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Abstract Proteomic studies on cyanobacterial biofilms can be an effective approach to unravel metabolic pathways involved in biofilm formation and, consequently, obtain more efficient biofouling control strategies. Biofilm development by the filamentous cyanobacterium Toxifilum sp. LEGE 06021 was evaluated on different surfaces, glass and perspex, and at two significant shear rates for marine environments (4 s−1 and 40 s−1). Higher biofilm development was observed at 4 s−1. Overall, about 1877 proteins were identified, and differences in proteome were more noticeable between hydrodynamic conditions than those found between surfaces. Twenty Differentially Expressed Proteins (DEPs) were found between 4 s−1 vs. 40 s−1. On glass, some of these DEPs include phage tail proteins, a carotenoid protein, cyanophynase glutathione-dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase, and the MoaD/ThiS family protein, while on perspex, DEPs include transketolase, dihydroxy-acid dehydratase, iron ABC transporter substrate-binding protein and protein NusG. This study contributes to developing a standardized protocol for proteomic analysis of filamentous cyanobacterial biofilms. This kind of proteomic analysis can also be useful for different research fields, given the broad spectrum of promising secondary metabolites and added-value compounds produced by cyanobacteria, as well as for the development of new antibiofilm strategies.

T. gondii is the causal agent of toxoplasmosis, a worldwide zoonotic disease relevant in human and veterinary medicine. In Algeria, few reports focused on the presence and circulation of this parasite in the local goat population. The aim of the survey was to evaluate toxoplasmosis seroprevalence and associated risk factors. Sera from 460 goats reared on 72 farms in northeastern Algeria were collected and tested for IgG antibodies to T. gondii by an indirect ELISA. To identify risk factors, a linear regression analysis of the variables was performed. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were found in 94.44% (68/72; 95% CI: 73.34–119.73) of goat farms and in 53.26% (245/460; 95% CI: 46.80–60.36) at the individual level. The multivariable analysis showed that seasonal pasture (OR = 3.804; 95% CI: 3.321–4.358; p = 0.003), presence of water source in pasture area (OR = 4.844; 95% CI: 1.942–7.789; p = 0.0004), use of anthelminthics (OR = 2.640; 95% CI: 1.592–3.146; p = 0.036), number of cats, hygiene, proportion of abortions, number of abortions in the last year, year of sampling, region, and season were the variables significantly associated with T. gondii seropositivity. Abortions in goat herds seem to be related to T. gondii exposure, thus it is crucial to undertake measures and strategies to reduce, control, and prevent toxoplasmosis infection in goats, and thereby in humans, from Algeria.

Abstract The voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) was first described as a mitochondrial porin that mediates the flux of metabolites and ions, thereby integrating both cell survival and death signals. In the nervous system, the functional roles of VDAC1 remain poorly understood. Herein, the rat retina was employed to study VDAC1. First, it was observed that even subtle changes in VDAC1 levels affect neuronal survival, inducing severe alterations in the retinal morphology. We next examined the regulation of VDAC1 after traumatic retinal injury. After mechanical trauma, SOD1 translocates towards the nucleus, which is insufficient to contain the consequences of oxidative stress, as determined by the evaluation of protein carbonylation. Using in vitro models of oxidative stress and mechanical injury in primary retinal cell cultures, it was possible to determine that inhibition of VDAC1 oligomerization by 4′-diisothiocyano-2,2′-disulfonic acid stilbene (DIDS) rescues cell viability, impacting microglial cell activation. We next focused on the regulation of VDAC1 after retinal mechanical injury. VDAC1 was promptly upregulated 2 h after lesion in the plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum rather than in the mitochondria, and multimers of VDAC1 were assembled after lesion. DIDS intraocular application decreased apoptosis and prevented microglial polarization, which confirmed in vitro observations. Considering the role of microglia in neuroinflammation, multiplex evaluation of cytokines showed that DIDS application disorganized the inflammatory response 2 h after the lesion, matching the fast regulation of VDAC1. Taken together, data disclosed that fine regulation of VDAC1 influences neuronal survival, and pharmacological inhibition after trauma injury has neuroprotective effects. This protection may be attributed to the effects on VDAC1 abnormal accumulation in the plasma membrane, thereby controlling the activation of microglial cells. We concluded that VDAC1 is a putative therapeutic target in neuronal disorders since it integrates both death and survival cellular signaling.

Foodborne outbreaks are often associated with the consumption of salads. However, published studies on the detection of foodborne pathogens in ready-to-eat salads are scarce. The aim of this study was to detect Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium DNA in ready-to-eat salads, by applying techniques of molecular biology to study the frequency of contamination in salads. A total of 100 packages of ready-to-eat salads containing assorted leafy green vegetables were randomly purchased from hypermarkets located in central regions of Portugal (Coimbra and Viseu). Nested-PCR and qPCR methods were used to detect G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium DNA. Species and assemblages of the parasites were identified by sequence analysis and PCR. Eighteen of the 100 samples (18%) were positive for G. duodenalis and twelve were sequenced and identified as assemblage A. Cryptosporidium spp. were not detected in any salads. Overall, pre-harvest and post-harvest preventive measures may be need for G. duodenalis control throughout the food production industry, from the field to consumers.

Este trabalho apresenta uma proposta de business process management (BPM) ágil para o alcance de maior eficiência, eficácia e efetividade em sua aplicação. O método BPM ágil incorpora técnicas de experiência do usuário por meio de design thinking nas fases do BPM. Para isso, esta pesquisa-ação foi realizada na área de recursos humanos (RH) de uma instituição do poder legislativo federal do Brasil. Os métodos constam de oficinas de mapeamento/modelagem de processos e de design thinking, aplicação de questionários com os clientes para confronto dos dados. Para cada um dos processos mapeados, os resultados obtidos na pesquisa apresentaram diferentes graus de contraste entre a percepção das partes interessadas dos processos. Alguns resultados ratificaram a percepção dos executores e dos gestores em relação a visão dos clientes, e em outros casos houve percepções antagônicas, mas complementares.

Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii), a pathogen with a high capability for infection. The disease primarily affects ruminants, leading to reproductive disorders, but can also be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or their products. In Algeria, Q fever is endemic, but little is known about the presence and circulation of C. burnetii in domestic goats. This study aimed to perform a multicentric serological analysis of C. burnetii antibodies in domestic goats from four provinces in the North East Region of Algeria. A total of 504 goat serum samples were collected from 77 herds, and serological analysis was performed using an indirect ELISA. The overall seroprevalence at the herd level was 35.06%, and 8.73% at the individual level. Herds with a history of abortions showed a high seropositivity rate of 88.9%. This research indicates the wide distribution of C. burnetii in goats in this region, suggesting the potential for zoonotic transmission to humans. Further studies and monitoring programs are essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of C. burnetii epidemiology in Algeria and to prevent or mitigate potential outbreaks. Awareness among practitioners and farmers is crucial to address this public health concern effectively.

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are obligate intracellular protozoan parasites infecting a wide range of hosts worldwide. However, information on the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis in cats from Portugal is limited. Thus, this study aims to evaluate anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum seroprevalence in client-owned cats from Portugal and to identify risk factors using a panel of well-characterized sera. A total of 183 domestic cats were sampled and screened for antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum using commercial ELISA assays, and their owners answered an online questionnaire designed to obtain background information. The overall anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum seroprevalences were 13.1% (CI: 8.97–18.77) and 3.8% (CI: 1.87–7.68), respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that living strictly indoors was a significant protection factor (cOR: 0.053; CI: 0.005–0.627), and the presence of a chronic disease a significant risk factor (cOR: 3.106; CI: 1.062–9.082) to T. gondii seroprevalence. When performing multivariate analysis, only chronic disease (aOR: 57.527; CI: 1.7–1976.7) and seropositivity to N. caninum (aOR: 7.929; CI:0.8–82.9) were found to be a significant risk factor to anti-T. gondii antibodies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of N. caninum seropositivity in cats from Portugal.

