Incidence of pemphigoid diseases in Northern Germany in 2016 - first data from the Schleswig-Holstein Registry of Autoimmune Bullous Diseases.

BACKGROUND: Autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBD) are rare disorders characterized by autoantibody formation against components of adhesion molecules; in pemphigoid diseases (PD), these are proteins of hemidesmosomes and basement membrane, important for cell-matrix adhesion in skin and/or mucous membranes. Incidences of these diseases vary considerably between different populations. OBJECTIVES: To establish a registry prospectively recruiting all AIBD patients in a geographically well-defined region in Northern Germany (Schleswig-Holstein). METHODS: Only patients with verified disease (by clinical presentation, histology, direct and/or indirect immunofluorescence and /or ELISA) living in Schleswig-Holstein were included. Incidences of PD were estimated based on the total number of inhabitants in Schleswig-Holstein, stratified by birth year and sex. RESULTS: Of 67 patients with PD [35 male, 32 female, mean age 75 (standard deviation 14.3 years)], 83% were patients with bullous pemphigoid [n = 56, 28 male, 28 female, mean age 78 (SD 9.9)]. The resulting crude incidences were 23.4 patients/million/year for all pemphigoid patients, 19.6 patients/million/year for bullous pemphigoid (age-standardized 16.9 patients/million/year) with a strong increase in bullous pemphigoid patients in the age group of 85-90 years with 262 patients/million/year. Incidences for bullous pemphigoid were higher in urban compared to rural areas. Other PD (mucous membrane pemphigoid, linear IgA disease, anti-p200 pemphigoid) were less frequent with crude incidences of 2.1, 1.0 and 0.7 patients/million/year, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study prospectively analyses the incidence of PD in a carefully defined geographical area. The highest incidence among PD patients was found for bullous pemphigoid. The incidence of bullous pemphigoid is considerably increased compared to previous reports and reveals regional differences. Further studies are needed in order to clarify these findings.

Viabilidade econômica da produção de frangos de corte sob diferentes estruturas de governança / Economic viability of broiler production under different governance structures

Objetivou-se verificar a viabilidade econômica da produção de frangos de corte sob mecanismos de governança híbrida e hierárquica. Estudos de caso foram escolhidos para avaliação da atividade em núcleos de empresas integradoras e de produtores rurais integrados. Realizou-se pesquisa de campo para coleta de dados em 36 unidades de produção em Minas Gerais. Informações provenientes de 216 lotes produzidos entre agosto de 2015 e agosto de 2016 foram utilizadas nas análises econômicas. O cálculo dos custos baseou-se na metodologia proposta pela Embrapa - CNPSA e IEA - SP. As análises econômicas se realizaram conforme proposto pelo DAE - Ufla e pela Conab. Constatou-se que o custo com mão de obra causou maior impacto sobre o desempenho econômico de núcleos com estruturas de governança distintas. No modelo de produção via governança hierárquica, mesmo se considerando receitas secundárias ao processo de produção de aves, verificou-se prejuízo financeiro na atividade. Concluiu-se que a estrutura de governança híbrida representou melhor alternativa econômica que a internalização do processo de criação de frangos pelas empresas integradoras. Assim, sugere-se que empresas integradoras esgotem as possibilidades de produção via contrato de integração antes de investirem recursos em instalações próprias de criação.(AU)

The objective was to verify the economic feasibility in the production of broilers under hybrid and hierarchical governance mechanisms. Case studies were used to evaluate the activity of the integrating company and the integrated rural producers. The primary data about costs, income, and zootechnical indicators were collected in 36 poultry production units belonging to an integrated company and five rural producers, in state of Minas Gerais. Data from 216 batches of broilers produced between August 2015 and August 2016 were used in the economic analysis. Costs calculation was based on the methodology proposed by EMBRAPA - CNPSA and IEA - SP. The economic analyzes were carried out as proposed by DAE UFLA and CONAB. It was verified that the cost of labor caused the greatest impact on the economic performance of cores with different governance structures. In all breeding sites via hierarchical governance, even considering secondary revenues, there was a financial loss in the activity. It was concluded that the hybrid governance represented a better economic alternative than the internalization of the broiler production by integrating companies. Thus, it is suggested that integrating companies deplete the production possibilities through an integration contract before investing resources in their own breeding facilities.(AU)

