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Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2023is one of the causes of non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections in moray eels and salamanders. Although infection could be a threat to salamanders, little information...
INTRODUCTION
is one of the causes of non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections in moray eels and salamanders. Although infection could be a threat to salamanders, little information is available regarding this pathogen and associated infection. This study aimed to provide fundamental information regarding and its infection in salamanders.
METHODS
Nine strains isolated from three species of salamanders, namely, Japanese black salamander (), Hakuba salamander (), and Tohoku hynobiid salamander (), between 2010 and 2018, were characterized based on phenotypic and genetic examination. We also pathologically observed salamanders infected with the strains, including Hakuba salamanders and Tohoku hynobiid salamanders.
RESULTS
The microbiological and chemical characteristics of the salamander and an eel strain (reference strain) matched. Susceptibility testing for antimicrobials suggested that clarithromycin may be effective. Regarding disinfectants, phtharal, peracetic acid, glutaral, sodium hypochlorite, and benzalkonium chloride may be effective. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the strains isolated from salamanders in 2014 and 2018 were genetically closely related, which could indicate an outbreak. The main gross findings in infected salamanders include skin ulcerative lesions or nodules in the enlarged liver. Microscopically, multifocal to coalescent granulomatous lesions composed of massive macrophages containing numerous acid-fast bacilli were prominently observed in the liver.
CONCLUSION
This study contributes to our understanding of the genetic diversity and phenotypic characteristics of , as well as the pathology of the infection.
PubMed: 37954664
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1248288 -
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2023The fast rise of organic pollution has posed severe health risks to human beings and toxic issues to ecosystems. Proper disposal toward these organic contaminants is... (Review)
Review
The fast rise of organic pollution has posed severe health risks to human beings and toxic issues to ecosystems. Proper disposal toward these organic contaminants is significant to maintain a green and sustainable development. Among various techniques for environmental remediation, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) can non-selectively oxidize and mineralize organic contaminants into CO, HO, and inorganic salts using free radicals that are generated from the activation of oxidants, such as persulfate, HO, O, peracetic acid, periodate, percarbonate, etc., while the activation of oxidants using catalysts via Fenton-type reactions is crucial for the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), i.e., •OH, •SO, •O, •OCCH, •OCCH, •IO, •CO, and O. Nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI), with a core of Fe that performs a sustained activation effect in AOPs by gradually releasing ferrous ions, has been demonstrated as a cost-effective, high reactivity, easy recovery, easy recycling, and environmentally friendly heterogeneous catalyst of AOPs. The combination of nZVI and AOPs, providing an appropriate way for the complete degradation of organic pollutants via indiscriminate oxidation of ROS, is emerging as an important technique for environmental remediation and has received considerable attention in the last decade. The following review comprises a short survey of the most recent reports in the applications of nZVI participating AOPs, their mechanisms, and future prospects. It contains six sections, an introduction into the theme, applications of persulfate, hydrogen peroxide, oxygen, and other oxidants-based AOPs catalyzed with nZVI, and conclusions about the reported research with perspectives for future developments. Elucidation of the applications and mechanisms of nZVI-based AOPs with various oxidants may not only pave the way to more affordable AOP protocols, but may also promote exploration and fabrication of more effective and sustainable nZVI materials applicable in practical applications.
PubMed: 37947676
DOI: 10.3390/nano13212830 -
EFSA Journal. European Food Safety... Nov 2023The contamination of water used in post-harvest handling and processing operations of fresh and frozen fruit, vegetables and herbs (ffFVHs) is a global concern. The most...
Microbiological hazards associated with the use of water in the post-harvest handling and processing operations of fresh and frozen fruits, vegetables and herbs (ffFVHs). Part 1 (outbreak data analysis, literature review and stakeholder questionnaire).
