN 20.0 program using real numbers and percentage χ²-test. RESULTS: As a result of the study, microorganisms were found in all samples where in 30 were gram-positive (62.5%) while 13 were gram-negative (27.1%). Based on level of contamination, microorganisms were less than 10CFU/ml in 18 samples (56.3%); 11–99CFU/ml in six samples (18.8%); and more than 100CFU/ml in eight samples (25%). Cost per day for a reusable suction container was 10,655 + α while cost per day for a disposable suction container was 10,666 won. CONCLUSION: This study found that reusable suction containers, even after disinfection, accounted for factors of potential infection as well as microbial contamination. So, disposable suction containers are superior in cost-effectiveness and highly efficient for use with infected patients.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with the babassu palm (Attalea speciosa) in the eastern periphery of Amazonia, Brazil / Fungos micorrízicos arbusculares associados com a palmeira babaçu (Attalea speciosa) na periferia leste da Amazônia, Brasil

Babassu, Attalea speciosa (Arecaceae) is a ruderal palm native to Amazonia, which turned dominant in frequently burned lands throughout the arc of deforestation and other degraded lands, in extreme cases attaining complete dominance. This study investigated arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) as one possible explanation for the outstanding ecological success of this exceptional palm. We explored the relationships between the babassu palm and native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and babassu effects on the AMF richness and mycorrhizal inoculum potential (MIP) in the eastern periphery of Amazonia. For this purpose, we sampled topsoil (0-20 cm) at the onset of the rainy season from a 5-year-old secondary forest regrowth (SEC) area with three levels of babassu dominance (sites with 10, 50 and 70% babassu biomass shares), and at three distances (0, 2.5 and 4 m) from isolated babassu patches within a degraded pasture (PAS), both with five replications per treatment. Glomerospore density varied from 100 to 302 per gram of soil, 56% higher in SEC than PAS. We identified a total of 16 AMF species, with dominance of Acaulospora (six species) followed by Glomus (three species). AMF richness increased with babassu dominance in SEC sites, and reduced with distance from babassu patches within the PAS. The colonization rate of babassu roots was higher in SEC than in PAS, whereas MIP was similar in both areas and without treatment differences. Our study points to strong mycorrhizal association of the babassu palm as a potential mechanism for its outstanding ecological success in degraded lands.

Babaçu, Attalea speciosa (Arecaceae) é uma palmeira ruderal nativa da Amazônia, dominante em terras frequentemente queimadas ao longo do arco de desmatamento e outras áreas degradadas, em casos extremos atingindo domínio completo. Este estudo investigou os fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMA) como possível explicação do sucesso ecológico desta palmeira. Nós exploramos as relações entre o babaçu e glomerosporos, efeitos do babaçu na riqueza destes fungos e o potencial do inóculo micorrízico (PIM) na periferia oriental da Amazônia. Amostras de solo (0-20 cm) foram coletadas no início da estação chuvosa em uma área de floresta secundária (SEC) de cinco anos de idade e três níveis de dominância do babaçu (10, 50 e 70% de biomassa de babaçu) e a três distâncias (0; 2,5 e 4 m) de ilhas de babaçu isoladas em uma pastagem degradada (PAS), ambas com cinco repetições por tratamento. A densidade de esporos de FMA variou de 100 a 302 por grama de solo, sendo 56% maior em SEC do que em PAS. Dezesseis espécies de FMA foram identificadas, com predominância de Acaulospora (seis espécies) seguidos do gênero Glomus (três espécies). A riqueza destes fungos aumentou com o domínio da palmeira em SEC e reduziu com a distância das ilhas de babaçu em PAS. A taxa de colonização das raízes de babaçu foi superior nas áreas de SEC enquanto o PIM não apresentou diferenças entre os tratamentos. Nosso estudo aponta a uma forte associação micorrhízica da palmeira babaçu, um possível mecanismo central no seu sucesso ecológico em áreas degradadas.

Biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella spp. under mono and dual-species conditions and their sensitivity to cetrimonium bromide, peracetic acid and sodium hypochlorite

Abstract The aim of this study was evaluated the biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus 4E and Salmonella spp. under mono and dual-species biofilms, onto stainless steel 316 (SS) and polypropylene B (PP), and their sensitivity to cetrimonium bromide, peracetic acid and sodium hypochlorite. The biofilms were developed by immersion of the surfaces in TSB by 10 d at 37 °C. The results showed that in monospecies biofilms the type of surface not affected the cellular density (p > 0.05). However, in dual-species biofilms on PP the adhesion of Salmonella spp. was favored, 7.61 ± 0.13 Log10 CFU/cm2, compared with monospecies biofilms onto the same surface, 5.91 ± 0.44 Log10 CFU/cm2 (p < 0.05). The mono and dual-species biofilms were subjected to disinfection treatments; and the most effective disinfectant was peracetic acid (3500 ppm), reducing by more than 5 Log10 CFU/cm2, while the least effective was cetrimonium bromide. In addition, S. aureus 4E and Salmonella spp. were more resistant to the disinfectants in mono than in dual-species biofilms (p < 0.05). Therefore, the interspecies interactions between S. aureus 4E and Salmonella spp. had a negative effect on the antimicrobial resistance of each microorganism, compared with the monospecies biofilms.

Formação de biofilmes monotípicos e heterotípicos por Enterococcus faecalis E Enterococcus faecium em dentina radicular / Formation of monotypic and heterotypic biofilm by Enterococcus faecalis E Enterococcus faecium in root dentin

E. faecalis e E. faecium possuem grande relevância nas infecções hospitalares por apresentarem facilidade em adquirir resistência aos antibióticos. E. faecalis também apresentam alta prevalência nas infecções endodônticas, entretanto a importância de E. faecium para a odontologia ainda precisa ser esclarecida. Assim, o objetivo desse estudo foi comparar cepas clínicas de E. faecium com as cepas de E. faecalis em relação a capacidade de formação de biofilme na dentina radicular e penetração nos túbulos dentinários. Além disso, foi avaliada a interação dessas espécies em biofilmes mistos. Para a realização desse estudo, foram utilizadas cepas clínicas, previamante, isoladas de canais radiculares com infecções endodõnticas e identificadas pelo PCR multiplex. Entre as cepas isoladas, foram selecionadas 4 cepas de E. faecalis e 2 cepas de E. faecium. Primeiramente, foi realizado a formação dos biofilmes monotípicos das cepas de E. faecalis e E. faecium sobre dentinas radiculares de dentes bovinos. Os biofilmes foram formados em placas de microtitulação por diferentes tempos: 2, 4, 6, 24, 48, 72, 96 e 120 horas. Os biofilmes formados foram, então, analisados pela contagem de células viáveis (UFC/mL) e quantificação da biomassa total (método do cristal violeta). Além disso, os biofilmes foram analisados por Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV) procurando-se observar a penetração das células de E. faecalis e E. faecium nos túbulos dentinários. A seguir foram formados biofilmes heterotípicos de E. faecalis e E. faecium para estudo das interações ecológicas estabelecidas entre as espécies. A análise dos biofilmes heterotípicos foi feita pela quantificação da biomassa total (cristal violeta) procurando-se detectar a presença de relações sinérgicas ou antagônicas. Os resultados foram submetidos à Análise de Variância (ANOVA) e teste de Tukey, considerando-se nível de 5%. Os resultados obtidos na contagem de UFC/mL dos biofilmes monotípicos, revelaram que as 6 cepas testadas apresentam grande capacidade para formar biofilmes na dentina radicular, alcançando valores de UFC/mL entre 8 a 12 log de acordo com o tempo de observação. Em relação a análise das imagens de MEV, as cepas clínicas de E. faecalis e E. faecium demonstraram capacidade semelhante para formar biofilmes e penetrar nos túbulos dentinários. Na comparação da quantificação da biomassa dos biofilmes monotípicos e heterotípicos, observamos que a interação das cepas clínicas E. faecalis e E. faecium favoreceu a adesão e crescimento do biofilme. Assim, concluiuse que as cepas de E. faecalis e E. faecium apresentam a mesma capacidade de formar biofilmes sobre a superfície radicular. Além disso, em biofilmes mistos, essas duas espécies estabelecem relações ecológicas sinérgicas, aumentando significativamente a formação de biofilmes(AU)

