Detection Of Salmonella Spp. By Conventional Bacteriology And By Quantitative Polymerase-chain Reaction In Commercial Egg Structures

Conventional bacteriology techniques and quantitative polymerasechain reaction (qPCR) were applied to the eggshell, albumen, and yolk of washed and unwashed commercial white and brown eggs, to detect Salmonella spp. Pooled samples of eggshells, albumen, and yolk of white and brown eggs were collected at the poultry house and at the egg-storage room. Salmonella spp. was detected by conventional bacteriology in 5.4% (21/387) of analyzed samples and in 16% (68/387) by qPCR. In the 114 unwashed white eggs samples of eggshell, albumen and yolk, the bacterium was identified in 2.6% of the eggs (3/114) by conventional bacteriology and in 13.2% (15/114) by qPCR. In the 90 samples of washed eggs, 6.7% (6/90) were contaminated as detected by conventional bacteriology and 10.0% (9/90) by qPCR. In the 81 samples of unwashed brown eggs, Salmonella spp. was detected in 6.1% of the eggs (5/81) by conventional bacteriology and 27.2% (22/81) by qPCR. In the 102 samples of brown washed eggs, 6.9% (7/102) where positive by conventional bacteriology and 35.3% (16/102) by qPCR. All samples detected as positive by conventional bacteriology were also positive by qPCR. Salmonella Agona represented 18.2% (4/22) of identified serovars, Salmonella enterica subs. enterica O: 4.5 18.2% (4/22), Salmonella Schwarzengrund 18.2% (4/22), Salmonella Cerro 13.6% (3/22), Salmonella Anatum 13.6% (3/22), Salmonella Enteritidis 9.1% (2/22), Salmonella Johannesburg 4.5% (1/22), and Salmonella Corvallis 4.5% (1/22). The qPCR method provided better detection of Salmonella spp. in commercial eggs than conventional bacteriology. The conventional egg washing and disinfection procedures are not efficient to eliminate Salmonella. © 2016, Fundacao APINCO de Ciencia e Tecnologia Avicolas. All rights reserved.18111712

Prevalence Of Diastasis Of The Rectus Abdominis Muscles Immediately Postpartum: Comparison Between Primiparae And Multiparae [prevalência De Diástase Dos Músculos Retoabdominais No Puerpério Imediato: Comparação Entre Primíparas E Multíparas]

