Anti-microbial activity of Ocimum sanctum L. gel against black pigmented microbes.

Black pigmented gram negative anaerobes are associated with periodontal disease and tooth loss. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Ocimum Sanctum.L (Tulsi) gel against black pigmented anaerobes. Plaque samples were collected from the subject and kept in anaerobic broth for 4 hours of incubation at 37°C. 50µL concentration of Tulsi gel was added and kept in gas pack system for 3-5 days. Zone of inhibition was measured. Ocimum sanctum L. (Tulsi) exhibits strong antibacterial activity against Black Pigmented bacteroides at 1% and 2%.Tulasi gel was effective at higher concentrations, indicating the possibility of using it as an adjunct to standard periodontal treatment.

Interspecific selection in a diverse mycorrhizal symbiosis.

Coevolution describes evolutionary change in which two or more interacting species reciprocally drive each other's evolution, potentially resulting in trait diversification and ecological speciation. Much progress has been made in analysis of its dynamics and consequences, but relatively little is understood about how coevolution works in multispecies interactions, i.e., those with diverse suites of species on one or both sides of an interaction. Interactions among plant hosts and their mutualistic ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECM) may provide an ecologically unique arena to examine the nature of selection in multispecies interactions. Using native genotypes of Monterey pine (Pinus radiata), we performed a common garden experiment at a field site that contains native stands to investigate selection from ECM fungi on pine traits. We planted seedlings from all five native populations, as well as inter-population crosses to represent intermediate phenotypes/genotypes, and measured seedling traits and ECM fungal traits to evaluate the potential for evolution in the symbiosis. We then combined field estimates of selection gradients with estimates of heritability and genetic variance-covariance matrices for multiple traits of the mutualism to determine which fungal traits drive plant fitness variation. We found evidence that certain fungal operational taxonomic units, families and species-level morphological traits by which ECM fungi acquire and transport nutrients exert selection on plant traits related to growth and allocation patterns. This work represents the first field-based, community-level study measuring multispecific coevolutionary selection in nutritional symbioses.

Detection and characterization of micro-organisms linked to unsealed drugs sold in Ihiagwa community, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

The contamination of pharmaceutical products by micro-organisms poses a significant risk to public health. This study was conducted to detect and characterize micro-organisms associated with unsealed drugs sold in Ihiagwa community in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. A variety of microbiological techniques were employed to analyse samples from unsealed drug containers. The identification process involved morphological, biochemical and sugar utilization methods, aiding in the accurate determination of microbial species. Microbial contamination was observed in 42 (84 %) out of 50 samples, with contaminants including bacteria and fungi. The range of contamination is between 1.2±0.01×103 and 2.3±0.02×103 c.f.u. ml-1 for viable count, 0.1±0.02×102 and 0.3±0.01×102 c.f.u. g-1 for coliform count and 0.2±0.01×101 and 0.5±0.01×101 c.f.u. g-1 for fungi count. The identified microbes were Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. The most common bacterial isolate was S. aureus (51.8 %), while C. albicans (73.3 %) was the most prevalent fungus. Among the pharmacies and healthcare facilities examined, the Uchems pharmacy had the highest proportion of bacterial isolates (37 %), followed by the Stepwise pharmacy (22.2 %), while the lowest proportion was found at the Roseline Health Clinic (7.4 %). The identification of potentially harmful micro-organisms in these unsealed drug container samples emphasizes the importance of stringent quality control measures and improved handling, storage and packaging practices to ensure product safety and efficacy, especially among pharmacetical dealers.

Hazards reported on food of plant origin in the Rapid Alert System for Foodand Feed (RASFF) from 1997 to 2021 and their occurrence, prevention and reduction.

