Surface conditioning with bacteriophages reduces biofilm formation of Salmonella Heidelberg.

Salmonella remains one of the most common foodborne pathogens worldwide, and its resistance to antimicrobials has increased considerably over the years. In this context, was evaluated the action of three bacteriophages isolated or combined in inhibiting the adhesion and removal of Salmonella Heidelberg biofilm on a polystyrene surface. The bacteriophages UPF_BP1, UPF_BP2, UPF_BP3 and a pool of them were used for biocontrol of Salmonella Heidelberg biofilms on polystyrene surface in the action times of 3, 6 and 9 h. Individual and combined phages exhibited reductions in Salmonella Heidelberg adhesion of up to 83.4% and up to 64.0% in removal of preformed biofilm. The use of synergistic combinations between the phages is the most indicated option due to its potential to reduce biofilms. The use of the bacteriophage pool in surface conditioning is an alternative in the control of Salmonella Heidelberg biofilms.

Acute COVID-19 Syndrome Predicts Severe Long COVID-19: An Observational Study.

Introduction Tissue damage, chronic dysfunction, and symptoms that last more than 12 weeks are hallmarks of long-term chronic opportunistic viral infection (COVID-19), and the disease may have a permanent, relapsing/remitting, or gradually improving course. This study aimed to determine the risk factors of severe long COVID-19. Methods In October 2021, primary care clinics enrolled consenting 18- to 89-year-olds to complete an online questionnaire on self-diagnosis, clinician diagnosis, testing, symptom presence, and duration of COVID-19. Long COVID-19 was identified if symptoms were beyond 12 weeks. Patients with long-lasting COVID-19 symptoms were assessed using multivariable regression to identify potential predictors of severe long COVID-19. Results Of the 220 respondents, 108 (49%) patients were self- or clinician-diagnosed with COVID-19 or had a confirmed positive laboratory test result. Patients aged >45 years and with at least 15 COVID-19 symptoms were 5.55 and 6.02 times, respectively, more likely to acquire severe long COVID-19. Most patients with severe and moderate post-acute COVID-19 syndrome had no relevant comorbidities (p=0.0402; odds ratio [OR]=0.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.18-0.98). Obesity was a significant predictor (p=0.0307; OR=6.2; 95% CI=1.1-33.2). Conclusion The simultaneous presence of 15 or more COVID-19 symptoms, age >45 years, and obesity were related to a higher probability of severe long COVID-19.

Antimicrobial activity of essential oils and natural plant extracts against Listeria monocytogenes in a dry-cured ham-based model.

BACKGROUND: Listeria monocytogenes is a widespread common contaminant in food production facilities during preparation, storage, and distribution, and minimally processed ready-to-eat products are considered at high risk of contamination by this bacterium. Increased antibiotic resistance has led researchers to search for plant-based natural alternatives to control pathogenic microorganisms. Among these products, essential oils and plant extracts have previously shown antimicrobial activity and are possible alternatives to manage food pathogens. In this study, commercial essential oils (cinnamon, clove, oregano, ginger, and thyme) and plant extracts (pomegranate, acorn, olive, strawberry tree, and dog rose) were tested against L. monocytogenes in a dry-cured ham-based model. RESULTS: Essential oils and plant extracts were screened by agar diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration for anti-L. monocytogenes activity. Cinnamon, pomegranate, and strawberry trees returned the strongest results and were therefore evaluated in a dry-cured ham-based medium assay with water activity of 0.93 or 0.95. The 10% essential oil of cinnamon was capable of completely inhibiting bacterial growth, while strawberry tree and pomegranate extract also showed antilisterial activity (P > 0.05). Water activity influenced the bacterial count of L. monocytogenes in a dry-cured ham-based medium. CONCLUSIONS: There was a reduction in L. monocytogenes with the application of cinnamon essential oil but, because of the negative sensory impact of this particular compound in meat products, we suggest the use of pomegranate or strawberry tree for the biocontrol of Listeria in ready-to-eat products. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ammonia gas for bacterial control in poultry litter / Gás amônia para controle bacteriano em cama aviária

