Pathogens and microorganisms in the mangrove oyster Crassostrea gasar cultivated in an estuarine environment in Northeast Brazil.

Estuaries are important ecosystems due to the ecological services they provide, acting as nurseries for many species of fish and invertebrates, and are also used as environments for the extraction and cultivation of mollusks. Oysters are animals that filter water to obtain oxygen and nutrients. In this process, they can bioaccumulate microorganisms and chemical substances in their tissues. The growth of mollusk culture in Northeastern Brazil requires the health identification of cultivated oysters through the quantification of the potentially harmful microbiota accumulated in the animals. Therefore, the present work aims to quantify and identify bacteria and possible pathogens found in the tissues of cultivated oysters and their culture waters. The Most Probable Number of Coliforms (MPN) in oysters and water were considered suitable according to the Brazilian current legislation, Vibrio sp. obtained low colonization and Salmonella sp. was not observed. The prevalence of microorganisms potentially pathogenic to oysters was 33.7%, highlighting metazoans and Nematopsis sp., however, the intensity of the infestation of these organisms was moderate. The low contamination of oysters demonstrates that this culture environment is promising for this activity. However, continuous environmental and sanitary monitoring is fundamental to guarantee the safety of the culture waters and the sustainability of aquaculture activities.

COVID-19 impedimetric biosensor based on polypyrrole nanotubes, nickel hydroxide and VHH antibody fragment: specific, sensitive, and rapid viral detection in saliva samples.

SARS-CoV-2 rapid spread required urgent, accurate, and prompt diagnosis to control the virus dissemination and pandemic management. Several sensors were developed using different biorecognition elements to obtain high specificity and sensitivity. However, the task to achieve these parameters in combination with fast detection, simplicity, and portability to identify the biorecognition element even in low concentration remains a challenge. Therefore, we developed an electrochemical biosensor based on polypyrrole nanotubes coupled via Ni(OH)2 ligation to an engineered antigen-binding fragment of heavy chain-only antibodies (VHH) termed Sb#15. Herein we report Sb#15-His6 expression, purification, and characterization of its interaction with the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 in addition to the construction and validation of a biosensor. The recombinant Sb#15 is correctly folded and interacts with the RBD with a dissociation constant (KD) of 27.1 ± 6.4 nmol/L. The biosensing platform was developed using polypyrrole nanotubes and Ni(OH)2, which can properly orientate the immobilization of Sb#15-His6 at the electrode surface through His-tag interaction for the sensitive SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection. The quantification limit was determined as 0.01 pg/mL using recombinant RBD, which was expressively lower than commercial monoclonal antibodies. In pre-characterized saliva, both Omicron and Delta SARS-CoV-2 were accurately detected only in positive samples, meeting all the requirements recommended by the World Health Organization for in vitro diagnostics. A low sample volume of saliva is needed to perform the detection, providing results within 15 min without further sample preparations. In summary, a new perspective allying recombinant VHHs with biosensor development and real sample detection was explored, addressing the need for accurate, rapid, and sensitive biosensors.

Pathogens and microorganisms in the mangrove oyster Crassostrea gasar cultivated in an estuarine environment in Northeast Brazil / Patógenos e microorganismos presentes na ostra nativa C. gasar cultivada em ambiente estuarino do Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract Estuaries are important ecosystems due to the ecological services they provide, acting as nurseries for many species of fish and invertebrates, and are also used as environments for the extraction and cultivation of mollusks. Oysters are animals that filter water to obtain oxygen and nutrients. In this process, they can bioaccumulate microorganisms and chemical substances in their tissues. The growth of mollusk culture in Northeastern Brazil requires the health identification of cultivated oysters through the quantification of the potentially harmful microbiota accumulated in the animals. Therefore, the present work aims to quantify and identify bacteria and possible pathogens found in the tissues of cultivated oysters and their culture waters. The Most Probable Number of Coliforms (MPN) in oysters and water were considered suitable according to the Brazilian current legislation, Vibrio sp. obtained low colonization and Salmonella sp. was not observed. The prevalence of microorganisms potentially pathogenic to oysters was 33.7%, highlighting metazoans and Nematopsis sp., however, the intensity of the infestation of these organisms was moderate. The low contamination of oysters demonstrates that this culture environment is promising for this activity. However, continuous environmental and sanitary monitoring is fundamental to guarantee the safety of the culture waters and the sustainability of aquaculture activities.

