Effects of organic matter on acidic electrolysed water for reduction of foodborne pathogens on lettuce and spinach

AIMS

To evaluate the efficacy of acidic electrolysed water (EW) in the presence of organic matter (bovine serum) on the inoculated surfaces of lettuce and spinach.

MATERIALS AND RESULTS

Lettuce and spinach leaves were inoculated with a cocktail of three strains each of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes and treated with deionized water, acidic EW and acidic EW containing bovine serum (5, 10, 15 and 20 ml l(-1)) for 15 s, 30 s, 1 min, 3 min and 5 min at room temperature (22 +/- 2 degrees C). In the absence of bovine serum, acidic EW treatment reduced levels of cells below the detection limit (0.7 log) in 5 min. In the presence of bovine serum, bactericidal activity of acidic EW decreased with increasing serum concentration.

CONCLUSIONS

Organic matter reduces the effectiveness of acidic EW for reducing pathogens on the surfaces of lettuce and spinach.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

From a practical standpoint, organic matter reduces the efficacy of acidic EW. This study was conducted to confirm the effect of organic matter on the properties of acidic EW in the inactivation of foodborne pathogens on the surface of vegetables.

Multicentimeter long high density magnetic plasmas for optical guiding

We present a platform for producing long plasma channels suitable for guiding lasers over several centimeters by applying magnetic fields to limit the radial heat flux from a preforming laser beam. The resulting density gradient will be used as an optical plasma waveguide. The plasma conditions have been chosen to be consistent with the requirements for laser wakefield acceleration where multi-GeV electrons are predicted. A detailed description of the system used to produce the high (5 T) magnetic fields and initial results that show a 5 cm long plasma column are discussed.

Intensive care after elective surgery: a survey on 30-day postoperative mortality and morbidity

BACKGROUND

Postoperative admission to the surgical intensive care unit (S-ICU) is routinely planned in order to prevent and treat early complications. Currently, limited studies have been conducted on this topic, and as such, early morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing postoperative intensive care were investigated.

METHODS

This prospective analysis was performed in the S-ICU of a University hospital and included 1045 consecutive patients. All patients underwent elective surgery and were admitted to the S-ICU on the basis of preoperative clinical assessment. On the second, seventh, and thirtieth postoperative days, the location of the patients was recorded (ICU, surgical ward, or home) as were any complications that occurred. Predicted mortality and morbidity were assessed using the POSSUM score.

RESULTS

The observed postoperative mortality rate was 2.4% (95% CI: 1.5-3.3%), which was much lower than the rate predicted by both POSSUM (6.2%) and P-POSSUM (5.3%) analyses, and 36% of patients experienced complications, a percentage slightly higher than that predicted by POSSUM (30.2%). The first 48 hours following surgery were characterized by the highest mortality rate (2.85 deaths per thousand vs 0.7 per thousand by the third postoperative day) as well as the highest morbidity rate (7.7% vs 4.3% between the third and seventh postoperative days, and 0.9% between the eighth and thirtieth postoperative days). The presumed causes of early death were primarily secondary to cardiovascular complications (five out of six).

CONCLUSIONS

The first 48 hours after surgery is a critical period in high-risk patients, and a stay in the S-ICU should be seriously considered. Planned admission to the S-ICU may effectively decrease postoperative mortality, as suggested by the highly significant difference between expected and observed deaths following S-ICU admission.

Comparative analysis of circadian clock genes in insects

After a slow start, the comparative analysis of clock genes in insects has developed into a mature area of study in recent years. Brain transplant or surgical interventions in larger insects defined much of the early work in this area, before the cloning of clock genes became possible. We discuss the evolution of clock genes, their key sequence differences, and their likely modes of regulation in several different insect orders. We also present their expression patterns in the brain, focusing particularly on Diptera, Lepidoptera, and Orthoptera, the most common non-genetic model insects studied. We also highlight the adaptive involvement of clock molecules in other complex phenotypes which require biological timing, such as social behaviour, diapause and migration.

Effect of electrolyzed water for reduction of foodborne pathogens on lettuce and spinach

