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SIDENOR INDUSTRIAL S.L. is a steelmaking company producing special steel long products, devoted to a high extent for automotive applications. Production facilities at Sidenor Basauri plant include electric arc furnace, secondary metallurgy station (two ladle furnaces sharing a vacuum tank degasser) and continuous casting process followed by direct rolling. The refractory consumption at Basauri plant facilities is concentrated in the steelmaking shop with 97% out of total consumption. Regarding the steelmaking shop, refractory consumption has the following distribution: 50% continuous casting, 35% ladle and 15% electric arc furnace and rest of applications. The refractory material suitability is defined in SIDENOR from three points of view: - Quality level aimed for final products - Total cost, taking into account purchase price, installation cost, running cost and energetic consumption associated to its use - Emissions environmental impact due to drying and preheating of refractory products The characterisation of the refractory material performance is done in three different levels: - Steady state working conditions (wearing, spalling, thermal insulation, air tightness…) - Theoretical study and measurements from thermal and environmental point of view - Sudden and none predicted failures.SIDENOR INDUSTRIAL S.L. es una empresa siderúrgica fabricante de productos largos de acero especial, dirigidos en un alto porcentaje al mercado de automoción. En las instalaciones que SIDENOR posee en Basauri, el proceso de fabricación se desarrolla vía horno eléctrico de arco, metalurgia secundaria (horno cuchara y estación de vacío en tanque) y colada continua, seguido de un proceso de laminación directa sin acondicionado previo. Para las instalaciones consideradas el empleo de material refractario se concentra fundamentalmente en la acería, con un 97% del refractario total. Considerando el consumo de acería, el 50% corresponde a colada continua, 35% a cucharas y 15% al horno eléctrico de arco y varios. La idoneidad del refractario se define en SIDENOR desde tres puntos de vista: - La calidad metalúrgica deseada en los productos fabricados - El coste global, considerando tanto el precio, el coste de instalación, duración y consumo energético asociado - Impacto medioambiental de las emisiones durante la fase de precalentamiento. El análisis de comportamiento del material refractario se realiza en tres áreas: - Régimen estacionario de trabajo (desgaste, desconchamiento, capacidad aislante, estanqueidad, etc.…) - Estudio teórico y mediciones desde el punto de vista térmico y medioambiental - Análisis de fallos no previstos.

Objective: To evaluate the use of circular statistics to analyze retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness in eyes with and without a prior history of optic neuritis (ON)., Design: Single-centre consecutive study., Participants: Twenty-two multiple sclerosis patients and 20 healthy control subjects., Methods: Data on 28 eyes with a history of ON of 22 multiple sclerosis patients and 40 eyes of 20 healthy control subjects collected in 2010 and 2015. RNFL thickness was measured separately in 12 sectors around the optic nerve head. We used circular statistics to calculate the mean weighted vector of RNFL thickness for each sector and eye in 2 measurements made 5 years apart (2010 and 2015). Comparisons of weighted mean vectors between groups were made using a paired Mardia-Watson-Wheeler test., Results: The directions of the mean weighted vectors for ON eyes were 45.8º in 2010 and 56.0º in 2015, whereas in control eyes the directions were 319.4º in 2010 and 188.9º in 2015. No significant differences were found between 2010 and 2015 in any of the 2 groups. However, significant differences were found between ON and control eyes in 2010 and 2015., Conclusions: This paper provides an example of how to use circular statistics in cases of directional data in ophthalmology and demonstrates that circular statistics are a suitable tool for this purpose., Competing Interests: Footnotes and Disclosure The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Transradial approach (TRA) has been increasingly utilized in various neuroendovascular interventions as a safe alternative to the transfemoral approach (TFA). As middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization emerges as an effective therapy for treating chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH), some studies have explored using TRA. In this study, we compared procedural times and post-operative outcomes between those with TRA and TFA., Methods: This is a single-institution retrospective study of patients undergoing MMA embolization for cSDH. The cohort was divided into the TRA and TFA subgroups. Baseline characteristics, procedural times, and immediate outcomes were compared. Univariate analysis was performed., Results: We performed 62 MMA embolizations for treatment of cSDH, of which 37 (59.7 %) were performed transradial and 25 (40.3 %) were performed transfemoral. Those who underwent TRA were significantly younger than those who had TFA (p = 0.02). For patients who underwent unilateral MMA embolization, those with TRA had significantly shorter duration of procedure compared to the TRF group (p = 0.01). This difference was not observed in the bilateral MMA embolization subgroup. Only three patients had access site complications, and all were in the TFA group. There was no significant difference in length of hospital stay., Conclusion: As MMA embolization for cSDH becomes more prevalent, efforts to optimize the safety and efficacy of the technical aspects become critical. In this study we demonstrate that TRA is a safe and efficient alternative to traditional TFA in those undergoing unilateral MMA embolization., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization for the treatment of chronic subdural hematomas (cSDHs) is becoming increasingly prevalent. It is essential to optimize the safety and cost effectiveness of the postprocedural management. In this study, we examined our cases over time to determine the most appropriate postprocedural destination., Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent MMA embolization for cSDH at our institution. The study cohort was divided into 2 groups based on the year of embolization. Baseline characteristics, postprocedural complications, and length of stay were compared. Patients with shorter intensive care unit (ICU) stay were also compared to those with longer stay. Univariate statistical analysis was performed., Results: 92 MMA embolizations for cSDH have been performed at our institution, of which 36 (39.1%) were done between 2019 and 2022 and 56 (60.9%) after 2023. No patients experienced stroke, cranial nerve palsy, or intraparenchymal hemorrhage after embolization. All but 5 patients were admitted to the ICU postembolization, of which 59 (64.1%) were downgraded after one day. Factors associated with a longer ICU stay included preoperative location (P = 0.002) and need for surgery (P = 0.02). Of those who came from home or nonmonitored bed, 82% were downgraded from the ICU in less than 2 days. The average cost of one night in the ICU, intermediate care, and nonmonitored unit was $3671.75, $2605.22, and $2303.81 respectively., Conclusions: MMA embolization for cSDH is a safe procedure with low rate of procedure-related complications. In carefully selected patients, the necessity ICU admission postoperatively should be weighed against better hospital resource utilization., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Hemorrhagic conversion (HC) is a known complication after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Although symptomatic HC has been shown to lead to poor neurologic outcomes, the effect of asymptomatic HC (aHC) is