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles (DRAM) among primiparae and multiparae immediately after vaginal delivery, and to compare DRAM above and below the umbilicus and correlate these with the mother's age, body mass index, gestational age and duration of labor. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out. Personal information, obstetric history and DRAM measurements 4.5 cm above and below the umbilicus were recorded. DRAM was graded by the number of fingerbreadths (approximately 1.5 cm each) between the medial edges of this muscle. DRAM was considered present and relevant if the separation was > 2 cm at any measurement point. Results: Data from 467 women were analyzed. Above the umbilicus, the prevalence of DRAM >2 cm was 68%. Below the umbilicus, the prevalence of DRAM > 2 cm was 32%. The prevalence of DRAM above the umbilicus among primiparae and multiparae was identical (68%), and the prevalence below the umbilicus was greater among multiparae (19.8% and 29.2%). The mean DRAM above the umbilicus was 2.8 cm (±1.2) and the mean DRAM below the umbilicus was 1.5 cm (±1.1), representing a significant difference (p=0.0001) and a weak correlation (r=0.461). The mean DRAM below the umbilicus was significantly greater among the multiparae (p<0.018) and there was no correlation with the mother's age, body mass index, gestational age or duration of labor. Conclusions: The prevalence of DRAM and mean DRAM were greater above the umbilicus both among multiparae and primiparae. Below the umbilicus, the mean DRAM was significantly greater among multiparae. DRAM below the umbilicus presented a weak correlation with DRAM above the umbilicus.134275280Corrêa, M.C., Corrêa, M.D., Puerpério (1999) Noções práticas de obstetrícia. 12 a ed., pp. 95-104. , Corrêa MD, editor. Rio de Janeiro: MedisiMoore, K.L., O abdome (1994) Anatomia Orientada Para a Clínica. 3 a ed., pp. 117-123. , Moore KL, editor. Rio de Janeiro: Guanabara KooganWhiteford, B., Polden, M., Seu Corpo antes e depois do parto (1992) Exercícios pós-natais: Um Programa de Seis Meses Para a Boa Forma da mãe e do Bebê, pp. 10-23. , Whiteford B, Polden M, editores. São Paulo: Maltese-NormaSpitznagle, T.M., Leong, F.C., Van Dillen, L.R., Prevalence of diastasis recti abdominis in a urogynecological patient population (2007) Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct, 18 (3), pp. 321-328Gilleard, W.L., Brown, J.M., Structure and function of the abdominal muscles in primigravid subjects during pregnancy and the immediate postbirth period (1996) Phys Ther., 76 (7), pp. 750-762Artal, R., O'Toole, M., White, S., Guidelines of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period (2003) Br J Sports Med., 37 (1), pp. 6-12Bursch, S.G., Interrater reliability of diastasis recti abdominis measurement (1987) Phys Ther., 67 (7), pp. 1077-1079Mesquita, L.A., Machado, A.V., Andrade, A.V., Fisioterapia para redução da diástase dos músculos retos abdominais no pós-parto (1999) Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet., 21 (5), pp. 267-272Boxer, S., Jones, S., Intra-rater reliability of rectus abdominis diastasis measurement using dial calipers (1997) Aust J Physiother., 43 (2), pp. 109-114Chiarello, C.M., Falzone, L.A., McCaslin, K.E., Patel, M.N., Ulery, K.R., The effects of as exercise program on diastasis recti abdominis in pregnant women (2005) Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy, 29 (1), pp. 11-16Boissonnault, J.S., Blaschak, M.J., Incidence of diastasis recti abdominis during the childbearing year (1988) Phys Ther., 68 (7), pp. 1082-1086Sapsford, R., Rehabilitation of pelvic floor muscles utilizing trunk stabilization (2004) Man Ther., 9 (1), pp. 3-12Toranto, I.R., The relief of low back pain with the WARP abdominoplasty: A preliminary report (1990) Plas Reconstr Surg., 85 (4), pp. 545-555Hodges, P.W., Is there a role for tranversus abdominis in lumbo-pelvic stability? (1999) Man Ther., 4 (2), pp. 74-86Norris, C.M., Functional load abdominal training: Part 1 (2001) Phys Ther Sport., 2 (1), pp. 29-39Mendes, D.A., Nahas, F.X., Veiga, D.F., Mendes, F.V., Figueiras, R.G., Gomes, M.C., Ultrasonography for measuring rectus abdominis muscles diastasis (2007) Acta Cir Brás., 22 (3), pp. 182-18

The Atp-dependent Rna Helicase Hrpb Plays An Important Role In Motility And Biofilm Formation In Xanthomonas Citri Subsp. Citri

Background: RNA helicases are enzymes that catalyze the separation of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) using the free energy of ATP binding and hydrolysis. DEAD/DEAH families participate in many different aspects of RNA metabolism, including RNA synthesis, RNA folding, RNA-RNA interactions, RNA localization and RNA degradation. Several important bacterial DEAD/DEAH-box RNA helicases have been extensively studied. In this study, we characterize the ATP-dependent RNA helicase encoded by the hrpB (XAC0293) gene using deletion and genetic complementation assays. We provide insights into the function of the hrpB gene in Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri by investigating the roles of hrpB in biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces and host leaves, cell motility, host virulence of the citrus canker bacterium and growth in planta. Results: The hrpB gene is highly conserved in the sequenced strains of Xanthomonas. Mutation of the hrpB gene (Δ;hrpB) resulted in a significant reduction in biofilms on abiotic surfaces and host leaves. Δ;hrpB also exhibited increased cell dispersion on solid medium plates. Δ;hrpB showed reduced adhesion on biotic and abiotic surfaces and delayed development in disease symptoms when sprayed on susceptible citrus leaves. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR assays indicated that deletion of hrpB reduced the expression of four type IV pili genes. The transcriptional start site of fimA (XAC3241) was determined using rapid amplification of 5′-cDNA Ends (5′RACE). Based on the results of fimA mRNA structure predictions, the fimA 5′ UTR may contain three different loops. HrpB may be involved in alterations to the structure of fimA mRNA that promote the stability of fimA RNA. Conclusions: Our data show that hrpB is involved in adherence of Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri to different surfaces. In addition, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a DEAH RNA helicase has been implicated in the regulation of type IV pili in Xanthomonas. © 2016 Granato et al.16