The current techniques used in the disinfection of reused poultry litter, such as lime addition, windrowing and plastic cover on the surface, do not guarantee the elimination of pathogenic microorganisms, causing damage to the environment and animal health. Gram negative bacteria, i.e., Salmonella and Escherichia coli, can be transmitted from one batch to another through reused litter, causing health damage to broilers and humans that consume food contaminated by these agents. Our study assessed the effectiveness of the methods plastic cover on the surface (PCS) and plastic cover on the surface with ammonia gas injection (PCSAI) in the control of Gram negative bacteria. The results obtained, both in laboratory conditions (Experiment 1) and in the field (Experiment 2), demonstrate that the method PCSAI with 0.22% ammonia gas had a significant reduction (P<0.05) of Gram negative bacteria in the period of 48 hours This new methodology for disinfecting poultry litter will allow its reuse in a practical and safe way, improving the preservation of the environment, of the health of broilers and consumers of poultry products.

O reaproveitamento de camas aviárias na criação de frangos de corte é uma prática muito utilizada no Brasil. Essa prática reduz custos de produção e contribui na conservação do meio ambiente. As técnicas atuais utilizadas na desinfecção de camas aviárias reaproveitadas, como adição de cal, enleiramento e lona na superfície, não garantem a eliminação de microrganismos patogênicos porque não geram quantidade suficiente de amônia. O gás amônia, em concentrações elevadas, tem efeito biocida. Bactérias Gram negativas, como as Salmonelas e Escherichia coli, podem ser transmitidas de um lote para outro através do reaproveitamento da cama, ocasionando prejuízos para a saúde das aves e dos humanos que consomem alimentos contaminados por estes agentes. Este trabalho avaliou a eficácia do método lona na superfície com injeção de gás amônia no controle de microrganismos Gram negativos. Os resultados obtidos demostraram que esse método controlou os microrganismos Gram negativos num período de 48 horas em camas de frangos de corte reaproveitadas. Assim, essa nova metodologia de desinfecção de camas de aviário permitirá sua reutilização de forma prática e segura, melhorando a saúde das aves e dos consumidores dos produtos avícolas.

Ammonia gas for bacterial control in poultry litter

ABSTRACT: The current techniques used in the disinfection of reused poultry litter, such as lime addition, windrowing and plastic cover on the surface, do not guarantee the elimination of pathogenic microorganisms, causing damage to the environment and animal health. Gram negative bacteria, i.e., Salmonella and Escherichia coli, can be transmitted from one batch to another through reused litter, causing health damage to broilers and humans that consume food contaminated by these agents. Our study assessed the effectiveness of the methods plastic cover on the surface (PCS) and plastic cover on the surface with ammonia gas injection (PCSAI) in the control of Gram negative bacteria. The results obtained, both in laboratory conditions (Experiment 1) and in the field (Experiment 2), demonstrate that the method PCSAI with 0.22% ammonia gas had a significant reduction (P 0.05) of Gram negative bacteria in the period of 48 hours This new methodology for disinfecting poultry litter will allow its reuse in a practical and safe way, improving the preservation of the environment, of the health of broilers and consumers of poultry products.

RESUMO: O reaproveitamento de camas aviárias na criação de frangos de corte é uma prática muito utilizada no Brasil. Essa prática reduz custos de produção e contribui na conservação do meio ambiente. As técnicas atuais utilizadas na desinfecção de camas aviárias reaproveitadas, como adição de cal, enleiramento e lona na superfície, não garantem a eliminação de microrganismos patogênicos porque não geram quantidade suficiente de amônia. O gás amônia, em concentrações elevadas, tem efeito biocida. Bactérias Gram negativas, como as Salmonelas e Escherichia coli, podem ser transmitidas de um lote para outro através do reaproveitamento da cama, ocasionando prejuízos para a saúde das aves e dos humanos que consomem alimentos contaminados por estes agentes. Este trabalho avaliou a eficácia do método lona na superfície com injeção de gás amônia no controle de microrganismos Gram negativos. Os resultados obtidos demostraram que esse método controlou os microrganismos Gram negativos num período de 48 horas em camas de frangos de corte reaproveitadas. Assim, essa nova metodologia de desinfecção de camas de aviário permitirá sua reutilização de forma prática e segura, melhorando a saúde das aves e dos consumidores dos produtos avícolas.

