Synthesis, structural, characterization, antibacterial and antibiotic modifying activity, ADMET study, molecular docking and dynamics of chalcone (E)-1-(4-aminophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one in strains of Staphylococcus aureus carrying NorA and MepA efflux pumps.

Chalcones have an open chain flavonoid structure that can be obtained from natural sources or by synthesis and are widely distributed in fruits, vegetables, and tea. They have a simple and easy to handle structure due to the α-ß-unsaturated bridge responsible for most biological activities. The facility to synthesize chalcones combined with its efficient in combating serious bacterial infections make these compounds important agents in the fight against microorganisms. In this work, the chalcone (E)-1-(4-aminophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (HDZPNB) was characterized by spectroscopy and electronic methods. In addition, microbiological tests were performed to investigate the modulator potential and efflux pump inhibition on S. aureus multi-resistant strains. The modulating effect of HDZPNB chalcone in association with the antibiotic norfloxacin, on the resistance of the S. aureus 1199 strain, resulted in increase the MIC. In addition, when HDZPNB was associated with ethidium bromide (EB), it caused an increase in the MIC value, thus not inhibiting the efflux pump. For the strain of S. aureus 1199B, carrying the NorA pump, the HDZPNB associated with norfloxacin showed no modulatory, and when the chalcone was used in association with EB, it had no inhibitory effect on the efflux pump. For the tested strain of S. aureus K2068, which carries the MepA pump, it can be observed that the chalcone together the antibiotic resulted in an increase the MIC. On the other hand, when chalcone was used in association with EB, it caused a decrease in bromide MIC, equal to the reduction caused by standard inhibitors. Thus, these results indicate that the HDZPNB could also act as an inhibitor of the S. aureus gene overexpressing pump MepA. The molecular docking reveals that chalcone has a good binding energies -7.9 for HDZPNB/MepA complexes, molecular dynamics simulations showed that Chalcone/MetA complexes showed good stability of the structure in an aqueous solution, and ADMET study showed that the chalcone has a good oral bioavailability, high passive permeability, low risk of efflux, low clearance rate and low toxic risk by ingestion. The microbiological tests show that the chalcone can be used as a possible inhibitor of the Mep A efflux pump.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Superexploração da força de trabalho na saúde em um contexto de pandemia de Covid-19 no Brasil / Superexploitation of the health workforce in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil / Sobreexplotación de la fuerza de trabajo de salud en el contexto de la pandemia de COVID-19 en Brasil

Resumo O capitalismo, na sua etapa de dominância do capital fictício, acentuado pelas dimensões de sua crise pandêmica, econômica e ecológica, tem intensificado a superexploração da força de trabalho no mundo e, particularmente, no Brasil. Nessa perspectiva, o presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar as manifestações da superexploração da força de trabalho entre trabalhadores(as) da saúde em um contexto de pandemia de Covid-19 no Brasil. O artigo está estruturado em quatro partes. A primeira discute as dimensões do valor da força de trabalho. A segunda aborda os mecanismos de superexploração da força de trabalho. A seção seguinte discorre acerca das manifestações da superexploração entre os(as) trabalhadores(as) da saúde, nos últimos anos. E a parte final apresenta dados de como tem ocorrido ou acontecido a superexploração no cenário da pandemia de Covid-19 no Brasil. Atualmente, em um cenário de pandemia de Covid-19, observa-se um percentual significativo de profissionais da saúde com sobrecarga de trabalho, com jornadas para além das 40 horas semanais, alguns tendo que recorrer a mais de um vínculo de trabalho para poder sobreviver. Tais manifestações representam as péssimas condições de trabalho dessa categoria de trabalhadores, além de contribuir para o adoecimento e o elevado número de acidentes de trabalho.

