Method Modification to Extend the Matrix Claim of the Thermo Scientific RapidFinder Salmonella species, Typhimurium, and Enteritidis Multiplex PCR Kit.

Background: The Thermo Scientific RapidFinder™ Salmonella species, Typhimurium and Enteritidis Multiplex PCR Kit is a real-time multiplex PCR assay for the detection and differentiation of Salmonella species, Salmonella Typhimurium, and S. Enteritidis from poultry, pork, and environmental samples. The method has previously been granted certification as Performance Tested Method SM (PTM) 081701, validated according to the AOAC Research Institute (RI) PTM program for poultry (chicken thighs with skin, chicken wings with skin, and chicken nuggets), raw pork sausage matrixes, and stainless steel environmental surface sponges. Objective: This report details the method modification study to validate ground turkey (375 g sample size), chicken carcass rinse, and shell egg matrixes. Methods: The candidate method was compared with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Bacteriological Analytical Manual Chapter 5 for shell eggs and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service's Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook 4.09 for ground turkey (375 g) and chicken carcass rinse matrixes. Results: The statistically significant differences found between the candidate and reference methods upon analysis by probability of detection were in favor of the candidate method. Inclusivity and exclusivity testing demonstrated that the RapidFinder Salmonella species, Typhimurium and Enteritidis Multiplex PCR Kit was able to detect all the major groups of Salmonella. All exclusivity isolates were correctly excluded. Conclusions: The data presented in this report show that the candidate is suitable for the detection and differentiation of Salmonellae from shell egg, chicken carcass rinse, and ground turkey (375 g) matrixes. Highlights: Thermo Scientific RapidFinder Salmonella species, Typhimurium and Enteritidis Multiplex PCR Kit (candidate method) matrix claims extended to include ground turkey (375 g), chicken carcass rinse and shell egg samples.

Moderating Role of Social Support on the Relationship Between Job Demand and Presenteeism / O Papel Moderador do Apoio Social na Relação entre Demanda de Trabalho e Presenteísmo / El Papel Moderador del Apoyo Social en la Relación entre Demanda de Trabajo y Presentismo

Abstract The pressures of contemporaneity and the increase of unemployment cause employees to attend work when sick, becoming presenteeist. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of psychological demands on presenteeism, considering the support of the bosses and the control of work as moderators of this relationship. A quantitative cross-sectional study was developed at a Public Institution of Higher Education. 204 technical-administrative servants who responded to the Stanford Presenteeism Scale - SPS6 and the Job Content Questionnaire - JCQ participated in the study. The results indicate that the greater the support of the boss and the control that the employee has of his/her work the less the presenteeism, even in the face of high psychological demands of the work. This study contributes to the investigation of organizational antecedents (demands of work and social support) and personal (control) of presenteeism.

Resumo As pressões da contemporaneidade e o aumento do desemprego fazem com que os empregados compareçam ao trabalho quando doentes, tornando-se presenteístas. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a influência das demandas psicológicas sobre o presenteísmo, considerando o apoio da chefia e o controle do trabalho como moderadores dessa relação. Desenvolveu-se um estudo quantitativo de corte transversal em uma Instituição de Educação Superior pública. Participaram do estudo 204 servidores técnico-administrativos que responderam à Escala de Presenteísmo de Stanford - SPS6 e ao Job Content Questionnaire - JCQ. Os dados foram analisados por meio de análise fatorial confirmatória e regressões múltiplas. Os resultados indicam que quanto maior for o apoio da chefia e o controle que o empregado tem do seu trabalho menor é o presenteísmo, mesmo diante de altas demandas psicológicas do trabalho. Este estudo contribui para a investigação dos antecedentes organizacionais (demandas do trabalho e apoio social) e pessoais (controle) do presenteísmo.

Resumen Las presiones de la contemporaneidad y el aumento del desempleo hacen que los empleados asistan al trabajo cuando enfermos, haciéndose presentistas. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la influencia de las demandas psicológicas sobre el presentismo, considerando el apoyo de la jefatura y el control del trabajo como moderadores de esa relación. Se desarrolló un estudio cuantitativo de corte transversal en una Institución de Educación Superior pública. Participaron del estudio 204 servidores técnico-administrativos que respondieron a la Escala de Presentismo de Stanford - SPS6 y al Job Content Questionnaire - JCQ. Los datos fueron analizados por medio de análisis factorial confirmatorio y regresiones múltiples. Los resultados indican que cuanto mayor sea el apoyo de la jefatura y el control que el empleado tiene de su trabajo, menor es el presentismo, incluso ante altas demandas psicológicas del trabajo. Este estudio contribuye a la investigación de los antecedentes organizacionales (demandas del trabajo y apoyo social) y personales (control) del presentismo.