Research Note: The use of ammonia gas for Salmonella control in poultry litters.

A new poultry litter disinfection methodology against pathogenic Salmonella spp. serovars using gaseous ammonia is proposed in this study. In the laboratory, the poultry litter was disposed into plastic containers and experimentally contaminated with 3 Salmonella spp. serovars separately. Positive and negative control groups were tested. With a system of hoses, 1% gaseous ammonia was injected into the containers in cycles for 48 h. Samples of the poultry litter were collected and submitted to bacteriological analysis. For the second part, we selected a broiler poultry farm with positive litters for Salmonella heidelberg in 2 houses. The littler was treated by gaseous ammonia in a concentration of 2,411 ppm and wrapped with a plastic cover for 48 h during the sanitary break. After the treatment, a new broiler batch was housedand swab samples were collected in the 25-day-old. After the action of the gaseous compound, there was no reisolation of the serovars, and the batches housed on the ammonia-treated litter no longer showed positive results for Salmonella. The total elimination of the pathogenic microorganisms by the new method suggests that the controlled use of ammonia gas in poultry litter may represent a viable disinfection technique.

Wooden breast and white striping: comparative occurrence in three poultry companies

ABSTRACT: To increase the amount of meat produced, researchers have promoted intensive genetic selection for growth rate and muscling and have improved nutrition and management conditions. However, there has been an increase in the number of reports of breast muscle myopathies observed in poultry processing plants, including white striping (WS) and wooden breast (WB). This study aimed to evaluate and to compare the occurrence of WS and WB myopathies in three poultry processing plants and to perform an anatomopathological characterization, including macroscopic and microscopic analyses. A total of 408,334 carcasses were condemned or downgraded due to the presence of WB or WS, which represents 0.73% of the total number of slaughtered animals during the evaluated period. WB was more frequent than WS, but the occurrence of each myopathy varied significantly according to each establishment. WB was more frequent in the establishment which includes only male flocks, an average age of 45 days, and an average live weight of 2775g (B). WS was more frequent in establishment with male, female and mixed flocks, average ages ranging from 41 to 44 days, and average live weight 1731g-2830g (A). It is probably related with specific condition of each poultry company, including genetics, age, nutrition and management conditions. Macroscopically, WB and WS lesions are characterized by hypertrophy and stiffness of the pectoralis major muscle. Under microscopy, the myopathies showed similarities regarding the detected histological abnormalities, characterized by a process of myodegeneration, although the connective tissue infiltrate was more severe in the breasts with WB than in those with WS myopathy. The results found in this study demonstrate that the rates of condemnation for these myopathies are high, vary significantly among the analyzed companies and may cause major economic losses for the productive sector in the region.

RESUMO: Para melhorar a quantidade de carne produzida, os pesquisadores têm promovido ao longo dos anos uma seleção genética intensiva para a taxa de crescimento e desenvolvimento de músculos, além de melhorias nas condições nutricionais, sanitárias e de manejo. No entanto, houve um aumento no número de relatos de miopatias dos músculos do peito observados em abatedouros-frigoríficos de aves, incluindo white striping (WS) e wooden breast (WB). O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a ocorrência de WB e WS em três abatedouros-frigoríficos de aves e realizar uma caracterização anatomopatológica, incluindo análises macroscópicas e microscópicas. Um total de 408.334 carcaças foi condenado (total ou parcialmente) devido à presença WB ou WS, o que representou 0,73% do número total de animais abatidos durante o período avaliado. Apesar de a ocorrência de WB ter sido maior do que a de WS, a frequência de cada uma variou significativamente de acordo com o estabelecimento. WB foi mais frequente no estabelecimento que incluía apenas lotes de machos, com média de 45 dias de idade e peso médio ao abate de 2775g (B). WS foi mais frequente no estabelecimento com lotes de machos, fêmeas e mistos, com idade entre 41 e 44 dias e peso médio ao abate entre 1731g-2830g (A). Isto pode ser justificado por condições específicas de cada empresa, incluindo genética, idade das aves, nutrição e condições de manejo. Macroscopicamente, as lesões de WB e de WS foram caracterizadas principalmente por hipertrofia e rigidez do músculo pectoralis major. À microscopia, ambas as miopatias mostraram semelhanças em relação às anormalidades histológicas detectadas, caracterizadas principalmente por um processo de miodegeneração. Nos músculos apresentando WB, o infiltrado de tecido conjuntivo foi mais intenso quando comparado àqueles com WS. Os resultados encontrados neste trabalho demonstram que os índices de condenação por essas miopatias são altos, variam significativamente entre as empresas analisadas e podem causar grandes perdas econômicas para o setor produtivo da região.

