This page has only limited features, please log in for full access.
During the coronavirus pandemic, second-year students on the B.Sc. molecular biology and genetics degree at Istanbul Technical University sat an open-ended online exam for a microbiology course in which one of the compulsory questions asked how the course had helped them during the first phase of the pandemic (April–July 2020). Fifty of 69 students gave consent for their (anonymous) responses to be analysed in order to discern any key ways in which their knowledge had been applied. The aim of the study was to investigate whether taking an advanced microbiology course increases understanding of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic and has a positive impact on student behaviours with respect to public health practices. Findings were divided into four major themes: course content (information), application of course content to behavioural change (practice), professionalism and their ‘audience’ whilst at home in lockdown (family and friends). Social distancing, wearing face masks, and hand and surface hygiene were described as important behaviours, with this practice informed by their basic microbiology knowledge. This paper describes a scenario where rote assessment can be used to assess wider scientific literacy with respect to application in society, providing students with an opportunity to incorporate and apply their learning into real-life situations, whilst tutors can assess constructivist learning, conceptual understanding and impact on student behaviour.
Zeynep Petek Çakar; James Redfern; Joanna Verran. Analysis of university student responses to the pandemic in a formal microbiology assessment. FEMS Microbiology Letters 2021, 368, 1 .
AMA StyleZeynep Petek Çakar, James Redfern, Joanna Verran. Analysis of university student responses to the pandemic in a formal microbiology assessment. FEMS Microbiology Letters. 2021; 368 (14):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleZeynep Petek Çakar; James Redfern; Joanna Verran. 2021. "Analysis of university student responses to the pandemic in a formal microbiology assessment." FEMS Microbiology Letters 368, no. 14: 1.
During Bad Bugs Bookclub meetings, scientists and non-scientists discuss novels in which infectious disease forms part of the plot in order to encourage public understanding of, and engagement with, microbiology. The website presents meeting reports and reading guides for over 70 novels. The aim of this work was to raise awareness of the bookclub and increase website engagement. In 2019, events designed to reach new audiences maintained an increase in page views from the end of 2018 (around 200 per month). In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic forced bookclub meetings online (Zoom). These, with podcasts and some Twitter discussion, increased page views with a peak of 400 per month. Membership increased, and global ‘attendance’ was facilitated. Feelings and observations related to each book and the pandemic were noted in meeting reports. A survey of current and previous bookclub members carried out early in lockdown with the aim of determining the future direction of the bookclub revealed the continuing value of both literary and scientific experiences to members. The bookclub has engaged scientists and non-scientists in meaningful discussion about infectious disease. Reach is modest, but the resource is significant, with potential impact in education and engagement.
Joanna Verran. Using fiction to engage audiences with infectious disease: the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on participation in the Bad Bugs Bookclub. FEMS Microbiology Letters 2021, 368, 1 .
AMA StyleJoanna Verran. Using fiction to engage audiences with infectious disease: the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on participation in the Bad Bugs Bookclub. FEMS Microbiology Letters. 2021; 368 (12):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoanna Verran. 2021. "Using fiction to engage audiences with infectious disease: the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on participation in the Bad Bugs Bookclub." FEMS Microbiology Letters 368, no. 12: 1.
Bacterial retention and organic fouling on meat preparation surfaces can be influenced by several factors. Surfaces with linear topographies and defined chemistries were used to determine how the orientation of the surface features affected cleaning efficacy. Fine polished (irregular linear) stainless steel (FPSS), titanium coated fine polished (irregular linear) stainless steel (TiFP), and topographically regular, linear titanium coated surfaces (RG) were fouled with Escherichia coli mixed with a meat exudate (which was utilised as a conditioning film). Surfaces were cleaned along or perpendicular to the linear features for one, five, or ten wipes. The bacteria were most easily removed from the titanium coated and regular featured surfaces. The direction of cleaning (along or perpendicular to the surface features) did not influence the amount of bacteria retained, but meat extract was more easily removed from the surfaces when cleaned in the direction along the linear surface features. Following ten cleans, there was no significant difference in the amount of cells or meat exudate retained on the surfaces cleaned in either direction. This study demonstrated that for the E. coli cells, the TiFP and RG surfaces were easiest to clean. However, the direction of the clean was important for the removal of the meat exudate from the surfaces.
