Authentication of beef cuts by multielement and machine learning approaches.

BACKGROUND: Brazil has consolidated a relevant position in the world market, being the largest exporter and second producer of beef. Genetics, feeding system, geographic origin and climate influence the multielement profile of beef. The feasibility of combining classification algorithms with major and trace elements was evaluated as a tool for authentication of beef cuts. METHODS: Animals of Angus, Nelore and Wagyu crossbreeds, raised in a vertically integrated system, were sampled at the slaughterhouse for chuck steak, rump cap and sirloin steak. Supervised learning algorithms i.e. Classification and Regression Tree (CART), Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Naïve Bayes (NB), Random Forest (RF) and Sequential Minimal Optimization (SMO) were used to build classification models based on the multielement profile of beef determined by neutron activation analysis. RESULTS: Br, Co, Cs, Fe, K, Na, Rb, Se and Zn were determined in the beef samples. The classification accuracy values obtained for the beef cuts were 96% (MLP), 95% (SMO), 91% (RF), 86% (NB) and 70% (CART). CONCLUSION: The Multilayer Perceptron algorithm provided the best classification performance towards authentication of beef cuts on basis of major and trace element mass fractions.

Taxonomy and Functional Diversity in the Fecal Microbiome of Beef Cattle Reared in Brazilian Traditional and Semi-Intensive Production Systems.

The importance of beef production for economy of Brazil and the growing demand for animal protein across the globe warrant an improvement in the beef production system. Although most attention has been on modulation of the rumen microbiome to improve ruminant production, the role of the lower gut microbiome in host health and nutrition remains relatively unexplored. This work aimed to investigate the taxonomy and functional variations in the fecal microbiome of Brazilian beef cattle reared in two different production systems using a metagenomic approach. Sixty male beef cattle from six farms representing semi-intensive (I, n = 2) and traditional (T, n = 4) Brazilian beef production systems were enrolled in the study. Shotgun sequencing was used to characterize taxonomic and functional composition and diversity of the microbiome in fecal samples collected from each animal. Fecal samples were analyzed for copper (Cu), lead (Pb), nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) and stable isotopes of carbon (13C) and nitrogen (15N). The fecal microbiome was influenced by the beef production systems with greater functional and lower taxonomic diversity in beef cattle feces from I systems compared with that from T systems. The concentration of N, P, and Zn was higher in beef cattle feces from I systems compared with that from T systems and was associated with taxonomic and functional profile of fecal microbiome in I system, suggesting the role of fecal nutrients in shaping system-specific microbiome. Semi-intensive management practices led to a more complex but less connected fecal microbiome in beef cattle. The microbial community in beef cattle feces from I systems was characterized by greater abundance of beneficial bacteria (phylum Firmicutes and butyrate-producing bacteria family Lachnospiraceae and genera Anaerostipes, Blautia, Butyrivibrio, Eubacterium, Roseburia, and Ruminococcus). In addition, the fecal abundance of microbial genes related to immune system, nutrient metabolism, and energy production was greater in beef cattle raised under I systems compared with that under T systems. Findings of the current study suggest that semi-intensive management practices could facilitate the development of a healthier and more efficient fecal microbiome in beef cattle by driving an increase in the abundance of beneficial bacteria and functional genes.

Trace elements and machine learning for Brazilian beef traceability.

Brazilian livestock with a herd of more than 215 million animals is distributed over a vast area of 160 million hectares, leading the country to the first position in the world beef exports and second in beef production and consumption. Animals risen in the biomes Amazônia, Caatinga, Cerrado, Pampa and Pantanal were selected for this study. Beef samples were analyzed for their elemental content by neutron activation analysis and classified according to their origin by three machine learning algorithms (Multilayer Perceptron, Random Forest and Classification and Regression Tree). Significant differences (p < 0.0001) were observed between the beef elemental content from the different biomes for all multivariate contrasts using NPMANOVA. The highest classification performance was obtained for the biomes Amazônia and Caatinga using Multilayer Perceptron. Results showed the feasibility of combining trace element content and machine learning approaches for the Brazilian beef traceability.

Effects of Maternal Dietary Cottonseed on the Profile of Minerals in the Testes of the Lamb.