unclear. This study aims to identify predictors of aHC and to determine the short-term outcomes., Methods: This is a single-institution retrospective study of patients with anterior circulation stroke (AIS) who underwent MT between January 2016 and September 2022. Radiographic HC was identified on postoperative imaging. Asymptomatic hemorrhage was defined as no acute neurologic decline attributable to imaging findings. Baseline characteristics, technical aspects, and outcomes were compared between aHC and no-HC groups. Logistic regression and multivariate analysis were performed., Results: A total of 615 patients underwent MT for AIS, of whom 496 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 235 patients (47.4%) had evidence of aHC. Diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR], 1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-2.41; P = 0.03), hyperglycemia (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.01; P = 0.002), greater number of passes (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.00-1.31; P = 0.05), and longer time to reperfusion (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.05; P = 0.05) were associated with aHC. Patients with aHC were significantly more likely to require rehabilitation, whereas those without HC were more likely to be discharged home (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in long-term outcomes., Conclusions: HC occurred in up to half of patients who underwent MT for AIS, most of whom were clinically asymptomatic. Despite clinical stability, aHC was significantly associated with a greater need for inpatient rehabilitation. Predictors of aHC included hyperglycemia and a longer time to reperfusion., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The utilization of subjective questionnaires for assessing conservative treatment in knee osteoarthritis may present challenges in identifying differences due to inadequate statistical power. Objective tools, such as three-dimensional (3D) kinematic analysis, are accurate and reproducible methods. However, no high-quality studies assessing the effects of intra-articular viscosupplementation (VS) have been published. Therefore, the objective of the study was to evaluate gait kinematics of patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis after VS., Methods: Forty-two patients were randomized to receive either VS or saline injection (placebo). They underwent 3D kinematic gait analysis before and at 1, 6, and 12 weeks after treatment and knee angles during stance phase were determined. Patients and the healthcare team responsible for data collection, processing, and analysis were blinded to group allocation. Between-group comparisons were conducted using linear mixed models., Results: Compared with placebo, the VS increased the maximum knee extension (3.2° (0.7-5.7)) and decreased the maximum knee flexion (-3.6° (-6.1 to -1.2)) on the sagittal plane at 1 week. At 6 weeks, the VS group sustained a reduced maximum knee flexion (-2.6° (-5.2 to 0.0)). On the axial plane, the VS group demonstrated an increase in maximum internal rotation at 12 weeks (3.9° (0.3 to 7.7)). The VS group exhibited reduced single-leg stance time at 1 week and increased total stance time at 12 weeks., Conclusions: VS led to short- and long-term kinematic improvements in the sagittal and axial planes, leading to a gait pattern closer to that observed in individuals with less severe osteoarthritic knees., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brasil (CAPES) - Finance Code 001, Programa de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa em radiologia Clínica – DDI, Universidade Federal de São Paulo–UNIFESP and by Aptíssen under a cooperative agreement. Hyaluronic acid injections, disposable supplies and third-party services were provided by Aptíssen, which had no role in the design or realization of the study, data analysis and interpretation, or preparation of the manuscript. Aptíssen agreed with the publication of positive or negative results by the research team without sponsor review. All health care professionals and patients were unpaid volunteers. Each of the authors certifies that has no commercial associations (eg, consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patient/licensing arrangements etc) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Biliary sepsis is common in patients with digestive cancer. Recommendations call for antibiotic de-escalation (ADE) as a strategy for antibiotic treatment of sepsis or septic shock. The aim of this study was to identify factors influencing 90-day mortality and to evaluate the impact of ADE., Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between November 2008 and December 2019 in a referral cancer center. Adults with biliary sepsis or septic shock admitted to the ICU were included. Variables associated with 90-day mortality were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models., Results: 122 patients were included. The 90-day mortality was 30.3% (n = 37). After multivariate analysis, the factors independently associated 90-day mortality were metastatic stage (p = 0.004), biliary tract tumour compression (p = 0.001), multi drug resistant (MDR) bacteria carriage on intensive care unit (ICU)admission (p = 0.048), serum lactate on ICU admission (p < 0.001), the use of extra-renal replacement (p = 0.008), factor V < 50% (p = 0.009) and performance status (ECOG-PS) > 2 (p < 0.001). ADE of the pivotal antibiotic (p = 0.041) and recent cancer surgery (p < 0.001) appeared to be associated with survival., Conclusion: The 90-day mortality of biliary sepsis seems to be favourable. The 90-day mortality is associated with organ dysfunctions, but also with ECOG-PS, cancer stage, MDR bacteria colonisation. ADE seems to be safe., (Copyright © 2023 International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Exercise intolerance, muscle weakness, dyspnoea, and fatigue are frequent complications in symptomatic sarcoidosis patients. Pulmonary rehabilitation improves exercise capacity, symptoms, and quality of life in patients with chronic respiratory diseases. Our objective was to systematically determine the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with sarcoidosis., Methods: A systematic review was conducted in seven databases. Studies that applied pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with sarcoidosis were reviewed. Two independent reviewers analysed the studies, extracted the data and assessed the quality of evidence., Results: Of the 406 reports returned by the initial search, five articles reporting on 184 patients were included in the data synthesis. Two studies included multi-component exercise, one inspiratory muscle training, one a physical activity incentivisation programme, and one a telerehabilitation program. In the intervention group (IG), we found significant improvement in exercise capacity (SMD 1.65, 95%CI 0.45, 2.86 points, p = 0.006). If we only analyse the studies that performed the 6-min walking test, the IG walked 40.3 (CI95% 20.3, 60.2) m higher than the control group (CG) (p < 0.001). Additionally, dyspnoea score was reduced (MD -0.42 95%CI -0.75, -0.10, p = 0.002). However, fatigue, quality of life and pulmonary function did not show any change., Conclusion: Pulmonary rehabilitation could improve exercise capacity and dyspnoea perception in patients with sarcoidosis., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