The Personalized Parkinson Project: examining disease progression through broad biomarkers in early Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: Our understanding of the etiology, pathophysiology, phenotypic diversity, and progression of Parkinson's disease has stagnated. Consequently, patients do not receive the best care, leading to unnecessary disability, and to mounting costs for society. The Personalized Parkinson Project (PPP) proposes an unbiased approach to biomarker development with multiple biomarkers measured longitudinally. Our main aims are: (a) to perform a set of hypothesis-driven analyses on the comprehensive dataset, correlating established and novel biomarkers to the rate of disease progression and to treatment response; and (b) to create a widely accessible dataset for discovery of novel biomarkers and new targets for therapeutic interventions in Parkinson's disease. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a prospective, longitudinal, single-center cohort study. The cohort will comprise 650 persons with Parkinson's disease. The inclusion criteria are purposely broad: age ≥ 18 years; and disease duration ≤5 years. Participants are followed for 2 years, with three annual assessments at the study center. Outcomes include a clinical assessment (including motor and neuro-psychological tests), collection of biospecimens (stool, whole blood, and cerebrospinal fluid), magnetic resonance imaging (both structural and functional), and ECG recordings (both 12-lead and Holter). Additionally, collection of physiological and environmental data in daily life over 2 years will be enabled through the Verily Study Watch. All data are stored with polymorphic encryptions and pseudonyms, to guarantee the participants' privacy on the one hand, and to enable data sharing on the other. The data and biospecimens will become available for scientists to address Parkinson's disease-related research questions. DISCUSSION: The PPP has several distinguishing elements: all assessments are done in a single center; inclusion of "real life" subjects; deep and repeated multi-dimensional phenotyping; and continuous monitoring with a wearable device for 2 years. Also, the PPP is powered by privacy and security by design, allowing for data sharing with scientists worldwide respecting participants' privacy. The data are expected to open the way for important new insights, including identification of biomarkers to predict differences in prognosis and treatment response between patients. Our long-term aim is to improve existing treatments, develop new therapeutic approaches, and offer Parkinson's disease patients a more personalized disease management approach. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials NCT03364894 . Registered December 6, 2017 (retrospectively registered).

Caracterização microbiológica de carcaças de frangos de corte produzidas no estado de Minas Gerais / Microbiological characterization of broiler carcasses produced in the state of Minas Gerais

In order to evaluate the microbiological quality of broiler chickens produced in Minas Gerais State, 240 samples of broiler carcasses from the five regions of the Minas Gerais State were collected, by official inspection services, for one year. The samples were submitted to counts of total and thermotolerant coliforms, coagulase-positive and negative Staphylococcus, besides Campylobacter spp., Listeria monocytogenes, E.coli O157:H7, and Salmonella spp. resource. The results showed the presence of total and thermotolerant coliforms in 34.2% and 13.5% of broiler carcasses evaluated, respectively. All tested samples were positive for Staphylococcus spp., 9.1% for Salmonella spp., 15.5% for Listeria monocytogenes, and 2.1% for Campylobacter spp. E.coli O157:H7 was not isolated from the samples.(AU)

Expanding the view of Clock and cycle gene evolution in Diptera.

We expanded the view of Clock (Clk) and cycle (cyc) gene evolution in Diptera by studying the fruit fly Anastrepha fraterculus (Afra), a Brachycera. Despite the high conservation of clock genes amongst insect groups, striking structural and functional differences of some clocks have appeared throughout evolution. Clk and cyc nucleotide sequences and corresponding proteins were characterized, along with their mRNA expression data, to provide an evolutionary overview in the two major groups of Diptera: Lower Diptera and Higher Brachycera. We found that AfraCYC lacks the BMAL (Brain and muscle ARNT-like) C-terminus region (BCTR) domain and is constitutively expressed, suggesting that AfraCLK has the main transactivation function, which is corroborated by the presence of poly-Q repeats and an oscillatory pattern. Our analysis suggests that the loss of BCTR in CYC is not exclusive of drosophilids, as it also occurs in other Acalyptratae flies such as tephritids and drosophilids, however, but it is also present in some Calyptratae, such as Muscidae, Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae. This indicates that BCTR is missing from CYC of all higher-level Brachycera and that it was lost during the evolution of Lower Brachycera. Thus, we can infer that CLK protein may play the main role in the CLK\CYC transcription complex in these flies, like in its Drosophila orthologues.

Runs of homozygosity: current knowledge and applications in livestock.

