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Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) spread in the food system is a major threat to public and animal health. We describe AMR trends in zoonotic bacteria and identify risk factors associated with AMR occurrence in animals and derived food in Portugal. Data from the Portuguese AMR surveillance programme on food‐producing animals, 2014–2018, were used. AMR frequencies were calculated for Escherichia coli, Campylobacter and Salmonella in broilers, turkeys, pig populations and their derived food products. AMR‐associated factors were studied for Salmonella isolates: population, sampling stage (farm, slaughterhouse and processing plant), sample type (environmental, carcase and food), sampler (HACCP, industry, official and official and industry), sample context (control and eradication programmes and monitoring), year (2014–2018) and season. Logistic regression was applied to estimate crude odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The final models were obtained using a backward stepwise method. This study included 2,157 Escherichia coli, 561 Campylobacter and 1,071 Salmonella isolates. The highest prevalence estimates amongst tested antimicrobials for each bacterial species in 2014–2018 had the following ranges: (i) (fluoro)quinolones: E. coli: 84%–93%, Campylobacter: 94%–98%; (ii) tetracyclines: E. coli: 68%–91%, Campylobacter: 87%–91%, Salmonella: 72%; (iii) penicillins: E. coli: 82%–100%; (iv) sulphonamides: E. coli: 68%–82%. Compared with the reference categories for host (broiler), year (2014), season (winter) and sampler (HACCP own checks), resistance to at least one antimicrobial in Salmonella was significantly less likely in laying hens (aOR 0.28; 95% CI: 0.18–0.42), 2016 (aOR 0.56; 95% CI: 0.33–0.93), 2017 (aOR 0.29; 95% CI: 0.17–0.51) and 2018 (aOR 0.35; 95% CI: 0.20–0.61), autumn (aOR 0.63; 95% CI: 0.40–0.97) and more likely to occur in broiler products (aOR 5.14; 95% CI: 2.61–10.54), pork products (aOR 6.84; 95% CI: 3.74–12.98) and official and industry combined sampling (aOR 2.16; 95% CI: 1.06–4.47). This study reveals a high prevalence of Salmonella resistance, especially during the summer and in post‐farm stages of the Portuguese food system to nearly all antimicrobials and in the summer in farms to (fluoro)quinolones. Measures to tackle resistance are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Most European influenza vaccine strategies target individuals at higher risk of complications, which include, among others, individuals aged ≥65 years and with chronic conditions. These individuals not only have a high‐risk of post‐infection complications but also could have lower capacity of acquiring adequate vaccine‐induced protection. As such, chronic conditions and age could modify the effect of vaccines. This study aimed at assessing the potential effect modification of influenza vaccine effectiveness (IVE) by age and chronic conditions. Methods: We used eight‐season data from the Portuguese vaccine effectiveness study. Every season, physicians at primary care units recruited patients with influenza‐like illness. Clinical data and swabs were collected for Reverse Transverse Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT‐PCR) detection of influenza. Trivalent inactivated IVE was estimated as 1 – odds ratio (OR) of being vaccinated in cases (RT‐PCR positive for influenza) versus negative controls. ORs were obtained using a multivariable conditional logistic regression model, paired by week of onset within each season. Confounders were assessed by designing a specific causal diagram. Age (< 65 or ≥65 years) and chronic conditions (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic renal disease, chronic hepatic disease, obesity, chronic respiratory disease, and congenital or acquired immunodeficiency) were studied as effect modifiers by including an interaction term in the regression models. Significance was established at 5%. Results: Point estimates indicate a higher IVE in the chronic condition strata compared to that in the no chronic condition strata. Regarding age, different results were obtained considering the virus type and (sub)type. When comparing the ≥65 years with the <65 years of age strata, we observed a higher IVE against A(H1N1)pdm09, an equal IVE against A(H3N2) and a lower IVE against B virus. However, all interaction terms were statistically insignificant, and this may be due to a small sample size. Conclusion: The potential effect modification of age or chronic condition was not observed within our study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron (Fe) deficiency chlorosis (IDC) affects the growth