COVID-19 has affected the entire world due to the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2, mainly through airborne particles from saliva, which, being easily obtained, help monitor the progression of the disease. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra combined with chemometric analysis could increase the diagnostic efficiency of the disease. However, two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2DCOS) is superior to conventional spectra as it helps to resolve the minute overlapped peaks. In this work, we aimed to use 2DCOS and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses to compare the immune response in saliva associated with COVID-19, which could be important in biomedical diagnosis. FTIR spectra of human saliva samples from male (575) and female (366) patients ranging from 20 to 85 ± 2 years of age were used for the study. Age groups were segregated as G1 (20-40 ± 2 years), G2 (45-60 ± 2 years), and G3 (65-85 ± 2 years). The results of the 2DCOS analysis showed biomolecular changes in response to SARS-CoV-2. 2DCOS analyses of the male G1 + (1579,1644) and -(1531,1598) cross peaks evidenced changes such as amide I > IgG. Female G1 cross peaks -(1504,1645), (1504,1545) and -(1391,1645) resulted in amide I > IgG > IgM. The asynchronous spectra in 1300-900 cm-1 of the G2 male group showed that IgM is more important in diagnosing infections than IgA. Female G2 asynchronous spectra -(1027,1242) and + (1068,1176) showed that IgA > IgM is produced against SARS-CoV-2. The G3 male group evidenced antibody changes in IgG > IgM. The absence of IgM in the female G3 population diagnoses a specifically targeted immunoglobulin associated with sex. Moreover, ROC analysis showed sensitivity (85-89 % men; 81-88 % women) and specificity (90-93 % men; 78-92 % women) for the samples studied. The general classification performance (F1 score) of the studied samples is high for the male (88-91 %) and female (80-90 %) populations. This high PPV (positive predictive value) and NPV (negative predictive value) verify our segregation of COVID-19 positive and negative sample groups. Therefore, 2DCOS with ROC analysis using FTIR spectra have the potential for a non-invasive approach to monitoring COVID-19., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3) are potent effector cells with critical roles in enforcing immunity, barrier integrity and tissue homeostasis along the gastrointestinal tract. ILC3 are considered primarily tissue-resident cells, seeding the gastrointestinal tract during embryonic stages and early life. However, the mechanisms through which mature ILC3 are maintained within adult tissues are poorly understood. Here, we report that lymphoid tissue-inducer-like (LTi-like) ILC3 exhibit minimal turnover in the healthy adult intestinal tract, persist for extended periods of time, and display a quiescent phenotype. Strikingly, during enteric bacterial infection LTi-like ILC3 also exhibit negligible hematopoietic replenishment and remain non-proliferative, despite robustly producing cytokines. Survival of LTi-like ILC3 was found to be dependent upon the balance between the metabolic activity required to drive effector function and anti-apoptotic programs. Notably, the pro-survival protein B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) was required for the survival of LTi-like ILC3 ex vivo but was rendered partially dispensable if mitochondrial respiration was inhibited. Together we demonstrate LTi-like ILC3 are a tissue-resident, quiescent population that persist independently of hematopoietic replenishment to survive within the intestinal microenvironment., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This work aimed to determine the ability of Listeria innocua (L.i.) to colonize eight materials found in food-processing and packaging settings and to evaluate the viability of the sessile cells. We also selected four commonly used phytochemicals (trans-cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, citronellol, and terpineol) to examine and compare their efficacies against L.i. on each surface. Biofilms were also deciphered in chamber slides using confocal laser scanning microscopy to learn more about how phytochemicals affect L.i. The materials tested were silicone rubber (Si), polyurethane (PU), polypropylene (PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), stainless steel 316 L (SS), copper (Cu), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and borosilicate glass (GL). L.i. colonized Si and SS abundantly, followed by PU, PP, Cu, PET, GL, and PTFE surfaces. The live/dead status ranged from 65/35% for Si to 20/80% for Cu, and the estimates of cells unable to grow on Cu were the highest, reaching even 43%. Cu was also characterized by the highest degree of hydrophobicity (ΔG TOT = -81.5 mJ/m 2 ). Eventually, it was less prone to attachment, as we could not recover L.i. after treatments with control or phytochemical solutions. The PTFE surface demonstrated the least total cell densities and fewer live cells (31%) as compared to Si (65%) or SS (nearly 60%). It also scored high in hydrophobicity degree (ΔG TOT = -68.9 mJ/m 2 ) and efficacy of phytochemical treatments (on average, biofilms were reduced by 2.1 log 10 CFU/cm 2 ). Thus, the hydrophobicity of surface materials plays a role in cell viability, biofilm formation, and then biofilm control and could be the prevailing parameter when designing preventive measures and interventions. As for phytochemical comparison, trans-cinnamaldehyde displayed greater efficacies, with the highest reductions seen on PET and Si (4.6 and 4.0 log 10 CFU/cm 2 ). The biofilms in chamber slides exposed to trans-cinnamaldehyde revealed the disrupted organization to a greater extent than other molecules. This may help establish better interventions via proper phytochemical selection for incorporation in environment-friendly disinfection approaches., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background and Objective: Although randomized controlled trials have compared surgery versus endovascular treatment for intracranial aneurysms, the literature is sparse in terms of subgroup analysis for anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysm management. This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to compare surgical versus endovascular treatment for ACoA aneurysms., Methods: Medline, PubMed, and Embase were searched from inception to December 12, 2022. Primary outcomes were post-treatment modified Rankin Scale (mRS) >2 and mortality. Secondary outcomes were aneurysm obliteration, retreatment and recurrence, rebleeding, technical failure, vessel rupture, aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage-related hydrocephalus, symptomatic vasospasm, and stroke., Results: Eighteen studies yielded 2368 patients, from which 1196 (50.5%) and 1172 (49.4%) patients underwent surgery and endovascular treatment, respectively. The odds ratio (OR) of mortality was similar in total (OR = 0.92 [0.63-1.37], P = 0.69), ruptured (OR = 0.92 [0.62-1.36], P = 0.66), and unruptured cohorts (OR = 1.58 [0.06-39.60], P = 0.78). The OR of mRS > 2 was similar in total (OR = 0.75 [0.50-1.13], P = 0.17), ruptured (OR = 0.77 [0.49-1.20], P = 0.25), and unruptured cohorts (OR = 0.64 [0.21-1.96], P = 0.44). The OR of obliteration was higher with surgery in the total (OR = 2.52 [1.49-4.27], P = 0.0008) and ruptured cohorts (OR = 2.61 [1.33-5.10], P = 0.005) and unruptured group (OR = 3.46 [1.30-9.20], P = 0.01). The OR of retreatment was lower with surgery in the total (OR = 0.37 [0.17-0.76], P = 0.007) and ruptured cohorts (OR = 0.31 [0.11-0.89], P = 0.03), thought it was similar in the unruptured group (OR = 0.51 [0.08-3.03], P = 0.46). The OR of recurrence was lower with surgery in the total (OR = 0.22 [0.10, 0.47], P = 0.0001), ruptured (OR = 0.16 [0.03, 0.90], P = 0.04), and mixed (un) ruptured cohorts (OR = 0.22 [0.09-0.53], P = 0.0009). The OR of rebleeding in ruptured group was similar (OR = 0.66 [0.29-1.52], P = 0.33). The ORs of other outcomes were similar., Conclusions: ACoA aneurysms may be safely treated with either surgery or endovascular treatment, although microsurgical clipping demonstrates higher obliteration rates and lower rates of retreatment and recurrence., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Introduction: Macroscopic hematuria (MH) bouts, frequently accompanied by acute kidney injury (AKI-MH) are one of the most common presentations of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) in the elderly. Immunosuppressive therapies are used in clinical practice; however, no studies have analyzed their efficacy on kidney outcomes., Methods: This is a retrospective, multicenter study of a cohort of patients aged ≥50 years with biopsy-proven IgAN presenting with AKI-MH. Outcomes were complete, partial, or no recovery of kidney function at 1 year after AKI-MH, and kidney survival at 1, 2, and 5 years. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was applied to balance baseline differences between patients treated with immunosuppression and those not treated with immunosuppression., Results: The study group consisted of 91 patients with a mean age of 65 ± 15 years, with a mean follow-up of 59 ± 36 months. Intratubular red blood cell (RBC) casts and acute tubular necrosis were found in all kidney biopsies. The frequency of endocapillary hypercellularity and crescents were low. Immunosuppressive therapies (corticosteroids alone or combined with mycophenolate mofetil or cyclophosphamide) were prescribed in 52 (57%) patients, whereas 39 (43%) received conservative treatment. There were no significant differences in the proportion of patients with complete, partial, or no recovery of kidney function at 1 year between patients treated with immunosuppression and those not treated with immunosuppression (29% vs. 36%, 30.8% vs. 20.5% and 40.4 % vs. 43.6%, respectively). Kidney survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was similar among treated and untreated patients (85% vs. 81%, 77% vs. 76% and 72% vs. 66%, respectively). Despite the PSM analysis, no significant differences were observed in kidney survival between the two groups. Fourteen patients (27%) treated with immunosuppression had serious adverse events., Conclusions: Immunosuppressive treatments do not modify the unfavorable prognosis of patients with IgAN who are aged ≥50 years presenting with AKI-MH, and are frequently associated with severe complications., (© 2023 International Society of Nephrology. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

In the Paraná River lower basin, an important agro-productive area of Argentina, crop fields and cattle breeding activities are common and may affect water quality. So, the aim of this study was to analyze the impacts of cattle breeding and agricultural activities on a stream from Buenos Aires, through physicochemical parameters (metals, pesticides, and emerging contaminants) and ecotoxicological parameters with Rhinella arenarum larvae, a native amphibian species. Three sites were selected on an ordinary plain stream that goes through agricultural fields and a cattle breeding establishment (upstream -S1-, near -S2- and downstream -S3- the establishment). Physicochemical parameters were measured in situ (in water) and in laboratory (in water and sediment samples: metals, pesticides, ivermectin and oxytetracycline). A semi-static chronic toxicity bioassay (504 h) was performed with water samples, and neurotoxicity, oxidative stress and genotoxicity biomarkers were measured after acute exposure (96 h). According to the index, a degradation in the water quality was observed in all sites. Ivermectin (8.03 mg/kg) and oxytetracycline (1.9 mg/kg) were detected in sediment samples from S2. Pesticides were detected in all sites, mainly in water samples: S1 presented the highest variability (7 residues) and in S3 AMPA, glyphosate and acetochlor concentrations were higher (10.3, 22.4 and 23.8 μg/L). Also, all sites significantly produced lethality at chronic exposure. Lethality at 504h was 40% for S1, 56.66% for S2 and 93.33% for S3. At acute exposure, the oxidative stress biomarkers were altered on R. arenarum larvae exposed to all sites and the neurotoxicity biomarkers were altered on larvae exposed to S1 and S3. Water quality was severely degraded by the surrounding agricultural and cattle breeding activities, which may represent a threat to the ecosystems., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Microcosting can provide valuable economic evidence to inform the translation of genomic sequencing to clinical practice. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify studies employing microcosting methods to estimate the cost of genomic sequencing to diagnose cancer and rare diseases., Methods: Four electronic databases, Medline, Embase, EconLit, and Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature were searched. Reference lists of identified studies were also searched. Studies were included if they had estimated the cost of genome sequencing or exome sequencing for cancer or rare disease diagnosis using microcosting methods., Results: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Cost estimates for genome sequencing and exome sequencing ranged between US$2094 and $9706 and US$716 and $4817 per patient, respectively. All studies disaggregated resource use and cost inputs into labor, equipment, and consumables, with consumables being the main cost component. Considerable differences in the level of detail used to report the steps and resources used in each of the sequencing steps limited study comparisons., Conclusion: Defining a standard microcosting methodology is challenging because of the heterogeneous nature of genomic sequencing. Reporting of detailed and complete sequencing procedures, inclusion of sensitivity analyses and clear justifications of resource use, and measurement of unit costs can improve comparability, transferability, and generalizability of study findings., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The spotted wing Drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, has emerged within the past decade as an invasive species on a global scale, and is one of the most economically important pests in fruit and berry production in Europe and North America. Insect ecology, to a strong degree, depends on the chemosensory modalities of smell and taste. Extensive research on the sensory receptors of the olfactory and gustatory systems in Drosophila melanogaster provide an excellent frame of reference to better understand the fundamentals of the chemosensory systems of D. suzukii. This knowledge may enhance the development of semiochemicals for sustainable management of D. suzukii, which is urgently needed. Here, using a transcriptomic approach we report the chemosensory receptor expression profiles in D. suzukii female and male antennae, and for the first time, in larval heads including the dorsal organ that houses larval olfactory sensory neurons. In D. suzukii adults, we generally observed a lack of sexually dimorphic expression levels in male and female antennae. While there was generally conservation of antennal expression of odorant and ionotropic receptor orthologues for D. melanogaster and D. suzukii, gustatory receptors showed more distinct species-specific profiles. In larval head tissues, for all three receptor gene families, there was also a greater degree of species-specific gene expression patterns. Analysis of chemosensory receptor repertoires in the pest species, D. suzukii relative to those of the genetic model D. melanogaster enables comparative studies of the chemosensory, physiology, and ecology of D. suzukii., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic is a global public health problem. Patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis are at a higher risk of infection and mortality than the general population. Worldwide, a vaccination campaign has been developed that has been shown to reduce severe infections and deaths in the general population. However, there are currently limited data on the clinical efficacy of vaccinations in the hemodialysis population., Methods: A national multicenter observational cohort was performed in Chile to evaluate the clinical efficacy of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in end-stage renal disease patients on chronic hemodialysis from February 2021 to August 2021. In addition, the BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) and CoronaVac (Sinovac) vaccines were evaluated. The efficacy of vaccination in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection, hospitalizations, and deaths associated with COVID-19 was determined., Results: A total of 12,301 patients were evaluated; 10,615 (86.3%) received a complete vaccination (2 doses), 490 (4.0%) received incomplete vaccination, and 1196 (9.7%) were not vaccinated. During follow-up, 1362 (11.0%) patients developed COVID-19, and 150 died (case fatality rate: 11.0%). The efficacy of the complete vaccination in preventing infection was 18.