The ability of electrolyzed water (EW) to inactivate foodborne pathogens on the surfaces of lettuce and spinach was investigated. Lettuce and spinach leaves were inoculated with a cocktail of 3 strains each of Escherichia col O157:H7, Salmnonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes and treated with acidic electrolyzed water (AC-EW), alkaline electrolyzed water (AK-EW), alkaline electrolyzed water followed by acidic electrolyzed water (sequential treatment, AK-EW + AC-EW), deionized water followed by acidic electrolyzed water (sequential treatment, DW + AC-EW), and deionized water (control, DW) for 15, 30 s, and 1, 3, and 5 min at room temperature (22 +/- 2 degrees C). For all 3 pathogens, the same pattern of microbial reduction on lettuce and spinach were apparent. The relative efficacy of reduction was AC-EW > DW + AC-EW approximately = AK-EW + AC-EW > AK-EW > control. After a 3-min treatment of AC-EW, the 3 tested pathogens were reduced below the detection limit (0.7 log). DW + AC-EW and AK-EW + AC-EW produced the same levels of reduction after 5 min when compared to the control. AK-EW did not reduce levels of pathogens even after a 5-min treatment on lettuce and spinach. Results suggest that AC-EW treatment was able to significantly reduce populations of the 3 tested pathogens from the surfaces of lettuce and spinach with increasing time of exposure.

Abductor pollicis longus "hammock" ligamentoplasty for treatment of first carpometacarpal arthritis

The association of trapeziectomy with ligamentoplasty is a simple treatment for osteoarthritis at the base of the thumb. Here we present the long-term results of a technique that creates a "hammock" under the first metacarpal bone using the Abductor Pollicis Longus tendon. This paper reports the results of treatment by this operation of 60 thumbs in 50 patients, including 13 men and 37 women of average age 60 (46-75) years. Thirty thumbs presented with severe pain and 30 with moderate pain. At final follow-up, 47 thumbs (78%) had experienced dramatic relief of pain following the procedure, 12 (20%) thumbs still had mild pain and one (2%) thumb had severe pain. No patients needed revision.

Fate of foodborne pathogens on green onions and tomatoes by electrolysed water

AIMS

To investigate the efficacy of electrolysed water (EW) in killing Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes on the surfaces of spot-inoculated green onions and tomatoes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Green onions and tomatoes were inoculated with a cocktail of three strains each of E. coli O157:H7, Salm. typhimurium and L. monocytogenes and treated with acidic electrolysed water (AC-EW), alkaline electrolysed water (AK-EW), alkaline electrolysed water followed by acidic electrolysed water (AK-EW + AC-EW), deionized water followed by acidic electrolysed water (DW + AC-EW) and deionized water (control, DW) for 15 s, 30 s, 1 min, 3 min and 5 min at room temperature (22 +/- 2 degrees C). The relative efficacy of reduction was AC-EW > DW + AC-EW approximately AK-EW + AC-EW > AK-EW > DW.

CONCLUSIONS

Acidic EW treatment was able to significantly reduce populations of the three tested pathogens from the surfaces of green onions and tomatoes with increasing exposure time.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Rinsing in acidic EW reveals an effective method to control the presence of E. coli O157:H7, Salm. typhimurium and L. monocytogenes on the surfaces of fresh green onions and tomatoes, without affecting their organoleptic characteristics. This indicates its potential application for the decontamination of fresh produce surfaces.

Evidence for the role of neurogenic inflammation components in trypsin-elicited scratching behaviour in mice

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We investigated the mechanisms underlying the pruritogenic response induced by trypsin in mice, to assess the relevance of neurogenic inflammation components in this response.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Itching was induced by an intradermal injection of trypsin in the mouse neck. The animals were observed for 40 min and their scratching behaviour was quantified.

KEY RESULTS

Trypsin-induced itching was blocked by the lima bean trypsin inhibitor, the selective proteinase-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) antagonist FSLLRY and PAR-2 receptor desensitization. An important involvement of mast cells was observed, as chronic pretreatment with the mast cell degranulator compound 48/80 or the mast cell stabilizer disodium cromoglycate prevented scratching. Also, trypsin response was inhibited by the selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib and by the selective kinin B2 (FR173657) and B1 (SSR240612) receptor antagonists. Moreover, an essential role for the mediators of neurogenic inflammation was established, as the selective NK1 (FK888), NK3 (SR142801) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP(8-37) fragment) receptor antagonists inhibited trypsin-induced itching. Similarly, blockade of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptors by the selective TRPV1 receptor antagonist SB366791, or by genetic deletion of TRPV1 receptor reduced this behaviour in mice. C-fibre desensitization showed a very similar result.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Trypsin intradermal injection proved to be a reproducible model for the study of itching and the involvement of PAR-2 receptors. Also, trypsin-induced itching seems to be widely dependent on neurogenic inflammation, with a role for TRPV1 receptors. In addition, several other mediators located in the sensory nerves and skin also seem to contribute to this process.

