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Applied and Environmental Microbiology Aug 2021In this study, the adsorption-elution method was modified to concentrate viral particles in water samples and investigate the contamination of groundwater with norovirus...
In this study, the adsorption-elution method was modified to concentrate viral particles in water samples and investigate the contamination of groundwater with norovirus genogroup II (NoV GII), rotavirus A (RVA), and (PMMoV). The mean recovery rate of a murine norovirus strain, which was inoculated into groundwater samples collected from a deep well, was the highest (39%) when the viral RNA was directly extracted from the membrane instead of eluting the adsorbed viral particles. This adsorption-direct extraction method was applied to groundwater samples (20 liters) collected from deep wells used for the public drinking water supply ( = 22) and private wells ( = 9). RVA (85 copies/liter) and NoV GII (35 copies/liter) were detected in water samples from a deep well and a private well, respectively. PMMoV was detected in 95% and 89% of water samples from deep wells and private wells, respectively, at concentrations of up to 990 copies/liter. The modified method was also used to extract bacterial DNA from the membrane (recovery rate of inoculated Escherichia coli K-12 was 22%). The genetic markers specific to ruminants (BacR) and pigs (Pig2Bac) were detected in samples from a deep well and a private well, respectively. The modified virus concentration method has important implications for the management of microbiological safety in the groundwater supply. We investigated the presence of enteric viruses and bacterial genetic markers to determine fecal contamination in groundwater samples from deep wells used for the public drinking water supply and private wells in Japan. Groundwater is often subjected to chlorination; malfunctions in chlorine treatment result in waterborne disease outbreaks. The modified method successfully concentrated both viruses and bacteria in 20-liter groundwater samples. Norovirus genogroup II (GII), rotavirus A, , and genetic markers specific to ruminants and pigs were detected. Frequent flooding caused by increased incidences of extreme rainfall events promotes the infiltration of surface runoff containing livestock wastes and untreated wastewater into wells, possibly increasing groundwater contamination risk. The practical and efficient method developed in this study will enable waterworks and the environmental health departments of municipal/prefectural governments to monitor water quality. Additionally, the modified method will contribute to improving the microbiological safety of groundwater.
Topics: Adsorption; Bacteroidetes; DNA, Bacterial; Drinking Water; Environmental Monitoring; Escherichia coli K12; Feces; Genes, Bacterial; Groundwater; Japan; Norovirus; RNA, Viral; Rotavirus; Tobamovirus; Water Microbiology; Water Wells
PubMed: 34232739
DOI: 10.1128/AEM.00710-21 -
Microbiology Spectrum Oct 2021Irrigation water sources have been shown to harbor foodborne pathogens and could contribute to the outbreak of foodborne illness related to consumption of contaminated...
Irrigation water sources have been shown to harbor foodborne pathogens and could contribute to the outbreak of foodborne illness related to consumption of contaminated produce. Determining the probability of and the degree to which these irrigation water sources contain these pathogens is paramount. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes in alternative irrigation water sources. Water samples ( = 188) were collected over 2 years (2016 to 2018) from 2 reclaimed water plants, 3 nontidal freshwater rivers, and 1 tidal brackish river on Maryland's Eastern Shore (ESM). Samples were collected by filtration using modified Moore swabs (MMS) and analyzed by culture methods. Pathogen levels were quantified using a modified most probable number (MPN) procedure with three different volumes (10 liters, 1 liter, and 0.1 liter). Overall, 65% (122/188) and 40% (76/188) of water samples were positive for S. enterica and L. monocytogenes, respectively. For both pathogens, MPN values ranged from 0.015 to 11 MPN/liter. Pathogen levels (MPN/liter) were significantly (0.05) greater for the nontidal freshwater river sites and the tidal brackish river site than the reclaimed water sites. L. monocytogenes levels in water varied based on season. Detection of S. enterica was more likely with 10-liter filtration compared to 0.1-liter filtration. The physicochemical factors measured attributed only 6.4% of the constrained variance to the levels of both pathogens. This study shows clear variations in S. enterica and L. monocytogenes levels in irrigation water sources on ESM. In the last several decades, Maryland's Eastern Shore has seen significant declines in groundwater levels. While this area is not currently experiencing drought conditions or water scarcity, this research represents a proactive approach. Efforts, to investigate the levels of pathogenic bacteria and the microbial quality of alternative irrigation water are important for sustainable irrigation practices into the future. This research will be used to determine the suitability of alternative irrigation water sources for use in fresh produce irrigation to conserve groundwater.
