Evaluating disinfectant efficacy on mixed biofilms comprising Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli, lactic acid bacteria, and spoilage microorganisms.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of temperature and the presence of other microorganisms on the susceptibility of STEC to biocides. Mature biofilms were formed at both 10°C and 25°C. An inoculum of planktonic bacteria comprising 106 CFU/mL of spoilage bacteria and 103 CFU/mL of a single E. coli strain (O157, O111, O103, and O12) was used to form mixed biofilms. The following bacterial combinations were tested: T1: Carnobacterium piscicola + Lactobacillus bulgaricus + STEC, T2: Comamonas koreensis + Raoultella terrigena + STEC, and T3: Pseudomonas aeruginosa + C. koreensis + STEC. Tested biocides included quaternary ammonium compounds (Quats), sodium hypochlorite (Shypo), sodium hydroxide (SHyd), hydrogen peroxide (HyP), and BioDestroy®-organic peroxyacetic acid (PAA). Biocides were applied to 6-day-old biofilms. Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations (MBC) and Biofilm Eradication Concentrations (BEC) were determined. Planktonic cells and single-species biofilms exhibited greater susceptibility to sanitizers (p < 0.0001). Lactobacillus and Carnobacterium were more susceptible than the rest of the tested bacteria (p < 0.0001). Single species biofilms formed by E. coli O111, O121, O157, and O45 showed resistance (100%) to Shypo sanitizer (200 ppm) at 25°C. From the most effective to the least effective, sanitizer performance on single-species biofilms was PAA > Quats > HyP > SHyd > Shypo. In multi-species biofilms, spoilage bacteria within T1, T2, and T3 biofilms showed elevated resistance to SHyd (30%), followed by quats (23.25%), HyP (15.41%), SHypo (9.70%), and BioDestroy® (3.42%; p < 0.0001). Within T1, T2, and T3, the combined STEC strains exhibited superior survival to Quats (23.91%), followed by HyP (19.57%), SHypo (18.12%), SHyd (16.67%), and BioDestroy® (4.35%; p < 0.0001). O157:H7-R508 strains were less tolerant to Quats and Shypo when combined with T2 and T3 (p < 0.0001). O157:H7 and O103:H2 strains in mixed biofilms T1, T2, and T3 exhibited higher biocide resistance than the weak biofilm former, O145:H2 (p < 0.0001). The study shows that STEC within multi-species biofilms' are more tolerant to disinfectants.

Effectiveness of Functional or Aerobic Exercise Combined With Breathing Techniques in Telerehabilitation for Patients With Long COVID: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the short-term clinical effects of 2 telerehabilitation programs, functional versus aerobic exercises (AEs), both combined with breathing techniques, regarding the improvement of long coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. The participants were assigned randomly to either the functional exercise (FE) group or AE group, both including breathing techniques. The interventions lasted for 8 weeks with 3 sessions per week, and they were conducted through the Fisiotrack mobile phone application. Assessments were performed at baseline and after treatment, including testing fatigue (Fatigue Assessment Scale), dyspnea (London Chest Activity of Daily Living Scale), functional performance (30 Seconds Standing Test), perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Questionnaire), and quality of life (European Quality of Life Scale). The perceived change after treatment (Patient Global Impression of Change Scale), the usability of the application (System Usability Scale), and the adherence to treatment were also examined after treatment. RESULTS: In total, 43 participants (FE group, n = 21; AE group, n = 22; mean age = 42.4 [SD = 6.5] years) completed the study. In the intragroup comparison, the FE group showed improved fatigue (-6.7 points; 95% CI = -11.9 to -1.3), functional capacity (2.6 repetitions; 95% CI = 0.3 to 4.9), and perceived stress (-4.9 points; 95% CI = -9.1 to 0.8), while the AE group showed improved perceived stress (-6.2 points; 95% CI = -10.3 to -2.1). No significant differences in the intergroup effect were identified for the studied variables. Significant differences were observed in the Patient Global Impression of Change Scale in favor of the FE group compared to the AE group, and quality of life reached the minimal clinically important difference for both groups. The ease of use of the telerehabilitation tool was rated excellent in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both telerehabilitation exercise modalities are effective at improving stress symptoms and quality of life in patients with long COVID-19. For improving fatigue and functional performance, FE shows more promising results. IMPACT: FE or AE may be recommended depending on patients' symptoms, and both may improve quality of life and stress symptoms in patients with long COVID-19. Telerehabilitation may be an optimal intervention modality for the prescription of physical exercise in patients with long COVID-19.

Bacteriophages for the Targeted Control of Foodborne Pathogens.