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]:11.8-23.8%), and prevention of death was 66.0% (95% CI:60.6-70.7%). When comparing both vaccines, BNT162b2 and CoronaVac were effective in reducing infection and deaths associated with COVID-19. Nevertheless, the BNT162b2 vaccine had higher efficacy in preventing infection (42.6% vs. 15.0%) and deaths (90.4% vs. 64.8%) compared to CoronaVac., Conclusion: The results of our study suggest that vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in patients on chronic hemodialysis was effective in preventing infection and death associated with COVID-19., (© 2022 International Society of Nephrology. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

The potential transmission of SARS-CoV-2 via food has been controversial since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. To investigate these concerns, reliable detection methods and data on virus die-off rates in various foods are needed. Here, an FDA-standard method for the detection of enteric viruses' RNA from soft fruits was modified for the recovery of infectious SARS-CoV-2. Then, the survival of SARS-CoV-2 on berries was investigated as well as the effectiveness of washing virus-contaminated berries with water. The modified method did not significantly reduced log infectivity titers of recovered viruses, but berries did. The detection limit of the method for infectious SARS-CoV-2 was ∼2.97 log TCID50/g of berries. On SARS-CoV-2-inoculated berries that were stored at 4 °C for 7 days, significant reductions in SARS-CoV-2 infectivity were observed over time. In contrast, on frozen berries, infectious SARS-CoV-2 was recovered for 28 days without significant reductions. Washing SARS-CoV-2-inoculated berries with water removed >90% of infectious viruses within 10 min; however, infectious viruses were detected in wash water. Therefore, on fresh berries infectious viruses are markedly inactivated over time and can be largely removed by washing with water. However, the prolonged survival of SARS-CoV-2 on frozen berries suggests that the virus can potentially spread through frozen fruits., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Recent controversies on the use of drug coated/eluting devices in the arteries of the lower extremities renewed the focus on the evaluation of more conventional techniques. The results of the stenting of short and/or intermediate femoro-popliteal lesions are well known, but little data relate to the endovascular treatment of long femoro-popliteal lesions with contiguous bare metal stents (ETLFBS). The objective of this study was to report our results of ETLFBS., Material and Methods: Between January 2014 and December 2017, 1233 patients had an infrainguinal angioplasty in our center. The files of patients treated for femoropopliteal lesions longer than 250 mm using extensive stenting with contiguous bare metal stents were reviewed and analyzed. The primary outcome was the 12-month primary patency, defined by the absence of restenosis (≥50%) and/or reintervention on the target lesion. Continuous data were expressed as mean and standard deviation. Survival analysis was carried out according to Kaplan-Meier., Results: Overall, 64 patients aged 80 ± 11 years were included, with 49 (76.6%) presenting with critical limb ischemia. Lesions were classified as TASC D in 54.7% of the cases. The length of the lesions was 295 ± 64 mm and 3 ± 1 stents were implanted. The 30-day mortality was null but two patients (3.1%) presented nonvascular major complications. With a follow-up of 27 ± 17 months, 22 patients (34.3%) died including three of vascular causes. The healing of the trophic disorder was obtained in 77.5% of the cases. The rate of amputation was 10.9%. The 6-, 12-, and 24-month primary patency rates were 79.7%, 66.6%, and 60.9%, respectively. The 6-, 12-, and 24-month rates of freedom from target lesion revascularization were 96.3%, 73.9%, and 71.9%, respectively. The 6-, 12-, and 24-month survival rates were 90.3%, 83.6%, and 65.6%, respectively., Conclusions: The 12-month primary patency rate of ETLFBS is acceptable. This strategy constitutes an acceptable alternative in patients presenting with critical limb ischemia and a limited life expectancy., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Therapeutic hypothermia is now well established to significantly improve survival without disability after neonatal encephalopathy (NE). To further improve outcomes, we need to better understand the mechanisms of brain injury. The central finding, which offers the potential for neuroprotective and neurorestorative interventions, is that brain damage after perinatal hypoxia-ischemia evolves slowly over time. Although brain cells may die during profound hypoxia-ischemia, even after surprisingly severe insults many cells show transient recovery of oxidative metabolism during a "latent" phase characterized by actively suppressed neural metabolism and activity. Critically, after moderate to severe hypoxia-ischemia, this transient recovery is followed after ~6 h by a phase of secondary deterioration, with delayed seizures, failure of mitochondrial function, cytotoxic edema, and cell death over ~72 h. This is followed by a tertiary phase of remodeling and recovery. This review discusses the mechanisms of injury that occur during the primary, latent, secondary and tertiary phases of injury and potential treatments that target one or more of these phases. By analogy with therapeutic hypothermia, treatment as early as possible in the latent phase is likely to have the greatest potential to prevent injury ("neuroprotection"). In the secondary phase of injury, anticonvulsants can attenuate seizures, but show limited neuroprotection. Encouragingly, there is now increasing preclinical evidence that late, neurorestorative interventions have potential to improve long-term outcomes., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Abstract: The topic of food safety continues to receive increased attention and has ramifications on various human, environmental, policy, and economic levels worldwide. By garnering feedback from 30 food industry experts, this study was undertaken to identify the most critical issues facing the food industry in relation to food safety. According to expert opinion and after three rounds of Delphi inquiry, food contamination detection, outbreaks, and prevention along with governmental oversight, education for and communication with consumers and employees, and globalization were identified as the main areas at the forefront of food safety. Delphi and constant comparative research methods are explained, and suggestions on how to make meaning from the results to progress in this area are discussed., (Copyright ©, International Association for Food Protection.)