Transthyretin binding to A-Beta peptide--impact on A-Beta fibrillogenesis and toxicity

It has been suggested that transthyretin (TTR) is involved in preventing A-Beta fibrillization in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we characterized the TTR/A-Beta interaction by competition binding assays. TTR binds to different A-Beta peptide species: soluble (Kd, 28 nM), oligomers and fibrils; diverse TTR variants bind differentially to A-Beta. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis demonstrated that TTR is capable of interfering with A-Beta fibrillization by both inhibiting and disrupting fibril formation. Co-incubation of the two molecules resulted in the abolishment of A-Beta toxicity. Our results confirmed TTR as an A-Beta ligand and indicated the inhibition/disruption of A-Beta fibrils as a possible mechanism underlying the protective role of TTR in AD.

Inverse relationship between ambulatory arterial stiffness index and glomerular filtration rate in arterial hypertension

BACKGROUND

Arterial stiffness and mild-to-moderate renal dysfunction are predictors of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. Recently, the ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) has been proposed as a surrogate index of arterial stiffness. It has been associated with an enhanced risk of stroke. The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between AASI and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in a group of hypertensive patients with no CV complications.

METHODS

A total of 143 untreated hypertensive subjects (mean age: 44 +/- 12 years; men 57%), with serum creatinine <1.5 mg/dl, were enrolled. AASI was calculated as one minus the regression slope of diastolic on systolic blood pressure (BP) obtained by individual 24-h BP recordings. GFR was computed from the scintigraphic determination of the technetium-99m diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid uptake within the kidneys, by the Gates' method.

RESULTS

Hypertensive patients with AASI above the median value (n = 71) had lower GFR than those with AASI below the median (n = 72) (98.3 +/- 31 vs. 122.4 +/- 32 ml/min/1.73 m(2); P < 0.001). This difference held even after adjustment for age and gender. The linear regression analysis disclosed a significant inverse correlation between GFR and AASI (r = -0.30; P < 0.001), that was replicated (beta = -0.19; P = 0.02) in a multiple regression model including, as independent variables (besides AASI), age, gender, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, body mass index, 24-h pulse pressure (PP) and nocturnal reduction in BP.

CONCLUSIONS

AASI is inversely related to GFR in arterial hypertension. This may help to explain the increased CV risk associated with mild-to-moderate renal dysfunction.

Exposure to noise during continuous positive airway pressure: influence of interfaces and delivery systems

BACKGROUND

We measured noise intensity and perceived noisiness during continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) performed with two interfaces (face-mask, helmet) and four delivery systems.

METHODS

Eight healthy volunteers received CPAP in random order with: two systems provided with a flow generator using the Venturi effect and a mechanical expiratory valve (A: Venturi, Starmed; B: Whisperflow-2, Caradyne Ltd); one 'free-flow' system provided with high flow O(2) and air flowmeters, an inspiratory gas reservoir, and a water valve (C: CF800, Drägerwerk, AG); and a standard mechanical ventilator (Servoventilator 300, Siemens-Elema). Systems A, B, and C were tested with a face-mask and a helmet at a CPAP value of 10 cm H(2)O; the mechanical ventilator was only tested with the face mask. Noise intensity was measured with a sound-level meter. After each test, participants scored noisiness on a visual analog scale (VAS).

RESULTS

The noise levels measured ranged from 57+/-11 dBA (mechanical ventilator plus mask) to 93+/-1 and 94+/-2 dBA (systems A and B plus helmet) and were significantly affected by CPAP systems (A and B noisier than C and D) and interfaces (helmet CPAP noisier than mask CPAP). Subjective evaluation showed that systems A and B plus helmet were perceived as noisier than system C plus mask or helmet.

CONCLUSIONS

Maximum noise levels observed in this study may potentially cause patient discomfort. Less noisy CPAP systems (not using Venturi effect) and interfaces (facial mask better than helmet) should be preferred, particularly for long or nocturnal treatments.

Human leukocyte antigen-G expression after kidney transplantation is associated with a reduced incidence of rejection

HLA-G is a non-classic Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA-G) Class I of low polymorphism and restricted tissue distribution that displays tolerogenic functions. In heart transplantation and in combined liver/renal allograft transplantation, the expression of HLA-G has been associated with a lower incidence of acute graft rejection episodes and absence of chronic dysfunction. Since the expression of HLA-G in renal biopsies has been investigated only in few patients who received a combined kidney and liver transplant, in this study we performed a cross-sectional study, systematically comparing the expression of HLA-G in post-transplanted renal grafts, stratifying patients according to the presence or absence of rejection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seventy-three renal specimens (10 with acute rejection and 13 with chronic allograft nephropathy, and 50 with no signs of rejection) were immunohistochemically evaluated for HLA-G expression.

