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Seaweed is a fast-growing biomass source that is currently studied as feedstock for sustainable industrial production in a wide variety of markets. Being composed mostly of polysaccharides, macroalgae can be integrated in biorefineries for obtaining bioproducts via fermentation. Kappaphycus alvarezii has been introduced experimentally to Brazil's south coastline in 1995 and is now cultivated on a large scale to keep up with the high carrageenan demand in various industrial sectors. In this review article, an introduction is given on renewable biomass and environmental issues, focusing especially on third-generation biomass and its promising features and use advantages. Later on, the processing of K. alvarezii for the use of its saccharide portion for fermentative processes is approached. The current state of research conducted alongside challenges and hurdles in K. alvarezii hydrolysate fermentation processes provides insight into future studies needed to make new fermentation processes viable. Next, some fermentation products are discussed, and the metabolism of galactose in microorganisms is also presented to bring to light other possible fermentation products that are not yet, but can be, obtained from K. alvarezii. Finally, a simple and comprehensive scheme for K. alvarezii fermentation biorefinery is presented to demonstrate a generic example for a possible configuration for obtaining valuable bio-products. In the literature, production of ethanol and lactic acid were already reported from K. alvarezii. This review aims to help envision new industrial processes that can be developed for this most valuable macroalga. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to assess the impact of mixed silages of biomass sorghum and BRS Capiaçu with cactus pear on the fermentative profile and nutritional value. The silages included forage sorghum cv. Volumax, biomass sorghum cv. 'BRS 716,' BRS Capiaçu grass, a mix of 60% biomass sorghum 'BRS 716' with 40% Opuntia ficus indica Mill ('Gigante') cactus pear (based on fresh matter), and a mix of 60% BRS Capiaçu grass with 40% Opuntia ficus indica Mill ('Gigante') cactus pear (based on fresh matter). The experiment followed a randomized experimental design with five treatments and eight repetitions. The highest gas losses (P < 0.01) and lowest dry matter recovery (DMR; P < 0.01) were observed in the BRS Capiaçu grass and BRS Capiaçu grass with cactus pear silages. The lactic acid concentration in the biomass sorghum with cactus pear silage was 49.96% higher than in the Volumax sorghum silage . Volumax sorghum and 'BRS 716' biomass silages demonstrated higher DM contents (P < 0.01; mean 33.44%) compared to other silages. There was no significant difference (P = 0.24) among silages regarding the potentially degradable insoluble fraction of the DM, with a mean of 51.75%. The mixed silage of biomass sorghum with cactus pear exhibited lower losses and higher DMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between death from Covid-19 and case management, especially in small and medium-sized municipalities, is still uncertain. To analyze sociodemographic, clinical, and pharmacological factors associated with death in patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), from a Brazilian referral public hospital. This is a cross-sectional study, with data from the hospital records of patients (= 18 years old) diagnosed with COVID-19, from March 2020 to March 2021. The sample was classified according to the clinical outcome into two groups (death and discharge), among which statistical associations were performed with the variables of interest, with a 5% significance level. Factors such as need for intensive care, use of mechanical ventilation, and total length of hospital stay was related to higher hospital mortality, as well as the permanence of changes in clinical laboratory testing, including lactic acid, D-dimer, markers of hepatic and renal function, C-Reactive protein, anemia, leukocytosis, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, pH, and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) (P < 0.05). Medications used most frequently in the studied hospital for the treatment of COVID-19, such as enoxaparin, dexamethasone, ivermectin, acetylcysteine, chloroquine, and clarithromycin were correlated with morbimortality (P < 0.05). Clinical outcome was influenced by patient-related factors, such as age and comorbidities, however, therapeutic interventions and the choice of medication also impacted morbimortality. These results reinforce the need for preventive actions and adequate clinical protocols in the treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, in Brazil, corn ethanol industries are being installed and the integration with sugar/energy-cane has been proposed, using bagasse for cogeneration and the juice to dilute the corn. However, this integration may have some limitations, such as the quality of the cane juice and potential contamination by microorganisms brought with the cane from the field. In this article, we first tested the effects of mixing energy cane juice with corn on fermentative parameters. We also assessed the effects of Lactobacilli. contamination on organic acids produced during the fermentation and fermentation parameters and proposed the use of ionizing radiation to replace antibiotics as a disinfection control method. Our results showed that mixing energy cane juice with corn does not have any negative effect on fermentation parameters, including ethanol production. The contamination with Lactobacilli. considerably increased the production of acetic, lactic, and succinic acid, reducing the pH and ethanol content from 89.2 g L−1 in the sterilized treatment to 72.9 g L−1 in the contaminated treatment. Therefore, for