Source to tap investigation of natural organic matter in non-disinfected drinking water distribution systems

Despite being reduced by treatment, natural organic matter (NOM) is ubiquitous in drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs) from sources to consumers' taps where it can potentially have negative impacts on drinking water quality. While a few studies have investigated its behaviour in disinfected and NOM-rich DWDSs, its dynamics in non-disinfected systems, characterized by low NOM content, have not yet been explored. In this study, we monitored the NOM variations occurring between groundwater sources and consumers' taps of a non-disinfected DWDS, including three drinking water treatment plants, using both fluorescence and absorbance, selected due to their increasing adoption by water utilities. PARAFAC analysis of fluorescence data, combined with absorbance indices, highlighted how NOM characteristics in groundwater vary due to the combination of multiple factors (e.g., well depth, pumping rate), especially in the case of shallower aquifers. The treatment processes display different effects on NOM when monitored by fluorescence and absorbance, due to the differences among fluorophores and between fluorescent and chromophoric molecules. Variations of the NOM characteristics between the treatment plant outlets and sampling locations within the network were detected only in few locations, suggesting the importance of the processes occurring in specific sections of the network and the last meter before consumption. These findings highlight the overall stability of water quality within non- disinfected NOM-poor DWDSs, but they stress the importance of (i) properly selecting the analytical method to be used for monitoring and (ii) localized water quality variations mainly related to pipe materials, suggesting several implications for DWDS monitoring and management

Molecular Biology Meets Logic : Context-Sensitiveness in Focus

Some real life processes, including molecular ones, are context-sensitive, in the sense that their outcome depends on side conditions that are most of the times difficult, or impossible, to express fully in advance. In this paper, we survey and discuss a logical account of context-sensitiveness in molecular processes, based on a kind of non-classical logic. This account also allows us to revisit the relationship between logic and philosophy of science (and philosophy of biology, in particular)

Human resources estimates and funding for antibiotic stewardship teams are urgently needed: authors' response

International audienc

Growth of Wild Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata L.) Juveniles for Organic Aquaculture

The majority of organic marine fish farms currently begin the production cycle with non-organic juveniles from conventional hatcheries, permitted by the European Regulation on organic fish origin (EC 710/2009) until the end of 2016. Wild juvenile gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) from coastal lagoons and hatcheries were experimentally reared under organic conditions, in order (1) to investigate differences in fillet lipid content and fatty acids composition, and (2) to propose a possible future source of juveniles destined for organic aquaculture. Wild juveniles were readily distinguishable by their fatty acid signature, showing significantly higher ratio levels of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and n-3/n-6. Fillet lipid composition of organically fed wild S. aurata juveniles was preferable to that from domesticated juveniles. These results seem promising for organic aquaculture, where fish feed is more environmentally sustainable but is of lower nutritional qualit

Skin pigmentation in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata l.) fed conventional and novel protein sources in diets deprived of fish meal

The pattern of yellowish pigmentation of the skin was assessed in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) fed for 12 weeks iso-proteic (45%) and iso-lipidic (20%) diets deprived of fish meal and containing either a blend of vegetable protein-rich ingredients or where graded levels of the vegetable protein blend were replaced by insect (Hermetia illucens\u201410%, 20% or 40%) pupae meal, poultry by-product meal (20%, 30% or 40%), red swamp crayfish meal (10%) and marine microalgae (Tisochrysis lutea and Tetraselmis suecica\u201410%) dried biomass. Digital images of fish fed diets differing in protein sources were analyzed by means of an automatic and non-invasive image analysis tool, in order to determine the number of yellow pixels and their dispersion on the frontal and lateral sides of the fish. The relationship between the total carotenoid concentration in the diet and the number of yellow pixels was investigated. Test diets differently affected gilthead seabream skin pigmentation both in the forefront and the operculum, due to their carotenoid content. The highest yellow pixels\u2019 number was observed with the diet containing microalgae. Fish fed poultry by-product meal were characterized by the lowest yellow pixels\u2019 number, diets containing insect meal had an intermediate coloring capacity. The vegetable control, the microalgae mix diet and the crayfish diet had significantly higher values of yellow pixels at both inspected skin sites

