Microbiome of Ceca from Broiler Chicken Vaccinated or Not against Coccidiosis and Fed Berry Pomaces.

American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and lowbush/wild blueberry (V. angustifolium) pomace are polyphenol-rich products having potentially beneficial effects in broiler chickens. This study investigated the cecal microbiome of broiler-vaccinated or non-vaccinated birds against coccidiosis. Birds in each of the two groups (vaccinated or non-vaccinated) were fed a basal non-supplemented diet (NC), a basal diet supplemented with bacitracin (BAC), American cranberry (CP), and lowbush blueberry (BP) pomace alone or in combination (CP + BP). At 21 days of age, cecal DNA samples were extracted and analyzed using both whole-metagenome shotgun sequencing and targeted-resistome sequencing approaches. Ceca from vaccinated birds showed a lower abundance of Lactobacillus and a higher abundance of Escherichia coli than non-vaccinated birds (p < 0.05). The highest and lowest abundance of L. crispatus and E. coli, respectively, were observed in birds fed CP, BP, and CP + BP compared to those from NC or BAC treatments (p < 0.05). Coccidiosis vaccination affected the abundance of virulence genes (VGs) related to adherence, flagella, iron utilization, and secretion system. Toxin-related genes were observed in vaccinated birds (p < 0.05) in general, with less prevalence in birds fed CP, BP, and CP + BP than NC and BAC (p < 0.05). More than 75 antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) detected by the shotgun metagenomics sequencing were impacted by vaccination. Ceca from birds fed CP, BP, and CP + BP showed the lowest (p < 0.05) abundances of ARGs related to multi-drug efflux pumps, modifying/hydrolyzing enzyme and target-mediated mutation, when compared to ceca from birds fed BAC. Targeted metagenomics showed that resistome from BP treatment was distant to other groups for antimicrobials, such as aminoglycosides (p < 0.05). Significant differences in the richness were observed between the vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups for aminoglycosides, ß-lactams, lincosamides, and trimethoprim resistance genes (p < 0.05). Overall, this study demonstrated that dietary berry pomaces and coccidiosis vaccination significantly impacted cecal microbiota, virulome, resistome, and metabolic pathways in broiler chickens.

Biodegradable Polymer Matrix Composites Containing Graphene-Related Materials for Antibacterial Applications: A Critical Review.

For the first time, the present review critically evaluates biodegradable polymer matrix composites containing graphene-related materials (GRMs) for antibacterial applications while discussing their development, processing routes, mechanical properties, and antibacterial activity. Due to its suitable biological properties and processability, chitosan has been the most widely used biodegradable polymer for the fabrication of GRM-containing composites with antibacterial properties. The majority of biodegradable polymers (including cellulose-, gelatine-, PVA-, PCL-, and PHA-based polymers) exhibit little to no antibacterial effect alone; however, they show significant antibacterial activity (>70%) when combined with GRMs. In vitro and in vivo studies indicate that GRMs functionalization with biodegradable polymers also reduces potential GRM cytotoxicity. Overall, GRMs in biodegradable polymer matrices provide attractive antibacterial activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria (>30 different bacteria) along with improved mechanical properties over pristine polymers, where the type and the degree of improvement provided by GRMs depend on the specific matrix. For example, the addition of GRMs into chitosan, PVA, and PCL matrices increases their tensile strength by 80%, 180%, and 40%, respectively. Challenges remain in understanding the effects of processing routes and post-processing methods on the antibacterial activity and biocompatibility of biodegradable polymer/GRM composites. Given their promising properties and functionality, research on these composites is expected to further increase along with the implementation of new composite systems. These would include a wide range of applications, e.g., wound dressings, tissue engineering, drug delivery, biosensing, and photo-thermal therapy, as well as non-medical use, e.g., antibacterial food packaging, water treatment, and antibacterial fabrics. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Graphene-related materials (GRMs) in polymer matrices can provide excellent antibacterial activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria together with improved mechanical properties (e.g., tensile strength and elastic modulus) over pristine polymers; thus, research efforts and applications of biodegradable polymer matrix composites containing GRMs have increased notably in the last ten years. For the first time, the present review critically evaluates biodegradable polymer matrix composites containing GRMs for antibacterial applications while discussing their development, processing routes, mechanical properties, and antibacterial activity. Future research directions for each composite system are proposed to shed light on overcoming the existing challenges in composite performance (e.g., mechanical properties, toxicity) reported in the literature.