of several crops, especially when growing in alkaline soils. The application of synthetic Fe‐chelates is one of the most commonly used strategies in IDC amendment, despite their associated negative environmental impacts. In a previous work, the Fe‐chelate tris(3‐hydroxy‐1‐(H)‐2‐methyl‐4‐pyridinonate) iron(III) [Fe(mpp)3] has shown great potential for alleviating IDC in soybean (Glycine max) in the early stages of plant development under hydroponic conditions. Herein, its efficacy was verified under soil conditions in soybean grown from seed to full maturity. Chlorophyll levels, plant growth, root and shoot mineral accumulation (K, Mg, Ca, Na, P, Mn, Zn, Ni, and Co) and FERRITIN expression were accessed at V5 phenological stage. Compared to a commonly used Fe chelate, FeEDDHA, supplementation with [Fe(mpp)3] led to a 29% higher relative chlorophyll content, 32% higher root biomass, 36% higher trifoliate Fe concentration, and a twofold increase in leaf FERRITIN gene expression. [Fe(mpp)3] supplementation also resulted in increased accumulation of P, K, Zn, and Co. At full maturity, the remaining plants were harvested and [Fe(mpp)3] application led to a 32% seed yield increase when compared to FeEDDHA. This is the first report on the use of [Fe(mpp)3] under alkaline soil conditions for IDC correction, and we show that its foliar application has a longer‐lasting effect than FeEDDHA, induces efficient root responses, and promotes the uptake of other nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ligands of the 3‐hydroxy‐4‐pyridinone (3,4‐HPO) class were considered eligible to formulate new Fe fertilizers for Iron Deficiency Chlorosis (IDC). Soybean (Glycine max L.) plants grown in hydroponic conditions and supplemented with Fe‐chelate [Fe(mpp)3] were significantly greener, had increased biomass, and were able to translocate more iron from the roots to the shoots than those supplemented with an equal amount of the commercially available chelate [FeEDDHA]. To understand the influence of the structure of 3,4‐HPO ligand on the role of the Fe‐chelate to improve Fe‐uptake, we investigated and report here the effect of Fe‐chelates ([Fe(mpp)3], [Fe(dmpp)3], and [Fe(etpp)3]) in addressing IDC. Chlorosis development was assessed by measurement of morphological parameters, quantification of chlorophyll and Fe, and other micronutrient contents, as well as measurement of enzymatic activity (FCR) and gene expression (FRO2, IRT1, and Ferritin). All [Fe(3,4‐HPO)3] chelates were able to provide Fe to plants and prevent IDC but with a different efficiency depending on the ligand. We hypothesize that this may be related with the distinct physicochemical characteristics of ligands and complexes, namely, the diverse hydrophilic–lipophilic balance of the three chelates. To test the hypothesis, we performed an EPR biophysical study using liposomes prepared from a soybean (Glycine3 max L.) lipid extract and spin probes. The results showed that the most effective chelate [Fe(mpp)3] shows a preferential location close to the surface while the others prefer the hydrophobic region inside the bilayer. Significance statement: The 3‐hydroxy‐4‐pyridinone Fe‐chelates, [Fe(mpp)3], [Fe(dmpp)3], and [Fe(etpp)3], were all able to provide Fe to plants and prevent IDC. Efficacy is dependent on the structure of the ligand. From an EPR biophysical study using spin probes and liposomes, prepared from a soybean lipid extract, we hypothesize that this may be related with the distinct preferential location close to the surface or on the hydrophobic region of the lipid bilayer. [Fe(mpp)3] provide higher amounts of Fe in the leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of pyridyl analogues of rosamines was prepared by employing two methodologies: (i) the conventional‐heating condensation of a pyridinecarboxaldehyde with 3‐(diethylamino)phenol in propionic acid, and (ii) the novel ohmic‐heating assisted condensation under "on water" conditions, followed by oxidation. The 4‐pyridyl substituted rosamine was further converted into the N‐methylpyridinium derivative through N‐alkylation using methyl iodide. The influence of the position and cationization of the nitrogen atom of the pyridyl ring in the physicochemical properties of fluorophores was investigated by 1H, 13C, 15N NMR spectral analysis, UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (4‐pyridyl and N‐methylpyridinium derivatives) and thermal‐behavior analysis. Curiously, for ethanolic solutions of 4‐pyridyl and N‐methylpyridinium derivatives an extinction of color and fluorescence over time was observed. This phenomenon was further studied and the data revealed that it is the result of nucleophilic addition