Wooden breast and white striping: comparative occurrence in three poultry companies / Wooden breast e white striping: ocorrência em três empresas avícolas

To increase the amount of meat produced, researchers have promoted intensive genetic selection for growth rate and muscling and have improved nutrition and management conditions. However, there has been an increase in the number of reports of breast muscle myopathies observed in poultry processing plants, including white striping (WS) and wooden breast (WB). This study aimed to evaluate and to compare the occurrence of WS and WB myopathies in three poultry processing plants and to perform an anatomopathological characterization, including macroscopic and microscopic analyses. A total of 408,334 carcasses were condemned or downgraded due to the presence of WB or WS, which represents 0.73% of the total number of slaughtered animals during the evaluated period. WB was more frequent than WS, but the occurrence of each myopathy varied significantly according to each establishment. WB was more frequent in the establishment which includes only male flocks, an average age of 45 days, and an average live weight of 2775g (B). WS was more frequent in establishment with male, female and mixed flocks, average ages ranging from 41 to 44 days, and average live weight 1731g-2830g (A). It is probably related with specific condition of each poultry company, including genetics, age, nutrition and management conditions. Macroscopically, WB and WS lesions are characterized by hypertrophy and stiffness of the pectoralis major muscle. Under microscopy, the myopathies showed similarities regarding the detected histological abnormalities, characterized by a process of myodegeneration, although the connective tissue infiltrate was more severe in the breasts with WB than in those with WS myopathy. The results found in this study demonstrate that the rates of condemnation for these myopathies are high, vary significantly among the analyzed companies and may cause major economic losses for the productive sector in the region.(AU)

Para melhorar a quantidade de carne produzida, os pesquisadores têm promovido ao longo dos anos uma seleção genética intensiva para a taxa de crescimento e desenvolvimento de músculos, além de melhorias nas condições nutricionais, sanitárias e de manejo. No entanto, houve um aumento no número de relatos de miopatias dos músculos do peito observados em abatedouros-frigoríficos de aves, incluindo white striping (WS) e wooden breast (WB). O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a ocorrência de WB e WS em três abatedouros-frigoríficos de aves e realizar uma caracterização anatomopatológica, incluindo análises macroscópicas e microscópicas. Um total de 408.334 carcaças foi condenado (total ou parcialmente) devido à presença WB ou WS, o que representou 0,73% do número total de animais abatidos durante o período avaliado. Apesar de a ocorrência de WB ter sido maior do que a de WS, a frequência de cada uma variou significativamente de acordo com o estabelecimento. WB foi mais frequente no estabelecimento que incluía apenas lotes de machos, com média de 45 dias de idade e peso médio ao abate de 2775g (B). WS foi mais frequente no estabelecimento com lotes de machos, fêmeas e mistos, com idade entre 41 e 44 dias e peso médio ao abate entre 1731g-2830g (A). Isto pode ser justificado por condições específicas de cada empresa, incluindo genética, idade das aves, nutrição e condições de manejo. Macroscopicamente, as lesões de WB e de WS foram caracterizadas principalmente por hipertrofia e rigidez do músculo pectoralis major. À microscopia, ambas as miopatias mostraram semelhanças em relação às anormalidades histológicas detectadas, caracterizadas principalmente por um processo de miodegeneração. Nos músculos apresentando WB, o infiltrado de tecido conjuntivo foi mais intenso quando comparado àqueles com WS. Os resultados encontrados neste trabalho demonstram que os índices de condenação por essas miopatias são altos, variam significativamente entre as empresas analisadas e podem causar grandes perdas econômicas para o setor produtivo da região.(AU)

Alphitobiusdiaperinus control and physicochemical study of poultry litters treated with quicklime and shallow fermentation.