The contamination of water used in post-harvest handling and processing operations of fresh and frozen fruit, vegetables and herbs (ffFVHs) is a global concern. The most relevant microbial hazards associated with this water are: , spp., human pathogenic and enteric viruses, which have been linked to multiple outbreaks associated with ffFVHs in the European Union (EU). Contamination (i.e. the accumulation of microbiological hazards) of the process water during post-harvest handling and processing operations is affected by several factors including: the type and contamination of the FVHs being processed, duration of the operation and transfer of microorganisms from the product to the water and vice versa, etc. For food business operators (FBOp), it is important to maintain the microbiological quality of the process water to assure the safety of ffFVHs. Good manufacturing practices (GMP) and good hygienic practices (GHP) related to a water management plan and the implementation of a water management system are critical to maintain the microbiological quality of the process water. Identified hygienic practices include technical maintenance of infrastructure, training of staff and cooling of post-harvest process water. Intervention strategies (e.g. use of water disinfection treatments and water replenishment) have been suggested to maintain the microbiological quality of process water. Chlorine-based disinfectants and peroxyacetic acid have been reported as common water disinfection treatments. However, given current practices in the EU, evidence of their efficacy under industrial conditions is only available for chlorine-based disinfectants. The use of water disinfection treatments must be undertaken following an appropriate water management strategy including validation, operational monitoring and verification. During operational monitoring, real-time information on process parameters related to the process and product, as well as the water and water disinfection treatment(s) are necessary. More specific guidance for FBOp on the validation, operational monitoring and verification is needed.
PubMed: 37928944
DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8332 -
RSC Advances Oct 2023Ethylene oxide (EO) is a significant raw material used in many commodities for consumers, particularly ethoxylates, polymers, and certain other glycol derivatives. We...
Ethylene oxide (EO) is a significant raw material used in many commodities for consumers, particularly ethoxylates, polymers, and certain other glycol derivatives. We synthesized a catalyst by incorporation of chromium oxide into a mesoporous silica material (Cr/MSM) the hydrothermal method, an effective catalyst for partial ethylene oxidation for producing carbon dioxide (CO) free EO. Subsequently, XRD, BET, XPS, and TEM were used to analyse the structural characteristics of the Cr/MSM catalyst. The catalytic performance of the synthesized catalyst was assessed in the liquid-phase epoxidation (LPE) of ethylene, utilizing peracetic acid (PAA) as an oxidant. This approach not only circumvented the generation of CO but also mitigated the risk of metal leaching. Confirmation of the successful production of EO was achieved through GC chromatography, where the presence of a peak with a retention time (RT) of 8.91 minutes served as conclusive evidence. We systematically explored a range of reaction parameters, including temperature, catalyst concentration, the molar ratio of ethylene to PAA, and solvent effect. This comprehensive investigation aimed to fine-tune the reaction conditions, ultimately improving ethylene conversion and enhancing the selectivity of the catalyst for EO production. This approach can effectively resolve the issues of greenhouse gas emissions and metal leaching that had been associated with previously reported catalysts.
PubMed: 37928848
DOI: 10.1039/d3ra05858a -
Journal of Orthodontic Science 2023Infection control is essential to protect both the doctor and the patient by preventing the spread of infectious diseases. There is no exception in the field of... (Review)
Review
Infection control is essential to protect both the doctor and the patient by preventing the spread of infectious diseases. There is no exception in the field of dentistry, particularly in orthodontics, where numerous appliances are used for a variety of functions and also because the mouth cavity has the highest concentration of bacteria of any body part. Through this systematic review, we aimed to assess the various methods of sterilization employed in an orthodontic setting. Using relevant keywords, reference searches, and citation searches, the databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus were all searched; a total of 206 documents were found, of which 113 were initially selected. The remaining 23 distinct papers were initially made available after 90 publications that were identical to or similar to one another were eliminated. The final selection was made from eight documents that met all inclusion and exclusion requirements. The existing methods of sterilization were found to be competent in dealing with the microorganisms found in a typical orthodontic setting. The chemical method of sterilization was the norm in most of the studies that we assessed, with glutaraldehyde and peracetic acid (PAA) being the most commonly employed compounds for disinfection. CRD42022380831.
PubMed: 37881658
DOI: 10.4103/jos.jos_53_23 -
Journal of Food Protection Nov 2023Produce-borne outbreaks of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) linked to preharvest water emphasize the need for efficacious water treatment options. This...
