scholarly journals Effects of Irregularities in the Microstructure of Surgical Instruments on Microbial Adherence and Challenges for Processing

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s208-s208
Author(s):  
Sintia Evangelista ◽  
Adriana Oliveira

Background: A surgical instrument can have areas that pose different challenges to cleaning, hindering the removal of dirt. This can directly impact the effectiveness of its processing while potentially promoting cross contamination. Moreover, structural changes (ie, cracks or fissures) on the instrument surface, although rarely addressed, can act as reservoirs for microorganisms, contributing to organic matter retention, microbial growth, and biofilm formation. Our aim was to determine the effect of irregularities in the microstructure of surgical instruments on microbial adherence. Methods: We analyzed 18 fragments of 3 distinct areas of new crile forceps: the ratchet, shank, and jaw. Of these fragments, 15 were artificially contaminated by immersion in tryptic soy broth containing 10 6 CFU/mL of Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), for 4, 6, 8, and 12 hours of incubation at 37C with agitation at 100 rpm. The other 3 fragments were used as controls. All fragments were subjected to scanning electron microscopy to evaluate the adhesion of the microorganism. Results: An irregular surface was found in 3 of 6 shank fragments (50%) (Fig. 1) and in all the jaw and ratchet fragments, grooves, and cracks. Initially, there was less adherence of E. coli to the smooth shank surface after contamination, but the concentration of the microorganism increased progressively over time in relation to that in the jaw or ratchet at the same time, and a higher concentration occurred in the cracks and grooves. Conclusions: Structural damage was observed in all fragments, especially in the ratchet and jaw areas, favoring microbial accumulation. Microorganisms housed in the cracks and grooves were better protected from removal by scrubbing with a brush (being unlikely to reach them), making these areas a microbial reservoir and source of contamination. Prolonged contact of the instrument with the contaminating microorganism allowed for greater adherence, even on the smooth areas. The results support the relevance of the early onset of cleaning, considering that even microscopic changes on the surface of the instrument may represent an additional challenge to its effective processing.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

2021 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Síntia de Souza Evangelista ◽  
Simone Gonçalves dos Santos ◽  
Adriana Cristina de Oliveira

ABSTRACT Objectives: to evaluate the microbial load and adherence of Escherichia coli in different areas of the surgical instrument surface exposed to experimental contamination over time. Methods: experimental study in which fragments of crile forceps (serrated, rod and rack) were contaminated by immersion in Tryptic Soy Broth, containing 106 CFU/mL of E. coli, for 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 hours. Microbial load and bacterial adherence were evaluated using microbiological culture and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Results: there was an increase in the microbial load on the surgical instrument, proportional to the contamination interval, ranging from 102 after 1 hour to 105 CFU/cm2 in 24 hours. The presence of exopolysaccharide was detected after two hours of contamination. Conclusions: microbial load and adhesion of E. coli increased over time, reaching 105 CFU/cm2 after 24 hours of contamination, starting biofilm formation after two hours.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine C. Gaylarde ◽  
Jose Antonio Baptista-Neto

AbstractDimension stone is natural rock prepared for building use. It is rapidly colonised by microorganisms that cause discoloration (mainly cyanobacteria, algae and fungi) and structural damage. Microbial mobilisation of ions leads to new superficial or internal deposits, weakening the structure. Cyanobacteria and fungi may penetrate, filling pores or creating new spaces. Lichens, fungus/phototroph associations, colonise surfaces and damage stone through ingrowing rhizines and acid production. Initial degradation produces conditions suitable for germination of seeds of higher plants and further destruction. Emerging techniques to elucidate stone-cell interactions and control of initial biofilm formation that eventuates in stone disintegration are discussed.


Author(s):  
W. Kunath ◽  
E. Zeitler ◽  
M. Kessel

The features of digital recording of a continuous series (movie) of singleelectron TV frames are reported. The technique is used to investigate structural changes in negatively stained glutamine synthetase molecules (GS) during electron irradiation and, as an ultimate goal, to look for the molecules' “undamaged” structure, say, after a 1 e/Å2 dose.The TV frame of fig. la shows an image of 5 glutamine synthetase molecules exposed to 1/150 e/Å2. Every single electron is recorded as a unit signal in a 256 ×256 field. The extremely low exposure of a single TV frame as dictated by the single-electron recording device including the electron microscope requires accumulation of 150 TV frames into one frame (fig. lb) thus achieving a reasonable compromise between the conflicting aspects of exposure time per frame of 3 sec. vs. object drift of less than 1 Å, and exposure per frame of 1 e/Å2 vs. rate of structural damage.


