Background: Hand hygiene with chemical disinfectants is an important measure to reduce the spread of infections, but frequent use can cause skin irritation. In recent years, it has become widely accepted that visible light can also have an antimicrobial effect, and visible light has even been applied to the disinfection of wounds. The present study aims to evaluate whether hand disinfection with visible light is a realistic alternative to chemical disinfectants.

Methods: Human hands were irradiated with a dose of 10 or 33 J/cm² visible violet light (405 nm) for 3 or 10 minutes, respectively. The reducing effect of the visible violet light was determined by comparing the contact agar plate results of irradiated and non-irradiated hands. Comparative experiments with a conventional hand disinfecting gel were also performed. Applicable standards were consulted to evaluate skin exposure to the irradiation.

Results: Irradiation of the hands with 10 and 33 J/cm² resulted in an average reduction of microorganisms on the skin of 0.43 and 0.76 log-levels, respectively. These disinfection results with visible violet light are far behind that of the disinfectant gel, which achieved a reduction of 2.17 log-levels. Additionally, due to legal limits, a 3-minute irradiation can only be performed five times per day and a 10-minute procedure even only once.

Conclusion: Since the irradiation doses applied up to now have not provided a high antimicrobial effect and an increase of the dose in a short time is not arbitrarily possible without heating the hand unpleasantly, visible light of 405 nm seems rather unsuited for repeated hand disinfection.

All over the world, environmental engineers, environmental biologists, biochemists, and other scientists are concerned about environmental pollution. In particular, different treatment technologies and applications in terms of water and soil health have been investigated for years. Studies show that the bioprocess (biosorption, bioremediation, bioaccumulation, etc.) approach is more advantageous (economical, easy to design, and environmentally friendly, etc.) than many treatment methods. Thanks to these advantages, bioprocesses have been preferred for the removal of different pollutants in the receiving environment. Effective microorganisms (EMO) are defined as mixed cultures of advantageous and naturally occurring microorganisms that can be used as vaccine material. EMO is a natural fermentation product that is not chemically or genetically modified in the form of a concentrated solution. An EMO consists of 10 species, including photosynthetic (Rhodopseudomonas palustrus and Rhodobacter spheroids, etc.), lactic acid (Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, and Streptococcus lactis, etc.) bacterial groups, yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida utilis, etc.), actinomycetes, and fermenting fungi is coming. The main components of EMO are lactic acid bacteria, yeasts, and photosynthetic bacteria. In liquid solution, they are in harmony. This article aims to review the literature on 'EMO' from different scientific databases and discuss the effectiveness of using EMO for bioprocess.

Acanthamoeba spp., an emerging opportunistic human parasite, has been previously detected in open-water systems across Leicester city and surrounding rural areas (Leicestershire, England), suggesting a potential risk for the population. 190 grass samples were collected over a year (June 2017 to August 2018) to study temporal variation, in and around Leicester city and adjacent rural areas, and to determine their circulation and risks. After appropriate pre-treatment to resuspend potential cysts/amoebas present in the grass avoiding potential soil contamination, DNA was extracted from each pre-concentrated sample using the Fast DNA® Spin kit. Acanthamoeba spp. was detected using a triplex real-time TaqMan PCR assay in 22 grass samples (11.57%). The seasonal study revealed the following prevalence percentages from Summer 2017 to Summer 2018: 15.7, 10.5, 13.1, 7.89 and 10.5%. To our knowledge, this is the first report reporting the presence and seasonal distribution of Acanthamoeba spp. in grass across Leicestershire. The moderate seasonal prevalence found would be logical owing to the high environmental resistance of their cysts. Moreover, although their interactions with wild animals is not well understood, a potential zoonotic reservoir might explain the moderate to high distribution found. Leicestershire’s citizens could be exposed when playing sports, or by contact of cornea or tissue wounds with the grass. Further genotyping studies are required for a better characterisation of the distribution and circulation of Acanthamoeba spp. in Leicestershire, and to identify appropriate public health interventions and decontamination techniques to minimise the risks identified, especially to protect individuals with their immune system compromised.