E. faecalis and E. faecium have a high relevance in hospital infections because they are easy to acquire resistance to antibiotics. E. faecalis also present high prevalence in endodontic infections, however the importance of E. faecium for dentistry still needs to be clarified. Thus, the objective of this study was to compare clinical strains of E. faecium with strains of E. faecalis in relation to the capacity of biofilm formation in root dentin and penetration into the dentin tubules. In addition, the interaction of these species in mixed biofilms was evaluated. In order to perform this study, clinical strains were used, pre-determined, isolated from root canals with endodontic infections and identified by multiplex PCR. Among the isolated strains, 4 strains of E. faecalis and 2 strains of E. faecium were selected. Firstly, the formation of the monotypic biofilms of the strains of E. faecalis and E. faecium on root dentin of bovine teeth was carried out. The biofilms were formed in microtiter plates at different times: 2, 4, 6, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours. The biofilms formed were then analyzed by counting viable cells (CFU / mL) and quantification of total biomass (violet crystal method). In addition, the biofilms were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), aiming to observe the penetration of E. faecalis and E. faecium cells into the dentin tubules. Then, heterophilic biofilms of E. faecalis and E. faecium were formed to study the ecological interactions established between the species. The analysis of the heterotypic biofilms was made by quantifying the total biomass (violet crystal) in order to detect the presence of synergistic or antagonistic relationships The results were submitted to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Tukey test, considering a level of 5%. The results obtained in the CFU / mL count of the monotypic biofilms revealed that the six strains tested had a great capacity to form biofilms in the root dentin, reaching values of CFU / mL between 8 and 12 log according to the time of observation. In relation to SEM images, the clinical strains of E. faecalis and E. faecium demonstrated similar capacity to form biofilms and to penetrate the dentinal tubules. In the comparison of the biomass quantification of the monotypic and heterotypic biofilms, we observed that the interaction of the clinical strains E. faecalis and E. faecium favored the adhesion and growth of the biofilm. Thus, it was concluded that strains of E. faecalis and E. faecium have the same ability to form biofilms on the root surface. In addition, in mixed biofilms, these two species establish synergistic ecological relationships, significantly increasing the formation of biofilms(AU)

Study of Microbial Interaction Formed by "Candida krusei" and "Candida glabrata": "In Vitro" and "In Vivo" Studies

Abstract Recently, the non-albicans Candida species have become recognized as an important source of infection and oral colonization by association of different species in a large number of immunosuppressed patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the interactions between C. krusei and C. glabrata in biofilms formed in vitro and their ability to colonize the oral cavity of mouse model. Monospecies and mixed biofilms were developed of each strain, on 96-well microtiter plates for 48 h. These biofilms were analyzed by counting colony-forming units (CFU/mL) and by determining cell viability, using the XTT hydroxide colorimetric assay. For the in vivo study, twenty-four mice received topical applications of monospecie or mixed suspensions of each strain. After 48 h, yeasts were recovered from the mice and quantified by CFU/mL count. In the biofilm assays, the results for the CFU/mL count and the XTT assay showed that the two species studied were capable of forming high levels of in vitro monospecie biofilm. In mixed biofilm, the CFU of C. krusei increased (p=0.0001) and C. glabrata decreased (p=0.0001). The metabolic activity observed in XTT assay of mixed biofilm was significantly reduced compared with a single C. glabrata biofilm (p=0.0001). Agreeing with CFU in vitro count, C. glabrata CFU/mL values recovered from oral cavity of mice were statistically higher in the group with single infection (p=0.0001) than the group with mixed infection. We concluded that C. krusei inhibits C. glabrata and takes advantage to colonize the oral cavity and to form biofilms.

Resumo Recentemente, as espécies não albicans tem se tornado uma importante fonte de infecção e de colonização oral pela associação de espécies em um grande número de pacientes imunossuprimidos. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a interação entre C. krusei e C. glabrata em biofilmes formados in vitro e sua capacidade em colonizar a cavidade oral em modelo de camundongo. Biofilmes monoespécies e mistos foram formados em placas de 96 poços por 48 h. Esses biofilmes foram analisados pela contagem de UFC/mL e pela determinação da viabilidade celular, usando ensaio de XTT. Para o estudo in vivo, vinte e quatro camundongos receberam aplicações tópicas de suspensões monoespécies e mistas de cada espécie. Após 48 h, as leveduras foram recuperadas dos camundongos e quantificadas por UFC/mL. Nos ensaios de biofilme, os resultados da contagem de UFC/mL e do ensaio de XTT mostraram que as duas espécies estudadas foram capazes de formar grande quantidade de biofilme monoespécie in vitro. Nos biofilmes mistos, a UFC/mL de C. krusei aumentou (p=0,0001) e de C. glabrata diminuiu (p=0,0001). A atividade metabólica observada no ensaio de XTT nos biofilmes mistos foi significantemente reduzida comparada com o biofilme formado apenas de C. glabrata (p=0,0001). Concordado com as contagens in vitro, os valores de UFC/mL de C. glabrata recuperados da cavidade oral dos camundongos foram estatisticamente maior no grupo com infecção simples (p=0,0001) do que do grupo com infecção mista. Nós concluímos que C. krusei inibe C. glabrata e possui vantagem em colonizar a cavidade oral e formar biofilmes.