Adele Evans; Anthony Slate; I. Akhidime; Joanna Verran; Peter Kelly; Kathryn Whitehead. The Removal of Meat Exudate and Escherichia coli from Stainless Steel and Titanium Surfaces with Irregular and Regular Linear Topographies. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 3198 .
AMA StyleAdele Evans, Anthony Slate, I. Akhidime, Joanna Verran, Peter Kelly, Kathryn Whitehead. The Removal of Meat Exudate and Escherichia coli from Stainless Steel and Titanium Surfaces with Irregular and Regular Linear Topographies. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (6):3198.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAdele Evans; Anthony Slate; I. Akhidime; Joanna Verran; Peter Kelly; Kathryn Whitehead. 2021. "The Removal of Meat Exudate and Escherichia coli from Stainless Steel and Titanium Surfaces with Irregular and Regular Linear Topographies." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 6: 3198.
Summary Binding of particles and spores to surfaces is a natural phenomenon which is a prerequisite for biofilm formation. Perpendicular force measurements were carried out using atomic force microscopy cantilevers modified with a polystyrene or glass sphere. The attachment of the spheres was tested against glass, PVAc, p(γ-MPSco-MMA), p(γ-MPS-co-LMA), PMMAsc, and silicon surfaces. The polystyrene spheres demonstrated less varied force and strength of attachment measurement to the surfaces than the glass spheres. The force of attachment of the polystyrene spheres was also influenced by mobility of the co-polymer surfaces. Surface wettability did not affect the force of polystyrene or glass sphere attachment. The force measurements of the non-biological spheres were similar to those seen in biological systems with fungal conidia, and this was due to their size, shape, and binding energies. The use of non-biological systems may present an insight into understanding the fundamentals of more complex biological processes.
Mohsin Amin; Andrea Preuss; Ted Deisenroth; Christopher M. Liauw; Joanna Verran; Kathryn A. Whitehead. Use of spherical particles to understand conidial attachment to surfaces using atomic force microscopy. iScience 2020, 24, 101962 .
AMA StyleMohsin Amin, Andrea Preuss, Ted Deisenroth, Christopher M. Liauw, Joanna Verran, Kathryn A. Whitehead. Use of spherical particles to understand conidial attachment to surfaces using atomic force microscopy. iScience. 2020; 24 (1):101962.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMohsin Amin; Andrea Preuss; Ted Deisenroth; Christopher M. Liauw; Joanna Verran; Kathryn A. Whitehead. 2020. "Use of spherical particles to understand conidial attachment to surfaces using atomic force microscopy." iScience 24, no. 1: 101962.
Visible-light activated photocatalytic coatings may represent an attractive antimicrobial solution in domains such as food, beverage, pharmaceutical, biomedical and wastewater remediation. However, testing methods to determine the antibacterial effects of photocatalytic coatings are limited and require specialist expertise. This paper describes the development of a method that enables rapid screening of coatings for photocatalytic-antibacterial activity. Relying on the ability of viable microorganisms to reduce the dye resazurin from a blue to a pink colour, the method relates the time taken to detect this colour change with number of viable microorganisms. The antibacterial activity of two photocatalytic materials (bismuth oxide and titanium dioxide) were screened against two pathogenic organisms (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae) that represent potential target microorganisms using traditional testing and enumeration techniques (BS ISO 27447:2009) and the novel rapid method. Bismuth oxide showed excellent antibacterial activity under ambient visible light against E. coli, but was less effective against K. pneumoniae. The rapid method showed excellent agreement with existing tests in terms of number of viable cells recovered. Due to advantages such as low cost, high throughput, and less reliance on microbiological expertise, this method is recommended for researchers seeking an inexpensive first-stage screen for putative photocatalytic-antibacterial coatings.
