Analyse de la distribution d'Escherichia coli, utilisée comme un marqueur microbiologique, dans un réseau de production porcin

La présence d’Escherichia coli pathogènes en élevages porcins entraine des retards de croissance et la mortalité. La transmission des E. coli pathogènes entre les élevages et l'abattoir d’un même réseau de production n'est pas bien décrite. La détection des gènes de virulence des E. coli pathogènes pourrait permettre d’identifier un marqueur de contamination dans le réseau. L’objectif de cette étude a été d’identifier un marqueur de contamination E. coli dans un réseau de production porcine défini afin de décrire certains modes de transmission des E. coli pathogènes. Pour ce faire, une région géographique comprenant 10 fermes d’engraissement, un abattoir et un réseau de transport a été sélectionnée. Trois lots de production consécutifs par ferme ont été suivis pendant 12 mois. Des échantillons environnementaux ont été prélevés à l’intérieur et à l’extérieur des fermes (3 visites d’élevage), dans la cour de l’abattoir (2 visites lors de sorties de lot) et sur le camion de transport. La détection des gènes de virulence (eltB, estA, estB, faeG, stxA, stx2A, eae, cnf, papC, iucD, tsh, fedA) dans les échantillons a été réalisée par PCR multiplexe conventionnelle. La distribution temporelle et spatiale des gènes de virulence a permis d’identifier le marqueur de contamination ETEC/F4 défini par la détection d’au moins un gène d’entérotoxine ETEC (estB, estA et eltB) en combinaison avec le gène de l’adhésine fimbriaire (faeG). La distribution des échantillons positifs ETEC/F4 qualifie la cour de l’abattoir comme un réservoir de contamination fréquenté par les transporteurs, vecteurs de contamination entre les élevages. Ceci suggère le lien microbiologique entre l’élevage, les transporteurs et l’abattoir jouant chacun un rôle dans la dissémination des microorganismes pathogènes et potentiellement zoonotiques en production porcine.

The influence of substrate kinetics on the microbial community structure in granular anaerobic biomass

The development of a strong, active granular sludge bed is necessary for optimal operation of upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors. The microbial and mechanical structure of the granules may have a strong influence on desirable properties such as growth rate, settling velocity and shear strength. Theories have been proposed for granule microbial structure based on the relative kinetics of substrate degradation, but contradict some observations from both modelling and microscopic studies. In this paper, the structures of four granule types were examined from full-scale UASB reactors, treating wastewater from a cannery, a slaughterhouse, and two breweries. Microbial structure was determined using fluorescence in situ hybridisation probing with 16S rRNA-directed oligonucleotide probes, and superficial structure and microbial density (volume occupied by cells and microbial debris) assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The granules were also modelled using a distributed parameter biofilm model, with a previously published biochemical model structure, biofilm modelling approach, and model parameters. The model results reflected the trophic structures observed, indicating that the structures were possibly determined by kinetics. Of particular interest were results from simulations of the protein grown granules, which were predicted to have slow growth rates, low microbial density, and no trophic layers, the last two of which were reflected by microscopic observations. The primary cause of this structure, as assessed by modelling, was the particulate nature of the wastewater, and the slow rate of particulate hydrolysis, rather than the presence of proteins in the wastewater. Because solids hydrolysis was rate limiting, soluble substrate concentrations were very low (below Monod half saturation concentration), which caused low growth rates. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Zwei Wege zur 'Aufhellung der Finsternisse in der Welt'. Zum untergründigen Wechselverhältnis von Literatur & Malerei bei Thomas Bernhard & Francis Bacon:for subterranean exchange relationship between literature and painting in Thomas Bernhard & Francis Bacon