the integration between corn and cane to be applied on an industrial scale, it is essential to have effective disinfection before fermentation. Ionizing radiation (20 kGy) virtually disinfected the wort, showing itself to be a promising technology; however, an economic viability study for adopting it in the industry should be carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neat poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and PLA/cassava bagasse (CB) composites were used to produce seedling tubes by extrusion and injection molding. The tubes were buried in simulated soil, and their biodegradation was investigated by weight loss, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). After 180 days, the composites' biodegradation was higher than neat PLA material, and the higher the CB content, the higher the biodegradation, which caused fissures and voids in the material. The biodegradation of PLA/CB composites increased the phosphorus content in the soil after 180 days. Composites of PLA with CB, an abundant agro‐industrial residue in Brazil, are promising because they can reduce the environmental impact due to CB's proper destination, and the composites' costs and biodegradation are faster than pure PLA material. Both the faster biodegradation of the tube and the higher P content are advantageous for seedling tubes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agricultural Research in the Tropics / Pesquisa Agropecuária Tropical is the property of Pesquisa Agropecuaria Tropical and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: The use of thermotolerant yeast strains can improve the efficiency of ethanol fermentation, allowing fermentation to occur at temperatures higher than 40 °C. This characteristic could benefit traditional bio-ethanol production and allow simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of starch or lignocellulosic biomass. Results: We identified and characterized the physiology of a new thermotolerant strain (LBGA-01) able to ferment at 40 °C, which is more resistant to stressors as sucrose, furfural and ethanol than CAT-1 industrial strain. Furthermore, this strain showed similar CAT-1 resistance to acetic acid and lactic acid, and it was also able to change the pattern of genes involved in sucrose assimilation (SUC2 and AGT1). Genes related to the production of proteins involved in secondary products of fermentation were also differentially regulated at 40 °C, with reduced expression of genes involved in the formation of glycerol (GPD2), acetate (ALD6 and ALD4), and acetyl-coenzyme A synthetase 2 (ACS2). Fermentation tests using chemostats showed that LBGA-01 had an excellent performance in ethanol production in high temperature. Conclusion: The thermotolerant LBGA-01 strain modulates the production of key genes, changing metabolic pathways during high-temperature fermentation, and increasing its resistance to high concentration of ethanol, sugar, lactic acid, acetic acid, and furfural. Results indicate that this strain can be used to improve first- and second-generation ethanol production in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of laser photobiomodulation (λ: 808 nm) therapy on muscle performance and perceived exertion in physically active elderly women. Methods: Seventeen physically active elderly women (72.6 ± 4.1 years) participated in a crossover study in which they received active or placebo laser therapy on the rectus femoris muscle on 2 occasions, separated by a 7-day washout period. On each occasion, the following performance outcomes were assessed: functional capacity by short physical performance battery, knee extensor strength by maximum voluntary isometric contraction, muscle endurance by repetitions-to-failure test and blood lactate levels, and perceived exertion. Results: No statistical (P > .05) differences were observed between active and placebo laser conditions for all muscle performance outcome (ie, short physical performance battery, maximum voluntary isometric contraction, repetitions-to-failure, and lactate) and perceived exertion. Conclusions: Acute laser photobiomodulation therapy at 808 nm does not improve muscle performance (functional capacity, strength, and endurance) and perceived exertion in physically active elderly women. Trial registration: NCT04241991. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient use of lignocellulosic biomass for the production of advanced fuels and bio‐based materials has become increasingly relevant. In the EU, regulatory developments are stimulating the mobilization and production of bio‐based chemicals / materials and biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass. We used an attributional life‐cycle assessment approach based on region‐specific characteristics to determine the greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) performance of different supply‐chain configurations with internationally sourced lignocellulosic biomass (stem wood, forest residues, sawmill residues, and sugarcane bagasse) from the USA, the Baltic States (BS), and Brazil (BR) for the simultaneous production of lactide and ethanol in a biorefinery located in the Netherlands (NL). The results are compared with a biorefinery that uses locally cultivated sugar beets. We also compared GHG emissions savings from the supply‐chain configurations with the minimum GHG saving requirements in the revised Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) and relevant fossil‐based counterparts for bio‐based materials. The GHG emissions 'from cradle to factory gate' vary between 692 g CO2eq/kglactide (sawmill residues pellets from the BS) and 1002 g CO2eq/kglactide (sawmill chips from the USA) for lactide and between 15 g CO2eq/MJethanol (sawmill residues pellets from the BS) and 28 g CO2eq/MJethanol (bagasse pellets