Phosphoethanolamine and omega-3 in patients with asthma

The effect of omega-3 (n-3) in asthma has been inconclusive. One explanation for it may be the low incorporation of these fatty acids in clinical studies. Phosphoethanolamine (PEtn) can increase the synthesis of phosphatidylethanolamine, which can, in turn, increase the incorporation of n-3 in cell membranes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of synthetic PEtn in patients with asthma who are receiving n-3. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was carried out over a two month period by using spirometry, the Asthma Control Test questionnaire (ACT) and medicine intake. Forty-one patients with asthma were studied. Twenty-one patients received n-3 daily (1.080 mg of EPA, 720 mg of DHA) and 800 mg of PEtn (PEtn group), and twenty patients received the same doses of n-3 and placebo (control group). All patients continued receiving their conventional treatment for asthma. The hospital ethics committee approved the study. Five patients of each group required systemic corticosteroids, being the total consumption, smaller in the PEtn group (127.4 mg of prednisone/patient versus 416.0 mg of prednisone/patient in the control group, p-value = 0.0269). There were no significant differences in the changing of ATC and FEV1, as well as in the intake of formoterol or budesonide between the groups. In this study, patients who received phosphoethanolamine and omega-3 needed a smaller dose of systemic corticosteroid for asthma control than patients who only received omega-3. However, as the trial was conducted on a small scale, more studies are necessary

The Structure and Dynamics of the Upper Chromosphere and Lower Transition Region as Revealed by the Subarcsecond VAULT Observations

The Very high Angular resolution ULtraviolet Telescope (VAULT) is a sounding rocket payload built to study the crucial interface between the solar chromosphere and the corona by observing the strongest line in the solar spectrum, the Ly-a line at 1216 {\AA}. In two flights, VAULT succeeded in obtaining the first ever sub-arcsecond (0.5") images of this region with high sensitivity and cadence. Detailed analyses of those observations have contributed significantly to new ideas about the nature of the transition region. Here, we present a broad overview of the Ly-a atmosphere as revealed by the VAULT observations, and bring together past results and new analyses from the second VAULT flight to create a synthesis of our current knowledge of the high-resolution Ly-a Sun. We hope that this work will serve as a good reference for the design of upcoming Ly-a telescopes and observing plans.Comment: 28 pages, 11 figure