The nucleoskeleton has been associated with partitioning the genome into active and inactive compartments that dictate local transcription factor (TF) activity. However, recent data indicate that the nucleoskeleton and TFs reciprocally influence each other in dynamic TF trafficking pathways through the functions of LEM proteins. While the conserved peripheral recruitment of TFs by LEM proteins has been viewed as a mechanism of repressing transcription, a diversity of release mechanisms from the lamina suggest this compartment serves as a refuge for nuclear TF accumulation for rapid mobilization and signal stability. Detailed mechanisms suggest that TFs toggle between nuclear lamina refuge and nuclear matrix lamin-LEM protein complexes at sites of active transcription. In this review we will highlight emerging LEM functions acting at the interface of chromatin and nucleoskeleton to create TF trafficking networks., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest statement Nothing declared., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: The temporal muscle (TM) needs to be dissected and reflected downward in some anterolateral cranial approaches, and failing to preserve its integrity could have severe functional and cosmetic consequences. Most articles focus on techniques to prevent vascular injury during retrograde dissection or techniques to preserve the facial nerve; however, information on how to take care of the muscle during hook retraction is limited. We presented an anatomic study of vascularization of the TM, and we established safe areas for muscular hook retraction., Methods: We dissected 16 TMs in 8 cadaveric heads. The TM was reflected downward, and we measured the distance between the anterior branch of the posterior deep temporal artery (PDTA) and the frontozygomatic suture and the distance between the posterior branch of the PDTA and the external auditory meatus projection., Results: The average distance between the anterior branch of the PDTA and the frontozygomatic suture was 19.5 mm (range, 14-26 mm). The average distance between the posterior branch of the PDTA and the external auditory canal was 37.1 mm (range, 31-43 mm). We established 2 safe zones for hook placement: an anterior safe zone 14 mm posterior to the frontozygomatic suture and a posterior safe zone 30 mm anterior to the external auditory meatus., Conclusions: We delimited 2 safe zones for hook placement during TM retraction aiming to avoid direct vascular damage in anterolateral cranial approaches., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This study aimed to understand the relationship of preoperative measurements and risk factors on operative time and outcomes of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. Two hundred forty-two kidney donors between 2010 and 2017 were identified. Patients' demographic, anthropomorphic, and operative characteristics were abstracted from the electronic medical record. Glomerular filtration rates (GFR) were documented before surgery, within 24 hours, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Standard radiological measures and kidney volumes, and subcutaneous and perinephric fat thicknesses were assessed by three radiologists. Data were analyzed using standard statistical measures. There was significant correlation between cranio-caudal and latero-lateral diameters (P < .0001) and kidney volume. The left kidney was transplanted in 92.6% of cases and the larger kidney in 69.2%. Kidney choice (smaller vs. larger) had no statistically significant impact on the rate of change of donor kidney function over time adjusting for age, sex and race (P = .61). Perinephric fat thickness (+4.08 minutes) and surgery after 2011 were significantly correlated with operative time (P ≤ .01). In conclusion, cranio-caudal diameters can be used as a surrogate measure for volume in the majority of donors. Size may not be a decisive factor for long-term donor kidney function. Perinephric fat around the donor kidney should be reported to facilitate operative planning., (© 2019 The American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons.)

Hispanic style soft non-fermented cheeses, such as queso fresco (QF) have been linked to outbreaks and recalls. Salmonella is one of the main causes of these incidents. Due to lack of ripening or post-processing antimicrobial treatments, incorporating GRAS antimicrobials to production process may be a suitable approach to minimize microbial risk in QF. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of nisin (N), caprylic acid (CA) and trans-cinnamaldehyde (CN) as single or combined treatments to reduce Salmonella populations in QF during storage. Batches of QF were inoculated after curding with approx. 4 Log CFU/g of 5-strain cocktails of Salmonella and stored at 8 °C for 20 days. The final Salmonella counts in control samples ranged from 6.96 to 7.14 Log CFU/g. Application of CN at 0.6 g/kg inhibited Salmonella growth during storage, resulting in at least 3 Log CFU/g difference with the untreated controls (p < 0.05). Addition of N (0.5 g/kg) and CA (0.4 g/kg) with CN (0.3 and 0.6 g/kg) further enhanced the antimicrobial activity resulting in complete suppression of growth and even caused a 1 Log CFU/g reduction by the end of the experimental period compared to initial counts. Samples treated with the combined treatment (N, CA, CN) were evaluated in a consumer panel (n = 112). Participants preferred the control and commercial QF to the treated samples. However, treated samples with 0.3 g/kg CN were still within the acceptable range of neutral to like slightly. Results obtained, revealed that combined treatment of N, CA and CN can provide a solution to reduce the count of Salmonella in QF, whether in process or during storage., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Depending on the time of development of a crop temperature below 0 °C can cause damage to the plant, altering its development and subsequent yield. Since frosts are identified from the minimum air temperature, the objective of this research paper is to generate forecast -(predictive) models at 1, 3 and 5 days of the minimum daily temperature (T min ) for Bahía Blanca city. Non-linear numerical models are generated using artificial neural networks and geometric models of finite elements. Six independent variables are used: temperature and dew point temperature at meteorological shelter level, relative humidity, cloudiness observed above the station, wind speed and direction measured at 10 m altitude. Data have been obtained between May and September from 1956 to 2015. Once the available data had been analyzed, this period was reduced to 2007-2015. For the selection of the most suitable model, the correlation coefficient of Pearson (R), the determination coefficient (R 2 ) and the Mean Absolute Error (MAE) are evaluated. The results of the study determine that the geometric model of finite elements with 4 variables, over 9 years (2007-2015) and separated by the season of the year is the one that presents better adjustment in the forecast of T min with up to 5 days of anticipation., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: The temporal lobe is an important and complex anatomic region of the brain. Accurate knowledge of anatomic relationships becomes extremely relevant when deciding surgical strategy, such as epilepsy or oncologic surgery, involving this lobe. To our knowledge, there is no strong literature highlighting the relationship between white matter tracts and craniometric landmarks applied to temporal lobe surgery. We aim to describe the topographic relationship between the craniometric points and white matter tracts of the temporal lobe through dissection of cadaveric specimens and describe the potential preoperative usefulness of diffusion tensor imaging in relation to the anatomic features found during the dissections., Methods: Fifteen formalin-fixed whole cadaveric heads were dissected by the Klingler technique in a stepwise manner across the temporal and sphenoid bone windows. The white matter pathways were identified in their different planes and their position was described in relation to craniometric landmarks. Diffusion tensor studies were performed in 2 healthy volunteers to analyze the temporal fasciculi in vivo., Results: We identified the topographic relationships between craniometric points and relevant association tracts that lie within the cranial corridors (superior and inferior frontal, parietal, occipital, sphenoidal, and temporal). Important landmarks were defined in correspondence to these different fasciculi., Conclusions: Through this kind of microsurgical anatomic study, a better understanding of the different anatomic layers of the temporal region might be achieved. This factor is essential in planning adequate surgery and strategies to operate in the temporal lobe, improving surgical results and minimizing functional deficits., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The control of Salmonella in low water activity foods poses a challenge for the food industry because of its thermal resistance. The use of surrogate bacteria in a food plant is considered a critical component to validate processing steps. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of Pediococcus acidilactici ATCC 8042, a generally recognized as safe bacterium (GRAS), as potential surrogate for Salmonella in commercial toasted oats cereal (TOC) and peanut butter. P. acidilactici was compared to a five-serovar cocktail of Salmonella and Enterococcus faecium NRRL-B2354, separately. Cultures were inoculated into TOC and thermal kinetic parameters (δ, β) were determined at 80, 85, 90, and 95 °C using the Weibull model. In peanut butter, δ and β parameters were obtained at 63, 68, 73, and 77 °C. In TOC, the δ values (initial decimal reduction time) of P. acidilactici were 63 and 7 min at 80 and 95 °C, respectively, and at all four temperatures they were not significantly different from δ values of E. faecium. The δ value of Salmonella at 80 °C (139 min) was two-fold greater than the other two bacteria's values (p < 0.05). In peanut butter, δ values of P. acidilactici ranged from 31 min at 63 °C to 2.6 min at 77 °C, and at all temperatures they were not significantly different from E. faecium's δ values. In peanut butter, all Salmonella cocktail's δ values were significantly smaller than P. acidilactici's with values of 2 min at 63 °C and 0.4 min at 77 °C. These results indicated that P. acidilactici was as heat tolerant as E. faecium in these food matrices. However, the thermal inactivation kinetic parameters suggested that P. acidilactici can only be considered a Salmonella surrogate in TOC at temperatures above 85 °C. Because of its greater thermal tolerance in peanut butter, P. acidilactici may be used as Salmonella surrogate if an additional safety factor is recommended., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between undocumented immigration status and anxiety, depression, and use of anxiolytic or antidepressant medications in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos., Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of data collected between 2014 and 2017. Participants were categorized as U.S.-born citizens, naturalized citizens, documented noncitizens, or undocumented noncitizens. We calculated prevalence and prevalence ratios for anxiety, depression, and use of anxiolytic or antidepressant medication, by immigration status., Results: Of 9257 participants, 1403 (15%) were undocumented noncitizens, 2872 (31%) were documented noncitizens, 3766 (41%) were naturalized citizens, and 1216 (13%) were U.S.-born citizens. Prevalence of anxiety was lower among undocumented than documented noncitizens (9 vs. 15%, P < .0001) but not significantly different in adjusted analyses. Prevalence of depression was similar among undocumented and documented noncitizens (20 vs. 24%, P = .07) and not significantly different in adjusted analyses. Among participants with depression, 7% of undocumented and 27% of documented noncitizens reported use of antidepressants (adjusted prevalence ratio 0.49, 95% CI 0.27-0.87)., Conclusions: Undocumented noncitizens had similar likelihood of anxiety and depression, but lower likelihood of antidepressant use, compared with documented noncitizens. These results may reflect the resilience of an undocumented population facing multiple stressors but suggest that this group may be undertreated for depression., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) affect working-age patients. Data was lacking concerning the impact on working life., Aims: The French IBD patient association conducted a nationwide survey to assess the burden of IBD at work., Methods: An online survey was performed in 2016, targeting IBD patients working or having worked previously. The results were compared to those observed in the general population., Results: Data from 1410 IBD patients were analyzed (62% Crohn's disease, 35% ulcerative colitis). Four-fifth of respondents were actively employed. Half of them stated that working with IBD was a problem. Compared to the general population, IBD employees had higher rates of permanent contracts, public employment but also of part-time contracts, and highly graduated patients were less likely to reach high qualified jobs. Among the disabling symptoms at work, fatigue was the most frequent (41%) followed by diarrhea (25%) and fecal incontinence (18%). Despite these difficulties, 76% were satisfied with their job. Most patients shared their IBD diagnosis with their colleagues, but 25% of them regretted it., Conclusion: IBD has a strong negative impact on working life. While work satisfaction remains high, IBD affects career plans, highlighting the need for supporting measures to improve patients' work experience., (Copyright © 2019 Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The notochord is an essential part of human development that regresses with age. Masses derived from notochordal tissue may be encountered during imaging of the neuroaxis. Fortunately, the majority of these are benign and can usually be differentiated by radiological and clinical findings. In this manuscript, we discuss the clinical and radiologic presentation of the four notochordal derived masses and present a brief overview of their management., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Sociocultural factors, such as health insurance status, income, education, and acculturation, predict cancer screening among U.S. Hispanics/Latinos. However, these factors can be difficult to modify. More research is needed to identify individual-level modifiable factors that may improve screening and subsequent cancer outcomes in this population. The aim of this study was to examine cancer fatalism (i.e., the belief that there is little or nothing one can do to lower his/her risk of developing cancer) as a determinant of adherence to national screening guidelines for colorectal, breast, prostate, and cervical cancer among Hispanics/Latinos., Methods: Participants were from the multi-site Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) Sociocultural Ancillary Study (N = 5313). The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Health Interview National Trends Survey was used to assess cancer fatalism and receipt of cancer screening. Adherence was defined as following screening guidelines from United States Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society during the study period., Results: Adjusting for well-established determinants of cancer screening and covariates (health insurance status, income, education, acculturation, age, Hispanic/Latino background), lower cancer fatalism was marginally associated with greater adherence to screening for colorectal (OR 1.13, 95% CI [.99-1.30], p = .07), breast (OR 1.16, 95% CI [.99-1.36], p = .08) and prostate cancer (OR 1.18, 95% CI [.97-1.43], p = .10), but not cervical cancer., Conclusions: The associations of cancer fatalism were small and marginal, underlining that sociocultural factors are more robust determinants of cancer screening adherence among Hispanics/Latinos., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Purpose: We describe the sample, design, and procedures for the Community and Surrounding