Identification of human circulating factors following remote ischemic conditioning (RIC): Potential impact on stroke.

Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) is a procedure consisting of short cycles of ischemia applied in a limb that activates endogenous protection in distant organs, such as the brain. Despite the promising outcomes of RIC, the biochemical factors governing inter-organ communication remain largely unexplored, particularly in humans. A pilot study on 20 healthy humans was performed to identify potential circulating biochemical factors involved in RIC signalling. Blood was collected before and immediately, 4 and 22 h after the end of RIC. To characterize the responses triggered by RIC, a combination of biochemical and proteomic analysis, along with functional in vitro tests in human cells, were performed. RIC did not alter the levels of nitric oxide, bilirubin and cell-free mitochondrial DNA. In contrast, carboxyhaemoglobin levels increased following RIC at all time points and young subset, suggesting endogenous production of carbon monoxide that is a cytoprotective gasotransmitter. Additionally, the levels of glutathione and cysteinylglycine bound to proteins also increased after RIC, while glutathione catabolism decreased. Plasma proteomic analysis identified overall 828 proteins. Several steps of statistical analysis (Student's t-test, repeated measures ANOVA, with Holm corrected pairwise p-values <0.05 threshold and fold change higher or lower than 100 %) leaded to the identification of 9 proteins with altered circulating levels in response to RIC at 4h and 22h. All 9 proteins are from extracellular space or exosomes, being involved in inflammation, angiogenesis or metabolism control. In addition, RIC-conditioned plasma from young subjects protected microglial cell culture against inflammatory stimuli, indicating an anti-inflammatory effect of RIC. Nevertheless, other functional tests in neurons or endothelial cells had no effect. Overall, we present some evidence for RIC-induced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant responses in healthy human subjects, in particular in young subjects. This study is a first step towards the disclosure of signalling factors involved in RIC-mediated inter-organ communication.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Other Vascular Risk factors' Impact on Non-Motor Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease.

Background: Previous studies revealed an association between vascular comorbidities and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the severity of motor and cognitive symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, there is a lack of studies assessing the entire spectrum of non-motor symptoms (NMS). Objective: To investigate the relationship between vascular comorbidities and NMS in PD patients. Methods: Patients were assessed at baseline and 4 years later with the Non-Motor Symptom Assessment Scale, Parkinson's Psychosis Questionnaire, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Apathy scale. After tetrachoric correlation matrix, we conducted linear regression models (adjusted for age, gender, disease duration, and UPDRS-III) to investigate the relationship between vascular comorbidities and NMS. Results: In 73 PD patients, (mean disease duration 7.1 [5.3]), 57% had hypertension, 44% body mass index >25, 44% elevated cholesterol, 15% diabetes mellitus, 15% OSA, 14% cigarette-smoking history, 8% prior stroke, and 8% coronary disease. Cognition, psychotic symptoms, apathy, urinary function, and miscellaneous domains significantly worsened at the 4-year follow-up. OSA was significantly associated with higher severity of hallucinations/illusions at baseline and with a more severe deterioration of attention/memory, psychotic symptoms, and apathetic mood at the 4-year follow-up. At baseline, but not at follow-up, hypertension was negatively associated with miscellaneous domain scores and coronary disease with autonomic function scores (gastrointestinal tract and urinary function domains). Conclusion: Among PD-associated comorbidities, OSA was the main factor of decline. In addition to cognitive impairment, OSA might also potentially worsen psychotic symptoms and apathy. Treatment of OSA could be a strategy to improve these important NMS.

Genetic Profiles and Invasion Ability of Listeria monocytogenes Isolated from Bovine Carcasses in Southern Brazil.