Lactic acid (LA) is an organic compound with numerous applications in the chemical, pharmaceutical and food industries. In addition, the study of its production has garnered renewed interest due to its applicability in the generation of biopolymers, seeking to lower operating costs and cultivation conditions. Ecuador has a growing demand for LA, but it lacks local production, despite having a microbial diversity that can be used for this purpose. Among the microorganisms that stand out for their production potential is Bacillus subtilis. In the present project, 7 strains of Bacillus subtilis isolated from cocoa crops, a cultivar of great local importance, were studied. These were identified by sequencing the 16s ribosomal and API50 galleries. The strains which were tested for LA production from glucose. The 3 best strains for LA production were identified and their yields were evaluated under aerobic, anaerobic and microaerobic conditions. The highest production of LA was evidenced under aerobic conditions with efficiencies of approximately 0.25 grams of LA per gram of glucose in the three best strains, equivalent to 5 g / L LA. Through the present investigation, it was possible to establish methodologies and achieve reasonable LA production with Bacillus subtilis strains, in addition, 3 promising strains for the production of LA in the country were identified.

Introducción: La hiperlaxitud ligamentaria (HL) es la principal causa de hipermovilidad articular. Puede asociarse a sintomatología tanto musculoesquelética como extramusculoesquelética (Síndrome de hiperlaxitud ligamentaria SHL). En la danza uno de los principales objetivos del entrenamiento es lograr una mayor amplitud ligamentaria, sin embargo en muchos bailarines existen dolor y lesiones que pueden estar asociados a HL. Objetivos: Determinar la frecuencia de HL en los bailarines profesionales de ballet y danza contemporánea y su asociación con alteraciones musculoesqueléticas. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional analítico de corte transversal, realizado en 140 bailarines profesionales de la ciudad de Quito. Se aplicaron los criterios de Brighton y Beinghton y el cuestionario de Grahame y Hakim. Resultados: Fueron evaluados 140 bailarines (71 mujeres, 69 hombres). Se obtuvo una prevalencia de 46% de HL (Escala de Beighton), 48% mujeres y 45% hombres, y con el cuestionario de Grahame y Hakim la prevalencia fue de 80% con proporciones similares entre hombres y mujeres. La alteración musculoesquelética más común fue el dolor articular (61%), en el 16% de ellos en más de 4 articulaciones; hábito marfanoide 55% y lesiones de tejidos blandos 44%. Las alteraciones extra musculoesqueléticas no tuvieron una frecuencia mayor que en la población general. El SHL se presentó en 71,4% de los bailarines. Al evaluar la relación entre HL y las alteraciones musculoesqueléticas se observó que existe una asociación muy fuerte (OR 6,42; IC 95% 2,6-17) con el síndrome de hiperlaxitud, artralgias (OR 4,76; IC 95% 2,2-10,3) y subluxaciones (OR 4,90 IC 95% 1,7-14,3). Conclusiones: La HL en los bailarines profesionales tiene una prevalencia alta en Quito. Es más frecuente en mujeres que en hombres. Se demostró su asociación con alteraciones musculoesqueléticas como artralgias y lesiones de tejidos blandos.

In Brazil, malacoculture is developed mainly in the state of Santa Catarina, followed by São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. In the course of the development of Brazilian mariculture, legislation has addressed the sanitary requirements necessary for bivalve commercialization. However, monitoring phycotoxins is a challenge, due to often costly reference methods. In this context, this study evaluated the use of alternative ecotoxicological and bioanalytical methods using Artemia franciscana (brine shrimp) lethality assessments. The results confirm that, although correlations between the reference mouse assay and the brine shrimp assays were not high, the alternative brine shrimp assay may be incorporated into phycotoxin monitoring programs, as hepatopancreas methanolic extracts of mussel (Perna perna) containing DSP resulted in high lethality rates. Therefore, further methodological adjustment studies and the inclusion of other enzymatic and toxicological models are required to further assess these differences, and associations between ecotoxicological methods as early-alarm methods are encouraged.

Abstract Background Research using linked routine population-based data collected for non-research purposes has increased in recent years because they are a rich and detailed source of information. The objective of this study is to present an approach to prepare and link data from administrative sources in a middle-income country, to estimate its quality and to identify potential sources of bias by comparing linked and non-linked individuals. Methods We linked two administrative datasets with data covering the period 2001 to 2015, using maternal attributes (name, age, date of birth, and municipally of residence) from Brazil: live birth information system and the 100 Million Brazilian Cohort (created using administrative records from over 114 million individuals whose families applied for social assistance via the Unified Register for Social Programmes) implementing an in house developed linkage tool CIDACS-RL. We then estimated the proportion of highly probably link and examined the characteristics of missed-matches to identify any potential source of bias. Results A total of 27,699,891 live births were submited to linkage with maternal information recorded in the baseline of the 100 Million Brazilian Cohort dataset of those, 16,447,414 (59.4%) children were found registered in the 100 Million Brazilian Cohort dataset. The proportion of highly probably link ranged from 39.3% in 2001 to 82.1% in 2014. A substantial improvement in the linkage after the introduction of maternal date of birth attribute, in 2011, was observed. Our analyses indicated a slightly higher proportion of missing data among missed matches and a higher proportion of people living in an urban area and self-declared as Caucasian among linked pairs when compared with non-linked sets. Discussion We demonstrated that CIDACS-RL is capable of performing high quality linkage even with a limited number of common attributes, using indexation as a blocking strategy in larg e routine databases from a middle-income country. However, residual records occurred more among people under worse living conditions. The results presented in this study reinforce the need of evaluating linkage quality and when necessary to take linkage error into account for the analyses of any generated dataset.

La cáscara de naranja es un residuo orgánico abundante en el Ecuador que puede ser aprovechado y transformado en productos de alto valor agregado. Por ello, el presente artículo analiza la pre-factibilidad técnico-económica de una biorrefinería a partir de cáscara de naranja para la obtención de aceite esencial, pectina y/o bioetanol. Primero, se compararon varios escenarios alrededor de la combinación de productos a ser obtenidos, y se estableció que el más conveniente sería la obtención de aceite esencial y pectina, con una producción anual de 8,7 y 44,4 toneladas, respectivamente. A continuación, se diseñó un proceso para esta biorrefinería que consiste en 3 secciones: el pretratamiento de la materia prima, la extracción del aceite, y la extracción de la pectina. Se realizaron los balances de materia y energía del proceso, y posteriormente, se seleccionaron y dimensionaron los equipos de acuerdo a metodologías específicas. El proceso consideró la recuperación y recirculación de etanol empleado en la sección de extracción de pectina para reducir los costos de producción. Finalmente, se realizó un análisis económico a partir de las estimaciones de costos teóricos y un análisis de costos de catálogo. Se encontró que el proyecto es rentable y que el tiempo de recuperación de la inversión estaría entre 5 y 6 años. Por lo tanto, la implementación de la biorrefinería generaría un impacto positivo a nivel económico, ambiental y social en el país.

O objetivo do trabalho foi estudar o efeito dos ciclos de fotoperíodo no metabolismo da diatomácea Chaetoceros calcitrans em termos de produção de biomassa e acúmulo de lipídios. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em estufa com fotoperíodo, iluminância de 3000 lx, aeração de 0,2 L min-1 e temperatura de 30ºC, sendo testados os ciclos de 12C:12E h e 24C:0E h (C = Claro; E = Escuro). Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA) e teste t a 95% de confiança (p≤0,05). O ciclo de fotoperíodo 24C:0E h proporcionou maior acúmulo de lipídios (13,5%), biomassa máxima (0,54 g L-1) e produtividade máxima (0,07 g L-1 dia-1), em comparação como ciclo de 12C:12E h, que apresentou valores significativamente menores de conteúdo lipídico (6,0%), biomassa máxima (0,22 g L-1) e produtividade máxima (0,02 g L-1 dia-1), indicando que o tempo de exposição à luminosidade afeta o metabolismo deste micro-organismo.