In situ quantification and tracking of volatile organic compounds with a portable mass spectrometer in tropical waste and urban sites.

This study outlines an experimental method for landfill volatile organic compounds (VOCs) characterization by means of a portable time-of-flight mass spectrometer in an insular tropical environment. The concentrations of six VOCs, three aromatic and three chlorinated compounds, frequently identified in landfill gas plume were determined in the main municipal solid waste of Guadeloupe archipelago and its surrounding areas (in the Leeward Islands). Measurements were carried out for various stages of waste degradation. Without mechanical forcing on the waste piles, the results for aromatic and chlorinated compounds showed much higher concentrations at covered waste. Benzene, toluene and ethylbenzene were easily detected by the portable mass spectrometer in the air matrix with concentrations significantly greater than the equipment limit of detection (LOD) estimates. Trichloroethylene is not often measured by the mass spectrometer and very few calculated concentrations reach the instrument LOD. For sites near the landfill, using the sum trichloroethylene + tetrachlororethylene as tracer, it was observed that the most affected locations are under the wind of the landfill plume. Moreover, under certain atmospheric conditions, most of the surrounding area, downwind and upwind, can undergo an increase of the tracer concentration levels, as shown in the paper during a dust outbreak.

Presenteísmo: contribuições do modelo demanda-controle para a compreensão do fenômeno / Presenteeism: contributions of the control-demand model for a phenomenon understanding

Este estudo visa compreender o estado da arte dos estudos sobre presenteísmo (fenômeno de comparecer ao trabalho mesmo se sentindo doente) à luz do Modelo Demanda-Controle (MDC). Visa ainda contribuir para a discussão sobre demandas, controle, apoio social (postulados no modelo) e estabelecer relação entre eles. Para tanto, foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica, levantando os principais construtos teóricos sobre a temática em bases de dados científicas nacionais e internacionais, a fim de construir um modelo organizado e sistematizado. Ao traçar um panorama da atualidade sobre a relação entre os aspectos psicossociais do trabalho e o presenteísmo dos trabalhadores, percebe-se uma forte relação entre demandas, controle e apoio social no trabalho e o presenteísmo, de forma que as altas demandas de trabalho estão associadas positivamente ao presenteísmo. No entanto, há lacunas a respeito do entendimento científico sobre esse campo de estudo decorrentes da escassez de produções nacionais e internacionais sobre os antecedentes do presenteísmo. Portanto, há um amplo campo de estudo a ser revelado sobre esse assunto

This study aims to understand the latest studies on presenteeism (the act of attending work while sick) based on the Demand-Control Model. It also aims to contribute to the discussion on the presenteeism, demand, control and social support, and establish a relation between them. For its achievement, we carried out a bibliographical research, relating theoretical constructs on the subject in national and international scientific database, in order to create an organized and systematized model. Through a current study on the relationship between psychosocial aspects of work and workers presenteeism, we realized a strong relationship between demands, control and social support at work and presenteeism, so that the high job demands are associated positively to presenteeism. However, there are gaps regarding the scientific understanding of this field of study, which are due to the shortage of national and international productions on the antecedents of presenteeism. Therefore, there is a broad field of study to be unveiled on this subject

The potential of TaqMan Array Cards for detection of multiple biological agents by real-time PCR.

The TaqMan Array Card architecture, normally used for gene expression studies, was evaluated for its potential to detect multiple bacterial agents by real-time PCR. Ten PCR assays targeting five biological agents (Bacillus anthracis, Burkholderia mallei, Burkholderia pseudomallei, Francisella tularensis, and Yersinia pestis) were incorporated onto Array Cards. A comparison of PCR performance of each PCR in Array Card and singleplex format was conducted using DNA extracted from pure bacterial cultures. When 100 fg of agent DNA was added to Array Card channels the following levels of agent detection (where at least one agent PCR replicate returned a positive result) were observed: Y. pestis 100%, B. mallei & F. tularensis 93%; B. anthracis 71%; B. pseudomallei 43%. For B. mallei & pseudomallei detection the BPM2 PCR, which detects both species, outperformed PCR assays specific to each organism indicating identification of the respective species would not be reproducible at the 100 fg level. Near 100% levels of detection were observed when 100 fg of DNA was added to each PCR in singleplex format with singleplex PCRs also returning sporadic positives at the 10 fg per PCR level. Before evaluating the use of Array Cards for the testing of environmental and clinical sample types, with potential levels of background DNA and PCR inhibitors, users would therefore have to accept a 10-fold reduction in sensitivity of PCR assays on the Array Card format, in order to benefit for the capacity to test multiple samples for multiple agents. A two PCR per agent strategy would allow the testing of 7 samples for the presence of 11 biological agents or 3 samples for 23 biological agents per card (with negative control channels).

