Unraveling disparate roles of organisms, from plants to bacteria, and viruses on built cultural heritage.

The different organisms, ranging from plants to bacteria, and viruses that dwell on built cultural heritage can be passive or active participants in conservation processes. For the active participants, particular attention is generally given to organisms that play a positive role in bioprotection, bioprecipitation, bioconsolidation, bioremediation, biocleaning, and biological control and to those involved in providing ecosystem services, such as reducing temperature, pollution, and noise in urban areas. The organisms can also evolve or mutate in response to changes, becoming tolerant and resistant to biocidal treatments or acquiring certain capacities, such as water repellency or resistance to ultraviolet radiation. Our understanding of the capacities and roles of these active organisms is constantly evolving as bioprotection/biodeterioration, and biotreatment studies are conducted and new techniques for characterizing species are developed. This brief review article aims to shed light on interesting research that has been abandoned as well as on recent (some ongoing) studies opening up new scopes of research involving a wide variety of organisms and viruses, which are likely to receive more attention in the coming years. KEY POINTS: • Organisms and viruses can be active or passive players in heritage conservation • Biotreatment and ecosystem service studies involving organisms and viruses are shown • Green deal, health, ecosystem services, and global change may shape future research.

Attraction of Insects to Ornamental Lighting Used on Cultural Heritage Buildings: A Case Study in an Urban Area.

Artificial light at night (ALAN) reduces insect populations by altering their movements, foraging, reproduction, and predation. Although ALAN is mainly associated with streetlights and road networks, the ornamental illumination of monuments is making an increasing (but not well-studied) contribution. We compared insect attraction to two different types of light sources: a metal halide lamp (a type currently used to illuminate monuments) and an environmentally sound prototype lamp (CromaLux) comprising a combination of green and amber LEDs. The experiment was performed within the pilot CromaLux project in Santiago de Compostela (NW Spain). The abundance and diversity of the insects captured between June and October 2021 in the areas surrounding both light sources and in an unlit area were compared. By limiting the light emitted to amber and green, the CromaLux lamps reduced the number and diversity of insects, morphospecies, and orders attracted to the light, with similar numbers captured as in the unilluminated area, while a greater diversity of insects was captured beside the metal halide lamp. This effect has been demonstrated for almost all insect orders trapped, especially in Diptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, and Hymenoptera. On the contrary, Psocoptera showed a similar attraction to the CromaLux and metal halide lamps, a phenomenon whose causes deserve further investigation. As expected, Diptera were the most diverse and abundant insects in all samples, but the abundance of Lepidoptera was unexpectedly low (4%), which is in line with the worldwide evidence of the progressive decline of populations of this group. The study findings provide evidence that selecting specific wavelengths for ornamental lighting reduces the attraction of insects while maintaining adequate illumination of monuments for aesthetic purposes, resulting in a lower environmental impact on nocturnal insects. This study provides reference data for developing principles of good practices leading to possible regulatory and legal solutions and the incorporation of specific measures for artificial lighting of monuments and urban structures.

Long-amplicon MinION-based sequencing study in a salt-contaminated twelfth century granite-built chapel.

The irregular damp dark staining on the stonework of a salt-contaminated twelfth century granite-built chapel is thought to be related to a non-homogeneous distribution of salts and microbial communities. To enhance understanding of the role of microorganisms in the presence of salt and damp stains, we determined the salt content and identified the microbial ecosystem in several paving slabs and inner wall slabs (untreated and previously bio-desalinated) and in the exterior surrounding soil. Soluble salt analysis and culture-dependent approaches combined with archaeal and bacterial 16S rRNA and fungal ITS fragment as well as with the functional genes nirK, dsr, and soxB long-amplicon MinION-based sequencing were performed. State-of-the-art technology was used for microbial identification, providing information about the microbial diversity and phylogenetic groups present and enabling us to gain some insight into the biological cycles occurring in the community key genes involved in the different geomicrobiological cycles. A well-defined relationship between microbial data and soluble salts was identified, suggesting that poorly soluble salts (CaSO4) could fill the pores in the stone and lead to condensation and dissolution of highly soluble salts (Ca(NO3)2 and Mg(NO3)2) in the thin layer of water formed on the stonework. By contrast, no direct relationship between the damp staining and the salt content or related microbiota was established. Further analysis regarding organic matter and recalcitrant elements in the stonework should be carried out. KEY POINTS : • Poorly (CaSO4) and highly (Ca(NO3)2, Mg(NO3)2) soluble salts were detected • Halophilic and mineral weathering microorganisms reveal ecological impacts of salts • Microbial communities involved in nitrate and sulfate cycles were detected.