ABSTRACT: The goals of this study were to evaluate the persistence and the virulence potential of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from beef carcasses obtained in processing facilities in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, based on pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), invasion ability in human colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT-116), internalin A (InlA) expression by Western blot, and identification of mutation points in inlA. PFGE profiles demonstrated that L. monocytogenes isolates were grouped based on their previously identified lineages and serogroups (lineage I: serogroup IIb, n = 2, and serogroup IVb, n = 5; lineage II: serogroup IIc, n = 5). Isolates with indistinguishable genetic profiles through this method were obtained from different slaughterhouses and sampling steps, with as much as a 3-year interval. Seven isolates showed high invasion ability (2.4 to 7.4%; lineage I, n = 6, and lineage II, n = 1) in HCT and expressed InlA. Five isolates showed low cell invasion ability (0.6 to 1.4%; lineage I, n = 1, and lineage II, n = 4) and did not express InlA, and two of them (lineage II, serogroup IIc) presented mutations in inlA that led to premature stop codon type 19 at position 326 (GAA → TAA). The results demonstrated that most L. monocytogenes isolates from lineage I expressed InlA and were the most invasive in HCT, indicating their high virulence potential, whereas most isolates from lineage II showed attenuated invasion because of nonexpression of InlA or the presence of premature stop codon type 19 in inlA. The obtained results demonstrated that L. monocytogenes with indistinguishable PFGE profiles can persist or be reintroduced in beef processing facilities in the studied region and that differences in their virulence potential are based on their lineages and serogroups.

Naringenin-Functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes: A Potential Approach for Site-Specific Remote-Controlled Anticancer Delivery for the Treatment of Lung Cancer Cells.

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes functionalized with naringenin have been developed as new drug carriers to improve the performance of lung cancer treatment. The nanocarrier was characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Drug release rates were determined in vitro by the dialysis method. The cytotoxic profile was evaluated using the MTT assay, against a human skin cell line (hFB) as a model for normal cells, and against an adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial (A569) cell line as a lung cancer in vitro model. The results demonstrated that the functionalization of carbon nanotubes with naringenin occurred by non-covalent interactions. The release profiles demonstrated a pH-responsive behavior, showing a prolonged release in the tumor pH environment. The naringenin-functionalized carbon nanotubes showed lower cytotoxicity on non-malignant cells (hFB) than free naringenin, with an improved anticancer effect on malignant lung cells (A549) as an in vitro model of lung cancer.

Poisoning by agricultural pesticides in the state of Goiás, Brazil, 2005-2015: analysis of records in official information systems. / Intoxicação por agrotóxicos agrícolas no estado de Goiás, Brasil, de 2005-2015: análise dos registros nos sistemas oficiais de informação.

The effect of pesticide use on human health is a problem that has received attention from the scientific community worldwide, especially in central countries, where the highest number of deaths due to human exposure to these agents is observed. Production and productivity increased through the progress of agro-industrialization, but risks to the environment and health were not taken into account. Over time, several cases of environmental contamination and public health problems, poisoning of rural workers, and food residues were observed. These factors triggered the recognition of risks arising from pesticide abuse. This study aimed to characterize pesticide poisonings reported to a toxicological information center of the state of Goiás through a retrospective analysis from 2005 to 2015. Data were mapped and tabulated by the purpose of pesticides, the circumstance of poisoning, and case development. The poisoning profile pointed to a higher occurrence of work- and suicide-related poisonings, with a predominance of poisoned patients, although chronic effects were not recorded, suggesting a false diagnosis of cure.

Os efeitos do uso de agrotóxicos sobre a saúde humana é um problema que tem merecido atenção da comunidade científica em todo o mundo, sobretudo nos países centrais, onde se observa o maior número de mortes decorrentes da exposição humana a esses agentes. Mediante o progresso da agroindustrialização, garantiu-se o aumento da produção e da produtividade, todavia, não se considerou os riscos ao ambiente e a saúde. Ao longo do tempo foram observados diversos casos de contaminação ambiental e de problemas de saúde pública, intoxicações de trabalhadores rurais e resíduos em alimentos. Esses fatores desencadearam o reconhecimento dos riscos decorrentes do uso abusivo dos agrotóxicos. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar intoxicações por agrotóxicos reportadas a um centro de informação toxicológica de Goiás por meio de análise retrospectiva no período de 2005 a 2015. Os dados foram mapeados e tabulados segundo a finalidade dos agrotóxicos, a circunstância da intoxicação, e evolução do caso. O perfil das intoxicações apontou para ocorrência superior de intoxicações por tentativa de suicídio e ocupacional, com predominância de cura dos intoxicados apesar dos efeitos crônicos não serem registrados, sugerindo um falso diagnóstico de cura.