Antony Scimone; James Redfern; Panudda Patiphatpanya; Titipun Thongtem; Marina Ratova; Peter Kelly; Joanna Verran. Development of a rapid method for assessing the efficacy of antibacterial photocatalytic coatings. Talanta 2020, 225, 122009 .
AMA StyleAntony Scimone, James Redfern, Panudda Patiphatpanya, Titipun Thongtem, Marina Ratova, Peter Kelly, Joanna Verran. Development of a rapid method for assessing the efficacy of antibacterial photocatalytic coatings. Talanta. 2020; 225 ():122009.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAntony Scimone; James Redfern; Panudda Patiphatpanya; Titipun Thongtem; Marina Ratova; Peter Kelly; Joanna Verran. 2020. "Development of a rapid method for assessing the efficacy of antibacterial photocatalytic coatings." Talanta 225, no. : 122009.
There are few peer-reviewed publications about public engagement with science that are written by microbiologists; those that exist tend to be a narrative of an event rather than a hypothesis-driven investigation. However, it is relatively easy for experienced scientists to use a scientific method in their approach to public engagement. This short communication describes three public engagement activities hosted by the authors, focused on biofilm control: hand hygiene, plaque control and an externally applied antimicrobial coating. In each case, audience engagement was assessed using quantitative and/or qualitative methods. A critical evaluation of the findings enabled the construction of a public engagement ‘tick list’ for future events that would enable a hypothesis-driven approach with more effective communication activities and more robust evaluation.
Joanna Verran; Sarah Jackson; Antony Scimone; Peter Kelly; James Redfern. Biofilm Control Strategies: Engaging with the Public. Antibiotics 2020, 9, 465 .
AMA StyleJoanna Verran, Sarah Jackson, Antony Scimone, Peter Kelly, James Redfern. Biofilm Control Strategies: Engaging with the Public. Antibiotics. 2020; 9 (8):465.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoanna Verran; Sarah Jackson; Antony Scimone; Peter Kelly; James Redfern. 2020. "Biofilm Control Strategies: Engaging with the Public." Antibiotics 9, no. 8: 465.
In response to the accepted risk of emerging antimicrobial resistance, many organizations and institutions have developed and delivered events and activities designed to raise awareness of the issue and to change the behaviour of the intended audience. However, few of these events for a general public audience are documented or able to be sourced by those who might wish to repeat, adapt or modify, particularly those events that are successful. ‘Insider knowledge’ appears to be the best search tool. Moreover, evaluation of the success or impact of the event is rarely published. It would be useful if there were a ‘hub’ where descriptions of such activities could be deposited, enabling the building of a significant resource with real academic value.
James Redfern; Laura Bowater; Lisa Coulthwaite; Joanna Verran. Raising awareness of antimicrobial resistance among the general public in the UK: the role of public engagement activities. JAC-Antimicrobial Resistance 2020, 2, dlaa012 .
AMA StyleJames Redfern, Laura Bowater, Lisa Coulthwaite, Joanna Verran. Raising awareness of antimicrobial resistance among the general public in the UK: the role of public engagement activities. JAC-Antimicrobial Resistance. 2020; 2 (1):dlaa012.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJames Redfern; Laura Bowater; Lisa Coulthwaite; Joanna Verran. 2020. "Raising awareness of antimicrobial resistance among the general public in the UK: the role of public engagement activities." JAC-Antimicrobial Resistance 2, no. 1: dlaa012.
