Evaluation of the Persistence and Characterization of Listeria monocytogenes in Foodservice Operations.

Listeria monocytogenes is a major foodborne pathogen that can contaminate food products and colonize food-producing facilities. Foodservice operations (FSOp) are frequently responsible for foodborne outbreaks due to food safety practices failures. We investigated the presence of and characterized L. monocytogenes from two FSOp (cafeterias) distributing ready-to-eat meals and verified FSOp's compliance with good manufacturing practices (GMP). Two facilities (FSOp-A and FSOp-B) were visited three times each over 5 months. We sampled foods, ingredients, and surfaces for microbiological analysis, and L. monocytogenes isolates were characterized by phylogenetic analyses and phenotypic characteristics. GMP audits were performed in the first and third visits. A ready-to-eat salad (FSOp-A) and a frozen ingredient (FSOp-B) were contaminated with L. monocytogenes, which was also detected on Zone 3 surfaces (floor, drains, and a boot cover). The phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that FSOp-B had persistent L. monocytogenes strains, but environmental isolates were not closely related to food or ingredient isolates. GMP audits showed that both operations worked under "fair" conditions, and "facilities and equipment" was the section with the least compliances. The presence of L. monocytogenes in the environment and GMP failures could promote food contamination with this pathogen, presenting a risk to consumers.

An Exploratory Brief Head-To-Head Non-Inferiority Comparison of an Internet-Based and a Telephone-Delivered CBT Intervention for Adults with Depression.

BACKGROUND: Telephone-administered psychotherapy (tCBT) and internet-based treatments (iCBT) may overcome barriers to mental health treatment. TCBT has demonstrated efficacy similar to traditional psychotherapy, however, few studies have compared iCBT to efficacious interventions. This exploratory study examined the noninferiority of iCBT relative to tCBT. We also explored pretreatment moderators of outcome and assessed treatment dropout. METHODS: As a secondary exploratory analysis of a 304-participant randomized noninferiority trial, we compared iCBT, the first level of a stepped-care intervention, with tCBT on depression outcome after 5 weeks of treatment (prior to stepping). Multiple linear regression models were fit to examine moderators of 5-week depression. Differences in dropout were examined using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: After 5 weeks of treatment, both interventions significantly reduced depression severity. The effect size difference between the two interventions was d=0.004 [90% CI=-0.19 to 0.19]; the CI did not cross the non-inferiority margin. Pretreatment depression was significantly associated with depression at week 5. The relationship between cognitive strategy usefulness and depression at week 5 differed between interventions, controlling for pretreatment depression. There was no significant difference in dropout between interventions. LIMITATIONS: Given the stepped-care trial design, iCBT and tCBT could not be compared at the end of treatment or follow-up. Analyses were exploratory and should be interpreted with caution. CONCLUSIONS: A large sample, powered for noninferiority, found iCBT no less efficacious than tCBT at reducing depression symptoms after five weeks of treatment.

Complete Genome Sequences of Cluster P1 and Cluster C1 Mycobacterium smegmatis Phages Jung and Ronan.

We present the complete genome sequences of Mycobacterium smegmatis phages Jung and Ronan, isolated from soil in Las Vegas, Nevada. The phages were isolated and annotated by students enrolled in a course for undergraduate research experience (CURE). Jung is a cluster P1 mycobacteriophage, while Ronan is in cluster C1.

Food Consumer Behavior and Salmonella Exposure Self-Perception in the Central Region of Mexico.

