Características de virulência, resistência e diversidade genética de sorovares de Salmonella com impacto na saúde pública, isolados de frangos de corte no Brasil /

Salmonella Enteritidis, S. Typhimurium and S. Infantis are often associated with cases of human infections worldwide and is transmitted through consumption of contaminated food, particularly those of animal origin, especially chicken meat. This thesis was fractionated into three chapters, the first one relating to general considerations about the topics discussed in the following chapters. The second chapter aimed to evaluate virulence characteristics, antimicrobial resistance and the genetic similarity of 51 strains of S. Infantis isolated in samples of poultry origin from an industry located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, during the 2009 to 2010 period. The third chapter aimed to analyze 111 strains of S. Enteritidis, 45 of Salmonella Typhimurium and 31 of Salmonella Typhimurium monophasic variant I 4, [5], 12:i:- isolated from chicken carcasses in different brazilian slaughterhouses from 2009 to 2011, and to estimate the risk to human health, based on the presence of virulence genes and antimicrobial resistance, correlating to the pathogenicity profiles (antimicrobial resistance and presence of virulence and resistance genes) with the genetic profile (ribogroup) of the isolates. To evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility was performed the disk diffusion test for all serotypes of Salmonella, and exclusively to S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium, was also verified the minimum inhibitory concentration for ciprofloxacin and ceftazidime antibiotics. The presence of virulence genes invA (invasion), lpfA (fimbriae-adhesion), agfA (fimbriae-biofilm) and sefA (fimbriae-adhesion) were evaluated by PCR. The strains that showed resistance to antibiotics of β-lactams class were evaluated for the presence of resistance genes blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTX-M and blaAmpC. For resistant strains to quinolones and fluoroquinolones antibiotics classes were searched the qnrA and qnrS genes. The phylogenetic relationship among the isolates was determined by RAPD method for S. Infantis strains, and by ribotyping technique to S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium.

Catalyst screening: Refinement of the origin of the volcano curve and its implication in heterogeneous catalysis

Understanding the overall catalytic activity trend for rational catalyst design is one of the core goals in heterogeneous catalysis. In the past two decades, the development of density functional theory (DFT) and surface kinetics make it feasible to theoretically evaluate and predict the catalytic activity variation of catalysts within a descriptor-based framework. Thereinto, the concept of the volcano curve, which reveals the general activity trend, usually constitutes the basic foundation of catalyst screening. However, although it is a widely accepted concept in heterogeneous catalysis, its origin lacks a clear physical picture and definite interpretation. Herein, starting with a brief review of the development of the catalyst screening framework, we use a two-step kinetic model to refine and clarify the origin of the volcano curve with a full analytical analysis by integrating the surface kinetics and the results of first-principles calculations. It is mathematically demonstrated that the volcano curve is an essential property in catalysis, which results from the self-poisoning effect accompanying the catalytic adsorption process. Specifically, when adsorption is strong, it is the rapid decrease of surface free sites rather than the augmentation of energy barriers that inhibits the overall reaction rate and results in the volcano curve. Some interesting points and implications in assisting catalyst screening are also discussed based on the kinetic derivation. Moreover, recent applications of the volcano curve for catalyst design in two important photoelectrocatalytic processes (the hydrogen evolution reaction and dye-sensitized solar cells) are also briefly discussed.

Avaliação dos parâmetros de insensibilização e os impactos na qualidade da carne de perus (Meleagris gallopavo)