Comparison of eight methods for the extraction of Bacillus atrophaeus spore DNA from eleven common interferents and a common swab.

Eight DNA extraction products or methods (Applied Biosystems PrepFiler Forensic DNA Extraction Kit; Bio-Rad Instagene Only, Bio-Rad Instagene & Spin Column Purification; EpiCentre MasterPure DNA & RNA Kit; FujiFilm QuickGene Mini80; Idaho Technologies 1-2-3 Q-Flow Kit; MoBio UltraClean Microbial DNA Isolation Kit; Sigma Extract-N-Amp Plant and Seed Kit) were adapted to facilitate extraction of DNA under BSL3 containment conditions. DNA was extracted from 12 common interferents or sample types, spiked with spores of Bacillus atropheaus. Resulting extracts were tested by real-time PCR. No one method was the best, in terms of DNA extraction, across all sample types. Statistical analysis indicated that the PrepFiler method was the best method from six dry powders (baking, biological washing, milk, plain flour, filler and talcum) and one solid (Underarm deodorant), the UltraClean method was the best from four liquids (aftershave, cola, nutrient broth, vinegar), and the MasterPure method was the best from the swab sample type. The best overall method, in terms of DNA extraction, across all sample types evaluated was the UltraClean method.

Biocide susceptibility of the Burkholderia cepacia complex.

OBJECTIVES: The Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) species are important opportunistic pathogens with intrinsic antibiotic resistance. They are also well known as contaminants of disinfectants, yet their biocide susceptibility has not been studied in detail. We investigated Bcc biocide susceptibility and correlated it to their taxonomy, antibiotic susceptibility and ability to form biofilms. METHODS: Genetically distinct Bcc strains belonging to 12 of the defined species were examined. Biocide susceptibility was assessed by (i) broth dilution MIC assays, (ii) agar growth-based MBC screens and (iii) suspension tests. Antibiotic MIC was determined by Etest strips, and the ability to form biofilms was examined in a 96-well plate assay. RESULTS: Biocide susceptibility varied across the Bcc complex with high MIC recorded for chlorhexidine (>100 mg/L), cetylpyridinium chloride (>200 mg/L), triclosan (>500 mg/L), benzalkonium chloride (>400 mg/L) and povidone (>50 000 mg/L). Species-dependent differences were apparent only for cetylpyridinium chloride. There was no correlation between biocide susceptibility and (i) antibiotic susceptibility or (ii) the ability to form biofilms. Biocide MBC was considerably higher than the MIC (chlorhexidine, 6-fold greater; cetylpyridinium chloride, 20-fold greater). Cystic fibrosis outbreak strains (Burkholderia multivorans Glasgow strain and Burkholderia cenocepacia ET12) possessed elevated chlorhexidine resistance, and Bcc bacteria were also shown to remain viable in current commercial biocide formulations. CONCLUSIONS: Bcc bacteria are resistant to a wide range of biocides and further representatives of this group should be included as reference strains in the development of new anti-infectives and commercial formulations.

The genome of Burkholderia cenocepacia J2315, an epidemic pathogen of cystic fibrosis patients.

Bacterial infections of the lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients cause major complications in the treatment of this common genetic disease. Burkholderia cenocepacia infection is particularly problematic since this organism has high levels of antibiotic resistance, making it difficult to eradicate; the resulting chronic infections are associated with severe declines in lung function and increased mortality rates. B. cenocepacia strain J2315 was isolated from a CF patient and is a member of the epidemic ET12 lineage that originated in Canada or the United Kingdom and spread to Europe. The 8.06-Mb genome of this highly transmissible pathogen comprises three circular chromosomes and a plasmid and encodes a broad array of functions typical of this metabolically versatile genus, as well as numerous virulence and drug resistance functions. Although B. cenocepacia strains can be isolated from soil and can be pathogenic to both plants and man, J2315 is representative of a lineage of B. cenocepacia rarely isolated from the environment and which spreads between CF patients. Comparative analysis revealed that ca. 21% of the genome is unique in comparison to other strains of B. cenocepacia, highlighting the genomic plasticity of this species. Pseudogenes in virulence determinants suggest that the pathogenic response of J2315 may have been recently selected to promote persistence in the CF lung. The J2315 genome contains evidence that its unique and highly adapted genetic content has played a significant role in its success as an epidemic CF pathogen.