Humans can be potentially exposed to Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. from topsoils when playing or spending time in recreational areas. 227 topsoil samples were collected across Alcalá de Henares (Spain) in July 2017: 155 urban, 60 industrial and 12 from a public garden. Simultaneous detection was performed using a SYBR Green real-time PCR following appropriate extraction of DNA with Fast-Prep for Soil^®. Organic matter content (OM), pH, electric conductivity (EC) and soil texture (percentages of sand, clay and silt) were also determined. E. bieneusi was detected in 9 (5 urban, 4 industrial) meanwhile Encephalitozoon spp. in 22 topsoil samples (16 urban, 6 industrial; ten E. intestinalis, nine E. intestinalis/E. hellem and three E. cuniculi). The presence E. bieneusi was associated within urban soils that presented lower EC for (0.50 vs 0.71; p-value=0.011), as this factor may provide a richer environment for the survival of the spores. The presence of microsporidian spores where higher in those topsoils with higher OM, for E. bieneusi (6.96 vs. 4.98; p-value=0.034) and E. intestinalis/E. hellem (5.53 vs. 3.12; p-value=0.0007). E. intestinalis was significantly higher in topsoils with lower content of sand (14.5 vs 21.74; p-value=0.00003) and clay (11 vs. 19.02; p-value=0.020), but higher content of silt (78.5 vs 64.95; p-value=0.023), which might be attributed to the differences in the capacity of topsoils in retain moisture in function of their texture. A better understanding of these potential associations is critical to select appropriate decontamination techniques and strategies to prevent and minimise human exposure.

The growth response of durum wheat (Triticum durum) to inoculation by two rhisospheric rhizobacteria: Azospirillum brasilense and Bacillus subtilis was evaluated by using four ways of inoculation, to determine the best way that gives better results. The two rhizobacteria were inoculated on LB liquid medium. Durum wheat was inoculated twice. For the first inoculation, part of the germinated seeds was directly sown on the ground, and inoculated by bacterial pellet or by medium containing bacterial culture. As for the other part of the germinated seeds, they were firstly soaked for 45 min in a medium containing the bacterial culture, after that, they were sown on ground. For the second inoculation, it was carried out 10 days after sowing, by the same method, except for the seeds soaked in the culture medium, which were inoculated this time by bacterial pellet or by medium containing bacterial culture. After 3 weeks of growth, different plant parameters such as the fresh and dry weight of leaves and roots, the number of leaves, the length of leaves and roots, chlorophyll and carotenoid levels were compared between inoculated and non-inoculated plants and according to different inoculation ways. The results demonstrated that the inoculation of durum wheat with these two strains stimulated the growth of the plant, some parameters gave similar effects between the two bacteria and other parameters gave different effects. Similarly, the type of inoculation influenced the response of the plant to the bacterium; some types gave better results compared to others.

Actinobacteria species, especially Streptomyces, are well-known and widely studied as promising biocontrol and phytostimulation agents. They constitute an eco-friendly substitute for chemical fungicides. Streptomyces-like strains were isolated from wheat fields to suppress the growth of Fusarium, the leading wheat root-rot-associated fungi, and to stimulate plant growth. The isolates were characterized morphologically and biochemically and subjected to a comprehensive in vitro screening for various plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits. The potential beneficial effects of these strains on wheat plants were evaluated upon their inoculation (germination rate, shoot and root lengths). Among 32 isolates, strain Act 02 was positive in inhibiting Fusarium growth and showing vigorous antifungal activity. In vitro, assays demonstrated the ability of Act 02 to produce ammonia and indole-acetic acid (IAA). The strain showed extracellular enzyme production, such as Chitinases, Cellulases, laccases and solubilized phosphate (Ca₃PO₄). Strain Act 02 tolerated high concentrations of NaCl with a considerable interval of [1- 8] % with optimum ranges between [1-3] %. 16s RNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed strain Act 02 belongs to S. lividans with a 99,04% similarity. Seed germination and pot experiments were conducted by inoculating Triticum durum seeds with a selected isolate extract. Act 02 was able to significantly increase Vigor Index as well as shoot and root lengths.

Halophiles are a group of micro-organisms that live in saline and hypersaline environments and require salinity to survive in these extreme conditions. These micro-organisms are studied mainly for their biotechnological potential. The aim of this study was to characterise the phenology , to demonstrate the extracellular proteolytic activity of the studied strain Idiomarina loihiensis and production of a protease by batch fermentation in halophilic microorganisms.