Brazil is the third largest producer and exporter of turkey meat, especially in Paraná state, with the largest production volume. In worldwide the animal welfare is a prerequisite for food quality of animal origin, especially in Europe. The Regulation of European Community No 1099/2009 provides requirements for poultry stunning that associate with animal welfare as a means to minimize the pain and suffering from the slaughter. Improper application of callousness should produce low-quality meat, and significant industry losses. This Research aimed to evaluate the impacts on the quality of meat from turkeys, applying electrical stunning parameters established in the Regulation No 1099/2009 of the Council of 24 September 2009. Was applied an outline with 8 tests set equidistantly to frequency, and set parameters for current and voltage, and a control test. Were conducted qualitative assessments of hematoms and bruises / fractures in carcasses, hematoms, blood splashed and bleeding in turkey breast, and quantitative pH, color (L *), water holding capacity and shear force in turkey breast. The individual assessments showed no significant difference (p>0,05). In multivariate cluster analysis was the formation of two distinct groups: group 1 - 50 Hz to 200 Hz (low frequency) and group 2 - 633 Hz to 1500 Hz (high frequency), which showed significant difference (p= 0,016). In principal component analysis multivariate, the group 1 tend to have a higher incidence of bruising, blood splashed, bleeding and water holding capacity in breast turkeys, and bruises / fractures and hematoms on carcasses. The Group 2 tends to have a lower incidence of these parameters, and higher pH values, shear force and color (L *). Positive correlation was obtained for the parameters pH and shear force (r= 0.7506, p=0.0198); bleeding and splashed blood (r= 0.8811, p= 0.0017), and negative correlation to color (L*) and splashed blood on breast (r= -0.7889; p= 0.0115); breast hematoms and shear force (r= -0.7844; p= 0.0123). It has been observed that at lower frequencies stunning tends to have higher incidence of defects in the carcasses and turkey breast. The use of high frequencies in stunning, create smaller quantity of trimming, and an increase in turkey breast volume produced, with a financial gain of approximately R$250,000.00 / year. Moreover, there is no need increase the workers to do the trimming tasks and, therefore, higher financial results for companies. Therefore, we recommend the use of high frequencies in the stunning of turkeys.

The use of animal processed proteins and fat on the growth performance of rainbow trout (Onchorynchus mykiss)

Hoje em dia a industria da aquacultura enfrenta novos desafios para manter a sustentabilidade econômica de uma forma responsável para o meio ambiente e consumidores. Um dos maiores desafios que apresenta hoje em dia, é o aumento do preço da farinha e óleo de peixe que são os constituintes maioritários da alimentação para os peixes de aquacultura. As PAP’s e gorduras de animais terrestres parecem ser uma alternativa viável, sustentável e menos problemática do que as farinhas e óleos vegetais para substituir a farinha e óleo de peixe. Por esta razão neste trabalho nos procuramos substituir uma pequena parte da farinha e óleo de peixe por alguns produtos provenientes de animais terrestres. Este estudo foi um teste de crescimento para a truta arco-íris (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Inicialmente foram formuladas 4 dietas (CTRL, PAP2, PAP3 and PAP4). Exceptuando o dieta controlo (CTRL) que foi uma dieta comercial, os outros alimentos foram desenhados para substituir a farinha de peixe e outras farinhas vegetais por PAP’s (proteína animal processada) como hidrolisado de farinha de penas, farinha de sangue de suíno e gordura animal processadas como a gordura de aves. O teste foi feito ao longo de 112 dias com checkpoints no dia (30, 60 e 112), onde os peixes eram pesados com excepção do dia 112 onde foram também amostrados para composição corporal e índice hepatossomático. O peso inicial médio dos peixes dos grupos foi 219,7g e o peso médio final foi 488,7g. Não existiram alterações comportamentais nem preferência por nenhuma ração testada e não foram verificadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas (P>0,05) no consumo de ração, crescimento e outros parâmetros de crescimento com a exceção da taxa de eficiência proteica. Foram também verificadas diferenças estatísticas significativas para alguns aspectos da composição corporal, ganhos e retenções. Os resultados demonstram que as substituições feitas não tiveram impacto no crescimentos da truta arco íris mas sim na composição corporal. Apesar disso os resultados não sugerem nenhum problema importante relacionado com o uso de PAP’s na formulação de ração para peixes.

Hepcidin and Ferritin Levels in Fever of Unknown Origin: Is There a New Biomarker?

Background and objectives: Significantly elevated serum ferritin levels are associated with both iron overload and some inflammatory conditions. Hepcidin is a protein that interferes with iron absorption in inflammatory states and acts as an acute-phase reactant. Materials and methods: Here we report the case a 33-year-old patient who presented with high fever, skin lesions and arthralgia lasting for 2 weeks. His ferritin level was 13,800 µg/l and his hepcidin level was 61 ng/dl. Results: The final diagnosis was adult onset Still's disease. The condition evolved satisfactorily with steroid treatment, but after several weeks the patient presented with an unexpected recurrence. Conclusions: Hepcidin is a good inflammatory marker that could be useful in the differential diagnosis of hyperferritinaemia.