Skeletal Anomaly Monitoring in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum 1792) Reared under Different Conditions

The incidence of skeletal anomalies could be used as an indicator of the "quality" of rearing conditions as these anomalies are thought to result from the inability of homeostatic mechanisms to compensate for environmentally-induced stress and/or altered genetic factors. Identification of rearing conditions that lower the rate of anomalies can be an important step toward profitable aquaculture as malformed market-size fish have to be discarded, thus reducing fish farmers' profits. In this study, the occurrence of skeletal anomalies in adult rainbow trout grown under intensive and organic conditions was monitored. As organic aquaculture animal production is in its early stages, organic broodstock is not available in sufficient quantities. Non-organic juveniles could, therefore, be used for on-growing purposes in organic aquaculture production cycle. Thus, the adult fish analysed in this study experienced intensive conditions during juvenile rearing. Significant differences in the pattern of anomalies were detected between organically and intensively-ongrown specimens, although the occurrence of severe, commercially important anomalies, affecting 2-12.5% of individuals, was comparable in the two systems. Thus, organic aquaculture needs to be improved in order to significantly reduce the incidence of severe anomalies in rainbow trout

Regenerative potential of DPSCs and revascularization. direct, paracrine or autocrine effect?

A new source of mesenchymal stem cells has recently been discovered, the so-called dental pulp derived stem cells (DPSCs) which therefore could represent potentially tools for regenerative medicine. DPSC originate from the neural crest and are physiologically involved in dentin homeostasis; moreover, they contribute to bone remodeling and differentiation into several tissues including cartilage, bone, adipose and nervous tissues. DPSCs have also been shown to influence the angiogenesis process, for example through the release of secretory factors or by differentiating into vascular and/or perivascular cells. Angiogenesis, that has a pivotal role in tissue regeneration and repair, is defined as the formation of new vessels from preexisting vessels and is mediated by mutual and reciprocal interactions between endothelial cells and perivascular cells. It is also known that co-cultures of perivascular and endothelial cells (ECs) can form a vascular network in vitro and also in vivo. Since DPSCs seem to have characteristics similar to pericytes, understanding the possible mechanism of interaction between DPSCs and ECs during neo-angiogenesis is dramatically important for the development of advanced clinical application in the field of regeneration. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Classifying antibiotics in the WHO Essential Medicines List for optimal use—be AWaRe

International audienc

An international cross-sectional survey of antimicrobial stewardship programmes in hospitals

Objectives To report the extent and components of global efforts in antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in hospitals. Methods An Internet-based survey comprising 43 questions was disseminated worldwide in 2012. Results Responses were received from 660 hospitals in 67 countries: Africa, 44; Asia, 50; Europe, 361; North America, 72; Oceania, 30; and South and Central America, 103. National AMS standards existed in 52% of countries, 4% were planning them and 58% had an AMS programme. The main barriers to implementing AMS programmes were perceived to be a lack of funding or personnel, a lack of information technology and prescriber opposition. In hospitals with an existing AMS programme, AMS rounds existed in 64%; 81% restricted antimicrobials (carbapenems, 74.3%; quinolones, 64%; and cephalosporins, 58%); and 85% reported antimicrobial usage, with 55% linking data to resistance rates and 49% linking data to infection rates. Only 20% had electronic prescribing for all patients. A total of 89% of programmes educated their medical, nursing and pharmacy staff on AMS. Of the hospitals, 38% had formally reviewed their AMS programme: reductions were reported by 96% of hospitals for inappropriate prescribing, 86% for broad-spectrum antibiotic use, 80% for expenditure, 71% for healthcare-acquired infections, 65% for length of stay or mortality and 58% for bacterial resistance. Conclusions The worldwide development and implementation of AMS programmes varies considerably. Our results should inform and encourage the further evaluation of this with a view to promoting a worldwide stewardship framework. The prospective measurement of well-defined outcomes of the impact of these programmes remains a significant challeng