The use of a solar simulator device to standardize microbiological decontamination of contaminated water by solar disinfection by the SODIS and MB/SODIS protocols.

Consuming microbiologically-contaminated water is the primary cause of many water-borne diseases and deaths worldwide. Governments aim at providing drinking water for vulnerable populations, especially through low-cost interventions. Therefore, the solar disinfection (SODIS) of such pathogens provides a simple and cost-effective way to obtain good quality water. In this procedure, PET bottles are filled with contaminated water and exposed to sunlight for 1-2 days. To accelerate decontamination, methylene blue (MB) dye added as a photocatalyst, boosts singlet oxygen generation upon absorbing red-band sunlight. This study explores the use of a Sunlight Simulator (SSL) device to research and standardize the SODIS method with a vital dye as MB. PET bottles were filled with artificially-contaminated water with Streptococcus epidermidis and Deinococcus radiodurans Gram-positive bacteria, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium Gram-negative bacteria, or bacteriophage λ as well. In all experiments, 50 ng/mL MB ensued a synergistic lethal effect after SSL exposure. The results indicate that bacterial and bacteriophage inactivation can be achieved in shorter times with MB-SSL treatment compared to SSL without MB. In this sense, when compared to previous sunlight-SODIS results, the SSL source is a reliable tool to study the parameters of both SODIS and MB-SODIS protocols, and also a feasible tool to afford assays whenever there are unfavorable climate conditions.

Gallium: a decisive "Trojan Horse" against microorganisms.

Controlling multidrug-resistant microorganisms (MRM) has a long history with the extensive and inappropriate use of antibiotics. At the cost of these drugs being scarce, new possibilities have to be explored to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Thus, metallic compounds have shown to be promising as a viable alternative to contain pathogens resistant to conventional antimicrobials. Gallium (Ga3+) can be highlighted, which is an antimicrobial agent capable of disrupting the essential activities of microorganisms, such as metabolism, cellular respiration and DNA synthesis. It was observed that this occurs due to the similar properties between Ga3+ and iron (Fe3+), which is a fundamental ion for the correct functioning of bacterial activities. The mimetic effect performed by Ga3+ prevents iron transporters from distinguishing both ions and results in the substitution of Fe3+ for Ga3+ and in adverse metabolic disturbances in rapidly growing cells. This review focuses on analyzing the development of research involving Ga3+, elucidating the intracellular incorporation of the "Trojan Horse", summarizing the mechanism of interaction between gallium and iron and comparing the most recent and broad-spectrum studies using gallium-based compounds with antimicrobial scope.

Catastrophic floods and antimicrobial resistance: Interconnected threats with wide-ranging impacts.

•Climate change and AMR combined worsen vulnerabilities, accelerating AMR spread.•Floods can spread AMR-related pathogens, impacting health, agriculture, and ecosystems.•Integrated strategies are needed to address climate change and AMR, enhancing sanitation.

Anise essential oil immobilized in chitosan microparticles: a novel bactericidal material for food protection.

Foodborne infections in humans are one of the major concerns of the food industries, especially for minimally processed foods (MPF). Thereby, the packaging industry applies free chlorine in the sanitization process, ensuring the elimination of any fecal coliforms or pathogenic microorganisms. However, free chlorine's propensity to react with organic matter, forming toxic compounds such as trihalomethanes and haloacetic acid. Therefore, the present work aimed to synthesize a novel organic biomaterial as an alternative to free chlorine. Chitosan microparticles were produced, with Pimpinella anisum (anise) essential oil immobilized in the biopolymer matrix (MPsQTO). The characterization of this biomaterial was done through GC-MS/MS, FT-IR, and SEM. Antimicrobial assays proved that the MPsQTO presented antibacterial activity for Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus subtilis at 300 µL mL-1 of concentration. The fluorescence microscope also showed the MPsQTO targets the cytoplasmatic membrane, which is responsible for cell death in the first minutes of contact. Studies with the mutant B. subtilis (amy::pspac-ftsZ-gfpmut1) and the Saccharomyces cerevisiae D7 also proved that the biomaterial did not affect the genetic material and did not have any mutagenic/carcinogenic effect on the cells. The sanitization assays with pumpkin MPF proved that the MPsQTO is more effective than free chlorine, increasing the shelf-life of the MPF. Consequently, the novel biomaterial proposed in this work is a promising alternative to traditional chemical sanitizers.

