Evaluating annual soil carbon emissions under biochar-added farmland subjecting from freeze-thaw cycle.

Straw biochar is a commonly recognized agricultural amendment that can improve soil quality and reduce carbon emissions while sequestering soil carbon. However, the mechanisms underlying biochar's effects on annual soil carbon emissions in seasonally frozen soil areas and intrinsic drivers have not been clarified. Here, a 2-y field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different biochar dosages (0, 15, and 30, t ha-1; B0 (CK), B15, and B30, respectively) on carbon emissions (CO2 and CH4) microbial colony count, and soil-environment factors. The study period was the full annual cycle, including the freeze-thaw period (FTP) and the crop growth period (CP). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was developed to reveal the key drivers and potential mechanisms of biochar on carbon emissions. Biochar application reduced soil carbon emissions, with the reduction rate positively related to the biochar application rate (B30 best). During FTP, the reduction rate was 11.5% for CO2 and 48.2% for CH4. During CP, the reduction rate was 17.9% for CO2 and 34.5% for CH4. Overall, compared with CK, B30 treatment had a significant effect on reducing total soil carbon emissions (P < 0.05), with an average decrease of 16.7% during the two-year test period. The study also showed that for soils with continuous annual cycles (FTP and CP), carbon emissions were best observed from 10:00-13:00. After two years of freeze-thaw cycling, biochar continued to improve soil physical and chemical properties, thereby increasing soil microbial colony count. Compared with B0, the B30 treatment significantly increased the total colony count by 74.3% and 263.8% during FTP and CP (P < 0.05). Structural equation modeling (SEM) indicated that, with or without biochar application, the soil physicochemical properties directly or indirectly affected soil CO2 and CH4 emission fluxes through microbial colony count. The total effects of biochar application on CO2 emission fluxes were 0.50 (P < 0.05) and 0.64 (P < 0.01), respectively, but there was no significant effect on CH4 emission fluxes (P > 0.05). Among them, soil water content (SWC), soil temperature (ST) and soil organic carbon (SOC) were the main environmental determinants of CO2 emission fluxes during the FTP and CP. The total effects were 0.57, 0.65, and 0.53, respectively. For CH4, SWC, soil salinity (SS) and actinomycete colony count were the main environmental factors affecting its emission. The total effects were 0.50, 0.45, 0.44, respectively. For freeze-thaw alternating soils, the application of biochar is a feasible option for addressing climate change through soil carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions mitigation. Soil water-heat-salt-fertilization and microbial communities are important for soil carbon emissions as the reaction matrix and main participants of soil carbon and nitrogen biochemical transformation.

Immediate Response of Diode Laser on the Microbial Load in Subjects with Chronic Periodontitis.

Background: Chronic periodontitis is the most common dental disease reported globally as well as in India. Periodontal pathogens are usually seen in samples of gingival tissues, crevicular blood, GCF (gingival crevicular fluid), and dental plaque. Apart from the conventional mechanical treatment, laser disinfection is a recent advancement that change shows greater efficacy in reducing the disease progression and changing the bacterial flora. Aim: The present study aimed to assess the Immediate response of diode laser on the microbial load in subjects with chronic Periodontitis as assessed in saliva, crevicular blood, and GCF (gingival crevicular fluid) samples. Materials and Methods: The study recruited 90 subjects with chronic periodontitis. For split-mouth fashion, the mouth, of each participant was divided into two halves and was divided into two groups randomly. Group I (test group) subjects underwent laser disinfection (970 ± 15 nm). Group II subjects served as controls and underwent saline irrigation. For all participants, crevicular blood, saliva, and GCF samples were collected before and immediately following disinfection for microbial analysis. Results: Microbial load reduction was seen in both groups following treatment. However, a significantly higher reduction was seen in the test group with laser disinfection. Compared to the crevicular blood sample, a greater reduction was seen in saliva and GCF samples. Conclusion: The present study concludes that Diode Laser (970 ± 15 nm) application shows an immediate reduction of the bacterial load in subjects with chronic periodontitis.

Designing blenderized tube feeding diets for children and investigating their physicochemical and microbial properties and Dietary Inflammatory Index.