Harvesting and Collection of Animal Forest Species

The harvest and trade of corals and other benthic organisms from the world’s shallow tropical reefs is a lucrative industry that can have positive socioeconomic benefits for communities while supplying the increasing demand specimens for aquaria and curios. For most countries, this trade has historically been almost entirely unregulated. More recently, in response to concerns about the rapid decline of some reefs in the face of anthropogenic and natural pressures, as well as indications of depletions and even localized extinctions of some species caused by harvesting, there have been attempts to improve the sustainability of the industry. Both developing and developed countries face different impediments to this reform, the most pressing and common of which is the lack of reliable data on world trade through CITES. Thereafter, differences in the processes through which reform can be implemented are based principally on the length of the supply chain from collection to export, the degree of industry stewardship, and resourcing. The coral collection fishery in Queensland, Australia, provides an example where continual improvements in reporting and risk assessments and adopting a comanagement approach are delivering better adaptive management of the resource, although the on-ground sustainability benefits of this approach are still to be tested. A simpler approach to sustainable use of coral is to favor the replacement of wild harvested specimens with those bred or grown entirely in an aquaculture facility (as opposed to merely collected and then grown out in culture). Yet there are major impediments to this change, including the dependence of many public aquaria on the same sources as the hobbyist community, difficulties of culturing some species in captivity, and infrastructure costs. Nevertheless, this approach will likely play an important part in reef conservation efforts in the future.

Giant Cell Arteritis Presenting with Bilateral Subdural Haematomas of Arterial Origin

Giant cell arteritis or temporal arteritis is an inflammatory condition affecting medium to large sized vessels, particularly the cranial arteries. A 76-year-old man with no significant past medical history presented to the emergency department with a 3-week history of diffuse headaches associated with fever, loss of appetite, weight loss and general malaise. A CT scan of the brain showed bilateral shallow chronic low density subdural haematomas. A complete laboratory panel was unremarkable except for a raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate and elevated C-reactive protein. A transthoracic echocardiogram and CT scan of the body were unremarkable. MRI of the brain confirmed bilateral old subdural collections and showed marked vessel wall enhancement in the frontal branches of the left superficial temporal artery. A left temporal artery biopsy confirmed giant cell temporal arteritis. We speculate that a vasculitic process in the small subdural arteries may have contributed to our patient’s spontaneous subdural haematomas.

Acute mesenteric ischemia of arterial origin: importance of early revascularization

Voir aussi : F. Plumereau, S. Mucci, P. Le Naoures, J.B. Finel, A. Hamy. Ischémie mésentérique aiguë d’étiologie artérielle : intérêt d’une revascularisation précoce. Journal de Chirurgie Viscérale, Volume 152, Issue 1, February 2015, pp. 16-21. doi:10.1016/j.jchirv.2014.07.014

The use of animal models in multiple myeloma

International audience

Otolith shape variation provides a marker of stock origin for north Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus)

Two stocks of bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) inhabit the north Atlantic; the western and eastern stocks spawn in the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean Sea respectively. Trans-Atlantic movements occur outside spawning time whereas natal homing maintains stock structure. Commercial fisheries may exploit a mixed assemblage of both stocks. The incorporation of mixing rates into stock assessment is precluded by uncertainties surrounding stock discrimination. Otolith shape descriptors were used to characterise western and eastern stocks of Atlantic bluefin tuna in the present study and to estimate stock composition in catches of unknown origin. Otolith shape varied with length and between locations and years. Within a restricted size range (200-297-cm fork length (FL)) the two stocks were distinguished with an accuracy of 83%. Bayesian stock mixture analysis indicated that samples from the east Atlantic and Mediterranean were predominantly of eastern origin. The proportion assigned to the eastern stock showed slight spatial variation; however, overlapping 95% credible intervals indicated no significant difference (200-297 cm FL: central Atlantic, 73-100%; Straits of Gibraltar, 73-100%; Morocco, 50-99%; Portugal 64-100%). Otolith shape could be used in combination with other population markers to improve the accuracy of mixing rate estimates for Atlantic bluefin tuna.

Partição de nicho isotópico por pequenos mamíferos em formações florestais de uma savana neotropical

Dissertação (mestrado)—Universidade de Brasília, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Ecologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, 2016.

Greenhouse gases of animal agriculture in Brazil: urrent status and perspectives.