Candida spp. are the most prevalent fungi of the human microbiota and are opportunistic pathogens that can cause oral candidiasis. Management of such infections is limited due to the low number of antifungal drugs available, their relatively high toxicity and the emergence of antifungal resistance. Therefore, much interest in the antimicrobial potential of natural compounds has recently been evident. The use of hydrogels in the delivery of biocides has been explored due to their biocompatibility, ease with drug encapsulation, and due to their potential to confer mechanical and structural properties similar to biological tissue. Methylcellulose hydrogels (10% (w/v)) with 1% (v/v) and 2% (v/v) Melissa officinalis oil were synthesised. The rheological properties and gelation time of the hydrogels were evaluated. Antimicrobial action, the antifungal potential and ability to displace Candida were determined. Rheological tests revealed that the hydrogel jellified in three minutes at 37 °C. Loaded hydrogels successfully inhibited Candida albicans growth as evident by zone of inhibition and time-kill assays. A significant reduction in retained C. albicans was demonstrated with the hydrogel at 2% Melissa officinalis concentration. This work demonstrated that an essential oil-loaded hydrogel had the potential to provide a novel antimicrobial therapy for the treatment of oral candidiasis.
Elisa Serra; Fabien Saubade; Cosimo Ligorio; Kathryn Whitehead; Alastair Sloan; David W. Williams; Araida Hidalgo-Bastida; Joanna Verran; Sladjana Malic. Methylcellulose Hydrogel with Melissa officinalis Essential Oil as a Potential Treatment for Oral Candidiasis. Microorganisms 2020, 8, 215 .
AMA StyleElisa Serra, Fabien Saubade, Cosimo Ligorio, Kathryn Whitehead, Alastair Sloan, David W. Williams, Araida Hidalgo-Bastida, Joanna Verran, Sladjana Malic. Methylcellulose Hydrogel with Melissa officinalis Essential Oil as a Potential Treatment for Oral Candidiasis. Microorganisms. 2020; 8 (2):215.
Chicago/Turabian StyleElisa Serra; Fabien Saubade; Cosimo Ligorio; Kathryn Whitehead; Alastair Sloan; David W. Williams; Araida Hidalgo-Bastida; Joanna Verran; Sladjana Malic. 2020. "Methylcellulose Hydrogel with Melissa officinalis Essential Oil as a Potential Treatment for Oral Candidiasis." Microorganisms 8, no. 2: 215.
This chapter describes the activities of the Bad Bugs Bookclub, which brings scientists and non-scientists together to read novels where infectious disease formed part of the plot, and considers how these novels could be used to promote a better understanding of disease, epidemiology and the work of the professional scientist. A particular focus of the bookclub was to suggest how teachers in Higher Education might use these novels in their practice, although this specialised format can be used to benefit a wide range of professional (and non-professional) audiences. The Bad Bugs Bookclub has also been targeted towards students reading for a degree in Biomedical Science, accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences: graduates are professionally qualified to be employed as biomedical scientists.
Joanna Verran. The Use of a Bookclub to Enhance Science Literacy and Understanding of Infectious Disease Epidemiology. Professional Education with Fiction Media 2019, 129 -157.
AMA StyleJoanna Verran. The Use of a Bookclub to Enhance Science Literacy and Understanding of Infectious Disease Epidemiology. Professional Education with Fiction Media. 2019; ():129-157.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoanna Verran. 2019. "The Use of a Bookclub to Enhance Science Literacy and Understanding of Infectious Disease Epidemiology." Professional Education with Fiction Media , no. : 129-157.
Undergraduate microbiology or biology students are not likely to be acquainted with the deterioration of cultural heritage. However, the topic provides an excellent opportunity for students to bring their existing ‘non-scientific’ skills and knowledge (such as history, geography, art, photography, and textiles) together with applied microbiology in order to develop their learning. A lecture on microbiology and art was given to first-year undergraduate students, who were then set an assignment to investigate a topic of their choice linking the two subjects, illustrated by a creative output. The assignment enabled students to demonstrate their creativity, use their different talents, and engage in new learning. It proved very successful as a tool for engaging and inspiring the students to study microbiology and be more explorative in subsequent years. Indeed, for final year studies, some students continued to work on their ‘art project’. Interdisciplinary collaborations and new learning for the author have been additional benefits of this education project, with many varied outputs, including an ‘Atlas of Biodeterioration’, produced by researchers in the field. Biodeterioration of cultural heritage provides a rich focus for the development of informative and innovative activities in an educational setting.