Hybrid meat products are an excellent strategy to incorporate plant proteins into traditional meat formulations considering recent market trends focusing on the partial reduction in red meat content. In this work, we evaluated the effects of different concentrated plant proteins (soy, pea, fava bean, rice, and sunflower) in partially replacing meat in meat emulsion model systems. Soy, pea, and sunflower proteins showed great compatibility with the meat matrix, giving excellent emulsion stability and a cohesive protein network with good fat distribution. Otherwise, adding rice and fava bean proteins resulted in poor emulsion stability. Color parameters were affected by the intrinsic color of plant proteins and due to the reduction in myoglobin content. Both viscoelastic moduli, G′ and G″ decreased with the incorporation of plant proteins, especially for rice and fava bean. The temperature sweep showed that myosin denaturation was the dominant effect on the G′ increase. The water mobility was affected by plant proteins and the proportion between immobilized and intermyofibrillar water was quite different among treatments, especially those with fava bean and rice proteins. In vitro protein digestibility was lower for hybrid meat emulsion elaborated with rice protein. It is concluded that soy, pea, and mainly sunflower proteins have suitable compatibility with the meat matrix in emulsified products.

Modifying the natural characteristics of PLA 3D-printed models is of interest in various research areas in which 3D-printing is applied. Thus, in this study, we describe the simple impregnation of FDM 3D-printed PLA samples with well-defined silver nanoparticles and an iron metal salt. Quasi-spherical and dodecahedra silver particles were strongly attached at the channels of 3D-printed milli-fluidic reactors to demonstrate their attachment and interaction with the flow, as an example. Furthermore, Fenton-like reactions were successfully developed by an iron catalyst impregnated in 3D-printed stirrer caps to induce the degradation of a dye and showed excellent reproducibility.

(1) Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread zoonotic agent that greatly impacts Public Health, being responsible for one of the most important parasitic zoonosis worldwide. T. gondii has a heteroxenous life cycle, with cats being the definitive hosts and all warm-blooded animals, including humans, being intermediate hosts. Veterinary practitioners (VP) may be at a higher risk than the general population for T. gondii infection, as they have direct and daily contact with many animal species. The aim of the present study was to ascertain if VP were more likely to be anti-T. gondii IgG seropositive than the general population, as well as to understand if age, accidents with blood-contaminated sharps (cross-blood contamination), gender, working years, and geographic regions play a role as risk factors for T. gondii infection. For this purpose, a case–control study using archived samples was performed. (2) Methods: A total of 350 veterinary practitioners were tested using a commercial semiquantitative enzyme immunoassay for anti-T. gondii IgG. From the general population, 175 anonymous volunteers (matched with cases by region, age, and gender) were studied for anti-T. gondii IgG. (3) Results: There was no statistical difference found between the presence of anti-T. gondii IgG in practitioners (26%; CI = 21.40–30.60%) and the general population (33.14%; CI = 26.17–40.12%) (p = 0.108). Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that only age (older groups) was found to be associated with a higher prevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG, with significant p values (p < 0.05) for both univariate and multivariate analysis. (4) Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case–control study fully focused on the prevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG in VP in Portugal, showing that there was no significant risk for T. gondii infection in veterinarians exposed daily and repeatedly to different species of animals.

BackgroundBrazil has made great progress in reducing child mortality over the past decades, and a parcel of this achievement has been credited to the Bolsa Família program (BFP). We examined the association between being a BFP beneficiary and child mortality (1-4 years of age), also examining how this association differs by maternal race/skin color, gestational age at birth (term versus preterm), municipality income level, and index of quality of BFP management.Methods and findingsThis is a cross-sectional analysis nested within the 100 Million Brazilian Cohort, a population-based cohort primarily built from Brazil's Unified Registry for Social Programs (Cadastro Único). We analyzed data from 6,309,366 children under 5 years of age whose families enrolled between 2006 and 2015. Through deterministic linkage with the BFP payroll datasets, and similarity linkage with the Brazilian Mortality Information System, 4,858,253 children were identified as beneficiaries (77%) and 1,451,113 (23%) were not. Our analysis consisted of a combination of kernel matching and weighted logistic regressions. After kernel matching, 5,308,989 (84.1%) children were included in the final weighted logistic analysis, with 4,107,920 (77.4%) of those being beneficiaries and 1,201,069 (22.6%) not, with a total of 14,897 linked deaths. Overall, BFP participation was associated with a reduction in child mortality (weighted odds ratio [OR] = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.79 to 0.88; p < 0.001). This association was stronger for preterm children (weighted OR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.68 to 0.90; p < 0.001), children of Black mothers (weighted OR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.57 to 0.97; p < 0.001), children living in municipalities in the lowest income quintile (first quintile of municipal income: weighted OR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.62 to 0.82; p < 0.001), and municipalities with better index of BFP management (5th quintile of the Decentralized Management Index: weighted OR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.66 to 0.88; p < 0.001). The main limitation of our methodology is that our propensity score approach does not account for possible unmeasured confounders. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis showed that loss of nameless death records before linkage may have resulted in overestimation of the associations between BFP participation and mortality, with loss of statistical significance in municipalities with greater losses of data and change in the direction of the association in municipalities with no losses.ConclusionsIn this study, we observed a significant association between BFP participation and child mortality in children aged 1-4 years and found that this association was stronger for children living in municipalities in the lowest quintile of wealth, in municipalities with better index of program management, and also in preterm children and children of Black mothers. These findings reinforce the evidence that programs like BFP, already proven effective in poverty reduction, have a great potential to improve child health and survival. Subgroup analysis revealed heterogeneous results, useful for policy improvement and better targeting of BFP.

Background: Ben oil is extracted from the seeds of the medicinal tree Moringa oleifera. Though it is popularly used for skin purposes, its pharmacological wound healing potential has never been investigated. Since the oil is rich in oleic acid (OA), it was used to compare and explain the effects. Purpose: The study evaluated Moringa oleifera seeds oil (MOSO) and OA effect on physiological and chronic skin wound healing. Methods: Healthy, diabetic and immunosuppressed Swiss mice were used in a skin excision model. Each wound was measured once a day, photographed and submitted to topical application of MOSO, OA, mineral oil (vehicle for OA) or Dersani© (positive control) until wound repair. Healing rate, histology and measurement of tissue collagen were processed. Results: When applied on wounds of healthy mice, MOSO and OA caused a faster repair. Immunosuppression and diabetes condition prolonged wound repair when compared to healthy mice. Treatment with MOSO and OA shortened the healing time in chronic wounds. None of the treatments altered skin cellularity in the inflammatory phase of wound healing. In the proliferative phase, collagen content was improved by MOSO and OA in diabetic wound and OA also increased collagen in healthy wounds. Myofibroblast amount was restored by both treatments in immunosuppressed and diabetic wound healing. Conclusion: MOSO may facilitate acute physiological and chronic wounds, accelerating the healing process, acting on collagen content and myofibroblast amount. Besides, OA might be at least partially responsible for this effect. Further investigations are needed to clear the mechanisms involved with these effects.

Biomass is key towards the production of renewables, heat, biofuels, and green chemical feedstocks. Based on results reported in the literature, Ecuador, an agriculture-based economy, has the potential of meeting its energy demands while satisfying environmental regulations, by the conversion of self-generated residual biomass. Conventional biological, chemical and thermochemical methods have been modeled and widely studied at laboratory scale for the production of biogas, bioethanol, and other solid and liquid fuels, being milestones for upcoming scaled-up applications. Recently, studies have also shown the development of new processes for the conversion of Ecuadorian biomass wastes into value-added products for future applications. Providing a more complete way to manage the waste problem, aiming to create a sustainable economic growth within a bio-economy perspective.