2007

The integration of immigrant-origin youths in Japan

The steadily growing immigration phenomenon in today’s Japan is showing a tangible and expanding presence of immigrant-origin youths residing in the country. International research in the migration studies area has underlined the importance of focusing on immigrant-origin youths to shed light on the character of the way immigrant incorporate in countries of destinations. In-deed, immigrants’ offspring, the adults of tomorrow, embody the interlocutor between first-generation immigrants and the receiving societal context. The extent of the presence of immigrants’ children in countries of destination is also a reliable yardstick to assess the maturation of the migration process, transforming it from a temporary phenomenon to a long-term settlement. Within this framework, the school is a privileged site to observe and analyze immigrant-origin youths’ integration. Alongside their family and peers, school constitutes one of the main agents of socialization. Here, children learn norms and rules and acquire the necessary tools to eventually compete in the pursuit of an occupation, determining their future socioeconomic standing. This doctoral research aims to identify which theoretical model articulated in the area of migration studies best describes the adaptation process of immigrant-origin youths in Japan. In particular, it examines whether (and to what extent) any of the pre-existing frameworks can help explain the Japanese occurring circumstances, or whether further elaboration and adjustment are needed. Alternatively, it studies whether it is necessary to produce a new model based on the peculiarities of the Japanese social context. This study provides a theoretical-oriented contribution to the (mainly descriptive but maturing) literature on immigrant-origin youths’ integration in Japan. Considering past growth trends of Japanese immigration and its expanding prospective projections (Korekawa 2018c), this study might be considered pioneering for future development of the phenomenon.

Genes involved in germline regulative pathways in metazoa: an integrative approach to investigate a key feature of animal biology

In Metazoa, the germline represents the cell lineage devoted to transmission of genetic heredity across generations. Its functions intuitively evoke the crucial roles that it plays in the development of a new organism and in the evolution of the species. Germline establishment is tightly tied to animal multicellularity itself, in which the complex differentiation of cell lineages is favoured by the confinement of totipotency in specific cell populations. In the present thesis, I addressed the subject of germline characterization in animals through different approaches, in an attempt to cover different sides and scales. First, I investigated the extent and nature of shared differentially transcribed molecular factors in 10 different species germline-related lineages. I observed that newly evolved genes are less likely to be involved in germline-related mechanisms and that the mostly shared transcriptional signal across the species considered was the upregulation of genes associated to proper DNA replication, instead of the expected transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation, that apparently have a higher level of lineage-specificity. I then focused on the evolutionary history of Tudor domain containing proteins, a gene family that underwent germline-associated expansions in animals. Using data from 24 holozoan phyla, I could confirm the previously proposed evolution of the Tudor domain secondary structure. Also, I associated lineage-specific family reductions and expansions to peculiar genomic dynamics and to the evolution of germline-associated piRNA pathway of retrotransposon silencing. Lastly, I characterized and investigated the expression of the Tudor protein TDRD7 in the clam Ruditapes philippinarum. Through immunolocalization, I could compare its expression profiles in gametogenic specimens to the previously characterized germline marker vasa. Combining results with literature, I proposed that, in this species, TDRD7 is involved in the assembly of germ granules, i.e. cytoplasmic structures associated to germline differentiation in virtually all animals, but whose assemblers can be taxon specific.

Calidad microbiológica de las aguas de baño del embalse Conde del Guadalhorce, de Málaga (España), 2000-2005.

Background. Determine the presence and evolution of indicators microorganisms of water pollution in “Conde del Guadalhorce” reservoir, Málaga city, Spain. A second objective was to analyze pollution degree and evaluate the sanitary quality of bathing water and compliance with European Directive 76/160/CE. Method. A total of 120 water samples were collected in two bathing freshwater sites during May to September sampling period between 2000 to 2005, and the numbers of total coliforms (CT), faecal coliforms (CF) and faecal streptococci (EF) were enumerated using the membrane filtration method. We used the log-normal distribution method and calculate the logarithmic means, percentile points, ratios CF:EF, ANOVA and Pearson correlations. Results. Only two samples overcome CF limit values at Camping sampling station during 2000 year. Ratios CF:EF values were higher (> 4) during 2000 to 2002, and lower (< 0,7) during 2003 to 2005. Significant differences (ANOVA F = 3,41, ∝ < 0,01) was only observed with EF during evaluated period. There was no significant difference between concentration means at bathing water sites (ANOVA, F = 3,395, ∝ < 0,01). The counts of CT and CF were significantly correlated in Kiosko water samples, while in Camping water, significant correlation (t = 0,632, p < 0,05) was only observed with EF at the Camping station during 2000, 2003 and 2005 years. Conclusions. “Conde del Guadalhorce” reservoir showed hygienic conditions for safety bathing. Globally, water bathing quality is good. CT, CF y EF indicators were agreed with UE Directive during 2000- 2005, with exception CF at Camping station in 2000 year. CT y CF concentrations at Camping were frecuently higher than Kiosko, it could be caused to swimmers abundance and recreational activities. There was a trend towards rising EF, it could be caused to faecal pollution source of animal origin, needed to research it.