The use of cotton co-products in animal feed is restricted by the presence of gossypol, which is a toxic and highly reactive molecule of complex minerals. In mammals, part of the offspring phenotype is influenced by dam nutrition. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ewe diet, with and without cottonseed (gossypol), on the testicular development of lambs from birth to weaning through the assessment of lamb live weight (LW), macro and histological morphology of testes, and mass fraction of chemical elements by neutron activation analysis (NAA) and microprobe X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, as well as the multielement distribution map in the testes. Eighteen lambs were used with an average LW at birth of 4 ± 1.0 kg. All lambs were offspring of Santa Inês ewes, fed on ration either with or without cottonseed during mating, gestation, and lactation, thus forming two treatments: control group (C) without cottonseed and treatment group with cottonseed (G). The animals were weighed from birth to 60 days of age, at fortnightly intervals. At 60 days of age, the lambs were orchidectomized to collect their testes for macroscopy, histological, neutron activation, and X-ray fluorescence analysis. Besides dry matter (DM), protein, ether extract (EE), calcium (Ca), and potassium (K) were higher in the ewe milk from the C group compared with the G group (P < 0.05). Lambs from the C group showed higher LW from 45 days onwards, as well as higher average daily gain when compared with the G group (P < 0.05). They also presented higher testicular weight, volume, length, width, as well as tubule and lumen diameters compared with lambs from the G treatment (P < 0.05). Multielementary NAA revealed higher mass fractions of rubidium (Rb), selenium (Se), and cesium (Cs) in the testes of lambs from the C group when compared with the G group, while G showed higher zinc (Zn) content (P < 0.05). No differences between treatments were found for element levels and distribution using X-ray fluorescence microanalysis (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the maternal cottonseed diet compromised performance and testes development of the lambs and reduce the content of Se in the testes.

Long-term chromium picolinate supplementation improves colostrum profile of Santa Ines ewe.

Chromium (Cr) is a micromineral that is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, ammonia, and nucleic acids; thus, its supplementation can influence the nutritional status of ruminants, and consequently, colostrum profile, since this secretion depends on products secreted by the mammary gland and elements of the maternal bloodstream. The present study investigated the influence of supplementation with Cr bound to organic molecule on the nutritional, immune, and antioxidant quality of ewe colostrum. Thirty-two multiparous Santa Ines ewes (55.3 ± 8.00 kg body weight) were randomly assigned into four groups: T1 (0.0 mg of chromium picolinate (CrPic) supplementation per ewe, n = 8), T2 (0.15 mg of CrPic per ewe, n = 9), T3 (0.30 mg of CrPic per ewe, n = 7), and T4 (0.45 mg of CrPic per ewe, n = 8). Supplementation was supplied during the breeding season, pregnancy, and lactation. Shortly after calving, the first milking colostrum was collected to determine its chemical composition, activity of lysozyme, lactoperoxidase, ceruloplasmin, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity. The results show that lactoperoxidase activity decreased with CrPic supplementation (P < 0.01), revealing that this micromineral reduces an important component of defense mechanism in the body. Therefore, the results of this work show that supplementation with chromium picolinate influences colostrum quality.

Arsenic and cadmium contents in Brazilian rice from different origins can vary more than two orders of magnitude.

Brazil is a major producer of rice, but there is not enough information about As and Cd in rice grown under different conditions in this country. Here, As and Cd were determined by ICP-MS and species of As by HPLC-ICP-MS in Brazilian husked rice, covering diverse cultivars and regions, as well as upland and flooded production systems. Significant differences were observed for contents of both elements according to the origin of rice. All samples were below the maximum limit for Cd (400 µg/kg) set by national legislation, while nine samples presented total As above the legislation limit (300 µg/kg). From 24 samples analyzed for As species, 42% showed iAs above the European limit for production of food to infants (100 µg/kg). The total As content in samples from Mato Grosso state presented a maximum value of 6 µg/kg, which combined with low Cd content make interesting further studies.

Hand hygiene: nurses' adherence after training.

OBJECTIVE: Hand hygiene plays a key role in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections. Therefore, this study aims to analyze nurses' adherence to hand hygiene and identify intervention strategies to improve this procedure. METHOD: Integrative literature review, using the Cochrane methodology, to answer the following question: "What is the level of effectiveness of training in improving nurses' adherence to hand hygiene?". RESULTS: Studies show that nurses' adherence to hand hygiene has increased from 42.9% to 61.4% (p<0.001), or even from 63% to 76% (p<0.005) after a specific training intervention. CONCLUSION: After training, nurses' adherence to hand hygiene improved, particularly when compared to the other professionals involved. Despite its simplicity, the implementation of a training program and its subsequent follow-up have a positive on nurses' attitudes and adherence to hand hygiene.