Joanna Verran. Mixed culture: encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration and communication to enhance learning. Annals of Microbiology 2019, 69, 1107 -1111.
AMA StyleJoanna Verran. Mixed culture: encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration and communication to enhance learning. Annals of Microbiology. 2019; 69 (10):1107-1111.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoanna Verran. 2019. "Mixed culture: encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration and communication to enhance learning." Annals of Microbiology 69, no. 10: 1107-1111.
Test methods for efficacy assessment of antimicrobial coatings are not modelled on a hospital environment, and instead use high humidity (>90%) high temperature (37 °C), and no airflow. Therefore, an inoculum will not dry, resulting in an antimicrobial surface exhibiting prolonged antimicrobial activity, as moisture is critical to activity. Liquids will dry quicker in a hospital ward, resulting in a reduced antimicrobial efficacy compared to the existing test, rendering the test results artificially favourable to the antimicrobial claim of the product. This study aimed to assess how hospital room environmental conditions can affect the drying time of an inoculum, and to use this data to inform test parameters for antimicrobial efficacy testing based on the hospital ward. The drying time of different droplet sizes, in a range of environmental conditions likely found in a hospital ward, were recorded (n = 630), and used to create a model to inform users of the experimental conditions required to provide a drying time similar to what can be expected in the hospital ward. Drying time data demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) variance when humidity, temperature, and airflow were assessed. A mathematical model was created to select environmental conditions for in vitro antimicrobial efficacy testing. Drying time in different environmental conditions demonstrates that experimental set-ups affect the amount of time an inoculum stays wet, which in turn may affect the efficacy of an antimicrobial surface. This should be an important consideration for hospitals and other potential users, whilst future tests predict efficacy in the intended end-use environment.
James Redfern; Jake Tucker; Lisa M. Simmons; Peter Askew; Ina Stephan; Joanna Verran. Environmental and Experimental Factors Affecting Efficacy Testing of Nonporous Plastic Antimicrobial Surfaces. Methods and Protocols 2018, 1, 36 .
AMA StyleJames Redfern, Jake Tucker, Lisa M. Simmons, Peter Askew, Ina Stephan, Joanna Verran. Environmental and Experimental Factors Affecting Efficacy Testing of Nonporous Plastic Antimicrobial Surfaces. Methods and Protocols. 2018; 1 (4):36.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJames Redfern; Jake Tucker; Lisa M. Simmons; Peter Askew; Ina Stephan; Joanna Verran. 2018. "Environmental and Experimental Factors Affecting Efficacy Testing of Nonporous Plastic Antimicrobial Surfaces." Methods and Protocols 1, no. 4: 36.
The development of surfaces as antimicrobial materials is important to the food industry. This study investigated the antimicrobial potential of a range of metal coated surfaces including silver, titanium, copper, iron, molybdenum, zinc and silicon (control) against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes. The leaching potential of the metals were measured by inductively coupled plasma-atomic adsorption spectroscopy and were compared to the antibacterial activity of the metals using a nitroblue tetrazolium assay and an adapted BS ISO 22196:2011 standard. Leaching into solution from the coatings alone was not related to the antimicrobial activity of the coatings. Copper and zinc showed the greatest propensity to leach from the coatings; silver, titanium, iron and molybdenum leached at lower rates and silicon showed no leaching. Copper demonstrated the greatest antimicrobial potential followed by silver and zinc. Titanium displayed the least antimicrobial potential, however using the standard method in humid conditions resulted in increased growth of Listeria. This study provides evidence of the efficacy of copper and silver as effective antimicrobial metal surface coatings, however use of titanium under humid conditions suggest that surfaces for use in the food industry needs to be given careful consideration before application.