This chapter undertakes the first examination of the role the fine arts play in Thomas Bernhard’s prose works. Though not as prominent as the role of music, painting and the fine arts play a crucial role in Frost and Alte Meister; these two novels coincidentally also happen to be the first and last novels written by Bernhard. This chapter takes its cue from the positive role awarded to Francis Bacon in the novel Das Kalkwerk. Comparing and contrasting the relation and influence between the art of Bacon and the literature of Bernhard, I am able to demonstrate a number of surprising analogies. Following a brief biographical synopsis, I focus on four aesthetic operations that are crucial to both artists. Using the key terms of ‘middle way’, ‘variation’, ‘vibration’ and ‘mediation’, I am able to uncover surprising similarities between the novels and the paintings. These hidden connections are further confirmed by looking at the two artists’ shared major motifs, namely the slaughterhouse, the scream, the relation between animals and humans, and pain. This bleak outlook on the state of human civilisation that these two major artists of the end of the 20th century share, embodies both a warning and a prophesy for the 21st century.

Kisspeptina: efeito na maturação in vitro de ovócitos bovinos

This study aimed to evaluate different concentrations of kisspeptin, as well as the interaction of kisspeptin and FSH/LH in vitro maturation and oocyte competence in cattle. In Experiment 1 was determined the minimum concentration of Kisspeptin (Kp) to be used, and in Experiment 2 was evaluated its interection with FSH and LH. The oocytes were collected in a commercial slaughterhouse and only Grade I oocytes were utilized. The oocytes were cultured in TCM-199 medium with bicarbonate plus 10% FBS, sodium pyruvate (22μg/mL), amikacin (83mg/mL), FSH (0.5μg/mL), with different concentrations of Kp, the treatments were: FSH + 0M Kp-10; FSH + 10-7M Kp-10, FSH + 10-6M Kp-10; FSH + 10-5M Kp-10. In Experiment 2, was used better concentration of Kp found in Experiment 1, the following treatments: no hormones; FSH; FSH + Kp-10; FSH + LH; FSH, LH + Kp-10; Kp-10. The oocyte competence was determined by nuclear maturation, mitochondrial distribution, MitoTracker® Orange CMTMRos fluorescence intensity and DCF. The evaluation of nuclear maturation was made after 24 hours incubation and the oocytes were stained with DAPI to determine the nuclear stage (Germinal Vesicle-GV, Metaphase I-MI and Metaphase II-MII).The mitochondrial distribution was classified as peripheral/semiperipheral and diffuse in clusters/granules, evaluated after stained with the MitoTracker® Orange CMTMRos, and was also identified the intensity of it. To determine the intensity of ROS oocytes were stained with DCF. The statistical analysis was performed by SAS GLIMMIX PROC. In Experiment 1 oocytes matured only with the FSH reached a smaller nuclear maturation when compared to those who were matured with Kisspeptin at different concentrations (FSH:13/33; FSH + 10-7M Kp-10: 28/35; FSH + 10-6M Kp-10:30/34; FSH + 10-5M Kp-10:28/32; P=0,0001). There was no statistical difference in mitochondrial distribution between treatments (P>0.05). The fluorescence intensity of MitoTracker did not differ among treatments (P>0.05). The DCF fluorescence intensity was lower when the concentration of Kp was increased in the medium (FSH:12177726,1; FSH + 10-7M Kp-10:10945982,83; FSH + 10-6M Kp-10:9820536,53; FSH + 10-5M Kp-10:9147016,38; P<0,0001). Based in the Experiment 1 results, the concentration of Kp was determined in 10-7M. In Experiment 2 the mitochondrial distribution was different between treatments, because oocytes matured only with Kp or FSH+LH, reached a oocyte competence greater than those maturated with FSH only or without hormone addition (no hormones:66,66%; FSH:66,66%; FSH + Kp-10:75,86%; FSH + LH:91,17%; FSH, LH + Kp-10:82,85%; Kp-10:91,17%; P<0,05). The no hormones resulted in a lower nuclear maturation than the other treatments (no hormones: 5/18; FSH:18/32; FSH + Kp-10:22/29; FSH + LH:26/33; FSH, LH + Kp-10:26/34; Kp-10:25/34; P=0,0094). The fluorescence intensity of probes MitoTracker and DCF was lower when Kp was added to the maturation medium (no hormones:1228363/540069; FSH:2307984/1395751; FSH + Kp-10:1941890/1114948; FSH + LH:2502145/1722376; FSH, LH + Kp-10:2286173/1467782; Kp-10:1859411/979325 P<0,0001). So this is the first study that shows that Kisspeptin stimulates oocyte maturation without the presence of gonadotropins in the maturation medium.