BACKGROUND: Due to the benefits of blenderized tube feeding (BTF) diets, the interest in using them is increasing. This study aimed to design BTFs for children and investigate their physicochemical and microbial properties, as well as Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII). METHODS: Five BTF diets were formulated mainly with fresh foods; their DII, physical (viscosity), and chemical (moisture, ash, protein, fat, energy, and micronutrients) characteristics were assessed. Also, the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system was implemented for quality assurance of preparation, storage, and delivery of BTFs to patients in hospital. The microbial contamination (total count, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus coagulase positive, mold, and yeast) was analyzed. RESULTS: Energy and percentages of protein, fat, and carbohydrate in BTFs were in the range of 103-112 kcal/100 ml, 16%-22%, 28%-34%, and 48%-52%, respectively. The viscosity of the five developed BTFs was between 29 and 64 centipoises, which allows the formulas to flow without syringe pressure. The DII of all BTFs was between -0.73 and -2.24. Due to the implementation of HACCP, monitoring the production line of BTFs, and performance of corrective measures, no microbial contamination was observed by indicator pathogenic microorganisms. CONCLUSION: A planned BTF diet can be an excellent selection for children using enteral nutrition with tube feeding especially when they are made from fresh and anti-inflammatory foods such as recipes prepared in this study.

Evaluation of the Results of a Periodic Environmental Biosecurity Assessment Program on Air Quality in Controlled Environment Rooms of Hospitals.

AIM: Determine the utility of the Periodic Environmental Biosecurity Assessment Program (PEBAP) in achieving clean air as measured by the number of colony-forming units (CFU) of fungi and bacteria in the air. BACKGROUND: There is no international consensus on the sampling frequency, the recommended limits for microorganisms in the air nor on the usefulness of routine microbiological air monitoring of hospitals. METHODS: During the PEBAP, data were recollected between 2010 and 2017 in eight hospitals in southeast Spain. Air samples were collected in very high risk rooms (VHRRs) and high risk rooms (HRRs), unoccupied, using active sampling methods. Temperature, relative humidity, air changes per hour (ACH), and differential pressure were measured. When limits of CFU of opportunistic fungi and bacteria established in the PEBAP were exceeded, corrective measures were adopted. RESULTS: We found a reduction (p < .01) of percentage of air samples with fungi growth throughout the years of PEBAP in all rooms. Aspergillus was the most frequent opportunistic fungus. We found a high compliance of the standards of CFU of bacteria in HRR, and the percentage of compliance in VHRR was lower than in HRR in all years. Differences in environmental and design parameters were statistically significant (p < .05) between rooms, except for ACH. CONCLUSIONS: PEBAP resulted in a useful tool to maintain and improve air quality in hospitals. The control of environmental biosecurity requires a multidisciplinary approach from preventive medicine, engineering, and cleaning services. Aspergillus is the most frequent opportunistic fungus in southeast Spain.

Prepared omadacycline for injection: Nine-day stability and sterility in an elastomeric pump.

Objective: To investigate compatibility, stability, and microbiologic risk of omadacycline 1 mg/mL when prepared in an elastomeric infusion pump and stored under refrigeration for 9 days based upon requests for information from healthcare providers. Methods: Omadacycline was reconstituted to 1 mg/mL with sodium chloride 0.9% w/v or dextrose 5% w/v in SMARTeZ® elastomeric infusion pumps and refrigerated for up to 9 days. Samples were taken daily and tested for appearance, pH, osmolality, chemical composition, and particulate matter. For a microbial challenge study, the pumps were spiked with a challenge microorganism (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, or Aspergillus brasiliensis) and samples were plated daily for 9 days to assess microbial survival. Results: Appearance, pH, osmolality, percent label claim, and particulate matter results remained essentially unchanged for omadacycline solutions in either diluent over the 9-day study. No > 0.5-log day-to-day increases in the challenge-microorganism populations were measured in diluted omadacycline pumps or positive controls. With omadacycline, no growth was seen for S. aureus or E. coli in either diluent, nor for P. aeruginosa in dextrose 5% w/v. Reduction of C. albicans and A. brasiliensis populations over time was similar between omadacycline solutions and positive controls. Conclusion: After reconstitution, omadacycline for injection was stable and remained within specifications for use for up to 9 days when refrigerated.

Antimicrobial Efficacy and Permeability of Various Sealing Materials in Two Different Types of Implant-Abutment Connections.