Resumo Os estuários são ecossistemas importantes devido a serviços ecológicos que fornecem, os quais conferem a função de berçário para muitas espécies de peixes e invertebrados, e também são utilizados como ambientes de extração e cultivo de moluscos. As ostras são animais que filtram a água para obtenção de oxigênio e nutrientes. Nesse processo podem bioacumular microorganismos e substâncias químicas em seus tecidos. O crescimento da malacocultura no Nordeste do Brasil fomenta a necessidade de identificar a sanidade das ostras cultivadas através da quantificação da microbiota potencialmente nociva acumulada nos animais. Portanto o presente trabalho visa quantificar e identificar bactérias e possíveis patógenos encontrados nos tecidos dos moluscos cultivados e nas suas águas de cultivo. O Número mais Provável de Coliformes (NMP) nas ostras e na água foram considerados próprios segundo as legislações vigentes, Vibrio sp. obteve baixa colonização e Salmonella sp. não foi observada. A prevalência de microorganismos potencialmente patógenos para as ostras foi de 33,7%, destacando como mais prevalentes os metazoários e Nematopsis sp., porém a intensidade da infestação desses organismos foi moderada. A baixa contaminação das ostras demonstra que este ambiente de cultivo é promissor para esta atividade. No entanto, o contínuo monitoramento ambiental e sanitário é fundamental para garantir a inocuidade das águas de cultivo e a sustentabilidade das atividades aquícolas.

High Genetic Similarity Among Salmonella Heidelberg Isolated from Poultry Farms, Wild Animals, Beef, Poultry and Pork Meat, and Humans in Brazil

Salmonellosis is an important gastrointestinal infection in humans and cause of foodborne outbreaks in the world. In this context, molecular characterization is essential to understand how the strains circulate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotypic distribution of S. Heidelberg according to the source of isolation. The genetic relatedness of the S. Heidelberg isolates was determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). The most prevalent pulsotypes of cluster A were BRJF6X01.006 (27/95 = 28,42%) related between 1995 and 2011 in broilers, poultry meat and poultry farms, meat product and human, and BRJF6X01.001 (21/95 = 22,10%) related between 2011 and 2017 in wild animals, broilers, poultry meat, poultry farms, meat product, animal feed, and pork meat. The pulsotype BRJF6X01.001 shows a high distribution in the environmental and productive chain. The degree of similarity between pulsotypes BRJF6X01.006 and BRJF6X01.001 is 88%. To ensure the safety of human and animal health, holistic approaches, including surveillance of Salmonella throughout the environment and in the production chain, together with control measures, are critical. As transmission of Salmonella from food producing animals to wildlife and to the environment is considered potential public health problem, information on the survival and persistence of Salmonella in the environment and in potential reservoirs is of considerable importance.(AU)

Antimicrobial resistance, biofilm production and invasion of mammary epithelial cells by Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus mundtii strains isolated from bovine subclinical mastitis in Brazil.

Members of the genus Enterococcus are among the most relevant etiologic agents of bovine clinical and subclinical mastitis, a major problem for the dairy industry. In Brazil, clonal diversity, and multidrug resistance profiles related to bovine infections need further investigation. In this study, 11 bacterial strains recovered from mastitis subclinical cases detected in different farms of São Paulo, Brazil, were identified as Enterococcus faecalis (n = 8) and Enterococcus mundtii (n = 3) by biochemical testing and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis categorized the enterococcal isolates into two main clusters (A and B) with similarity ranging from 85 to 100%. The isolates were shown to be resistant tetracycline (73%), erythromycin (73%), quinupristin-dalphopristin (64%), norfloxacin (9%), fosfomycin (9%) and linezolid (9%). Moreover, seven strains (64%) were considered multidrug-resistant. All the isolates were able to produce biofilms when grown in milk for 24 h: 54·54% were classified as moderate producers and 45·45% were weak producers. Interestingly, only two strains (Ef17 and Em42) remained as moderate biofilm producers after 48 h incubation. Moreover, all isolates showed no ability to form biofilm in tryptic soy broth (TSB) after 24 and 48 h incubation. In addition, cytoskeleton components were partially involved in E. faecalis and E. mundtii entry to epithelial cells as demonstrated by induction of actin stress fibre. In conclusion, enterococci isolates recovered from bovine subclinical mastitis were resistant to several classes of antibiotics, showing the ability to form biofilms in milk and invade mammary epithelial cells, suggesting an advantageous feature in mammary gland colonization during mastitis development. In addition, they can spread along the food chain by different routes and eventually constitute a possible threat for public health, including E. mundtii specie.

Exploring the enhancement of the thermoelectric properties of bilayer graphyne nanoribbons.

Carbon materials are vital for sustainable energy applications based on abundant and non-toxic raw materials. In this scenario, carbon nanoribbons have superior thermoelectric properties in comparison with their 2D material counterparts, owing to their particular electronic and transport properties. Therefore, we explore the electronic and thermoelectric properties of bilayer α-graphyne nanoribbons (α-BGyNRs) by means of density functional theory, tight-binding, and the non-equilibrium Green's functions (NEGF) method. Our calculations indicate that Ab stacking is the most stable configuration regardless of the edge type. The band structure presents finite band gaps with different features for armchair and zigzag nanoribbons. Concerning the thermoelectric quantities, the Seebeck coefficient is highly sensitive to the width and edge type, while its room-temperature values can achieve a measurable mV K-1 scale. The electric conductance is found to increase due to layering, thus enhancing the power factor for α-BGyNRs compared with single nanoribbons. These findings therefore indicate the possibility of engineering such systems for thermal nanodevices.

