Genetic subtyping, biofilm-forming ability and biocide susceptibility of Listeria monocytogenes strains isolated from a ready-to-eat food industry

Research Areas: Infectious Diseases ; Pharmacology & PharmacyListeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen of special concern for ready-to-eat food producers. The control of its presence is a critical step in which food-grade sanitizers play an essential role. L. monocytogenes is believed to persist in food processing environments in biofilms, exhibiting less susceptibility to sanitizers than planktonic cells. This study aimed to test the susceptibility of L. monocytogenes in planktonic culture and biofilm to three commercial food-grade sanitizers and to benzalkonium chloride; together with the genetic subtyping of the isolates. L. monocytogenes isolates were collected from raw materials, final products and food-contact surfaces during a 6-year period from a ready-to-eat meat-producing food industry and genetically characterized. Serogrouping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) revealed genetic variability and di erentiated L. monocytogenes isolates in three clusters. The biofilm-forming ability assay revealed that the isolates were weak biofilm producers. L. monocytogenes strains were susceptible both in the planktonic and biofilm form to oxidizing and ethanol-based compounds and to benzalkonium chloride, but not to quaternary ammonium compound. A positive association of biofilm-forming ability and LD90 values for quaternary ammonium compound and benzalkonium chloride was found. This study highlights the need for preventive measures improvement and for a conscious selection and use of sanitizers in food-related environments to control Listeria monocytogenes.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The Interpretation Of The Figure Of The Prophet Jonah By Michelangelo On The Ceiling Of The Sistine Chapel: Anatomical Urological Vision.

A detailed analysis in the iconography and pictorial appearance of the scene of the Prophet Jonah painted by the artist Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564) on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel between the years 1508 and 1512. Literature review on the Italian Renaissance period and the life of Michelangelo Buonarroti and analysis of historical aspects of the evolution of studies of human anatomy in this period and the works of the artist. A comparative analysis of the representation of the figure of the fish on the left thigh of Jonah with a cross section of penis shows a curious similarity. The pictorial and iconographic analysis reveals an intensity of light on the pubic area and the position of the prophet with the legs spread apart and left hand placed on this region. A tube-shaped cloth covers the region and the angel at the side seems to be looking at this anatomical region of Jonah. In fact, sets of iconographic and pictorial relate to the deciphered code. This description helps to confirm the relationship of the Renaissance art with the human anatomy; science has been much studied in this period. The design of a cross section of the penis is revealed with the two cavernous bodies with the septum between them and the spongy body. Considering the circumstances in which Michelangelo had painted, subjectivity was fundamental due to religious motivations added to the vigorous implications of a limited scientific knowledge typical of that era.38317-22; discussion 32