Areas Study (CASAS), an ancillary to the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL). The aim of SOL CASAS was to test an ecological model of macro- and micro-neighborhood environment factors, intermediate behavioral (physical activity) and psychosocial (e.g., depression and stress) mechanisms, and changes in cardiometabolic health in Hispanics/Latinos., Methods: Between 2015 and 2017, approximately 6 years after the HCHS/SOL baseline (2008-2011), 1776 San Diego HCHS/SOL participants enrolled in SOL CASAS and completed a repeat physical activity assessment. Participants' residential addresses were geoprocessed, and macroenvironmental features of the home were derived from publicly available data concurrent with the HCHS/SOL baseline and Visit 2 (2014-2017). Microscale environmental attributes were coded for 943 unique routes for 1684 participants, with a validated observational tool, concurrent with Visit 2, for SOL CASAS participants only., Results: Of 2520 HCHS/SOL participants approached, 70.5% enrolled (mean age 55.3 years; 94% Mexican; 67.5% female). Accelerometer adherence (three or more days with at least 10 hours wear time) was outstanding (94%)., Conclusions: With its more comprehensive ecological model and well-characterized Hispanic/Latino population, SOL CASAS will advance the science concerning the contribution of neighborhood factors to cardiometabolic health., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Salsa-associated outbreaks, including the large multistate outbreak in the United States in 2008 caused by jalapeño and serrano peppers contaminated with Salmonella Saintpaul, have raised concerns about salsa as a potential vehicle for transmission. Despite these events, there has been relatively limited research on the potential growth of pathogenic bacteria in salsa. The aim of this study was to characterize the survival and growth of Salmonella, including the outbreak strain of Salmonella Saintpaul (E2003001236), in freshly made salsa and its main ingredients. Chopped tomatoes, jalapeño peppers, cilantro, and onions were tested individually or mixed according to different salsa recipes. Samples were inoculated with five Salmonella serotypes at 3 log CFU/g: Saintpaul (various strains), Typhimurium, Montevideo, Newport, or Enteritidis. Samples were then stored at room temperature (23°C) for up to 12 h or 3 days. The Salmonella Saintpaul levels reached approximately 9 log CFU/g after 2 days in tomato, jalapeño pepper, and cilantro. Growth was slower in onions, reaching 6 log CFU/g by day 3. Salsa recipes, with or without lime juice, supported the growth of Salmonella Saintpaul, and final levels were approximately 7 log CFU/g after 3 days at 23°C. In contrast, the counts of Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Montevideo, Salmonella Newport, and Salmonella Enteritidis increased only 2 log CFU/g after 3 days in any of the salsas. Other Salmonella Saintpaul strains were able to grow in salsas containing 10% lime juice, but their final levels were less than 5 log CFU/g. These findings indicate the enhanced ability of the Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak strain to grow in salsa compared with other Salmonella strains. Recipe modifications including but not limited to adding lime juice (at least 10%) and keeping fresh salsa at room temperature for less than 12 h before consumption are strategies that can help mitigate the growth of Salmonella in salsa.

Community-associated Clostridium difficile infection (CA-CDI) now accounts for approximately 50% of CDI cases in central Minnesota; animals and meat products are potential sources. From November 2011 to July 2013, we cultured retail meat products and fecal samples from food-producing and companion animals in central Minnesota for C. difficile by using standard methods. The resulting 51 C. difficile isolates, plus 30 archived local veterinary C. difficile isolates and 208 human CA-CDI case isolates from central Minnesota (from 2012) from the Minnesota Department of Health, were characterized molecularly, and source groups were compared using discriminant analysis. C. difficile was recovered from 0 (0%) of 342 retail meat samples and 51 (9%) of 559 animal fecal samples. Overall, the 81 animal source isolates and 208 human source isolates were highly diverse genetically. Molecular traits segregated extensively in relation to animal versus human origin. Discriminant analysis classified 95% of isolates correctly by source group; only five (2.5%) human source isolates were classified as animal source. These data do not support meat products or food-producing and companion animals as important sources of CA-CDI in the central Minnesota study region.

Salmonella spp. are among the most common foodborne pathogens, and increase in the occurrence of antimicrobial drug-resistant Salmonella poses a severe risk to public health. The main objective of this study was to determine changes in Salmonella prevalence and their antimicrobial resistance on poultry farms following recommendations to changes in biosecurity practices. Four poultry farms were sampled by collecting cloacal swabs, drag swabs, and litter samples prior to recommended biosecurity changes (March-April) and post recommendations (October-November). Prevalence of Salmonella was 3 to 4% during pre-recommendations, while the prevalence was higher (P > 0.05), ranging from 5 to 14% during post recommendations. Higher Salmonella prevalence was observed for pre- and post-recommendation phases by sample type in cloacal and drag samples -5% for farm 1, drag swab -6% on farm 2, cloacal swab -6% for farm 3, and drag swab -17% on farm 4. The PCR confirmed Salmonella were serotyped and tested for antimicrobial resistance. Six serotypes of Salmonella were identified with S. Enteritidis (52%) being the most prevalent, followed by S. Berta (38%), S. Mbandaka (7%), S. Typhimurium (2%), S. Kentucky (0.4%), and S. Tennessee (0.4%). A total of 7% isolates exhibited resistance to at least one of the 8 antimicrobials. Higher resistance was observed for tetracycline, streptomycin, and nalidixic acid. A single isolate of S. Mbandaka exhibited multidrug resistance to tetracycline, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and ampicillin. Based on these prevalence results, it can be inferred that, irrespective of implementation of improved biosecurity practices, seasonal variation can cause changes in the prevalence of Salmonella on the farms. Resistance to clinically important antimicrobials used to treat salmonellosis is a concern to public health.

A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of the carotenoid canthaxanthin on production performance in layer hens. The data set contained 576 performance measurements from 34 trials. The trials were all conducted according to a similar experimental protocol from 1997 to 2012. The age of the animals ranged from 21 to 65 weeks. The experimental diets were predominantly wheat/SBM based, fed in mash form ad libitum. Depending on the trial and the treatment group considered, canthaxanthin supplementation was in the range of 0 to 8 mg/kg of feed.Using a linear mixed model regression applied to all 34 trials simultaneously, significant dose-dependent increases were found in egg yolk mass (+0.53% per ppm of canthaxanthin inclusion in the feed, P < 0.001), in egg mass (+0.47% per ppm, P = 0.0132), egg weight (+0.17% per ppm, P = 0.046), and in feed intake (+0.32% per ppm, P = 0.0054). A numerical increase was found in egg production (+0.28%, P = 0.14). The FCR decreased numerically (-0.24% per ppm, P = 0.36). The deposition of canthaxanthin in the egg yolk was 2.25 ppm per ppm of canthaxanthin in the feed (P < 0.001). It is concluded that in addition to egg yolk pigmentation, antioxidant effect, enhanced reproduction, and immune-modulation, canthaxanthin can significantly increase egg mass, thereby enhancing the productivity of the flock. Mechanisms relating to carotenoid metabolism and functions in avian species are a new research area that will require further investigation to explain the observed effects., (© 2017 Poultry Science Association Inc.)