Effect of rosuvastatin on outcomes in chronic haemodialysis patients: baseline data from the AURORA study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). AIMS: AURORA (A study to evaluate the Use of Rosuvastatin in subjects On Regular haemodialysis: an Assessment of survival and cardiovascular events) is the first large-scale international trial to assess the effects of statins on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with ESRD on chronic haemodialysis. Preliminary baseline data from the randomised population are presented. METHODS: A total of 2,775 patients from 280 centres in 25 countries were randomised into the study. Patients aged 50-80 years on regular chronic haemodialysis for at least 3 months before screening were eligible for inclusion. They were randomised 1:1 to receive either rosuvastatin 10 mg or placebo daily and assessed throughout the study. RESULTS: The mean age at baseline was 64 years. Most patients were male (62%) and 85% were white. The median time since commencing renal replacement was 32 months. Mean total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were 4.53 mmol/l (175 mg/dl) and 2.57 mmol/l (99 mg/dl), respectively. CONCLUSION: Results from the AURORA trial will impact on the current guidelines and use of statins in this patient population.

Application of a recA gene-based identification approach to the maize rhizosphere reveals novel diversity in Burkholderia species.

Burkholderia species are widely distributed in the natural environment. We evaluated the use of the recA gene in a cultivation-independent approach to examine the Burkholderia diversity associated with the maize rhizosphere. Two types of recA gene library were constructed, one with broad-specificity recA primers (BUR1 and BUR2) and a second from the products of nested PCRs using Burkholderia-specific primers (BUR3 and BUR4). The broad-specificity primer set provided near full-length recA sequences (869 bp) suitable for the creation of robust environmental sequence data sets; however, the nested PCR approach demonstrated the greatest specificity (84%) for detection of Burkholderia species recA genes. In addition, the screening approach was able to identify recA phylotypes matching Burkholderia cepacia complex species previously cultivated from the maize samples and discriminate these from other Burkholderia. The ecological benefit of Burkholderia species cultivated from maize rhizosphere is well documented, however, the fact that the majority of Burkholderia recA genes detected in this study (90%) were suggestive of novel taxa indicates that a wealth of potentially important interactions with uncultivated Burkholderia species remain unstudied in this habitat.

A comparative study with rosuvastatin in subjects with metabolic syndrome: results of the COMETS study.

AIMS: The efficacy and safety of rosuvastatin, atorvastatin, and placebo were compared in patients with the metabolic syndrome. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with the metabolic syndrome with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) > or =3.36 mmol/L (130 mg/dL) and multiple risk factors conferring a 10-year coronary heart disease risk score of >10% were randomized (2:2:1) to receive rosuvastatin 10 mg, atorvastatin 10 mg, or placebo for 6 weeks. Subsequently, the rosuvastatin 10 mg and placebo groups received rosuvastatin 20 mg and the atorvastatin 10 mg group received atorvastatin 20 mg for 6 weeks. LDL-C was reduced significantly more in patients receiving rosuvastatin 10 mg when compared with those receiving atorvastatin 10 mg at 6 weeks [intention-to-treat (ITT) population by randomized treatment: 41.7 vs. 35.7%, P < 0.001; ITT population by as-allocated treatment: 42.7 vs. 36.6%, P < 0.001]. Significant LDL-C reductions were also observed in patients receiving rosuvastatin when compared with those receiving atorvastatin at 12 weeks (48.9 vs. 42.5%, P < 0.001). More patients achieved LDL-C goals with rosuvastatin when compared with atorvastatin. Rosuvastatin increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly more than atorvastatin. Treatments were well tolerated. CONCLUSION: At equivalent doses, rosuvastatin had a significantly greater effect than atorvastatin in lowering LDL-C and improving the lipid profile and was well tolerated in patients with the metabolic syndrome.

Effect of rosuvastatin on outcomes in chronic haemodialysis patients - design and rationale of the AURORA study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are at high risk of cardiovascular events. Multiple risk factors for atherosclerosis are present in ESRD and may contribute to the increased risk of cardiovascular mortality in this population. In contrast to patients with normal renal function, the benefits of modifying lipid levels on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with ESRD on haemodialysis have yet to be confirmed in large prospective randomised trials. A study to evaluate the Use of Rosuvastatin in subjects On Regular haemodialysis: an Assessment of survival and cardiovascular events (AURORA) will be the first large-scale international trial to assess the effects of statin therapy on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in ESRD patients on chronic haemodialysis. METHODS: More than 2,750 ESRD patients who have been receiving chronic haemodialysis treatment for at least 3 months have been randomised (1:1), irrespective of baseline lipid levels, to treatment with rosuvastatin 10 mg or placebo. The primary study endpoint is the time to a major cardiovascular event (first occurrence of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or non-fatal stroke). Secondary endpoints include all-cause mortality, major cardiovascular event-free survival time, time to cardiovascular death, time to non-cardiovascular death, cardiovascular interventions, tolerability of treatment and health economic costs per life-year saved. Study medication will be given until 620 subjects have experienced a major cardiovascular event. CONCLUSION: Our hypothesis is that results from AURORA will establish the clinical efficacy and tolerability of rosuvastatin in patients with ESRD receiving chronic haemodialysis and guide the optimal management of this expanding population.