In Mexico, there is limited information regarding food consumer behaviors at home. The knowledge of food consumption and food handling practices can help to determine more realistically the exposure to different hazards, such as Salmonella spp. on the population. The main goal of this study was to characterize the food consumption habits of five food groups (fruits and vegetables, fresh meat, dairy products, processed meat products, and seafood), food handling practices, and Salmonella exposure self-perception of the population of the central region of Mexico using an online survey. A total of 1,199 surveys were analyzed. The group of fruits and vegetables is the most consumed and one of the most related to the consumer self-perception of suffering from salmonellosis. Mexican consumers regularly use refrigeration as the principal food storage method for the five food groups (42.2% to 90.8%), and generally, they store the products between 2 and 3 days (26.5% to 38.1%). A total of 86.4% of consumers reported that they always wash their hands prior to food preparation. A total of 16.9% and 13.0% use the same cutting board and knife, respectively, to cut more than one product without applying sanitization. Men, people between 20 and 24 years, and people between 60 and 64 years, had the highest risk food handling practices at home. Finally, age (P < 0.0001), education level (P = 0.0004), and suffering from gastrointestinal diseases (P = 0.0005) showed significant effects with self-perception of having salmonellosis. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Data presented in this study could be used in future risk and exposure assessment research to evaluate the public health risk from the consumption of contaminated food. In addition, it could be used by government agencies to design education campaigns in food safety area.

Comparison of the Effects of Coaching and Receipt of App Recommendations on Depression, Anxiety, and Engagement in the IntelliCare Platform: Factorial Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: IntelliCare is a modular platform that includes 12 simple apps targeting specific psychological strategies for common mental health problems. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the effect of 2 methods of maintaining engagement with the IntelliCare platform, coaching, and receipt of weekly recommendations to try different apps on depression, anxiety, and app use. METHODS: A total of 301 participants with depression or anxiety were randomized to 1 of 4 treatments lasting 8 weeks and were followed for 6 months posttreatment. The trial used a 2X2 factorial design (coached vs self-guided treatment and weekly app recommendations vs no recommendations) to compare engagement metrics. RESULTS: The median time to last use of any app during treatment was 56 days (interquartile range 54-57), with 253 participants (84.0%, 253/301) continuing to use the apps over a median of 92 days posttreatment. Receipt of weekly recommendations resulted in a significantly higher number of app use sessions during treatment (overall median=216; P=.04) but only marginal effects for time to last use (P=.06) and number of app downloads (P=.08). Coaching resulted in significantly more app downloads (P<.001), but there were no significant effects for time to last download or number of app sessions (P=.36) or time to last download (P=.08). Participants showed significant reductions in the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) across all treatment arms (P s<.001). Coached treatment led to larger GAD-7 reductions than those observed for self-guided treatment (P=.03), but the effects for the PHQ-9 did not reach significance (P=.06). Significant interaction was observed between receiving recommendations and time for the PHQ-9 (P=.04), but there were no significant effects for GAD-7 (P=.58). CONCLUSIONS: IntelliCare produced strong engagement with apps across all treatment arms. Coaching was associated with stronger anxiety outcomes, and receipt of recommendations enhanced depression outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02801877; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02801877.

Niveles de vitamina D en dermatólogos y residentes de dermatología de diferentes regiones de Colombia: un estudio piloto / Vitamin D Levels in Dermatologists and Residents of Dermatology in Different Areas of Colombia: a Pilot Study

Introducción: La deficiencia de vitamina D es considerada una pandemia. En la actualidad existen numerosas publicaciones que documentan esta deficiencia en pacientes con osteopenia y/o osteoporosis; sin embargo, no hay estudios en Colombia ni en Latinoamérica que evalúen la deficiencia e insuficiencia de vitamina D en población sana, ni en dermatólogos, quienes pueden ser susceptibles de adquirir esta deficiencia por las largas jornadas laborales y la falta de exposición solar. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de deficiencia de vitamina D en dermatólogos y residentes de dermatología en Colombia, y establecer sí la región de origen estaba asociada a niveles de vitamina D. Metodología: estudio tipo piloto, observacional, analítico de corte transversal, en el cual se incluyeron dermatólogos y residentes de dermatología asistentes al congreso Colombiano de dermatología 2016. A todos los participantes se les aplicó un cuestionario, se practicó examen físico y se midió niveles de 25 hidroxi vitamina D3. Resultados: 100 participantes fueron incluidos en el estudio: la edad media fue 39 años, el 67 % eran mujeres, con prevalencia de insuficiencia o deficiencia de vitamina D del 96% y concentración media de vitamina D de 18.20 ng/ml. Conclusiones: La deficiencia de vitamina D es altamente prevalente en dermatólogos y residentes de dermatología en Colombia, se sugieren intervenciones preventivas en esta población, debido a la alta morbimortalidad relacionada con tal deficiencia...(AU)