Topics: Agricultural Irrigation; Filtration; Fresh Water; Listeria monocytogenes; Maryland; Salmonella enterica; Water; Water Microbiology
PubMed: 34612697
DOI: 10.1128/Spectrum.00669-21 -
Experimental Physiology Apr 2021What is the central question of this study? What are the mechanisms by which equine sweat glands transport sodium, potassium and water into sweat? What is the main...
NEW FINDINGS
What is the central question of this study? What are the mechanisms by which equine sweat glands transport sodium, potassium and water into sweat? What is the main finding and its importance? The flux of sodium into sweat does not have an active transport component, the flux of potassium into sweat is partially dependent on an active transport mechanism, and there is no evidence for paracellular transport.
ABSTRACT
In two series of experiments, this study used radioactive sodium (Na ) and potassium (K ) to trace the net flux, and calculate the unidirectional fluxes, of these ions from extracellular fluid into sweat of horses during exercise and recovery. The effect of an oral electrolyte supplement (PNW) on the sweating responses and ion fluxes was also examined. Compared to 8 litres of water (controls), provision of 8 litres of PNW resulted in significantly increased sweating duration (P < 0.001). Two hours before exercise, Tc-labelled diethylene-triamine-pentaacetate (DTPA) was administered i.v. to determine if there was paracellular flux of this molecule in sweat glands during the period of sweating. One hour before beginning moderate-intensity exercise, horses were nasogastrically administered either Na (1-3 litres) or K (8 litres) with water (control) or an electrolyte supplement. Both radiotracers appeared in sweat within 10 min of exercise onset, and the sweat specific activity of both ions increased during exercise (P < 0.001), approaching plasma specific activities. There was no appearance of Tc-DTPA in sweat. The activities of Na and K, together with the concentrations Na , K and Cl , argued against significant paracellular flux of these ions into the lumen of sweat glands. The flux analysis for Na indicated a small intracellular pool within sweat gland cells, and no evidence for an active transport component. The flux analysis for K indicated a relatively large intracellular equilibration pool within sweat gland cells, with evidence for an active transport component. The results are discussed with respect to the current understanding of sweat gland epithelial cell ion transport mechanisms at both the basal and the apical membranes. It appears likely that the majority of ions appearing in sweat pass through sweat gland epithelial cells by transcellular mechanisms that include ion transporting pathways as well as apical vesicular exocytosis.
Topics: Animals; Chlorides; Horses; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Potassium; Sodium; Sweat; Sweating; Water
PubMed: 33550621
DOI: 10.1113/EP089232 -
International Breastfeeding Journal Dec 2022To date, 40 Human Milk Banks (HMB) have been established in Italy; however, recent cost analysis data for operating an HMB in Italy are not available in the literature.
BACKGROUND
To date, 40 Human Milk Banks (HMB) have been established in Italy; however, recent cost analysis data for operating an HMB in Italy are not available in the literature.
METHODS
This study was a cross-sectional study performed at "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital in Rome, Italy in 2019. We assessed the one-year operational costs and, the per liter unit costs at our HMB.
RESULTS
During the 2019 year we collected 771 l of human milk supplied by 128 donors. The total cost was € 178,287.00 and the average cost was € 231.00 per liter. € 188,716.00 would have been spent had the maximum capacity for 904 l been reached. We found a significant difference (€ 231.00 vs € 209.00 per liter, p = 0.016) comparing the cost for collected liters in the year 2019 and the cost for the maximum capacity of the bank for that year of activity. Analyzing each cost item that determines the charge of donor human milk (DHM), the highest costs are the salaries of medical and paramedical staff, and then the costs related to transporting. If the HMB works at maximum capacity and manages a greater number of liters of milk, this can represent an important saving. Conversely, the price of consumables is modest (i.e., the price of a single-use kit for breast pumps was € 0.22 per unit).