The presence of a microgap along an implant-abutment connection (IAC) is considered the main disadvantage of two-piece implant systems. Its existence may lead to mechanical and biological complications. Different IAC designs have been developed to minimise microleakage through the microgap and to increase the stability of prosthodontic abutments. Furthermore, different sealing materials have appeared on the market to seal the gap at the IAC. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy and permeability of different materials designed to seal the microgap, and their behaviour in conical and straight types of internal IACs. One hundred dental implants with original prosthodontic abutments were divided into two groups of fifty implants according to the type of IAC. Three different sealing materials (GapSeal, Flow.sil, and Oxysafe gel) were applied in the test subgroups. The contamination of implant-abutment assemblies was performed by a joint suspension containing Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus. It was concluded that the IAC type had no significant influence on microleakage regarding microbial infection. No significant difference was found between the various sealing agents. Only one sealing agent (GapSeal) was found to significantly prevent microleakage. A complete hermetic seal was not achieved with any of the sealing agents tested in this study.

Low risk for microbial contamination of syringe and tube feeding bag surfaces after multiple reuses with home blenderized tube feeding.

BACKGROUND: Guidelines for the reuse of enteral tube feeding (ETF) equipment guidelines are limited to manufacturer recommendations. ETF equipment reuse studies are needed as the enteral population has increased, along with blenderized tube feeding (BTF). METHODS: This experiment tested microbial contamination of a reusable gravity feeding bag and syringe after 15 BTF reuses and cleanings. Eight bags and syringes were filled with the BTF, held at room temperature for 20 min, and then emptied, washed, and air dried. After the last air drying, the inner surfaces of the bag and syringe were swabbed, and aerobic microbial counts were performed using serial dilutions and plate counts. RESULTS: The microbial counts for all syringes and six bags were <1 colony-forming unit (CFU)/cm2 ; one bag was <5 CFU/cm2 and one bag was 12.5 CFU/cm2 . No legal guidelines for surface cleanliness exist for the food sector. Several studies propose a safe microbial level to be <2.5 CFU/cm2 , and the European Commission recommended <10 CFU/cm2 . Based on these proposed guidelines, microbial counts of all syringes and seven bags were within the proposed guidelines, except for one bag just above 10 CFU/cm2 . CONCLUSION: The feeding bag used in this study may be used multiple times for BTF with a reduced risk of microbial contamination when manufacturer's cleaning guidelines are followed. Although bolus tube feeding is an off-label use for syringes, they are frequently used for BTF, and in this study the cleaning after 15 uses over 5 days was effective to reduce microbial counts.

Sealing Efficacy of the Original and Third-Party Custom-Made Abutments-Microbiological In Vitro Pilot Study.

Implant-abutment connection (IAC) is a key factor for the long-term success and stability of implant-supported prosthodontic restoration and its surrounding tissues. Misfit between prosthodontic abutment and implant at the IAC leads to technical and biological complications. Two kinds of prosthodontic abutments are currently available on the market: original and third-party abutments. The aim of this pilot study was to test and compare the internal fit (gap) at the implant-abutment interface depending on the abutment fabrication method based on microbial leakage in static conditions and the need for the use of gap sealing material. Two groups of 40 implants were formed on the basis of the type of abutment. In each of the groups of two implant systems, two subgroups of 10 implants were formed. The tested subgroups consisted of 10 implants with sealing material and a negative control subgroups consisting of 10 implants without any sealing material. The test material, GapSeal (Hager and Werken, Duisburg, Germany) was applied in the test subgroups. The implant-abutment assemblies were contaminated with a solution containing Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans for 14 days under aerobic conditions. Results showed that there was no statistically significant difference regarding the microbial leakage between the original and third-party custom-made abutments, regardless of the use of sealing material. It can be concluded that the abutment fabrication method has no significant influence on sealing efficacy regarding the bacterial and fungal leakage in static conditions.

Fractal dimension analysis: A new tool for analyzing colony-forming units.