This review presents a broader approach to the implementation and study of runs of homozygosity (ROH) in animal populations, focusing on identifying and characterizing ROH and their practical implications. ROH are continuous homozygous segments that are common in individuals and populations. The ability of these homozygous segments to give insight into a population's genetic events makes them a useful tool that can provide information about the demographic evolution of a population over time. Furthermore, ROH provide useful information about the genetic relatedness among individuals, helping to minimize the inbreeding rate and also helping to expose deleterious variants in the genome. The frequency, size and distribution of ROH in the genome are influenced by factors such as natural and artificial selection, recombination, linkage disequilibrium, population structure, mutation rate and inbreeding level. Calculating the inbreeding coefficient from molecular information from ROH (FROH ) is more accurate for estimating autozygosity and for detecting both past and more recent inbreeding effects than are estimates from pedigree data (FPED ). The better results of FROH suggest that FROH can be used to infer information about the history and inbreeding levels of a population in the absence of genealogical information. The selection of superior animals has produced large phenotypic changes and has reshaped the ROH patterns in various regions of the genome. Additionally, selection increases homozygosity around the target locus, and deleterious variants are seen to occur more frequently in ROH regions. Studies involving ROH are increasingly common and provide valuable information about how the genome's architecture can disclose a population's genetic background. By revealing the molecular changes in populations over time, genome-wide information is crucial to understanding antecedent genome architecture and, therefore, to maintaining diversity and fitness in endangered livestock breeds.

Validation of an HPLC-UV method for the identification and quantification of bioactive amines in chicken meat / Validação de metodologia por HPLC/UV para identificação e quantificação de aminas bioativas em carne de frango de corte

A high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) method was validated for the study of bioactive amines in chicken meat. A gradient elution system with an ultraviolet detector was used after extraction with trichloroacetic acid and pre-column derivatization with dansyl chloride. Putrescine, cadaverine, histamine, tyramine, spermidine, and spermine standards were used for the evaluation of the following performance parameters: selectivity, linearity, precision, recovery, limits of detection, limits of quantification and ruggedness. The results indicated excellent selectivity, separation of all amines, a coefficient of determination greater than 0.99 and recovery from 92.25 to 102.25% at the concentration of 47.2mg.kg-1, with a limit of detection at 0.3mg.kg-1 and a limit of quantification at 0.9mg.kg-1 for all amines, with the exception of histamine, which exhibited the limit of quantification, of 1mg.kg-1. In conclusion, the performance parameters demonstrated adequacy of the method for the detection and quantification of bioactive amines in chicken meat.(AU)

Um método de cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) para pesquisa de aminas bioativas em carne de frango foi validado. Foi utilizado um sistema de gradiente de eluição com detector ultravioleta, após extração com ácido tricloroacético e derivação pré-coluna com cloreto de dansila. Os padrões de putrescina, cadaverina, histamina, tiramina, espermidina e espermina foram utilizados para avaliação dos seguintes parâmetros de desempenho: seletividade, linearidade, precisão, recuperação, limites de detecção, limites de quantificação e robustez. Os resultados mostraram excelente seletividade e separação de todas as aminas, coeficiente de determinação superior a 0,99, recuperação entre 92,25 e 105,25% na concentração 47,2mg.kg-1, limites de detecção de 0,3mg.kg-1 e limite de quantificação de 0,9mg.kg-1 para todas as aminas, com exceção da histamina, que apresentou o limite de quantificação mais alto, de 1mg.kg-1. Foi concluído que os parâmetros de desempenho demonstraram adequação do método para detecção e quantificação de aminas bioativas em carne de frango.(AU)

Avaliação da qualidade interna de ovos de consumo pela pesquisa do teor de aminas bioativas / Evaluation of the internal quality of commercial eggs by searching of the bioactive levels

Com o objetivo de avaliar a qualidade dos ovos de consumo pela pesquisa dos níveis de aminas bioativas, foram coletados, pelos serviços de inspeção oficiais, 224 amostras de ovos provenientes de cinco regiões distintas do estado de Minas Gerais, durante o período de um ano. As aminas biogênicas (putrescina, cadaverina, feniletilamina, histamina e tiramina) e as poliaminas (espermidina e espermina) foram pesquisadas por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência e detecção ultravioleta (CLAE/UV) após derivação pré-coluna com cloreto de dansila. Os resultados demonstraram que a putrescina estava presente, em baixas concentrações, em todas as amostras de gema e de albúmen. As demais aminas também foram detectadas, porém em menor frequência, e a espermina somente foi encontrada em uma amostra de albúmen. Foi concluído que os ovos de consumo produzidos no estado de Minas Gerais não são uma fonte considerável de poliaminas, importantes para o crescimento e a proliferação celular, e os baixos teores de aminas biogênicas, formadas pela descarboxilação de aminoácidos por enzimas bacterianas, não representam riscos à saúde do consumidor, o que indica que o ovo apresenta boa qualidade, tomando por base o critério de aminas bioativas.