Índice de progreso social para el distrito de Paracas

El distrito de Paracas, provincia de Pisco y región Ica se encuentra ubicado en la costa oeste, al sur de la capital del Perú y es conocido por su clima cálido y hermosas playas, pero sobre todo por tener en su territorio a la Reserva Nacional de Paracas, una de la más importantes del país. En la actualidad ha desarrollado una importante actividad hotelera gracias al turismo de la región, que se verá impulsada con la construcción del nuevo puerto y aeropuerto en la ciudad de Pisco. La presente Tesis tiene como objetivo medir y analizar el índice de progreso social del distrito de Paracas; para tal fin, se usó el modelo del Social Progress Imperative - SPI, por el cual se evaluó la situación poblacional desde la perspectiva de tres dimensiones: a) Necesidades básicas humanas, b) Fundamentos del Bienestar, y c) Oportunidades; cada una de estas dimensiones divididas en cuatro componentes que a su vez evalúan un total de 53 variables. Para obtener el IPS del distrito de Paracas se determinó una muestra representativa de la población de 339 jefes de familia y se dividió esta muestra en tres zonas en las cuales se realizó una encuesta. Dentro del marco metodológico de este estudio se determinó que sería de tipo no experimental pues solo busca generar un análisis de la realidad actual del distrito de Paracas; además, tendrá un alcance descriptivo, con un enfoque cuantitativo y un análisis transversal. El resultado obtenido para el IPS de Paracas 2018 fue de 48.92, clasificándolo con un nivel de progreso Bajo, por lo que es necesario implementar de manera urgente, políticas de gobierno distrital que incentiven el desarrollo y bienestar de sus pobladores; es por ello, que al finalizar este estudio se brindan recomendaciones que permiten involucrar a las autoridades del distrito, la empresa privada y la población en un trabajo conjunto para cambiar la situación que se vive en la actualidad.The district of Paracas, province of Pisco and Ica region is located on the west coast, south of the capital of Peru and is known for its warm climate and beautiful beaches, but especially for having in its territory the National Reserve of Paracas, one of the most important in the country. Currently, it has developed an important hotel activity thanks to tourism in the region, which will be boosted with the construction of the new port and airport in the city of Pisco. The objective of this thesis is to measure and analyze the index of social progress in the district of Paracas; for this purpose, the Social Progress Imperative - SPI model was used, by which the population situation was evaluated from the perspective of three dimensions: a) Basic human needs, b) Fundamentals of Welfare, and c) Opportunities; each of these dimensions divided into four components that in turn evaluate a total of 53 variables. To obtain the IPS of the district of Paracas, a representative sample of the population of 339 heads of family was determined and this sample was divided into three zones in which a survey was conducted. Within the methodological framework of this study it was determined that it would be non-experimental because it only seeks to generate an analysis of the current reality of the district of Paracas; In addition, it will have a descriptive scope, with a quantitative approach and a transversal analysis. The result obtained for the IPS of Paracas 2018 was 48.92, classifying it with a low level of progress, for which it is necessary to urgently implement district government policies that encourage the development and well-being of its inhabitants; This is why, at the end of this study, recommendations are provided that allow involving the authorities of the district, the private company and the population in a joint effort to change the current situation.Tesi

Arterial properties as determinants of left ventricular mass and fibrosis in severe aortic Stenosis : findings from ACRIN PA 4008

Background-The role of arterial load in severe aortic stenosis is increasingly recognized. However, patterns of pulsatile load and their implications in this population are unknown. We aimed to assess the relationship between the arterial properties and both (1) left ventricular remodeling and fibrosis and (2) the clinical course of patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR). Methods and Results-We enrolled 38 participants with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis scheduled to undergo surgical AVR. Aortic root characteristic impedance, wave reflections parameters (reflection magnitude, reflected wave transit time), and myocardial extracellular mass were measured with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and arterial tonometry Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was repeated at 6 months in 30 participants. A reduction in cellular mass (133.6 versus 113.9 g; P=0.002) but not extracellular mass (42.3 versus 40.6 g; P=0.67) was seen after AVR. Participants with higher extracellular mass exhibited greater reflection magnitude (0.68 versus 0.54; P=0.006) and lower aortic root characteristic impedance (56.3 versus 96.9 dynes/s per cm(5); P=0.006). Reflection magnitude was a significant predictor of smaller improvement in the quality of life (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire score) after AVR (R=-0.51; P=0.0026). The 6-minute walk distance at 6 months after AVR was positively correlated with the reflected wave transit time (R=0.52; P=0.01). Conclusions-Consistent with animal studies, arterial wave reflections are associated with interstitial volume expansion in severe aortic stenosis and predict a smaller improvement in quality of life following AVR. Future trials should assess whether wave reflections represent a potential therapeutic target to mitigate myocardial interstitial remodeling and to improve the clinical status of this patient population

Increased Metallothionein I/II Expression in Patients with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