Produce-borne outbreaks of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) linked to preharvest water emphasize the need for efficacious water treatment options. This study quantified reductions of STEC and generic E. coli in preharvest agricultural water using commercially available sanitizers. Water was collected from two sources in Virginia (pond, river) and inoculated with either a seven-strain STEC panel or environmental generic E. coli strain TVS 353 (∼9 log CFU/100 mL). Triplicate inoculated water samples were equilibrated to 12 or 32°C and treated with peracetic acid (PAA) or chlorine (Cl) [low (PAA:6ppm, Cl:2-4 ppm) or high (PAA:10 ppm, Cl:10-12 ppm) residual concentrations] for an allotted contact time (1, 5, or 10 min). Strains were enumerated, and a log-linear model was used to characterize how treatment combinations influenced reductions. All Cl treatment combinations achieved a ≥3 log CFU/100 mL reduction, regardless of strain (3.43 ± 0.25 to 7.05 ± 0.00 log CFU/100 mL). Approximately 80% (19/24) and 67% (16/24) of PAA treatment combinations achieved a ≥3 log CFU/100 mL for STEC and E. coli TVS 353, respectively. The log-linear model showed contact time (10 > 5 > 1 min) and sanitizer type (Cl > PAA) had the greatest impact on STEC and E. coli TVS 353 reductions (p < 0.001). E. coli TVS 353 in water samples was more resistant to sanitizer treatment (p < 0.001) indicating applicability as a good surrogate. Results demonstrated Cl and PAA can be effective agricultural water treatment strategies when sanitizer chemistry is managed. These data will assist with the development of in-field validation studies and may identify suitable candidates for the registration of antimicrobial pesticide products for use against foodborne pathogens in preharvest agricultural water treatment.
Topics: Peracetic Acid; Shiga-Toxigenic Escherichia coli; Chlorine; Colony Count, Microbial; Anti-Infective Agents; Food Microbiology
PubMed: 37783289
DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2023.100172 -
Microorganisms Sep 2023Acid stress poses a common challenge for bacteria in diverse environments by the presence of inorganic (e.g., mammals' stomach) or organic acids (e.g., feed additives;...
Acid stress poses a common challenge for bacteria in diverse environments by the presence of inorganic (e.g., mammals' stomach) or organic acids (e.g., feed additives; acid-based disinfectants). Limited knowledge exists regarding acid-tolerant strains of specific serotypes, clonal lineages, or sources in human/animal pathogens: namely, non-typhoidal (NTS) and (Efm). This study evaluated the acidic pH (Mueller-Hinton acidified with HCl) and peracetic acid (PAA) susceptibility of Efm ( = 72) and NTS ( = 60) from diverse epidemiological/genetic backgrounds and with multiple antibiotic resistance profiles. Efm minimum growth/survival pH was 4.5-5.0/3.0-4.0, and for NTS it was 4.0-4.5/3.5-4.0. Efm distribution among acidic pH values showed that only isolates of clade-non-A1 (non-hospital associated) or the food chain were more tolerant to acidic pH compared to clade-A1 (hospital-associated clones) or clinical isolates ( < 0.05). In the case of NTS, multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates survived better in acidic pH ( < 0.05). The PAA MIC/MBC for Efm was 70-120/80-150 mg/L, and for NTS, it was 50-70/60-100 mg/L. The distribution of Efm among PAA concentrations showed that clade-A1 or MDR strains exhibited higher tolerance than clade-non-A1 or non-MDR ones ( < 0.05). NTS distribution also showed higher tolerance to PAA among non-MDR and clinical isolates than food chain ones ( < 0.05) but there were no differences among different serogroups. This unique study identifies specific NTS or Efm populations more tolerant to acidic pH or PAA, emphasizing the need for further research to tailor controlled measures of public health and food safety within a One Health framework.
PubMed: 37764174
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092330 -
Microbiology Insights 2023Pathogenic viruses have been abundant and diverse in wastewater, reflecting the pattern of infection in humans. Human feces, urine, and perhaps other washouts that... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Pathogenic viruses have been abundant and diverse in wastewater, reflecting the pattern of infection in humans. Human feces, urine, and perhaps other washouts that frequently circulate in sewage systems may contaminate wastewater with SARS-CoV-2. It's crucial to effectively disinfect wastewater since poorly handled wastewater could put the population at risk of infection.
AIMS
To emphasize the presence and spread of SARS-CoV-2 in sewage (wastewater) through viral shedding from the patients to detect the virus in the population using wastewater-based epidemiology. Also, to effectively manage the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and reduce the spread of the virus in the population using disinfectants is highlighted.