Hand hygiene: nurses' adherence after training / Higiene de las manos - adhesión de los enfermeros tras el proceso formativo / Higiene das mãos - adesão dos enfermeiros após processo formativo

ABSTRACT Objective: Hand hygiene plays a key role in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections. Therefore, this study aims to analyze nurses' adherence to hand hygiene and identify intervention strategies to improve this procedure. Method: Integrative literature review, using the Cochrane methodology, to answer the following question: "What is the level of effectiveness of training in improving nurses' adherence to hand hygiene?". Results: Studies show that nurses' adherence to hand hygiene has increased from 42.9% to 61.4% (p<0.001), or even from 63% to 76% (p<0.005) after a specific training intervention. Conclusion: After training, nurses' adherence to hand hygiene improved, particularly when compared to the other professionals involved. Despite its simplicity, the implementation of a training program and its subsequent follow-up have a positive on nurses' attitudes and adherence to hand hygiene.

RESUMEN Objetivo: La higienización de las manos se considera una medida preponderante para prevenir las Infecciones Asociadas a la Atención Sanitaria. De este modo, se pretende conocer la adhesión de los enfermeros al procedimiento e identificar estrategias de actuación con el fin de aumentar la higienización. Método: Revisión integradora de la literatura, orientada por la metodología Cochrane, para responder a la pregunta: «En relación a los enfermeros, ¿cuál es la eficacia del proceso formativo en la adhesión a la higienización de las manos?¼. Resultados: los estudios demuestran el aumento de la adhesión a la higienización de las manos por parte de los enfermeros, del 42,9 % al 61,4% después de la intervención específica (p <0,001) y también el 63 % frente al 76 % (p <0,005). Conclusión: los procesos formativos aumentan la adhesión de los enfermeros. Este aumento es más significativo en comparación con el resto de las clases profesionales involucradas. El proceso formativo y su monitorización, a pesar de la simplicidad, siguen teniendo un efecto positivo en las actitudes y la adhesión de los enfermeros a la higienización de las manos.

RESUMO Objectivos: A higienização das mãos é considerada uma medida preponderante na prevenção das Infeções Associadas aos Cuidados de Saúde. Deste modo, pretende-se conhecer a adesão dos enfermeiros ao procedimento e identificar estratégias de atuação de forma a aumentar a mesma. Método: Revisão integrativa de literatura, norteada por metodologia Cochrane, de modo a responder à questão "Em relação aos enfermeiros, qual a eficácia do processo formativo na adesão à higienização das mãos?". Resultados: estudos demonstram o aumento da adesão à higienização das mãos por parte dos enfermeiros de 42,9% para 61,4% após intervenção específica (p<0,001) e ainda 63% versus 76%, (p<0,005). Conclusão: os processos formativos aumentam a adesão dos enfermeiros, sendo esse aumento mais significativo comparativamente às restantes classes profissionais envolvidas. O processo formativo e sua monitorização, apesar da simplicidade, continuam a ter um efeito positivo nas atitudes e na adesão dos enfermeiros à higienização das mãos.

In Vitro Iron Bioavailability of Brazilian Food-Based by-Products.

Background: Iron deficiency is a public health problem in many low- and middle-income countries. Introduction of agro-industrial food by-products, as additional source of nutrients, could help alleviate this micronutrient deficiency, provide alternative sources of nutrients and calories in developed countries, and be a partial solution for disposal of agro-industry by-products. Methods: The aim of this study was to determine iron bioavailability of 5 by-products from Brazilian agro-industry (peels from cucumber, pumpkin, and jackfruit, cupuaçu seed peel, and rice bran), using the in vitro digestion/ Caco-2 cell model; with Caco-2 cell ferritin formation as a surrogate marker of iron bioavailability. Total and dialyzable Fe, macronutrients, the concentrations of iron-uptake inhibitors (phytic acid, tannins, fiber) and their correlation with iron bioavailability were also evaluated. Results: The iron content of all by-products was high, but the concentration of iron and predicted bioavailability were not related. Rice bran and cupuaçu seed peel had the highest amount of phytic acid and tannins, and lowest iron bioavailability. Cucumber peels alone, and with added extrinsic Fe, and pumpkin peels with extrinsic added iron, had the highest iron bioavailability. Conclusion: The results suggest that cucumber and pumpkin peel could be valuable alternative sources of bioavailable Fe to reduce iron deficiency in at-risk populations.

