Impact of Povidone-iodine Versus Chlorhexidine for Periurethral Cleaning Before Catheterization on Pyuria and Bacteriuria Among Emergency Department Patients

Background: We aimed to determine the effect of periurethral cleaning before catheterization using chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine on bacteriuria and pyuria. Methods: This study was a single-blind clinical trial on a sample selected by convenience sampling. Demographic and clinical questionnaires were completed, and patients were randomly divided into two groups) 36 patients each of povidone-iodine and chlorhexidine using Minimization Software based on confounding variables including age, consciousness level, triage level, nutritional status, and underlying disease. The periurethral areas were cleaned with the given antiseptics and catheterized using standard and sterile procedures. Then, specimens were taken for urinalysis and urine culture immediately, 72 hours, and five days after catheterization. Then, bacteriuria rate, pyuria rate, and the number of microorganisms were determined through examinations. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 19. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the bacteriuria rate between the two groups immediately (P = 0.76), 72 hours (P = 0.22), and five days (P = 0.50) after catheterization. The positive pyuria rate was not significantly different between the two groups immediately after catheterization. However, it was significantly higher in the povidone-iodine group 72 hours (P = 0.03) and five days (P = 0.004) after catheterization. The Mann-Whitney test compared the mean number of microorganisms between the two groups at different times. This test showed no significant difference in the number of microorganisms immediately (P = 0.93), 72 hours (P = 0.43), and five days (P = 0.61) after catheterization. Conclusions: Due to the lower side effects of chlorhexidine than povidone-iodine, it is suggested that similar studies be performed in other hospital wards with more stable patients to obtain more statistically significant results.

The Effect of the Addition Turmeric on Selected Quality Characteristics of Duck Burgers Stored under Refrigeration

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of turmeric supplementation on selected quality features, oxidative stability, and the safety of duck meat burgers. Four burger variants, namely I–control, no additive, II–with turmeric powder, III–with turmeric extract, and IV–with turmeric paste, were tested. The pH, WHC, colour parameters on the CIE L*a*b* scale, finished products’ shear force, TBARS index, and the total number of microorganisms were determined while performing sensory evaluations. Tests were carried out after 24 h, 6, 12, and 18 days of refrigerated storage (4 ± 2 °C). The addition of turmeric powder and paste significantly limited lipid oxidation processes in vacuum-packed duck meat burgers over an 18-day period. Although lipid oxidation processes accelerated after 6 days in all burger variants, burgers with powdered turmeric powder showed the lowest TBARS index values and limited total microorganism increases. Turmeric paste and powder additions resulted in decreased pH, increased water retention, and lighter colouration in refrigerated products. These additives were deemed acceptable during sensory evaluation. The most desirable aroma and taste, including juiciness, were in burgers with turmeric paste addition, while burgers with powdered additions were rated higher for their desired aroma and intensity of taste.

ISOLATION OF BACTERIA FROM THE SITES OF FEED AND NESTING ACTIVITY OF LARUS DOMINICANUS (GALINDEZISLAND, THE MARITIMEANTARCTIC) AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS

The aim of the study was to investigate the number of different groups of microorganisms in soil samples from sites of feed and nesting activity of Larus dominicanus (Galindez Island, the maritime Antarctic) and to characterize the physiological and biochemical properties of isolated microorganisms. Methods. In the work standard microbiological and biochemical research methods were used (cultural, microscopy methods, determination of enzymatic activity). Genomic DNA was isolated by soft lysis. The 16 S rRNA gene was amplified using universal primers 27F and 1492R. Identification of isolates was performed based on the determination of the 16 S rRNA gene sequence, physiological and biochemical properties. Results. The number of microorganisms of different groups in soil samples from sites of food and nesting activity of Larus dominicanus (Galindez Island, the maritime Antarctic) was established. 74 isolates of bacteria were isolated. Isolate 2U-K-37, that was isolated from upper layer of soil, and isolate 2B-K-54, that was isolated from a depth of 2–5 cm, were characterized by amylase, lipase, phospholipase, protease activities, the ability to form exopolysaccharides.They were identified by sequencing of the 16 S rRNA gene, physiological and biochemical properties as Pedobacter sp. 2U-K-37 and Pseudarthrobacter sp. 2B-K-54. In the soil samples from sites of feed and nesting activity of Larus dominicanus microorganisms that metabolize nitrogen of organic compounds were the most numerous. Oligotrophic microorganisms and microorganisms that metabolize nitrogen of inorganic compounds were less numerous. The number of microorganisms of groups in the samples from the soil surface and lower layers differed statistically significant. Isolated and identified obligate psychrophilic strain Pedobacter sp. 2U-K-37 and psychrotolerant strain Pseudarthrobacter sp. 2B-K-54 are moderate halophiles that are able to hydrolyze starch, gelatin, tween-20 and synthesize exopolysaccharides.

The Formation of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Bacterial Communities During Garlic Powder Processing

Chinese garlic powder (GP) is exported to all countries in the world, but the excess of microorganisms is a serious problem that affects export. The number of microorganisms has a serious impact on the pricing of GP. It is very important to detect and control the microorganism in GP. The purpose of this study was to investigate the contamination and drug resistance of microorganisms during the processing of GP. We used metagenomics and Illumina sequencing to study the composition and dynamic distribution of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), but also the microbial community in three kinds of garlic products from factory processing. The results showed that a total of 126 ARG genes were detected in all the samples, which belonged to 11 ARG species. With the processing of GP, the expression of ARGs showed a trend to increase at first and then to decrease. Network analysis was used to study the co-occurrence patterns among ARG subtypes and bacterial communities and ARGs.

Formation of links between microorganisms of certain groups in haplic luvisol under the influence of mineral fertilization and liming

The aim of the research was to form connections between separate groups of microorganisms as a part of groups of gray forest soil (Haplic Luvisol) during the cultivation of spring wheat with the use of various fertilizers and liming systems. Research methods: microbiological, laboratory-analytical, statistical. The research was carried out in the landfill monitoring system on the basis of a stationary experiment of the Department of Agrosoil Science and Soil Microbiology at the NSC “Institute of Agriculture of NAAS” - Development and improvement of intensive cultivation technologies of agricultural crops on the basis of the expanded soil fertility reproduction. The main results of the study: The number of ammonifiers is positively correlated with the total number of microorganisms (0,955), the number of mineral nitrogen immobilizers, denitrifiers, nitrifiers, cellulose-destroying bacteria, actin- and micromycetes, the coefficient of nitrogen mineralization compounds, the total biological activity (0,911). The conclusions of previous research are confirmed: Azotobacter is not a diagnostic microorganism for effective soil fertility, as evidenced by the insignificance of the correlation coefficients between the number of Azotobacter and the yield of spring wheat (0,265), winter wheat (0,131), soybeans (0,303). The number of Azotobacter correlates inversely with most of the studied indicators, especially significant - with the number of polysaccharide-synthesizing microorganisms, actinomycetes, melanin-synthesizing micromycetes (-0,719), acid-forming microorganisms (- 0,611), physiological and biochemical activity of own cells, pedotrophic index. The direct nature of the relationship is established between the number of polysaccharide-synthesizing microorganisms as a diagnostic group for the optimal mineral nutrition of plants and the number of mineral nitrogen immobilizers (0,854), pedotrophs (0,970), cellulose-destructive (0,724) and autochthonous (0,878) microorganisms, actinomycetes, micromycetes, the total number of microorganisms (0,588), probability of colony formation of denitrifiers, autochthonous microorganisms and micromycetes, nitrogen mineralization coefficient, total biological activity (0,646). Indigenous microorganisms show a high level of direct dependence on the number of mineral nitrogen immobilizers, pedotrophs, cellulose-destroying and polysaccharide-synthesizing microorganisms, the total number of microorganisms, physiological and biochemical activity of denitrifiers and own cells (0,935).