Foodborne illness is exacerbated by novel and emerging pathotypes, persistent contamination, antimicrobial resistance, an ever-changing environment, and the complexity of food production systems. Sporadic and outbreak events of common foodborne pathogens like Shiga toxigenic E. coli (STEC), Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Listeria monocytogenes are increasingly identified. Methods of controlling human infections linked with food products are essential to improve food safety and public health and to avoid economic losses associated with contaminated food product recalls and litigations. Bacteriophages (phages) are an attractive additional weapon in the ongoing search for preventative measures to improve food safety and public health. However, like all other antimicrobial interventions that are being employed in food production systems, phages are not a panacea to all food safety challenges. Therefore, while phage-based biocontrol can be promising in combating foodborne pathogens, their antibacterial spectrum is generally narrower than most antibiotics. The emergence of phage-insensitive single-cell variants and the formulation of effective cocktails are some of the challenges faced by phage-based biocontrol methods. This review examines phage-based applications at critical control points in food production systems with an emphasis on when and where they can be successfully applied at production and processing levels. Shortcomings associated with phage-based control measures are outlined together with strategies that can be applied to improve phage utility for current and future applications in food safety.

Subcellular second messenger networks drive distinct repellent-induced axon behaviors.

Second messengers, including cAMP, cGMP and Ca2+ are often placed in an integrating position to combine the extracellular cues that orient growing axons in the developing brain. This view suggests that axon repellents share the same set of cellular messenger signals and that axon attractants evoke opposite cAMP, cGMP and Ca2+ changes. Investigating the confinement of these second messengers in cellular nanodomains, we instead demonstrate that two repellent cues, ephrin-A5 and Slit1, induce spatially segregated signals. These guidance molecules activate subcellular-specific second messenger crosstalk, each signaling network controlling distinct axonal morphology changes in vitro and pathfinding decisions in vivo.

El embarazo adolescente: un error o un deseo cumplido / Teenage pregnancies: a mistake or a fulfilled wish

Resumen Antecedentes: En México los embarazos adolescentes son 77 por cada 1,000. De los nacimientos anuales, el 17% son de madres adolescentes, con casi 350,000. Objetivo: Explicar por qué las adolescentes se embarazan a pesar del conocimiento de métodos anticonceptivos. Métodos: Con un estudio exploratorio y observacional, se evaluaron a 300 adolescentes embarazadas de 15 a 19 años, que no tenían antecedentes de consumo de sustancias adictivas y cuyos embarazos no fueron resultado de una violación.. Se aplicó el cuestionario de funcionamiento familiar y una entrevista de los antecedentes sociodemográficos. Resultados: El inicio de vida sexual fue a los 12 años para el 1.7%, de las participantes, a los 13 para el 7.3%, a los 14 para el 18.7%, a los 15 para el 36%, a los 16 para el 19.3% y las restantes (17%) tuvieron un inicio a los 19 años. El 100% manifestó que conocía métodos anticonceptivos, incluyendo la píldora del día siguiente. Conclusiones: El embarazo a temprana edad viene acompañado de mitos sociales e individuales sobre el conocimiento de la sexualidad humana, la anticoncepción y la vida amorosa. El embarazo representa para las jóvenes tener un objeto de amor y obtener un lugar en el mundo y dentro sus familias.

Abstract Background: In Mexico, teenage pregnancy is 77 for every 1,000. In terms of annual births, 17% are from teenage mothers, which are almost 350,000. Objective: To explain why teenage girls get pregnant in spite of knowing about contraceptives. Method: An observational and exploratory study by which 300 pregnant teenage girls between 15 and 19 years old were evaluated, with no history of substance abuse and whose pregnancies were not the result of rape. A questionnaire on family dynamics and an interview about their sociodemographic background were applied. Results: The first sexual intercourse for 1.7% of the participants was at 12 years old; for 7.3%, at 13; for 18.7%, at 14; for 36%, at 15; for 19.3%, at 16, and for the remaining 17%, near 19 years old. All of them (100%) stated they knew about contraceptives, including the morning-after pill. Conclusions: Pregnancies at an early age come with individual and social myths about the knowledge of human sexuality, contraception, and love life. For these young women, a pregnancy represents an object of love and obtaining a place in the world and within their families.

Driving forces shaping the microbial ecology in meat packing plants.