Microscopic and macroscopic studies showed small Gram negative rods, forming small colonies (≤ 5mm) of domed spherical shape, regular contour, smooth surface, beige to opaque cream in colour. Protease production was studied under high salinity conditions by the moderately halophilic bacterium in basal media containing different nitrogen sources (glycine, peptone, gelatin, caseine, caseine peptone , triptone, skim milk, gelatin+ triptone); The effect of different nutrient sources, initial pH, temperatures, salt and thermal stability on proteolytic activity revealed that maximum activity occurred in media containing triptone and casein peptone as nitrogen source at pH 10, temperature 70 °C and 22. 5 % salts, and the thermostability result revealed that the protease was a thermostable enzyme.

The highly prevalent pest Alphitobius diaperinus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) causes significant structural damage in poultry farms. Despite previous investigations on its carriage of pathogenic microorganisms, our understanding of its microbiome remains limited. This study aimed to analyze the diversity of culturable gut microbiota in A. diaperinus obtained from laboratory breeding. Fifteen seventh instar larvae underwent a 24-hour starvation period, followed by surface disinfection. Dissected midguts were homogenized and plated on nutrient agar (NA), brain heart infusion agar (BHI), and Bacillus cereus agar (BC). The cultured isolates were subjected to gram staining, phylogenetic analysis, biochemical property evaluation, and metabolic activity assessment. Bacterial counts were higher in BHI (2.51x10⁵ CFU/gut) than in NA (2.25x10⁵ CFU/gut), possibly due to nutrient richness. NA exhibited a dominant colony morphology of gram-negative bacilli, while BHI displayed additional distinct colonies of gram-positive cocci. Surprisingly, yeast-like colonies were observed on BC plates. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, eight bacterial isolates were identified as Enterobacter sp., and two as Staphylococcus sp. Using RNA gene ITS region sequences, two yeast isolates were identified as Debaryomyces sp. and Hyphopichia sp. A preliminary species-level identification of bacteria (Enterobacter cloacae, Staphylococcus gallinarum, and Staphylococcus succinus) was achieved using API systems and complementary biochemical tests. Discrepancies between phylogenetic analysis and phenotypic data suggest the potential existence of new species or subspecies. Further comprehensive studies are required to confirm this hypothesis.

In recent years, serious disease outbreaks have occurred caused by pathogens like Escherichia coli, Listeria and Salmonella. The EHEC epidemic in 2011, caused by E. coli, resulted in the death of about 50 people. Therefore, food disinfection is important. A possible approach is disinfection by UV radiation, which is a fast and environmentally technique.

The objective of this work is to investigate the germicidal effect on E. coli x pGLO on bagged lettuce and on seedlings with the emerging Far-UVC (222 nm) in comparison to the widespread 254 nm UVC variant. In contrast to 254 nm radiation, Far-UVC-radiation is known to inactivate pathogens without harming humans. To investigate this germicidal effect of this kind of UV radiation, packed field salad and chicory seedlings were inoculated with E. coli x pGLO and irradiated.

We found that a 222 nm irradiation of 40 mJ/cm² led to an E. coli reduction of up to 99 % on seedlings. Similar experimental results were obtained for the packaged lettuce. For irradiation with 254 nm, a germ reduction of more than 90 % were observed at a dose of 7 mJ/cm² for packaged lettuce. When applied this wavelength to the seedlings, a reduction of 99 % could be achieved with the same reduction dose.

UVC radiation seems to be suitable for germ reduction on plants. Further investigations are necessary to see, if there is a difference between young and older plants, but also to see the impact on other parts of the plant beside the leaves.

The search for new antifungal substances is increasingly relevant due to growing antifungal resistance. Candida albicans is the most common pathogen yeast in humans, primarily in immuno-compromised individuals. Isothiocyanates, derived from glucosinolates, are compounds with an antimicrobial effect at low concentrations. The purpose of this study was to analyse ultrastructural changes in three C. albicans isolates after exposure to benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) at different lengths of exposure time (2.5-, 5- and 24 hours). Before exposure to BITC, cells presented a regular round or oval shape, with a uniform cell wall. After exposure to BITC, cell wall damage and loss occurred in the three strains. The cells developed extensive indentations, and a band of electrodense material was formed in the cortical cytoplasm. Although for one isolate no intact cells were detected, at the highest exposure time, two of the isolates showed relevant response, regaining almost normal cell shape with nearly complete cell wall recovery. Cell lysis led to the deposition of a melted and unmixed mass with two apparently distinct fractions, the cell wall fraction and the cytoplasmic fraction. The present work demonstrates that, through targeting the C. albicans cell wall, BITC may prove to be a promising antifungal compound.