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease with different and complex routes for transmission. Workers occupationally exposed to animals or raw meat and viscera (WOE) may be at more risk than the general population, however conflicting data exist on the risk of developing toxoplasmosis due to this close contact. To add knowledge to this topic, the aim of the present study was to ascertain if WOE were more likely to be anti-T. gondii IgG seropositive than the general population as well as to study risk factors for T. gondii infection such as professional activity, gender, age, years of work and region. For this purpose, a case–control study using archived samples was setup. A total of 114 WOE (including pig slaughterhouse workers, butchers, veterinarians and farmers) and 228 anonymous volunteers (matched with cases by region, age and gender) were studied for anti-T. gondii IgG. A significantly higher anti-T. gondii IgG occurrence (p = 0.0282) was found in WOE when compared with the general population (72.8% [CI = 64.6–81.0%] versus 60.1% [CI = 54.6–65.6%]). Multivariate analysis showed that WOE of more than 50 years of age were more likely to be seropositive for anti-T. gondii IgG (aOR = 16.8; 95% CI 3.6–77.5; p < 0.001) than those aged less than 50 years. To our knowledge, this is the first case–control study on the prevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG in WOE in Portugal, also showing an added risk for T. gondii infection in those exposed to animals or their meat and viscera.

Objetivos: Caracterizar o conhecimento dos utentes sobre os cuidados associados à exposição solar, os fatores de risco e sinais de alarme para neoplasia cutânea. Estudar a associação entre as variáveis: idade, sexo, escolaridade, fotótipo, antecedentes de neoplasia cutânea (pessoais ou em contactos próximos) e o nível de conhecimento dos utentes. Métodos: Estudo transversal. Durante os meses de abril e maio de 2018 foram entregues questionários de autopreenchimento, compostos por dados sociodemográficos, questões teóricas sobre exposição solar e seus riscos, fatores de risco e sinais de alarme para neoplasia cutânea aos utentes com idade igual ou superior a 18 anos que compareceram à consulta programada de seis Unidades de Saúde Familiar (USF). Foi realizada a análise estatística das suas variáveis, utilizando o software estatístico IBM SPSS Statistics®, assumindo-se um nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Participaram 435 indivíduos, dos quais 29 não completaram o questionário, resultando numa amostra final de 406 indivíduos. Os inquiridos apresentaram uma média de idades de 47±17,1 anos (mínimo: 18; máximo: 89 anos) e 67% eram do sexo feminino. A pontuação média no questionário foi de 9,3±2,06 pontos (sendo a pontuação máxima de 13 valores), mais elevada nos inquiridos com idades entre 35 e 55 anos, nos mais escolarizados e nos inquiridos com fototipo 3. Os inquiridos mais velhos e aqueles com menor nível de escolaridade associaram-se a uma pontuação baixa a intermédia no questionário (p

Bioethanol from starchy biomass represents 60% of the global generation. In Ecuador, there is an annual production of potato, cassava and sweet potato of over 600 thousand tons. However, there are no comparative studies that analyze the effects of starch source. Thus, the present work aims to compare the potential for bioethanol production from starches of potato (Solanum tuberosum), cassava (Manihot esculenta), and sweet potato (Ipomea batatas). Starches were subjected to liquefaction with a-amylase. For bioethanol production, two different processes were assessed 1) sequential (SeqSF) saccharification, with gluco-amylase, and fermentation at 30oC for 72h, with previously activated yeast (S. cerevisiae, a wine strain), and 2) simultaneous saccharification-fermentation (SSF), where glucoamylase and yeast were added at the same time, at fermentation conditions. Total reducing sugars, after enzymatic digestion and during fermentation, were quantified through 3,5 dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS), and ethanol was quantified through GC. After liquefaction, potato and cassava starches resulted in approx. 44 g/L of sugars, while SP resulted in 33 g/L. For the SeqSF process, after saccharification, potato and cassava presented similar values of sugar concentration, close to 90 g/L (58% conversion), while sweet potato yielded a lower value of 66 g/L (52% conversion). During fermentation, in the case of cassava and potato, over 90% of the sugars were consumed in the first 24h, and less than 1% remained after 48h. For sweet potato, sugar consumption was lower, with about 18% remaining after 72h. In SSF, sugar consumption was slower. For potato and cassava, around 80% of the sugar had been metabolized by 24h, and for SP, it was 68%. However, after 72h, all fermentations presented less than 4% sugars. Ethanol production in general was below 10% v/v, and it was affected by sugar consumption kinetics. Bioethanol production was greater in the SSF process, when compared to the SeqSF.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To characterize complementary feeding and to analyze the influence of individual and contextual factors on dietary practices of low birth weight infants. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 2,370 low birth weight infants aged 6 to 12 months included in the Breastfeeding Prevalence Survey in Brazilian Municipalities (2008), which covered the 26 state capitals, the Federal District and 37 municipalities. Dietary practices were assessed using two indicators: I) dietary diversity, characterized by the consumption of five food groups: meat, beans, vegetables, fruit and milk; II) consumption of ultra-processed foods, characterized by the ingestion of at least one of the following foods on the day prior to the survey: soda, or processed juice, or cookie, cracker and crisps. The covariates of interest were the socioeconomic characteristics of infants, mothers and health services. The contextual factor was the “municipal prevalence of child undernutrition.” The individualized effect of the study factors on outcomes was assessed by multilevel Poisson regression. RESULTS Approximately 59% of infants consumed ultra-processed foods, while 29% had diverse feeding. Mothers living in municipalities with child undernutrition prevalence below 10%, with higher education and working outside the home were more likely to offer dietary diversity. Consumption of ultra-processed foods was higher among infants living in municipalities with child undernutrition prevalence below 10%, whose mothers were younger and multiparous. CONCLUSIONS The low prevalence of diverse feeding combined with the high prevalence of ultra-processed food consumption characterizes the low quality of feeding of low birth weight Brazilian infants. Individual and contextual factors impact the feeding quality of this population, suggesting the need for effective strategies to increase the consumption of fresh and minimally processed foods and decrease the consumption of ultra-processed foods by this vulnerable population.

Bivalves constitute an important source of proteins for human consumption, but some accumulate biotoxins such as diarrhetic shellfish toxins (DSTs), constituting a risk to human health. The cockle Cerastoderma edule is one of the most important species harvested in the Portuguese coast but also one of the most affected species due to recurrent DSTs exposure. However, little is known regarding the effects of the toxins produced by blooming dinoflagellates on C. edule. Herein, we explore the Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) of two tissues (gills and digestive gland) from wild cockles sampled in Portugal, through their whole transcriptomic response in two different seasons (exposed and not exposed to DSTs). The de novo transcriptome assembly returned 684,723 contigs, N50 of 1049, and 98.53% completeness. Altogether, 1098 DEGs were identified, of which 353 DEGs were exclusive for the digestive gland, 536 unique for the gills and 209 DEGs were common. Among DEGs were identified known DSTs-biomarkers including glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, cytochrome P450, ABC transporters, actin and tubulin-related proteins, Heat shock proteins and complement C1Q-like proteins. This study provides the first transcriptomic profile of C. edule, giving new insights about its molecular responses under different environmental conditions of DSTs exposure.

In gastric cancer (GC), biomarkers that define prognosis and predict treatment response remain scarce. We hypothesized that the extent of CD44v6 membranous tumor expression could predict prognosis and therapy response in GC patients. Two GC surgical cohorts, from Portugal and South Korea (n = 964), were characterized for the extension of CD44v6 membranous immuno-expression, clinicopathological features, patient survival, and therapy response. The value of CD44v6 expression in predicting response to treatment and its impact on prognosis was determined. High CD44v6 expression was associated with invasive features (perineural invasion and depth of invasion) in both cohorts and with worse survival in the Portuguese GC cohort (HR 1.461; 95% confidence interval 1.002–2.131). Patients with high CD44v6 tumor expression benefited from conventional chemotherapy in addition to surgery (p < 0.05), particularly those with heterogeneous CD44v6-positive and -negative populations (CD44v6_3+) (p < 0.007 and p < 0.009). Our study is the first to identify CD44v6 high membranous expression as a potential predictive marker of response to conventional treatment, but it does not clarify CD44v6 prognostic value in GC. Importantly, our data support selection of GC patients with high CD44v6-expressing tumors for conventional chemotherapy in addition to surgery. These findings will allow better stratification of GC patients for treatment, potentially improving their overall survival.

