Bacterial microbiota shifts in vacuum-packed beef during storage at different temperatures: Impacts on blown pack spoilage.

We aimed to evaluate the bacterial growth and diversity in vacuum-packed beef bags stored at different temperatures and to monitor blown-pack spoilage. We used culture-based methods and high-throughput sequencing to study the development of the main bacterial groups naturally present in beef stored at 4 and 15 °C for 28 days. The growth of sulfite-reducing clostridium (SRC) was impaired in beef bags stored at 4 °C; significant differences among SRC counts were observed in beef bags stored at 4 and 15 °C on days 14, 21, and 28 (P = 0.001). Blown pack was observed in most beef bags stored at 15 °C, from day 14 to day 28, but not in beef bags stored at 4 °C. A storage temperature of 4 °C was able to maintain a stable bacterial microbiota (most prevalent: Photobacterium, Hafnia-Obesumbacterium, and Lactococcus). Remarkable changes in microbial abundance occurred at 15 °C from day 14 to day 28, with a predominance of strict anaerobes (Bacteroides) and the presence of Clostridium spp. The relative frequencies of strict anaerobes and Clostridium were statistically higher in the beef bags stored at 15 °C (P < 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively). The temperature influenced the microbial counts and relative abundance of spoilage bacteria, leading to blown pack spoilage.

Analysis of two sampling treatments of beef for microbiome studies based on metataxonomic.

Microbial enumeration by serial dilution is one of the best resources to estimate cellular density for microbiological analysis. However, for metataxonomic analysis, it is not clear if serially diluted samples may accurately be used for metataxonomic analysis to represent species composition in beef samples. In this study, the effect of sampling preparation of beef samples on the bacterial composition was evaluated by the comparison of dilution and exudate. Based on the obtained results, data obtained from the exudate of the samples were more robust in terms of number of generated reads, but no significant differences in terms of biological diversity were observed (P < .05, Wicoxon Test). Besides, both sample preparation procedures evidenced equivalent results of bacterial composition as well as its relative abundances. In conclusion, the use of exudate allows bacterial enumeration and metataxonomic analysis, which is interesting for the point of view of food microbiologists as cellular loads and microbial composition of culturable and unculturable bacteria could be compared.

Cardiac manifestations of multisystem inflammatory syndrome of children after SARS-CoV-2 infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the prevalence of cardiac manifestations associated with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children worldwide. We conducted electronic searches in Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, and the World Health Organization COVID-19 Literature Database from the inception of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic to 1 January, 2022. Three authors independently screened the abstracts to determine eligibility, assessed methodology in the full texts, and extracted the data.We identified 2848 citations; 94 studies (14,932 patients) were included. The prevalence of vasopressors was 48.2% (95% CI 45.1%, 51.3%), left ventricular systolic dysfunction occurred in 37.2% (95% CI 34.1%, 40.3%), myocarditis in 34.1% (95% CI 30.5%, 37.8%), electrocardiographic dysrhythmias and abnormalities detected in 23.1% (95% CI 18.8%, 27.6%), coronary abnormalities identified in 18% (95% CI 16%, 20%), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation deployed in 2.2% (95% CI 1.7%, 2.8%), and mortality rate of 2.2% (95% CI 1.7%, 2.7%). A sensitivity analysis was performed after removing eleven studies with high bias, and the adjusted prevalence was not different than the original evaluation.In this meta-analysis of the largest cohort of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children patients to date, we established the most accurate prevalence of the most common cardiac manifestations. Providers will subsequently have more precise data to anticipate patient outcomes and approach discussions concerning the frequency of monitoring outside the acute hospital period.

Interactions between Soil Bacterial Diversity and Plant-Parasitic Nematodes in Soybean Plants.

Plant-parasitic nematodes are an important group of pests causing economic losses in agriculture worldwide. Among the plant-parasitic nematodes, the root-knot (Meloidogyne spp.) and root-lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.) are considered the two most important ones affecting soybeans. In general, they damage soybean roots, causing a reduction of about one-third in productivity. The soil microbial community can exert a suppressive effect on the parasitism of plant-parasitic nematodes. Here, we investigated the effects of soil bacterial diversity on Meloidogyne javanica (Meloidogyne-assay) and Pratylenchus brachyurus (Pratylenchus-assay) suppression by manipulating microbial diversity using the dilution-to-extinction approach in two independent experiments under controlled conditions. Furthermore, we recorded the changes in the soil microbial community induced by plant-parasitic nematode infection. In Meloidogyne-assay, microbial diversity reduced the population density of M. javanica and improved plant performance. In Pratylenchus-assay, microbial diversity sustained the performance of soybean plants even at high levels of P. brachyurus parasitism. Each nematode population affected the relative abundance of different bacterial genera and altered the core microbiome of key groups within the bacterial community. Our findings provide fundamental insights into the interactions between soil bacterial diversity and plant-parasitic nematodes in soybean plants. IMPORTANCE Root-knot and root-lesion nematodes cause losses of billions of dollars every year to agriculture worldwide. Traditionally, they are controlled by using chemical nematicides, which in general have a negative impact on the environment and human health. Fortunately, the soil microbial community may suppress these pests, acting as an environmentally friendly alternative to control nematodes. However, the effects of soil microbial diversity on the parasitism of plant-parasitic nematodes still poorly understood. In this study, we provide fundamental insight into the interactions between soil bacterial diversity and plant-parasitic nematodes in soybean plants, which may be useful for the development of new strategies to control these phytopathogens.