CONCLUSION
The costs for a liter of DHM are quite high, but they must be related to the benefits, especially for preterm infants. Comparing the cost for collected liters in 2019 and the costs for the 2019 maximum capacity of the HMB, we calculated how much fixed costs of collection and distribution of DHM can be reduced, by increasing the volume of milk collected. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first complete cost analysis for an Italian Milk Bank. A thorough analysis could help to abate fixed costs and reduce the cost of a liter of DHM. The centralization of DHM can allow savings, rather than creating small HMBs scattered throughout the territory that would operate with lower milk volumes.
Topics: Infant; Female; Child; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Milk, Human; Milk Banks; Infant, Premature; Breast Feeding; Cross-Sectional Studies; Costs and Cost Analysis; Italy
PubMed: 36539788
DOI: 10.1186/s13006-022-00530-4 -
American Journal of Physiology. Renal... Aug 2020A system for sorbent-assisted peritoneal dialysis (SAPD) was designed to continuously recirculate dialysate via a tidal mode using a single lumen peritoneal catheter...
A system for sorbent-assisted peritoneal dialysis (SAPD) was designed to continuously recirculate dialysate via a tidal mode using a single lumen peritoneal catheter with regeneration of spent dialysate by means of sorbent technology. We hypothesize that SAPD treatment will maintain a high plasma-to-dialysate concentration gradient and increase the mass transfer area coefficient of solutes. Thereby, the SAPD system may enhance clearance while reducing the number of exchanges. Application is envisaged at night as a bedside device (12 kg, nighttime system). A wearable system (2.0 kg, daytime system) may further enhance clearance during the day. Urea, creatinine, and phosphate removal were studied with the daytime and nighttime system ( = 3 per system) by recirculating 2 liters of spent peritoneal dialysate via a tidal mode (mean flow rate: 50 and 100 mL/min, respectively) for 8 h in vitro. Time-averaged plasma clearance over 24 h was modeled assuming one 2 liter exchange/day, an increase in mass transfer area coefficient, and 0.9 liters ultrafiltration/day. Urea, creatinine, and phosphate removal was 33.2 ± 4.1, 5.3 ± 0.5, and 6.2 ± 1.8 mmol, respectively, with the daytime system and 204 ± 28, 10.3 ± 2.4, and 11.4 ± 2.1 mmol, respectively, with the nighttime system. Time-averaged plasma clearances of urea, creatinine and phosphate were 9.6 ± 1.1, 9.6 ± 1.7, and 7.0 ± 0.9 mL/min, respectively, with the nighttime system and 10.8 ± 1.1, 13.4 ± 1.8, and 9.7 ± 1.6 mL/min, respectively, with the daytime and nighttime system. SAPD treatment may improve removal of uremic toxins compared with conventional peritoneal dialysis, provided that peritoneal mass transport will increase.
Topics: Creatinine; Dialysis Solutions; Humans; Kinetics; Peritoneal Dialysis; Peritoneum; Phosphates; Ultrafiltration; Urea
PubMed: 32475132
DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00079.2020 -
Journal of Applied Physiology... May 1997The body cell mass (BCM), defined as intracellular water (ICW), was estimated in 73 healthy men and women by total body potassium (TBK) and by bioimpedance spectroscopy... (Review)
Review
The body cell mass (BCM), defined as intracellular water (ICW), was estimated in 73 healthy men and women by total body potassium (TBK) and by bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS). In 14 other subjects, extracellular water (ECW) and total body water (TBW) were measured by bromide dilution and deuterium oxide dilution, respectively. For all subjects, impedance spectral data were fit to the Cole model, and ECW and ICW volumes were predicted by using model electrical resistance terms RE and Rt in an equation derived from Hanai mixture theory, respectively. The BIS ECW prediction bromide dilution was r = 0.91, standard error of the estimate (SEE) 0.90 liter. The BIS TBW prediction of deuterium space was r = 0.95, SEE 1.33 liters. The BIS ICW prediction of the dilution-determined ICW was r = 0.87, SEE 1.69 liters. The BIS ICW prediction of the TBK-determined ICW for the 73 subjects was r = 0.85, SEE = 2.22 liters. These results add further support to the validity of the Hanai theory, the equation used, and the conclusion that ECW and ICW volume can be predicted by an approach based solely on fundamental principles.