Intoxicação por agrotóxicos agrícolas no estado de Goiás, Brasil, de 2005-2015: análise dos registros nos sistemas oficiais de informação / Poisoning by agricultural pesticides in the state of Goiás, Brazil, 2005-2015: analysis of records in official information systems

Resumo Os efeitos do uso de agrotóxicos sobre a saúde humana é um problema que tem merecido atenção da comunidade científica em todo o mundo, sobretudo nos países centrais, onde se observa o maior número de mortes decorrentes da exposição humana a esses agentes. Mediante o progresso da agroindustrialização, garantiu-se o aumento da produção e da produtividade, todavia, não se considerou os riscos ao ambiente e a saúde. Ao longo do tempo foram observados diversos casos de contaminação ambiental e de problemas de saúde pública, intoxicações de trabalhadores rurais e resíduos em alimentos. Esses fatores desencadearam o reconhecimento dos riscos decorrentes do uso abusivo dos agrotóxicos. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar intoxicações por agrotóxicos reportadas a um centro de informação toxicológica de Goiás por meio de análise retrospectiva no período de 2005 a 2015. Os dados foram mapeados e tabulados segundo a finalidade dos agrotóxicos, a circunstância da intoxicação, e evolução do caso. O perfil das intoxicações apontou para ocorrência superior de intoxicações por tentativa de suicídio e ocupacional, com predominância de cura dos intoxicados apesar dos efeitos crônicos não serem registrados, sugerindo um falso diagnóstico de cura.

Abstract The effect of pesticide use on human health is a problem that has received attention from the scientific community worldwide, especially in central countries, where the highest number of deaths due to human exposure to these agents is observed. Production and productivity increased through the progress of agro-industrialization, but risks to the environment and health were not taken into account. Over time, several cases of environmental contamination and public health problems, poisoning of rural workers, and food residues were observed. These factors triggered the recognition of risks arising from pesticide abuse. This study aimed to characterize pesticide poisonings reported to a toxicological information center of the state of Goiás through a retrospective analysis from 2005 to 2015. Data were mapped and tabulated by the purpose of pesticides, the circumstance of poisoning, and case development. The poisoning profile pointed to a higher occurrence of work- and suicide-related poisonings, with a predominance of poisoned patients, although chronic effects were not recorded, suggesting a false diagnosis of cure.

Total remission of Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome with single-dose of infliximab / Remissão total da Síndrome de Tolosa-Hunt com dose única de infliximabe

Abstract Tolosa-Hunt syndrome is a painful ophthalmoplegia caused by non-specific granulomatous inflammation, corticoid-sensitive, of the cavernous sinus. The etiology is unknown. Recurrences are common. The diagnosis is made by exclusion, and a variety of other diseases involving the orbital apex, superior orbital fissure and cavernous sinus should be ruled out. This study reports a case of a 29-year-old woman, diagnosed with Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome, who presented ophthalmoparesis and orbital pain. She had poor response to corticotherapy and developed colateral effects, so she was treated with single infliximab dose immunosuppression, evolving total remission of the disease.