Autogenous bone grafts contamination after exposure to the oral cavity.

The purpose of this paper was to analyze specimens of autogenous bone block grafts exposed to the oral cavity after ridge reconstructions. Specimens of chronic suppurative osteomyelitis (CSO) of the jaws were used as comparison for bacterial colonization pattern. For this, 5 specimens of infected autogenous bone grafts were used and 10 specimens of CSO embedded in paraffin were stained with Brown and Brenn technique and analyzed under light microscopy. The results showed a similar colonization pattern in both situations, with the establishment of bacterial biofilm and the predominance of Gram-positive bacteria. The conclusion was that the similarity in bacterial distribution and colonization between autogenous bone grafts and CSO stresses the necessity of more invasive procedures for the treatment of the autogenous bone grafts early exposed to the oral cavity.

Potential of growth-promoting bacteria in maize (Zea mays L.) varies according to soil moisture.

Climate change has caused irregularities in water distribution, which affect the soil drying-wetting cycle and the development of economically important agricultural crops. Therefore, the use of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) emerges as an efficient strategy to mitigate negative impacts on crop yield. We hypothesized that the use of PGPB (in consortium or not) had potential to promote maize (Zea mays L.) growth under a soil moisture gradient in both non-sterile and sterile soils. Thirty PGPB strains were characterized for direct plant growth-promotion and drought tolerance induction mechanisms and were used in two independent experiments. Four soil water contents were used to simulate a severe drought (30% of field capacity [FC]), moderate drought (50% of FC), no drought (80% of FC) and, finally, a water gradient comprising the three mentioned soil water contents (80%, 50%, and 30% of FC). Two bacteria strains (BS28-7 Arthrobacter sp. and BS43 Streptomyces alboflavus), in addition to three consortia (BC2, BC4 and BCV) stood out in maize growth performance in experiment 1 and were used in experiment 2. Overall, under moderate drought, inoculation with BS43 surpassed the control treatment in root dry mass and nutrient uptake. Considering the water gradient treatment (80-50-30% of FC), the greatest total biomass was found in the uninoculated treatment when compared to BS28-7, BC2, and BCV. The greatest development of Z. mays L. was only observed under constant water stress conditions in the presence of PGPB. This is the first report that demonstrated the negative effect of individual inoculation of Arthrobacter sp. and the consortium of this strain with Streptomyces alboflavus on the growth of Z. mays L. based on a soil moisture gradient; however, future studies are needed for further validation.

3M Petrifilm Lactic Acid Bacteria Count Plate Is a Reliable Tool for Enumerating Lactic Acid Bacteria in Bacon.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the behavior of Petrifilm Lactic Acid Bacteria Count Plates (PLAB) as an alternative methodology to enumerate lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in bacon. Bacon samples (n = 40) were obtained from retail sale, 10-fold diluted with buffered peptone water (BPW, 0.2% [w/v]) and Letheen broth, and subjected to LAB enumeration according to four protocols: (i) de Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) agar, pH 5.7, 30°C; (ii) MRS, pH 5.7, 30°C, anaerobiosis; (iii) all-purpose Tween agar (APT), 25°C; and (iv) PLAB, 30°C. Colonies were enumerated at 24, 48, and 72 h, and the results expressed as log CFU per gram for comparison by analysis of variance and regression (P < 0.05). Furthermore, colonies were randomly selected and characterized as LAB (Gram staining and catalase). Mean LAB counts from MRS and PLAB did not present significant differences independently of incubation time or diluent (P > 0.05), whereas counts in APT with BPW after 24 h were significantly lower (P < 0.05). PLAB counts with BPW (24, 48, and 72 h) presented significant correlation with MRS (r ranging from 0.87 to 0.89; in anaerobiosis, r ranging from 0.94 to 0.95) and APT (r ranging from 0.84 to 0.86). With Letheen broth, PLAB (24, 48, and 72 h) presented significant correlation with MRS (r ranging from 0.92 to 0.94; in anaerobiosis, r ranging from 0.93 to 0.96) and APT (r ranging from 0.77 to 0.79). In total, 1,032 colonies (97%) from 1,063 colonies were characterized as LAB. Thus, PLAB can be considered as an alternative tool for enumerating LAB in bacon, with reliable results even after 24 h of incubation.