Topics: Adult; Body Composition; Body Water; Electric Impedance; Female; Humans; Indicator Dilution Techniques; Male; Middle Aged; Models, Biological; Potassium
PubMed: 9134904
DOI: 10.1152/jappl.1997.82.5.1542 -
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy Sep 2021The optimal polymyxin B dosage needed to achieve an efficacy target of 50 to 100 mg · h/liter when treating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections in adult cystic... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
The optimal polymyxin B dosage needed to achieve an efficacy target of 50 to 100 mg · h/liter when treating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections in adult cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is unclear. The pharmacokinetics of intravenous polymyxin B were evaluated to better inform dosing. This was a prospective, observational pharmacokinetic (PK) study of nine CF adults receiving intravenous polymyxin B as part of usual clinical care. Doses preceding PK sampling ranged from 50 to 100 mg every 12 h. Five PK samples were collected following the fourth or fifth dose and concentrations of polymyxin subcomponents B1 and B2 were quantified using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Population PK (NONMEM software) analysis was performed using pooled polymyxin B1+B2 concentrations. Participants were Caucasian, predominantly male, with mean age and weight of 31 years (range 21 to 57 years) and 58.0 kg (range 38.3 to 70.4 kg), respectively. A 1-compartment zero-order infusion and linear elimination model adequately described the data with estimated clearance and volume of distribution being 2.09 liters/h and 12.7 liters, respectively, corresponding to a 4.1 h mean half-life (). Although body weight was observed to influence the volume of distribution, a fixed dose of 75 mg every 12 h was predicted to achieve the target steady-state exposure. Neurotoxicities were reported in all patients, with acute kidney injury events in two patients. These events resolved within 2 to 4 days after discontinuing polymyxin B. Fixed maintenance dosing of polymyxin B without loading is predicted to achieve the targeted therapeutic exposure in CF adults. Treatment-limiting neurotoxicities are very common in this population.
Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cystic Fibrosis; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Polymyxin B; Prospective Studies; Young Adult
PubMed: 34252297
DOI: 10.1128/AAC.00792-21 -
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy Nov 1984We characterized the pharmacokinetic profile of imipenem-cilastatin administered intravenously to six normal volunteers in a dose of 1,000 mg of each drug every 6 h for...
We characterized the pharmacokinetic profile of imipenem-cilastatin administered intravenously to six normal volunteers in a dose of 1,000 mg of each drug every 6 h for 40 doses. The plasma concentrations of imipenem and cilastatin 1 h after the end of a 30-min infusion were 18.7 (+/- 2.1) and 19.1 (+/- 4.6), 20.0 (+/- 3.2) and 17.8 (+/- 4.8), and 23.4 (+/- 2.3) and 19.1 (+/- 3.5) micrograms/ml in the 1st, 17th, and 37th dosing intervals, respectively. The central compartment volumes of distribution for imipenem and cilastatin were 0.16 (+/- 0.05) and 0.14 (+/- 0.03) liter/kg, respectively. Elimination half-lives were short: 0.93 (+/- 0.09) h for imipenem and 0.84 (+/- 0.11) h for cilastatin. Plasma clearances were 12.1 (+/- 0.06) liters/h per 1.73 m2 for imipenem and 12.4 (+/- 1.1) liters/h per 1.73 m2 for cilastatin. Renal clearance accounted for 54% of the plasma clearance of imipenem and 69% of the plasma clearance of cilastatin. The concentrations of imipenem in plasma and urine remained above the MICs of the vast majority of pathogens throughout the dosing interval.
Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cilastatin; Cyclopropanes; Drug Administration Schedule; Drug Combinations; Half-Life; Humans; Imipenem; Injections, Intravenous; Kinetics; Male; Thienamycins
PubMed: 6595963
DOI: 10.1128/AAC.26.5.715 -
Jornal Brasileiro de Nefrologia 2014Nephrolithiasis is a common condition with high prevalence and recurrence, occurring by a complex and multifactorial process. (Observational Study)
Observational Study
INTRODUCTION
Nephrolithiasis is a common condition with high prevalence and recurrence, occurring by a complex and multifactorial process.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the main dietary and metabolic characteristics of patients with nephrolithiasis and compare them with a control group.
METHODS
A cross sectional study with 31 patients with nephrolithiasis (NE) and 18 healthy. By the dietary intake it were observed sodium, calcium, protein, potassium, vitamin C, oxalate and water intake in both groups. Metabolic assessment were analyzed in urinary excretion of oxalate and citrate. The presence of hypertension and body mass index (BMI) was also evaluated.
RESULTS
In the NE group, it was found that 45.2% had a high intake of sodium and 100% a high intake of oxalate. It was also observed a low calcium, potassium and vitamin C intake by 93.5%, 100% and 94.9% respectively. Regarding protein, only 12.5% had normal protein intake. Concerning water intake, 12.9% had an ingestion less than 1 liter, 54.8% between 1 and 2 liters and 32.3% higher than 2 liters. Hypertension was observed in 64.5% of patients and adequate excretion of oxalate and citrate in 90.5% of them. There was no statistically difference in food intake, BMI and oxalate excretion between groups. However, the NE group showed higher urinary citrate.
CONCLUSION
It was found in both groups a high prevalence of overweight patients, a high intake of oxalate and sodium, in addition to inadequate intakes of calcium, potassium and vitamin C. The NE group showed high protein intake and increased excretion of citrate.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; Eating; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nephrolithiasis; Nutritional Status
PubMed: 25517271
DOI: 10.5935/0101-2800.20140063 -
Applied and Environmental Microbiology Nov 2020is a protozoan parasite that causes foodborne and waterborne diarrheal illness outbreaks worldwide. Most of these outbreaks are associated with the consumption of fresh...
is a protozoan parasite that causes foodborne and waterborne diarrheal illness outbreaks worldwide. Most of these outbreaks are associated with the consumption of fresh produce. Sensitive and specific methods to detect in agricultural water are needed to identify the parasite in agricultural water used to irrigate crops that have been implicated in outbreaks. In this study, a method to detect in water by combining dead-end ultrafiltration (DEUF) with sensitive and specific molecular detection was developed and evaluated. Triplicates of 10-liter agricultural water samples were seeded with 200, 100, 25, 12, and 6 oocysts. Surface water samples were also collected in the Mid-Atlantic region. All water samples were processed by DEUF and backflushed from the ultrafilters. DNA was extracted from concentrated samples and analyzed by quantitative PCR (qPCR) targeting the 18S rRNA gene. All water samples seeded with 12, 25, 100, and 200 oocysts were positive, and all unseeded samples were negative. Samples seeded with 6 oocysts had a detection rate of 66.6% (8/12). The method was also able to detect isolates in surface water samples from different locations of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (C&O Canal) in Maryland. This approach could consistently detect DNA in 10-liter agricultural water samples contaminated with low levels of oocysts, equivalent to the levels that may be found in naturally incurred environmental water sources. Our data demonstrate the robustness of the method as a useful tool to detect from environmental sources. is a protozoan parasite that causes foodborne and waterborne outbreaks of diarrheal illness worldwide. These foodborne outbreaks associated with the consumption of fresh produce and agricultural water could play a role in the contamination process. In this study, a method to detect in agricultural water by combining a robust filtration system with sensitive and specific molecular detection was developed and validated by the FDA. The results showed that this approach could consistently detect low levels of contamination in 10 liters of agricultural water, corresponding to the levels that may be found in naturally occurring environmental water sources. The method was also able to detect in surface water samples from a specific location in the Mid-Atlantic region. Our data demonstrate the robustness of the method to detect in agricultural water samples, which could be very useful to identify environmental sources of contamination.
Topics: Agriculture; Cyclospora; Fresh Water; Maryland; Oocysts; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Ultrafiltration; Wastewater
PubMed: 32948525
DOI: 10.1128/AEM.01595-20