of ethoxide ion to the central 9‐position of the xanthene. The kinetics of the process is slower for the 4‐pyridyl rosamine, which emphasizes the importance of the charge in the N‐methylpyridinium analogue in the reactivity of the molecule towards a nucleophile agent. This phenomenon is reversible, meaning that the compounds can be rapidly recovered by decreasing the pH, opening new avenues in the sensing applications of this class of rosamines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Estimates of the burden of maternal morbidity are patchy.Objective: To conduct a systematic review of systematic reviews of maternal conditions to: (1) make available the most up-to-date frequency estimates; (2) identify which conditions do not have reliable estimates; and (3) scrutinize the quality of the available reviews.Search Strategy: We searched Embase, MEDLINE, and CINAHL, combining terms for pregnancy, frequency (e.g. prevalence, incidence), publication type, and specific terms for each of 121 conditions.Selection Criteria: We included peer-reviewed systematic reviews aiming to estimate the frequency of at least one of the conditions in WHO's list of maternal morbidities, with estimates from at least two countries.Data Collection and Analysis: We present the frequency estimates with their uncertainty bounds by condition, region, and pregnancy/postpartum period. We also assess and present information on the quality of the systematic reviews.Main Results: Out of 11 930 found, 48 reviews were selected and one more was added. From 49 reviews we extracted 34 direct and 60 indirect frequency estimates covering 35 conditions. No review was available for 71% of the conditions on the WHO list. The extracted estimates show substantial maternal morbidity, spanning the time before and beyond childbirth. There were several gaps in the quality of the reviews. Notably, one-third of the estimates were based only on facility-based studies.Conclusions: Good-quality systematic reviews are needed for several conditions, as a research priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Near real-time vaccine safety surveillance (NRTVSS) using electronic health records has been used to detect timely vaccine safety signals. Trial implementation of NRTVSS using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) has shown that there is limited power to detect safety signals for rare events. Delays in recording outcomes and receiving data influence the power and timeliness to identify a signal. Our work aimed to compare how different sources of delays influence power and expected time to signal to implement NRTVSS using CPRD. Methods We studied seasonal influenza vaccine/Guillain-Barré syndrome and performed power and expected time to signal calculations for the 2013-2014/2014-2015 seasons. We used the Poisson-based maximised sequential probability ratio test, which compares observed-to-expected events. For each study season, we obtained an average Guillain-Barré syndrome/seizures age-sex-adjusted rate from the 5 previous seasons and then used this rate to calculate the expected number of events, assuming a 42-day risk-window. Calculations were performed for detecting rate ratios of 1.5 to 10. We compared power and timeliness considering combinations of the presence/absence of delays in recording outcomes and in receiving data. The R-package Sequential was used. Results In general, there was ≥80% power to detect increases in risk of ≥4 at the end of the season. Assuming absence of delays slightly improved power (a maximum increase of 4%) but did not noticeably reduce time to detect a signal. Conclusion Removing delays in data availability is insufficient to significantly improve the performance of a NRTVSS system using CPRD. Expansion of CPRD data is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Near real-time vaccine safety surveillance (NRTVSS) is an option for post-licensure vaccine safety assessment. NRTVSS requires timely recording of outcomes in the database used. Our main objective was to examine recording delays in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) for outcomes of interest for vaccine safety to inform the feasibility of NRTVSS using these data. We also evaluated completeness of recording and further assessed reporting delays for hospitalized events in CPRD. Methods We selected Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), Bell's palsy (BP), optic neuritis (ON) and febrile seizures (FS), from January 2005 to June 2014. We assessed recording delays (e.g. due to feedback from specialist referral) in stand-alone CPRD by comparing the event and system dates and excluding delays >1 year. We used linked CPRD-hospitalization