In the central nervous system, zinc is released along with glutamate during neurotransmission and, in excess, can promote neuronal death. Experimental studies have shown that metallothioneins I/II (MT-I/II), which chelate free zinc, can affect seizures and reduce neuronal death after status epilepticus. Our aim was to evaluate the expression of MT-I/II in the hippocampus of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Hippocampi from patients with pharmacoresistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) and patients with TLE associated with tumor or dysplasia (TLE-TD) were evaluated for expression of MT-I/II, for the vesicular zinc levels, and for neuronal, astroglial, and microglial populations. Compared to control cases, MTLE group displayed widespread increase in MT-I/II expression, astrogliosis, microgliosis and reduced neuronal population. In TLE-TD, the same changes were observed, except that were mainly confined to fascia dentata. Increased vesicular zinc was observed only in the inner molecular layer of MTLE patients, when compared to control cases. Correlation and linear regression analyses indicated an association between increased MT-I/II and increased astrogliosis in TLE. MT-I/II levels did not correlate with any clinical variables, but MTLE patients with secondary generalized seizures (SGS) had less MT-I/II than MTLE patients without SGS. In conclusion, MT-I/II expression was increased in hippocampi from TLE patients and our data suggest that it is associated with astrogliosis and may be associated with different seizure spread patterns.Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP) [2005/56447-7, 2009/53447-7, 2008/52657-5]Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq)Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES)Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES

Enhanced stability in CH3NH3PbI3 hybrid perovskite from mechano-chemical synthesis: structural, microstructural and optoelectronic characterization

Among the hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites MAPbX3 (MA: methyl-ammonium CH3–NH3+, X = halogen), the triiodide specimen (MAPbI3) is still the material of choice for solar energy applications. Although it is able to absorb light above its 1.6 eV bandgap, its poor stability in humid air atmosphere has been a major drawback for its use in solar cells. However, we discovered that this perovskite can be prepared by ball milling in a straightforward way, yielding specimens with a superior stability. This fact allowed us to take atomic-resolution STEM images for the first time, with sufficient quality to unveil microscopic aspects of this material. We demonstrated full Iodine content, which might be related to the enhanced stability, in a more compact PbI6 framework with reduced unit-cell volume. A structural investigation from neutron powder diffraction (NPD) data of an undeuterated specimen was essential to determine the configuration of the organic MA unit in the 100–298 K temperature range. A phase transition is identified, from the tetragonal structure observed at RT (space group I4/mcm) to an orthorhombic (space group Pnma) phase where the methyl-ammonium organic units are fully localized. Our NPD data reveal that the MA changes are gradual and start before reaching the phase transition. Optoelectronic measurements yield a photocurrent peak at an illumination wavelength of 820 nm, which is redshifted by 30 nm with respect to previously reported measurements on MAPbI3 perovskites synthesized by crystallization from organic solvents.Fil: Lopez, Carlos Alberto. Universidad Nacional de San Luis. Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia. Área Química General e Inorgánica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Luis. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnología Química. Universidad Nacional de San Luis. Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnología Química; ArgentinaFil: Abia, Carmen. Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid; España. Institut Laue Langevin; FranciaFil: Rodrigues, Joao E.. Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid; EspañaFil: Serrano Sánchez, Federico. Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid; EspañaFil: Nemes, Norbert M.. Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid; EspañaFil: Martínez, José L.. Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid; EspañaFil: Fernandez Díaz, María T.. Institut Laue Langevin; FranciaFil: Biškup, Neven. Universidad Complutense de Madrid; EspañaFil: Alvarez Galván, Consuelo. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; EspañaFil: Carrascoso, Felix. Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid; EspañaFil: Castellanos Gomez, Andres. Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid; EspañaFil: Alonso, José A.. Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid; Españ

Transição do cuidado de pacientes pós-Covid-19: perfil sociodemográfico, clínico e fatores associados