Bioremoval of graffiti using novel commercial strains of bacteria.

Previous studies have provided evidence that bioremediation deals a novel approach to graffiti removal, thereby overcoming well-known limitations of current cleaning methods. In the present study eight bacteria aerobic, mesophilic and culturable from the American ATCC and the German DSMZ collections of microorganisms, some isolated from car paint waste, colored deposits in a pulp dryer and wastewater from dye works, were tested in the removal of silver and black graffiti spray paints using immersion strategies with glass slides. Absorbance at 600 nm and live/dead assays were performed to estimate bacterial density and activity in all samples. Also, pH and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and inorganic carbon (DIC) measurements in the liquid media were made, as well as, thickness, colorimetric and infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy measurements in graffiti paint layers were used to evaluate the presence of the selected bacteria in the samples and the graffiti bioremoval capacity of bacteria. Data demonstrated that of the eight bacteria studied, Enterobacter aerogenes, Comamonas sp. and a mixture of Bacillus sp., Delftia lacustris, Sphingobacterium caeni, and Ochrobactrum anthropi were the most promising for bioremoval of graffiti. According to significant changes in FTIR spectra, indicating an alteration of the paint polymeric structure, coupled with the presence of a consistent quantity of live bacteria in the medium as well as a significant increase of DIC (a measure of metabolic activity) and a change in paint color.

Moving toward Smart Cities: Evaluation of the Self-Cleaning Properties of Si-Based Consolidants Containing Nanocrystalline TiO2 Activated by either UV-A or UV-B Radiation.

This study evaluated the self-cleaning ability and durability of Si-based consolidants (an ethyl silicate consolidant and a consolidant based on nanosized silica) spiked with nanocrystalline TiO2 activated by either UV-A radiation (spectral region between 340 and 400 nm, and main peak at 365 nm) or UV-B radiation (spectral region between 270 and 420 nm, and main peak at 310 nm). Granite samples were coated with consolidant, to which nanocrystalline TiO2 was added at different concentrations (0.5, 1, and 3%, by wt.). Diesel soot was then applied to the coated surfaces, and the samples were exposed to UV-A or UV-B radiation for 1650 h. The surface color changes, relative to the color of untreated granite, were determined every 330 h by color spectrophotometry. Slight color changes indicated a recovery of the reference color due to the degradation of the soot. The final surfaces of both the untreated and treated surfaces were compared by stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The main findings were that: (1) In general, the consolidant containing nanosized silica induced the most intense photocatalytic activity. In the more compact xerogel coating formed by the nanosized silica, more TiO2 nanoparticles were available to interact with the radiation. (2) For all consolidant mixtures, soot degradation remained constant or decreased over time, except with ethyl silicate with 0.5 wt % TiO2 (no self-cleaning capacity). (3) Soot degradation increased with the concentration of TiO2. (4) The UV-B radiation was the most effective in terms of soot degradation, except for the surface coated with the ethyl silicate and 3% wt. TiO2.

Impact of colour on the bioreceptivity of granite to the green alga Apatococcus lobatus: Laboratory and field testing.