Meat production is a complex system, continually receiving animals, water, air, and workers, all of which serve as carriers of bacteria. Selective pressures involved in different meat processing stages such as antimicrobial interventions and low temperatures, may promote the accumulation of certain residential microbiota in meat cutting facilities. Bacteria including human pathogens from all these sources can contaminate meat surfaces. While significant advancements have been made in enhancing hygienic standards and pathogen control measures in meat plants, resulting in a notable reduction in STEC recalls and clinical cases, STEC still stands as a predominant contributor to foodborne illnesses associated with beef and occasionally with pork. The second-and third-generation sequencing technology has become popular in microbiota related studies and provided a better image of the microbial community in the meat processing environments. In this article, we reviewed the potential factors influencing the microbial ecology in commercial meat processing facilities and conducted a meta-analysis on the microbiota data published in the last 10 years. In addition, the mechanisms by which bacteria persist in meat production environments have been discussed with a focus on the significant human pathogen E. coli O157:H7 and generic E. coli, an indicator often used for the hygienic condition in food production.

Formation and Transfer of Multi-Species Biofilms Containing E. coli O103:H2 on Food Contact Surfaces to Beef.

Interactions of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC; O103:H2) with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) or spoilage bacteria (SP) multispecies biofilms on polyurethane (TPU) and stainless-steel (SS) were assessed at 10 and 25°C under wet and dry conditions after 6, 30, and 60 days of storage. One LAB T1: Carnobacterium piscicola + Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and two SP T2: Comamonas koreensis + Raoultella terrigena; T3: Pseudomonas aeruginosa + C. koreensis were assessed for their ability to form multispecies biofilms with O103:H2. O103:H2 single-species biofilms served as a control positive (T4). Coupons were stored dry (20-50% relative humidity; RH) or moist (60-90% RH) for up to 60 days, at which point O103:H2 transfer to beef and survival was evaluated. At 25°C, T3 decreased beef contamination with O103:H2 by 2.54 log10 CFU/g (P < 0.001). Overall, at 25°C contamination of beef with O103:H2 decreased (P < 0.001) from 3.17 log10 CFU/g on Day 6 to 0.62 log10 CFU/g on Day 60. With 60 days dry biofilms on TPU, an antagonistic interaction was observed among O103:H2 and multispecies biofilm T1 and T3. E. coli O103:H2 was not recovered from T1 and T3 after 60 days but it was recovered (33%) from T2 and T4 dry biofilms. At 10°C, contamination of beef with O103:H2 decreased (P < 0.001) from 1.38 log10 CFU/g after 6 days to 0.47 log10 CFU/g after 60 days. At 10°C, recovery of O103:H2 from 60 days dry biofilms could only be detected after enrichment and was always higher for T2 than T4 biofilms. Regardless of temperature, the transfer of O103:H2 to beef from the biofilm on TPU was greater (P < 0.001) than SS. Moist biofilms also resulted in greater (P < 0.001) cell transfer to beef than dry biofilms at 10 and 25°C. Development of SP or LAB multispecies biofilms with O103:H2 can either increase or diminish the likelihood of beef contamination. Environmental conditions such as humidity, contact surface type, as well as biofilm aging all can influence the risk of beef being contaminated by STEC within multi-species biofilms attached to food contact surfaces.

Reinforcing canola protein matrix with chemically tailored nanocrystalline cellulose improves the functionality of canola protein-based packaging materials.

Canola protein derived from the canola industry byproduct is a potent biopolymer source to develop sustainable food packaging materials, but it has limitations due to its poor mechanical and barrier properties. Nanomaterials such as nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) have shown promising potential in improving material properties. The current study aimed to enhance the functionality of canola protein-based films using TEMPO ((2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxyl) modified nanocrystalline cellulose (TM-NCC). TEMPO modification was performed using TEMPO/NaClO/NaBr based oxidation. Modified and unmodified nanocrystalline cellulose (U-NCC) were used at different weight ratios to prepare the films. TEMPO-mediated oxidation converted 19.61 ± 3.53 % of primary -OH groups into -COOH groups. The addition of U-NCC and TM-NCC significantly increased the tensile strength reporting the highest value of 8.36 ± 0.85 MPa for 5% TM-NCC, which was only 3.43 ± 0.66 MPa for control films. Interestingly, both U-NCC and TM-NCC enhanced the films' water barrier and thermal properties compared to control.

Feasibility of the 30 s Sit-to-Stand Test in the Telehealth Setting and Its Relationship to Persistent Symptoms in Non-Hospitalized Patients with Long COVID.