Nos últimos anos a proporção de idosos cresce mais que outras faixas etárias, situação denominada transição demográfica. Observando o crescente aumento do número de idosos, o surgimento de doenças crônicas, este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a composição nutricional dos cardápios de instituições de longa permanência para idosos públicas de Belo Horizonte e Contagem, Minas Gerais. Trata-se de um estudo de campo experimental, quantitativo, descritivo e exploratório. Foram avaliadas oito instituições de longa permanência para idosos públicas. Foi considerada a presença de nutricionistas na instituição, e coletados 40 cardápios, registrando a quantidade per capita dos alimentos servidos e a respectiva medida caseira, pesada em balança digital padrão. O software utilizado para análise dos cardápios foi o Dietbox®, utilizando as informações das tabelas de alimentos para cálculo do valor energético total, carboidratos, proteínas, lipídios, fibras, vitamina A, C, D, cálcio, magnésio, ferro e zinco. Constatou-se que, das oito instituições, em apenas três há nutricionista presente. Em relação ao valor energético total, 25% das instituições atingiram a recomendação, sendo 1873 kcal para mulheres e 2054 kcal para homens. Observou-se adequação para os seguintes nutrientes: proteínas em 100% das instituições, carboidratos, em 50%; lipídios, 75%, fibras, em 37,5%; vitamina A, 87,5%; vitamina C, 100%; vitamina D, 12,5%; cálcio, 0%; magnésio, 12,5%; ferro, 75%; zinco, 12,5%. Tais resultados evidenciam a necessidade da presença de nutricionistas nestas instituições, a fim de adequar os cardápios às necessidades dos residentes

(1) Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonosis and one of the major causes of abortion in sheep worldwide. (2) Methods: We performed a 2-year longitudinal serological anti-T. gondii IgG screening on a cohort of a spatially confined population of a Portuguese autochthonous sheep breed in central Portugal. (3) Results: From the screening of the 2015 and 2016 sera, an increase of seroprevalence was observed (57.7% (95% CI: 49.9–65.3%) versus 69.1% (95% CI: 61.5–75.9), from 2015 and 2016, respectively) (p = 0.031). (4) Conclusions The present study is the first to provide prospective data on the anti-T. gondii serological status of a sheep cohort in Portugal, showing an increase in the occurrence of T. gondii. There is a need to provide a clearer understanding of T. gondii epidemiology in Portugal, ideally by implementing monitoring programs on sentinel herds, not only due to the high impact of T. gondii on animal health but also for it being a zoonosis.

Algae are relatively simple photoautotrophic eukaryotic organisms that do not possess tissues. The proliferation of certain microscopic algae can cause various effects which are perceived by humans as harmful. The objective of this study was to monitor the phytoplankton community in points near the mussel cultivation at Rasa Beach, with an emphasis on potential toxin-producing species. The samples were collected between February 2014 and March 2015. Seventy-nine taxa were recorded. Diatoms were predominant in this study. Separations between summer and winter were recorded. This work could serve as a basis for future monitoring efforts of harmful algal blooms in the city.

Here we provide all datasets and details applied in the construction of a composite protein database required for the proteogenomic analyses of the article “Putative Antimicrobial Peptides of the Posterior Salivary Glands from the Cephalopod Octopus vulgaris Revealed by Exploring a Composite Protein Database”. All data, subdivided into six datasets, are deposited at the Mendeley Data repository as follows. Dataset_1 provides our composite database “All_Databases_5950827_sequences.fasta” derived from six smaller databases composed of (i) protein sequences retrieved from public databases related to cephalopods’ salivary glands, (ii) proteins identified with Proteome Discoverer software using our original data obtained by shotgun proteomic analyses of posterior salivary glands (PSGs) from three Octopus vulgaris specimens (provided as Dataset_2) and (iii) a non-redundant antimicrobial peptide (AMP) database. Dataset_3 includes the transcripts obtained by de novo assembly of 16 transcriptomes from cephalopods’ PSGs using CLC Genomics Workbench. Dataset_4 provides the proteins predicted by the TransDecoder tool from the de novo assembly of 16 transcriptomes of cephalopods’ PSGs. Further details about database construction, as well as the scripts and command lines used to construct them, are deposited within Dataset_5 and Dataset_6. The data provided in this article will assist in unravelling the role of cephalopods’ PSGs in feeding strategies, toxins and AMP production.

Ascidians are marine invertebrates associated with diverse microbial communities, embedded in their tunic, conferring special ecological and biotechnological relevance to these model organisms used in evolutionary and developmental studies. Next-generation sequencing tools have increased the knowledge of ascidians’ associated organisms and their products, but proteomic studies are still scarce. Hence, we explored the tunic of three ascidian species using a shotgun proteomics approach. Proteins extracted from the tunic of Ciona sp., Molgula sp., and Microcosmus sp. were processed using a nano LC-MS/MS system (Ultimate 3000 liquid chromatography system coupled to a Q-Exactive Hybrid Quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometer). Raw data was searched against UniProtKB – the Universal Protein Resource Knowledgebase (Bacteria and Metazoa section) using Proteome Discoverer software. The resulting proteins were merged with a non-redundant Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) database and analysed with MaxQuant freeware. Overall, 337 metazoan and 106 bacterial proteins were identified being mainly involved in basal metabolism, cytoskeletal and catalytic functions. 37 AMPs were identified, most of them attributed to eukaryotic origin apart from bacteriocins. These results and the presence of “Biosynthesis of antibiotics” as one of the most highlighted pathways revealed the tunic as a very active tissue in terms of bioactive compounds production, giving insights on the interactions between host and associated organisms. Although the present work constitutes an exploratory study, the approach employed revealed high potential for high-throughput characterization and biodiscovery of the ascidians’ tunic and its microbiome.

A busca da população por alimentos práticos, rápidos e saudáveis tem aumentado a preocupação com a rotulagem nutricional visto que este é o principal veículo de informação ao consumidor sobre as características nutricionais dos alimentos embalados. Este estudo objetivou verificar o índice de conformidades e inconformidades da rotulagem de pães embalados diante das regulamentações vigentes. Para tanto, foi avaliada a rotulagem de 23 pães de forma com informação nutricional complementar disponíveis na região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte - MG. As análises foram realizadas através de uma lista de verificação produzida a partir dos requisitos estabelecidos pela legislação sendo classificados como “adequado” ou “inadequado”. Os resultados demonstraram que 95% dos rótulos analisados foram classificados como inadequado em algum dos parâmetros avaliados, sendo que 26% dos rótulos foram inadequados no parâmetro “Denominação de venda” e 35% no parâmetro “Tabela de Informação nutricional”. O quesito “Informação Nutricional Complementar” obteve o maior número de inadequações concentrando 82,6% da totalidade avaliada. Com base nos resultados obtidos concluiu-se que a falta de entendimento por parte dos fabricantes das leis detentoras da rotulagem nutricional no país entre outros fatores associados, podem explicar as frequentes falhas na rotulagem de alimentos embalados, o que pode ocasionar privação à informação e direito de escolha dos consumidores brasileiros.