Resumo A Síndrome de Tolosa-Hunt é uma oftalmoplegia dolorosa causada por uma inflamação granulomatosa não específica, sensível a corticoides, do seio cavernoso. A etiologia é desconhecida. Recorrências são comuns. O diagnóstico é feito por exclusão, devendo ser descartada uma variedade de outras doenças que envolvem o ápice orbitário, fissura orbitária superior e seio cavernoso. O presente estudo trata-se de um relato de caso de uma paciente de 29 anos, diagnosticada com Síndrome de Tolosa-Hunt, que apresentou paresia e dor em região orbital. Obteve resposta pouco efetiva a corticoterapia e desenvolveu efeitos colaterais, por isso foi tratada com dose única de infliximabe, evoluindo com remissão total da doença.

Biopolymer Xanthan: A New Adjuvant for DNA Vaccines

Abstract DNA vaccines have been evaluated as an option to prevent several diseases. In this study, the capacity of the xanthan biopolymer to improve the DNA vaccines immune response, administered intramuscularly, was evaluated. The experimental vaccines consisted of genes encoding fragments of the proteins LigA and LigB of Leptospira interrogans serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae serovar Copenhageni strain Fiocruz L1-130. The humoral immune response was evaluated by indirect ELISA. Cytokine expression levels were determined by RT-qPCR. Compared to the control group, the IgG antibody levels of animals immunized with pTARGET/ligAni and pTARGET/ligBrep plasmids associated with xanthan biopolymer were significantly higher than the control group. Additionally, there was a significant increase in IL-17 expression in animals vaccinated with pTARGET/ligBrep and xanthan.

Avaliação da qualidade microbiológica de sushis de salmão comercializados na cidade de Garanhuns-PE / Microbiological quality evaluation of salmon sushi marketed in the city of Garanhuns-PE

O sushi um dos produtos mais consumidos da culinária japonesa. Por ser servido in natura, a qualidade microbiológica deve ser o requisito mais importante para garantir a seguridade desse tipo de alimento. Nesse estudo foram analisadas 8 amostras de sushis de salmão, provenientes de todos os restaurantes que comercializam esse produto em Garanhuns-PE. Dentre as amostras analisadas, uma (12,5%) foi positiva para Salmonella spp.; 50% (4/8) apresentaram resultados superiores ao limite estabelecido para coliformes termotolerantes; e uma (12,5%) amostra apresentou contagem de 7,5 x 102 UFC/mL para Staphylococcus coagulase positiva. Em todas as amostras foram evidenciadas a presença de coliformes totais. Os resultados encontrados denotam uma preocupação com a qualidade dos sushis comercializados e para saúde pública.

Detecção de beta-lactamase por Staphylococcus coagulase-negativo isolados de queijo mussarela fatiados e fatiadores de frios / Beta-lactamase detection in coagulase-negative Staphylococci isolated from sliced mozzarella cheese and cold-cut slicers

A resistência de bactérias a antimicrobianos é considerada um problema de saúde pública, sendo a resistência aos beta-lactâmicos uma das mais importantes. O objetivo do presente estudo foi detectar a produção da enzima β-lactamase por isolados de Staphylococcus coagulase-negativo (SCN), provenientes de queijos Mussarela fatiados e equipamentos de fatiamento de frios. Os testes foram realizados utilizando discos impregnados com cefalosporina cromógena para detecção da β-lactamase. Dos 103 isolados de Staphylococcus spp. analisados, 55 (53%) produziram β-lactamase e 48 (47%) não produziram. Portanto, é possível inferir que SCN isolados neste estudo, podem inativar antimicrobianos β-lactâmicos e assim, exercer influência negativa na saúde pública, devido ao potencial em transferir genes de resistência antimicrobiana para outras bactérias.