Hand hygiene management among nurses: collective health challenges.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the determining factors in hand hygiene management among nurses and identify associated collective health challenges. METHOD: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Data were collected using a questionnaire that was applied in four internal medicine units of a hospital of reference in Portugal. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 50 nurses aged 26 to 55 years (mean age of 34.88 years); 80% were women, 58% had a Bachelor's degree, and had 5-30 years of nursing practice (X̄ =11.94;±5.92). The vast majority of nurses (90%) reported complying with the existing recommendations on hand hygiene in pre-established moments. However, none of the nurses were able to identify all the moments for hand hygiene using water and soap or alcohol-based handrub. CONCLUSION: This study shows that continuous training, adequate materials/structures in the units, and redesigned administration/supervision practices are determining factors to achieve higher levels of adherence to hand hygiene among nurses, as well as increased quality and safety in care delivery, which is a current collective health challenge.

Trace element measurement for assessment of dog food safety.

The quality of dog diets depends on adequate ingredients capable of providing optimal nutrition and free of contaminants, for promoting long-term health. Trace elements in 95 samples of dry food for dog puppies (n = 32) and adults (n = 63) of various brands were measured using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). The mass fractions of most elements were within the permissible limits for dogs. Aluminum, antimony, and uranium presented fairly high levels in some samples, which may imply health risks. Aluminum mass fractions ranged from <21 to 11,900 mg/kg, in same brand, super-premium dog food. Antimony mass fractions ranged up to 5.14 mg/kg, with the highest values measured in six samples of dog food from the same producer. The mass fractions of uranium was found up to 4 mg/kg in commercial brands from five different producers.

Hand hygiene management among nurses: collective health challenges / Gestión del procedimiento de la higiene de las manos por enfermeros: desafíos para la salud colectiva / Gestão do procedimento higiene das mãos por enfermeiros: desafios para saúde coletiva

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the determining factors in hand hygiene management among nurses and identify associated collective health challenges. Method: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Data were collected using a questionnaire that was applied in four internal medicine units of a hospital of reference in Portugal. Results: The sample was composed of 50 nurses aged 26 to 55 years (mean age of 34.88 years); 80% were women, 58% had a Bachelor's degree, and had 5-30 years of nursing practice (X̄ =11.94;±5.92). The vast majority of nurses (90%) reported complying with the existing recommendations on hand hygiene in pre-established moments. However, none of the nurses were able to identify all the moments for hand hygiene using water and soap or alcohol-based handrub. Conclusion: This study shows that continuous training, adequate materials/structures in the units, and redesigned administration/supervision practices are determining factors to achieve higher levels of adherence to hand hygiene among nurses, as well as increased quality and safety in care delivery, which is a current collective health challenge.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir los factores determinantes en la gestión de la higiene de las manos por enfermeros e identificar los desafíos inherentes para la salud colectiva. Método: Estudio descriptivo-transversal. Los datos se recogieron mediante un cuestionario en cuatro unidades de medicina interna de un hospital de referencia en Portugal. Resultados: se incluyó a 50 enfermeros con una edad media de 34,88 años (entre los 26 y 55 años), el 80 % del sexo femenino, el 58 % son licenciados y desempeñan sus funciones de 5 a 30 años (X̄ = 11.94; ± 5.92). De ellos, el 90 % considera que respeta las recomendaciones existentes sobre higiene de las manos en los momentos estipulados para tal efecto. Sin embargo, los enfermeros no identificaron ninguno de los momentos para realizar este procedimiento, con agua y jabón o solución antiséptica de base alcohólica. Conclusión: Las contribuciones como formación continua, adecuación de los materiales / estructuras de las unidades y reconstrucción de prácticas por gestores / supervisores emergen en este trabajo como factores determinantes para alcanzar niveles superiores de adhesión a la higiene de las manos por enfermeros, de calidad y seguridad, un desafío actual para la salud pública.