Exploring Extremotolerant and Extremophilic Microalgae: New Frontiers in Sustainable Biotechnological Applications.

Exploring extremotolerant and extremophilic microalgae opens new frontiers in sustainable biotechnological applications. These microorganisms thrive in extreme environments and exhibit specialized metabolic pathways, making them valuable for various industries. The study focuses on the ecological adaptation and biotechnological potential of these microalgae, highlighting their ability to produce bioactive compounds under stress conditions. The literature reveals that extremophilic microalgae can significantly enhance biomass production, reduce contamination risks in large-scale systems, and produce valuable biomolecules such as carotenoids, lipids, and proteins. These insights suggest that extremophilic microalgae have promising applications in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and biofuel industries, offering sustainable and efficient alternatives to traditional resources. The review concludes that further exploration and utilization of these unique microorganisms can lead to innovative and environmentally friendly solutions in biotechnology.

Impact of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections on Mortality and Hospital Stay in Adult Patients at a Tertiary Care Institution in Cali, Colombia, 2015-2018.

Background: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are a significant healthcare challenge globally, increasing mortality risk and complicating central vascular catheter use. In Colombia, few studies have assessed the impact of CLABSIs on hospital stay and mortality. Objective: To determine the association between CLABSIs and discharge outcomes and hospital stay duration in adult patients at a tertiary care institution in Cali, Colombia, from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2018. Methods: A nested case-control study was conducted. The odds of mortality associated with CLABSIs were estimated using conditional logistic regression. Non-conditional logistic regression was used to determine the odds of mortality when CLABSIs were caused by resistant microorganisms. Hospital stay duration, catheter duration, and time from catheter insertion to discharge were compared between patients with and without CLABSIs. The most frequent etiological agents were identified. Results: Patients with CLABSIs had 3.89 times the odds of mortality (95% CI [1.33-11.31], p = 0.013) compared to those without CLABSIs. The odds of mortality for patients with resistant microorganism CLABSIs were 4.04 times (95% CI [1.17-13.96], p = 0.027) higher than those with sensitive microorganism CLABSIs. Hospital stay duration (median = 51 days vs. 17 days; p = 0.000), catheter duration (median = 19 days vs. 7 days; p < 0.001), and time from catheter insertion to discharge (median = 40 days vs. 9 days; p < 0.001) were significantly longer in CLABSI patients. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most isolated pathogen (20.2%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (14.9%). Implications: CLABSI patients have longer catheter and hospitalization durations and higher mortality risk. Resistant microorganism CLABSIs are associated with elevated mortality risk. Conclusions: This study corroborates the positive relation between CLABSI and the mortality risk, which is influenced by resistant bacteria, though causality is not established. CLABSI is also linked to longer hospital stays, underscoring the need for improving infection control strategies.

Use of Phosphorus-Solubilizing Microorganisms as a Biotechnological Alternative: A Review.

Microorganisms with the ability to dissolve phosphorus have the potential to release this essential nutrient into the soil through natural solubilization processes, which allows for boosting plant growth and development. While literature reviews acknowledge their potential, unexplored territories concerning accessibility, application, and effective integration into sustainable agriculture necessitate further research. This manuscript employed distinct methodologies to execute a bibliometric analysis and a literature review. The combined application of both methodologies enables a holistic understanding of the domain landscape and its innovative facets. For the bibliometric analysis, the propositions of Donthu and Jia were utilized, supplemented by tools, such as Bibliometrix. The literature review adhered to a systematic methodology predicated on Petersen's guidelines to represent the domain accurately, pinpointing trends and gaps that could steer future, more detailed research. This investigation uncovers an escalating interest in studying these microorganisms since the 2000s, emphasizing their significance in sustainable agriculture and the context of phosphorus scarcity. It was also discerned that India and China, nations with notable agricultural sectors and a high demand for phosphorus fertilizers, spearheaded research output on this subject. This signifies their substantial contribution to the progression of this scientific field. Furthermore, according to the research consulted, phosphorus-solubilizing microorganisms play a pivotal role in the symbiotic interaction of soil with plant roots and represent an efficacious strategy to counteract the low availability of phosphorus in the soil and sustainably enhance agricultural systems. Finally, this review contributes to the relevant domain by examining existing empirical evidence with special emphasis on sustainable agriculture, improved understanding of phosphorus solubilization mechanisms, and recognition of various microbial entities.