Antifungal susceptibility profile of Candida clinical isolates from 22 hospitals of São Paulo State, Brazil.

This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of cryptic Candida species from candidemia cases in 22 public hospitals in São Paulo State, Brazil, and their antifungal susceptibility profiles. During 2017 and 2018, 144 isolates were molecularly identified as 14 species; C. parapsilosis (32.6%), C. albicans (27.7%), C. tropicalis (14.6%), C. glabrata (9.7%), C. krusei (2.8%), C. orthopsilosis (2.8%), C. haemulonii var. vulnera (2.1%), C. haemulonii (1.4%), C. metapsilosis (1.4%), C. dubliniensis (1.4%), C. guilliermondii (1.4%), C. duobushaemulonii (0.7%), C. kefyr (0.7%), and C. pelliculosa (0.7%). Poor susceptibility to fluconazole was identified in 6.4% of C. parapsilosis isolates (0.12 to >64 µg/mL), 50% of C. guilliermondii (64 µg/mL), 66.6% of C. haemulonii var. vulnera (16-32 µg/mL), and C. duobushaemulonii strain (MIC 64 µg/mL). Our results corroborated the emergence of C. glabrata in Brazilian cases of candidemia as previously reported. Importantly, we observed a large proportion of non-wild type C. glabrata isolates to voriconazole (28.6%; <0.015 to 4 µg/mL) all of which were also resistant to fluconazole (28.6%). Of note, C. haemulonii, a multidrug resistant species, has emerged in the Southeast region of Brazil. Our findings suggested a possible epidemiologic change in the region with an increase in fluconazole-resistant species causing candidemia. We stress the relevance of routine accurate identification to properly manage therapy and monitor epidemiologic trends.

Bryophyllum pinnatum markers: CPC isolation, simultaneous quantification by a validated UPLC-DAD method and biological evaluations.

Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken (Crassulaceae) is widely used as leaf juice or extracts in traditional medicine all over tropical areas, especially in Brazil, to relieve inflammation-associated symptoms. Flavonol glycosides with unusual sugar moiety are among the major metabolites. Nevertheless, there are not enough quality control studies that can contribute to authentication of B. pinnatum and determination of their markers. As it is also used as medicinal plant in several countries, it is necessary to provide data related to safety, efficacy and quality. In this context, this work aims to isolate the major flavonoids from B. pinnatum hydroethanolic extract, to validate a method to quantify the content of chemical markers and to evaluate their xanthine oxidase inhibition and antioxidant activity. The extract was submitted to centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC). The solvents system CyHex-EtOAc-EtOH-H2O, 0.5:9:3:5.5, v/v/v/v was selected by shake-flask method. Four flavonoids (quercetin 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (1), kaempferol 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (2), quercetin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (3) and kaempferol 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (4)) were isolated in a single and fast CPC run and their structures were confirmed by NMR analysis. An UPLC-DAD quantification method was established for the first time with validation of required parameters, according to RDC 166/2017. The calibration curves were linear with correlation coefficient ranging from 0.9996 to 0.9997 while the values of LOD (0.0077-1.984 ng.mL-1), LOQ (0.0263-6.012 ng.mL-1), recovery (≥ 80.7 %) and inter-day (%RSD ≤ 3.581) and intra-day precision (%RSD ≤ 2.628) were satisfactory. Quantitative analysis of these compounds showed that the proportion of 1, 2 and 3 were 2.43, 0.25 and 0.33 % (24.3 mg.g-1, 0.25 mg.g-1 and 0.33 mg.g-1 of extract), respectively. Moreover, in vitro xanthine oxidase (XO), DPPH and ABTS inhibition were evaluated for the extract and the major flavonoids. Compounds 2 (168 µM) and 3 (124 µM) moderately inhibited XO, while compounds 1 and 3 displayed average radical scavenging activity. In conclusion, our results suggest the flavonoid 1 as a specific marker which may be used for quality control of B. pinnatum hydroethanolic leaves extract.

Comparison of cell invasion, macrophage survival and inflammatory cytokines profiles between Salmonella enterica serovars Enteritidis and Dublin from Brazil.