Ética e autoria nas revistas brasileiras de psicologia / Ethics and authorship in Brazilian psychology journals / Ética y autoría en las revistas brasileñas de psicología

Resumo O crédito e a responsabilidade pela autoria científica são assuntos discutidos na literatura nacional e internacional. Em 1978 foi criado o International Committee of Medical Journal Editors, que estabeleceu regras gerais para determinar a autoria em publicações científicas. Ao discutir aspectos éticos da produção científica, este artigo busca apresentar essas diretrizes, bem como o percentual de revistas nacionais de psicologia que as adotam. A partir do sistema da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, foram avaliadas publicações nacionais de psicologia com Qualis A1, A2, B1 e B2. Identificou-se que as políticas editoriais das 292 revistas encontradas, estão em consonância com os critérios de autoria do comitê, sugerindo que publicações nacionais de psicologia evidenciam qualidade e credibilidade por cumprirem regras de responsabilidade pela autoria.

Abstract Credit and responsibility for scientific authorship are issues discussed in Brazilian and international literature. In 1978, the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors was created, which established general rules for determining authorship in scientific publications. By discussing ethical aspects of scientific production, this article seeks to present these guidelines, as well as the percentage of national psychology journals that adopt them. From the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel system, Brazilian psychology publications with Qualis A1, A2, B1 and B2 scores were evaluated. The editorial policies of 292 journals were found to be in line with the committee's authorship criteria, suggesting that national psychology publications show quality and credibility for complying with rules of responsibility for authorship.

Resumen El crédito y la responsabilidad de la autoría científica son cuestiones discutidas en la literatura nacional e internacional. En 1978, se creó el International Committee of Medical Journal Editors, que estableció reglas generales para determinar la autoría en publicaciones científicas. Al discutir aspectos éticos de la producción científica, este artículo trata de presentar esas directrices, así como el porcentaje de revistas nacionales en el área de psicología que las adoptan. Con base en el sistema de la Coordinación de Perfeccionamiento de Personal de Nivel Superior, se evaluaron las publicaciones nacionales de psicología con Qualis A1, A2, B1 y B2. Se constató que las políticas editoriales de las 292 revistas encontradas se ajustan a los criterios de autoría del comité, lo que sugiere que las publicaciones nacionales en el campo de la psicología evidencian calidad y credibilidad por cumplir con las normas de responsabilidad por la autoría.

Does C-reactive protein add prognostic value to GRACE score in acute coronary syndromes?

BACKGROUND: The incremental prognostic value of plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in relation to GRACE score has not been established in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with non-ST segment elevation. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that CRP measurements at admission increases the prognostic value of GRACE score in patients with ACS. METHODS: A total of 290 subjects, consecutively admitted for ACS, with plasma material obtained upon admission CRP measurement using a high-sensitivity method (nephelometry) were studied. Cardiovascular outcomes during hospitalization were defined by the combination of death, nonfatal myocardial infarction or nonfatal refractory angina. RESULTS: The incidence of cardiovascular events during hospitalization was 15% (18 deaths, 11 myocardial infarctions, 13 angina episodes) with CRP showing C-statistics of 0.60 (95% CI = 0.51-0.70, p = 0.034) in predicting these outcomes. After adjustment for the GRACE score, elevated CRP (defined as the best cutoff point) tended to be associated with hospital events (OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 0.92 to 3.88, p = 0.08). However, the addition of the variable elevated CRP in the GRACE model did not result in significant increase in C-statistics, which ranged from 0.705 to 0.718 (p = 0.46). Similarly, there was no significant reclassification of risk with the addition of CRP in the predictor model (net reclassification = 5.7 %, p = 0.15). CONCLUSION: Although CRP is associated with hospital outcomes, this inflammatory marker does not increase the prognostic value of the GRACE score.

Comparative survey of the six-minute walk test on the treadmill and on the corridor in cardiac patients / Estudo comparativo do teste da caminhada de seis minutos na esteira e no corredor em pacientes cardiopatas

Introduction The six minute walk test (6MWT) is considered an important tool in the evaluation of physical capacity, monitoration and the effectiveness of treatment in cardiac patients.Objective To compare the 6MWT on the treadmill and corridor in cardiac patients.Methods Participated 24 cardiac patients, being 12 male and 12 female with 56.7 ± 12.7 years age average, submitted to the six-minute walk test on the treadmill (6MWTT) and on the corridor (6MWTC) in an interval of seven days. The analyzed variables were: walked distance, respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and oxygen saturation (SatO2).Results It was statistically significant difference in the comparison between the tests for the variables: walked distance, SBP, DBP and SatO2 (p > 0.05). The only statistically significant variable was the HR after the test application (p = 0.03).Conclusion After the two tests application, there was similarity in the variables: walked distance, SBP, DBP and SatO2 with no significant statistical differences. Only the HR presented statistical significance between groups at the end of the tests.