Between 1997 and 2021 notifications for foods of plant origin covered 44.6% of all notifications in the EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF). A two-way joining cluster analysis for notifications on plants reported in the RASFF in 1997-2021 was carried out. The following variables were considered: hazard, product category and country of origin in relation to year of notification. In the period studied mainly mycotoxins, pesticide residues and pathogenic micro-organisms were reported. The most frequently notified product categories were nuts and seeds, fruit and vegetables and herbs and spices. The submitted products originated from Asian, African and South-American countries. The study findings were followed by a literature analysis outlining the occurrence and prevention and reduction possibilities of the mentioned hazards, which can be used in these countries. Attention was drawn to the need to carry out controls at EU border inspection posts, monitor and update hazard limits and improve the rapid exchange of information and response to detected hazards.

High-fibre diets regulate antioxidative capacity and promote intestinal health by regulating bacterial microbiota in growing pigs.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of a high-fibre diet on growth performance, nutrients digestibility, intestinal health, and intestinal microbiota composition of growing pigs. Twelve healthy "Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire" castrates (49 ± 1.35 kg) were randomly divided into two groups with six replicates and one pig per replicate. The two diet treatments were fed the basal diet (CON) based on corn and soybean meal and high fibre diet (HF) respectively. The nutritional levels of the two treatments were the same. The experiment lasted 28 days. The results showed that the addition of 16% wheat bran fibre to the diet of growing pigs did not affect growth performance (p > 0.05). Compared with the CON, contents of isobutyric and butyric acid, GSH-PX and T-AOC in serum were increased in the HF. It decreased the gross energy digestibility and acetic acid content in feces of growing pigs (p < 0.05), the contents of GSH-PX and T-AOC in serum. It decreased the gross energy digestibility and acetic acid content in feces of growing pigs (p < 0.05). Compared with the CON, the Shannon, and Chao1 indexes of the HF were increased (p < 0.05). At the phylum level, the abundance of g_Lactobacillus increased in the HF (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that a total of 18 microbial genera were correlated with antioxidant capacity and volatile fatty acid levels (p < 0.05). In summary, this study showed that adding 16% wheat bran to the diet of growing pigs had no effect on growth performance but helped to improve the richness and stability of intestinal microbiota, promote posterior intestinal fermentation and increase serum antioxidant capacity.

Probiotics and their Beneficial Health Effects.

Probiotics are living microorganisms that are present in cultured milk and fermented food. Fermented foods are a rich source for the isolation of probiotics. They are known as good bacteria. They have various beneficial effects on human health including antihypertensive effects, antihypercholesterolemic effects, prevention of bowel disease, and improving the immune system. Microorganisms including bacteria, yeast, and mold are used as probiotics but the major microorganisms that are used as probiotics are bacteria from the genus Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Streptococcus, and Bifidobacterium. Probiotics are beneficial in the prevention of harmful effects. Recently, the use of probiotics for the treatment of various oral and skin diseases has also gained significant attention. Clinical studies indicate that the usage of probiotics can alter gut microbiota composition and provoke immune modulation in a host. Due to their various health benefits, probiotics are attaining more interest as a substitute for antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs leading to the growth of the probiotic market.

A review of the recent progress in biotrickling filters: packing materials, gases, micro-organisms, and CFD.

Organic pollutants in the air have serious consequences on both human health and the environment. Among the various methods for removing organic pollution gas, biotrickling filters (BTFs) are becoming more and more popular due to their cost-effective advantages. BTF can effectively degrade organic pollutants without producing secondary pollutants. In the current research on the removal of organic pollutants by BTF, improving the performance of BTF has always been a research hotspot. Researchers have conducted studies from different aspects to improve the removal performance of BTF for organic pollutants. Including research on the performance of BTF using different packing materials, research on the removal of various mixed pollutant gases by BTF, research on microbial communities in BTF, and other studies that can improve the performance of BTF. Moreover, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was introduced to study the microscopic process of BTF removal of organic pollutants. CFD is a simulation tool widely used in aerospace, automotive, and industrial production. In the study of BTF removal of organic pollutants, CFD can simulate the fluid movement, mass transfer process, and biodegradation process in BTF in a visual way. This review will summarize the development of BTFs from four aspects: packing materials, mixed gases, micro-organisms, and CFD, in order to provide a reference and direction for the future optimization of BTFs.