Fatigue, dyspnea and pain are the main limitations of patients with long COVID. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of the 30 s sit-to-stand (30s-STS) test in the telehealth setting and its relationship to persistent symptoms in a sample of non-hospitalized patients with long COVID. A cross-sectional study was conducted in community patients with long COVID. Data collection and assessments were performed by videoconference and consisted of the fatigue assessment scale (FAS), London activity of daily living scale (LCADL), post-COVID-19 functional status (PCFS) and European quality of life questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L), including the pain/discomfort dimension. The 30s-STS test was performed using a standardized protocol adapted for remote use, and the modified Borg scale (0−10) was used to assess dyspnea and lower limb fatigue immediately after the test. The feasibility of the 30s-STS test was assessed by the proportion of eligible participants who were able to complete the test. Safety was assessed by the number of adverse events that occurred during the test. Seventy-nine participants were included (median age: 44 years, 86.1% women). Performance in the 30s-STS test was 11.5 ± 3.2 repetitions with 60.8% of the sample below reference values. All eligible participants were able to complete the test. No adverse events were reported during the evaluation. Participants with lower 30s-STS performance had more fatigue and dyspnea, worse quality of life, more severe pain/discomfort, and worse functional status (p < 0.05). A significant correlation was obtained between LCADL and dyspnea, reported on the Borg scale (0−10) post 30s-STS (r = 0.71; p < 0.001). In conclusion, the 30s-STS test proved to be a feasible test to implement in the telehealth setting and is related to fatigue, dyspnea, quality of life and pain in non-hospitalized patients with long COVID. Clinicians may use this test when assessment of the physical sequelae of COVID-19 in the face-to-face setting is not possible.

Clinical assessment of balance and functional impairments in people with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The objective of this study was to compare the balance and functional capacity between stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients versus healthy controls using clinical tests. A comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Embase and Web of Science was conducted from inception to 21 January 2022. Studies reporting the association between COPD status and balance or functional capacity using clinical tests were included. Two independent reviewers examined the titles and abstracts, extracted the data using a standardised form, and assessed the risk of bias of the included articles. A total of 27 studies with 2420 individuals with stable COPD were included. Overall, the risk of bias in the included studies was low to moderate. The meta-analysis showed a higher history of falls in individuals with COPD (odds ratio 1.59, 95% CI 1.25-2.02). Furthermore, an overall effect in favour of the healthy controls was observed in the Timed Up and Go (mean difference: 2.61 s, 95% CI 1.79-3.43), Berg Balance Scale (mean difference: -6.57 points, 95% CI -8.31 to -4.83), static balance tests (standardised mean difference: -1.36, 95% CI -2.10 to -0.62) and the 6-min walk test (mean difference: -148.21 m, 95% CI -219.37 to -77.39). In conclusion, individuals with stable COPD have worse balance and functional capacity compared to healthy controls. These results may guide clinicians to elaborate on therapeutic strategies focused on screening of balance and functional impairments. This is in addition to generating rehabilitation guidelines aimed at reducing the risk of falling in people with COPD.

Biodegradação do herbicida atrazina por Saccharomyces cerevisiae / Biodegradation of the atrazine herbicide by Saccharomyces cerevisiae

RESUMO Tendo em vista os vários problemas ambientais e de saúde que o uso crescente de agrotóxicos vem causando, é necessário a otimização de técnicas que visem a sua rápida degradação. A atrazina é um herbicida utilizado no controle de ervas daninhas, principalmente nas culturas de milho e cana-de-açúcar. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a eficiência da levedura Saccharomyces cerevisiae na degradação do herbicida atrazina em solo contaminado com diferentes concentrações do produto comercial. Foi igualmente testado o efeito da adição de palha de milho no experimento. A fim de determinar a quantidade de gás carbônico (CO2) liberado durante os ensaios, o qual reflete a atividade da microbiota do solo responsável pela degradação de compostos orgânicos, foi utilizada a técnica da respiração basal do solo. E, paralelamente a isso, para verificar a concentração de atrazina ao longo do experimento (tempo inicial, aos 7, 14 e 63 dias), foi utilizada a análise de cromatografia gasosa acoplada ao espectrômetro de massas (CG-MS). Por meio da análise estatística dos dados de respiração basal do solo, o fator de bioaumento com a levedura foi o mais significativo, seguido da adição de palha de milho. Verificou-se o declínio da concentração de atrazina por intermédio das análises cromatográficas. Assim, sugere-se que a biorremediação com S. cerevisiae tem potencial para elevar as taxas de degradação do herbicida no solo.

ABSTRACT Considering the various environmental and health problems that the increasing use of pesticides has been causing, it is necessary to optimize techniques aimed at their rapid degradation. Atrazine is a herbicide used to control weeds, especially in maize and sugarcane crops. Thus, the objective of this study was to verify the efficiency of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast in the degradation of the herbicide atrazine in soil contaminated with different concentrations of the commercial product. The effect of addition of corn straw on the experiment was also tested. In order to determine the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) released during the tests, which reflects the activity of the soil microorganism responsible for the degradation of organic compounds, the soil basal respiration technique was used. At the same time, the concentration of atrazine during the experiment (start time, at 7, 14, and 63 days) was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to the mass spectrometer (CG-MS). Through the statistical analysis of the basal respiration data of the soil, the bioaugmentation factor with yeast was the most significant, followed by the addition of corn straw, and the decline in atrazine concentration was verified through chromatographic analyses. Thus, it is suggested that bioremediation with S. cerevisiae has the potential to increase the rates of degradation of the herbicide in the soil.