Abstract Capitalism, in its stage of dominance of fictitious capital, accentuated by the dimensions of its pandemic, economic and ecological crisis, has intensified the superexploitation of the labor force in the world and, particularly, in Brazil. In this perspective, this article aims to analyze the manifestations of the superexploitation of the workforce among health workers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. The article is structured in four parts. The first discusses the dimensions of the value of labor power. The second deals with the mechanisms of superexploitation of the workforce. The following section discusses the manifestations of superexploitation among health workers in recent years. And the final part presents data on how superexploitation has occurred in the scenario of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Currently, in the COVID-19 pandemic scenario, there is a significant percentage of health professionals with work overload, with working hours beyond 40 hours per week, some having to resort to more than one employment relationship to survive. Such manifestations represent the terrible working conditions of this category of workers, in addition to contributing to illness and the high number of accidents at work.

Resumen El capitalismo, en su etapa de dominación del capital ficticio, acentuado por las dimensiones de su crisis pandémica, económica y ecológica, ha intensificado la sobreexplotación de la fuerza de trabajo en el mundo y, particularmente, en Brasil. Desde esta perspectiva, este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar las manifestaciones de sobreexplotación de la fuerza de trabajo entre los trabajadores y trabajadoras de la salud en un contexto de pandemia de COVID-19 en Brasil. El artículo está estructurado en cuatro partes. La primera discute las dimensiones del valor de la fuerza de trabajo. La segunda aborda los mecanismos de sobreexplotación de la mano de obra. En la siguiente sección se analizan las manifestaciones de la sobreexplotación entre los trabajadores y trabajadoras de la salud en los últimos años. Y la parte final presenta datos sobre cómo se ha producido u ocurrió la sobreexplotación en el contexto de la pandemia de COVID-19 en Brasil. Actualmente, en un escenario de la pandemia del COVID-19, existe un porcentaje importante de profesionales de la salud con sobrecarga laboral, trabajando más de 40 horas a la semana, teniendo algunos que recurrir a más de un empleo para poder subsistir. Tales manifestaciones representan las malas condiciones de trabajo de esta categoría de trabajadores, además de contribuir a la enfermedad y al elevado número de accidentes de trabajo.

Unemployment and suicide among the Brazilian population in the crisis of capitalism. / Desemprego e suicídio na população brasileira em um cenário de crise do capitalismo.

The current crisis of capitalism has multiple economic, financial, social, environmental, cultural and political facets. In Brazil, the severity of the crisis is no different, resulting from the exhaustion of the neo-developmentalist model and its inability to resist global crisis. This study compares suicide mortality rates (MR) among employed and unemployed persons in Brazil prior to and during the economic crisis using death records from the period 2011 to 2016. The findings show that in the period 2011 to 2016 the suicide MR fell from 2.66/100,000 to 2.46 among unemployed persons and increased from 5.52/100,000 to 6.89/100,000 in employed persons. Suicide is a complex, multi-causal phenomenon determined by a diverse range of social factors, including strategies that increase worker exploitation. Indeed, being employed can have a greater negative impact on the mental health of workers than being unemployed.

A atual crise do capitalismo apresenta um caráter múltiplo: econômico, financeiro, social, ambiental, cultural e político. No Brasil, a gravidade da crise não é diferente, podendo ser explicada como resultado do esgotamento do modelo neodesenvolvimentista, bem como de sua incapacidade de resistir à crise mundial. Este estudo compara o coeficiente de mortalidade (CM) por suicídio de acordo com a situação de ocupação dos brasileiros em período anterior e durante a crise econômica. Para isso, foram utilizados os registros de óbitos da população brasileira no período de 2011 a 2016. Os resultados mostram que, entre os desempregados, o CM por suicídio se reduziu de 2,66 óbitos/100 mil, em 2011, para 2,46, em 2016, enquanto, entre os ocupados, aumentou de 5,52 para 6,89 óbitos/100 mil no mesmo período. Compreende-se a complexidade e a multicausalidade da ocorrência do suicídio, sabendo que é um fenômeno socialmente determinado, inclusive pelas estratégias que aumentam a exploração da força de trabalho. Com efeito, estar ocupado, laboralmente, pode ter maior impacto negativo sobre a saúde mental de trabalhadores/as do que estar desempregado.