RESULTS

In the group as a whole, HLA-G molecules were detected in 40 cases (54.8%). Among specimens that presented HLA-G expression, 2 out of 40 (5%) exhibited acute rejection, 2 (5%) exhibited chronic allograft nephropathy, and the remaining 36 (90%) exhibited no signs of rejection. The comparison between patients with rejection and those without rejection showed that the expression of HLA-G was significantly increased in specimens exhibiting no signs of rejection (p<0.0001). Considering only patients with acute rejection, 8 out of 10 patients showed no HLA-G expression in their kidney biopsies when compared to patients exhibiting no signs of rejection and absence of HLA-G was observed in 14 out of 50 (p=0.0032). Similarly, considering only patients with chronic allograft nephropathy, absence of HLA-G expression was observed in 11 out of 13 specimens, whereas in patients without rejection absence of HLA-G was observed in 14 out of 50 (p=0.003). Therapy with tacrolimus was significantly associated with the expression of HLA-G and a better graft prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that HLA-G expression in the kidney allograft and the use of tacrolimus are associated with a lower frequency of acute renal rejection and chronic allograft nephropathy.

Depression during pregnancy and the postpartum period in adolescent and adult Portuguese mothers

OBJECTIVE

To study prevalence as well as risk factors for pregnancy and postpartum depression in a sample of adolescent and adult Portuguese mothers.

METHODS

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was administered to 108 (54 adult and 54 adolescent) Portuguese women at 24-36 weeks of pregnancy and at 2-3 months postpartum.

RESULTS

Rates for EPDS > 12 are high during the 3(rd) trimester of pregnancy (18.5%) and at 2-3 months postpartum (17.6%), and not significantly different between these two periods; more than 1/4 of the sample (27.8%) had an EPDS > 12 before or after delivery. Adolescent mothers presented more depressive symptoms as well as more EPDS > 12 than adult mothers, both in pregnancy (25.9% versus 11.1%) and at 2-3 months postpartum (25.9% versus 9.3%); moreover, when considering other socio-demographics, adolescent mothers were still at risk for depressive symptoms during pregnancy as well as for postpartum depression. Women depressed in pregnancy, and ones who are under 18 years old and who live with the partner, were at risk for postpartum EPDS > 12.

CONCLUSION

Adolescent mothers seem particularly at risk for depression during pregnancy and the postpartum period, therefore, just like the women who are depressed during pregnancy, they should be better targeted in preventive and intervention measures.

A cline in the Drosophila melanogaster period gene in Australia: neither down nor under

Weeks et al. (2006) have reported their inability to find a cline in the frequencies of the major Thr-Gly encoding length variant alleles of the period gene in Drosophila melanogaster in Eastern Australia. This is in contrast to a study by Sawyer et al. (2006), who found a cline on this continent from samples collected in 1993. Weeks et al. then cast doubt on the validity of a robust cline found for these variants in Europe by Costa et al. (1992), criticizing their molecular techniques and sampling methods. We show how these claims are unjustified, and reveal a number of potential problems in their own methodology. Finally by reanalysing the subset of their data which they state is more reliable, we suggest that their results from Australia may be reasonably consistent with our own.

Toscana virus meningitis in Portugal, 2002-2005

Toscana virus infection is endemic in Italy, but has also been documented in other Mediterranean countries. Our aim was to investigate the occurrence of Toscana virus (TOSV) meningitis in children and young adults in a metropolitan area in the north of Portugal. Cerebrospinal fluid samples from 308 patients with the diagnosis of meningitis and with negative bacterial culture were tested for enteroviruses and herpesviruseses by reverse transcription PCR. Those samples that proved negative for enterovirus and herpesvirus were tested for Toscana virus with a commercial reverse transcription nested PCR assay. In total, we investigated 106 samples, collected between May and September during the four-year period between 2002 and 2005 from patients younger than 30 years old. Toscana virus was the cause of meningitis in six (5.6%) of the cases, three children and three young adults. All had a benign course and self-limited disease. Since a first case report of TOSV infection 1985 and another in 1996, both in foreign tourists, these six cases of Toscana virus meningitis are, to our knowledge, the first diagnosed in Portuguese inhabitants, and they underline the need for more studies on the prevalence of this virus in Portugal.

Microchimerism evaluation in recipients of living-related or unrelated deceased allograft renal transplants

The presence of microchimerism in the peripheral blood of solid organ graft recipients has been associated with long-term solid organ acceptance, immunologic tolerance, and less aggressive immunosuppressive therapy. Molecular biology assays are among the most sensitive methods to detect microchimerism, primarily to evaluate Y chromosome sequences in females as indirect evidence of circulating male nucleated donor cells. We screened for the presence of the SRY sequence region in peripheral blood of 13 female recipients of male kidney grafts: 5 living-related and 8 deceased grafts. Only patients who received grafts from related living donors exhibited microchimerism. Five of 13 patients studied exhibited better graft outcomes, including the 4 who were positive for the SRY sequences.