Effects of Essential Oil and/or Encapsulated Butyrate on Fecal Microflora in Neonatal Holstein Calves.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding oregano essential oil, butyrate, and its mixture on the intestinal microbial diversity of calves. A completely randomized experimental design was used. Sixty-four healthy neonatal Holstein female calves with birth weight ≥ 35 kg were randomly divided into one control and three treatments (16 calves per group). The control group was fed normally, and the treatment group was fed oregano essential oil, butyrate, and their mixture, respectively. The experiment lasted for 70 days, and the lactation period lasted for 56 days. On days 55 and 70, rectal fecal samples from five calves were collected from each group for 16S rRNA amplification and sequencing. The results showed as follows: (1) the three treatments had no significant effects on the intestinal microbial community diversity, community uniformity, and community pedigree diversity of calves (p > 0.05). (2) At the phylum level, Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Spriochatetota, Actinobacteriota, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidota gates of the main bacteria were detected in feces. (3) At the genus level, the top ten species with relative abundance detected are: norank_ F_Muribaaculaceae, Ruminococcus, unclassified_ F_ Lachnospiraceae, UCG-005, Prevotelaceae_NK3B31_Group, Prevotella, Bacteroides, Rikenellaceae_RC9_Gut_Group, and Faecalibacterium, Alloprevotella. (4) LEfSe analysis results show that the species with significant differences in the control group were f__Lachnospiraceae, o__Lachnospirales, o__Coriobacteriales, and c__Coriobacteriia, g__Megasphaera; in the essential oil group were g__Lachnospiraceae_AC2044_group, o__Izemoplasmatales, g__norank_f__norank_o__Izemoplasmatales, and f__norank_o__Izemoplasmatales; in the sodium butyrate group were g__Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, and g__Sharpea, g__Fournierella; in the mixed group were g__Flavonifractor, and g__UBA1819. (5) The functional prediction analysis of calf gut microbes, found on the KEGG pathway2, shows that essential oil significantly improved membrane transport, Sodium butyrate inhibits lipid metabolism and improves the body's resistance to disease. (p < 0.05). (6) The effects of each treatment on the intestinal microbial structure of calves did not last for 14 days after the treatment was stopped. In conclusion, the addition of oregano essential oil, butyrate, and its mixtures to milk fed to calves can modulate the microbial structure, and it is recommended that oregano essential oil and butyrate be used separately, as a mixture of the two can increase the rate of diarrhea in calves.

Applications and Market of Micro-Organism-Based and Plant-Based Inputs in Brazilian Agriculture.

The use of plant-based and micro-organism-based biological inputs is a sustainable agricultural practice. It promotes a suitable and better utilization of non-renewable resources in the environment. The benefits of using micro-organisms are associated with direct and indirect mechanisms, mainly related to improvements in the absorption and availability of nutrients, resulting in a consequent impact on plant growth. The main benefits of using biochemical pesticides are the promotion of sustainability and the management of resistance to pests and diseases. Although the use of micro-organisms and botanical metabolites is a promising agricultural alternative, they are still primarily concentrated in grain crops. There is a huge opportunity to expand the plant-based and micro-organism-based biological inputs used in agriculture due to the wide range of mechanisms of action of those products. At a global level, several terminologies have been adopted to characterize biological inputs, but many terms used conflict with Brazilian legislation. This review will clarify the classes of biological inputs existing in Brazil as well as present the application and evolution of the market for microbiological and plant-based inputs.