Ex vivo model for studying polymicrobial biofilm formation in root canals / Modelo ex vivo para el estudio de la formación de biopelícula polimicrobiana en conductos / Efeitos sobre a pesca nos elasmobrânquios no Pacífico colombiano

Abstract Endodontic disease has mainly a microbial origin. It is caused by biofilms capable of attaching and surviving in the root canal. Therefore, it is important to study the conditions in which those biofilms grow, develop and colonize the root canal system. However, few studies have used natural teeth as models, which would take into account the root canal anatomical complexity and simulate the clinical reality. In this study, we used human premolar root canals to standardize in vitro biofilm optimal formation conditions for microorganisms such as Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. 128 lower premolars underwent canal preparation using K-type files, and were treated with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite and EDTA. Samples were inoculated with microorganisms and incubated for 15, 30, 45, and 60 days under anaerobiosis (CO2 atmosphere) and aerobiosis. Microorganism presence was confirmed by Gram staining, cell culture, and electron microscopy. Exopolysaccharide matrix and microorganism aggregation were observed following 15 days of incubation. Bacterial growth towards the apical third of the root canal and biofilm maturation was detected after 30 days. CO2 atmosphere favored microbial growth the most. In vitro biofilm maturation was confirmed after 30 days of incubation under a CO2 atmosphere for both bacteria and yeast.

Resumen La enfermedad endodóntica tiene principalmente un origen microbiano. Es causada por biopelículas capaces de adherirse y sobrevivir en el conducto dental. Por ello es importante estudiar las condiciones en las que estas biopelículas crecen, se desarrollan y colonizan el conducto. Sin embargo, pocos trabajos han utilizado como modelos dientes naturales, que tengan en cuenta la complejidad anatómica de los conductos y simular la realidad clínica. En este estudio se utilizaron conductos de premolares para estandarizar las condiciones óptimas de formación in vitro de la biopelícula de microorganismos como Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Se prepararon los conductos de 128 premolares inferiores usando limas para endodoncia tipo-K, y fueron tratados con 5.25 % hipodorito de sodio y EDTA. Las muestras se inocularon con microrganismos y fueron incubadas por 15, 30, 45 y 60 días en anaerobiosis (atmósfera de CO2) y aerobiosis. La presencia de microorganismos fue confirmada por tinción de Gram, cultivo celular y microscopia electrónica. Se observó una matriz de exopolisacáridos y agregación de microorganismos a los 15 días de incubación. Después de 30 días se detectó crecimiento bacteriano hacia el tercio apical del conducto, así como maduración de la biopelícula. La atmósfera de CO2 fue la que más favoreció el crecimiento microbiano. La maduración in vitro de la biopelícula se confirmó después de 30 días de incubación en atmósfera de CO2 tanto para la bacteria como para el hongo.

Resumo A doença endodôntica tem principalmente uma origem microbiana. É causada por biofilmes capazes de se fixar e sobreviver no canal radicular. Portanto, é importante estudar as condições em que esses biofilmes crescem, se desenvolvem e colonizam o sistema de canais radiculares. No entanto, poucos estudos utilizaram dentes naturais como modelo, os quais consideram a complexa anatomia dos canais radiculares e simulam a realidade clínica. Neste estudo, utilizamos canais radiculares pré- molares para padronizar as condições de formação ótima in vitro de biofilme para microrganismos como Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus e Candida abicans. Foram preparados os canais de 128 pré-molares inferiores usando limas odontológicas tipo K, e foram tratados com hipoclorito de sódio 5,25 % e EDTA. As amostras foram inoculadas com microrganismos e incubadas por 15, 30, 45 e 60 dias em anaerobiose (atmosfera de CO2) e aerobiose. A presença de microrganismos foi confirmada por coloração de Gram, cultura celular e microscopia eletrônica. Observou-se uma matriz de exopolisacáridos e um agregado de microrganismos depois de 15 dias de incubação. Após 30 dias de incubação foram detectados crescimento bacteriano no terço apical do canal radicular e maduração do biofilme. A atmosfera de CO2 foi a que mais favoreceu o crescimento microbiano. A maduração in vitro do biofilme foi confirmada depois de 30 dias de incubação em atmosfera de CO2 tanto para bactérias como para fungos.