Desemprego e suicídio na população brasileira em um cenário de crise do capitalismo / Unemployment and suicide among the Brazilian population in the crisis of capitalism

Resumo A atual crise do capitalismo apresenta um caráter múltiplo: econômico, financeiro, social, ambiental, cultural e político. No Brasil, a gravidade da crise não é diferente, podendo ser explicada como resultado do esgotamento do modelo neodesenvolvimentista, bem como de sua incapacidade de resistir à crise mundial. Este estudo compara o coeficiente de mortalidade (CM) por suicídio de acordo com a situação de ocupação dos brasileiros em período anterior e durante a crise econômica. Para isso, foram utilizados os registros de óbitos da população brasileira no período de 2011 a 2016. Os resultados mostram que, entre os desempregados, o CM por suicídio se reduziu de 2,66 óbitos/100 mil, em 2011, para 2,46, em 2016, enquanto, entre os ocupados, aumentou de 5,52 para 6,89 óbitos/100 mil no mesmo período. Compreende-se a complexidade e a multicausalidade da ocorrência do suicídio, sabendo que é um fenômeno socialmente determinado, inclusive pelas estratégias que aumentam a exploração da força de trabalho. Com efeito, estar ocupado, laboralmente, pode ter maior impacto negativo sobre a saúde mental de trabalhadores/as do que estar desempregado.

Abstract The current crisis of capitalism has multiple economic, financial, social, environmental, cultural and political facets. In Brazil, the severity of the crisis is no different, resulting from the exhaustion of the neo-developmentalist model and its inability to resist global crisis. This study compares suicide mortality rates (MR) among employed and unemployed persons in Brazil prior to and during the economic crisis using death records from the period 2011 to 2016. The findings show that in the period 2011 to 2016 the suicide MR fell from 2.66/100,000 to 2.46 among unemployed persons and increased from 5.52/100,000 to 6.89/100,000 in employed persons. Suicide is a complex, multi-causal phenomenon determined by a diverse range of social factors, including strategies that increase worker exploitation. Indeed, being employed can have a greater negative impact on the mental health of workers than being unemployed.

Listeria monocytogenes Assessment in a Ready-to-Eat Salad Shelf-Life Study Using Conventional Culture-Based Methods, Genetic Profiling, and Propidium Monoazide Quantitative PCR.

Listeriosis is almost entirely transmitted through foods contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Ready-to-eat foods present a particular challenge due to their long refrigerated shelf-life, not requiring any heat treatment before consumption. In this work, a shelf-life assessment of an industrially produced ready-to-eat salad was performed using conventional culture-based and molecular methods. L. monocytogenes isolates were confirmed and serogrouped using multiplex PCR, and genetic subtyping was performed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). PMAxx-qPCR was used as an alternative method for L. monocytogenes quantification in foods. Salad samples were kept at 4 °C, 12 °C, and 16 °C for eight days and analysed. At 4 °C, acceptable results were obtained considering hygiene indicators, i.e., Enterobacteriaceae (ranging from 3.55 ± 0.15 log cfu/g to 5.39 ± 0.21 log cfu/g) and aerobic mesophilic colony counts (5.91 ± 0.90 log cfu/g to 9.41 ± 0.58 log cfu/g) throughout the study, but the same did not happen at 12 °C and 16 °C. L. monocytogenes culture-based quantification exhibited low numbers (<1 log cfu/g) for all temperatures. From 30 presumptive isolates, 10 (33.3%) were confirmed as L. monocytogenes with the majority belonging to serogroup IVb. PFGE subtyping showed that 7 of the 10 L. monocytogenes isolates had 100% of pulsotype similarity, suggesting a possible common contamination source. PMAxx-qPCR revealed a statistically higher L. monocytogenes quantification (>3 log cfu/g) when compared to the conventional culture-based method, suggesting viable but non-culturable forms. Taken together, results underline the need to combine conventional methods with more sensitive, specific, and rapid ones for L. monocytogenes assessment in ready-to-eat foods shelf-life studies to reduce the potential risk for consumers.