Environmental and Microbial Factors in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Model Establishment: A Review Partly through Mendelian Randomization.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex condition resulting from environmental, microbial, immunologic, and genetic factors. With the advancement of Mendelian randomization research in IBD, we have gained new insights into the relationship between these factors and IBD. Many animal models of IBD have been developed using different methods, but few studies have attempted to model IBD by combining environmental factors and microbial factors. In this review, we examine how environmental factors and microbial factors affect the development and progression of IBD, and how they interact with each other and with the intestinal microbiota. We also summarize the current methods for creating animal models of IBD and compare their advantages and disadvantages. Based on the latest findings from Mendelian randomization studies on the role of environmental factors in IBD, we discuss which environmental and microbial factors could be used to construct a more realistic and reliable IBD experimental model. We propose that animal models of IBD should consider both environmental and microbial factors to better mimic human IBD pathogenesis and to reveal the underlying mechanisms of IBD at the immune and genetic levels. We highlight the importance of environmental and microbial factors in IBD pathogenesis and offer new perspectives and suggestions for improving experimental animal modeling. Our goal is to create a model that closely resembles the clinical picture of IBD.

Gram-negative Late Onset Neonatal Sepsis in a Tertiary Care Center From Central India: A Retrospective Analysis.

Background: Neonatal sepsis has been a major cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity globally. Late onset sepsis is on the rise mostly due to better health care services and improved survival of premature neonates. Gram-negative sepsis has emerged as a major public health problem constituting significant morbidity and mortality. There is limited data on gram-negative late onset sepsis from the central part of India, therefore this study was conducted at a tertiary care center from rural part of India. Objectives: To determine the clinical profile and outcome among neonates with gram-negative late onset sepsis. Design: It is a retrospective analysis conducted among neonates with gram-negative late onset sepsis at a tertiary care center from central India. Methods: All neonates below 28 days of age suspected to have late onset sepsis were enrolled in the study. The data for the period of January 2019 to December 2021 was collected and analyzed using software SPSS version 29. The outcome variables studied were discharge (good outcome) and death (poor outcome). Results: In the present study, overall prevalence of gram-negative late onset sepsis was 4.8%. Respiratory distress (52.2%), seizure (18.9%), jaundice (15.6%), and lethargy (15.6%) were common clinical symptoms among neonates with sepsis. The most common organism isolated was Klebsiella spp. (36.7%) followed by Acinetobacter spp. (31.1%) and E. coli (17.8%). Low gestational age (n = 20 vs n = 7, P = .002) and low birth weight (n = 33 vs n = 4, P = .02) were associated with poor outcomes in neonates with gram negative LOS. The overall mortality rate was found to be 30% among neonates with gram negative sepsis. Conclusion: The prevalence of gram-negative sepsis was found to be 4.8%. Factors associated with poor outcome in gram-negative sepsis were low birth weight, and prematurity. Klebsiella spp. was found to be a common cause of gram-negative LOS, therefore, the empiric antibiotic policy must provide coverage against these micro-organisms.

Research on Thermal Insulation Performance and Impact on Indoor Air Quality of Cellulose-Based Thermal Insulation Materials.