The gold standard for quantifying bacteria both in routine diagnostics and in research is plating followed by count of colony-forming units (CFU). But, manual CFU counting on plates is time-consuming and subjective. We evaluated fractal dimension as a new methodology for evaluating CFU. Twenty fragments of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) synthetic vascular prosthesis and 20 silicone prostheses were embedded in bacterial suspensions and incubated. The prostheses were then sown in solid culture medium and incubated for 48 h. Petri dishes were photographed and analyzed by fractal dimension. There was correlation between the number of CFU in manual counting and the fractal dimension analysis (p = 0.0001). We demonstrated that fractal dimension is a useful method for microbiological analyses in researches. It makes CFU analysis easier and faster and can be used regardless of the culture medium.•Petri dishes with different bacterial colonies were photographed with a digital camera under natural light.•The images were binarized and analyzed with ImageJⓇ's "fractal dimension" tool.•Fractal dimension analysis showed to be a good tool for evaluating the amount of colony-forming unit.

Immediate effects of diode laser (970±15 nm) on microbial load in patients with chronic periodontitis: A split-mouth study.

Background: Periodontitis is a multifactorial disease, and the causative periodontal pathogens have been detected in patient samples like plaque, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), saliva, crevicular blood, gingival tissues, etc. Laser disinfection is an advanced treatment that has been shown to alter the bacterial flora and have greater efficacy in reducing the progression of the disease. Aim: This study is aimed to evaluate the immediate effects of a diode laser (970 ± 15 nm) on the microbial load in GCF, crevicular blood, and saliva samples of patients suffering from chronic periodontitis. Materials and Methods: A total of 45 subjects were recruited for the study. Each patient's mouth was divided equally into two halves, which were allotted randomly into two groups. In group I (test group), diode laser disinfection was performed, and in group II (control group), saline irrigation was performed. The GCF, saliva, and crevicular blood samples were collected before and immediately after disinfection for microbial analysis. Results: Clinical observations showed a reduction in microbial load in both groups, which were statistically significant in the test group. GCF and saliva samples showed greater reduction when compared with crevicular blood samples in both groups. Conclusion: This study concludes that the application of diode laser (970 ± 15 nm) has immediate reducing effects on the microbial load in GCF, crevicular blood, and saliva samples in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Recovery of aerobic gram-negative bacteria from the Copan Eswab transport system after long-term storage.

We evaluated the Copan Eswab transport system for the quantitative recovery of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa after 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 days of storage at room and refrigerator temperatures, and 7 and 30 days of storage at -80 °C and -20 °C using mono- and polymicrobial samples. The study was based on Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M40-A2 standard procedures on the quality control of microbiological transport systems. Eswab met the CLSI standards at room and refrigerator temperatures for all (combinations of) bacterial strains tested. At room temperature, after 24 h, bacterial growth was observed. At -80 °C, bacterial viability was maintained in monomicrobial samples; however, in polymicrobial samples, P. aeruginosa recovery was compromised. Storage at -20 °C was unsuitable. We conclude that specimens collected using Eswab should be transported to the laboratory as soon as possible. If transport or processing is delayed, specimens should preferably be stored at refrigerator temperatures.

Salivary concentrations of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli during an orthodontic treatment. An observational study comparing fixed and removable orthodontic appliances.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate salivary concentrations of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and some Lactobacilli, and plaque index (PI) in patients wearing fixed versus removable orthodontic appliances. METHODS: A sample of 90 orthodontic patients (56 males and 34 females) was included in the study: 30 subjects (aged 21.5±1.5 years) were treated with removable clear aligners (CA), while for other 30 cases (aged 23.3±1.6 years) a fixed multibrackets appliance (MB) were utilized, and 30 patients (aged 18.2 ±1.5 years) wearied a removable positioner (RP). Salivary concentrations of S. mutans and Lactobacilli and PI were evaluated prior to start of the orthodontic treatment, after 3 months and 6 months. RESULTS: After 6 months, 40% of MB patients (12 subjects over 30) showed a concentration of S. mutans associated to high risk of developing tooth decay (CFU/ml>105 ), differently from participants wearing removable appliances (odds ratio = 5.05; 95% C.I. = 1.72-14.78; chi-square = 9.64; p = 0.0019). The same trens was observed for the concentration of Lactobacilli (odds ratio = 4.33; 95% C.I. = 1.53-12.3; chi-square = 8.229; p = 0.004). In addition, over the duration of the study, CA patients maintained PI at 0 level, while MB patients experienced a statistically significant increasing trend of PI over time, and their PI became clinically/statistically relevant after 6 months, respect to CA and RP patients. CONCLUSIONS: Comparing all the data, while, after 6 months, only about 10% of CA patients and 13.3% of RP patients achieved a microbial colonization which may lead to high risk of caries development, about 40% of MB patients - and 20% after 3 months - showed a high level of vulnerability to developing caries, which require additional strategies for plaque control and microbial colonization to be employed.