Characterization of Potential Pollutants from Poly(lactic acid) after the Degradation Process in Soil under Simulated Environmental Conditions

In recent years, the amount of produced petrochemical plastic waste has been growing at an alarming rate. According to the Plastics Europe Market Research Group (PEMRG)/Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH, in 2018 the global production of plastics amounts to 359 million tons, and in Europe—61.8 million tons. More than 80% of all marine litter is plastic, which accumulates in the environment due to its durability. Due to the growing problem, biodegradable polymer products are introduced to the market. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct research on degradation products in order to estimate the risk arising from their presence in the environment. This paper discusses research on compounds that may potentially remain in the soil after the degradation of the double green PLA polymer. The aim of the research was to prove whether products made of PLA, e.g., packaging, films and other waste can release substances harmful to the environment. Therefore, soil was selected as a medium to characterize the substances potentially released from the polymer under conditions simulating the degradation process in the environment. The soil was always used from the same producer. Before the polymer biodegradation process, it was additionally checked for pH, C and N content, number of microorganisms, etc. PLA degradation in soil was carried out in a laboratory accredited by the Polish Accreditation Center (PCA). During the research, soil samples at various stages of the degradation process under laboratory conditions were subjected to both extraction in an aqueous environment and organic solvent extraction The studies used the gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS), as well as pyrolysis gas chromatography (Py-GC/MS). In addition, the study used the gel permeation chromatography (GPC/SEC) allowing to determine the distribution of molar masses, average molar masses and polydispersity, and the infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).

The Impact of Forest Fungi on Promoting Growth and Development of Brassica napus L.

Inoculation of plants with fungi has been shown to increase yields by improving germination, seedling vigor, plant growth, root morphogenesis, photosynthesis, and flowering through direct or indirect mechanisms. These mechanisms include solubilization and mineralization of nutrients, facilitating their uptake by plants, regulation of hormone balance, production of volatile organic compounds and microbial enzymes, suppression of plant pathogens, and mitigation of abiotic stresses. In the presented experiments, the effect of selected forest soil fungi on the growth and development of Brassica napus L. seedlings was investigated. Inoculation was carried out in vivo and in pot experiments with ectomycorrhizal and saprophytic fungi typical of forest soils: Collybia tuberosa, Clitocybe sp., Laccaria laccata, Hebeloma mesophaeum, and Cyathusolla. It was shown that all analyzed fungi produced IAA. In the in vitro experiment, B. napus inoculated with L. laccata showed stimulated root growth and greater number of leaves compared to control plants. A similar stimulatory effect on lateral root formation was observed in cuttings grown in pots in the presence of the C. olla fungus. In the pot experiment, the seedlings inoculated with the L. laccata fungus also showed increased growth of shoots and biomass. The effect of inoculation with the tested fungal strains, especially C. olla, on the growth and development of oilseed rape was probably indirect, as it also contributed to an increase in the number of microorganisms, especially soil bacteria. The expression of the metallothioneins in B. napus (BnMT1-BnMT3) varied depending on the fungal species. The presence of C. olla significantly increased BnMT2 expression in oilseed rape. It was found that BnMT1 expression increased and BnMT3 transcripts decreased in plants growing in the presence of L. laccata. This indicates the involvement of BnMT in the adaptation of oilseed rape to growth in fungi presence.

Changes in the microbial community structure triggered by permafrost peat thawing

An increase in permafrost temperature, accompanied by the melting and release of buried organic carbon, is one of the elements of the global warming scenario. To understand the way ecosystems respond to environmental changes, it is necessary to elucidate the factors affecting the distribution and activity of microbes in permafrost soils, which have been poorly studied so far. Meanwhile, they can have significant implications for nutrient cycling and related processes. Our research is devoted to assessing changes in the structure of the microbial community due to the melting of the palsa permafrost layer caused by the fire in 2007. The ecological-trophic groups of microorganisms of the territories changed under the influence of a natural fire in comparison with undisturbed analogs have been studied. It was revealed that the number of microorganisms in most groups on the palsa, affected by fire, is statistically significantly higher than the number of microorganisms in the undisturbed area.