Worldwide, the need for thermal insulation materials used to increase the energy performance of buildings and ensure indoor thermal comfort is constantly growing. There are several traditional, well-known and frequently used thermal insulation materials on the building materials market, but there is a growing trend towards innovative materials based on agro-industrial waste. This paper analyses the performance of 10 such innovative thermal insulation materials obtained by recycling cellulosic and/or animal waste, using standardised testing methods. More precisely, thermal insulation materials based on the following raw materials were analysed: cellulose acetate, cigarette filter manufacturing waste; cellulose acetate, cigarette filter manufacturing waste and cigarette paper waste; cellulose acetate, waste from cigarette filter manufacturing, waste cigarette paper and waste aluminised paper; cellulose from waste paper (two types made by two independent manufacturers); wood fibres; cellulose from cardboard waste; cellulose from waste cardboard, poor processing, inhomogeneous product; rice husk waste and composite based on sheep wool, recycled PET fibres and cellulosic fibres for the textile industry. The analysis followed the performance in terms of thermal insulating quality, evidenced by the thermal conductivity coefficient (used as a measurable indicator) determined for both dry and conditioned material at 50% RH, in several density variants, simulating the subsidence under its own weight or under various possible stresses arising in use. The results showed in most cases that an increase in material density has beneficial effects by reducing the coefficient of thermal conductivity, but exceptions were also reported. In conjunction with this parameter, the analysis of the 10 types of materials also looked at their moisture sorption/desorption capacity (using as a measurable indicator the amount of water stored by the material), concluding that, although they have a capacity to regulate the humidity of the indoor air, under low RH conditions the water loss is not complete, leaving a residual quantity of material that could favour the development of mould. Therefore, the impact on indoor air quality was also analysed by assessing the risk of mould growth (using as a measurable indicator the class and performance category of the material in terms of nutrient content conducive to the growth of microorganisms) under high humidity conditions but also the resistance to the action of two commonly encountered moulds, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium notatum. The results showed a relative resistance to the action of microbiological factors, indicating however the need for intensified biocidal treatment.

Fermented Beverage Benefits: A Comprehensive Review and Comparison of Kombucha and Kefir Microbiome.

Beverage fermentation is an ancient ritual that has been practised for millennia. It was slowly disappearing from households and communities due to the advancement of manufacturing technology and the marketing of soft drinks until the recent revival of the beverage fermentation culture due to an increase in the demand for health drinks amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Kombucha and kefir are two well-known fermented beverages that are renowned for their myriad of health benefits. The starter materials for making these beverages contain micro-organisms that act like microscopic factories producing beneficial nutrients that have antimicrobial and anticancer effects. The materials modulate the gut microbiota and promote positive effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Due to wide variations in the substrates and types of micro-organisms involved in the production of both kombucha and kefir, this paper compiles a compendium of the micro-organisms present and highlights their nutritional roles.

Functional diversity can facilitate the collapse of an undesirable ecosystem state.

Biodiversity may increase ecosystem resilience. However, we have limited understanding if this holds true for ecosystems that respond to gradual environmental change with abrupt shifts to an alternative state. We used a mathematical model of anoxic-oxic regime shifts and explored how trait diversity in three groups of bacteria influences resilience. We found that trait diversity did not always increase resilience: greater diversity in two of the groups increased but in one group decreased resilience of their preferred ecosystem state. We also found that simultaneous trait diversity in multiple groups often led to reduced or erased diversity effects. Overall, our results suggest that higher diversity can increase resilience but can also promote collapse when diversity occurs in a functional group that negatively influences the state it occurs in. We propose this mechanism as a potential management approach to facilitate the recovery of a desired ecosystem state.

Effects of folic acid and riboflavin on growth performance, nutrient digestion and rumen fermentation in Angus bulls.

This study examined the influences of coated folic acid (CFA) and coated riboflavin (CRF) on bull performance, nutrients digestion and ruminal fermentation. Forty-eight Angus bulls based on a randomised block and 2 × 2 factorial design were assigned to four treatments. The CFA of 0 or 6 mg of folic acid/kg DM was supplemented in diets with CRF 0 or 60 mg riboflavin (RF)/kg DM. Supplementation of CRF in diets with CFA had greater increase in daily weight gain and feed efficiency than in diets without CFA. Supplementation with CFA or CRF enhanced digestibility of DM, organic matter, crude protein, neutral-detergent fibre and non-fibre carbohydrate. Ruminal pH and ammonia N content decreased and total volatile fatty acids concentration and acetate to propionate ratio elevated for CFA or CRF addition. Supplement of CFA or CRF increased the activities of fibrolytic enzymes and the numbers of total bacteria, protozoa, fungi, dominant fibrolytic bacteria and Prevotella ruminicola. The activities of α-amylase, protease and pectinase and the numbers of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens and Ruminobacter amylophilus were increased by CFA but were unaffected by CRF. Blood concentration of folate elevated and homocysteine decreased for CFA addition. The CRF supplementation elevated blood concentrations of folate and RF. These findings suggested that CFA or CRF inclusion had facilitating effects on performance and ruminal fermentation, and combined addition of CFA and CRF had greater increase in performance than CFA or CRF addition alone in bulls.