METHODS
We evaluated articles from December 2019 to August 2022 that addressed SARS-CoV-2 shedding in wastewater and surveillance through wastewater-based epidemiology. We included the papers on wastewater disinfection for the elimination of SARS-CoV-2. Google Scholar, PubMed, and Research4Life are the three electronic databases from which all of the papers were retrieved.
RESULTS
It is possible for viral shedding to get into the wastewater. The enumeration of viral RNA from it can be used to monitor virus circulation in the human community. SARS-CoV-2 can be removed from wastewater by using modern disinfection techniques such as sodium hypochlorite, liquid chlorine, chlorine dioxide, peracetic acid, and ultraviolet light.
CONCLUSION
SARS-CoV-2 burden estimates at the population level can be obtained via longitudinal examination of wastewater, and SARS-CoV-2 can be removed from the wastewater through disinfection.
PubMed: 37745090
DOI: 10.1177/11786361231201598 -
Scientific Reports Sep 2023Proper disinfection and inactivation of highly pathogenic viruses is an essential component of public health and prevention. Depending on environment, surfaces, and type...
Proper disinfection and inactivation of highly pathogenic viruses is an essential component of public health and prevention. Depending on environment, surfaces, and type of contaminant, various methods of disinfection must be both efficient and available. To test both established and novel chemical disinfectants against risk group 4 viruses in our maximum containment facility, we developed a standardized protocol and assessed the chemical inactivation of the two Ebola virus variants Mayinga and Makona suspended in two different biological soil loads. Standard chemical disinfectants ethanol and sodium hypochlorite completely inactivate both Ebola variants after 30 s in suspension at 70% and 0.5% v/v, respectively, concentrations recommended for disinfection by the World Health Organization. Additionally, peracetic acid is also inactivating at 0.2% v/v under the same conditions. Continued vigilance and optimization of current disinfection protocols is extremely important due to the continuous presence of Ebola virus on the African continent and increased zoonotic spillover of novel viral pathogens. Furthermore, to facilitate general pandemic preparedness, the establishment and sharing of standardized protocols is very important as it allows for rapid testing and evaluation of novel pathogens and chemical disinfectants.
Topics: Humans; Disinfectants; Ebolavirus; Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola; Disinfection; Soil
PubMed: 37735604
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42376-8 -
Journal of Food Protection Nov 2023Salmonella and Campylobacter are two of the most common foodborne pathogens associated with poultry meat. Regulatory restrictions and consumer concerns have increased...
Salmonella and Campylobacter are two of the most common foodborne pathogens associated with poultry meat. Regulatory restrictions and consumer concerns have increased the interest for plant-derived antimicrobials and emerging novel technologies. The objective of this study was to determine the antimicrobial activity of photoactive compounds curcumin (CUR) and chlorophyllin (CH) followed by activating light exposure for the reduction of Salmonella and Campylobacter. Peroxyacetic acid (PAA) was also evaluated as a poultry industry standard antimicrobial processing aid. CUR and CH were evaluated in 96-well plates at concentrations of 100, 500, and 1,000 ppm, along with PAA at 100, 200, and 300 ppm, or distilled water (DW). Each well was inoculated with 10 CFU/mL of Salmonella Typhimurium or Campylobacter jejuni, and plates were exposed to activating light (430 nm) for 0 or 5 min. No detectable reductions were observed for Salmonella or Campylobacter when treated with CUR, CH, or 100 ppm PAA. However, when Salmonella was treated with 200 ppm PAA, counts were reduced from 4.57 to 2.52 log CFU/mL. When Salmonella was treated with 300 ppm PAA, counts were reduced to below detectable levels (5 CFU/mL). Campylobacter was reduced from 4.67 to 2.82 log CFU/mL when treated with 200 ppm PAA. However, no further reductions were observed when Campylobacter was treated with 300 ppm PAA (2.50 log CFU/mL). These results indicate that CUR and CH were not effective as antimicrobials under the evaluated conditions, particularly in comparison to the commonly used antimicrobial, PAA.
Topics: Animals; Campylobacter; Curcumin; Chickens; Anti-Infective Agents; Peracetic Acid; Salmonella typhimurium; Food Microbiology
PubMed: 37729967
DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2023.100157