Identificação de espécies de Staphylococcus coagulase negativa isoladas de queijo mussarela e fatiadores de frios / Identification of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species isolated from mussarela cheese and cold-cut slicers

Espécies de Staphylococcus coagulase negativa também são encontradas como contaminantes em alimentos de origem animal. Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar espécies do grupo Staphylococcus coagulase negativa, isoladas de queijos Mussarela fatiados e fatiadores de frios. Foram identificadas nove espécies bacterianas, sendo as mais frequentes: Staphylococcus (S.) saprophyticus, representando 25,9% dos isolados, S. xylosus 18,4% e S. cohnii subsp. urealyticum 12,6%. As demais espécies identificadas foram: S. epidermidis, S. warneri, S. captis subsp. ureolyticus, S. chromogenes, S. caprae e S. simulans. É necessário salientar a importância das Boas Práticas de Manipulação e Higienização dos equipamentos fracionadores de queijo Mussarela, a fim de diminuir o risco de intoxicações alimentares causadas por microrganismos desse grupo.

Perdas econômicas causadas por lesões nodulares características de reação vacinal contra febre aftosa em bovinos abatidos em Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil / Econômic losses caused by carcterisitc nodular injuries of vaccine reaction against foot-and-mouth disease in cattle slaughtered in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Para avaliar a incidência e estimar as perdas econômicas decorrentes de lesões nodulares características de reação vacinal contra febre aftosa foi acompanhado o abate de 72.000 bovinos no Mato Grosso do Sul, de maio a junho de 2018. O estudo foi realizado com base na avaliação macroscópica das lesões, que resultaram em uma incidência/mês média de 99,0% no rebanho abatido. O peso médio de descarte devido ao abscesso foi de 1,56kg/carcaça e a perda estimada foi de 673.920kg/ano ou 44.928 arrobas/ano. O preço médio de venda da carne foi de R$ 11,65/kg, sendo estimada perda de R$ 7.851.168,00/ano (US$ 2.116.117,79/ano). A elevada incidência de lesões nodulares características de reação à vacina contra febre aftosa nos bovinos abatidos no Mato Grosso do Sul representa um problema sanitário e econômico relevante na cadeia da carne.

Produção de biofilme por Staphylococcus coagulase negativa isolados de queijos e equipamentos / Biofilm production by coagulase-negative Staphylococci isolated from cheese and equipments

Biofilme é uma comunidade organizada de microrganismos que se forma em superfícies mal higienizadas, constituindo um mecanismo de defesa microbiana para permanência no ambiente. O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a capacidade de formação de biofilme de espécies de Staphylococcus coagulase negativa (SCN) isoladas de queijo Mussarela fatiado e de fatiadores de frios de estabelecimentos do município de Garanhuns-PE. De 103 isolados de SCN 56 (54,4%) foram negativos para produção de biofilme e 47 (45,6%) positivos, com a maior frequência de detecção nas espécies S. saprophyticus e S. cohnii subsp. urealyticum. Os resultados apontam para o potencial risco de contaminação cruzada de outros alimentos, uma vez que cepas bacterianas produtoras de biofilmes podem colonizar e persistir em superfícies de diversos equipamentos.

Qualidade microbiológica do queijo de coalho não inspecionado adquiridos em estabelecimentos comerciais de Garanhuns-PE / Microbiological quality of not inspected “coalho” cheese from commercial establishments of Garanhuns-PE

Com o objetivo de avaliar a qualidade microbiológica de queijo de coalho não inspecionado vendidos em estabelecimentos comerciais do município de Garanhuns-PE, foram adquiridas e analisadas oito (08) amostras deste tipo de queijo quanto a presença de coliformes totais (CT) e termotolerantes (CTT), Salmonella spp., estafilococos coagulase positiva (ECP) e Listeria monocytogenes. Foram verificados valores >2400 NMP/g para CT e CTT em 100% das amostras. Salmonella spp. foi detectada em 25% (2/8) e a contagem de estafilococos coagulase positiva foi acima do permitido em 62,5% (5/8) das amostras. A presença de L. monocytogenes não foi verificada nas amostras analisadas. Assim, a comercialização do queijo de coalho sem a devida inspeção prévia, como previsto, não tem garantia de qualidade e coloca em risco a saúde da população.

Beer Molecules and Its Sensory and Biological Properties: A Review.