Seasonality Effects on Antibacterial and Antibiotic Potentiating Activity against Multidrug-Resistant Strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and ATR-FTIR Spectra of Essential Oils from Vitex gardneriana Leaves.

Plants are natural sources of several bioactive substances, which have been found in extracts, secondary metabolites, and essential oils. Several biological activities have been attributed to essential oils as antiviral, insecticidal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics has increased the development of resistance mechanisms of microorganisms. Thus, search for efficient natural compounds with antimicrobial activity and low toxicity has increased, so essential oils have been a promising alternative for combating microbial infections. This study was carried out to investigate the seasonality effects on the infrared absorbance spectra, antibacterial activity, and antibiotic potentiating activity of essential oils from Vitex gardneriana leaves. Essential oils were extracted from V. gardneriana Schauer leaves the seasonal period from January to December 2016 and characterized by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. The antibacterial effect of these oils and antibiotic potentiating activity, both determined by the minimum inhibitory concentration, were assessed using microtiter plates. For the first time, we present the use of infrared absorbance spectra of these essential oils and show the influence of seasonality on them. Synergistic effects were observed for the essential oils associated with the antibiotics tested (gentamicin, ampicillin, and ofloxacin). The main influence of seasonality on the infrared absorbance spectra of the essential oils of the V. gardneriana occurred in the June month (last month of the rainy season). In regard to antibacterial activity test, the essential oils of the V. gardneriana leaves did not show a direct effect on the strains tested. However, the essential oils when associated with the antibiotics showed variations in the minimum inhibitory concentration with the months of the seasonal period, indicating synergistic effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacterial resistance.

Genetic Subtyping, Biofilm-Forming Ability and Biocide Susceptibility of Listeria monocytogenes Strains Isolated from a Ready-to-Eat Food Industry.

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen of special concern for ready-to-eat food producers. The control of its presence is a critical step in which food-grade sanitizers play an essential role. L. monocytogenes is believed to persist in food processing environments in biofilms, exhibiting less susceptibility to sanitizers than planktonic cells. This study aimed to test the susceptibility of L. monocytogenes in planktonic culture and biofilm to three commercial food-grade sanitizers and to benzalkonium chloride; together with the genetic subtyping of the isolates. L. monocytogenes isolates were collected from raw materials, final products and food-contact surfaces during a 6-year period from a ready-to-eat meat-producing food industry and genetically characterized. Serogrouping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) revealed genetic variability and differentiated L. monocytogenes isolates in three clusters. The biofilm-forming ability assay revealed that the isolates were weak biofilm producers. L. monocytogenes strains were susceptible both in the planktonic and biofilm form to oxidizing and ethanol-based compounds and to benzalkonium chloride, but not to quaternary ammonium compound. A positive association of biofilm-forming ability and LD90 values for quaternary ammonium compound and benzalkonium chloride was found. This study highlights the need for preventive measures improvement and for a conscious selection and use of sanitizers in food-related environments to control Listeria monocytogenes.

Estimating Listeria monocytogenes Growth in Ready-to-Eat Chicken Salad Using a Challenge Test for Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment.

Currently, there is a growing preference for convenience food products, such as ready-to-eat (RTE) foods, associated with long refrigerated shelf-lives, not requiring a heat treatment prior to consumption. Because Listeria monocytogenes is able to grow at refrigeration temperatures, inconsistent temperatures during production, distribution, and at consumer's household may allow for the pathogen to thrive, reaching unsafe limits. L. monocytogenes is the causative agent of listeriosis, a rare but severe human illness, with high fatality rates, transmitted almost exclusively by food consumption. With the aim of assessing the quantitative microbial risk of L. monocytogenes in RTE chicken salads, a challenge test was performed. Salads were inoculated with a three-strain mixture of cold-adapted L. monocytogenes and stored at 4, 12, and 16 °C for eight days. Results revealed that the salad was able to support L. monocytogenes' growth, even at refrigeration temperatures. The Baranyi primary model was fitted to microbiological data to estimate the pathogen's growth kinetic parameters. Temperature effect on the maximum specific growth rate (µmax ) was modeled using a square-root-type model. Storage temperature significantly influenced µmax of L. monocytogenes (p < 0.05). These predicted growth models for L. monocytogenes were subsequently used to develop a quantitative microbial risk assessment, estimating a median number of 0.00008726 listeriosis cases per year linked to the consumption of these RTE salads. Sensitivity analysis considering different time-temperature scenarios indicated a very low median risk per portion (<-7 log), even if the assessed RTE chicken salad was kept in abuse storage conditions.