The roles of parasite-derived extracellular vesicles in disease and host-parasite communication.

In recent years, several parasites have been shown to interact with their hosts through intra- and inter-community communication mechanisms, which were identified to be mediated by extracellular vesicles (EVs) through various uptake mechanisms. EVs are a heterogenous group of nanoparticles (~30-5000 nm) classified into three main types according to their size and biogenesis. EVs contain proteins, lipids, nucleic acids and metabolites from the cell of origin which are essential for genetic exchange, biomarker identification and diagnosis of pathological diseases. As important "forward lines of parasite infectivity", the parasite-secreted EVs function as information transmitters in the early-stage of host-parasite interaction and subsequent host-cell colonization. For this review, we summarize from the literature the relevance of EVs to the pathogenesis and development of human parasitic protistan diseases such as giardiasis, leishmaniasis, amoebiasis, malaria and Blastocystis-mediated gut pathology. Specific in vitro and in vivo interactions of the parasite-EVs and the host, with the reported cellular and immunological outcomes are discussed in this review. EVs have great potential to be further developed as diagnostic, immunomodulation and therapeutic alternatives to fill the knowledge gaps in the current parasitic diseases discussed in this review. Nanomedicine and vaccine development could be explored, with the utilization and/or modification of the parasitic EVs as novel treatment and prevention strategies.

Effectiveness of a Novel Rechargeable Polycationic N-Halamine Antibacterial Coating on Listeria monocytogenes Survival in Food Processing Environments.

ABSTRACT: The goal of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of a novel rechargeable nonleaching polycationic N-halamine coating applied to stainless steel food contact surfaces to reduce Listeria monocytogenes contamination on ready-to-eat (RTE) foods. Four L. monocytogenes strains were inoculated onto the charged (C; chlorine activated) or noncharged (NC) N-halamine-coated steel coupon surfaces that were either intact or scratched. After inoculation, test surfaces were incubated at 2, 10, and 25°C for 0, 48, and 72 h. L. monocytogenes transfer from coated adulterated surfaces to RTE meat (beef sausages and roast beef) was also tested at 2°C. L. monocytogenes on both intact-C and scratched-C surfaces was significantly reduced at all temperatures; however, in the presence of organic material, these coatings were more effective for reducing L. monocytogenes at 2 and 10°C than at 25°C (P < 0.05). In contrast, on NC intact and scratched surfaces, reduction at 25°C increased (P < 0.05), decreasing the difference in L. monocytogenes levels between charged and noncharged intact and scratched surfaces at this temperature. Overall, greater L. monocytogenes reduction was achieved on intact-C and scratched-C (4.1 ± 0.19 log CFU/cm2) than on intact-NC and scratched-NC (2.3 ± 0.19 log CFU/cm2) surfaces at all temperatures (P < 0.05). The combination of surface condition and chlorine with coupons exposed for 2 h at 2°C in the presence of an organic load (50% meat purge) did not significantly affect the bactericidal efficacy of the N-halamine coating. Regarding transfer to RTE meat, an overall 3.7-log reduction in L. monocytogenes was observed in sausages and roast beef. These findings suggest that a novel rechargeable N-halamine coating on stainless steel surfaces can inactivate L. monocytogenes.

A One Health Comparative Assessment of Antimicrobial Resistance in Generic and Extended-Spectrum Cephalosporin-Resistant Escherichia coli from Beef Production, Sewage and Clinical Settings.