Differential roles for pathogenicity islands SPI-13 and SPI-8 in the interaction of Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhi with murine and human macrophages

BACKGROUND: Salmonella pathogenicity island (SPI)-13 is conserved in many serovars of S. enterica, including S. Enteritidis, S. Typhimurium and S. Gallinarum. However, it is absent in typhoid serovars such as S. Typhi and Paratyphi A, which carry SPI-8 at the same genomic location. Because the interaction with macrophages is a critical step in Salmonella pathogenicity, in this study we investigated the role played by SPI-13 and SPI-8 in the interaction of S. Enteritidis and S. Typhi with cultured murine (RAW264.7) and human (THP-1) macrophages. RESULTS: Our results showed that SPI-13 was required for internalization of S. Enteritidis in murine but not human macrophages. On the other hand, SPI-8 was not required for the interaction of S. Typhi with human or murine macrophages. Of note, the presence of an intact copy of SPI-13 in a S. Typhi mutant carrying a deletion of SPI-8 did not improve its ability to be internalized by, or survive in human or murine macrophages. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, our results point out to different roles for SPI-13 and SPI-8 during Salmonella infection. While SPI-13 contributes to the interaction of S. Enteritidis with murine macrophages, SPI-8 is not required in the interaction of S. Typhi with murine or human macrophages. We hypothesized that typhoid serovars have lost SPI-13 and maintained SPI-8 to improve their fitness during another phase of human infection.

Microbial interactions: ecology in a molecular perspective

ABSTRACT The microorganism-microorganism or microorganism-host interactions are the key strategy to colonize and establish in a variety of different environments. These interactions involve all ecological aspects, including physiochemical changes, metabolite exchange, metabolite conversion, signaling, chemotaxis and genetic exchange resulting in genotype selection. In addition, the establishment in the environment depends on the species diversity, since high functional redundancy in the microbial community increases the competitive ability of the community, decreasing the possibility of an invader to establish in this environment. Therefore, these associations are the result of a co-evolution process that leads to the adaptation and specialization, allowing the occupation of different niches, by reducing biotic and abiotic stress or exchanging growth factors and signaling. Microbial interactions occur by the transference of molecular and genetic information, and many mechanisms can be involved in this exchange, such as secondary metabolites, siderophores, quorum sensing system, biofilm formation, and cellular transduction signaling, among others. The ultimate unit of interaction is the gene expression of each organism in response to an environmental (biotic or abiotic) stimulus, which is responsible for the production of molecules involved in these interactions. Therefore, in the present review, we focused on some molecular mechanisms involved in the microbial interaction, not only in microbial-host interaction, which has been exploited by other reviews, but also in the molecular strategy used by different microorganisms in the environment that can modulate the establishment and structuration of the microbial community.

Agave syrup as a substrate for inulinase production by Kluyveromyces marxianus NRRL Y-7571 / Xarope de agave como substrato para produção de inulinase por Kluyveromyces marxianus NRRL Y-7571

The factorial planning was used to plan and optimize inulinase production by the yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus NRRL Y-7571. The experiments were conducted using a Central Composite Design (CCD) 22, at different concentrations of agave syrup (3.6 to 6.4%) and yeast extract (2.2 to 3.0%). After 96 hours of fermentation, the best condition for the inulinase production was 5% agave syrup and 2.5% yeast extract, which yielded an average of 129.21 U mL-1 of inulinase. Partial characterization of the crude enzyme showed that the optimal pH and temperature were 4.0 and 60°C, respectively. The enzyme showed thermal stability at 55°C for 4 hours.

O planejamento fatorial foi utilizado para planejar e otimizar a produção de inulinase pela levedura Kluyveromyces marxianus NRRL Y-7571. Os experimentos foram conduzidos por meio de Delineamento Composto Central Rotacional (DCCR) 22 em diferentes concentrações de xarope de agave (3,6 a 6,4%) e extrato de levedura (2,2 a 3,0%). Depois de 96 horas de fermentação, a melhor condição para produção de inulinase foi xarope de agave 5% e extrato de levedura 2,5%, com uma produção média de 129,21 U mL-1. A caracterização parcial do extrato enzimático bruto mostrou que a enzima apresenta pH e temperatura ótimos de 4,0 e 60oC, respectivamente. A enzima mostrou estabilidade térmica a 55oC durante 4 horas.