Cálculo da estimativa da incerteza de medição associada ao ensaio de contagem de bactérias heterotróficas em matriz água purificada através da técnica de detecção por fluorescência / Measurement uncertainty calculation associated with heterotrophic bacterial count in purified water matrix using the fluorescence detection technique

A incerteza de medição representa o nível de confiança no resultado. Para a estimativa da incerteza de medição foi empregado o cálculo do desvio padrão da reprodutibilidade intralaboratorial de 48 ensaios de contagem de bactérias heterotróficas pela técnica da membrana filtrante com detecção por fluorescência pelo uso de substrato fluorogênico em amostras de água purificada contaminadas artificialmente entre 10 e 100 UFC/mL. O valor obtido, 1,3 x 10-3 (log10), indica que a técnica utilizada pode ser uma alternativa para a estimativa da incerteza de medição em ensaios microbiológicos quantitativos de contagem de bactérias heterotróficas em amostras de água purificada. (AU)

Measurement uncertainty represents the confidence level in the result. To estimate the expanded measurement uncertainty, the standard deviation of intra-laboratory reproducibility of 48 heterotrophic bacterial count assays by fluorescence detection by the use of fluorogenic substrate on artificially contaminated purified water samples between 10 and 100 CFU/mL was used. The value obtained, 1.3 x 10-3 (log10), indicates that the technique used can be an alternative to estimate measurement uncertainty in quantitative microbiological heterotrophic bacterial count assays in purified water samples using fluorogenic substrate. (AU)

Cálculo da estimativa da incerteza de medição associada ao ensaio de contagem de bactérias heterotróficas em matriz água purificada através da técnica de detecção por fluorescência / Measurement uncertainty calculation associated with heterotrophic bacterial count in purified water matrix using the fluorescence detection technique

A incerteza de medição representa o nível de confiança no resultado. Para a estimativa da incerteza de medição foi empregado o cálculo do desvio padrão da reprodutibilidade intralaboratorial de 48 ensaios de contagem de bactérias heterotróficas pela técnica da membrana filtrante com detecção por fluorescência pelo uso de substrato fluorogênico em amostras de água purificada contaminadas artificialmente entre 10 e 100 UFC/mL. O valor obtido, 1,3 x 10-3 (log10), indica que a técnica utilizada pode ser uma alternativa para a estimativa da incerteza de medição em ensaios microbiológicos quantitativos de contagem de bactérias heterotróficas em amostras de água purificada.

Measurement uncertainty represents the confidence level in the result. To estimate the expanded measurement uncertainty, the standard deviation of intra-laboratory reproducibility of 48 heterotrophic bacterial count assays by fluorescence detection by the use of fluorogenic substrate on artificially contaminated purified water samples between 10 and 100 CFU/mL was used. The value obtained, 1.3 x 10-3 (log10), indicates that the technique used can be an alternative to estimate measurement uncertainty in quantitative microbiological heterotrophic bacterial count assays in purified water samples using fluorogenic substrate.

Effect of cleaning guidelines implementation on microbial colony count of laparoscopic instruments: A study in a public hospital in Iran.

INTRODUCTION: Some countries have implemented reuse of laparoscopic instruments for cost-effective purposes. An accurate cleaning as the first step of reprocessing would lead to the effective sterilization. The purpose was to evaluate the effect of cleaning guidelines implementation on microbial load of laparoscopic instruments which were used in laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery. METHODS: This experimental study was done in an educational hospital, in 2017 and included a total of 128 laparoscopic instruments randomly selected from cholecystectomy surgeries and divided into two cleaning groups. The instruments were checked out in terms of number (colony-forming units [CFU]/mL) and type of microorganisms in two groups of routine cleaning and according to guideline cleaning. This guideline was indigenous and taken from successful instruction in this context that was presented by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). The appropriate statistical analysis was conducted by SPSS version 19. RESULTS: The average microbial load was 2.4 × 106 CFU/100 mL after clinical use. It was reduced to 7.2 × 105 CFU/100 mL in the control group and 3.4 × 104 CFU/100 mL in the intervention group, after the cleaning process. The most common microorganisms that were isolated immediately after clinical use were Escherichia coli 81.2%, Pseudomonas 68.8%, Klebsiella 57.8%, and spp., and so on. CONCLUSION: The AAMI cleaning method is recommended to be utilized by operating room nurses for laparoscopic instruments.