AIMS: This study compared the capacity of strains of Salmonella enterica serovars Enteritidis and Dublin isolated in Brazil to invade epithelial cells, to be internalized by and survive within macrophages, and to stimulate cytokine release in vitro. METHODS AND RESULTS: Both serovars infected 75 and 73% Caco-2 (human) and MDBK (bovine) epithelial cells respectively. Salmonella Dublin and S. Enteritidis (i) were internalized at the respective rates of 79·6 and 65·0% (P ≤ 0·05) by U937 (human) macrophages, and 70·4 and 66·9% by HD11 (chicken) macrophages; and (ii) multiplied at the respective rates of 3·2- and 2·7-fold within U937 cells, and 1·9- and 1·1-fold (P ≤ 0·05) within HD11 cells respectively. Seventy per cent of 10 S. Dublin strains stimulated IL-8 production, while 70% of S. Enteritidis strains enhanced production of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70 and TNF in Caco-2 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with S. Enteritidis, S. Dublin had stronger ability to survive within macrophages and induced weak cytokine production, which may explain the higher incidence of invasive diseases caused by S. Dublin in humans. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study compared S. enterica serovars Enteritidis and Dublin to provide comparative data about the profile of the two serovars in cells from humans, the common host and their respective natural animal hosts and vice versa in order to check the differences between these two phylogenetically closely related serovars that share antigenic properties but present different phenotypic behaviours.

Antifungal susceptibility profile of Candida clinical isolates from 22 hospitals of São Paulo State, Brazil

This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of cryptic Candida species from candidemia cases in 22 public hospitals in São Paulo State, Brazil, and their antifungal susceptibility profiles. During 2017 and 2018, 144 isolates were molecularly identified as 14 species; C. parapsilosis (32.6%), C. albicans (27.7%), C. tropicalis (14.6%), C. glabrata (9.7%), C. krusei (2.8%), C. orthopsilosis (2.8%), C. haemulonii var. vulnera (2.1%), C. haemulonii (1.4%), C. metapsilosis (1.4%), C. dubliniensis (1.4%), C. guilliermondii (1.4%), C. duobushaemulonii (0.7%), C. kefyr (0.7%), and C. pelliculosa (0.7%). Poor susceptibility to fluconazole was identified in 6.4% of C. parapsilosis isolates (0.12 to >64 µg/mL), 50% of C. guilliermondii (64 µg/mL), 66.6% of C. haemulonii var. vulnera (16-32 µg/mL), and C. duobushaemulonii strain (MIC 64 µg/mL). Our results corroborated the emergence of C. glabrata in Brazilian cases of candidemia as previously reported. Importantly, we observed a large proportion of non-wild type C. glabrata isolates to voriconazole (28.6%; <0.015 to 4 µg/mL) all of which were also resistant to fluconazole (28.6%). Of note, C. haemulonii, a multidrug resistant species, has emerged in the Southeast region of Brazil. Our findings suggested a possible epidemiologic change in the region with an increase in fluconazole-resistant species causing candidemia. We stress the relevance of routine accurate identification to properly manage therapy and monitor epidemiologic trends.

ω-Conotoxina MVIIC e células-tronco mesenquimais promovem recuperação motora em ratos Wistar após trauma medular agudo / ω-Conotoxin MVIIC and mesenchymal stem cells promote motor recovery in Wistar rats after acute spinal cord injury]

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da ω-conotoxina MVIIC e das células-tronco mesenquimais (CTM) de forma isolada e sua associação nos ratos submetidos ao trauma medular agudo (TMA). Trinta Rattus novergicus, linhagem Wistar, três meses de idade, foram distribuídos igualmente em cinco grupos experimentais: controle negativo (CN), controle positivo (CP), ω-conotoxina MVIIC (MVIIC), células-tronco mesenquimais da medula óssea (CTM-MO) e associação (MVIIC + CTM-MO). O grupo CN foi submetido à laminectomia sem trauma medular, e os grupos CP, MVIIC, CTM-MO e MVIIC + CTM-MO foram submetidos ao trauma medular contusivo. O grupo CP recebeu, uma hora após o TMA, 10µL de PBS estéril, e os grupos MVIIC e MVIIC + CTM-MO receberam 10µL de PBS contendo 20pmol da ω-conotoxina MVIIC, todos por via intratecal. Os grupos CTM-MO e MVIIC + CTM-MO receberam, 24 horas após, 1x106 de CTM via intravenosa. Avaliou-se a recuperação da função locomotora até o sétimo dia pós-trauma. Os animais tratados com MVIIC + CTM-MO obtiveram recuperação motora após o trauma medular agudo (P<0,05). Conclui-se que essa associação apresentou efeito neuroprotetor com melhora na função locomotora em ratos Wistar.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of isolated ω-conotoxin MVIIC and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and its association in rats submitted to acute spinal cord injury (SCI). Thirty Rattus norvegicus, Wistar strain, three-month-old rats were randomly distributed in five experimental groups with six animals: negative control (CN), positive control (CP), ω-conotoxin MVIIC (MVIIC), bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (CTM-MO) and the association (MVIIC + CTM-MO). The CN group underwent laminectomy without spinal cord trauma, and groups CP, MVIIC, CTM-MO and MVIIC + CTM-MO were submitted to contusive spinal cord trauma. The CP group received 10µl of PBS one hour after SCI, and groups MVIIC and MVIIC + CTM-MO received 10µl of PBS containing 20pmol of ω-conotoxin MVIIC, both intrathecally. Groups CTM-MO and MVIIC + CTM-MO received 1x106 of MSCs intravenously 24 hours later. The recovery of locomotor function was evaluated up to seven days post-injury. The animals treated with MVIIC + CTM-MO obtained motor recovery after SCI (P<0.05). It is concluded that this association showed neuroprotective effect with improvements in locomotor function in Wistar rats.(AU)