Microbial Fertilizers: A Study on the Current Scenario of Brazilian Inoculants and Future Perspectives.

The increasing need for sustainable agricultural practices, combined with the demand for enhanced crop productivity, has led to a growing interest in utilizing microorganisms for biocontrol of diseases and pests, as well as for growth promotion. In Brazilian agriculture, the use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and plant growth-promoting fungi (PGPF) has become increasingly prevalent, with a corresponding rise in the number of registered microbial inoculants each year. PGPR and PGPF occupy diverse niches within the rhizosphere, playing a crucial role in soil nutrient cycling and influencing a wide range of plant physiological processes. This review examines the primary mechanisms employed by these microbial agents to promote growth, as well as the strategy of co-inoculation to enhance product efficacy. Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the microbial inoculants currently available in Brazil, detailing the microorganisms accessible for major crops, and discuss the market's prospects for the research and development of novel products in light of current challenges faced in the coming years.

The Virome of Cocoa Fermentation-Associated Microorganisms.

Theobroma cacao plantations are of significant economic importance worldwide, primarily for chocolate production. During the harvest and processing of cocoa beans, they are subjected to fermentation either by microorganisms present in the environment (spontaneous fermentation) or the addition of starter cultures, with different strains directly contributing distinct flavor and color characteristics to the beans. In addition to fungi and bacteria, viruses are ubiquitous and can affect the quality of the fermentation process by infecting fermenting organisms, destabilizing microbial diversity, and consequently affecting fermentation quality. Therefore, in this study, we explored publicly available metatranscriptomic libraries of cocoa bean fermentation in Limon Province, Costa Rica, looking for viruses associated with fermenting microorganisms. Libraries were derived from the same sample at different time points: 7, 20, and 68 h of fermentation, corresponding to yeast- and lactic acid bacteria-driven phases. Using a comprehensive pipeline, we identified 68 viral sequences that could be assigned to 62 new viral species and 6 known viruses distributed among at least nine families, with particular abundance of elements from the Lenarviricota phylum. Interestingly, 44 of these sequences were specifically associated with ssRNA phages (Fiersviridae) and mostly fungi-infecting viral families (Botourmiaviridae, Narnaviridae, and Mitoviridae). Of note, viruses from those families show a complex evolutionary relationship, transitioning from infecting bacteria to infecting fungi. We also identified 10 and 3 viruses classified within the Totiviridae and Nodaviridae families, respectively. The quantification of the virus-derived RNAs shows a general pattern of decline, similar to the dynamic profile of some microorganism genera during the fermentation process. Unexpectedly, we identified narnavirus-related elements that showed similarity to segmented viral species. By exploring the molecular characteristics of these viral sequences and applying Hidden Markov Models, we were capable of associating these additional segments with a specific taxon. In summary, our study elucidates the complex virome associated with the microbial consortia engaged in cocoa bean fermentation that could contribute to organism/strain selection, altering metabolite production and, consequently, affecting the sensory characteristics of cocoa beans.

Situación de higiene de manos en el personal de blanco Servicio de Urología. Hospital de Clínicas. Paraguay-2023 / Hand hygiene situation among staff in the Urology Department. Hospital de Clínicas, Paraguay-2023

El lavado de manos de los trabajadores de la salud es esencial para prevenir Infecciones Asociadas a la Atención de la Salud. La falta de cumplimiento con esta práctica correcta favorece a la propagación de Microorganismos patógenos. El objetivo fue identificar la situación de Higiene de manos del profesional de la salud del servicio de Urología. Hospital de Clínicas 2023. El estudio fue observacional, correlacional, se llevó a cabo en Hospital de Clínicas. La población de estudio fue de 27 personales de salud. En cuanto a los datos sociodemográficos el 52% son hombres y mujeres 48%. La edad promedio se sitúa predominantemente en los rangos de 20 a 29 años 33% y 45% de 40-49 años. En lo que respecta a la presencia de bacterias comunes en las manos del profesional de la salud, se identificó principalmente la presencia del 54% de Staphylococcus spp., mientras que Pseudomonas se encontró en cantidades mínimas 4% y que no desarrollaron Bacterias a los 6 días de incubación un promedio de 42%. En cuanto a la resistencia a los antibióticos por parte del profesional de la salud el 28% corresponde a Eritromicina el 24% Clindamicina, el 17% Oxacilina el 9% a Rifampicina el 7% Trimeroprima+Sulfametazol y con 5% los siguientes: Ciprofloxacina, Tetraciclina, Gentamicina, la gran mayoría con resistencia a Microorganismos Gram (+) como *Staphylococcus aureus. El profesional de la salud demuestra un desempeño aceptable en la prevención de la presencia bacteriana, aunque aún existe margen de mejora, se recomienda revisar y fortalecer prácticas para prevenir la presencia bacteriana.