Poultry litter reuse in Brazil is a common practice to reduce broiler production costs. Quicklime and shallow fermentation treatments are methods used to reduce microbial contamination and infestation of insects such as Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer). The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical parameters of reused poultry litter to better characterize the effects of quicklime and shallow fermentation on Salmonella and A. diaperinus control. Ammonia and humidity concentrations significantly increased on the litter treated with shallow fermentation and pH when treated with virgin and hydrated quicklime. For A. diaperinus control, shallow fermentation with 2 and 3 L of water and 3 L plus 600g of quicklime/m2 eliminated 100% of the insects. Results of assessed physicochemical parameters indicated that the treatments with quicklime and shallow fermentation are inefficient to control Salmonella spp. because they do not reach the indexes required for this pathogen elimination, mainly ammonia and pH. Ammonia index produced by microbial fermentation in shallow fermentation treatment eliminates A. diaperinus.

Detection and quantification of Campylobacter spp. in Brazilian poultry processing plants.

INTRODUCTION: Campylobacteriosis is considered the most common bacteria-caused human gastroenteritis in the world. Poultry is a major reservoir of Campylobacter. Human infection may occur by consumption of raw and undercooked poultry or by contamination of other foods by these items. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in poultry processing plants with conventional culture method and real-time PCR. METHODOLOGY: A total of 108 poultry processing plant samples were collected to test with conventional microbiology and qPCR. Sampling included cloacal swabs, swabs of transport crates (before and after the cleaning and disinfection process) and carcasses (after the chiller, cooled at 4°C and frozen at -12°C). RESULTS: Positivity in cloacal swabs indicated that poultry arrived contaminated at the slaughterhouse. Contamination in transport cages was substantially increased after the cleaning process, indicating that the process was ineffective. The detection of Campylobacter on carcasses was higher than that on cloacal swabs, which could indicate cross-contamination during the slaughtering process. Conventional microbiology and molecular methods revealed a prevalence of 69.4% and 43.5%, respectively. Lower detection by qPCR can be attributed to the high specificity of the kit and to biological components that could inhibit PCR reactions. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that poultry arrive contaminated at the slaughterhouse and that contamination can increase during the slaughtering process due to cross-contamination. The isolation of Campylobacter in cooled and frozen carcasses corroborates the bacterial survival even at temperatures considered limiting to bacterial growth which are routinely used for food preservation.

Antimicrobial and Disinfectant Susceptibility of Salmonella Serotypes Isolated from Swine Slaughterhouses.

Salmonella remains one of the most common foodborne pathogens worldwide, and its resistance to antimicrobials and disinfectants has increased considerably over the years. Thus, monitoring its resistance to products commonly used in swine production is indispensable for the development of strategies to reduce the occurrence of bacterial resistance. In this context, our aim was to detect Salmonella at different points in swine slaughterhouses, identify the main serotypes, and evaluate their resistance to disinfectants and antimicrobials used in swine production. Salmonella at the processing plants was detected by conventional microbiology. Salmonella strains were tested for susceptibility to peracetic acid (0.5% and 1%), quaternary ammonium (0.5%), and seven antimicrobials. Twenty-eight percent of the samples were positive for Salmonella, with the most identified serotypes being Salmonella Derby, Salmonella Typhimurium, and monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium. All tested strains were susceptible to both concentrations of peracetic acid, but only 28% were susceptible to quaternary ammonium. Sixteen percent of the strains were susceptible to all tested antimicrobials. Only enrofloxacin was efficient in inhibiting the growth of all strains. The highest number of non-susceptible strains was to amoxicillin, followed by chloramphenicol, florfenicol, and doxycycline. Thirty-six percent of the strains were classified as multidrug-resistant. Salmonella were detected in all slaughtering processes, and important serotypes were recovered, including Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Derby, monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium, and Salmonella Infantis. We observed high rates of resistance to quaternary ammonium and to important antimicrobial agents. Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Infantis were the most resistant serotypes.