Fatores pré-abate que influenciam na qualidade da carne de frangos griller

The consumption of a product is directly linked to its quality, and are required to comply with quality standard regulations. In chicken "griller" which comes from industrial strains, selected for best growth performance, shot with up to 35 days old and weighing 1,400kg, they have not been reported in the literature a number of quality aspects This study aimed determine the muscle transformation time in the flesh in chickens "griller" incidence of meat defects, "PSE" (pale, soft and exdudative) and "DFD" (dark, firm and dry) and their correlation between different window times slaughter (total time between beginning of the fasting and the time of slaughter) and pH curve, four different times post mortem. The base data for the study was composed of information of 208 chickens, collected between August and September 2014, in a slaughterhouse slaughtering chickens in the middle region of Triangulo Mineiro and Alto Paranaíba. We used the Minitab 17.1.0 program for the development of descriptive statistical analysis and Pareto charts. The Pearson correlation was used to evaluate the linear relationship between two variables and Excel 2013, Microsoft Office®, to produce tables and graphs. The analysis consisted of 11 chickens cities and the distance to the poultry slaughterhouse ranged from 24.5 km to 123 km. It was observed that the pH curve decays gradually until time 5horas after slaughter, and its increase was 24, indicating the transformation of the muscle meat. The incidence of regular meat was 39.9%, "DFD" 30.3% and "PSE" 29.8%. For "DFD" meat, it was observed that factors: low ambient temperature, longer transportation and fast window and mileage at dirt road, contributed to its occurrence (p <0.05). For "PSE" meat, it was observed that lower body weight factors, longer transport favored frequency (p <0.05) of the meat defect. There was no significant correlation in variance analysis between distance, waiting time at rest shed and humidity related to meat defects (p> 0.05). This high incidence of defects meat may be due to pre-slaughter stress factors.

Impact of mash feeding versus pellets on propionic/butyric acid levels and on total Escherichia coli load in the gastrointestinal tract of growing pigs

Feed characteristics may influence the bacterial community composition and metabolic activities in the pig gastrointestinal tract, known to be associated with positive effects on the gut. Use of mash feed is associated with reduced Salmonella excretion, but little is known of its effect on the Escherichia coli population or of the mechanism of action. Our objectives were to assess the effect of feed texture combined with feed particle size on VFA profiles and levels, total E. coli count, and the presence of genes encoding virulence factors of pathogenic E. coli strains in the digestive tract along with their impact on pig performance of fattening pigs. Pigs (n = 840) on a commercial farm received mash or pellet diets of different particle sizes during the fattening period. Caecal and colon contents from 164 pigs were sampled at the slaughterhouse for enumeration of E. coli by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and for VFA quantification by capillary gas chromatography. The yccT gene was used to enumerate total E. coli. Improved pig performances associated with pellet texture and a 500-μm size were observed. Caecal (P = 0.02) and colon (P < 0.01) propionic acid concentrations were lower for pigs receiving pellet rather than mash feed. Similarly, caecal (P = 0.01) and colon (P < 0.001) butyric acid concentrations were also lower for pigs receiving pellet rather than mash feed, as determined by capillary gas chromatography. Moreover, caecal (P = 0.03) and colon (P < 0.001) butyric acid concentrations were higher for pigs receiving a feed with a 1,250-μm particle size rather than a 500-μm particle size. On the other hand, total caecal and colon E. coli levels were higher for pigs receiving pellet feed than for those receiving mash feed. For total E. coli enumeration, caecal (P < 0.01) and colon (P < 0.01) yccT gene copies were higher for pigs receiving pellet rather than mash feed. No effect of particle size on fatty acid concentrations or on E. coli numbers was observed. Virulence gene quantification revealed no trend. Taken together, results showed that mash feed is associated with lower growth performance but with favorable intestinal changes linked to VFA levels and E. coli reduction in the intestine.