In order to evaluate the quality of commercial eggs by searching the bioactive amine levels, 224 samples of eggs from the five regions of Minas Gerais State were collected during one year by the official inspection service. The biogenic amines (putrescine, cadaverine, phenylethylamine, histamine and tyramine) and the polyamines (spermidine and spermine) were determined by high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC/UV) and pre-column derivatization with dansyl chloride. The results demonstrated the presence of putrescine in all samples of yolk and albumen, but in low concentrations. The other amines were also detected, however, with a lower frequency, and spermine was found only in one sample of albumen. It was concluded that the commercial eggs produced in Minas Gerais State are not a considerable source of polyamines, important for growth and cell proliferation; and low levels of biogenic amine, formed by decarboxylation of amino acids by bacterial enzymes, do not represent risks to consumer health, indicating that it has good quality, based on the bioactive amine criterion.

Sorovares e perfil de suscetibilidade a antimicrobianos em Salmonella spp. isoladas de produtos de origem suína / Serovars and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella spp. product isolated from swine

Foi analisado um total de 1824 cepas de Salmonella, isoladas de alimentos de origem suína, no período de janeiro/2005 a junho/2010. As cepas, provenientes de diferentes regiões do país, foram recebidas pelo Labent/IOC/FIocruz para caracterização antigênica conclusiva. Foram identificados 41 sorovares, destacando-se: Typhimurium, Derby, Enteritidis, Panama, Infantis e Anatum. Aspectos bacteriológicos e epidemiológicos relacionados a esses sorovares foram discutidos. O teste de suscetibilidade aos antimicrobianos foi realizado em 357 amostras, 257 (72%) foram resistentes a uma ou mais drogas, e destas, 31,9% mostraram-se multirresistentes. A variedade de sorovares observada neste estudo confirma o papel dos suínos na cadeia alimentar como importantes reservatórios de Salmonella, agravado ainda pelo elevado percentual de cepas resistentes a um ou mais antimicrobianos, alertando para uma condição de risco à saúde pública.

We analyzed a total of 1824 strains of Salmonella isolated from swine-origin foods from January/2005 to June/2010. The strains from different regions of the country were received by Labent/IOC/FIOCRUZ for conclusive antigenic characterization. We identified 41 serovars, of which these stood out: Typhimurium, Derby, Enteritidis, Panama, Infantis and Anatum. Bacteriological and epidemiological aspects related to these serovars were discussed. The antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed on 357 samples, 257 (72%) were resistant to one or more of these drugs and 31,9% were multiresistant. A variety of serovars were identified reinforcing the swine as an important reservoir of Salmonella in the food chain. The high rates of antimicrobial resistance obtained in this evaluation may represent a risk condition to human health.

Keratinocytes and neutrophils are important sources of proinflammatory molecules in hidradenitis suppurativa.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of the chronic inflammatory skin disease hidradenitis suppurativa (HS, also known as acne inversa) involves epidermal alterations such as psoriasiform epidermal hyperplasia and keratin plugging. Keratinocytes are an important source of proinflammatory molecules in inflammatory skin diseases and can be stimulated by interleukin (IL)-17(+) cells. OBJECTIVES: To explore the possible role of the epithelium in the pathogenesis of HS. METHODS: We performed immunohistochemical stainings and Western blot experiments to investigate the localization and expression of inflammation-associated molecules, including the cytokine IL-17, components of the inflammasome including caspase-1, and the endogenous danger-associated molecular pattern molecules S100A8 and S100A9 (calprotectin). To examine a possible effect of upregulated proinflammatory cytokines on the inflammatory infiltrate, differences in the cellular composition of perifollicular and deep dermal infiltrates were analysed. RESULTS: The number of IL-17(+) cells is increased in lesional and perilesional HS skin. The epidermis produces proinflammatory molecules and shows an upregulated expression of components of the NLRP3 inflammasome, activated caspase-1 and expression of S100A8/S100A9. Additionally, the course of the inflammatory process in HS involves influx of innate immune cells, particularly IL-17-expressing neutrophils. CONCLUSIONS: IL-17-producing cells are present in lesional and perilesional HS skin and may contribute to the initiation of inflammatory processes. Furthermore, the epidermis is a source of proinflammatory cytokines, shows inflammasome activation and expresses S100A8/S100A9, thereby possibly contributing to the propagation of inflammation. A massive influx of IL-17-expressing neutrophils is observed in the deep infiltrate.