Author(s):  
M. Boublik ◽  
V. Mandiyan ◽  
J.F. Hainfeld ◽  
J.S. Wall

The aim of this study is to understand the mechanism of 16S rRNA folding into the compact structure of the small 30S subunit of E. coli ribosome. The assembly of the 30S E. coli ribosomal subunit is a sequence of specific interactions of 16S rRNA with 21 ribosomal proteins (S1-S21). Using dedicated high resolution STEM we have monitored structural changes induced in 16S rRNA by the proteins S4, S8, S15 and S20 which are involved in the initial steps of 30S subunit assembly. S4 is the first protein to bind directly and stoichiometrically to 16S rRNA. Direct binding also occurs individually between 16S RNA and S8 and S15. However, binding of S20 requires the presence of S4 and S8. The RNA-protein complexes are prepared by the standard reconstitution procedure, dialyzed against 60 mM KCl, 2 mM Mg(OAc)2, 10 mM-Hepes-KOH pH 7.5 (Buffer A), freeze-dried and observed unstained in dark field at -160°.


Author(s):  
Wayan Budiarsa Suyasa ◽  
Sri Kunti Pancadewi G. A ◽  
Iryanti E. Suprihatin ◽  
Dwi Adi Suastuti G. A.

In order to maintain the environmental carrying capacity of coastal tourism, this research was conducted to determine the condition of river water environmental pollution in the Petitenget beach area and pollutant source activities. Determination of water quality is carried out by analyzing the water quality taken at several sampling points in the four rivers that lead to the Petitenget beach. Determined the pollution index value (IP) of the physical chemical and biological pollution parameters. The results showed that the four rivers that flow into the Petitenget Beach area had been contaminated with indications of pH, BOD, COD, ammonia, Coliform and E. coli which exceeded water quality category III class quality (PerGub Bali No 16 Year 2016). The four rivers are included in the criteria of severe contamination. The four rivers have experienced physical damage or structural changes that have very high discharge fluctuations both in quantity and quality. Slimy basic structure, smelly and slum aesthetic waters. While the indication of the impact of pollution is waste water which is directly discharged into the river from hotels, restaurants, homestays, commercial centers and settlements.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Huiyi Song ◽  
Ni Lou ◽  
Jianjun Liu ◽  
Hong Xiang ◽  
Dong Shang

Abstract Background Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the principal pathogen that causes biofilm formation. Biofilms are associated with infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance. This study employed proteomic analysis to identify differentially expressed proteins after coculture of E. coli with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) microcapsules. Methods To explore the relevant protein abundance changes after E. coli and LGG coculture, label-free quantitative proteomic analysis and qRT-PCR were applied to E. coli and LGG microcapsule groups before and after coculture, respectively. Results The proteomic analysis characterised a total of 1655 proteins in E. coli K12MG1655 and 1431 proteins in the LGG. After coculture treatment, there were 262 differentially expressed proteins in E. coli and 291 in LGG. Gene ontology analysis showed that the differentially expressed proteins were mainly related to cellular metabolism, the stress response, transcription and the cell membrane. A protein interaction network and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis indicated that the differentiated proteins were mainly involved in the protein ubiquitination pathway and mitochondrial dysfunction. Conclusions These findings indicated that LGG microcapsules may inhibit E. coli biofilm formation by disrupting metabolic processes, particularly in relation to energy metabolism and stimulus responses, both of which are critical for the growth of LGG. Together, these findings increase our understanding of the interactions between bacteria under coculture conditions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Di Matteo ◽  
Gianluca Smerilli ◽  
Edoardo Cipolletta ◽  
Fausto Salaffi ◽  
Rossella De Angelis ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose of Review To highlight the potential uses and applications of imaging in the assessment of the most common and relevant musculoskeletal (MSK) manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Recent Findings Ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are accurate and sensitive in the assessment of inflammation and structural damage at the joint and soft tissue structures in patients with SLE. The US is particularly helpful for the detection of joint and/or tendon inflammation in patients with arthralgia but without clinical synovitis, and for the early identification of bone erosions. MRI plays a key role in the early diagnosis of osteonecrosis and in the assessment of muscle involvement (i.e., myositis and myopathy). Conventional radiography (CR) remains the traditional gold standard for the evaluation of structural damage in patients with joint involvement, and for the study of bone pathology. The diagnostic value of CR is affected by the poor sensitivity in demonstrating early structural changes at joint and soft tissue level. Computed tomography allows a detailed evaluation of bone damage. However, the inability to distinguish different soft tissues and the need for ionizing radiation limit its use to selected clinical circumstances. Nuclear imaging techniques are valuable resources in patients with suspected bone infection (i.e., osteomyelitis), especially when MRI is contraindicated. Finally, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry represents the imaging mainstay for the assessment and monitoring of bone status in patients with or at-risk of osteoporosis. Summary Imaging provides relevant and valuable information in the assessment of MSK involvement in SLE.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 414
Author(s):  
Neda Aničić ◽  
Uroš Gašić ◽  
Feng Lu ◽  
Ana Ćirić ◽  
Marija Ivanov ◽  
...  