Accommodative response to electrical stimulation of the sclera of peripheral cornea in cats and porcines

Purpose: We have reported that the changes in the accommodative response to electrical stimulation of the branches of the ciliary nerves in cats. (Miyagawa et al, PLoS One, 2014). We have also reported that no robust accommodative responses to the electrical stimulations of the sclera of peripheral cornea (SSPC) were observed in enucleated porcine eyes (Mihashi et al, VPOptics, 2014). In this study, accommodative responses to SSPC stimulation in cats and porcines were investigated. Methods: Two eyes of two cats under anesthesia and after they were sacrificed were studied. Three enucleated porcine eyes obtained from a local slaughterhouse were also studied. Trains of biphasic pulses (current, 3 mA; duration, 2 ms/phase; frequency, 40 Hz) were applied using a tungsten electrode (0.3mm diameter) from several orientations. Wavefront sensing with a compact wavefront aberrometer (Uday et al J Cataract Refract Surg, 2013) were performed before and 4 s (cat) and 10 s (pig) after the stimulations and wavefront aberrations including spherical errors were analyzed over a 4-mm pupil area. Results: In the first cat under anesthesia, at three out of seven stimulus positions, 0.2 D hyperopic accommodative responses were observed and in two orientations, myopic responses were observed. For the other cat, weak accommodative responses including astigmatic changes were observed. In the sacrificed condition of the second cat, 0.1 D myopic response was observed for one stimulus orientation and the smaller responses were observed at six out of eight stimulus positions. No accommodative responses were elicited for the enucleated porcine eyes. Conclusions: In the anesthetized cats, electrical stimulation of the SSPC induced accommodative responses; the responses were unstable and weaker than the responses by the ciliary nerve stimulations we observed in our previous study. Small accommodative responses were observed after one of two cats had been sacrificed, but no accommodative responses were detected in the enucleated porcine eyes. Further studies are needed to confirm difference in the accommodation functions in the two species.

Impact of mash feeding versus pellets on propionic/butyric acid levels and on total Escherichia coli load in the gastrointestinal tract of growing pigs

Feed characteristics may influence the bacterial community composition and metabolic activities in the pig gastrointestinal tract, known to be associated with positive effects on the gut. Use of mash feed is associated with reduced Salmonella excretion, but little is known of its effect on the Escherichia coli population or of the mechanism of action. Our objectives were to assess the effect of feed texture combined with feed particle size on VFA profiles and levels, total E. coli count, and the presence of genes encoding virulence factors of pathogenic E. coli strains in the digestive tract along with their impact on pig performance of fattening pigs. Pigs (n = 840) on a commercial farm received mash or pellet diets of different particle sizes during the fattening period. Caecal and colon contents from 164 pigs were sampled at the slaughterhouse for enumeration of E. coli by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and for VFA quantification by capillary gas chromatography. The yccT gene was used to enumerate total E. coli. Improved pig performances associated with pellet texture and a 500-μm size were observed. Caecal (P = 0.02) and colon (P < 0.01) propionic acid concentrations were lower for pigs receiving pellet rather than mash feed. Similarly, caecal (P = 0.01) and colon (P < 0.001) butyric acid concentrations were also lower for pigs receiving pellet rather than mash feed, as determined by capillary gas chromatography. Moreover, caecal (P = 0.03) and colon (P < 0.001) butyric acid concentrations were higher for pigs receiving a feed with a 1,250-μm particle size rather than a 500-μm particle size. On the other hand, total caecal and colon E. coli levels were higher for pigs receiving pellet feed than for those receiving mash feed. For total E. coli enumeration, caecal (P < 0.01) and colon (P < 0.01) yccT gene copies were higher for pigs receiving pellet rather than mash feed. No effect of particle size on fatty acid concentrations or on E. coli numbers was observed. Virulence gene quantification revealed no trend. Taken together, results showed that mash feed is associated with lower growth performance but with favorable intestinal changes linked to VFA levels and E. coli reduction in the intestine.