Recent work has demonstrated that surface colour affects the formation of cyanobacterial subaerial biofilms on polycarbonate coupons and, in turn, influences their bioreceptivity. To explore whether colour is important on other substrates, the influence of colour on the primary bioreceptivity of granite to the terrestrial green alga Apatococcus lobatus (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta) has been assessed. Two granitoids (Grissal and Rosa Porriño) with the same texture, and very similar chemical composition, open porosity and surface roughness, but different coloration related to feldspars (i.e. greyish and reddish) were used to conduct bioreceptivity studies in parallel field and laboratory tests. Light microscopy, colour spectrophotometry, PAM fluorometry, and optical profilometry were used to evaluate colonisation and its impacts. Short-term results (after 7 and 10 weeks of colonisation by a mono-species biofilm) from both lab and field trials, showed significantly more algae growth on reddish granite (Rosa Porriño) than on greyish granite (Grissal). Also, optical profilometry and light microscopy demonstrated that on both granites algal aggregates developed in hollows. We attribute the roughly double levels of A. lobatus growth on reddish vs greyish granite to differences in the amount of radiant energy absorbed and the higher levels of red wavelength light (known to encourage algal growth) reflected from the reddish surface.

A Simple, Reliable, and Inexpensive Solution for Contact Color Measurement in Small Plant Samples.

Correct color measurement by contact-type color measuring devices requires that the sample surface fully covers the head of the device, so their use on small samples remains a challenge. Here, we propose to use cardboard adaptors on the two aperture masks (3 and 8 mm diameter measuring area) of a broadly used portable spectrophotometer. Adaptors in black and white to reduce the measuring area by 50% and 70% were applied in this study. Representatives of the family Campanulaceae have been used to test the methodology, given the occurrence of small leaves. Our results show that, following colorimetric criteria, the only setting providing indistinguishable colors according to the perception of the human eye is the use of a 50%-reducing adaptor on the 3-mm aperture. In addition, statistical analysis suggests the use of the white adaptor. Our contribution offers a sound measurement technique to gather ecological information from the color of leaves, petals, and other small samples.

Surface colour: An overlooked aspect in the study of cyanobacterial biofilm formation.

Cyanobacteria can grow as biofilms, communities that colonize surfaces and that play a fundamental role in the ecology of many diverse habitats and in the conversion of industrial production to green platforms. Although biofilm growth is known to be significantly affected by several characteristics, the effect of colour surface is an overlooked aspect that has not yet been investigated. In this study, we describe the effect of colour hues (white, red, blue and black) on the growth of cyanobacterial biofilms on air-exposed substrates. We measured growth, architecture, pigment production and levels of ATP and reactive oxygen species in cyanobacterial biofilms formed on different coloured substrates. The study findings demonstrate, for the first time, that the colour of a surface affects biofilm formation at the air-solid interface (with more biomass accumulating on white and red substrates than on blue and black substrates) and also alters the biofilm architecture. In addition, the roles of chromatic adaptation, phototrophic cells and reactive oxygen species as intermediates between colour sensing and biofilm response are discussed. Our results support the importance of colour as a new factor that favours surface colonization by cyanobacteria and its contribution to biofilm formation.

Exposure to artificial daylight or UV irradiation (A, B or C) prior to chemical cleaning: an effective combination for removing phototrophs from granite.

This study evaluated whether exposing samples of granite colonized by a natural biofilm to artificial daylight or UV-A/B/C irradiation for 48 h enhanced removal of the biofilm with a chemical product previously approved for conservation of monuments by the European Biocide Directive. Rodas granite, which is commonly found in stone-built heritage monuments in Galicia (NW Spain), was naturally colonized by a sub-aerial biofilm. The efficacy of the cleaning method was evaluated relative to uncolonized surfaces and colonized control samples without previous irradiation, treated by dry-brushing or with benzalkonium chloride. The effect of UV irradiation in the combined treatment was evident, as comparable cleaning levels were not reached in the controls. Although the biofilm was not totally removed by any of the treatments, UV-B irradiation followed by benzalkonium chloride was potentially useful for cleaning stone, with results comparable to those achieved by UV-C irradiation, which is known to have germicidal effects.