Downstream processing, such as cell disruption and extraction, constitutes a key step in microalgal-based industrial bioprocesses, mainly due to high costs and environmental impact. In this context, extraction technologies need to be improved, including the use of nonconventional cell disruption techniques suitable for scale-up, such as microwave and ultrasound. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the effects of different methods of cell disruption (microwave and ultrasound) on lipid extraction from biomass of the diatom Chaetoceros calcitrans cultured in mixotrophic conditions in a medium with natural sea water and residual glycerol, with different treatment times. Both techniques applied to the biomass were efficient; that is, the results were 24.6 ± 1.3% lipids (ultrasound for 5 min) and 24.2 ± 0.9% lipids (microwave for 40 s), with no significant differences between them (p≥0.05). Likewise, there was no significant difference regarding the chemical disruption with hydrochloric acid 2 M as control (24.2 ± 1.0%). The ultrasound method consumed less energy than the microwave method. Both cell disruption methods applied to the biomass resulted in changes in the fatty acid profiles, that is, percentages of saturated fatty acids increased from 7.7% (control) to 16.6% (microwave) and 15.5% (ultrasound), whereas polyunsaturated ones increased from 12.8% (control) to 22.8% (microwave) and 21.8% (ultrasound). Concerning monounsaturated fatty acids, percentages decreased from 79.5% (control) to 60.6% (microwave) and 62.7% (ultrasound).

A necessidade do uso de fórmulas de estimativas de massa corporal se torna constante por diversos fatores que impossibilitam os pacientes a se colocarem de pé. Rabito e outros, em 2006, propuseram uma fórmula para estimativa de massa corporal com intuito de atender à população brasileira. Baseado nesta nova fórmula, o objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar a validade da fórmula de Rabito e outros (2006), realizando as medidas da circunferência abdominal em três posições diferentes. A amostra constitui-se de 60 pacientes deambulantes, e para o cálculo da fórmula de estimativa de massa corporal foram realizadas as medidas da circunferência do braço, circunferência da panturrilha e a circunferência abdominal, realizada com o paciente em três posições: em pé, em decúbito dorsal e sentado. Os pacientes foram divididos por estado nutricional, através do índice de massa corporal, as massas corporais estimadas foram analisadas estatisticamente com a massa corporal real do paciente quantificada pela balança. Os resultados demonstraram valores estatisticamente semelhantes entre a massa corporal estimada e a massa corporal real em pacientes desnutridos em qualquer posição avaliada. Para pacientes eutróficos e com sobrepeso/obeso, a fórmula se mostrou eficiente para predição da massa corporal real apenas quando sentados. Estes achados podem levar a acreditar que o aumento da massa corporal pode influenciar negativamente na aplicabilidade do método nesta posição. Sugere-se a utilização da fórmula de estimativa de massa corporal proposta por Rabito e outros exclusivamente com o paciente sentado, por demonstrar valores semelhantes, independentemente do diagnóstico de estado nutricional.

Este artigo trata a temática da surdocegueira, suas características e a experiência de ser surdocego. O estudo é uma pesquisa bibliográfica com o objetivo de traçar um conjunto de informações principais sobre a surdocegueira a partir de definições teóricas e um relato de experiência. A pesquisa bibliográfica indicou alguns conceitos e definições apresentados no texto. O perfil da pessoa com surdocegueira e ações para o desenvolvimento da qualidade de vida desse público. Apontamentos sobre o sistema sensorial e o papel dos sentidos na interação do indivíduo com perdas das capacidades sensoriais. A partir dos tópicos abordados se estabeleceu um diálogo reflexivo entre aspectos teóricos e empíricos sobre a surdocegueira. Como resultado, o artigo indica as características principais da surdocegueira e faz destaque para pontuações do relato de experiência que define a surdocegueira segundo o ponto de vista de quem vive essa realidade diariamente.

In recent years, it has become increasingly important to study the beneficial properties of derivatives of grapes and grapevine. The objective of this study was to determine the antioxidant activity of Vitis labrusca leaf extracts, comparing conventional and organic grapevines, in different brain areas of rats. We used male Wistar rats treated with grapevine leaf extracts for a period of 14 days, and on the 15th day, we administered in half of the rats, mineral oil and the other half, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The animals were euthanized by decapitation and the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum were removed to assess oxidative stress parameters and the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Lipid peroxidation levels (TBARS) were unchanged. However, CCl4 induced oxidative damage to proteins in all tissues studied, and this injury was prevented by both extracts. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was increased by CCl4 in the cerebral cortex and decreased in other tissues. However, CCl4 increased catalase (CAT) activity in the cerebellum and decreased it in the cerebral cortex. The SOD/CAT ratio was restored in the cerebellum by both extracts and only in the cerebral cortex by the organic extract.

The vertebrate toll-like receptor (TLRs) supergene family is a first-line immune defense against viral and non-viral pathogens. Here, comparative evolutionary-genomics of 79 vertebrate species (8 mammals, 48 birds, 11 reptiles, 1 amphibian, and 11 fishes) revealed differential gain/loss of 26 TLRs, including 6 (TLR3, TLR7, TLR8, TLR14, TLR21, and TLR22) that originated early in vertebrate evolution before the diversification of Agnatha and Gnathostomata. Subsequent dynamic gene gain/loss led to lineage-specific diversification with TLR repertoires ranging from 8 subfamilies in birds to 20 in fishes. Lineage-specific loss of TLR8-9 and TLR13 in birds and gains of TLR6 and TLR10-12 in mammals and TLR19-20 and TLR23-27 in fishes. Among avian species, 5−10% of the sites were under positive selection (PS) (omega 1.5−2.5) with radical amino-acid changes likely affecting TLR structure/functionality. In non-viral TLR4 the 20 PS sites (posterior probability PP > 0.99) likely increased ability to cope with diversified ligands (e.g., lipopolysaccharide and lipoteichoic). For viral TLR7, 23 PS sites (PP > 0.99) possibly improved recognition of highly variable viral ssRNAs. Rapid evolution of the TLR supergene family reflects the host−pathogen arms race and the coevolution of ligands/receptors, which follows the premise that birds have been important vectors of zoonotic pathogens and reservoirs for viruses.

Based on the Post Keynesian approach and on the Evolutionary literature, this study seeks to demonstrate the causal relationships between the National Innovation System and the national and international financial systems. This study shows that there is a circular causation in the less developed economies that contributes to the immaturity of its National Innovation System and to its structural external vulnerability. Conclusions highlight that the cycles in the less developed economies mirror the cycles of international liquidity.

Este trabalho objetivou elaborar e avaliar sensorialmente preparações de mousses elaboradas com soro de leite, um resíduo industrial de laticínios rico em proteínas de elevado valor biológico, visando a sua utilização sustentável em duas versões: (1) tradicional com açúcar; e (2) diet. Foi realizada analise sensorial e do potencial mercadológico dos dois produtos, aplicada a 150 provadores adultos não treinados, em Belo Horizonte - MG, em dezembro de 2014, através de avaliação, por escala hedônica de 9 pontos, dos quesitos sensoriais aroma, cor, sabor, textura; e por escala de 7 pontos, para os quesitos mercadológicos de intenção de consumo e de intenção de compra. Os dados obtidos foram comparados por análise de variância e, para a comparação das médias entre as amostras, utilizou-se o teste de Friedman, seguida de pós-teste de Dunns. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Ambos os produtos apresentaram aceitação sensorial (7,75 e 8,2, respectivamente) e potencial de compra e consumo (4,85 e 5,65, respectivamente) médios elevados, indicando alta aceitabilidade das preparações. Surpreendentemente, a versão diet mostrou-se significativamente mais bem avaliada na observação dos quesitos aroma, sabor, textura, intenção de consumo e intenção de compra (p