Antimicrobial Effects of Essential Oils on Oral Microbiota Biofilms: The Toothbrush In Vitro Model.

The present investigation intended to evaluate the bacteriostatic and bactericidal abilities of clove, oregano and thyme essential oils against oral bacteria in planktonic and biofilm states. Furthermore, aiming to mimic everyday conditions, a toothbrush in vitro model was developed. Determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration and minimum biofilm eradication concentration were achieved using the microdilution procedure. To simulate the toothbrush environment, nylon fibers were inoculated with oral bacteria, which, after incubation to allow biofilm development, were submitted to contact with the essential oils under study. Thyme and oregano essential oils revealed promising antimicrobial effects, both in growth inhibition and the destruction of cells in planktonic and biofilm states, while clove essential oil showed a weaker potential. Regarding the toothbrush in vitro model, observation of the nylon fibers under a magnifying glass proved the essential oil anti-biofilm properties. Considering the effects observed using the in vitro toothbrush model, a realistic approximation to oral biofilm establishment in an everyday use object, a putative application of essential oils as toothbrush sanitizers to help prevent the establishment of bacterial biofilm can be verified.

What is the Main Processing Factor Influencing Staphylococcus Species Diversity in Different Manufacturing Units?

The microbiota of traditional dry-cured sausages and industrial environment was assessed to characterize the diversity of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), and establish potential relationships with hygiene level or technological characteristics. Eight processing units from South Portugal were audited according to a checklist of requirements. Environmental and products' samples at different production stages were evaluated regarding hygiene and safety criteria. CNS were recovered, characterized, and their potential use as starters evaluated. Low genetic diversity was observed for Staphylococcus xylosus, whereas Staphylococcus equorum showed diverse genetic profiles. Staphylococcus xylosus predominated in products with a long period of cold smoking, Staphylococcus saprophyticus in products with a long period of hot smoking, Staphylococcus epidermidis in products with a short period of cold smoking, and S. equorum in nonsmoked products. Most S. xylosus were resistant to tetracycline, whereas S. equorum were susceptible. Antibioresistance restricted the selection of starters due to safety recommendations. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The present manuscript highlighted a few staphylococci strains that could potentially be used as starter cultures in fermented meat products. These selected strains do not show resistance to antimicrobials, exhibit adequate technological features, and are well adapted to the industrial environments of meat processing industries using different processing technologies. Therefore, the selected strains ready to be used in the manufacturing of traditional fermented meat products to ensure safety, standardize product properties, and shorten ripening.

Antimicrobial activity of essential oils against foodborne multidrug-resistant enterococci and aeromonads in planktonic and biofilm state.

The selection and use of natural compounds with antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens is of major importance. The present study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of commercial essential oils against multidrug-resistant Enterococcus spp. and Aeromonas spp. Cymbopogon flexuosus and Thymus vulgaris essential oils presented the highest inhibitory zones against both bacterial groups ( p < 0.05). Subsequent determination of the minimum inhibitory concentrations showed values between 0.47 and 1.9 mg/ml for Aeromonas spp. and from 1.9 to 15 mg/ml for Enterococcus spp. The antimicrobial effect of C. flexuosus and T. vulgaris essential oils was also assessed against biofilms. Bacteria in biofilm state were subjected to 30 min or 1 h of exposure to each essential oil and eradication ability estimated by colony counting. Both essential oils exhibited antimicrobial activity against preformed Aeromonas biofilms, but were unable to successfully eradicate biofilms produced by enterococci, in the conditions under investigation. Nonetheless, the presumptive use of essential oils in the food industry should be considered in further investigations.