Bovine tuberculosis: diagnosis in dairy cattle through the association of analyzes / Tuberculose bovina: diagnóstico em bovinos leiteiros através da associação de análises

Tuberculosis is a chronic anthropozoonosis of worldwide occurrence, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its variants. In Brazil, the National Program for the Control and Eradication of Brucellosis and Tuberculosis in cattle, is responsible for diagnosing and the correctly allocate positive animals, but there is still a lack of definitive diagnosis of the disease. This study described the use of five diagnostic tools that can be used, preferably together, for the confirmation of suspected cases. These tools included the clinical examination comparative cervical tuberculin test, macroscopic findings during the slaughtering and histopathology of the damaged tissues followed by histochemistry. We evaluated a total of 211 dairy cattle, where 15.1% (32/211) had classic clinical signs of bovine tuberculosis, 74 (35%) showed reactivity in the comparative cervical tuberculin test. Of the total number of animals, 141 (66.8%) were referred for sanitary slaughter due to legal and control issues in the outbreaks of the disease. In the follow-up of slaughtering and inspection of viscera and carcasses, 74 (52.5%) had macroscopic lesions compatible with bovine tuberculosis, while 67 (47.5%) showed no visible changes. During the inspection, fragments of lymph nodes and liver and lung parenchyma were collected from five cattle with macroscopic lesions and five with no lesions. The histopathological analysis showed numerous areas of caseous necrosis with or without central calcification and granulomatous inflammatory infiltrate. In the special staining of Ziehl-Neelsen, numerous acid-fast bacilli were evidenced in all cases.(AU)

A tuberculose é uma antropozoonose crônica de ocorrência mundial, causada pela bactéria Mycobacterium tuberculosis e suas variantes. No Brasil existe o Programa Nacional de Controle e Erradicação da Brucelose e Tuberculose em bovinos que viabiliza o diagnóstico e a destinação correta dos animais positivos, porém ainda há carência quanto ao diagnóstico da doença. Assim, este trabalho descreve a utilização de cinco ferramentas diagnósticas para a confirmação de casos suspeitos de tuberculose. As ferramentas utilizadas compreenderam o exame clínico, teste tuberculínico cervical comparativo, os achados macroscópicos durante o abate sanitário e a histopatologia dos tecidos lesados seguido de histoquímica. O estudo avaliou um total de 211 bovinos leiteiros, dos quais 15,1% (32/211) apresentaram sinais clínicos clássicos de tuberculose bovina, 35,1% (74/211) apresentaram reatividade no teste tuberculínico cervical comparativo, e 143 animais (67,8%) foram encaminhados para abate sanitário devido a questões legais e de controle nos focos da doença. No acompanhamento do abate e inspeção sanitária de vísceras e carcaças verificou-se que 51,8% (74/143) dos bovinos abatidos apresentavam lesões macroscópicas compatíveis com tuberculose bovina, enquanto 48,2% (69/143) não apresentavam alterações visíveis. Durante a inspeção foram coletados fragmentos de linfonodos e parênquima de fígado e pulmão de cinco bovinos com lesões macroscópicas e de cinco sem lesões, que na análise histopatológica apresentaram numerosas áreas de necrose caseosa com ou sem calcificação central e infiltrado inflamatório granulomatoso. Na coloração de Ziehl-Neelsen foram evidenciados numerosos bacilos álcool-ácido resistentes em todos os casos. Assim, diante dos resultados obtidos verifica-se que as análises empregadas no presente estudo foram de extrema importância para o diagnóstico acurado de tuberculose em bovinos.(AU)