In order to verify the topical antiinflammatory effect of epicuticular wax from leaves of Eugenia beaurepaireana, it was tested in mice croton oil-induced inflammation. Our findings show that topical application of Eugenia beaurepaireana epicuticular wax was significantly active in inhibiting both oedema (Inhibitory dose 50 % (ID50) = 0.31 (0.26 - 0.39) mg.ear -1, inhibition = 79 ± 6 %) and tissue myeloperoxidase activity (indicative of polymorphonuclear leukocytes influx) (ID50 =0.34 (0.20 - 0.41) mg.ear -1, inhibition = 77 ± 4 %) in mice ear treated with croton oil. Two main compounds were detected on epicuticular wax of E. beaurepaireana. These compounds were identified as α- and β-amyrin by flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and spectroscopic methods (IR, NMR ¹H and 13C). In conclusion, the results indicate a topical antiinflammatory activity for the Eugenia specie studied and, that, at least in part, α- and β-amyrin are responsible for this activity.A atividade antiinflamatória tópica da cera epicuticular das folhas de Eugenia beaurepaireana foi avaliada pelo modelo do edema de orelha induzido pelo óleo de cróton em camundongos. Os resultados do estudo mostram que a aplicação tópica da cera epicuticular de Eugenia beaurepaireana inibiu significativamente a formação do edema (Dose inibitória 50 % (DI50) = 0,31 (0,26 - 0,39) mg.orelha-1, inibição = 79 ± 6 %) e a atividade da mieloperoxidase tissular (indicativo do influxo de leucócitos polimorfonucleares) (DI50 =0,34 (0,20 - 0,41) mg.orelha-1, inibição = 77 ± 4 %) em camundongos tratados com o óleo de cróton. Dois compostos majoritários foram detectados e isolados da cera epicuticular de E. beaurepaireana. Estes compostos foram identificados como os triterpenos α-amirina e β-amirina, através de técnicas cromatográficas (CG-FID) e espectroscópicas (IV, RMN ¹H e 13C). Em conclusão, os resultados indicam que a espécie E. beaurepaireana apresenta um efeito antiinflamatório tópico relevante, sendo os compostos α-amirina e β-amirina responsáveis, pelo menos em parte, por esta atividade.

In this study the degradation behavior of different types of commercial T-type bags has been investigated. The bags tested according to their commercial description are: LDPE plastic, oxo-biodegradable plastic and paper. The investigation was performed over a period of 32 weeks under real conditions. The composting essays were inoculated with fresh commercial humus and the humidity was controlled over the complete period, while the temperature was kept at the low mesophilic regime at room temperature, without direct contact to sunlight. The determination of the degradation was based on the analyses of total solids and organic total solids, as well as visual observations.The results show that only the paper bags were biodegraded appropriately, leaving no residue after 32 weeks. While neither the LDPE nor the oxo-biodegradable plastic bags show any signs of disintegration or degradation over the entire period. These results were expected for the LDPE bags, but not for the oxo-biodegradable plastics. As conclusion the low biodegradability of these bags is explained by the fact that even if the bags are commercially distributed as biodegradables, they are normal LDPE bags with an oxo-additive. Actually, according to the definition, they cannot be considered as biodegradable, since they can only be degraded by few microorganisms in a very slow rate. The degradation of their chemical structure occur by the action of heat or ultraviolet light. And since non of these conditions were found during this investigation, the bags suffer no disintegration.

Mitochondrial protein-coding genes (mt genes) encode subunits forming complexes of crucial cellular pathways, including those involved in the vital process of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Despite the vital role of the mitochondrial genome (mt genome) in the survival of organisms, little is known with respect to its adaptive implications within marine invertebrates. The molluscan Class Cephalopoda is represented by a marine group of species known to occupy contrasting environments ranging from the intertidal to the deep sea, having distinct metabolic requirements, varied body shapes and highly advanced visual and nervous systems that make them highly competitive and successful worldwide predators. Thus, cephalopods are valuable models for testing natural selection acting on their mitochondrial subunits (mt subunits). Here, we used concatenated mt genes from 17 fully sequenced mt genomes of diverse cephalopod species to generate a robust mitochondrial phylogeny for the Class Cephalopoda. We followed an integrative approach considering several branches of interest-covering cephalopods with distinct morphologies, metabolic rates and habitats-to identify sites under positive selection and localize them in the respective protein alignment and/or tridimensional structure of the mt subunits. Our results revealed significant adaptive variation in several mt subunits involved in the energy production pathway of cephalopods: ND5 and ND6 from Complex I, CYTB from Complex III, COX2 and COX3 from Complex IV, and in ATP8 from Complex V. Furthermore, we identified relevant sites involved in protein-interactions, lining proton translocation channels, as well as disease/deficiencies related sites in the aforementioned complexes. A particular case, revealed by this study, is the involvement of some positively selected sites, found in Octopoda lineage in lining proton translocation channels (site 74 from ND5) and in interactions between subunits (site 507 from ND5) of Complex I.

OBJETIVO: Descrever as características clínicas e identificar potenciais fatores de risco para letalidade hospitalar em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca descompensada, admitidos em unidade de terapia intensiva. MÉTODOS: Pacientes consecutivamente admitidos por insuficiência cardíaca descompensada numa unidade de terapia intensiva, de junho/2001 a dezembro/2003, foram selecionados e seguidos durante a internação. Características clínicas na admissão foram coletadas e avaliadas por meio de modelos de regressão logística múltipla como preditores de risco para letalidade hospitalar. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 299 pacientes, 54% do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 69±13 anos. Doença arterial coronariana foi a causa principal da falência cardíaca em 49% dos casos. Diabetes mellitus e hipertensão arterial sistêmica ocorreram em 37,5% e 78% dos pacientes, respectivamente. Na admissão, 22% dos pacientes apresentavam fibrilação atrial; 21,5%, disfunção renal e 48% dos casos, anemia (16,5% com anemia importante). Encontrou-se disfunção sistólica grave (fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo 70 anos e hiponatremia foram independentemente associados com letalidade hospitalar. CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes internados por insuficiência cardíaca descompensada em unidade intensiva apresentam letalidade hospitalar elevada. Neste estudo, variáveis da admissão puderam predizer letalidade hospitalar, como AVE prévio, fibrilação atrial, hiponatremia, insuficiência renal e idade >70 anos.OBJECTIVE: Describe the clinical characteristics and identify potential risk factors for in-hospital lethality in patients with decompensated heart failure admitted to an intensive care unit. METHODS: Decompensated heart failure patients consecutively admitted to an intensive care unit between June 2001 and December 2003 were selected and followed during hospitalization until discharge or death. Clinical characteristics at admission were recorded and evaluated as independent risk predictors for in-hospital mortality by multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 299 patients (69±13 years of age and 54% men) were enrolled. Coronary artery disease was the main cause of heart failure in 49% of the cases. Diabetes mellitus and systemic arterial hypertension occurred in 37.5% and 78% of the patients, respectively. At admission, 22% of them had atrial fibrillation, 21.5% had renal dysfunction, and 48% anemia (16.5% with severe anemia). Severe systolic dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction 70 years, and hyponatremia were independently associated with in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: Patients admitted to an intensive care unit due to decompensated heart failure have high in-hospital lethality. In this study, variables recorded at admission, such as previous stroke, atrial fibrillation, hyponatremia, renal failure, and age > 70 years were predictors of in-hospital lethality.