Fusarium culmorum affects expression of biofilm formation key genes in Bacillus subtilis

Abstract It is known that there is correlation between biofilm formation and antagonistic activities of Bacillus subtilis strains; but, the mechanism of this correlation is not clear. So, the effect of the plant pathogen (Fusarium culmorum) on the biofilm formation in a B. subtilis strain with high antagonistic and biofilm formation activities was studied. The expression of sinR and tasA genes involved in the biofilm formation was studied in both single culture of bacterium (B) and co-culture with F. culmorum (FB) using real-time PCR. The results revealed that the expression of the sinR gene in both B and FB conditions was continuously decreased during the biofilm formation period and, after 24 h (B4 and FB4), it reached 1% and 0.3% at the planktonic phase (B1), respectively, whereas the expression of the tasA was continuously increased and was 5.27 and 30 times more than that at the planktonic phase (B1) after 24 h, respectively. So, the expression reduction rate for sinR (3 times) and the expression increasing rate for tasA (6 times) were significantly higher in FB conditions than the B ones. The relative expression of sinR in FB1 (planktonic phase), FB2 (8 h), FB3(12 h), and FB4 (24 h) times was 0.65, 0.44, 0.35, and 0.29, whereas the tasA gene expression was 2.98, 3.44, 4.37, and 5.63-fold of the one at coordinate time points in B conditions, respectively. The significant expression reduction of sinR and increase of tasA confirmed that the presence of pathogen could stimulate biofilm formation in the antagonistic bacterium.

Mixed biofilms formed by C. albicans and non-albicans species: a study of microbial interactions

Abstract Most Candida infections are related to microbial biofilms often formed by the association of different species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the interactions between Candida albicans and non-albicans species in biofilms formed in vitro. The non-albicans species studied were:Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata andCandida krusei. Single and mixed biofilms (formed by clinical isolates of C. albicans and non-albicans species) were developed from standardized suspensions of each strain (107 cells/mL), on flat-bottom 96-well microtiter plates for 48 hour. These biofilms were analyzed by counting colony-forming units (CFU/mL) in Candida HiChrome agar and by determining cell viability, using the XTT 2,3-bis (2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulphophenyl)-5-[(phenylamino) carbonyl]-2H-tetrazolium hydroxide colorimetric assay. The results for both the CFU/mL count and the XTT colorimetric assay showed that all the species studied were capable of forming high levels of in vitro biofilm. The number of CFU/mL and the metabolic activity of C. albicans were reduced in mixed biofilms with non-albicans species, as compared with a singleC. albicans biofilm. Among the species tested, C. krusei exerted the highest inhibitory action against C. albicans. In conclusion, C. albicans established antagonistic interactions with non-albicans Candida species in mixed biofilms.

Effect of fermentation conditions on the production of hyaluronic acid by Streptococcus zooepidemicus ATCC 39920 / Efeito das condições de fermentação na produção de ácido hialurônico por Streptococcus zooepidemicus ATCC 39920

The production of hyaluronic acid by Streptococcus zooepidemicus ATCC 39920 with varying rates of pH (6.0, 7.0, 8.0), temperature (34; 37; 40°C), agitation (100, 150, 200 rpm), glucose (10, 20, 30 g L -1) and yeast extract concentration (10, 20, 30 g L -1) was evaluated by statistical approaches. The best conditions for the production of hyaluronic acid was pH 8.0, 37°C and 100 rpm in a medium containing 30 g L- 1 glucose and yeast extract, for a production of 0.787 g L- 1. Temperature, pH and yeast extract were significant variables (p < 0.05). Yeast extract and pH had a positive effect on the production of the polymer. Lactate, formate and acetate synthesis were also analyzed. Current assay showed the feasibility of statistical tools to optimize the physical and nutritional parameters for the production of hyaluronic acid and the improvement of the fermentation process.

A produção de ácido hialurônico por Streptococcus zooepidemicus ATCC 39920 foi avaliada variando pH (6,0; 7,0, 8,0), temperatura (34; 37; 40°C), agitação (100, 150, 200 rpm) e concentração de glicose (10, 20, 30 g L-1) e extrato de levedura (10, 20, 30 g L-1) por metodologias estatísticas. A condição otimizada foi pH 8,0, 37°C e 100 rpm, em meio contendo 30 g L-1 de glicose e extrato de levedura atingindo a produção de 0,787 g L-1. O pH, temperatura e extrato de levedura foram as variáveis significativas (p < 0,05). Extrato de levedura e pH apresentaram efeito positivo para a produção do polímero. A síntese de ácido lático, fórmico e acético também foi analisada. Este estudo demonstra a viabilidade de utilização de ferramentas estatísticas para otimizar os parâmetros físicos e nutricionais para a produção de ácido hialurônico, permitindo a melhoria do processo fermentativo.