Healthcare workers' handwashing is essential for preventing Healthcare-Associated Infections. Non-compliance with this correct practice promotes the spread of pathogenic microorganisms. The objective was to identify the hand hygiene situation of healthcare personnel in the Urology service at Clinics Hospital in 2023. The study was observational, correlational, and conducted at Clinics Hospital. The study population consisted of 27 healthcare personnel. Regarding sociodemographic data, 52% are male and 48% are female. The average age predominantly falls within the ranges of 20 to 29 years (33%) and 40 to 49 years (45%). Regarding the presence of common bacteria on the hands of healthcare personnel, Staphylococcus spp. was identified in 54% of cases, while Pseudomonas was found in minimal amounts (4%), and there was no development of bacteria after 6 days of incubation on average (42%). Regarding antibiotic resistance among healthcare personnel, 28% corresponded to Erythromycin, 24% to Clindamycin, 17% to Oxacillin, 9% to Rifampicin, 7% to Trimethoprim+Sulfamethoxazole, and 5% to the following: Ciprofloxacin, Tetracycline, Gentamicin, with the vast majority showing resistance to Gram-positive microorganisms like Staphylococcus aureus. Healthcare personnel demonstrate acceptable performance in preventing bacterial presence, although there is still room for improvement. It is recommended to review and strengthen practices to prevent bacterial presence.

Bioremediation strategies against pesticides: An overview of current knowledge and innovations.

Pesticides pose significant risks to both human health, such as cancer, neurological disorders, and endocrine disruption, and ecosystems, through the destruction of beneficial insects, contamination of soil and water, and impact on non-target species. In the face of escalating pesticide pollution, there is an urgent need for multifaceted approaches to address the issue. Bioremediation emerges as a potent tool in the environmental pollution mitigation arsenal. Ideally aiming for the complete decomposition of pesticides into harmless molecules, bioremediation encompasses diverse approaches - from bioabsorption, bioadsorption, and biotransformation using enzymes and nanoenzymes to comprehensive degradation facilitated by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, macro- and microalgae, or phytoremediation. Exploring nature's biodiversity offers a promising avenue to find solutions to this pressing human-induced problem. The acceleration of biodegradation necessitates identifying and developing efficient organisms, achieved through bioprospection and targeted modifications. Specific strategies to enhance process efficiency and throughput include optimizing biomass production, strategic inoculation in diverse environments, and employing bioreactor systems for processing heavily contaminated waters or soils. This comprehensive review presents various bioremediation approaches, emphasizing the importance of microorganisms' exploration and new technologies development, including current innovations and patents to effectively combat pesticide pollution. Furthermore, challenges regarding the effective implementation of these technologies are also addressed.