Prevalence of Aspergillus section Fumigati in Portuguese slaughterhouses: a fungal and mycotoxin concern

Introduction - Within the Aspergillus genus, Aspergillus fumigatus species is one of the most ubiquitous saprophytic fungi and is considered the species with higher clinical relevance. The fungi belonging to the Fumigati section are the most common cause of invasive aspergillosis and a major source of infection related mortality in immunocompromised patients. One of the most abundant metabolites produced by Aspergillus fumigatus is the metabolite gliotoxin, which exhibits a diverse array of biologic effects on the immune system. Further, environments contaminated with A. fumigatus may be the cause or enhance respiratory problems in the workers of those specific settings. These species produce specific allergens and mycotoxins that could cause respiratory disorders. Aim of the study - The aim of the present work was to determine the prevalence of Aspergillus section Fumigati by cultural and molecular methods in poultry; swine and bovine; and large animal (bovine and horses) slaughterhouses.

Importance of size-selective particle measuring for assessing occupational exposures: a case study “from field to fork”

Sampling the total air concentration of particulate matter (PM) only provides a basic estimate of exposure that normally not allows correlating with the observed health effects. Therefore is of great importance to recognize the particles size distribution and, particularly, the exposure to fine particles (≤ 2.5 μm). This particles dimension corresponds to the respirable fraction, the one that can implicate local and systemic effects due to particle deposition and clearance from the lungs and transport within the organism. This study intended to describe occupational exposure to PM2.5 in three units related with swine production and consumption, namely: feed production, swine production and swine slaughterhouse. A size-selective particle measuring in five to six workplaces of each unit was performed. Measurements of PM were done using a portable direct-reading hand-held equipment (Lighthouse, model 3016 IAQ). Data showed slaughterhouse unit with higher values, with values ranging from 0.030 to 0.142 mg/m3 (0.073 + 0.043), being the cutting room the workplace with higher values. In feed production unit, values were between 0.026 and 0.033 mg/m3 (0.028 + 0.003) with the warehouse of pharmacy products as the workplace with higher values. Finally, in swine unit values ranged from 0.006 to 0.048 mg/m3 (0.023 + 0.017) with the batteries area presenting the higher values. PM can be rich in fungi and bacteria and their metabolites, such as endotoxins and mycotoxins. Previous publications already showed high contamination in these occupational settings and particles can have an important role in exposure since can easily act as carrier of these agents. Data acquired allow not only a better prediction of particle penetration into respiratory regions of the respiratory tract, but also a better estimation of PM health effects. Moreover, data permit to identify the workplaces where investment should be made to prevent and reduce exposure.

Determinação de curva glicolítica em carcaças de aves PSE (Pale, soft, exsudative) e normal em linha de abate industrial

Some quality defects can cause changes in attributes of the meat, among these we can detach the PSE meat (Pale, Soft and Exudative). The PSE meat is pale, flaccid and exudative and result from sudden pH decrease while the carcass is still under high temperature. The identification of PSE meat has been done by measuring pH and L* (Lightness). However, studies suggest that a more precise evaluation of the kinetics of pH and temperature decrease has to be conducted to better understand the etiology of PSE meat in poultry. The aim of this study was to obtain the glycolytic curve for normal and PSE meat of chicken, through the pH, L* and CRA (water holding capacity) analysis. This experiment was conducted with carcasses obtained from a commercial slaughterhouse (n = 35) of Cobb lineage, 50 days old, from the same batch of creation and with the same pre-slaughter fasting time (10h). Samples of breast fillets were obtained from carcasses randomly collected immediately at the output of pre-cooling chiller, and the analysis of pH, temperature and L * were conducted in the same in times 1h35, 2h35, 3h35, 5h35, 8h35, 11h35, 14h35, 17h35, 20h35, 23h35 and 25h35 post mortem. The CRA analyzes were performed at the time of 25h35 post mortem. The pH measurements indicated that only from the 04 time (8h35 post mortem) was possible to verify an indicative of stabilization, being that PSE meat pH was 5,69±0,07, and normal meat was 5,93±0,09. The final pH (25h35 post mortem) was 5,98±0,06 and L* 57,30± 2,39 for normal meat, while for PSE meat the result was 5,72±0,06 and L* 59,44±1,51. To CRA, the average of the samples (67,19±3.13 and 64,45± 2.66) showed a difference between the normal chicken fillets and PSE respectively. The data found in this study are consistent with those reported by own research group in another slaughterhouse and contradicts similar works, but made at room temperature, indicating that for chickens under commercial conditions the resolution of rigor mortis occurs after 8h35 post mortem.