The effect of culture medium of Interfillum terricola (J.B.Petersen) Mikhailyuk et al. (Charophyta) on allelopathic, microbiological, agrophysical and agrochemical characteristics of soil

The influence of the cultural medium of the charophyte Interfillum terricola on the allelopathic, microbiological, agrophysical and agrochemical properties of the soil have been studied in model pot experiments. Allelopathic soil regime was assessed by biological testing methods for water-soluble compounds and direct biotesting, as well as by vital indicators of plants-phytometers of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L., variety "Smuglyanka") and fodder corn (Zea mays L., variety "Kadr 267 MB"). The seeds were sown immediately after the introduction of the culture fluid. The number of germinated seeds was recorded from the 2nd to the 8th day after sowing. The vital condition of phytometer plants was evaluated at the end of the experiments by morphometric indicators of growth (leaf surface area, dry matter biomass of aboveground parts and roots) and the content of photosynthetic pigments in the leaves. When the experiment was completed, soil samples were taken to determine the cytostatic effect of water-soluble compounds and to carry out microbiological and biochemical analyzes. Phenolic compounds were isolated from the soil by ion exchange (desorption) using an ion exchanger KU-2-8 (Н+). In parallel, the electrical conductivity, redox potential, pH and content of nutrients in the soil were determined. The stimulating effect of cultural medium on seed germination, growth and development of assimilation organs of wheat and corn plants has been revealed. The strength of the effect did not depend on the concentration of growing medium, which is characteristic of signal allelopathically active substances. Allelopathic and cytostatic activity of the soil decreased with the use of Interfillum terricola growing medium. The introduction of the cultural fluid significantly affected the number of microorganisms of different ecological and trophic groups. The lowest number of microorganisms was observed at the minimum rate of introduction of microalga medium, and its increase contributed to the growth of the number of almost all studied groups of microorganisms, indicators of transformation and mineralization of organic matter. Under the influence of the cultural medium, the content of phenolic compounds in the soil decreased by 1.1–1.6 times, especially at the norm of 10 mL. The soil treated with cultural fluid had higher rates of transformation and mineralization of organic matter than untreated. The concentration of phenolic compounds in the soil decreased, apparently, due to the activation of the microbiota resulting in the intensification of the destruction processes. An increase in the electrical conductivity of the soil with the introduction of microalgae inoculum was recorded, which may indicate the release of metal ions into the substrate. This confirms the increase in Ca and Mg.

The balance of nitrogen forms and number of microorganisms of the nitrogen cycle in vermicomposts based on leaf litter and cow manure

The processes of nitrogen transformation in the vermiculture system by Eisenia fetida using cow manure and leaf litter (poplar with small birch addition) have been investigated. Vermicomposting was carried out for five months in half-cubic meter wooden containers. The Kjeldahl method and potentiometry determined the total nitrogen, NH4 + and NO3- content in vermicompost. The total nitrogen content in cow manure was 1.83%, in leaf litter - 0.73%. The nitrate and ammonium content in non-composted leaf litter was 351 and 7.3 mEq/kg of dry matter, respectively. The nitrate and ammonium content in non-composted cow manure was 18.2 and 22 mEq/kg, respectively. Both investigated substrates of vermicomposting did not influence total nitrogen content. In cow manure-based vermicomposting system, the ammonium amount decreased by 5.3 times, while the concentration of nitrates increased by 6.5 times. In the leaf litter-based vermicomposting system, the ammonium amount increased by 2.9 times, and the amount of the nitrate increased by 1.6 times. The Azotobacter bacteria actual activity in both vermicomposts was close to 100%. The sum of nitrogen cycle microorganisms in manure vermicompost was 2.4 times higher than in leaf litter vermicompost.