Molecular characterisation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from chronically colonised cystic fibrosis paediatric patients in Brazil.

Persistent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients has been associated with a more rapid decline in lung function, increased hospitalisation and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clonal relationships among 116 MRSA isolates from 12 chronically colonised CF pediatric patients over a 6-year period in a Rio de Janeiro CF specialist centre. Isolates were characterised by antimicrobial resistance, SCCmec type, presence of Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) genes and grouped according to DNA macrorestriction profile by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and spa gene type. High resistance rates were detected for erythromycin (78%) and ciprofloxacin (50%) and SCCmec IV was the most common type (72.4%). Only 8.6% of isolates were PVL positive. High genetic diversity was evident by PFGE (39 pulsotypes) and of nine that were identified spa types, t002 (53.1%) and t539 (14.8%) were the most prevalent. We conclude that the observed homogeneity of spa types within patients over the study period demonstrates the persistence of such strain lineages throughout the course of chronic lung infection.

High Prevalence of Multidrug-Resistant Nontyphoidal Salmonella Recovered from Broiler Chickens and Chicken Carcasses in Brazil

The extensive use of antimicrobial agents has contributed to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance and multidrug resistance (MDR) in Salmonella, an important zoonotic pathogen that causes outbreaks and sporadic cases of gastroenteritis in humans. The study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial resistance profile of Salmonella strains isolated from poultry in Brazil. A total of 230 Salmonella strains, isolated from cloacal swabs (n=56) and broiler carcasses swabs (n=174) before and after chilling from slaughterhouses under Federal Inspection Service within the period 2012-2017, were analyzed. Serotyping and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed on all the isolates. Serotyping results showed that 41% of the strains were Salmonella Heidelberg, 29% S. Minnesota, 12% S. Saintpaul, 6.5% S. Enteritidis, 3.9% S. Anatum, 2.2% S. Cerro, 2.2% S. Senftenberg, 1.7% S. Newport, 0.4% S. Ealing, 0.4% S. O:4,5 and 0.4% S. O:9,12. MDR rates of the isolates were 67.4%. S. Heidelberg 89.5%, S. Minnesota 51.5%, S. Saintpaul 82.1%, S. Anatum 66.7%, S. Cerro 60%, S. Senftenberg 40%. Out of the 230 strains, 41.3% presented resistance to Penicillins + beta-lactamase inhibitor, Penicillin, 1st and 2nd Generation Cephalosporin, 3rd and 4th Generation Cephalosporin, Tetracycline and Sulfonamide. Salmonella Heidelberg, S. Saintpaul, S. Anatum, S. Cerro, S. Senftenberg and S. Minnesota were isolated after chilling tank highlighting a food safety concern for the industry of poultry and poultry products indicating a risk to collective health. The high prevalence of MDR nontyphoidal Salmonella obtained in this study limit the options available to treat infectious disease in humans and animals.

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Salmonella spp. in Broilers Technological Processing and Determination of a Performance Objective (PO) for Frozen Chicken Breast

The present study investigated the frequency, level of contamination and serotyping of Salmonella strains isolated from broiler flocks in different processing sites and the fulfillment of a Performance Objective (PO) in frozen chicken breasts, as a risk assessment to measure the efficacy of prevention and control programs applied to reduce the risk of Salmonella spp. in raw poultry meat that contribute to reach food safety and public health goals. From 1,800 samples of cloacal swabs, carcasses before and after immersion chilling and frozen breasts derived from 20 broiler flocks slaughtered at two processing plants located in the mid-west and southern regions of Brazil, 278 samples were positive for Salmonella spp. by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) automated BAX System (DUPONT QUALICOM, USA), and 118 were enumerated by miniaturized most probable number technique. 122 Salmonella spp. strains were serotyped at the National Reference Laboratory of Cholera and Enteric Diseases of Oswaldo Cruz Institute Foundation (FIOCRUZ), showing a dominance of Salmonella Minnesota in every processing steps of the slaughterhouse located in the Brazilian mid-west region. Only 1 lot failed to reach the expected result for the Performance Objective (PO), using a maximum of 10% positivity acceptance for Salmonella spp. in frozen chicken breasts. Qualitative and quantitative results combined may be considered an effective tool to evaluate the effect of prevention and control programs for Salmonella spp. on the safety of the final product.