Winter cover crop suppression methods influence on sunflower growth and rhizosphere communities.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), a vital crop for global vegetable oil production, encounters sustainability challenges in its cultivation. This study assesses the effects of incorporating a winter cover crop (CC), Avena sativa (L.), on the subsequent growth of sunflower crops and the vitality of their rhizosphere microbial communities over a two-year period. It examines the impact of two methods for suppressing winter CC-chemical suppression using glyphosate and mechanical suppression via rolling-both with and without the addition of phosphorus (P) starter fertilizer. These approaches are evaluated in comparison to the regional best management practices for sunflower cultivation, which involve a preparatory chemical fallow period and the subsequent application of starter P fertilizer. The methodology utilized Illumina sequencing for the analysis of rhizosphere bacterial 16S rRNA genes and fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) amplicons. Findings indicate a significant improvement (9-37%) in sunflower growth parameters (plant height, stem diameter, head diameter, and head dry weight) when cultivated after glyphosate-suppressed winter CC compared to the chemical fallows. Conversely, rolling of winter CC generally negatively affected sunflower growth. Rhizosphere bacterial communities following chemical suppression of winter CC showed greater Pielou's evenness, indicating a uniform distribution of species. In general, this treatment had more detrimental effects on beneficial sunflower rhizosphere bacteria such as Hymenobacter and Pseudarthrobacter than rolling of the winter CC, suggesting that the overall effect on sunflower growth may be mitigated by the redundancy within the bacterial community. As for fungal diversity, measured by the Chao-1 index, it increased in sunflowers planted after winter CC and receiving P fertilization, underscoring nutrient management's role in microbial community structure. Significant positive correlations between fungal diversity and sunflower growth parameters at the reproductive stage were observed (r = 0.41-0.72; p < 0.05), highlighting the role of fungal communities in plant fitness. The study underscores the positive effects of winter CC inclusion and management for enhancing sunflower cultivation while promoting beneficial microbes in the crop's rhizosphere. We advocate for strategic winter CC species selection, optimization of mechanical suppression techniques, and tailored phosphorus fertilization of sunflower to foster sustainable agriculture.

Genotypic and morphological identification of opportunistic microorganisms in triple-syringe tubing from dental units.

BACKGROUND: In Mexico and around the world, water in dental units, including triple syringes, comes from municipal chlorinated water mains. The microbial contamination of dental unit water systems constitutes a risk factor for opportunistic infections. OBJECTIVES: The present work aimed to identify the bacteria present in the triple-syringe water lines of dental units at a dental school of a public university in Mexico, with a hypothesis that opportunistic bacteria of importance to human health would be found. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried-out. A total of 100 samples of triple-syringe tubing from dental units operated by a dental school of a public university in Mexico were analyzed before and after their use in dental practice. Bacterial biofilm was cultured and isolated from the tubing, using standard microbiological methods, and then the species present were identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The characterization of the biofilm was performed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: Bacterial growth was observed in 20% of the non-disinfected and 10% of the disinfected samples, with 11 strains isolated. Six genera and 11 bacterial species were genetically identified. Coagulasenegative staphylococci (CoNS), considered opportunistic human pathogens, were among the most critical microorganisms. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a thick polymeric matrix with multiple bacterial aggregates. CONCLUSIONS: Opportunistic bacteria from human skin and mucous membranes were detected. Under normal conditions, these bacteria are incapable of causing disease, but are potentially harmful to immunosuppressed patients.

Plastic-degrading microbial communities reveal novel microorganisms, pathways, and biocatalysts for polymer degradation and bioplastic production.

Plastics derived from fossil fuels are used ubiquitously owing to their exceptional physicochemical characteristics. However, the extensive and short-term use of plastics has caused environmental challenges. The biotechnological plastic conversion can help address the challenges related to plastic pollution, offering sustainable alternatives that can operate using bioeconomic concepts and promote socioeconomic benefits. In this context, using soil from a plastic-contaminated landfill, two consortia were established (ConsPlastic-A and -B) displaying versatility in developing and consuming polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate as the carbon source of nutrition. The ConsPlastic-A and -B metagenomic sequencing, taxonomic profiling, and the reconstruction of 79 draft bacterial genomes significantly expanded the knowledge of plastic-degrading microorganisms and enzymes, disclosing novel taxonomic groups associated with polymer degradation. The microbial consortium was utilized to obtain a novel Pseudomonas putida strain (BR4), presenting a striking metabolic arsenal for aromatic compound degradation and assimilation, confirmed by genomic analyses. The BR4 displays the inherent capacity to degrade polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and produce polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) containing hydroxyvalerate (HV) units that contribute to enhanced copolymer properties, such as increased flexibility and resistance to breakage, compared with pure PHB. Therefore, BR4 is a promising strain for developing a bioconsolidated plastic depolymerization and upcycling process. Collectively, our study provides insights that may extend beyond the artificial ecosystems established during our experiments and supports future strategies for effectively decomposing and valorizing plastic waste. Furthermore, the functional genomic analysis described herein serves as a valuable guide for elucidating the genetic potential of microbial communities and microorganisms in plastic deconstruction and upcycling.