Devine Akhidime; Fabien Saubade; Paul S. Benson; Jonathan Butler; Sebastien Olivier; Peter Kelly; Joanna Verran; Kathryn A. Whitehead. The antimicrobial effect of metal substrates on food pathogens. Food and Bioproducts Processing 2018, 113, 68 -76.
AMA StyleDevine Akhidime, Fabien Saubade, Paul S. Benson, Jonathan Butler, Sebastien Olivier, Peter Kelly, Joanna Verran, Kathryn A. Whitehead. The antimicrobial effect of metal substrates on food pathogens. Food and Bioproducts Processing. 2018; 113 ():68-76.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDevine Akhidime; Fabien Saubade; Paul S. Benson; Jonathan Butler; Sebastien Olivier; Peter Kelly; Joanna Verran; Kathryn A. Whitehead. 2018. "The antimicrobial effect of metal substrates on food pathogens." Food and Bioproducts Processing 113, no. : 68-76.
J Redfern; L Bowater; M Crossley; J Verran. Spreading the message of antimicrobial resistance: a detailed account of a successful public engagement event. FEMS Microbiology Letters 2018, 365, 1 .
AMA StyleJ Redfern, L Bowater, M Crossley, J Verran. Spreading the message of antimicrobial resistance: a detailed account of a successful public engagement event. FEMS Microbiology Letters. 2018; 365 (16):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJ Redfern; L Bowater; M Crossley; J Verran. 2018. "Spreading the message of antimicrobial resistance: a detailed account of a successful public engagement event." FEMS Microbiology Letters 365, no. 16: 1.
Aims There are many different initiatives, global and local, designed to raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and change audience behaviour. However, it is not possible to assess the impact of specific, small‐scale events on national and international outcomes ‐ although one might acknowledge some contribution to the individual and collective knowledge and experience‐focused ‘science capital’ As with any research, in preparation for a public engagement event, it is important to identify aims, and appropriate methods whose results might help satisfy those aims. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to develop, deliver and evaluate an event designed to engage an adult audience with AMR. Methods and Results The venue was a World War 2 air raid shelter, enabling comparison of the pre‐ and post‐antibiotic eras via three different activity stations, focusing on nursing, the search for new antibiotics, and investigations into novel antimicrobials. The use of observers released the presenters from evaluation duties, enabling them to focus on their specific activities. Qualitative measures of audience engagement were combined with quantitative data. Conclusions The evaluation revealed that adult audiences can easily be absorbed into an activity‐ particularly if hands‐on ‐ after a brief introduction. Significance and Impact of Study This research demonstrates that hands‐on practical engagement with AMR can enable high level interaction and learning in an informal and enjoyable environment. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Joanna Verran; Carol Haigh; Jane Brooks; J.A. Butler; James Redfern. Fitting the message to the location: engaging adults with antimicrobial resistance in a World War 2 air raid shelter. Journal of Applied Microbiology 2018, 125, 1008 -1016.
AMA StyleJoanna Verran, Carol Haigh, Jane Brooks, J.A. Butler, James Redfern. Fitting the message to the location: engaging adults with antimicrobial resistance in a World War 2 air raid shelter. Journal of Applied Microbiology. 2018; 125 (4):1008-1016.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoanna Verran; Carol Haigh; Jane Brooks; J.A. Butler; James Redfern. 2018. "Fitting the message to the location: engaging adults with antimicrobial resistance in a World War 2 air raid shelter." Journal of Applied Microbiology 125, no. 4: 1008-1016.