This study aimed to compare antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant and generic Escherichia coli from a One Health continuum of the beef production system in Alberta, Canada. A total of 705 extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant E. coli (ESCr) were obtained from: cattle feces (CFeces, n = 382), catch basins (CBasins, n = 137), surrounding streams (SStreams, n = 59), beef processing plants (BProcessing, n = 4), municipal sewage (MSewage; n = 98) and human clinical specimens (CHumans, n = 25). Generic isolates (663) included: CFeces (n = 142), CBasins (n = 185), SStreams (n = 81), BProcessing (n = 159) and MSewage (n = 96). All isolates were screened for antimicrobial susceptibility to 9 antimicrobials and two clavulanic acid combinations. In ESCr, oxytetracycline (87.7%), ampicillin (84.4%) and streptomycin (73.8%) resistance phenotypes were the most common, with source influencing AMR prevalence (p < 0.001). In generic E. coli, oxytetracycline (51.1%), streptomycin (22.6%), ampicillin (22.5%) and sulfisoxazole (14.3%) resistance were most common. Overall, 88.8% of ESCr, and 26.7% of generic isolates exhibited multi-drug resistance (MDR). MDR in ESCr was high from all sources: CFeces (97.1%), MSewage (96.9%), CHumans (96%), BProcessing (100%), CBasins (70.5%) and SStreams (61.4%). MDR in generic E. coli was lower with CFeces (45.1%), CBasins (34.6%), SStreams (23.5%), MSewage (13.6%) and BProcessing (10.7%). ESBL phenotypes were confirmed in 24.7% (n = 174) ESCr and 0.6% of generic E. coli. Prevalence of bla genes in ESCr were blaCTXM (30.1%), blaCTXM-1 (21.6%), blaTEM (20%), blaCTXM-9 (7.9%), blaOXA (3.0%), blaCTXM-2 (6.4%), blaSHV (1.4%) and AmpC ß-lactamase blaCMY (81.3%). The lower AMR in ESCr from SStreams and BProcessing and higher AMR in CHumans and CFeces likely reflects antimicrobial use in these environments. Although MDR levels were higher in ESCr as compared to generic E. coli, AMR to the same antimicrobials ranked high in both ESCr and generic E. coli sub-populations. This suggests that both sub-populations reflect similar AMR trends and are equally useful for AMR surveillance. Considering that MDR ESCr MSewage isolates were obtained without enrichment, while those from CFeces were obtained with enrichment, MSewage may serve as a hot spot for MDR emergence and dissemination.

Whole Genome Sequencing Differentiates Presumptive Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Producing Escherichia coli along Segments of the One Health Continuum.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has important implications for the continued use of antibiotics to control infectious diseases in both beef cattle and humans. AMR along the One Health continuum of the beef production system is largely unknown. Here, whole genomes of presumptive extended-spectrum ß-lactamase E. coli (ESBL-EC) from cattle feces (n = 40), feedlot catch basins (n = 42), surrounding streams (n = 21), a beef processing plant (n = 4), municipal sewage (n = 30), and clinical patients (n = 25) are described. ESBL-EC were isolated from ceftriaxone selective plates and subcultured on ampicillin selective plates. Agreement of genotype-phenotype prediction of AMR ranged from 93.2% for ampicillin to 100% for neomycin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and enrofloxacin resistance. Overall, ß-lactam (100%; blaEC, blaTEM-1, blaSHV, blaOXA, blaCTX-M-), tetracycline (90.1%; tet(A), tet(B)) and folate synthesis (sul2) antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) were most prevalent. The ARGs tet(C), tet(M), tet(32), blaCTX-M-1, blaCTX-M-14, blaOXA-1, dfrA18, dfrA19, catB3, and catB4 were exclusive to human sources, while blaTEM-150, blaSHV-11-12, dfrA12, cmlA1, and cmlA5 were exclusive to beef cattle sources. Frequently encountered virulence factors across all sources included adhesion and type II and III secretion systems, while IncFIB(AP001918) and IncFII plasmids were also common. Specificity and prevalence of ARGs between cattle-sourced and human-sourced presumptive ESBL-EC likely reflect differences in antimicrobial use in cattle and humans. Comparative genomics revealed phylogenetically distinct clusters for isolates from human vs. cattle sources, implying that human infections caused by ESBL-EC in this region might not originate from beef production sources.

Plant extracts effectiveness to extend bison meat shelf life.

The effectiveness of plant extracts (0.05% rosemary and 0.08% oregano) to extend shelf life of bison strip loin steaks in terms of color stability and consumer acceptability was studied. Steaks treated with oregano presented lower oxygen consumption, higher metmyoglobin-reducing activity (MRA), decreased lipid oxidation, and provided a stable red color with less discoloration during the retail display period than the control and rosemary treated steaks (P < 0.05). Results from consumer sensory evaluation indicated that treated steaks under study were not significantly different from the control (P > 0.05) based on palatability attributes and acceptability. However, rosemary treated steaks were more desirable and palatable than their oregano counterparts (P < 0.05). Overall, plant extracts, particularly oregano, can improve color stability of bison steaks due to its antioxidants properties and ability to increase MRA capacity in fresh bison meat without posing any negative impact on its sensory attributes. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study will provide valuable information to the bison meat industry on how to offer a more consistent and acceptable product (in terms of palatability and color) to consumers using plant-based natural antioxidants, without diminishing the palatability of their products. This technology can offer two more days of shelf life in retail overwrap packaging, consequently, opening the possibility for the bison industry to expand its market with a potential to reduce retail losses due to poor color stability and early browning (that is, stock out, markdowns, and waste due to expired display life).