Feeding resource partitioning between two understorey insectivorous birds in a fragment of Neotropical cloud forest.

The food habits and niche overlap based on diet composition and prey size of two species of understorey insectivorous birds were investigated in an area of montane rain forest in the state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. A total of 43 birds were captured: 33 individuals of Conopophaga lineata (Conopophagidae) with 13 recaptures, and 10 individuals of Myiothlypis leucoblephara (Parulidae) with 12 recaptures, from which were obtained respectively 33 and 10 fecal samples. Fragments of 16 groups of arthropods, plus insect eggs, were identified in these samples. Conopophaga lineata predominantly consumed Formicidae (32%) and Isoptera (23.6%). However, the index of alimentary importance (AI) of Isoptera (3.53) was lower than other groups such as Formicidae (AI = 61.88), Coleoptera (AI = 16.17), insect larvae (AI = 6.95) and Araneae (AI = 6.6). Myiothlypis leucoblephara predominantly consumed Formicidae (28.2%) and Coleoptera (24.4%), although Coleoptera and Hymenoptera non-Formicidae had the highest values of AI (38.71 and 22.98 respectively). Differences in the proportions of the types of arthropods consumed by birds were not enough to reveal their separation into feeding niches (overlap = 0.618, p observed ≤ expected = 0.934), whereas differences in the use of resources was mainly due to the size of the prey (p<0.001), where C lineata, the species with the highest body mass (p<0.001) consumed larger prey. It is plausible that prey size is an axis of niche dimension that allows the coexistence of these species.

Feeding resource partitioning between two understorey insectivorous birds in a fragment of Neotropical cloud forest / Partição de recursos alimentares entre duas espécies de aves insetívoras de sub-bosque em um fragmento de floresta nebular Neotropical

Abstract The food habits and niche overlap based on diet composition and prey size of two species of understorey insectivorous birds were investigated in an area of montane rain forest in the state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. A total of 43 birds were captured: 33 individuals of Conopophaga lineata (Conopophagidae) with 13 recaptures, and 10 individuals of Myiothlypis leucoblephara (Parulidae) with 12 recaptures, from which were obtained respectively 33 and 10 fecal samples. Fragments of 16 groups of arthropods, plus insect eggs, were identified in these samples. Conopophaga lineata predominantly consumed Formicidae (32%) and Isoptera (23.6%). However, the index of alimentary importance (AI) of Isoptera (3.53) was lower than other groups such as Formicidae (AI = 61.88), Coleoptera (AI = 16.17), insect larvae (AI = 6.95) and Araneae (AI = 6.6). Myiothlypis leucoblephara predominantly consumed Formicidae (28.2%) and Coleoptera (24.4%), although Coleoptera and Hymenoptera non-Formicidae had the highest values of AI (38.71 and 22.98 respectively). Differences in the proportions of the types of arthropods consumed by birds were not enough to reveal their separation into feeding niches (overlap = 0.618, p observed ≤ expected = 0.934), whereas differences in the use of resources was mainly due to the size of the prey (p<0.001), where C lineata, the species with the highest body mass (p<0.001) consumed larger prey. It is plausible that prey size is an axis of niche dimension that allows the coexistence of these species.

Resumo Os hábitos alimentares e a sobreposição de nicho em termos de composição da dieta e tamanho de presas de duas espécies de aves insetívoras de sub-bosque foram investigados em uma área de floresta ombrófila altomontana no estado de Minas Gerais, sudeste do Brasil. Foram capturados 33 indivíduos de Conopophaga lineata (Conopophagidae), com 13 recapturas, e 10 indivíduos de Myiothlypis leucoblephara (Parulidae), com 12 recapturas, dos quais foram obtidas, respectivamente, 33 e 10 amostras fecais, onde foram identificados fragmentos de 16 grupos de artrópodes, além de ovos de insetos. Conopophaga lineata consumiu predominantemente Formicidae (32%) e Isoptera (23,6%). Contudo, o índice de importância alimentar (IA) de Isoptera (3,53) esteve abaixo de outros grupos como Formicidae (IA = 61,88), Coleoptera (IA = 16,17), larva de inseto (IA = 6,95) e Araneae (IA = 6,6). Myiothlypis leucoblephara consumiu predominantemente Formicidae (28,2%) e Coleoptera (24,4%), embora em termos de IA o predomínio tenha sido de Coleoptera (IA = 38,71) e Hymenoptera não Formicidae (IA = 22,98). Diferenças nas proporções dos tipos de artrópodes consumidos pelas aves não foram suficientes para revelar separação em seus nichos alimentares (sobreposição = 0,618; p observado ≤ esperado = 0,934), ao passo que divergências no uso de recursos se deram principalmente em função dos tamanhos das presas (p<0,001), onde C. lineata, a espécie com maior massa corporal, (p<0,001) consumiu as maiores presas. É plausível que o tamanho das presas seja um eixo da dimensão do nicho que permite a coexistência dessas espécies.