Management of oral candidosis, most frequently caused by Candida albicans, is limited due to the relatively low number of antifungal drugs and the emergence of antifungal tolerance. In this study, the antifungal activity of a range of commercial essential oils, two terpenes, chlorhexidine and triclosan was evaluated against C. albicans in planktonic and biofilm form. In addition, cytotoxicity of the most promising compounds was assessed using murine fibroblasts and expressed as half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50). Antifungal activity was determined using a broth microdilution assay. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was established against planktonic cells cultured in a range of concentrations of the test agents. The minimal biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) was determined by measuring re-growth of cells after pre-formed biofilm was treated for 24 h with the test agents. All tested commercial essential oils demonstrated anticandidal activity (MICs from 0.06% (v/v) to 0.4% (v/v)) against planktonic cultures, with a noticeable increase in resistance exhibited by biofilms (MBECs > 1.5% (v/v)). The IC50s of the commercial essential oils were lower than the MICs, while a one hour application of chlorhexidine was not cytotoxic at concentrations lower than the MIC. In conclusion, the tested commercial essential oils exhibit potential as therapeutic agents against C. albicans, although host cell cytotoxicity is a consideration when developing these new treatments.
Elisa Serra; Lilia Araida Hidalgo-Bastida; Joanna Verran; David Williams; Sladjana Malic. Antifungal Activity of Commercial Essential Oils and Biocides against Candida Albicans. Pathogens 2018, 7, 15 .
AMA StyleElisa Serra, Lilia Araida Hidalgo-Bastida, Joanna Verran, David Williams, Sladjana Malic. Antifungal Activity of Commercial Essential Oils and Biocides against Candida Albicans. Pathogens. 2018; 7 (1):15.
Chicago/Turabian StyleElisa Serra; Lilia Araida Hidalgo-Bastida; Joanna Verran; David Williams; Sladjana Malic. 2018. "Antifungal Activity of Commercial Essential Oils and Biocides against Candida Albicans." Pathogens 7, no. 1: 15.
A series of events was developed to engage audiences in discussion around the importance of microorganisms in the production of fermented foods, particularly through tasting. The events were designed to attract different audiences: families attending a science museum; families in their community space; and adults in different informal eating environments. Information was provided, alongside interactive activities where possible. Feedback was positive in that the audiences enjoyed the format, the food and the events themselves, although science itself was not always specifically mentioned. The dining experience format provided a versatile and informal opportunity for engagement between experts and non-experts, and is suggested as a valuable template for similar activities, assuming appropriate budgeting and advertising issues are addressed, alongside appropriate objective setting and effective evaluation.
Joanna Verran; James Redfern; Haleh Moravej; Yvonne Adebola. Refreshing the public appetite for ‘good bacteria’: menus made by microbes. Journal of Biological Education 2018, 53, 34 -46.
AMA StyleJoanna Verran, James Redfern, Haleh Moravej, Yvonne Adebola. Refreshing the public appetite for ‘good bacteria’: menus made by microbes. Journal of Biological Education. 2018; 53 (1):34-46.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoanna Verran; James Redfern; Haleh Moravej; Yvonne Adebola. 2018. "Refreshing the public appetite for ‘good bacteria’: menus made by microbes." Journal of Biological Education 53, no. 1: 34-46.
Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogenic bacterium, with human disease and infection linked to dairy products, seafood, ready-to-eat meat and raw & undercooked meats. Stainless steel is the most common food preparation surface and therefore, it is important to understand how food storage conditions such as surface materials, temperature and relative humidity can affect survival of L. monocytogenes. In this study, survival of L. monocytogenes on stainless steel was investigated at three temperatures (4, 10 and 21°C), each approx. 11, 50 and 85% humidity. Results indicate that the lower the temperature, the more cells were recovered in all three humidity environments, while medium humidity enhances survival, irrespective of temperature. Lower humidity decreases recovery at all temperatures. These data support the guidance noted above that humidity control is important, and that lower humidity environments are less likely to support retention of viable L. monocytogenes on a stainless steel surface. Understanding survival of potential food-borne pathogens is essential for the safe production and preparation of food. While it has long been 'common knowledge' that relative humidity can affect the growth and survival of micro-organisms, this study systematically describes the survival of L. monocytogenes on stainless steel under varying humidity and temperatures for the first time. The outcomes from this paper will allow those involved with food manufacture and preparation to make informed judgement on environmental conditions relating to humidity control, which is lacking in the food standards guidelines.