Assessment of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci and Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Portuguese Dry Fermented Sausages as Potential Starters Based on Their Biogenic Amine Profile.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the decarboxylase activity of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) involved in meat products fermentation, in order to characterize and select the strains most suitable to be used as safe starter cultures. Isolates were obtained from traditional Portuguese dry fermented meat sausages, identified by PCR and characterized according to their technological properties. Lactobacilli and enterococci were assessed for their bacteriocinogenic potential. Biogenic amines (BA) were screened by culture method and analyzed by RP-HPLC/UV. The screening method, compared with chromatographic analysis, was not reliable for CNS and LAB strains selection. Tyramine decarboxylase activity was present in CNS strains, with a slight production of amines. No other hazardous BA were produced. Among lactobacilli, moderate production of tyramine was related only to Lactobacillus curvatus, with some strains producing putrescine or 2-phenylethylamine. Enterococci were high and moderate producers of tyramine and 2-phenylethylamine, respectively. Staphylococcus xylosus, Staphylococcus equorum, and Staphylococcus carnosus, independent of their genetic and technological profiles and BA production, were adequate for use in meat products, according to the data. Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus sakei strains could also be selected for starters. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The selection of coagulase-negative staphylococci and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolates were based on their production of biogenic amines in order to avoid this potential hazard production in meat products. The most suitable isolates could be used as safe starter cultures in meat products industry. The staphylococci and LAB selected will achieve particular organoleptic characteristics in meat products and bioprotection from pathogens.

Muscle electrical stimulation improves neurovascular control and exercise tolerance in hospitalised advanced heart failure patients.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the effects of muscle functional electrical stimulation on muscle sympathetic nerve activity and muscle blood flow, and, in addition, exercise tolerance in hospitalised patients for stabilisation of heart failure. METHODS: Thirty patients hospitalised for treatment of decompensated heart failure, class IV New York Heart Association and ejection fraction ≤ 30% were consecutively randomly assigned into two groups: functional electrical stimulation (n = 15; 54 ± 2 years) and control (n = 15; 49 ± 2 years). Muscle sympathetic nerve activity was directly recorded via microneurography and blood flow by venous occlusion plethysmography. Heart rate and blood pressure were evaluated on a beat-to-beat basis (Finometer), exercise tolerance by 6-minute walk test, quadriceps muscle strength by a dynamometer and quality of life by Minnesota questionnaire. Functional electrical stimulation consisted of stimulating the lower limbs at 10 Hz frequency, 150 ms pulse width and 70 mA intensity for 60 minutes/day for 8-10 consecutive days. The control group underwent electrical stimulation at an intensity of < 20 mA. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, except age that was higher and C-reactive protein and forearm blood flow that were smaller in the functional electrical stimulation group. Functional electrical stimulation significantly decreased muscle sympathetic nerve activity and increased muscle blood flow and muscle strength. No changes were found in the control group. Walking distance and quality of life increased in both groups. However, these changes were greater in the functional electrical stimulation group. CONCLUSION: Functional electrical stimulation improves muscle sympathetic nerve activity and vasoconstriction and increases exercise tolerance, muscle strength and quality of life in hospitalised heart failure patients. These findings suggest that functional electrical stimulation may be useful to hospitalised patients with decompensated chronic heart failure.

Characterization and Technological Features of Autochthonous Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci as Potential Starters for Portuguese Dry Fermented Sausages.

The manufacture of dry fermented sausages is an important part of the meat industry in Southern European countries. These products are usually produced in small shops from a mixture of pork, fat, salt, and condiments and are stuffed into natural casings. Meat sausages are slowly cured through spontaneous fermentation by autochthonous microbiota present in the raw materials or introduced during manufacturing. The aim of this work was to evaluate the technological and safety features of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) isolated from Portuguese dry fermented meat sausages in order to select autochthonous starters. Isolates (n = 104) obtained from 2 small manufacturers were identified as Staphylococcus xylosus, Staphylococcus equorum, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and Staphylococcus carnosus. Genomically diverse isolates (n = 82) were selected for further analysis to determine the ability to produce enzymes (for example, nitrate-reductases, proteases, lipases) and antibiotic susceptibility. Autochthonous CNS producing a wide range of enzymes and showing low antibioresistance were selected as potential starters for future use in the production of dry fermented meat sausages.

