Assessment of Microbial Diversity in Biofilms Recovered from Endotracheal Tubes Using Culture Dependent and Independent Approaches

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common nosocomial infection in mechanically ventilated patients. Biofilm formation is one of the mechanisms through which the endotracheal tube (ET) facilitates bacterial contamination of the lower airways. In the present study, we analyzed the composition of the ET biofilm flora by means of culture dependent and culture independent (16 S rRNA gene clone libraries and pyrosequencing) approaches. Overall, the microbial diversity was high and members of different phylogenetic lineages were detected (Actinobacteria, beta-Proteobacteria, Candida spp., Clostridia, epsilon-Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Fusobacteria and gamma-Proteobacteria). Culture dependent analysis, based on the use of selective growth media and conventional microbiological tests, resulted in the identification of typical aerobic nosocomial pathogens which are known to play a role in the development of VAP, e.g. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Other opportunistic pathogens were also identified, including Staphylococcus epidermidis and Kocuria varians. In general, there was little correlation between the results obtained by sequencing 16 S rRNA gene clone libraries and by cultivation. Pyrosequencing of PCR amplified 16 S rRNA genes of four selected samples resulted in the identification of a much wider variety of bacteria. The results from the pyrosequencing analysis suggest that these four samples were dominated by members of the normal oral flora such as Prevotella spp., Peptostreptococcus spp. and lactic acid bacteria. A combination of methods is recommended to obtain a complete picture of the microbial diversity of the ET biofilm

A Polarised Population of Dynamic Microtubules Mediates Homeostatic Length Control in Animal Cells

An analysis of cells grown on micro-patterned lines, and of cells during zebrafish development, identifies a population of microtubules that align along the long axis of cells to mediate homeostatic length control

Especies de Vicia subgen. Cracca (Dumort.) Peterm. (Leguminosae) mal interpretadas en las floras básicas de la Península Ibérica

Promoting the links between people, places, and agrifood products can be a tool for sustainable rural development in many rural communities of the world. In fact, origin-linked products show quality attributes linked to the geographical places and people as a result of specific local know how and natural resources, and over time, a collective reputation is being built, that is identified by a geographical indication (GI). The definition of this specific quality thanks to a code of practice and the collective management of the GI system are fundamental tools to identify and preserve natural and human resources thus enhancing economic, social and environmental effects. The aim of this guide is to provide local stakeholders with a conceptual framework, concrete illustrations and methodologies for the promotion and preservation of quality products linked to geographical origin and for implementation of GIs. The guide proposes a four-step process in order to strengthen the origin-linked quality virtuous circle. The material presented in the guide derives from experiences of FAO and SinerGI in this field

The use of geographical indications in public food procurement: the example of Italian primary schools

This chapter analyses the inclusion of geographical indication (GI) products in public food procurement (PFP) in terms of their volume and their economic impacts in different models of PFP. The chapter discusses the cases of two Italian municipalities (Parma and Lucca), which have adopted two different business models to manage primary school meals services. First, the regulatory framework for PFP in both municipalities is discussed; then, a Keynesian-derived indicator is used to assess the economic spillover effect into the local economy. Even though GI products have a large presence in certain food categories (e.g. dairy products), overall, they account for only a small proportion of the total volume of food served in the school meals services studied (2 to 2.5 percent). In terms of economic impact, the inclusion of GI products in school meals services provides a positive but limited contribution to the local economy. The main obstacles to including more GI products in PFP are GI products’ higher cost, their low availability and access, and regulatory criteria