scholarly journals Slaughter pigs as carrier of Listeria monocytogenes in Germany

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Verena Oswaldi ◽  
Janine Dzierzon ◽  
Susann Thieme ◽  
Roswitha Merle ◽  
Diana Meemken
Keyword(s):  
Intestinal Content ◽  
Positive Sample ◽  
Pork Products ◽  
Northwest Germany ◽  
German Regions ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Single Animal ◽  
Slaughter Pigs ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Low Prevalence

AbstractListeria (L.) monocytogenes as the cause of human listeriosis is widespread in the environment and a hazard considering food safety. Almost all animal species as well as humans can be asymptomatic carriers of this bacterium. In pigs, the tonsils are identified as the organ with the highest detection rate compared to other sample matrices. We sampled 430 pigs in total in two slaughterhouses in Northwest and East Germany, two structurally different and important regions in pig production, to re-examine pigs as a possible source of Listeria-contamination of pork products. We detected a low prevalence of L. monocytogenes in tonsil samples of 1.6% (7/430) on single animal level and of 11.6% (5/43) on herd level with no significant difference between the two German regions. Apart from L. monocytogenes, the usually non-pathogenic L. innocua had a prevalence of 1.2% (5/430) on single animal level. From 200 pigs from Northwest Germany, intestinal content samples were analysed in addition to tonsil samples from the same animals, but no positive sample was found for L. monocytogenes (0.0%, 0/200), while four pigs were positive for L. innocua (2.0%, 4/200). Although the prevalence of L. monocytogenes in tonsils is low, the risk of cross-contaminating meat with the pathogen is still given.

Transformative Learning in Mastery-Oriented CS0 Course

2021 ◽  
pp. 234763112110072
Author(s):  
Srinivasan Lakshminarayanan ◽  
N. J. Rao ◽  
G. K. Meghana
Keyword(s):  
Transformative Learning ◽  
First Year ◽  
Guided Discovery ◽  
Engineering Programs ◽  
Transformative Experiences ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Cognitive Levels ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Core Course

The introductory programming course, commonly known as CS1 and offered as a core course in the first year in all engineering programs in India, is unique because it can address higher cognitive levels, metacognition and some aspects of the affective domain. It can provide much needed transformative experiences to students coming from a system of school education that is dominantly performance-driven. Unfortunately, the CS1 course, as practiced in almost all engineering programs, is also performance-driven because of a variety of compulsions. This paper suggests that the inclusion of a course CS0 can bring about transformative learning that can potentially make a significant difference in the quality of learning in all subsequent engineering courses. The suggested instruction design of this course takes the advantage of the unique features of a course in programming. The proposed CS0 course uses “extreme apprenticeship” and “guided discovery” methods of instruction. The effectiveness of these instruction methods was established through the use of the thematic analysis, a well-known qualitative research method, and the associated coding of transformative learning experiences and instruction components.

Do Deeper Levels of Cervical Biopsies Preceded by a Pap Smear Diagnosis of LSIL, ASCUS, or NILM/HPV+ Increase the Yield of Identifying Clinically Significant Lesions?

2020 ◽  
Vol 154 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S163-S164
Author(s):  
K G Manjee ◽  
W G Watkin
Keyword(s):  
Pap Smear ◽  
Past History ◽  
Prior History ◽  
Cervical Biopsy ◽  
P16 Immunohistochemistry ◽  
Hpv Status ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
History Of ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Almost All

Abstract Introduction/Objective Cervical biopsy is performed following an abnormal pap smear or positive HPV testing in an attempt to uncover clinically significant lesions [HSIL/invasive carcinoma (HSIL+)]. An excisional procedure is considered if biopsy confirms HSIL+. When preceded by pap smear of LSIL, ASCUS, NILM/HPV+ or persistent HPV, continued surveillance is recommended for biopsies showing no SIL or LSIL. In our laboratory, cervical biopsies are routinely sectioned at 3 levels. Deeper levels are often ordered when initial sections are non-diagnostic. p16 immunohistochemistry, with or without deeper levels, is often ordered to confirm HSIL, or to differentiate HSIL from mimics. In this study, we examine whether and in what clinical situations does obtaining additional levels uncover clinically significant lesions. Methods 430 cervical biopsies between January-May 2018, with recent cytology of LSIL, ASCUS or NILM/HPV+ were identified in the pathology database. HPV status (if known), final biopsy diagnosis and past history of LSIL/HSIL were recorded. For each biopsy, orders for additional levels and/or p16 immunohistochemistry were recorded resulting in 4 categories: C1-no additional levels or p16, C2-deeper only, C3-deeper+p16 and C4-p16 only. Final diagnoses were divided into HSIL+, LSIL and no SIL. Results There was no significant difference in prior history of LSIL/HSIL and HPV status between all categories. Biopsy results were as follows: HSIL+: 11/222 (5%) C1; 1/78 (1%) C2; 7/43 (16%) C3; 15/87 (17%) C4 LSIL: 91/222 (41%) C1; 7/78 (9%) C2; 16/43 (37%) C3; 35/87 (40%) C4 No SIL: 120/222 (54%) C1; 70/78 (90%) C2; 20/43 (46%) C3; 37/87 (42%) C4 The average number of additional levels in C2 and C3 was 3.8 and 1.8, respectively. Conclusion Deeper levels alone did not enhance the detection of HSIL+. Almost all LSIL/HSIL were detected when initial levels were diagnostic or suspicious and supported by p16 immunohistochemistry. 3 levels are adequate to detect clinically significant lesions.