Detection and quantification of Salmonella spp. in poultry slaughterhouses of southern Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Salmonella is a major cause of foodborne illness throughout the world. The use of quantitative techniques is important for assessing the risk and determining the capacity of each step of the slaughtering process to decrease or increase bacterial contamination. We aimed to detect and to quantify the presence of Salmonella in Brazilian processing plants by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). METHODOLOGY: A total of 139 poultry slaughterhouses samples were collected in order to detect to and quantify Salmonella by qPCR. RESULTS: Almost all collection points (3/18), except water from pre-chiller tank, carcasses after pre-chiller, and carcasses frozen at -12ºC for 60 days, and 49% (68/139) of samples were positive for Salmonella. Quantification means varied equally among all of the tested sources, and we could not establish any pattern of variation. A large proportion (52.6%) of cloacal swabs was Salmonella-positive. Also, contamination in transport cages was increased after the cleaning process, indicating that the process was ineffective. The overall prevalence in samples obtained during the slaughtering process was 48.9%, and on the whole rinsed carcasses, this proportion was 50%. The detection of Salmonella in frozen carcasses, even after long periods of storage, indicates that the carcasses are a potential source of infection for consumers. CONCLUSIONS: We found that contamination levels remain similar throughout the slaughtering. qPCR proved to be an efficient method for the detection of Salmonella.

Occurrence of Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli on broiler carcasses after chilling in southern Brazil / Campylobacter jejuni e C. coli em carcaças de frangos após a refrigeração por imersão no sul do Brasil

Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli have been associated with gastrointestinal disorders in human beings, due mainly to the consumption of chicken meat. Despite control measures for reducing contamination by these bacteria, the detection of Campylobacter in carcasses after chilling remains high. A total of 105 carcasses were assessed by the horizontal detection method in five federally inspected slaughterhouses in southern Brazil in 2012 and in the first three months of 2013. Campylobacter was isolated in 37.1% of the carcasses, of which 97.5% contained C. jejuni and 2.5% were infected by C. coli. The rate of positive carcasses across the slaughterhouses ranged from 0 to 71.4%. Determining the occurrence of Campylobacter among flocks is crucial for estimating the microbial load at specific points along the slaughtering process and for minimizing the risk of contamination of end products by Campylobacter.(AU)

Campylobacter jejuni e C. coli têm sido associados a problemas gastroentéricos em seres humanos principalmente devido ao consumo de carne de frango. Embora medidas de controle sejam realizadas para reduzir a contaminação por estas bactérias, a identificação de Campylobacter em carcaças após a refrigeração por imersão é alto. Foram analisadas 105 carcaças pelo método de detecção horizontal em cinco abatedouros sob Inspeção Federal no sul do Brasil em 2012 e nos três primeiros meses de 2013. Campylobacter foi isolada em 37,1% das carcaças analisadas, as quais 97,5% foram identificados como C. jejuni e 2,5% como C. coli. A ocorrência de carcaças positivas entre matadouros variou de zero a 71,4%. O conhecimento sobre a ocorrência de Campylobacter entre os lotes é fundamental para estimar a extensão da carga microbiana em pontos específicos do abate e consequentemente minimizar o risco de contaminação por Campylobacter em produtos finais de frangos.(AU)

Gasoline from biomass through refinery-friendly carbohydrate-based bio-oil produced by ketalization.

The introduction of biomass-derived compounds as an alternative feed into the refinery structure that already exists can potentially converge energy uses with ecological sustainability. Herein, we present an approach to produce a bio-oil based on carbohydrate-derived isopropylidene ketals obtained by reaction with acetone under acidic conditions directly from second-generation biomass. The obtained bio-oil showed a greater chemical inertness and miscibility with gasoil than typical bio-oil from fast pyrolysis. Catalytic upgrading of the bio-oil over zeolites (USY and Beta) yielded gasoline with a high octane number. Moreover, the co-processing of gasoil and bio-oil improved the gasoline yield and quality compared to pure gasoil and also reduced the amount of oxygenated compounds and coke compared with pure bio-oil, which demonstrates a synergistic effect.