Evaluation of bacterial and fungal contamination of kitchens of Birjand University of Medical Sciences.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the total bacterial and fungal count of tools, devices and surfaces of kitchens of the centers affiliated to Birjand University of Medical Sciences. In this study, 200 samples from four kitchens of Birjand University of Medical Sciences were obtained. After the preparation of serial dilutions, samples were cultured in plate count agar (PCA) plates and Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA). After incubation at 37 and 25 °C for 24-48 and 72-96 h respectively, the microbial and fungal colonies were counted. RESULTS: The mean bacterial and fungal count of kitchens was 7.7 * 107 and 7.6 * 104, respectively. The highest and lowest levels of bacterial contamination were related to tools/devices and cover of tools/work clothes and the highest and lowest levels of fungal count were related to forks and spoons and the tools and devices of the storage site. The rate of contamination in the kitchens of Birjand University of Medical Sciences was relatively high. Thus, serious, continuous and accurate monitoring of the units, training of people working in all stages of cooking and disinfection the tools and devices are essential for control and prevention of disease transmission.

Effects of probiotic intake on intestinal bifidobacteria of celiac patients / Efeitos do consumo de probióticos sobre as bifidobactérias intestinais de pacientes celíacos

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Healthy individuals exhibit a significantly higher concentration of faecal bifidobacteria in comparison to celiac patients. Even though there are potential benefits in probiotic usage, they have been little explored as an adjunctive therapy in celiac disease. OBJECTIVE This study aimed at the comparison of faecal bifidobacteria concentration and pH among celiac patients and healthy subjects before and after the daily intake of 100 g of yogurt containing probiotic for a thirty-day period. METHODS Feces from 17 healthy subjects and 14 celiac patients were analyzed, in which stool culture was performed for the isolation and quantification of faecal bifidobacteria. Furthermore, Gram’s method was employed for the microscopic analysis of the colonies, while the identification of the Bifidobacterium genus was made through determination of the fructose-6-phosphate phosphoketolase enzyme. Faecal pH was measured using a calibrated pHmeter. RESULTS Faecal bifidobacteria concentration before probiotic consumption was significantly higher in healthy individuals (2.3x108±6.3x107 CFU/g) when compared to celiac patients (1.0x107±1.7x107 CFU/g). Faecal pH values did not show a significant difference. After the daily consumption of probiotic-containing yogurt both groups showed a significant increase in the concentration of faecal bifidobacteria, but healthy subjects presented significantly higher bifidobacteria concentrations (14.7x108±0.2x108 CFU/g) than the celiac group (0.76x108±0.1x108 CFU/g). The obtained pH values from both groups were not significantly different, being 7.28±0.518 for the celiac patients and 7.07±0.570 for healthy individuals after the probiotic intake. CONCLUSION The probiotic supplementation significantly increased the number of bifidobacteria in the feces of celiac patients, although it was not sufficient to reach the concentration found in healthy individuals prior to its consumption.