Metagenomics insight into Puga geothermal geyser located in Himalayan Geothermal Belt (Trans-Himalayan Plateau) Ladakh, India.

Puga geothermal geyser and surrounding area, located in the Himalayan Geothermal Belt of the Trans-Himalayan Plateau in Ladakh, India, are very geographically isolated and considered pristine and free of anthropogenic activities. In this study, we have conducted the first metagenomic investigation of the microbes in and around the geyser. The whole genome sequencing analysis showed the presence of a total of 44.8%, 39.7% and 41.4% bacterial phyla in the PugW, PugS, and PugSo samples respectively, 8.6% of archaeal phyla (in all the samples), unclassified (derived from other sequences, PugW: 27.6%, PugS: 27.6%, and PugSo: 15.5%) and unclassified (derived from bacteria, PugW: 12%, PugS: 13.8%, and PugSo: 13.8%). The majority of archaeal sequences were linked to Euryarchaeota (2.84%) while the majority of the bacterial communities that predominated in most geothermal locations were linked to Pseudomonadota (67.14%) and Bacteroidota (12.52%). The abundant bacterial strains at the species level included Dechloromonas aromatica, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Arcobacter butzleri, in all the samples while the most abundant archaeal species were Methanosaeta thermophile, Methanoregula boonei, and Methanosarcina berkeri. Further, this geothermal geyser metagenome has a large number of unique sequences linked to unidentified and unclassified lineages, suggesting a potential source for novel species of microbes and their products. The present study which only examined one of the many geothermal geysers and springs in the Puga geothermal area, should be regarded as a preliminary investigation of the microbiota that live in the geothermal springs on these remote areas. These findings suggest that further investigations should be undertaken to characterize the ecosystems of the Puga geothermal area, which serve as a repository for unidentified microbial lineages.

Plant Extract in the Control of Poultry Omphalitis.

Bacteria continue to disrupt poultry production and can cause resistant and persistent yolk sac infections to prevention efforts, known as omphalitis, resulting in poultry death. This literature review aims to demonstrate how plant extracts can help combat omphalitis in poultry. The Google Scholar database served as a resource for retrieving pertinent literature covering a wide range of search terms relevant to the scope of the research. The search strategy involved a combination of terms such as antimicrobials, chick embryo, omphalitis, plant extracts, poultry nutrition, and sanitization. The potential of plant extracts in preventing or treating infections in poultry, especially omphalitis, is mainly due to their antibacterial and safety properties. Sanitization and direct delivery of plant extracts to the internal contents of eggs, feed, or water are cutting-edge interventions to reduce the bacterial load in eggs and poultry, minimizing infection rates. For example, these interventions may include advanced treatment technologies or precise delivery systems focused on disease prevention in poultry.

Design of Microbial Consortia Based on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, Yeasts, and Bacteria to Improve the Biochemical, Nutritional, and Physiological Status of Strawberry Plants Growing under Water Deficits.

Drought affects several plant physiological characteristics such as photosynthesis, carbon metabolism, and chlorophyll content, causing hormonal and nutritional imbalances and reducing nutrient uptake and transport, which inhibit growth and development. The use of bioinoculants based on plant growth-promoting microorganisms such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), yeasts, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) has been proposed as an alternative to help plants tolerate drought. However, most studies have been based on the use of a single type of microorganism, while consortia studies have been scarcely performed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate different combinations of three PGPR, three AMF, and three yeasts with plant growth-promoting attributes to improve the biochemical, nutritional, and physiological behavior of strawberry plants growing under severe drought. The results showed that the growth and physiological attributes of the non-inoculated plants were significantly reduced by drought. In contrast, plants inoculated with the association of the fungus Claroideoglomus claroideum, the yeast Naganishia albida, and the rhizobacterium Burkholderia caledonica showed a stronger improvement in tolerance to drought. High biomass, relative water content, fruit number, photosynthetic rate, transpiration, stomatal conductance, quantum yield of photosystem II, N concentration, P concentration, K concentration, antioxidant activities, and chlorophyll contents were significantly improved in inoculated plants by up to 16.6%, 12.4%, 81.2%, 80%, 79.4%, 71.0%, 17.8%, 8.3%, 6.6%, 57.3%, 41%, and 22.5%, respectively, compared to stressed non-inoculated plants. Moreover, decreased malondialdehyde levels by up to 32% were registered. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of maximizing the effects of inoculation with beneficial rhizosphere microorganisms based on the prospect of more efficient combinations among different microbial groups, which is of interest to develop bioinoculants oriented to increase the growth of specific plant species in a global scenario of increasing drought stress.