Feeding resource partitioning between two understorey insectivorous birds in a fragment of Neotropical cloud forest

Abstract The food habits and niche overlap based on diet composition and prey size of two species of understorey insectivorous birds were investigated in an area of montane rain forest in the state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. A total of 43 birds were captured: 33 individuals of Conopophaga lineata (Conopophagidae) with 13 recaptures, and 10 individuals of Myiothlypis leucoblephara (Parulidae) with 12 recaptures, from which were obtained respectively 33 and 10 fecal samples. Fragments of 16 groups of arthropods, plus insect eggs, were identified in these samples. Conopophaga lineata predominantly consumed Formicidae (32%) and Isoptera (23.6%). However, the index of alimentary importance (AI) of Isoptera (3.53) was lower than other groups such as Formicidae (AI = 61.88), Coleoptera (AI = 16.17), insect larvae (AI = 6.95) and Araneae (AI = 6.6). Myiothlypis leucoblephara predominantly consumed Formicidae (28.2%) and Coleoptera (24.4%), although Coleoptera and Hymenoptera non-Formicidae had the highest values of AI (38.71 and 22.98 respectively). Differences in the proportions of the types of arthropods consumed by birds were not enough to reveal their separation into feeding niches (overlap = 0.618, p observed expected = 0.934), whereas differences in the use of resources was mainly due to the size of the prey (p 0.001), where C lineata, the species with the highest body mass (p 0.001) consumed larger prey. It is plausible that prey size is an axis of niche dimension that allows the coexistence of these species.

Resumo Os hábitos alimentares e a sobreposição de nicho em termos de composição da dieta e tamanho de presas de duas espécies de aves insetívoras de sub-bosque foram investigados em uma área de floresta ombrófila altomontana no estado de Minas Gerais, sudeste do Brasil. Foram capturados 33 indivíduos de Conopophaga lineata (Conopophagidae), com 13 recapturas, e 10 indivíduos de Myiothlypis leucoblephara (Parulidae), com 12 recapturas, dos quais foram obtidas, respectivamente, 33 e 10 amostras fecais, onde foram identificados fragmentos de 16 grupos de artrópodes, além de ovos de insetos. Conopophaga lineata consumiu predominantemente Formicidae (32%) e Isoptera (23,6%). Contudo, o índice de importância alimentar (IA) de Isoptera (3,53) esteve abaixo de outros grupos como Formicidae (IA = 61,88), Coleoptera (IA = 16,17), larva de inseto (IA = 6,95) e Araneae (IA = 6,6). Myiothlypis leucoblephara consumiu predominantemente Formicidae (28,2%) e Coleoptera (24,4%), embora em termos de IA o predomínio tenha sido de Coleoptera (IA = 38,71) e Hymenoptera não Formicidae (IA = 22,98). Diferenças nas proporções dos tipos de artrópodes consumidos pelas aves não foram suficientes para revelar separação em seus nichos alimentares (sobreposição = 0,618; p observado esperado = 0,934), ao passo que divergências no uso de recursos se deram principalmente em função dos tamanhos das presas (p 0,001), onde C. lineata, a espécie com maior massa corporal, (p 0,001) consumiu as maiores presas. É plausível que o tamanho das presas seja um eixo da dimensão do nicho que permite a coexistência dessas espécies.

Effects of packaging, mineral oil coating, and storage time on biogenic amine levels and internal quality of eggs.