Estudio Analítico: Prevalencia de Hipotermia y Factores Asociados en el Postoperatorio Inmediato en Cirugía del Hospital Vicente Corral Moscoso, Cuenca ­ Ecuador, 2016 / Analytical Research: Prevalence of Hypothermia and Associated Factors in the Immediate Post-operative Surgery at Hospital Vicente Corral Moscoso, Cuenca - Ecuador, 2016

INTRODUCCIÓN: La hipotermia perioperatoria es la disminución de la temperatura, por debajo de 36°C luego de una cirugía, que se vincula con complicaciones inmediatas y tardías. El control de la hipotermia reduce la morbimortalidad, los gastos y el tiempo de integración de los pacientes a su medio social y familiar. El objetivo del presente estudio es determinar la prevalencia de hipotermia inadvertida y los factores asociados en el posoperatorio inmediato. MÉTODOS: Es un estudio analítico transversal, se estudió a pacientes hombres y mujeres desde los 18 a los 70 años, sometidos a cirugías electivas en el Hospital Vicente Corral Moscoso, del 16 de mayo al 11 de agosto del 2016. Se valoró la temperatura con un termómetro electrónico y las variables asociadas a través de un formulario elaborado por los investigadores. Para el análisis estadístico bivariante y multivariante se utilizó los programas estadísticos PSPP 0.10.4. y EPI INFO 7. RESULTADOS: De los 267 pacientes investigados el 68.5 % desarrolló hipotermia en el posoperatorio inmediato. La anestesia general aumenta 1.8 veces el riesgo de desarrollar hipotermia con un valor estadísticamente significativo, así como un tiempo de anestesia mayor a 60 minutos pero con un valor de significancia limítrofe. CONCLUSIONES: Los factores asociados al desarrollo de hipotermia son: el uso de anestesia general y el tiempo de exposición anestésica mayor a 60 minutos. Se recomienda la toma de temperatura en los pacientes antes, durante y después del procedimiento quirúrgico, para actuar de manera oportuna ante la aparición de la hipotermia.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative hypothermia is the decrease in temperature, below 36 °C after surgery that is linked to immediate and late complications. The control of hypothermia reduces morbidity, mortality, and the time of integration of patients to their social and family environment. The objective of the present study is to determine the prevalence of inadvertent hypothermia and associated factors in the immediate postoperative period. METHODS: The present is a cross-sectional analytical study, working with male and female patients from 18 to 70 years old, undergoing elective surgeries at the Hospital Vicente Corral Moscoso, from May 16 to August 11, 2016. It was evaluated the temperature with an electronic thermometer and the associated variables through a form prepared by the researchers. The statistical programs PSPP 0.10.4 were used for the bivariate and multivariate analysis and EPI INFO 7. RESULTS: Of the 267 patients investigated, 68.5 % developed hypothermia in the immediate postoperative period. General anesthesia increases 1.8 times the risk of developing hypothermia with a statistically significant value, as well as an anesthesia time greater than 60 minutes but with a value of borderline significance. CONCLUSIONS: The factors associated with the development of hypothermia are: the use of general anesthesia and the anesthetic exposure time greater than 60 minutes. We recommend taking temperature in patients before, during and after the surgical procedure, to act in a timely manner before the onset of hypothermia.

Melding the Old with the New: Trends in Methods Used to Identify, Monitor, and Control Microorganisms on Cultural Heritage Materials.

Microbial activity has an important impact on the maintenance of cultural heritage materials, owing to the key role of microorganisms in many deterioration processes. In order to minimize such deleterious effects, there is a need to fine-tune methods that detect and characterize microorganisms. Trends in microbiology indicate that this need can be met by incorporating modern techniques. All of the methods considered in this review paper are employed in the identification, surveillance, and control of microorganisms, and they have two points in common: They are currently used in microbial ecology (only literature from 2009 to 2015 is included), and they are often applied in the cultural heritage sector. More than 75 peer-reviewed journal articles addressing three different approaches were considered: molecular, sensory and morphological, and biocontrol methods. The goal of this review is to highlight the usefulness of the traditional as well as the modern methods. The general theme in the literature cited suggests using an integrated approach.