Causative Micro-Organisms in Necrotizing Fasciitis and their Influence on Inflammatory Parameters and Clinical Outcome.

Background: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a potentially fatal soft tissue infection. Four types of pathogens can be distinguished in the pathogen spectrum, although there are strong regional differences with regard to the most common pathogens. Patients and Methods: All cases of NF between 2003 and 2021 with an identified causative agent were analyzed retrospectively. The cases were divided into three groups: polymicrobial, gram-positive and gram-negative. Demographic factors, localization of infection, inflammatory parameters, and clinical outcome were compared between the three groups. Results: A total of 95 cases were analyzed, 41% of which were caused by multiple pathogens. A gram-positive pathogen was reported in 40% of cases and a gram-negative pathogen in 19%. There were significant differences between the three groups with respect to age (with patients in the gram-negative group being on average the oldest) and intensive care unit admissions (which was most frequent in the polymicrobial group). Conclusions: The pathogen spectrum of NF has rarely been studied in a large patient population. Gram-positive pathogens account for the majority of monomicrobial infections in our study. Nevertheless, we recommend calculated broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy given the high number of polymicrobial infections and gram-negative infections. Gram-negative infections may be associated with increased mortality, elevated procalcitonin levels, and are relatively frequent in NF of the lower extremities.

Analysis of subgingival micro-organisms based on multi-omics and Treg/Th17 balance in type 2 diabetes with/without periodontitis.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and periodontitis are common and interrelated diseases, resulting in altered host response microbiota. The subgingival micro-organisms play a key role in periodontitis pathogenesis. To assess the shift of subgingival microbiome and metabolome in T2DM, we performed an analysis of the subgingival microbiome in patients with T2DM (n = 20) compared with non-diabetes (ND) subjects (n = 21). Furthermore, patients were subdivided into 10 T2DM with periodontitis (DP), 10 T2DM without periodontitis (DNP), 10 periodontitis (P), and 11 healthy control (H) groups. 16SrRNA gene sequencing combined with ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) based metabolomics was performed in all participants. T lymphocyte immunity was analyzed by flow cytometry. Furthermore, the network relationship among subgingival micro-organisms, metabolites, blood glucose level, and T lymphocyte immunity were analyzed. The results showed that the difference of the subgingival microbiome from healthy to periodontitis status was less prominent in T2DM compared with ND, though the clinical signs of disease were similar. The bacteria Eubacterium nodatum group, Filifactor, Fretibacterium, Peptostreptococcus, and Desulfovibrio, amongst others, may be important in the pathopoiesia of periodontitis in the T2DM state. In addition, some dominant bacteria showed network relationships. The Treg/Th17 ratio was lower in the DP and DNP groups than in the P and H groups-though that of P was lower than for H. The percentage of CD4+/CD8+ PD1 and CD8+ PDL1 was higher in the DP and DNP groups than in the H group; the percentage of CD8+ PDL1 was higher in the DP than P groups. Subgingival micro-organisms in periodontitis had a significant metabolic shift in terms of their signature metabolites. Butyrate metabolism and phenylalanine metabolism may play a role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis with/without T2DM. Specifically, biphenyl degradation, tryptophan metabolism, and the two-component system may play important roles in periodontitis with T2DM. Lastly, the network relationship among subgingival micro-organisms, metabolites, blood glucose level, and T lymphocyte immunity were unbalanced. This study identified the changes in the subgingival microbiome associated with periodontitis in T2DM, as well as the associated network between bacterial flora, metabolism dysbiosis, and immune regulation.

Soil pH and Soluble Organic Matter Shifts Exerted by Heating Affect Microbial Response.