The production and consumption of beer plays a significant role in the social, political, and economic activities of many societies. During brewing fermentation step, many volatile and phenolic compounds are produced. They bring several organoleptic characteristics to beer and also provide an identity for regional producers. In this review, the beer compounds synthesis, and their role in the chemical and sensory properties of craft beers, and potential health benefits are described. This review also describes the importance of fermentation for the brewing process, since alcohol and many volatile esters are produced and metabolized in this step, thus requiring strict control. Phenolic compounds are also present in beer and are important for human health since it was proved that many of them have antitumor and antioxidant activities, which provides valuable data for moderate dietary beer inclusion studies.

Antiproliferative Activity of Neem Leaf Extracts Obtained by a Sequential Pressurized Liquid Extraction.

Azadirachta indica A. Juss (neem) extracts have been used in pharmaceutical applications as antitumor agents, due to their terpenes and phenolic compounds. To obtain extracts from neem leaves with potential antiproliferative effect, a sequential process of pressurized liquid extraction was carried out in a fixed bed extractor at 25 °C and 100 bar, using hexane (SH), ethyl acetate (SEA), and ethanol (SE) as solvents. Extractions using only ethanol (EE) was also conducted to compare the characteristics of the fractionated extracts. The results obtained by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry suggested a higher concentration of terpenes in the SEA extract in comparison to SH, SE, and EE extracts. Therefore, antiproliferative activity showed that SEA extracts were the most efficient inhibitor to human tumor cells MCF-7, NCI-H460, HeLa, and HepG2. Hepatocellular cells were more resistant to SH, SEA, SE, and EE compared to breast, lung, hepatocellular, and cervical malignant cells. Neem fractioned extracts obtained in the present study seem to be more selective for malignant cells compared to the non-tumor cells.

Effect of Tamarindus indica L. and Manihot esculenta Extracts on Antibiotic-resistant Bacteria.

BACKGROUND: The chemical composition of plants used in traditional medicine exhibits biologically active compounds, such as tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids and becomes a promising approach to treat microbial infections, mainly with drug-resistant bacteria. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hydroethanolic leaf extracts of Tamarindus indica (tamarind) and Manihot esculenta (cassava) as antimicrobial potential against Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolated and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hydroethanolic leaf extracts were prepared and characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography/diode array detection, Fourier transform infrared, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, and ultraviolet-visible methods. The antimicrobial activity against four strains of clinical relevance was evaluated by the microdilution method at minimum inhibitory concentrations. RESULTS: Phenolic compounds such as flavonoids were detected in the plant extracts. T. indica extract at 500 µg/mL showed antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa; however, M. esculenta showed only activity against P. aeruginosa in this concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that polyphenols and flavonoids present in T. indica leaf extracts are a potential source of antimicrobial compound. The T. indica extract showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa while M. esculenta had effect only on P. aeruginosa meropenem resistant. SUMMARY: Antibacterial effect of T. indica and M. esculenta leaf extract was evaluated.T. indica extract displayed activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa strains.M. esculenta showed effect on P. aeruginosa meropenem resistant. Abbreviations Used: BHI: Agar brain heart infusion, CAPES: Coordination for the improvement of higher education personnel, DPPH: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, FAPITEC/SE: Foundation for support to research and technological innovation of the state of sergipe, FTIR: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, HPLC: High-performance liquid chromatography, KBr: Potassium bromide, MIC: Minimum inhibitory concentration, MRSA: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, RSC: Radical scavenging capacity, UV-vis: Ultraviolet-visible.

Steroid-responsive painful ophthalmoplegia: Tolosa-Hunt syndrome, Eales disease, or both?