El impacto de la hidroquinona usada como un modelo de efector redox sobre la desnitrificación potencial, la actividad microbiana y las condiciones redox de un suelo cultivable / Impact of hydroquinone used as a redox effector model on potential denitrification, microbial activity and redox condition of a cultivable soil

In this microcosm study, we analyzed the effect produced by hydroquinone on the expression of soil biological denitrification, in relation to the redox state of the soil, both in terms of intensity factor (Eh′) and capacity factor (amount of oxidized or reduced compounds). The supplementation of an Argiudoll soil with hydroquinone decreased the soil apparent reduction potential (Eh′) and soil dehydrogenase activity (formazan production from tetrazolium chloride reduction; redox capacity factor), the relationship between both factors being highly significative, r = 0.99 (p < 0.001). The bacterial population (measured by colony forming units) increased, and the production of N2O was greater (p < 0.001) at 200 and 400 μg/g dry soil doses. Furthermore, there was an inverse relationship between soil dehydrogenase activity and the number of bacteria (r = −0.82; p < 0.05), increased denitrification activity and changes in the CO2/N2O ratio value. These results suggest that hydroquinone at supplemented doses modified the soil redox state and the functional structure of the microbial population. Acetate supplementation on soil with hydroquinone, to ensure the availability of an energy source for microbial development, confirmed the tendency of the results obtained with the supplementation of hydroquinone alone. The differences observed at increased doses of hydroquinone might be explained by differences on the hydroquinone redox species between treatments.

En este trabajo estudiamos, en condiciones de microcosmos, el efecto que produce la hidroquinona sobre la expresión de la desnitrificación en relación con el estado de óxido-reducción del suelo, en términos de factor de intensidad (Eh′) y de factor de capacidad (cantidad de compuestos oxidados o reducidos). La suplementación de un suelo argiudol con hidroquinona disminuyó el potencial de reducción aparente (Eh′) y la actividad deshidrogenasa (producción de formazán a partir de la reducción de cloruro de tetrazolio; factor de capacidad redox), la relación entre ambos factores fue altamente significativa, r = 0,99 (p < 0,001). La población bacteriana heterotrófica (medida como unidades formadoras de colonias) aumentó y la producción de N2O fue mayor (p < 0,001) con las dosis de 200 y 400 μg/g de suelo seco. Además se observó una relación inversa entre la producción de formazán y el número de bacterias (r = −0,82; p < 0,05), la actividad desnitrificadora aumentó y se produjeron cambios en el valor del cociente CO2/N2O. Estos resultados sugieren que la hidroquinona, en las dosis empleadas, modificó el estado redox del suelo y la estructura funcional de la población microbiana. La suplementación con acetato en el suelo con hidroquinona, a fin de asegurar la disponibilidad de una fuente de energía para el desarrollo bacteriano, confirmó la tendencia de los resultados obtenidos con la suplementación con hidroquinona solamente. Las diferencias observadas con el incremento en la dosis de hidroquinona podrían explicarse por las diferencias sobre las especies redox de la hidroquinona entre los tratamientos.

Evaluation of Swallowing in Infants with Congenital Heart Defect

Introduction Surgical repair of congenital heart disease in the first years of life compromises the coordination of the suction, breathing, and swallowing functions. Objective To describe the alterations in swallowing found in infants with congenital heart defect during their hospitalization. Methods Prospective, cross-sectional study in a reference hospital for heart disease. The sample consisted of 19 postsurgical patients who underwent an evaluation of swallowing. The infants included were younger than 7 months and had a diagnosis of congenital heart defect and suspected swallowing difficulties. Results Of the 19 infants with congenital heart defect, the median age was 3.2 months. A significant association was found between suction rhythm and dysphagia (p = 0.036) and between oral-motor oral feeding readiness and dysphagia (p = 0.014). Conclusions The data suggest that dysphagia often occurs after surgery in infants with congenital heart defect. Infants with congenital heart defect had very similar behavior to preterm infants in terms of oral feeding readiness. .

Feasibility of biohydrogen production from industrial wastes using defined microbial co-culture