This study was carried out with the aim of evaluating the effects of mineral oil application on eggshells and the use of plastic packages with lids on the physical-chemical and microbiological quality and biogenic amine contents of eggs stored under refrigeration for up to 125 d. A total of 1,920 eggs from 46-wk-old Hyline W36 laying hens were randomly distributed into 4 groups soon after classification: (i) 480 eggs were stored in pulp carton tray packages; (ii) 480 eggs were stored in plastic packages with lids; (iii) 480 eggs were stored in carton packages after the application of mineral oil; and (iv) 480 eggs were stored in plastic packages with lids after the application of mineral oil. The internal quality was measured by Haugh units, by the counts of mesophilic and psychrotrophic microorganisms, by the most probable number of total and thermal-tolerant coliforms, by the counts of molds and yeasts, by the analysis of Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus spp., and by the levels of biogenic amines in the egg yolk and albumen. The application of mineral oil to the eggshell resulted in higher Haugh unit values throughout storage, and the use of plastic packages altered the internal quality. The application of mineral oil and the use of packaging had no effects on the microbiological and biogenic amine results. Microbiological analyses showed the absence of Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, thermal-tolerant coliforms, and fungi. However, the highest counts of mesophilic (1.1 × 10(7) cfu/g) and psychrotrophic (6.7 × 10(7) cfu/g) microorganisms were recorded. The highest values of biogenic amines detected and quantified were putrescine (2.38 mg/kg) and cadaverine (7.27 mg/kg) in the egg yolk and putrescine (1.95 mg/kg), cadaverine (2.83 mg/kg), and phenylethylamine (2.57 mg/kg) in the albumen. Despite these results, the biogenic amine levels recorded were considered low and would not be harmful to consumer health.

Bioactive amines and microbiological quality in pasteurized and refrigerated liquid whole egg.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the levels of bioactive amines and the microbiological quality of liquid pasteurized egg stored under refrigeration. Pasteurized whole egg liquid was obtained from 2 types of different raw materials, fresh eggs, and commercial fertile eggs. They were stored under refrigeration over a period of 21 d. The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized split plot, with the plots being the 2 types of liquid pasteurized egg, and the subplots being the 4 storage periods (1, 7, 14, and 21 d). The storage period did not contribute to the increase (P > 0.05) of contamination by mesophilic aerobic microorganisms and total coliforms in commercial liquid pasteurized egg. However, for fertile eggs, the storage period led to an increase (P < 0.05) in the numbers of microorganisms. Levels of the amines putrescine, cadaverine, and tyramine were detected only in fertile liquid pasteurized egg, and the storage period contributed to the increase (P < 0.05) in the levels of these amines. There was a high correlation between total coliform most probable number and cadaverine levels, and a moderate correlation between the numbers of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms and tyramine levels. It was concluded that the most contaminated liquid pasteurized eggs were the fertile liquid pasteurized eggs and this caused the highest levels of bioactive amines in them compared with all the eggs that had been subjected to pasteurization and refrigerated storage.

Enteric, hepatic and muscle tissue development of goat kids fed with lyophilized bovine colostrum.

The objective of this study was to investigate the development of the enteric, hepatic and muscle tissues in goat kids fed with lyophilized bovine colostrum in the transition period of passive immunity to early active immunity. At 0, 7 and 14 h of life, 15 male newborns received 5% of their body weight of lyophilized bovine colostrum and 14 male newborns received goat colostrum, both with 55 mg/ml of IgG. Samples of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, liver and muscle were collected at 18, 36 and 96 h of life to quantify total protein, DNA and RNA contents. In the jejunum and ileum, the highest levels of total protein and higher protein/RNA ratio were observed at 18 h (p < 0.05). There were no differences in DNA contents in any intestinal segment (p > 0.05). At 96 h, maximum levels of RNA were observed in the jejunum and ileum (p < 0.05) and higher RNA/DNA ratio in the three intestinal segments (p < 0.05), showing increased ability to synthesize intracellular RNA and proteins. The LBC group showed higher protein content and higher protein/DNA and protein/RNA ratios in the jejunum, a higher DNA content in the liver (p < 0.05) and a higher protein/RNA ratio in the muscle tissue (p < 0.05). In the muscle, higher protein and DNA levels were also found at 96 h (p < 0.05). Indicators of cellular activity suggest greater absorption of proteins from lyophilized bovine colostrum and increased cell maturity in the enteric and muscle tissues in the first hours of goat kids' life.

[Microbiology of diabetic foot infections: role of ertapenem]. / Microbiologia das infecções no pé diabético: o papel do ertapenem.

Many patients with diabetes develop foot ulcers that are very susceptible to infections which may place the patients at risk for lower-limb amputation. Such infections require adequate management with antibiotics. The authors performed a systematic analysis and critical review of studies with the dual aim of assessing bacterial profiles and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in patients with diabetic foot infections using various methods for sample collection and evaluating the safety and efficacy of ertapenem as initial empirical treatment for such infections. Following a selection of only studies with adequate description of methods for pathogen isolation and antibiogram determination, nine studies were included. The need for adequate prospective multicenter studies to assess the value of empirical antibiotic regimens for diabetic foot became evident and the conclusions were as follows: proper identification of causative agents, appropriate antibiotic therapy and management of complications in these infections are essential to achieve a successful outcome; the sampling procedure is extremely important in the evaluation of the microbial flora of the foot ulcer; susceptibility testing should be performed routinely at least for those species with unpredictable resistance; and ertapenem has been shown to be useful in the treatment of a wide range of moderate-to-severe lower extremity infections in a broad spectrum of patients.