Characterization of Enterococci from Food and Food-Related Settings.

Enterococcus species are ubiquitous in nature, exist at high levels in food, and can cause severe diseases in humans. Thus, surveillance of enterococci harboring antibiotic resistance and virulence factors in food and food-related environments is needed. In the present study, 89 samples from food and food processing surfaces were collected in a cheese factory, a swine slaughterhouse, and a supermarket, and 132 Enterococcus isolates were recovered. Most isolates were identified as E. faecalis, which is considered the most pathogenic member of this genus. Safety analysis covering antibiotic resistance revealed that all isolates were resistant to sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim and sensitive to amoxicillin-clavulanate, ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, levofloxacin, linezolid, nitrofurantoin, or teicoplanin. More than half of the isolates were resistant to quinupristin-dalfopristin, tetracycline, and bacitracin, and less than half were resistant to the other antibiotics evaluated. Regarding virulence factors, 52% the isolates were beta-hemolytic, 39% were gelatinase producers, and 45% contained the gelE gene. For the remaining genes evaluated, efaAfs was detected in more than half of the isolates, and agg, esp, and efaAfm were found in less than half of the isolates. The present investigation revealed that food-related enterococci obtained from very different settings have multidrug resistance and virulence factors, highlighting the importance of effective surveillance networks to avoid the spread of putative pathogenic enterococci.

Rendimento do suco e qualidade química do abacaxi sob lâminas e frequências de irrigação / Yield of pineapple juice and chemical quality in irrigation frequency and blades

A cultura do abacaxi apresenta uma demanda permanente por água, variável e dependente de seu estádio de desenvolvimento, que pode afetar a produção e a qualidade do fruto. Neste estudo objetivou-se avaliar a qualidade química dos frutos do abacaxi Smooth cayenne submetido a diferentes níveis e frequências de reposição de água no solo. Utilizou-se delineamento em blocos casualizados num esquema fatorial 4 x 2, constituído por quatro níveis de reposição de água no solo (50%, 75%, 100% e 125% da evapotranspiração da cultura) e duas frequências de irrigação (1 e 3 dias), com quatro repetições. Avaliou-se os parâmetros: rendimento de suco (RS), potencial hidrogeniônico (pH), sólidos solúveis totais (SST), acidez total titulável (ATT), relação SST/ATT, ácido ascórbico (AA). Observou-se que as lâminas e frequências de irrigação não influenciaram o rendimento de suco (RS) e ácido ascórbico (AA); o aumento das laminas de irrigação influenciou positivamente a qualidade do fruto, pois aumenta os valores de sólidos solúveis totais (SST), diminui a acidez titulável (ATT), eleva a relação SST/ATT e o potencial hidrogeniônico de suco (pH).

The pineapple crop has a permanent demand for water, variable and dependent on their stage of development, which may affect the production and fruit quality. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical quality of fruits Smooth cayenne pineapple submitted to different levels and frequency of water replacement in the soil. We used a randomized block design in a 4 x 2 factorial arrangement, consisting of four levels of soil water replenishment (50%, 75%, 100% and 125% of crop evapotranspiration) and two irrigation frequencies (1 and 3 days) with four replications. We evaluated the parameters: juice yield (RS), hydrogen potential (pH), total soluble solids (SST), titratable acidity (ATT), SST/ATT relationship, ascorbic acid (AA). It was observed that the blades and irrigation frequencies did not affect the juice yield (RS) and ascorbic acid (AA), the increase of the blades irrigation influenced positively the quality of the fruit as it increases the values of total soluble solids (SST) decreases the acidity (ATT), raises the relationship SST/ATT and hydrogen potential (pH).