Phosphate fertilization and phosphorus forms in an Oxisol under no-till

Under no-till phosphorus (P) accumulates in a few centimeters of the topsoil layer. Plant residues left on the soil surface release P and organic acids, which may improve P availability and fertilizer efficiency, including both soluble (such as triple super phosphate) and less soluble sources (such as reactive natural phosphates). In this study, soybean response to P fertilizer and P forms in the top 40 cm of an Oxisol were evaluated after surface application of different phosphates in a 5-year-old no-till system. Treatments consisted of 0 or 80 kg ha-1 of total P2O5 applied on the soil surface, both as natural reactive phosphate (NRP) or triple super phosphate (TSP). In addition, 80 kg ha-1 of P2O5 were applied to subplots, in furrows below and beside the soybean (Glycine max L.) seeds, in different combinations of NRP and TSP. Soil samples were taken before and after the soybean growth, down to 0.40 m and soil phosphorus was chemically fractionated. The responses to NRP were similar to TSP, with an increase in P reserves at greater depths, even in non-available forms, such as P-occluded. After the soybean harvest, P-occluded levels were lower at the surface layer, but an increase was observed in the soluble, organic and total P down to 40 cm. An improved P distribution in soil depth, especially regarding the soluble and organic forms, resulted in higher soybean yields, even when the phosphates were applied to the soil surface.Em semeadura direta o fósforo (P) acumula-se na camada mais superficial do solo, mas os resíduos deixados na superfície liberam P e ácidos orgânicos, que podem melhorar a disponibilidade e a eficiência de fertilizantes como o superfosfato triplo e fosfatos naturais reativos. Neste estudo, a resposta da soja à adubação com P e as formas de P até 40 cm de profundidade do solo foram avaliadas após a aplicação de fosfatos em um sistema conduzido em semeadura direta há cinco anos. Os tratamentos consistiram de 0 ou 80 kg ha-1 P2O5 total, aplicados na superfície do solo como fosfato natural reativo (FNR) ou superfosfato triplo (SFT). Nas subparcelas foram aplicados, no sulco de semeadura, 80 kg ha-1 de P2O5, em diferentes combinações de FNR e SFT. Amostras de solo foram coletadas até 0.4 m, antes e depois do cultivo da soja (Glycine max L.), para fracionamento do P. As respostas ao FNR foram semelhantes às do SFT, com aumento das reservas de P em profundidade, mesmo em formas não-disponíveis como P-ocluso. Após a colheita da soja, os teores de P-ocluso diminuíram na camada mais superficial, mas foi observado um aumento nas formas solúvel, orgânica e P - total em toda a espessura de solo estudada. A melhor distribuição do P no solo, principalmente em formas solúvel e orgânica, resultou em maior produtividade da soja, mesmo quando o fertilizante foi aplicado na superfície do solo

Sward structure and livestock performance in guinea grass cv: Tanzania pastures managed by rotational stocking strategies

Grazing strategy is a key element in the determination of sward structure, herbage nutritive value and animal performance. We aimed to compare the herbage characteristics and performance of livestock in pastures of Panicum maximum cv. Tanzania managed, using two rotational stocking strategies, which provided either a fixed-length rest period (FRP) of 35 days in the spring and fall and 30 days in the summer, or a variable-length rest period (VRP), determined by the time required for the canopy to achieve 70 cm in height. The pastures were evaluated in the pregrazing condition for forage mass (FM); leaf (LP), stem (SP) and dead matter (DP) percentages; and nutritive value (NV). The animals were weighed every 28 days. Pastures managed with the FRPs exhibited greater FMs, SPs and DPs and lower LPs and NVs than those managed with the VRPs. The average daily livestock weight gain was greater during the spring and summer for the VRP than for the FRP pastures, resulting in an average animal weight gain per area of 990 and 860 kg ha−¹ wet period−¹ for the pastures managed with the VRPs and FRPs, respectively. Thus, pasture rest periods that were maintained after the sward reached 70 cm in height reduced the animal performance on Tanzania guinea grass

Climate change and future scenarios for palisade grass production in the state of São Paulo, Brazil

The objective of this work was to analyze future scenarios for palisade grass yield subjected to climate change for the state of São Paulo, Brazil. An empirical crop model was used to estimate yields, according to growing degree-days adjusted by one drought attenuation factor. Climate data from 1963 to 2009 of 23 meteorological stations were used for current climate conditions. Downscaled outputs of two general circulation models were used to project future climate for the 2013-2040 and 2043-2070 periods, considering two contrasting scenarios of temperature and atmospheric CO2 concentration increase (high and low). Annual dry matter yield should be from 14 to 42% higher than the current one, depending on the evaluated scenario. Yield variation between seasons (seasonality) and years is expected to increase. The increase of dry matter accumulation will be higher in the rainy season than in the dry season, and this result is more evident for soils with low-water storage capacity. The results varied significantly between regions (60%). Despite their higher climate potential, warmer regions will probably have a lower increase in future forage production