RESUMO Objectivo: Descrever fatores determinantes na gestão da higiene das mãos por Enfermeiros e identificar desafios inerentes para a saúde coletiva. Método: Estudo descritivo-transversal. Dados coletados por questionário em quatro unidades de medicina interna de um hospital de referência em Portugal. Resultados: incluídos 50 enfermeiros, idade média 34,88 anos (entre os 26 e 55 anos), 80% sexo feminino, 58% são licenciados e exercem funções entre 5-30 anos (X̄ =11.94;±5.92). Destes, 90% considera respeitar as recomendações existentes sobre higiene das mãos nos momentos estipulados para o efeito. Porém, nenhum dos momentos para a realização deste procedimento, com água e sabão ou solução antissética de base alcoólica, foi identificado por todos os enfermeiros. Conclusão: Contribuições como formação contínua, adequação dos materiais/estruturas das unidades e reconstrução de práticas por gestores/supervisores emergem neste trabalho como fatores determinantes para atingir níveis superiores de adesão à higiene das mãos por enfermeiros, de qualidade e segurança, desafio atual para a saúde pública.

Chemical elements in organic and conventional sweet oranges.

This work focuses on the determination of chemical elements in sweet oranges of variety Valencia produced under organic and conventional systems using instrumental neutron activation analysis and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The distribution of chemical elements was variable among the fruit parts with usually higher concentrations of Br, Ca, Ce, K, La, Na, Rb, and Sc in the peel. However, K, Na, and Rb also presented high values in the juice samples, while Fe and Zn were higher in the seeds. Differences between organic and conventional oranges were found for Br and Cu.

Arsenic and chromium in Brazilian agricultural supplies.

Arsenic (As) and chromium (Cr) contents were measured in agricultural supplies used at different farms in Sao Paulo State, Brazil. The highest mass fractions of As were found in thermophosphates, reaching levels of 4 mg/kg. The highest mass fractions of Cr (21 g/kg) were found in calcium magnesium silicate, while the thermophosphates also presented high values reaching approximately 1 g/kg. The levels of As were within Brazilian guidelines, but the values of Cr in thermophosphates exceeded the levels permitted in Brazil. The As content in fertilizers may be considered safe (<5 mg/kg) in terms of environmental pollution. However, the Cr content in calcium magnesium silicate following continuous use may constitute a significant problem in Brazil due to potentially increasing levels of this metal in soils.

Analytical quality in environmental studies: uncertainty evaluation of chemical concentrations determined by INAA

A análise por ativação neutrônica instrumental (INAA) é uma técnica analítica de alto nível metrológico para a determinação de elementos químicos. No contexto do programa BIOTA/FAPESP, folhas de árvores vêm sendo avaliadas empregando-se INAA para a biomonitoração da Mata Atlântica. Para garantir a comparabilidade dos resultados em estudos ambientais, amostra de folhas de Marlierea tomentosa, cujas concentrações de elementos químicos obtidas foram as menores, foi selecionada para a avaliação da qualidade analítica na mais desfavorável situação. Esta avaliação levou em consideração a homogeneidade das concentrações de elementos e a estimativa da repetitividade analítica. Embora a homogeneidade das concentrações tenha sido detectada em nível de 95% de confiança e a INAA tenha apresentado repetitividade estimada em 2% para Br, Co, Cs, Fe, K, Na, Rb e Sr, a incerteza pode ter sido superestimada. Para a avaliação da incerteza devido à variabilidade das concentrações químicas na amostra, os métodos Jackknife e Bootstrap foram empregados para estimar o desvio padrão máximo esperado. A estimativa de incerteza foi considerada adequada para a geração de resultados de concentrações químicas em estudos ambientais.

Seleção de epífitas acumuladoras de elementos químicos na Mata Atlântica / Selection of epiphytes as accumulators of chemical elements in the Atlantic Forest

Epífitas são eficientes indicadores de poluição atmosférica devido à absorção de elementos químicos diretamente da atmosfera. Folhas de onze espécies de bromélias e uma espécie de orquídea foram coletadas no Parque Estadual Carlos Botelho, SP, para a determinação de dezesseis elementos químicos. A seleção foi baseada na diversidade e acumulação de elementos químicos encontrados nas folhas. Com um índice de acumulação de 0,7, a espécie Canistropsis billbergioides tem potencial para ser empregada como biomonitora de elementos químicos na Mata Atlântica.

Epiphytes are efficient indicators of atmospheric pollution because of their direct uptake of chemical elements from atmosphere. Leaves from eleven species of bromeliads and one species of orchid were collected in the Parque Estadual Carlos Botelho, SP, for determination of sixteen chemical elements. The selection of the best biomonitor species was based on the diversity and accumulation of chemical elements in the leaves. With an average accumulation index of 0.7, Canistropsis billbergioides has potential to be used as a biomonitor of chemical elements in the Atlantic Forest.