Introdução O teste da caminhada de seis minutos (TC6) é considerado uma ferramenta importante na avaliação da capacidade física, monitorização e efetividade do tratamento de indivíduos cardiopatas.Objetivo Comparar o TC6 realizado na esteira e no corredor aplicado em pacientes cardiopatas.Método Participaram do estudo 24 pacientes cardiopatas, sendo 12 do sexo masculino e 12 do feminino, com idade média de 56,7 ± 12,7 anos, submetidos à aplicação do TC6 na esteira ergométrica (TC6E) e no corredor (TC6C), em um intervalo de 7 dias. As variáveis analisadas foram: distância percorrida no teste, frequência respiratória (FR), frequência cardíaca (FC), pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), pressão arterial diastólica (PAD) e saturação de oxigênio (SatO2).Resultados Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante na comparação entre os testes nas variáveis: distância percorrida, FR, PAS, PAD e SatO2 (p > 0,05). Somente a variável FC após a realização do TC6E obteve aumento significante (p = 0,03).Conclusão Após a aplicação dos dois testes, houve semelhança nas variáveis: distância percorrida, FR, PAS, PAD e SatO2, não havendo diferenças estatísticas significantes. Apenas a variável FC apresentou significância estatística entre os grupos ao final dos testes.

Proteína C-Reativa Incrementa o Valor Prognóstico do Escore GRACE em Síndromes Coronarianas Agudas? / Does C-reactive Protein Add Prognostic Value to GRACE Score in Acute Coronary Syndromes?

Fundamento: O valor prognóstico incremental da dosagem plasmática de Proteína C-reativa (PCR) em relação ao Escore GRACE não está estabelecido em pacientes com síndromes coronarianas agudas sem supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (SCA). Objetivo: Testar a hipótese de que a medida de PCR na admissão incrementa o valor prognóstico do escore GRACE em pacientes com SCA. Métodos: Foram estudados 290 indivíduos, internados consecutivamente por SCA, os quais tiveram material plasmático colhido na admissão para dosagem de PCR por método de alta sensibilidade (nefelometria). Desfechos cardiovasculares durante hospitalização foram definidos pela combinação de óbito, infarto não fatal ou angina refratária não fatal. Resultados: A incidência de eventos cardiovasculares durante hospitalização foi 15% (18 óbitos, 11 infartos, 13 anginas), tendo a PCR apresentado estatística-C de 0,60 (95% IC = 0,51 - 0,70; p = 0,034) na predição desses desfechos. Após ajuste para o Escore GRACE, PCR elevada (definida pelo melhor ponto de corte) apresentou tendência a associação com eventos hospitalares (OR = 1,89; 95% IC = 0,92 - 3,88; p = 0,08). No entanto, a adição da variável PCR elevada no modelo GRACE não promoveu incremento significativo na estatística-C, a qual variou de 0,705 para 0,718 (p = 0,46). Da mesma forma, não houve reclassificação de risco significativa com a adição da PCR no modelo preditor (reclassificação líquida = 5,7%; p = 0,15). Conclusão Embora PCR possua associação com desfechos hospitalares, esse marcador inflamatório não incrementa o valor prognóstico do Escore GRACE. .

Background: The incremental prognostic value of plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in relation to GRACE score has not been established in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with non-ST segment elevation. Objective: To test the hypothesis that CRP measurements at admission increases the prognostic value of GRACE score in patients with ACS. Methods: A total of 290 subjects, consecutively admitted for ACS, with plasma material obtained upon admission CRP measurement using a high-sensitivity method (nephelometry) were studied. Cardiovascular outcomes during hospitalization were defined by the combination of death, nonfatal myocardial infarction or nonfatal refractory angina. Results: The incidence of cardiovascular events during hospitalization was 15% (18 deaths, 11 myocardial infarctions, 13 angina episodes) with CRP showing C-statistics of 0.60 (95% CI = 0.51-0.70, p = 0.034) in predicting these outcomes. After adjustment for the GRACE score, elevated CRP (defined as the best cutoff point) tended to be associated with hospital events (OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 0.92 to 3.88, p = 0.08). However, the addition of the variable elevated CRP in the GRACE model did not result in significant increase in C-statistics, which ranged from 0.705 to 0.718 (p = 0.46). Similarly, there was no significant reclassification of risk with the addition of CRP in the predictor model (net reclassification = 5.7 %, p = 0.15). Conclusion: Although CRP is associated with hospital outcomes, this inflammatory marker does not increase the prognostic value of the GRACE score. .