Fire-induced alterations to soil pH and organic matter play an important role in the post-fire microbial response. However, the magnitude of which each parameter affects this response is still unclear. The main objective of this work was to determine the magnitude in which soil pH and organic matter fire-induced alterations condition the response of viable and cultivable micro-organisms using laboratory heating, mimicking a range of fire intensities. Four heating treatments were applied to unaltered forest soil: unheated, 300, 450, and 500 °C. In order to isolate the effect of nutrient or pH heating-induced changes, different culture media were prepared using soil:water extracts from the different heated soils, nutrient, and pH amendments. Each medium was inoculated with different dilutions of a microbial suspension from the same original, unaltered soil, and microbial abundance was estimated. Concurrently, freeze-dry aliquots from each soil:water extract were analyzed by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The microbial abundance in media prepared with heated soil was lower than that in media prepared with unheated soil. Nutrient addition and pH compensation appear to promote microbial proliferation in unaltered and low-intensity heated treatments, but not in those heated at the highest temperatures. Soil organic matter characterization showed a reduction in the number of organic compounds in soil-heated treatments and a marked increase in aromatic compounds, which could be related to the observed low microbial proliferation.

Advances in Production of Hydroxycinnamoyl-Quinic Acids: From Natural Sources to Biotechnology.

Hydroxycinnamoyl-quinic acids (HCQAs) are polyphenol esters formed of hydroxycinnamic acids and (-)-quinic acid. They are naturally synthesized by plants and some micro-organisms. The ester of caffeic acid and quinic acid, the chlorogenic acid, is an intermediate of lignin biosynthesis. HCQAs are biologically active dietary compounds exhibiting several important therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and other activities. They can also be used in the synthesis of nanoparticles or drugs. However, extraction of these compounds from biomass is a complex process and their synthesis requires costly precursors, limiting the industrial production and availability of a wider variety of HCQAs. The recently emerged production through the bioconversion is still in an early stage of development. In this paper, we discuss existing and potential future strategies for production of HCQAs.

Effective cleaning and decontamination of the internal air and water channels, heads and head-gears of multiple contra-angle dental handpieces using an enzymatic detergent and automated washer-disinfection in a dental hospital setting.

BACKGROUND: Dental handpieces (DHPs) are reusable invasive medical devices that must be cleaned, decontaminated, lubricated and steam sterilized after use. DHPs have a complex internal design including narrow channels, contamination of which can compromise sterilization. DHPs are not designed for routine disassembly, making cleaning/decontamination efficacy difficult to monitor. Washer-disinfection is the preferred method of decontaminating DHPs, but few studies have investigated its direct effectiveness at reducing microbial contamination internally. AIMS: To use contra-angle DHPs as a model system to investigate the effectiveness of washer-disinfection at reducing microbial contamination of internal components of multiple DHPs. METHODS: The air and water channels and heads of 10 disassembled contra-angle DHPs (BienAir, Biel/Bienne, Switzerland) were inoculated separately with 108 colony forming units (cfu) of Pseudomanas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus hirae or Candida albicans in the presence of 0.3% bovine serum albumin (BSA) (clean conditions), 3.0% BSA or 10% artificial test soil (dirty conditions). After reassembly, all 10 DHPs underwent washer-disinfection simultaneously in a Míele (Míele Ireland Ltd., Dublin, Ireland) PG8528 washer-disinfector and were tested for reductions in micro-organisms and protein. Additional experiments were undertaken with three lubricated DHPs inoculated with S. aureus and 10% test soil. All experiments were repeated in triplicate. FINDINGS: On average, an approximate 5 log or greater reduction in microbial cfu and a >93% reduction in protein from DHP heads and channels was consistently recorded following washer-disinfection for all DHPs under all conditions tested. CONCLUSIONS: The internal components of multiple DHPs can be effectively cleaned and decontaminated by washer-disinfection.