data to further evaluate delays and completeness of recording in CPRD. Results Among 51 220 patients for the stand-alone CPRD analysis (GBS: n = 830; BP: n = 12 602; ON: n = 1720; and FS: n = 36 236), most had a record entered within 1 month of the event date (GBS: 73.6%; BP: 93.4%; ON: 76.2%; and FS: 85.6%). A total of 13 482 patients, with a first record in hospital, were included for the analysis of linked data (GBS: n = 678; BP: n = 4060; ON: n = 485; and FS: n = 8321). Of these, <50% had a record in CPRD after 1 year (GBS: 41.3%; BP: 22.1%; ON: 22.4%; and FS: 41.8%). Conclusion This work shows that most diagnoses in CPRD for the conditions examined were recorded with delays of ≤30 days, making NRTVSS possible. The pattern of delays was condition-specific and could be used to adjust for delays in the NRTVSS analysis. Despite low sensitivity of recording, implementing NRTVSS in CPRD is worthwhile and could be carried out, at least on a trial basis, for events of interest. © 2017 The Authors. Pharmacoepidemiology & Drug Safety Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Pre-licensure studies have limited ability to detect rare adverse events (AEs) to vaccines, requiring timely post-licensure studies. With the increasing availability of electronic health records (EHR) near real-time vaccine safety surveillance using these data has emerged as an option. We reviewed methods currently used to inform development of similar systems for countries considering their introduction. Methods Medline, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched, with additional searches of conference abstract books. Questionnaires were sent to organizations worldwide to ascertain unpublished studies. Eligible studies used EHR and regularly assessed pre-specified AE to vaccine(s). Key features of studies were compared descriptively. Results From 2779 studies, 31 were included from the USA (23), UK (6), and Taiwan and New Zealand (1 each). These were published/conducted between May 2005 and April 2015. Thirty-eight different vaccines were studied, focusing mainly on influenza (47.4%), especially 2009 H1N1 vaccines. Forty-six analytic approaches were used, reflecting frequency of EHR updates and the AE studied. Poisson-based maximized sequential probability ratio test was the most common (43.5%), followed by its binomial (23.9%) and conditional versions (10.9%). Thirty-seven of 49 analyses (75.5%) mentioned control for confounding, using an adjusted expected rate (51.4% of those adjusting), stratification (16.2%) or a combination of a self-controlled design and stratification (13.5%). Guillain-Barré syndrome (11.9%), meningitis/encephalitis/myelitis (11.9%) and seizures (10.8%) were studied most often. Conclusions Near real-time vaccine safety surveillance using EHR has developed over the past decade but is not yet widely used. As more countries have access to EHR, it will be important that appropriate methods are selected, considering the data available and AE of interest. © 2016 The Authors. Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two new fluorescent ligands RosCat1 and RosCat2 contain catechol receptors connected to rosamine platforms through an amide linkage and were synthesized by using microwave-assisted coupling reactions of carboxyl- or amine-substituted rosamines with the corresponding catechol units and subsequent deprotection. RosCat1 possesses a reverse amide, whereas RosCat2 has the usual oriented amide bond (HNCO vs. CONH, respectively). The ligands were characterized by means of NMR spectroscopy, mass-spectrometry, and DFT calculations and X-ray crystallography studies for RosCat1. The influence of the amide linkage on the photophysical properties of the fluorescent ligands was assessed in different solvents and showed a higher fluorescence quantum yield for RosCat1. The coordination chemistry of these ligands with a FeIII center has been rationalized by mass-spectrometric analysis and semiempirical calculations. Octahedral FeIII complexes were obtained by the chelation of three RosCat1 or RosCat2 ligands. Interestingly, the unconventional amide connectivity in RosCat1 imposes the formation of an eight-membered ring on the chelate complex through a 'salicylate-type' mode of coordination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cover Feature: Synthesis of Pyridyl and N-Methylpyridinium Analogues of Rosamines: Relevance of Solvent and Charge on Their Photophysical Properties (Chem. Eur. J. 66/2019) Keywords: nucleophilic addition; ohmic-heating; photophysical properties; rosamines; xanthenes Nucleophilic addition, ohmic-heating, photophysical properties, rosamines, xanthenes. [Extracted from the article]