Color of cyanobacteria: some methodological aspects.

Although the color of cyanobacteria is a very informative characteristic, no standardized protocol has, so far, been established for defining the color in an objective way, and, therefore, direct comparison of experimental results obtained by different research groups is not possible. In the present study, we used colorimetric measurements and conventional statistical tools to determine the effects on the measurement of the color of cyanobacteria, of the concentration of the microorganisms and their moisture content, as well as of the size of the target area and the minimum number of measurements. It was concluded that the color measurement is affected by every factor studied, but that this can be controlled for by making at least 10 consecutive measurements/9.62 cm(2) at different randomly selected points on the surface of filters completely covered by films of cyanobacteria in which the moisture contents are higher than 50%.

Modelo farmacoeconómico basado en el análisis de minimización de costes para la selección de antibióticos en el medio ambulatorio / No disponible

Objetivo: Desarrollar un modelo farmacoeconómico para aplicarlo a los antibióticos orales de uso frecuente en nuestra área sanitaria, que sirva de ayuda en la toma de decisiones cuando el médico prescribe un antibiótico a un paciente ambulatorio. Método: El estudio realizado se aproxima al análisis de minimización de costes. Se han seleccionado antibióticos orales con espectro de acción e indicaciones similares. Los factores analizados han sido: coste del tratamiento farmacológico para 10 días, adecuación de la presentación comercial, cumplimiento en función de la frecuencia de administración y abandono del tratamiento por efectos adversos. Resultados: Al analizar la adecuación de la presentación comercial a la duración del tratamiento, en el grupo de antibióticos β-lactámicos se observan incrementos en el coste alrededor del 20%, excepto para cefixima; en el caso de los macrólidos, oscila entre el 0% para azitromicina y el 20% para eritromicina. En cuanto al cumplimiento terapéutico asociado al número de dosis/día, en el grupo de los macrólidos el coste de eritromicina es 1,8 veces superior al de azitromicina. Con respecto a la influencia del abandono del tratamiento por efectos adversos, cefixima dentro de su grupo sufre un menor incremento, el 1%, frente al 3% de cefuroxima-axetilo; en los macrólidos, los incrementos son del 1% para azitromicina, 4% para claritromicina y 14,3% para eritromicina. El estudio muestra diferencias menores en las quinolonas. Conclusión: Los resultados indican que el coste del tratamiento propiamente dicho y el cumplimiento asociado a la posología son los factores que contribuyen de forma decisiva al coste global; la falta de adecuación de la presentación comercial a la duración del tratamiento tiene una importancia clara pero variable, y el abandono del tratamiento por efectos adversos contribuye en menor grado al coste global (AU)

Objective: To develop a pharmacoeconomic model for frequently used oral antibiotics in our health area that would aid doctors when prescribing antibiotics to outpatients. Method: This study was carried out along the lines of a cost reduction analysis. Oral antibiotics with similar spectra of action and indications were chosen. The factors analyzed were the cost of pharmacological treatment for 10 days, the suitability of the commercial preparation, compliance according to frequency of administration, and treatment discontinuation due to adverse effects. Results: Analysis of the suitability of the commercial preparation to treatment duration revealed increases of approximately 20% in the β-lactam group, except for cefixime. Increases in the macrolide group ranged from 0% for azithromycin to 20% for erythromycin. Concerning therapeutic compliance associated with the number of daily doses, in the macrolide group the cost of erythromycin was 1.8 times higher than that of azithromycin. With respect to the influence of treatment discontinuation due to adverse effects, in the β-lactam group cefixime showed the smallest increase (1%) compared with 3% for cefuroxime-axetil. In the macrolide group, increases were 1% for azithromycin, 4% for clarithromycin and 14.3% for erythromycin. Smaller differences were found among the quinolones. Conclusion: The results show that the cost of the treatment itself and of compliance associated with dosage are decisive factors contributing to overall cost. The unsuitability of the commercial preparation to treatment duration is of clear but variable importance. Treatment discontinuation due to adverse effects contributed less to overall cost (AU)