Substituição de milho por glicerina bruta em dietas para suínos em terminação / Substitution of corn for crude glycerin in diets for finishing pigs

Avaliou-se o efeito da substituição do milho por glicerina bruta em dietas para suínos em terminação. Foram utilizados 80 suínos, machos castrados, híbrido comercial, com média de peso de 67kg, em um experimento em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos e oito repetições, com dois animais por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos foram: 0,0; 4,0; 8,0; 12,0 e 16,0% de glicerina bruta em substituição ao milho nas dietas. A substituição do milho por glicerina bruta não afetou as características de desempenho (P>0,05). Observaram-se efeito linear crescente de tratamento (P<0,05) sobre a espessura de toucinho na carcaça e efeito linear decrescente de tratamento (P<0,05) sobre a perda de líquido no descongelamento e na força de cisalhamento. A glicerina bruta pode substituir em até 16,0% do milho da dieta para suínos em terminação, sem prejuízos do desempenho e rendimento de carcaça, com melhoras na qualidade da carne.

We evaluated the effect of replacing corn with crude glycerin in diets for finishing pigs. We used 80 pigs, steers, commercial hybrids, with an average weight of 67kg, in an experiment with a completely randomized design with five treatments and eight replicates of two animals per experimental unit. The treatments were 0.0, 4.0, 8.0, 12.0, and 16.0% crude glycerin as a replacement for maize in diets. The substitution of corn with crude glycerin did not affect performance characteristics (P>0.05). We observed an increasing linear effect of the treatment (P<0.05) on backfat thickness and decreasing linear effect of the treatment (P<0.05) on the loss of fluid in the thawing and shearing force. The crude glycerin can replace up to 16.0% of the corn diet for finishing pigs without loss of performance and carcass yield, with improvements in meat quality.

Influência do período de armazenamento na qualidade do ovo integral pasteurizado refrigerado / Influence of storage period on refrigerated pasteurized whole egg quality

Avaliaram-se o pH e a qualidade microbiológica de ovos integrais pasteurizados refrigerados obtidos de dois tipos de matéria-prima: o ovo in natura (comercial ) e o ovo galado (ovo fértil). Os tratamentos foram dispostos no delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em parcelas subdivididas, sendo na parcela dois tipos de ovos integrais pasteurizados, o comercial e o galado, e na subparcela quatro períodos de estocagem sob temperatura de refrigeração, um, sete, 14 e 21 dias. Não foi observada a presença de Salmonella spp. em nenhuma amostra analisada, e para os ovos comerciais, o período de estocagem não contribuiu para o aumento (P>0,05) da contaminação por mesófilos aeróbios, coliformes a 35ºC, Staphylococcus spp. e bolores e leveduras. Para as amostras de ovos galados, o período de armazenamento influenciou no aumento (P<0,05) da contagem de mesófilos aeróbios, coliformes a 35ºC, bolores e leveduras, e Staphylococcus spp. Os valores de pH aumentaram durante os primeiros dias do armazenamento e depois voltaram a diminuir. Concluiu-se que os ovos integrais galados pasteurizados apresentam pior qualidade em relação aos ovos integrais comerciais pasteurizados, e que o período de validade sob refrigeração desses tipos de ovos poderia ser de sete e 14 dias, respectivamente.

The pH and microbiological quality of refrigerated pasteurized whole eggs at 4ºC obtained from two types of raw materials, in nature (commercial) egg and the fertile egg were evaluated. The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized split plot design, the two types of pasteurized whole eggs (commercial and fertile) were alloted to the plots and four periods of storage under refrigeration (one, seven, 14 and 21 days) to the split plot. The presence of Salmonella spp. was not observed in the samples and the commercial pasteurized whole egg storage period did not contribute to the increase (P>0.05) in mesophilic aerobic coliforms at 35ºC, Staphylococcus spp and mold and yeast contamination. For samples of fertile pasteurized whole eggs, the storage period influenced the increased (P<0.05) count of mesophilic aerobic, coliforms at 35ºC, mold and yeast and Staphylococcus spp. The pH values rose during the first days of storage and then decreased again. It was concluded that fertile pasteurized whole eggs have lower quality than the commercial pasteurized whole eggs, and that the shelf life of these could be seven and 14 days, respectively.