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency is considered as a pandemic. Now, there are lots of publications documenting this deficiency in patients with osteopenia and / or osteoporosis; however, there are no studies either in Colombia or Latin America that evaluate vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in a healthy population, or in dermatologists, who can be susceptible to acquire this deficiency by the long working hours and the lack of sun exposure. Objective: To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in dermatologists and residents of dermatology in Colombia and to establish if the area of origin was associated with vitamin D levels. Methodology: This is a pilot, observational, cross-sectional and analytical study in which dermatologists and dermatology residents attending to the 2016 Colombian Congress of Dermatology were included. All participants were given a questionnaire; a physical exam was performed to them and their levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 were measured as well. Results: 100 participants were included in this study: their average age was 39 years; 67% of them were women, with a prevalence of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency of 96% and with a mean of vitamin D concentration of 18.20 ng/ml. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in dermatologists and residents of dermatology in Colombia. With this population, some preventive interventions are suggested due to the high morbimortality related to such deficiency...(AU)

Introdução: a deficiência de vitamina D é considerada uma pandemia. Existem agora inúmeras publicações documentando essa deficiência em pacientes com osteopenia e / ou osteoporose; no entanto, não há estudos na Colômbia ou na América Latina que avaliem a deficiência e insuficiência de vitamina D na população saudável, nem em dermatologistas, que podem ser suscetíveis de adquirir essa deficiência devido aos longos dias de trabalho e falta de exposição solar. Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência de deficiência de vitamina D em dermatologistas e residentes de dermatologia na Colômbia e determinar se a região de origem estava associada a níveis de vitamina D. Metodologia: estudo piloto, observacional, transversal, analítico em que dermatologistas e residentes de dermatologia presentes no Congresso Colombiano de Dermatologia 2016 foram incluídos. Todos os participantes receberam um questionário, exame físico e níveis de 25 hidroxi vitamina D3. Metodologia: estudo piloto, observacional, transversal, analítico em que dermatologistas e residentes de dermatologia presentes no Congresso Colombiano de Dermatologia 2016 foram incluídos. Todos os participantes receberam um questionário, exame físico e níveis de 25 hidroxi vitamina D3. Resultados: 100 participantes foram incluídos no estudo: idade média foi de 39 anos, 67% eram mulheres, com prevalência de deficiência de vitamina D ou insuficiência de 96% e concentração média de vitamina D de 18.20 ng/ml. Conclusões: A deficiência de vitamina D é altamente prevalente em dermatologistas e residentes de dermatologia na Colômbia. As intervenções preventivas nesta população, são sugeridas por causa da alta morbidade e mortalidade associada a esta deficiência...(AU)

Whole-exome sequencing enables rapid determination of xeroderma pigmentosum molecular etiology.

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by extreme sensitivity to actinic pigmentation changes in the skin and increased incidence of skin cancer. In some cases, patients are affected by neurological alterations. XP is caused by mutations in 8 distinct genes (XPA through XPG and XPV). The XP-V (variant) subtype of the disease results from mutations in a gene (XPV, also named POLH) which encodes for Polη, a member of the Y-DNA polymerase family. Although the presence and severity of skin and neurological dysfunctions differ between XP subtypes, there are overlapping clinical features among subtypes such that the sub-type cannot be deduced from the clinical features. In this study, in order to overcome this drawback, we undertook whole-exome sequencing in two XP sibs and their father. We identified a novel homozygous nonsense mutation (c.897T>G, p.Y299X) in POLH which causes the disease. Our results demonstrate that next generation sequencing is a powerful approach to rapid determination of XP genetic etiology.