Investigation of a Reduction in Tylosin on the Prevalence of Liver Abscesses and Antimicrobial Resistance in Enterococci in Feedlot Cattle.

Recent concerns over linkages between antimicrobial resistance in human pathogens and antimicrobial use in livestock have prompted researchers to investigate management strategies that reduce the current reliance on in-feed tylosin to control liver abscesses in feedlot cattle. A total of 7,576 crossbred yearlings were allocated to the study (~253 animals/pen, 10 replicate pens per treatment) and individually randomized to one of three treatments. Tylosin phosphate (11 ppm) was included in-feed (1) for the first 125 days on feed (DOF) (FIRST-78%), (2) for DOF 41 to 161 (LAST-75%), or (3) for the entire feeding period (CON; day 0-161). Fecal composites were collected from the pen floor on days 0, 81, and 160 of the finishing period. Serial dilutions were spread plated for enumeration of enterococci on Bile Esculin Azide (BEA) agar and BEA amended with 8 µg/ml erythromycin. Results indicated that although the proportion of EryR enterococci increased with DOF (P < 0.01), neither treatment (P = 0.34) or treatment × DOF (P = 0.37) affected antimicrobial resistance. Of the 538 isolates, 97% were enterococci, with mixed species isolated early in the feeding period and only Enterococcus hirae isolated at the end. Isolates were most frequently resistant to tylosin (86%), erythromycin (84%), and doxycycline (31%). Macrolide and tetracycline resistant isolates harbored erm(B), msrC, and tet(L), tet(M), tet(O) genes, respectively. Overall, the proportion of EryR enterococci increased (P < 0.05) in all three treatments over the feeding period. Compared to the control cattle, FIRST-78% cattle had more severe (P < 0.05) liver abscesses, while there was a trend (P < 0.08) for this response in LAST-75% cattle. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in total liver abscesses, growth performance, carcass traits, morbidity, or mortality among treatments. These results support the potential to reduce the duration and therefore quantity of tylosin administered to feedlot cattle during the feeding period without impacting animal productivity.

SalmoFresh™ effectiveness in controlling Salmonella on romaine lettuce, mung bean sprouts and seeds.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a commercial Salmonella bacteriophage mixture (SalmoFresh™ 6-phage strains) and to compare its effectiveness with a chlorinated water treatment to reduce Salmonella on produce and seeds at different temperatures and storage times. Two sets of experiments were designed to test phage and chlorinated water effectiveness on produce at 2, 10 and 25 °C at different storage times (1, 24, 48 and 72 h). First, SalmoFresh™ was applied to the surface of lettuce, mung bean sprouts and mung bean seeds that were spot-inoculated with a five Salmonella strain mixture (Newport, Braenderup, Typhimurium, Kentucky, and Heidelberg, 105 CFU/mL) by spraying phages onto lettuce (n = 48 pieces, 3×3 cm2 per treatment) and sprouts (n = 48 pieces per treatment). A second set of experiments (scaled-up) consisted in the application of phages by immersion to Salmonella adulterated lettuce (600 g), 300 g sprouts (300 g) or mung bean seeds (30 g) in a phage cocktail (108 PFU/mL) for 15 min (lettuce and sprouts) or 1 h (seeds). Another group of samples was washed with chlorinated water and yet another group was treated with a combination of chlorinated water followed by phage cocktail. Each experiment was repeated three times by quadruplicates. After the treatments for spot-inoculated and scaled-up experiments, lettuce and sprouts were separated into different lots (10 g/lot) and stored at 2, 10 and 25 °C; Salmonella was enumerated after 1, 24, 48 and 72 h. Adulterated phage-treated seeds were packaged and stored dry at 25 °C. Salmonella was enumerated after 72 h of storage. Groups of phage treated mung bean seeds (720 g) were germinated, and the reduction in Salmonella determined. Results of microplate virulence assays indicated that SalmoFresh™ reduced (P = 0.007) Salmonella by an average of 5.34 logs CFU/mL after 5 h at 25 °C. Spraying SalmoFresh™ onto lettuce and sprouts reduced Salmonella by 0.76 and 0.83 log10 CFU/g, respectively (P < 0.01). Immersion of produce in a phage solution was better at killing Salmonella P < 0.05) than spraying it onto the surface, reducing Salmonella by 2.43 and 2.16 log10 CFU/g on lettuce and sprouts, respectively. SalmoFresh™ was an effective biocontrol intervention to reduce Salmonella on lettuce and sprouts. On seeds, although a reduction was observed, Salmonella was able to grow exponentially during germination; therefore, the phage cocktail was not effective on mung bean seeds or sprouts obtained from adulterated seeds. The combination of hurdles, chlorination fallowed by the phage cocktail was the most effective treatment to reduce Salmonella on lettuce and sprouts.