A systematic study for removal of heavy metals from aqueous media using Sorghum bicolor: an efficient biosorbent.

This review is based on the adsorption characteristics of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) for removal of heavy metals from aqueous media. Different parameters like pH, temperature of the medium, sorghum concentration, sorghum particle size, contact time, stirring speed and heavy metal concentration control the adsorption efficiency of sorghum biomass for heavy metal ions. Sorghum biomass showed maximum efficiency for removal of heavy metal ions in the pH range of 5 to 6. It is an agricultural waste and is regarded as the cheapest biosorbent, having high adsorption capacity for heavy metals as compared to other reported adsorbents, for the treatment of heavy metal polluted wastewater. Adsorption of heavy metal ions onto sorghum biomass follows pseudo second order kinetics. Best fitted adsorption isotherm models for removal of heavy metal ions on sorghum biomass are Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models. Thermodynamic aspects of heavy metal ions adsorption onto sorghum biomass have also been elaborated in this review article. How adsorption efficiency of sorghum biomass can be improved by different physical and chemical treatments in future has also been elaborated. This review article will be highly useful for researchers working in the field of water treatment via biosorption processing. The quantitative demonstrated efficiency of sorghum biomass for various heavy metal ions has also been highlighted in different sections of this review article.

Draft Whole-Genome Sequences of Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli O157:H7 Strains Isolated from Feedlot Cattle Treated with Growth-Promoting Agents.

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli serotype O157:H7 is a major cause of foodborne outbreaks and hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of three antibiotic-resistant E. coli O157:H7 strains isolated from feedlot cattle. These draft genome sequences will aid in the development of sequence-based tools for the detection of virulence and antimicrobial resistance genotypes.

First Detection of a Fosfomycin Resistance Gene, fosA7, in Salmonella enterica Serovar Heidelberg Isolated from Broiler Chickens.

We previously described Salmonella enterica serovar Heidelberg isolates harboring a chromosomal gene cluster similar to the glutathione S-transferase gene, a putative fosA gene conferring resistance to fosfomycin. Here, we show that this new gene, named fosA7, confers resistance to fosfomycin. The introduction of fosA7 into the fosfomycin-susceptible Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis resulted in a substantial increase in the fosfomycin MIC. This finding increases the awareness of antibiotic resistance in Salmonella Heidelberg from broilers as related to the food safety and public health.

Draft Whole-Genome Sequences of 25 Salmonella enterica Strains Representing 24 Serovars.

We report the draft genome sequences of 25 Salmonella enterica strains representing 24 different serotypes, many of which were not available in public repositories during our selection process. These draft genomes will provide useful reference for the genetic variation between serotypes and aid in the development of molecular typing tools.

High-Quality Draft Whole-Genome Sequences of 162 Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovar Enteritidis Strains Isolated from Diverse Sources in Canada.

We report the high-quality draft genome sequences of 162 strains of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis representing diverse phage types and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) profiles. The analysis of these genomes will enable the identification of markers that are useful for differentiating strains of this highly clonal serovar and will provide insights into the evolution, virulence, and epidemiology of the strains.

Complete Genome Sequences of 16 Canadian Strains of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovar Enteritidis.

Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis is an important zoonotic food-borne pathogen causing serious human illnesses frequently linked to poultry products. Here, we report fully assembled genome sequences of 16 S. Enteritidis strains with common pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and phage types (8, 13, 13a, and 14b) that predominate in North America.

Bullet-induced synovitis as a cause of secondary osteoarthritis of the hip joint: A case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: With increasing prevalence of gunshot injuries we are seeing more patients with retained bullet fragments lodged in their bodies. Embedded lead bullets are usually considered inert after their kinetic energy has dissipated hence these are not removed routinely. However, exposure of any foreign body to synovial fluid may lead to rapid degradation and hence result in systemic absorption, causing local and systemic symptoms. We present the case of a thirty year old man who came to our out patient department with a history of progressive, severe hip pain ten years after a gun shot injury to his right hip. CONCLUSION: The common belief that intraarticular bullets should not be removed has no benefit and may result in unwanted long term complications.