High Prevalence of Multidrug-Resistant Nontyphoidal Salmonella Recovered from Broiler Chickens and Chicken Carcasses in Brazil

The extensive use of antimicrobial agents has contributed to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance and multidrug resistance (MDR) in Salmonella, an important zoonotic pathogen that causes outbreaks and sporadic cases of gastroenteritis in humans. The study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial resistance profile of Salmonella strains isolated from poultry in Brazil. A total of 230 Salmonella strains, isolated from cloacal swabs (n=56) and broiler carcasses swabs (n=174) before and after chilling from slaughterhouses under Federal Inspection Service within the period 2012-2017, were analyzed. Serotyping and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed on all the isolates. Serotyping results showed that 41% of the strains were Salmonella Heidelberg, 29% S. Minnesota, 12% S. Saintpaul, 6.5% S. Enteritidis, 3.9% S. Anatum, 2.2% S. Cerro, 2.2% S. Senftenberg, 1.7% S. Newport, 0.4% S. Ealing, 0.4% S. O:4,5 and 0.4% S. O:9,12. MDR rates of the isolates were 67.4%. S. Heidelberg 89.5%, S. Minnesota 51.5%, S. Saintpaul 82.1%, S. Anatum 66.7%, S. Cerro 60%, S. Senftenberg 40%. Out of the 230 strains, 41.3% presented resistance to Penicillins + beta-lactamase inhibitor, Penicillin, 1st and 2nd Generation Cephalosporin, 3rd and 4th Generation Cephalosporin, Tetracycline and Sulfonamide. Salmonella Heidelberg, S. Saintpaul, S. Anatum, S. Cerro, S. Senftenberg and S. Minnesota were isolated after chilling tank highlighting a food safety concern for the industry of poultry and poultry products indicating a risk to collective health. The high prevalence of MDR nontyphoidal Salmonella obtained in this study limit the options available to treat infectious disease in humans and animals.(AU)

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Salmonella spp. in Broilers Technological Processing and Determination of a Performance Objective (PO) for Frozen Chicken Breast

The present study investigated the frequency, level of contamination and serotyping of Salmonella strains isolated from broiler flocks in different processing sites and the fulfillment of a Performance Objective (PO) in frozen chicken breasts, as a risk assessment to measure the efficacy of prevention and control programs applied to reduce the risk of Salmonella spp. in raw poultry meat that contribute to reach food safety and public health goals. From 1,800 samples of cloacal swabs, carcasses before and after immersion chilling and frozen breasts derived from 20 broiler flocks slaughtered at two processing plants located in the mid-west and southern regions of Brazil, 278 samples were positive for Salmonella spp. by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) automated BAX System (DUPONT QUALICOM, USA), and 118 were enumerated by miniaturized most probable number technique. 122 Salmonella spp. strains were serotyped at the National Reference Laboratory of Cholera and Enteric Diseases of Oswaldo Cruz Institute Foundation (FIOCRUZ), showing a dominance of Salmonella Minnesota in every processing steps of the slaughterhouse located in the Brazilian mid-west region. Only 1 lot failed to reach the expected result for the Performance Objective (PO), using a maximum of 10% positivity acceptance for Salmonella spp. in frozen chicken breasts. Qualitative and quantitative results combined may be considered an effective tool to evaluate the effect of prevention and control programs for Salmonella spp. on the safety of the final product.(AU)

Polypropylene meshes coated with chitosan/polyethylene glycol for the reconstruction of the abdominal wall: an experimental study in rats / Telas de polipropileno revestidas com o filme de quitosana/polietilenoglicol para a reconstrução da parede abdominal: estudo experimental em ratos