Relación entre los logros de aprendizaje teórico y práctico de la asignatura Kinesiología Músculo-Esquelética / Relationship between the theoretical and practical learning achievements in the Skeletal Muscle Kinesiology subject and its evaluation methods

OBJETIVO: Describir la relación entre los resultados de aprendizaje teórico y práctico de la asignatura de Kinesiología Músculo-Esquelética de la carrera de Kinesiología. MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de los resultados en las evaluaciones teóricas y prácticas de 161 estudiantes de la asignatura Kinesiología Músculo-Esquelética durante el periodo 2014-2017 en 4 cursos. Se estudiaron las relaciones entre los resultados teóricos y prácticos a través de la correlación de Spearman y se graficaron regresiones lineales. RESULTADOS: El rendimiento teórico promedio del total de la muestra fue del 48,3% y el rendimiento práctico, del 59,9%. No existió relación entre los resultados teóricos y los prácticos (r = 0,073, p = 0,53). De los 4 cursos evaluados, 2 no presentaron relación significativa, uno presentó una correlación negativa débil (r = −0,315, p = 0,042) y otro presentó una relación positiva débil (r = 0,283, p = 0,046). CONCLUSIONES: Se puede concluir, a través de los resultados de este estudio, que no existe una relación entre los resultados obtenidos de las evaluaciones teóricas de la asignatura y las evaluaciones prácticas para la muestra evaluada (r = 0,073, p = 0,53). Las evaluaciones prácticas presentan resultados más satisfactorios, con un nivel de logro mayor que en las pruebas teóricas. Estos datos sugieren que un buen resultado en evaluaciones teóricas no está relacionado ni predice un resultado similar en evaluaciones prácticas

OBJECTIVE: To describe the relationship between the theoretical and practical learning outcomes in the subject of skeletal muscle kinesiology of the kinesiology degree. METHOD: A descriptive study was carried out on of the theoretical and practical evaluations of 161 students of skeletal muscle kinesiology in four courses during the 2014-2017 period. A study was made on the relationships between theoretical and practical results using the Spearman correlation and by plotting linear regressions. RESULTS: The overall theoretical mean of the total sample was 48.3%, and the practical mean was 59.9%. There was no relationship between the theoretical and practical results (r = .073, P = .53). In the four courses evaluated, two of them did not show a significant relationship, one had a weak negative correlation (r = -.315, P = .042), and the other had a weak positive relationship (r = .283, P = .046). CONCLUSIONS: By the analysis of results of this study it can be concluded that there is no relationship between the results obtained from the theoretical evaluations of the subjects and the practical evaluations for the sample evaluated (r = .073, P = .53). Practical evaluations showed more satisfactory results, with a higher level of achievement than in the theoretical tests. These data suggest that a good result in theoretical evaluations is not related to or predicts a similar result in practical evaluations

Salmonella Prevalence and Antimicrobial Drug Resistance in Dual-Purpose Cattle Operations in the Eastern Region of Zulia State, Venezuela.

To evaluate the Salmonella prevalence and its antimicrobial susceptibility in dual-purpose cattle farms, fecal (n = 3964; from cows and calves) and environmental samples (n = 334; personnel, feed, and water sources) were collected over a 1-year period at six farms in the eastern region of Zulia State, Venezuela. Salmonella detection was carried out using standard microbiological culture methods. From 453 isolated Salmonella, antimicrobial susceptibility was tested using a panel of 10 antibiotics by the disk diffusion test method. Overall, the prevalence of Salmonella at the farm was 10.4% (n = 410/3964), being positive for Salmonella in at least in one sample. Salmonella was found in 11% (222/2009) of cows and 9.7% (188/1937) of calves. The prevalence of environmental samples was 10.78% (36/334), where water sources and milkers' hands showed higher occurrence (p < 0.01). Among the Salmonella isolates recovered, 10.2% displayed resistance to tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, penicillins, sulfonamides, quinolones and fluoroquinolones. Overall, multidrug resistance was 9.1%, and the most common combination was cephalothin-gentamicin-tetracycline, followed by gentamicin-norfloxacin-tetracycline. Over the course of this study, it was found that 100% of the evaluated farms had cattle shedding Salmonella and that the surrounding farm environments were contaminated, which contributed to the cycling of the pathogen at the farms and further contamination of the milk. However, only a low percentage of isolates exhibited significant antimicrobial resistance.