scholarly journals RT-PCR analysis of Deformed wing virus in honeybees (Apis mellifera) and mites (Varroa destructor)

2005 ◽  
Vol 86 (12) ◽  
pp. 3419-3424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Constanze Yue ◽  
Elke Genersch
Keyword(s):  
Varroa Destructor ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Larval Food ◽  
Viral Pathogen ◽  
Deformed Wing Virus ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Viral Sequences

Deformed wing virus (DWV) is a honeybee viral pathogen either persisting as an inapparent infection or resulting in wing deformity. The occurrence of deformity is associated with the transmission of DWV through Varroa destructor during pupal stages. Such infections with DWV add to the pathology of V. destructor and play a major role in colony collapse in the course of varroosis. Using a recently developed RT-PCR protocol for the detection of DWV, individual bees and mites originating from hives differing in Varroa infestation levels and the occurrence of crippled bees were analysed. It was found that 100 % of both crippled and asymptomatic bees were positive for DWV. However, a significant difference in the spatial distribution of DWV between asymptomatic and crippled bees could be demonstrated: when analysing head, thorax and abdomen of crippled bees, all body parts were always strongly positive for viral sequences. In contrast, for asymptomatic bees viral sequences could be detected in RNA extracted from the thorax and/or abdomen but never in RNA extracted from the head. DWV replication was demonstrated in almost all DWV-positive body parts of infected bees. Analysing individual mites for the presence of DWV revealed that the percentage of DWV-positive mites differed between mite populations. In addition, it was demonstrated that DWV was able to replicate in some but not all mites. Interestingly, virus replication in mites was correlated with wing deformity. DWV was also detected in the larval food, implicating that in addition to transmission by V. destructor DWV is also transmitted by feeding.

scholarly journals Investigation of JAK2V617F Mutation Prevalence in Patients with Beta Thalassemia Major

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zari Tahannejad Asadi ◽  
Reza Yarahmadi ◽  
Najmaldin Saki ◽  
Mohammad Taha Jalali ◽  
Ali Amin Asnafi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Disorder ◽  
Thalassemia Major ◽  
Janus Kinase ◽  
Jak2v617f Mutation ◽  
Beta Thalassemia ◽  
Common Mutation ◽  
Signal Transducers ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Low Prevalence

AbstractBackgroundBeta (β)–thalassemia major is a genetic disorder with anemia and an increased level of erythropoietin by Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway. JAK plays an important role in cell signaling, and the common mutation in the JAK2 gene in myeloid disorders is called JAK2V617F.MethodsA total of 75 patients with beta (β)-thalassemia major patients, including 34 males (45%) and 41 females (55%), were enrolled in this study. The presence of the JAK2V617F mutation was assessed using the amplification-refractory mutation–polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) technique.ResultsAmong the 75 patients, 14 patients (19%) tested positive and 61 patients (81%) tested negative for JAK2V617F mutation. We observed no statistically significant difference in sex, age, genotype, and JAK2V617F mutation among patients (P> .05). However, a significant difference between blood-transfusion frequency and JAK2V617F mutation was observed (P <.05).ConclusionDue to the low prevalence of JAK2V617F mutation in thalassemia, using a larger population of the patients to investigate this mutation in ineffective erythropoiesis can be useful.

scholarly journals Effect of a 6-Month Controlled Lifestyle Intervention on Common Carotid Intima-Media Thickness