RESUMO CONTEXTO Indivíduos saudáveis apresentam uma concentração de bifidobactérias fecais significativamente maior em comparação a pacientes celíacos. Apesar de haver benefícios potenciais no uso de probióticos na doença celíaca, estes têm sido pouco explorados como uma terapia adjuvante. OBJETIVO Este estudo objetivou a comparação do pH e concentração fecal de bifidobactérias entre pacientes celíacos e indivíduos saudáveis antes e após o consumo diário de 100 g de iogurte contendo probiótico por um período de 30 dias. MÉTODOS Foram analisadas fezes de 17 pessoas saudáveis e 14 pacientes celíacos, tendo sido realizada a coprocultura para o isolamento e quantificação de bifidobactérias fecais. Além disso, o método de Gram foi empregado na análise microscópica das colônias, enquanto a identificação do gênero Bifidobacterium foi feita através da determinação da enzima frutose-6-fosfato fosfocetolase. O pH fecal foi medido usando um pHmetro calibrado. RESULTADOS A concentração de bifidobactérias fecais antes do consumo do iogurte probiótico foi significativamente maior em indivíduos saudáveis (2.3x108±6.3x107 UFC/g) quando comparada aos celíacos (1.0x107±1.7x107 CFU/g). Por outro lado, o pH fecal de ambos os grupos não apresentou diferença significativa. Após o consumo diário de iogurte contendo probiótico, ambos os grupos tiveram um aumento significativo na concentração de bifidobactérias fecais, entretanto indivíduos saudáveis apresentaram concentrações de bifidobactérias significativamente maiores (14.7x108±0.2x108 UFC/g) do que o grupo celíaco (0.76x108±0.1x108 UFC/g). Os valores de pH obtidos de ambos os grupos não foram significativamente diferentes, sendo de 7.28±0.518 para os pacientes celíacos e de 7.07±0.570 para os indivíduos saudáveis após o consumo do probiótico. CONCLUSÃO A suplementação com probiótico aumentou significativamente o número de bifidobactérias nas fezes dos pacientes celíacos apesar de não ter sido suficiente para alcançar a concentração encontrada em indivíduos saudáveis antes do consumo de probióticos.

Microbial colonization in orthodontic mini-implants

Peri-implant inflammation contributes for loss of secondary stability of orthodontic mini-implants. The investigation of microbial colonization in this area would benefit its control, and consequently favor the long-term success of mini-implants. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the establishment and the evolution of microbial colonization process in orthodontic mini-implants for 3 months, since the time of their installation. One-hundred and fifty samples collected from 15 mini-implants were investigated from baseline up to 3 months. The biological material was obtained from peri-implant area using paper points. Nonspecific, Streptococcus spp, Lactobacillus casei and Candida spp colonizations were analyzed by cell growth methods. Porphyromonas gingivalis colonization was observed by 16S rDNA-directed polymerase chain reaction. Data from cell growth were submitted to the Wilcoxon sign rank test and results from molecular analysis were presented in a descriptive way. There was no significant difference in the microbial colonization among the examined time intervals, except for Streptococcus spp, between baseline and 24 h, which characterized the initial colonization in this time interval. Lactobacillus casei and Candida spp colonizations were insignificant. No Porphyromonas gingivalis was detected among the analyzed samples. The microbial colonization of mini-implants did not significantly change during the study. However, it should be monitored by orthodontists, since it is an important factor for mini-implants success.

A inflamação peri-implantar contribui para a perda da estabilidade secundária dos mini-implantes ortodônticos. A investigação da colonização microbiana desta área beneficiaria o seu controle e, consequentemente, favoreceria o sucesso dos mini-implantes a longo prazo. Portanto, o objetivo dos autores foi determinar o estabelecimento e evolução do processo de colonização microbiana em mini-implantes ortodônticos por três meses desde a instalação. Cento e cinquenta amostras coletadas de 15 mini-implantes foram investigadas desde o tempo inicial até 3 meses. O material biológico foi obtido da área peri-implantar com auxílio de cones de papel absorvente. As colonizações inespecíficas de Streptococcus spp, Lactobacillus casei e Candida spp foram analisadas por métodos de crescimento celular. A colonização por Porphyromonas gingivalis foi observada por meio da reação em cadeia da polimerase 16S rDNA. Os dados do crescimento celular foram submetidos ao teste de Wilcoxon sign rank e os resultados da biologia molecular foram apresentados de modo descritivo. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante da colonização microbiana entre os intervalos de tempo avaliados, exceto para Streptococcus spp entre os tempos inicial e 24 h, o que caracterizou o início da colonização neste intervalo de tempo. As colonizações por Lactobacillus casei e Candida spp foram insignificantes. Não foi detectada a presença de Porphyromonas gingivalis nas amostras analisadas. A colonização microbiana nos mini-implantes não se alterou significativamente durante o estudo. No entanto, deve ser monitorada por ortodontistas, uma vez que é um fator importante para o sucesso dos mini-implantes.