Evaluación clínica del pelo corporal en una población de mujeres colombianas: determinación del punto de corte para el diagnóstico de hirsutismo

Introducción. El hirsutismo es una entidad médica definida como el crecimiento excesivo del pelo corporal en mujeres, con un patrón de distribución masculino. Para su evaluación se emplea una escala análoga visual diseñada por Ferriman y Gallwey en el Reino Unido en 1961, posteriormente modificada por Hatch. En esta escala se consideran nueve áreas corporales y se obtiene un valor global mínimo de 0 y un máximo de 36. Se ha establecido que un puntaje superior a 8 hace diagnóstico de hirsutismo en mujeres europeas; sin embargo, se recomienda que el diagnóstico de hirsutismo sea individualizado según la población en estudio. Objetivo. Determinar el punto de corte más apropiado para el diagnóstico de hirsutismo en una población colombiana, mediante la aplicación de la escala de Ferriman-Gallwey modificada. Materiales y métodos. Se aplicó de forma aleatoria la escala de Ferriman-Gallwey modificada a 323 mujeres santandereanas sin factores de riesgo para hirsutismo, entre los 18 y 50 años. Resultados. Se obtuvieron puntajes entre 0 y 9 en la escala de Ferriman, el 53,5 % de las mujeres presentaron un valor en la escala de Ferriman-Gallwey modificada total entre 0 y 1 puntos. En el 96 % de las examinadas se evidenció un puntaje de Ferriman-Gallwey modificado menor o igual a 6. Conclusión. Se sugiere un valor mayor o igual a 6 como punto de corte para el diagnóstico de hirsutismo en la región.

Clinical assessment of body hair in Colombian women: determining the cutoff score that defines hirsutism.

Introduction: Hirsutism is a medical entity defined as the excessive growth of body hair in women with a male distribution pattern. For evaluation it is used a visual analog scale designed by Ferriman and Gallwey in the United Kingdom in 1961, subsequently modified by Hatch. This scale consists of nine body areas, obtaining a minimum total value of 0 and a maximum of 36. It has been established a value greater than 8 points for diagnosis of hirsutism in European women, but it is recommended that the diagnosis of hirsutism should be individualized according to the study population. Objective: To determine the most appropriate cutoff point for the diagnosis of hirsutism in a Colombian population by applying the Ferriman-Gallwey Modified scale. Materials and methods: A random scale was applied to 323 women from Santander, between the ages of 18 and 50, and without risk factors for hirsutism. Results: It was obtained a score between 0 and 9 in the Ferriman-Gallwey modified scale, and 53.5% of the women had an overall score between 0 and 1 points. The 96% of those examined evidenced a Ferriman-Gallwey score modified less or equal to 6. Conclusion: It is suggest a value less than or equal to 6 as the cutoff point for the diagnosis of hirsutism in our region.

[Clinical assessment of body hair in Colombian women: determining the cutoff score that defines hirsutism]. / Evaluación clínica del pelo corporal en una población de mujeres colombianas: determinación del punto de corte para el diagnóstico de hirsutismo.

INTRODUCTION: Hirsutism is a medical entity defined as the excessive growth of body hair in women with a male distribution pattern. For evaluation it is used a visual analog scale designed by Ferriman and Gallwey in the United Kingdom in 1961, subsequently modified by Hatch. This scale consists of nine body areas, obtaining a minimum total value of 0 and a maximum of 36. It has been established a value greater than 8 points for diagnosis of hirsutism in European women, but it is recommended that the diagnosis of hirsutism should be individualized according to the study population. OBJECTIVE: To determine the most appropriate cutoff point for the diagnosis of hirsutism in a Colombian population by applying the Ferriman-Gallwey Modified scale. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A random scale was applied to 323 women from Santander, between the ages of 18 and 50, and without risk factors for hirsutism. RESULTS: It was obtained a score between 0 and 9 in the Ferriman-Gallwey modified scale, and 53.5% of the women had an overall score between 0 and 1 points. The 96% of those examined evidenced a Ferriman-Gallwey score modified less or equal to 6. CONCLUSION: It is suggest a value less than or equal to 6 as the cutoff point for the diagnosis of hirsutism in our region.