Objective: to identify the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and factors associated with the transition of care for patients recovered from Covid-19. Method: a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach carried out with 49 patients and/or caregivers who were discharged home from a university hospital. Three instruments were used, the sociodemographic questionnaire, the clinical questionnaire, and the Care Transitions Measure instrument to assess the transition of care. The analysis was performed using SPSS software, applying the Mann-Whitney test, adopting a significance level of p 0,005. Results: of the 49 participants, they were male (59.2%) with a mean age of 50 years, with more than 10 years of schooling. The main symptoms of Covid-19 were dyspnea (79.6%) followed by fatigue (75.5%) and fever (69.4%). The most prevalent comorbidity was systemic arterial hypertension (32.7%). There was a significant association between the transition of care and comorbidities (Diabetes mellitus, Obesity and Cancer) (p0,005). Conclusion and implications for practice: Covid-19 coping practices were successful, reflecting the transition from high care. However, the need to implement public policies after hospital discharge in a pandemic context is highlighted. Objetivo: identificar las características sociodemográficas, clínicas y factores asociados a la transición de la atención a pacientes recuperados de Covid-19. Método: estudio transversal con abordaje cuantitativo realizado con 49 pacientes y/o cuidadores que fueron dados de alta de un hospital universitario. Se utilizaron tres instrumentos, el cuestionario sociodemográfico, el cuestionario clínico y el instrumento Care Transitions Measure para evaluar la transición del cuidado. El análisis se realizó mediante el software SPSS, aplicando la prueba de Mann-Whitney, adoptando un nivel de significancia de p 0,005. Resultados: de los 49 participantes, eran del sexo masculino (59,2%) con una edad media de 50 años, con más de 10 años de escolaridad. Los principales síntomas de la Covid-19 fueron disnea (79,6 %) seguida de fatiga (75,5 %) y fiebre (69,4 %). La comorbilidad más prevalente fue la hipertensión arterial sistémica (32,7%). Hubo asociación significativa entre la transición de cuidados y las comorbilidades (Diabetes mellitus, Obesidad y Cáncer) (p0,005). Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica: las prácticas de afrontamiento de Covid-19 fueron exitosas, lo que refleja la transición desde la alta atención. Sin embargo, se destaca la necesidad de implementar políticas públicas tras el alta hospitalaria en contexto de pandemia.Objetivo: identificar as características sociodemográficas, clínicas e fatores associados à transição do cuidado de pacientes recuperados de Covid-19. Método: estudo transversal com abordagem quantitativa realizado com 49 pacientes e/ou cuidadores que receberam alta hospitalar para o domicílio em um hospital universitário. Utilizou-se três instrumentos, o questionário sociodemográfico, o clínico e o instrumento Care Transitions Measure para avaliar a transição do cuidado. A análise foi realizada por meio do software SPSS, aplicado o Teste de Mann-Whitney adotado nível de significância p 0,005. Resultados: dos 49 participantes, eram do sexo masculino (59,2%) com média de idade de 50 anos apresentando escolaridade acima de 10 anos de estudo. Os principais sintomas da Covid-19 foram dispneia (79,6%) seguidos de fadiga (75,5%) e febre (69,4%). A comorbidade mais prevalente foi a Hipertensão arterial sistêmica (32,7%). Houve associação significativa entre a transição do cuidado com as comorbidades (Diabetes mellitus, Obesidade e Câncer) (p0,005). Conclusão e implicações para a prática: as práticas de enfrentamento a Covid-19 foram bem-sucedidas refletindo na transição do cuidado alta. Contudo ressalta-se a necessidade de implementação de políticas públicas após alta hospitalar em contexto pandêmico.&nbsp

Clonal chromosomal mosaicism and loss of chromosome Y in elderly men increase vulnerability for SARS-CoV-2

The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19) had an estimated overall case fatality ratio of 1.38% (pre-vaccination), being 53% higher in males and increasing exponentially with age. Among 9578 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 in the SCOURGE study, we found 133 cases (1.42%) with detectable clonal mosaicism for chromosome alterations (mCA) and 226 males (5.08%) with acquired loss of chromosome Y (LOY). Individuals with clonal mosaic events (mCA and/or LOY) showed a 54% increase in the risk of COVID-19 lethality. LOY is associated with transcriptomic biomarkers of immune dysfunction, pro-coagulation activity and cardiovascular risk. Interferon-induced genes involved in the initial immune response to SARS-CoV-2 are also down-regulated in LOY. Thus, mCA and LOY underlie at least part of the sex-biased severity and mortality of COVID-19 in aging patients. Given its potential therapeutic and prognostic relevance, evaluation of clonal mosaicism should be implemented as biomarker of COVID-19 severity in elderly people. Among 9578 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 in the SCOURGE study, individuals with clonal mosaic events (clonal mosaicism for chromosome alterations and/or loss of chromosome Y) showed an increased risk of COVID-19 lethality