J. Redfern; J. Verran. Effect of humidity and temperature on the survival ofListeria monocytogeneson surfaces. Letters in Applied Microbiology 2017, 64, 276 -282.
AMA StyleJ. Redfern, J. Verran. Effect of humidity and temperature on the survival ofListeria monocytogeneson surfaces. Letters in Applied Microbiology. 2017; 64 (4):276-282.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJ. Redfern; J. Verran. 2017. "Effect of humidity and temperature on the survival ofListeria monocytogeneson surfaces." Letters in Applied Microbiology 64, no. 4: 276-282.
J. Verran; J. Redfern. Testing Surface Cleanability in Food Processing. Handbook of Hygiene Control in the Food Industry 2016, 651 -661.
AMA StyleJ. Verran, J. Redfern. Testing Surface Cleanability in Food Processing. Handbook of Hygiene Control in the Food Industry. 2016; ():651-661.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJ. Verran; J. Redfern. 2016. "Testing Surface Cleanability in Food Processing." Handbook of Hygiene Control in the Food Industry , no. : 651-661.
Microbiology has a long tradition of making inspirational, world-changing discovery. Microbiology now plays essential roles in many disciplines, leading to some microbiologists raising concern over the apparent loss of identity. An electronic survey was undertaken to capture the scientific identity (based on scientific discipline) of people for whom microbiology forms a part of their profession, in addition to information regarding their first degree (title, country and year in which the degree was completed) and the sector in which they currently work. A total of 447 responses were collected, representing 52 countries from which they gained their first degree. Biology was the most common first degree title (of 32 titles provided), while microbiologist was the most common scientific identity (of 26 identities provided). The data collected in this study gives a snapshot of the multidisciplinarity, specialism and evolving nature of the microbiology academic workforce. While the most common scientific identity chosen in this study was that of a microbiologist, it appears that the microbiological workforce is contributed to by a range of different disciplines, highlighting the cross-cutting, multidisciplined and essential role microbiology has within scientific endeavour. Perhaps, we should be less concerned with labels, and celebrate the success with which our discipline has delivered.
James Redfern; Joanna Verran. What is a microbiologist? A survey exploring the microbiology workforce. FEMS Microbiology Letters 2015, 362, fnv208 .
AMA StyleJames Redfern, Joanna Verran. What is a microbiologist? A survey exploring the microbiology workforce. FEMS Microbiology Letters. 2015; 362 (24):fnv208.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJames Redfern; Joanna Verran. 2015. "What is a microbiologist? A survey exploring the microbiology workforce." FEMS Microbiology Letters 362, no. 24: fnv208.
Outi Priha; Mari Raulio; Kevin Cooke; Leanne Fisher; Claire Hill; Silja Hylkinen; Peter Kelly; Parnia Navabpour; Soheyla Ostovarpour; Kaisa Tapani; Carin Tattershall; Anna-Kaisa Vehviläinen; Joanna Verran; Erna Storgårds. Microbial populations on brewery filling hall surfaces – Progress towards functional coatings. Food Control 2015, 55, 1 -11.
AMA StyleOuti Priha, Mari Raulio, Kevin Cooke, Leanne Fisher, Claire Hill, Silja Hylkinen, Peter Kelly, Parnia Navabpour, Soheyla Ostovarpour, Kaisa Tapani, Carin Tattershall, Anna-Kaisa Vehviläinen, Joanna Verran, Erna Storgårds. Microbial populations on brewery filling hall surfaces – Progress towards functional coatings. Food Control. 2015; 55 ():1-11.
Chicago/Turabian StyleOuti Priha; Mari Raulio; Kevin Cooke; Leanne Fisher; Claire Hill; Silja Hylkinen; Peter Kelly; Parnia Navabpour; Soheyla Ostovarpour; Kaisa Tapani; Carin Tattershall; Anna-Kaisa Vehviläinen; Joanna Verran; Erna Storgårds. 2015. "Microbial populations on brewery filling hall surfaces – Progress towards functional coatings." Food Control 55, no. : 1-11.