Introduction Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (THS) is one of the most common 'benign' causes of painful ophthalmoplegia. Diagnosis is based on clinical and imaging findings and the exclusion of other causes because there is no specific biomarker for the syndrome. Eales disease, an idiopathic inflammatory venous disease that primarily affects the eye, can also affect the central (as stroke or myelitis) and peripheral nervous system. Case report We report the case of a 32-year-old woman with a subacute left ophthalmoplegia and evidence of a gadolinium-enhanced lesion suggesting an inflammatory granuloma that resolved within 48 hours after treatment with steroids. A diagnosis of THS was considered at this time. On a follow-up ophthalmological examination, a diagnosis of Eales disease with involvement of the left eye was made. The patient was treated successfully. Conclusion Eales disease could be a cause of painful ophthalmoplegia and may mimic THS. Long-term follow-up of patients diagnosed with THS may be necessary to exclude other diagnoses.

Fructose 1,6-Bisphosphate Aldolase, a Novel Immunogenic Surface Protein on Listeria Species.

Listeria monocytogenes is a ubiquitous food-borne pathogen, and its presence in food or production facilities highlights the importance of surveillance. Increased understanding of the surface exposed antigens on Listeria would provide potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets. In the present work, using mass spectrometry and genetic cloning, we show that fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (FBA) class II in Listeria species is the antigen target of the previously described mAb-3F8. Western and dot blot assays confirmed that the mAb-3F8 could distinguish all tested Listeria species from close-related bacteria. Localization studies indicated that FBA is present in every fraction of Listeria cells, including supernatant and the cell wall, setting Listeria spp. as one of the few bacteria described to have this protein on their cell surface. Epitope mapping using ORFeome display and a peptide membrane revealed a 14-amino acid peptide as the potential mAb-3F8 epitope. The target epitope in FBA allowed distinguishing Listeria spp. from closely-related bacteria, and was identified as part of the active site in the dimeric enzyme. However, its function in cell surface seems not to be host cell adhesion-related. Western and dot blot assays further demonstrated that mAb-3F8 together with anti-InlA mAb-2D12 could differentiate pathogenic from non-pathogenic Listeria isolated from artificially contaminated cheese. In summary, we report FBA as a novel immunogenic surface target useful for the detection of Listeria genus.

Genotypic profile of Listeria monocytogenes isolated in refrigerated chickens in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / Perfil genotípico de Listeria monocytogenes isolada em frango refrigerados comercializados na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

ABSTRACT: Listeria monocytogenes is of notable concern to the food industry, due to its ubiquitous nature and ability to grow in adverse conditions. This study aimed to determine the genotypic profile of L. monocytogenes strains isolated from refrigerated chickens marketed in the southern part of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The strains of L. monocytogenes isolated were characterized by serotyping and Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE). Three different serotypes (1/2a, 1/2b and 4e) were evaluated by PFGE, and the macrorestriction patterns utilizing enzymes AscI and ApaI, revealed five different pulsotypes. The presence of such varied genotypic profiles demonstrates the prevalence of L. monocytogenes contamination of chicken processing environments, which combined with ineffective cleaning procedures, allowing the survival, adaptation and proliferation of these pathogens, not only in the processing environment, but also in local grocery stores.

RESUMO: Listeria monocytogenes é uma notável preocupação para a indústria de alimentos, devido à sua natureza ubíqua e a capacidade de se multiplicar em condições adversas. Este estudo objetivou determinar o perfil genotípico de L. monocytogenes isolada a partir de frangos refrigerados comercializados na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. As cepas de L. monocytogenes foram selecionadas e caracterizadas por sorotipagem e Eletroforese em Gel de Campo Pulsado (PFGE). Três sorotipos diferentes (1/2a, 1/2b e 4e) foram avaliados por PFGE, e a combinação dos padrões de macrorestrição utilizando as enzimas AscI e ApaI revelou cinco diferentes pulsotipos. A presença de diferentes perfis genotípicos demonstra a importância da contaminação no ambiente de processamento de frangos, o qual, juntamente com procedimentos de limpeza ineficazes, permitem a sobrevivência, adaptação e proliferação desses patógenos, não somente no ambiente de processamento, mas também no local de comercialização destes produtos.