The aim of this study was to characterize the tissue reactions triggered by the polypropylene mesh coated with chitosan and polyethylene glycol film, and if it's able to prevent the formation of peritoneal adhesions. Defects in the abdominal wall of rats were induced and polypropylene meshes coated with chitosan/polyethylene glycol (CPEG group, n= 12) and uncoated (PP control group, n= 12) were implanted. On the fourth and forty-fifth postoperative day the formation of adhesion and the tissue reaction to the biomaterial was evaluated through histological and histochemical analysis. The area (P= 0.01) and severity (P= 0.002) of the adhesion was significatively less in the CPEG group. On the fourth day the foreign body reaction was less intense in CPEG group (P= 0.018) and the production of collagen fibers was more intense in this group (P= 0.041). The tissue reactions caused by the biomaterials were similar on the 45th day, with the exception of the high organization of collagen fibers in the CPEG group. The CPEG meshes did not fully prevent the formation of adhesions, but minimized the severity of the process. The foreign body reaction promoted by polypropylene meshes coated with CPEG is less intense than that triggered by uncoated polypropylene meshes.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar as reações tissulares desencadeadas pela tela de polipropileno revestida com o filme de quitosana e polietilenoglicol e verificar se ela é capaz de prevenir a formação de aderências peritoneais. Um defeito na parede abdominal dos ratos foi realizado, e as telas de polipropileno revestidas com quitosana/polietilenoglicol (grupo CPEG, n= 12) e sem revestimento (grupo controle PP, n= 12) foram implantadas. No quarto e no 45º dia pós-operatório, avaliou-se a formação de aderências e a reação tecidual ao biomaterial por análise histológica e histoquímica. A área (P= 0,01) e a severidade (P= 0,002) da aderência peritoneal foram significativamente menores no grupo CPEG no 45º dia. No quarto dia, observou-se que a reação do corpo estranho foi menor no grupo CPEG (P= 0,018), e a produção de fibras de colágeno mais intensa (P= 0,041). As reações tissulares causadas pelos biomateriais implantados foram semelhantes no 45º dia, com exceção da melhor organização das fibras colágenas no grupo CPEG. As telas CPEG não impediram completamente a formação de aderências, porém minimizaram a gravidade do processo. A reação de corpo estranho promovida por telas de polipropileno revestidas com CPEG é menos intensa do que a desencadeada por telas de polipropileno não revestidas.(AU)

Polypropylene meshes coated with chitosan/polyethylene glycol for the reconstruction of the abdominal wall: an experimental study in rats / Telas de polipropileno revestidas com o filme de quitosana/polietilenoglicol para a reconstrução da parede abdominal: estudo experimental em ratos

The aim of this study was to characterize the tissue reactions triggered by the polypropylene mesh coated with chitosan and polyethylene glycol film, and if it's able to prevent the formation of peritoneal adhesions. Defects in the abdominal wall of rats were induced and polypropylene meshes coated with chitosan/polyethylene glycol (CPEG group, n= 12) and uncoated (PP control group, n= 12) were implanted. On the fourth and forty-fifth postoperative day the formation of adhesion and the tissue reaction to the biomaterial was evaluated through histological and histochemical analysis. The area (P= 0.01) and severity (P= 0.002) of the adhesion was significatively less in the CPEG group. On the fourth day the foreign body reaction was less intense in CPEG group (P= 0.018) and the production of collagen fibers was more intense in this group (P= 0.041). The tissue reactions caused by the biomaterials were similar on the 45th day, with the exception of the high organization of collagen fibers in the CPEG group. The CPEG meshes did not fully prevent the formation of adhesions, but minimized the severity of the process. The foreign body reaction promoted by polypropylene meshes coated with CPEG is less intense than that triggered by uncoated polypropylene meshes.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar as reações tissulares desencadeadas pela tela de polipropileno revestida com o filme de quitosana e polietilenoglicol e verificar se ela é capaz de prevenir a formação de aderências peritoneais. Um defeito na parede abdominal dos ratos foi realizado, e as telas de polipropileno revestidas com quitosana/polietilenoglicol (grupo CPEG, n= 12) e sem revestimento (grupo controle PP, n= 12) foram implantadas. No quarto e no 45º dia pós-operatório, avaliou-se a formação de aderências e a reação tecidual ao biomaterial por análise histológica e histoquímica. A área (P= 0,01) e a severidade (P= 0,002) da aderência peritoneal foram significativamente menores no grupo CPEG no 45º dia. No quarto dia, observou-se que a reação do corpo estranho foi menor no grupo CPEG (P= 0,018), e a produção de fibras de colágeno mais intensa (P= 0,041). As reações tissulares causadas pelos biomateriais implantados foram semelhantes no 45º dia, com exceção da melhor organização das fibras colágenas no grupo CPEG. As telas CPEG não impediram completamente a formação de aderências, porém minimizaram a gravidade do processo. A reação de corpo estranho promovida por telas de polipropileno revestidas com CPEG é menos intensa do que a desencadeada por telas de polipropileno não revestidas.(AU)

Molecular identification and microbiological evaluation of isolates from equipments and food contact surfaces in a hospital Food and Nutrition Unit / Avaliação microbiológica e identificação molecular de isolados de equipamentos e superfícies de contato com alimentos em um hospital Unidade de Alimentação e Nutrição