Chemical characterization of bio-oils using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

The liquid product obtained via the biomass flash pyrolysis is commonly called bio-oil or pyrolysis oil. Bio-oils can be used as sources for chemicals or as fuels, primarily in mixtures or emulsions with fossil fuels. A detailed chemical characterization of bio-oil is necessary to determine its potential uses. Such characterization demands a powerful analytical technique such as comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOFMS). Limited chemical information can be obtained from conventional gas chromatography coupled mass spectrometry (GC-MS) because of the large number of compounds and coelutions. Thus, GC×GC-TOFMS was used for the individual identification of bio-oil components from two samples prepared via the flash pyrolysis of empty palm fruit bunch and pine wood chips. To the best of our knowledge, few papers have reported comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) for bio-oil analysis. Many classes of compounds such as phenols, benzenediols, cyclopentenones, furanones, indanones and alkylpyridines were identified. Several coelutions present in the GC-MS were resolved using GC×GC-TOFMS. Many peaks were detected for the samples by GC-MS (~166 and 129), but 631 and 857 were detected by GC×GC-TOFMS, respectively. The GC×GC-TOFMS analyses indicated that the major classes of components (analytes>0.5% relative area) in the two bio-oil samples are ketones, cyclopentenones, furanones, furans, phenols, benzenediols, methoxy- and dimethoxy-phenols and sugars. In addition, esters, aldehydes and pyridines were found for sample obtained from empty palm fruit bunch, while alcohols and cyclopentanediones were found in sample prepared from pine wood chips indicating different composition profiles due to the biomass sources. The elucidation of the composition of empty fruit bunch and pine wood chips bio-oils indicates that these oils are suitable for the production of value-added chemicals. The high quantity of phenol in the bio-oil of empty palm fruit bunch is of interest because phenol isolated from the bio-oil could provide an alternative to the phenol obtained from petroleum. The anhydrosugars found mainly in the bio-oil sample of pine wood chips can be isolated and fermented to produce ethanol or lipids. GC×GC-TOFMS can be used to increase the knowledge of the chemical composition of bio-oils allowing the improved usage of this attractive renewable energy source in bio-fuels.

Evaluation of follicular lymphoid depletion in the Bursa of Fabricius: an alternative methodology using digital image analysis and artificial neural networks / Avaliação da depleção linfóide folicular da Bursa de Fabricius: uma metodologia alternativa utilizando análise digital de imagem e redes neurais artificiais

Fifty Bursa of Fabricius (BF) were examined by conventional optical microscopy and digital images were acquired and processed using Matlab® 6.5 software. The Artificial Neuronal Network (ANN) was generated using Neuroshell® Classifier software and the optical and digital data were compared. The ANN was able to make a comparable classification of digital and optical scores. The use of ANN was able to classify correctly the majority of the follicles, reaching sensibility and specificity of 89 percent and 96 percent, respectively. When the follicles were scored and grouped in a binary fashion the sensibility increased to 90 percent and obtained the maximum value for the specificity of 92 percent. These results demonstrate that the use of digital image analysis and ANN is a useful tool for the pathological classification of the BF lymphoid depletion. In addition it provides objective results that allow measuring the dimension of the error in the diagnosis and classification therefore making comparison between databases feasible.

Cinquenta Bursa de Fabrícius (BF) foram examinadas através de microscopia óptica convencional e imagens digitais foram obtidas e processadas através do software Matlab® 6.5. Redes Neurais Artificiais (ANN) foram geradas com a utilização do software Neuroshell® Classifier, e os dados das análises óptica e digital foram comparados. A ANN classificou corretamente a maioria dos folículos, atingindo sensibilidade e especificidade de 89 por cento e 96 por cento, respectivamente. Quando os folículos foram agrupados de forma binária houve um aumento da sensibilidade para 90 por cento e obteve-se um valor máximo para a especificidade de 92 por cento. Estes resultados demonstram que o uso da análise digital de imagem associada à ANNé uma ferramenta bastante útil para a classificação patológica da depleção linfóide da BF. Além disso, fornece resultados objetivos que permitem medir a dimensão do erro classificatório, tornando possível a comparação entre distintos bancos de dados.