BACKGROUND: The development of clean or novel alternative energy has become a global trend that will shape the future of energy. In the present study, 3 microbial strains with different oxygen requirements, including Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824, Enterobacter cloacae ATCC 13047 and Kluyveromyces marxianus 15D, were used to construct a hydrogen production system that was composed of a mixed aerobic-facultative anaerobic-anaerobic consortium. The effects of metal ions, organic acids and carbohydrate substrates on this system were analyzed and compared using electrochemical and kinetic assays. It was then tested using small-scale experiments to evaluate its ability to convert starch in 5 L of organic wastewater into hydrogen. For the one-step biohydrogen production experiment, H1 medium (nutrient broth and potato dextrose broth) was mixed directly with GAM broth to generate H2 medium (H1 medium and GAM broth). Finally, Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824, Enterobacter cloacae ATCC 13047 and Kluyveromyces marxianus 15D of three species microbial co-culture to produce hydrogen under anaerobic conditions. For the two-step biohydrogen production experiment, the H1 medium, after cultured the microbial strains Enterobacter cloacae ATCC 13047 and Kluyveromyces marxianus 15D, was centrifuged to remove the microbial cells and then mixed with GAM broth (H2 medium). Afterward, the bacterial strain Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 was inoculated into the H2 medium to produce hydrogen by anaerobic fermentation. RESULTS: The experimental results demonstrated that the optimum conditions for the small-scale fermentative hydrogen production system were at pH 7.0, 35°C, a mixed medium, including H1 medium and H2 medium with 0.50 mol/L ferrous chloride, 0.50 mol/L magnesium sulfate, 0.50 mol/L potassium chloride, 1% w/v citric acid, 5% w/v fructose and 5% w/v glucose. The overall hydrogen production efficiency in the shake flask fermentation group was 33.7 mL/h-1.L-1, and those the two-step and the one-step processes of the small-scale fermentative hydrogen production system were 41.2 mLVh-1.L-1 and 35.1 mL/h-1.L-1, respectively. CONCLUSION: Therefore, the results indicate that the hydrogen production efficiency of the two-step process is higher than that of the one-step process.

Adhesion, Autoaggregation and Hydrophobicity of Six Lactobacillus Strains.

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess probiotic attributes such as adhesion, auto aggregation, hydrophobicity and antibacterial activity of Lactobacillus strains from dairy products. Methodology: In this study, the autoaggregation, coaggregation, hydrophobicity and adhering abilities and antimicrobial activities of six Lactobacillus strains belonging to different species were assessed. Hydrophobicity was determined by bacterial adherence to hydrocarbons, xylene, n-hexadecane and chloroform. Results: The percentage of hydrophobicity of the strains range from 29.5% to 77.4% as measured by the described test. The autoaggregation among Lactobacillus strains range from 15.8% to 63.1%, while coaggregation range from 18.6% to 55.1%. Adhesion of the tested strains to buccal epithelial cells range from 8.0% to 50%. The tested Lactobacillus strains demonstrated variable inhibitory activity against pathogenic bacteria. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that one Lactobacillus strain expressed broad antibacterial activities against a group of bacterial pathogens and along 2 other strains exhibited ability to adhere to epithelial cells as shown by aggregation, coaggregation and hydrophobicity, indicating that such isolates can be good candidates for probiotic use.

Actividad antimicrobiana del propóleos y efecto en las características fisicoquímicas y sensoriales en chorizos / Antimicrobial activity of propolis and its effect on the physicochemical and sensorial characteristics in sausages

Antecedentes: En la industria de alimentos es cada vez más común la utilización de aditivos naturales capaces de reemplazar los aditivos químicos, esto es debido a la tendencia a consumir alimentos más naturales y saludables. En la naturaleza existen diferentes compuestos que pueden cumplir dicha función, como el caso de los propóleos obtenidos en las colmenas de las abejas melíferas que presentan compuestos bioactivos con capacidad antimicrobiana y antioxidante y, por tanto, podría presentarse como una alternativa a la utilización de nitritos en productos cárnicos. Objetivo: Valorar la actividad antimicrobiana in-vitro del extracto etanólico de propóleos (EEP) sobre ciertas bacterias patógenas y su influencia en las características fisicoquímicas y sensoriales de chorizos. Métodos: Se realizó la extracción de los propóleos con alcohol etanólico al 96% y se determinó su actividad antimicrobiana in vitro sobre S. aureus, Salmonella spp., E. coli y Clostridium spp. Se prepararon chorizos de acuerdo a los siguientes tratamientos: (1) EEP 0.8mg/mL; (2) 0,2g/Kg de nitrito de sodio y eritorbato de sodio; (3) alcohol 96% (control) y se realizaron los análisis fisicoquímicos correspondientes a la determinación de ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBA) y bases volátiles de nitrógeno (BVT-N) y pruebas sensoriales cada ocho días durante cuatro semanas. Se realizó análisis de varianza de dos vías y prueba de Tukey, el nivel de significancia fue de p<0,05). Se observaron diferencias significativas (p<0,05) en los valores de TBA. Conclusiones: El EEP al 0,8% presenta actividad antimicrobiana para los microorganismos patógenos evaluados. Adicionalmente, las características fisicoquímicas y sensoriales del producto no difieren de los chorizos elaborados con nitrito