Abstract The hygienic and sanitary control in Food and Nutrition Units (FNU) is considered a standard procedure to produce adequate meals and reduce the risk of foodborne diseases and hospital infections. This study aimed to evaluate the isolation and identification of bacteria from equipment and food contact surfaces in a hospital FNU as well as to evaluate the sanitary condition. Likewise, it was analyzed the adhesion of the microorganisms on polyethylene cutting boards. The presence of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms, yeasts, molds, coagulase-positive staphylococci, coliform and fecal coliform, and Escherichia coli were analyzed on eating tables, countertop surfaces and cutting boards used for meat or vegetable handling, and equipment such as microwaves and refrigerators. The molecular identification it was done by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The adhesion of the microorganisms (biofilm formation) on meat and vegetable cutting boards was also evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The results showed high numbers of all microorganisms, except for E. coli , which was not observed in the samples. The molecular analysis identified species of the Enterobacteriaceae family and species of the Pseudomonadaceae family. Scanning electron microscopy analyses revealed bacterial adhesion on the cutting board surfaces. The results obtained in this study indicated that the hygienic conditions of surfaces like plastic cutting boards and equipment in this hospital FNU were inadequate. The achievement and application of standard operating procedures could positively help in the standardization of sanitary control, reducing the microbial contamination and providing a safe food to hospitalized patients.

Resumo O controle higiênico e sanitário nas Unidades de Alimentação e Nutrição (UAN) é considerado um procedimento padrão para produzir refeições adequadas e reduzir o risco de doenças transmitidas pelos alimentos e infecções hospitalares. Este estudo teve como objetivo isolar e identificar bactérias de equipamentos e superfícies de contato com alimentos em uma UAN hospitalar, bem como avaliar a condição sanitária. Do mesmo modo, analisou-se a adesão dos micro-organismos em tábuas de corte de polietileno. A presença de micro-organismos aeróbios mesófilos, leveduras, fungos, Sthapylococcus coagulase-positivos, coliformes, coliformes fecais e Escherichia coli foi analisadas na superfície de mesas do refeitório, superfícies de bancada e tábuas de corte usadas para manuseio de carne ou vegetais e, em equipamentos como micro-ondas e refrigeradores. A identificação molecular foi feita pelo sequenciamento do gene 16S rRNA. A adesão dos micro-organismos (formação de biofilmes) em tábuas de corte de carne e de vegetais também foi avaliada por microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Os resultados mostraram elevada contagem para todos os micro-organismos analisados, exceto para E. coli, a qual não foi observada nas amostras. A análise molecular identificou espécies da família Enterobacteriaceae e Pseudomonadaceae. A análise de microscopia eletrônica de varredura revelaram adesão bacteriana nas superfícies das placsa de corte. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo indicaram que as condições higiênicas das superfícies e de equipamentos nesta UAN hospitalar estavam inadequadas. A aplicação de procedimentos operacionais padrão poderia auxiliar positivamente na padronização do controle higiênico-sanitário, reduzindo a contaminação microbiana e fornecendo um alimento seguro para pacientes hospitalizados.

Imagens do ato de amamentar como cuidado em saúde: a percepção das próprias nutrizes / Images of the act of breastfeeding as health care: the perception of the mothers themselves

Objetivo: analisar a percepção das nutrizes sobre o ato de aleitar, a partir da própria imagem fotográfica. Método: estudo qualitativo do tipo descritivo-exploratório, realizado com 10 puérperas numa maternidade de risco habitual. Coleta de dados ocorreu após apresentação das fotografias das próprias nutrizes, amamentando na sala de parto e puerpério, com entrevistas semiestruturadas, realizadas no domicílio das participantes e, posteriormente, estas foram submetidas à análise de conteúdo temática. Resultados: as imagens tridimensionais dessas mulheres vivenciando a lactação, refletiu a rede de cuidados à amamentação no pré-natal, parto e puerpério presente na atuação dos profissionais de saúde, tendo em vista o alcance do sucesso da amamentação. Conclusão: a percepção da nutriz acerca da própria imagem corporal durante o aleitamento, foi considerada a expressão de um momento singular resultante do processo profissional de cuidado em saúde para o sucesso da vivência da amamentação.

Objective: to analyze the mothers' perception of the act of breastfeeding, from the photographic image itself. Method: qualitative study of the descriptive-exploratory type, carried out with 10 puerperal in a maternity unit at usual risk. Data collection occurred after presenting the photographs of the mothers themselves, during breastfeeding in the delivery room and puerperium, using a semi-structured interview conducted in their homes and later, these were submitted to thematic content analysis. Results: the three-dimensional images of these women experiencing lactation reflected the network of breastfeeding care in the prenatal, delivery and puerperium present in the health professionals’ performance, in view of the success of breastfeeding. Conclusion: the nurturers’ perception about her own body image during breastfeeding was considered the expression of a singular moment resulting from the professional process of health care for the success of breastfeeding experience.