From the farm to the fork: fungal occupational exposure in the swine meat supply chain

Feed production, swine and slaughterhouses were already reported as occupational environments with high fungal contamination. This condition can ultimately lead to the development of several health conditions. This study aimed to characterize the occupational exposure to fungal burden in three different settings: swine feed unit, swine units and slaughterhouse.

Biodiesel a partir de óleos de alta acidez: desenvolvimento de um processo catalítico homogêneo

O presente trabalho visa o desenvolvimento de um processo para a produção de biodiesel partindo de óleos de alta acidez, aplicando um processo em duas etapas de catálise homogênea. A primeira é a reação de esterificação etílica dos ácidos graxos livres, catalisada por H2SO4, ocorrendo no meio de triglicerídeos e a segunda é a transesterificação dos triglicerídeos remanescentes, ocorrendo no meio dos ésteres alquílicos da primeira etapa e catalisada com álcali (NaOH) e álcool etílico ou metílico. A reação de esterificação foi estudada com uma mistura modelo consistindo de óleo de soja neutro acidificado artificialmente com 15%p de ácido oleico PA. Este valor foi adotado, como referência, devido a certas gorduras regionais (óleo de mamona advinda de agricultura familiar, sebos de matadouro e óleo de farelo de arroz, etc.) apresentarem teores entre 10-20%p de ácidos graxos livres. Nas duas etapas o etanol é reagente e também solvente, sendo a razão molar mistura:álcool um dos parâmetros pesquisados nas relações 1:3, 1:6 e 1:9. Outros foram a temperatura 60 e 80ºC e a concentração percentual do catalisador, 0,5, 1,0 e 1,5%p, (em relação à massa de óleo). A combinatória destes parâmetros resultou em 18 reações. Dentre as condições reacionais estudadas, oito atingiram acidez aceitável inferior a 1,5%p possibilitando a definição das condições para aplicação ótima da segunda etapa. A melhor condição nesta etapa ocorreu quando a reação foi conduzida a 60°C com 1%p de H2SO4 e razão molar 1:6. No final da primeira etapa foram realizados tratamentos pertinentes como a retirada do catalisador e estudada sua influência sobre a acidez final, utilizando-se de lavagens com e sem adição de hexano, seguidas de evaporação ou adição de agente secante. Na segunda etapa estudaram-se as razões molares de óleo:álcool de 1:6 e 1:9 com álcool metílico e etílico, com 0,5 e 1%p de NaOH assim como o tratamento da reação (lavagem ou neutralização do catalisador) a 60°C, resultando em 16 experimentos. A melhor condição nesta segunda etapa ocorreu com 0,5%p de NaOH, razão molar óleo:etanol de 1:6 e somente as reações em que se aplicaram lavagens apresentaram índices de acidez adequados (<1,0%p) coerentes com os parâmetros da ANP.

Bloqueio meiótico como alternativa para aumentar a produção de embriões clone por transferência nuclear

Dissertação (mestrado)—Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, 2016.

Caracterização molecular de cepas de Listeria monocytogenes oriundas de corte bovino e abatedouros frigoríficos de bovinos localizado no Distrito Federal

Dissertação (mestrado)—Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Animal, 2016.