Two Balkan Peninsula endemics, Nepeta rtanjensis and N. argolica subsp. argolica, both characterized by specialized metabolite profiles predominated by iridoids and phenolics, are differentiated according to the stereochemistry of major iridoid aglycone nepetalactone (NL). For the first time, the present study provides a comparative analysis of antimicrobial and immunomodulating activities of the two Nepeta species and their major iridoids isolated from natural sources—cis,trans-NL, trans,cis-NL, and 1,5,9-epideoxyloganic acid (1,5,9-eDLA), as well as of phenolic acid rosmarinic acid (RA). Methanol extracts and pure iridoids displayed excellent antimicrobial activity against eight strains of bacteria and seven strains of fungi. They were especially potent against food-borne pathogens such as L. monocytogenes, E. coli, S. aureus, Penicillium sp., and Aspergillus sp. Targeted iridoids were efficient agents in preventing biofilm formation of resistant P. aeruginosa strain, and they displayed additive antimicrobial interaction. Iridoids are, to a great extent, responsible for the prominent antimicrobial activities of the two Nepeta species, although are probably minor contributors to the moderate immunomodulatory effects. The analyzed iridoids and RA, individually or in mixtures, have the potential to be used in the pharmaceutical industry as potent antimicrobials, and in the food industry to increase the shelf life and safety of food products.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Anokwah ◽  
Evelyn Asante-Kwatia ◽  
Abraham Y. Mensah ◽  
Cynthia Amaning Danquah ◽  
Benjamin K. Harley ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Antimicrobial resistance is a global health challenge. The involvement of bacterial biofilms and efflux pumps in the development of multidrug resistance (MDR) is well established. Medicinal plants have been proposed as alternatives for combating MDR focusing on their bioactive constituents with resistance modulatory activities. This study was aimed at investigating the stem bark of Aidia genipiflora for bioactive constituents with anti-biofilm, efflux pump inhibition and resistance modulatory activities. Method The crude methanol extract was purified by column chromatography and isolated compounds characterized by mass and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry. Antibacterial activity was determined by the High-throughput spot culture growth inhibition and the broth micro-dilution assay. The ethidium bromide accumulation assay was used to determine efflux pump inhibition property. Biofilm inhibition was determined in a microplate crystal violet retention assay. Results Purification of the ethyl acetate fraction led to the isolation of oleanonic acid (1), 4-hydroxy cinnamic acid docosyl ester (2), β-stigmasterol/β-sitosterol (mixture 3a/b) and D-mannitol (4). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranged from 250 to > 500 μg/mL for extracts and fractions and from 15 to 250 μg/mL for compounds. In the presence of sub-inhibitory concentrations of the compounds, the MIC of amoxicillin against E. coli (20 μg/mL) and P. aeruginosa (320 μg/mL) was reduced by 32 and 10 folds respectively. The whole extract demonstrated anti-biofilm formation and efflux pump inhibition in E. coli, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. The sterol mixture (3a/b) at concentration of 100 μg/mL caused the highest inhibition (73%) of biofilm formation in S. aureus. Oleanonic acid (1) demonstrated remarkable efflux pump inhibition at MIC of 7.8 μg/mL in E. coli better than the standard drugs verapamil and chlorpromazine. Conclusion This study confirms the prospects of A. genipiflora as a source of new antibacterial agents and adjuvants that could interact with some resistance mechanisms in bacteria to enhance the activity of hitherto ineffective antibiotics. “A small portion of the study has been presented in a conference in the form of poster”.


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