Antibiotic susceptibility and bioremediation potential of probiotic bacteria against lead and cadmium isolated from yogurt.

Probiotic bacteria have capacity to bind with heavy metals. The present study was planned to assess the bioremediation potential of probiotic Lactobacillus species isolated from yogurt samples. L. acidophilus and L. plantarum were tested for acidic pH tolerance, bile salt resistance and gastric juice tolerance. The antibiotic susceptibility and antimicrobial activity was also checked. These Lactobacillus species were also evaluated for degradation of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) metals. The results indicated that L. acidophilus and L. plantarum were able to tolerate high acidic pH: 3. both showed significant growth after exposure to stimulated gastric juice from 0 to 24 hours. The significant plate count was observed at different bile salt concentrations (0.1%, 0.3%). The isolates showed resistance for all the tested antibiotics except L. acidophilus showed susceptibility for gentamicin and co-amoxiclave. The isolates depicted no antimicrobial activity against the indicator bacteria. L. acidophilus and L. plantarum were capable of tolerating Cd and Pb. Maximum tolerance and removal were observed for Pb by both Lactobacillus spp. The Cd removal was 11.50 and 3.50% while Pb removal was 42.70 and 35.50% for L. plantarum and L. acidophilus, respectively. In conclusion, L. acidophilus and L. Plantarum have potential for bioremediation of heavy metals.

Short-term adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines after the first, second, and booster doses: a cross-sectional survey from Punjab, Pakistan, and the implications.

BACKGROUND: Safety and efficacy concerns regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines are common among the public and have a negative impact on their uptake. We aimed to report the adverse effects currently associated with the vaccine in Pakistan to build confidence among the population for its adoption. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in five districts of the Punjab province of Pakistan between January and March 2022. The participants were recruited using convenience sampling. All data were analyzed using SPSS 22. RESULTS: We recruited 1622 people with the majority aged between 25-45 years. Of these, 51% were female, including 27 pregnant women and 42 lactating mothers. Most participants had received the Sinopharm (62.6%) or Sinovac (17.8%) vaccines. The incidences of at least one side effect after the first (N = 1622), second (N = 1484), and booster doses (N = 219) of the COVID-19 vaccine were 16.5%, 20.1%, and 32%, respectively. Inflammation/erythema at the injection site, pain at the injection site, fever, and bone/muscle pain were common side effects of vaccination. No significant differences were observed in the adverse effect scores between all demographic variables except for pregnancy (P = 0.012) after the initial dose. No significant association was observed between any variable and the side effect scores of the second and booster doses of the vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed a 16-32% prevalence of self-reported side effects after the first, second, and booster COVID-19 vaccinations. Most adverse effects were mild and transient, indicating the safety of different COVID-19 vaccines.

Short-term adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines after the first, second, and booster doses: a cross-sectional survey from Punjab, Pakistan, and the implications

ABSTRACT Background: Safety and efficacy concerns regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines are common among the public and have a negative impact on their uptake. We aimed to report the adverse effects currently associated with the vaccine in Pakistan to build confidence among the population for its adoption. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in five districts of the Punjab province of Pakistan between January and March 2022. The participants were recruited using convenience sampling. All data were analyzed using SPSS 22. Results: We recruited 1622 people with the majority aged between 25-45 years. Of these, 51% were female, including 27 pregnant women and 42 lactating mothers. Most participants had received the Sinopharm (62.6%) or Sinovac (17.8%) vaccines. The incidences of at least one side effect after the first (N = 1622), second (N = 1484), and booster doses (N = 219) of the COVID-19 vaccine were 16.5%, 20.1%, and 32%, respectively. Inflammation/erythema at the injection site, pain at the injection site, fever, and bone/muscle pain were common side effects of vaccination. No significant differences were observed in the adverse effect scores between all demographic variables except for pregnancy (P = 0.012) after the initial dose. No significant association was observed between any variable and the side effect scores of the second and booster doses of the vaccine. Conclusions: Our study showed a 16-32% prevalence of self-reported side effects after the first, second, and booster COVID-19 vaccinations. Most adverse effects were mild and transient, indicating the safety of different COVID-19 vaccines.