Biological Significance of Probiotic Microorganisms from Kefir and Kombucha: A Review.

(1) Background: The human microbiota is essential for maintaining a healthy body. The gut microbiota plays a protective role against pathogenic bacteria. Probiotics are live microorganisms capable of preventing and controlling gastrointestinal and balancing the immune system. They also aid in better nutrients and vitamins absorption. Examples of natural probiotic cultures are kefir and kombucha. (2) Methods: Therefore, the aim of this review was to address the beneficial properties of probiotic kefir and kombucha using a Boxplot analysis to search for scientific data in the online literature up to January 2024: (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences (LILACS), PubMed, Medical Literature Analysis (MED-LINE), Science Direct, Google Scholar/Google Academic, Bioline Inter-national and Springer Link). Boxplots showed the summary of a set of data "Index Terms-Keywords" on kefir and kombucha in three languages (English, Portuguese and Spanish). (3) Results: Google Scholar was the database with the highest number of articles found, when the search for the keywords used in the study (containing ~4 × 106-~4 million articles available). This was Followed by the Science Direct database, containing ~3 × 106-~3 million articles available, and the BVS databases-Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (Virtual Health Library) e Lilacs, both containing a value of ~2 × 106-~2 million articles available. The databases containing the smallest number of articles found were Nutrients and Medline, both containing a value of ≤0.1 × 106-≤100 thousand articles. (4) Conclusions: Scientific studies indicate that kefir and kombucha certainly contain various functional properties, such as antimicrobial, antitumor, anticarcinogenic and immunomodulatory activity, in addition to having a microbiological composition of probiotic bacteria and yeasts. Kefir and kombucha represent key opportunities in the food and clinic/medical fields.

Qualidade físico-química e microbiológica de queijo cottage adicionado de fruto da pimenta-rosa (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) / Physicochemical and microbiological quality of cottage cheese added from pink pepper fruits (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi)

Objetivou-se avaliar a resistência a contaminações por micro-organismos obtida com a adição do fruto da pimenta-rosa (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) em queijo tipo Cottage formulado com leite bovino. Foram analisadas cinco concentrações: T1 ­ queijo Cottage com (0%) de pimenta-rosa; T2 ­ queijo Cottage com (0,5%) de pimenta-rosa, T3 ­ queijo Cottage com (1%) de pimenta-rosa, T4 ­ queijo Cottage com (1,5%) de pimenta-rosa e T5 ­ queijo Cottage com (2%) de pimenta-rosa. Para isso, foram inoculadas às amostras cepas bacterianas de Staphylococcus aureus e Escherichia coli na proporção de 150 UFC/150g de queijo em cada um dos tratamentos. As amostras foram analisadas quanto a sua capacidade de conservação em três momentos (0, 3 e 7 dias) e quanto à sua composição físico-química (umidade, cinzas, lactose, acidez titulável, proteína e lipídios). Todos os tratamentos, com exceção do a 0%, foram eficientes para a conservação dos queijos. Todas as variáveis físico-químicas analisadas apresentaram efeito significativo, mas permaneceram em conformidade com a legislação existente.(AU)

The objective was to evaluate the resistance to contamination by microorganisms faced with the addition of pink pepper fruit (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) in Cottage cheese made with bovine milk. Five concentrations were followed: T1 ­ Cottage cheese with (0%) pink pepper; T2 ­ Cottage cheese with (0.5%) pink pepper, T3 ­ Cottage cheese with (1%) pink pepper, T4 ­ Cottage cheese with (1.5%) pink pepper and T5 ­ Cottage cheese with (2%) pink pepper. For this, bacterial strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were inoculated into the samples at a rate of 150 CFU/ml/150g of cheese in each of the treatments. The samples were evaluated in terms of their storage capacity at three times (0, 3 and 7 days) and in terms of their physicochemical composition (moisture, ash, lactose, titratable acidity, protein and lipids). All treatments, with the exception of 0%, were efficient for cheese conservation. All physico-chemical variables are all affected, but remain in compliance with current legislation.(AU)