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Koeder ◽  
A. Hahn ◽  
H. Englert
Keyword(s):  
Lifestyle Intervention ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intima Media Thickness ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
High Baseline ◽  
Media Thickness ◽  
Northwest Germany ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Objectives The intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery (ccIMT) is an established risk marker for cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, it is unclear whether lifestyle interventions can easily demonstrate an improvement in ccIMT. The objective was to test if our intervention would beneficially affect ccIMT (among other CVD markers). Design Non-randomized controlled trial Setting Rural northwest Germany Participants Middle-aged and elderly participants from the general population (intervention: n = 114; control: n = 87) Intervention A community-based, 6-month controlled lifestyle intervention focusing on four areas of lifestyle change: a plant-based diet, physical activity, stress management, and an improved social life. A strong emphasis was on dietary change. Measurements We tested whether ccIMT change from baseline to 6 months was different between groups. Results With all participants included, no significant difference in mean ccIMT change between groups was observed (p = 0.708). However, in a subgroup analysis with participants with high baseline mean ccIMT (≥0.800 mm) a significant difference in mean ccIMT change between intervention (−0.023 [95% CI −0.052, 0.007] mm; n = 22; baseline mean ccIMT: 0.884 ± 0.015 mm) and control (0.041 [95% CI 0.009, 0.073] mm; n = 13; baseline mean ccIMT: 0.881 ± 0.022 mm) was observed (p = 0.004). Adjusting for potential confounders did not substantially alter the results. Conclusion The results indicate that healthy lifestyle changes can beneficially affect ccIMT within 6 months and that such a beneficial effect may be more easily demonstrated if participants with high baseline ccIMT are recruited. The observed effect is of relevance for the prevention of CVD events, including myocardial infarction and stroke.

Helminth parasites of Jamaican anoles (Reptilia: Iguanidae): variation in prevalence and intensity with host age and sex in a population of Anolis lineatopus

Parasitology ◽  
1987 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 399-404 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Vogel ◽  
D. A. P. Bundy
Keyword(s):  
Direct Relationship ◽  
Helminth Parasite ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Helminth Parasites ◽  
Host Age ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Low Prevalence ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Age And Sex

SUMMARYThe Jamaican iguanid lizard Anolis lineatopus is the host of 4 species of helminth parasite: an acanthocephalan (Centrorhynchus spinosus), a digenean (Mesocoelium danforthi), and 2 nematodes (Cyrtosumum scelopori and Thelandros (?cubensis). Prevalance of C. spinosus was unrelated to host age but was considerably higher in males (43%) than in females (10%). The intensity increased with host age: (range: 1–23, median: 3). Prevalence of C. scelopori increased with host age in both sexes: juveniles (<3 months) were uninfected while infection occurred in almost all lizards older than 9 months. Intensity was higher in males (range: 1–403, median: 158) than in females (range: 1–297, median: 86). The infection patterns of C. spinosus and C. scelopori differed significantly from each other and were not consistent with a simplistic direct relationship between time of exposure and infection prevalence. Acanthocephalan and digenean infections occurred at low prevalence and intensity although prevalence in older, larger lizards tended to be higher than in younger, smaller ones.

scholarly journals DIFFERENT APPROACHES OF CLIENTS AND CONSULTANTS TO CONTRACTORS’ QUALIFICATION AND SELECTION

2005 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 267-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmedali Egemen ◽  
Abdulrezak N. Mohamed
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Selection Processes ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Almost All ◽  
High Willingness

Nowadays, clients are the dominant groups in almost all types of industries. However, the construction industry is unique and consultants, as representatives of clients, are very important figures in this industry as well. By presenting survey findings of 91 clients and 50 consultants, this study reveals clients’ and consultants’ differing expectations of contracting organisations during contractor qualification and selection. The study has clearly confirmed the fact that consultants’ perspectives are rather different and their contractors’ expectations of their clients vary very significantly from the clients themselves. Furthermore, significantly different results were found even among different types of consultants and different categories of clients. Moreover, this study showed that both clients and consultants had high willingness to continue working with the same contractor in possible future works assuming they are satisfied with the previous works. The criteria, which contribute to achieving full client and/or consultant satisfaction and hence lead to possible repetitive works are identified and the results showed the existence of significant difference between clients and consultants perspectives regarding this issue as well. The framework presented within this paper aims to help the contracting organisations to compare and recognise the different approaches and perceptions of both clients and consultants during contractor qualification and selection processes. The contracting organisations in the related sectors will be able to use the framework provided within this study to recognise the overall demand in a more complete and better manner and hence formulate or modify strategies accordingly.

scholarly journals Human Biomonitoring of T-2 Toxin, T-2 Toxin-3-Glucoside and Their Metabolites in Urine through High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry

Toxins ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 869
Author(s):  
Alfonso Narváez ◽  
Luana Izzo ◽  
Noelia Pallarés ◽  
Luigi Castaldo ◽  
Yelko Rodríguez-Carrasco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
High Resolution Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Human Biomonitoring ◽  
Italian Population ◽  
South Italy ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Low Prevalence ◽  
Frequent Exposure ◽  
Mean Concentration

The metabolic profile of T-2 toxin (T-2) and its modified form T-2-3-glucoside (T-2-3-Glc) remain unexplored in human samples. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the presence of T-2, T-2-3-Glc and their respective major metabolites in human urine samples (n = 300) collected in South Italy through an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled to Q-Orbitrap-HRMS methodology. T-2 was quantified in 21% of samples at a mean concentration of 1.34 ng/mg Crea (range: 0.22–6.54 ng/mg Crea). Almost all the major T-2 metabolites previously characterized in vitro were tentatively found, remarking the occurrence of 3′-OH-T-2 (99.7%), T-2 triol (56%) and HT-2 (30%). Regarding T-2-3-Glc, a low prevalence of the parent mycotoxin (1%) and its metabolites were observed, with HT-2-3-Glc (17%) being the most prevalent compound, although hydroxylated products were also detected. Attending to the large number of testing positive for T-2 or its metabolites, this study found a frequent exposure in Italian population.

scholarly journals ASSESSMENT OF THE QUALITY OF MODERN COMMERCIAL PORK PRODUCTS

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Garmatyk ◽  
R. Susol ◽  
M. Broshkov ◽  
O. Danchuk ◽  
Ih. Panikar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Physicochemical Characteristic ◽  
Calorific Value ◽  
Physicochemical Analysis ◽  
Large White ◽  
Pork Products ◽  
Cooking Properties ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Exudative Meat ◽  
Terminal Sire

By a morphological study of carcasses of young pig stock of different origin, it has been proved that up-to-date crossbreeding schemes using meat-type breeds as parents increase the percentage of meat in a carcass and optimise the lean-to-fat ratio. Physicochemical analysis of pork obtained from pigs of different breeds has shown that all the parameters investigated are within the current physiological standards. Most parameters have shown no significant difference, though tend to exhibit some peculiarities associated with the effect of a genotype on how this or that physicochemical characteristic manifests itself. The use of the Piétrain breed as the sire line decreases the intramuscular fat content, and hence the calorific value of pork. The back fat of this breed has the highest melting point, which indicates its high storability, but somewhat lower cooking properties than those of similar products obtained from offspring of Large White and Landrace parents. The pH and water-holding capacity of the pork of Piétrain-sired offspring make it quite similar to PSE (Pale, Soft, Exudative) meat: this pork is slightly less tender and paler in colour and exhibits greater weight loss during thermal processing. Also, the result of a comprehensive sensory evaluation of boiled pork and pork broth obtained from Piétrain-sired young stock was the lowest, which is consistent with most of the physicochemical properties of pork from pigs of this genotype. So, it is the 75% purebred Landrace that should be favoured as a terminal sire line in crossbreeding programmes in order to obtain pork and bacon of improved quality in intensive commercial swine production systems. It is recommended to combine Piétrain and Duroc lines to produce terminal sires, ½ (Piétrain + Duroc), that will be further mated with two-breed-cross dams – ½ (Large White + Landrace).

scholarly journals Evaluation of the relationship between MIH severity and dental fear among the children

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (10) ◽  
pp. 284-287
Author(s):  
Can Özükoç
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Dental Anxiety ◽  
Pediatric Dentistry ◽  
Dental Fear ◽  
Common Condition ◽  
Molar Incisor Hypomineralization ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Fear Survey Schedule ◽  
Almost All ◽  
The Relationship

Objective: Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH), a quite common condition in pediatric dentistry, whose treatment might seem complicated, manifests itself with severe dental anxiety and fear that can cause behavioral problems. Although dental fear is seen in almost all cases, it is believed that dental fear will increase as the severity of MIH increases. This study evaluates the relationship between MIH severity and dental fear. Material and Methods: Children Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS) was used to measure dental fear in 58 (51.79%) children whose teeth suffered from mild, moderate or severe MIH and 54 (48.21%) children with healthy teeth. Scores between 1 (not afraid at all) and 5 (very afraid) were given according to the responses. Each question was evaluated separately in order to obtain the total score. Results: Children with severe MIH who participated in the study were proved to be more afraid of the dentists, drill sounds, injections, placement of instruments in the mouth, choking and going to the hospital; and there was a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). Conclusion: Although it was observed that the severity of MIH and dental fear are correlated and dental fear increases with the increase in the MIH severity, further studies in this subject are necessary.

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