O processo de fritura é uma operação importante por conferir aos alimentos características sensoriais que os tornam mais atraentes, entretanto, óleos e gorduras oxidados podem trazer implicações nutricionais e riscos à saúde. Determinar quando um óleo deve ser descartado não é fácil, entretanto, a medida de ácidos graxos livres pode ser uma opção simples para avaliar a qualidade. Este trabalho foi conduzido com o objetivo de determinar o nível de degradação dos óleos de fritura de pastelarias da região centro-sul de Belo Horizonte. Paralelamente, foi aplicado nas 17 pastelarias, um questionário sobre práticas de controle de qualidade. A temperatura foi aferida e o nível de degradação avaliado através de um monitor de Óleos e Gorduras. Verificou-se que 41,2% dos estabelecimentos descartam o óleo usado entre 4 a 6 dias e 17,6% descartam com mais de 7 dias. 53,0% utilizam o mesmo óleo para fritar pastéis e salgados empanados e 17,6% ainda fritam outros tipos de salgados. Em apenas 17,6% dos estabelecimentos a temperatura do óleo estava abaixo de 180ºC. Quanto ao nível de degradação dos óleos de fritura, verificou-se que em apenas 10,0% das pastelarias não houve alteração. Em 40,0% e 45,0% dos estabelecimentos houve presença de 2,0% e 3,5% de ácidos graxos livres (AGL), respectivamente, o que sinaliza 90% de inadequação em relação aos valores recomendados pela AOCS (1% de AGL). Verifica-se, portanto, a necessidade de desenvolvimento e aperfeiçoamento de métodos de controle da qualidade do óleo de fritura, visando a proteção da saúde da população.

O comércio de alimentos de rua tem se mostrado uma atividade de importância social, econômica, nutricional e sanitária. O presente estudo objetivou realizar a análise microbiológica de amostras de acarajé coletadas na Feira de Arte e Artesanato de Belo Horizonte (MG) onde trabalham 3000 expositores e circulam milhares de pessoas semanalmente. Foram coletadas 36 amostras de acarajés de dois pontos de venda, em dias alternados, sendo 18 amostras em cada dia. Foram avaliados Coliformes à 45°C, Sthaphylococcus aureus e Salmonella spp. No primeiro dia de coleta foram verificados níveis aceitáveis de coliformes à 45°C em 100% das amostras avaliadas e contaminação por S. aureus acima do limite permitido de 1,0x103 em 77,7% e 88,8% das amostras dos estabelecimentos 1 e 2, respectivamente. Foi verificada a presença de Salmonella spp em apenas uma amostra avaliada. No segundo dia de coleta foram verificados níveis aceitáveis de coliformes a 45°C em 100% das amostras, contaminação por S. aureus acima do limite permitido em 88,8%% das amostras do estabelecimento 2 e ausência de Salmonella spp. A contaminação por Staphylococcus aureus e Salmonella ssp. pode trazer riscos à saúde do consumidor, portanto, é de suma importância a implementação de treinamento contínuo para os manipuladores, a adequação das condições de manipulação de alimentos, bem como a fiscalização dos estabelecimentos pelos órgãos competentes a fim de aplicar critérios para o funcionamento destes estabelecimentos.

O número de refeições fora do domicílio cresceu consideravelmente nos últimos anos e para atender essa demanda houve um aumento da quantidade de restaurantes self service. Com a intenção de despertar a atenção dos gerentes para a importância da qualidade das refeições servidas aos clientes, esse estudo avaliou as temperaturas das preparações servidas nos restaurantes self service localizados no hipercentro de Belo Horizonte-MG. Foram coletadas as temperaturas dos pratos principais – bovino e ave, arroz e feijão, duas guarnições – fritura e massa, quatro tipos de saladas – folhoso, tomate e dois legumes cozidos de 76 restaurantes self service, no momento da distribuição das refeições. Utilizou-se um termômetro infravermelho direcionado para o centro da preparação por cerca de 5 segundos ou até a estabilização da temperatura. As temperaturas preconizadas pela legislação vigente, superior a 60°C para preparações quentes e abaixo de 10°C para alimentos refrigerados foram utilizadas como parâmetro. As temperaturas médias das preparações quentes avaliadas variaram entre 36,8°C e 45,8°C e das preparações refrigeradas entre 19,08°C e 20,58°C, mostrando inadequação. O maior percentual das temperaturas das preparações quentes (52,7% a 67,1%) encontra-se na faixa de temperatura entre 30,1°C e 45°C e das preparações refrigeradas (50% a 63,16%) na faixa de 10,1°C a 20,9°C. O teste de Dunnet mostrou diferença significativa entre a temperatura de referência e as preparações pesquisadas. Faz-se necessário a fiscalização eficiente por parte dos órgãos responsáveis, a fim de se obter adequação dos estabelecimentos, quanto à temperatura dos alimentos garantindo aos consumidores preparações seguras.

O aproveitamento integral dos alimentos tem sido adotado como uma prática sustentável e ecologicamente correta. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a possibilidade de aproveitamento da casca do maracujá para a produção de geleia e sua aceitabilidade entre consumidores adultos. Foram calculados o rendimento, custo e composição nutricional através da determinação do valor energético, de carboidratos, proteínas, lipídeos, fibras, cálcio, potássio e magnésio. A qualidade sensorial das geleias de casca e de polpa de maracujá foi avaliada em relação aos atributos cor, sabor, aroma e textura utilizando escala hedônica de 9 pontos. A intenção de consumo e de compra foi avaliada em escala de 7 pontos. Os resultados foram avaliados no software Graphpad Prism 3.02 através de teste t Student sendo consideradas significativas as diferenças de P

Among the major goals of research in evolutionary biology are the identification of genes targeted by natural selection and understanding how various regimes of evolution affect the fitness of an organism. In particular, adaptive evolution enables organisms to adapt to changing ecological factors such as diet, temperature, habitat, predatory pressures and prey abundance. An integrative approach is crucial for the identification of non-synonymous mutations that introduce radical changes in protein biochemistry and thus in turn influence the structure and function of proteins. Performing such analyses manually is often a time-consuming process, due to the large number of statistical files generated from multiple approaches, especially when assessing numerous taxa and/or large datasets. We present IMPACT_S, an easy-to-use Graphical User Interface (GUI) software, which rapidly and effectively integrates, filters and combines results from three widely used programs for assessing the influence of selection: Codeml (PAML package), Datamonkey and TreeSAAP. It enables the identification and tabulation of sites detected by these programs as evolving under the influence of positive, neutral and/or negative selection in protein-coding genes. IMPACT_S further facilitates the automatic mapping of these sites onto the three-dimensional structures of proteins. Other useful tools incorporated in IMPACT_S include Jmol, Archaeopteryx, Gnuplot, PhyML, a built-in Swiss-Model interface and a PDB downloader. The relevance and functionality of IMPACT_S is shown through a case study on the toxicoferan-reptilian Cysteine-rich Secretory Proteins (CRiSPs). IMPACT_S is a platform-independent software released under GPLv3 license, freely available online from http://impact-s.sourceforge.net.

A qualidade e segurança da merenda escolar tem constituído uma preocupação dos municípios brasileiros. O presente estudo objetivou avaliar as condições higiênico-sanitárias das cantinas de escolas públicas de um município do interior de São Paulo. Foram avaliadas 39 escolas da rede pública, por meio da aplicação de listas de verificação in loco ou Check Lists, baseados na legislação específica (RDC nº275/2004) que avalia os itens edificações e instalações; equipamentos, móveis e utensílios; manipuladores; produção e transporte do alimento e documentação. Após a aplicação dos Check Lists os percentuais de adequação foram calculados e as unidades foram enquadradas nos grupos I (acima de 75% de adequação), II (entre 50 e 75% de adequação) e III (abaixo de 50% de adequação) conforme critério estabelecido na RDC nº 275/2004. As análises revelaram que todas as cantinas foram classificadas no grupo III atendendo menos de 50% dos itens avaliados o que demonstra adequação muito abaixo da preconizada pela vigilância sanitária. Nota-se que o bloco de “Edificação e instalações” foi o de maior adequação (47%), enquanto o bloco “Documentação” apresentou o pior resultado (0%). Os demais blocos situaram-se em uma faixa intermediária atendendo 12 a 42% dos itens. A análise complementar demonstrou que as unidades não possuíam balança, termômetro, uniforme para os manipuladores e mobiliário de acordo com as exigências da vigilância sanitária. Os achados demonstram a necessidade de medidas para promover e assegurar a qualidade do serviço prestado, com vistas a proteger a saúde dos alunos assistidos.