from BR) for ethanol. Upstream GHG emissions from the conversion routes have a relatively small impact compared with biomass conversion to lactide and ethanol. The use of woody biomass yields better GHG emissions performance for the conversion system than sugarcane bagasse or sugar beets as result of the higher lignin content that is used to generate electricity and heat internally for the system. Only the sugar beet from the NL production route is able to comply with RED II GHG savings criteria (65% by 2021). The GHG savings from polylactide acid (a derivate of lactic acid) are high and vary depending on choice of fossil‐based counterpart, with the highest savings reported when compared to polystyrene (PS). These high savings are mostly attributed to the negative emission credit from the embedded carbon in the materials. Several improvement options along the conversion routes were explored. Efficient feedstock supply chains (including pelletization and large ocean vessels) also allow for long‐distance transportation of biomass and conversion in large‐scale biorefineries close to demand centers with similar GHG performance to biorefineries with a local biomass supply. © 2019 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts, and Biorefining published by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe a new genus and a new species of an ectoparasitic ergasilid (Copepoda, Ergasilidae) parasite of the red-tailed lambari, Astyanax fasciatus, from Jurumirim Reservoir (Upper Paranapanema River), São Paulo State, Brazil. Methods: The host fish were collected using multi-panel gill nets. The gill of each fish was washed and examined in a stereo microscope for copepods. The copepods found were stored in 70% ethanol, cleared in lactic acid, and mounted in Hoyer's medium. Some specimens were dissected in glycerol medium and then each dissected part was mounted on individual slides. Results: A new genus and a new species of Ergasilidae were described herein. Duoergasilus basilongus n. gen., n. sp. differs from all other ergasilids in having the second and third pair of biramous swimming legs (P2 and P3) each with a 2-segmented endopod, and by its unique maxillary basis, resembling a whip. Conclusions: The new copepod is the first 'four-legged' ergasilid with all swimming legs having a 2-segmented endopod. Duoergasilus basilongus n. sp. represents the first record of a parasitic copepod on A. fasciatus in Jurumirim Reservoir, as well as its represents the first description to species level of an ergasilid infecting an Astyanax species in Brazil. A key to the 28 accepted genera of Ergasilidae is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice husk, a residue from agro-industrial processing, is one of the most abundant lignocellulosic feedstocks in South Brazil. In the present study, the uncatalysed steam-exploded rice husk slurry was separated into liquid and solid fractions. The liquor was efficiently hydrolysed using an enzymatic complex produced from the Penicillium echinulatum S1M29 strain, followed by lactic acid production using Lactobacillus buchneri NRRL B-30929, which can consume a blend of xylose and glucose. The laboratory-produced enzyme cocktail proved to be a successful strategy for hydrolysis of the liquor, without the release of by-products that occurs during the usual acid hydrolysis technique. The water-insoluble solids were subjected to simultaneous saccharification and fermentation processes using high solid loading combined with distinct doses of commercial enzymes, producing ethanol via Saccharomyces cerevisiae CAT-1. In total, 12.69 g L−1 lactic acid and 19.17 g L−1 ethanol were produced, demonstrating that this abundant low-value renewable feedstock can be explored using a cleaner, greener, and environmentally friendlier production process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Kineanthropometry & Human Performance is the property of Brazilian Journal of Kineanthropometry & Human Performance and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The objective of the present study was to verify the effect of handling in corrals on the stress of beef cattle of Nelore, Caracu, and Guzerá breeds through the analysis of the relationship between behavioral traits, growth, and blood parameters. A total of 778 records of entry scores, chute scores, exit scores, flight speed, cortisol, glucose, lactate, live weight, and body condition scores were collected on steers and heifers of the three breeds, born between September and December. The animals came from the Advanced Beef Cattle Research Center of the Animal Science Institute. The variance analyses were performed using the GENMOD procedure. The PROC CORR estimated Spearman correlation coefficients for all traits studied, and the principal components analysis was performed according to the procedure PRINCOMP. Heifers had higher reactivity than steers, with higher behavioral scores and blood parameters. Overall, Caracu individuals demonstrated lower reactivity in comparison to Nelore and Guzerá. However, they presented high stress when they were restrained. The principal component analysis highlighted that behavioral traits and blood parameters were contrasted with growth traits; thus, this analysis can help selectors (livestock farmers) understand the importance of selecting less reactive animals and more easily choose the animals they want to select for breeding. Our results indicate that handling in corrals could be considered a stressful event for bovines. For this reason, measuring blood parameters and behavioral traits can compose necessary decision-making tools regarding changes and adequacies while handling events to reduce stress and consequently improve the herd's reactivity., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Objective: Do metabolites in vaginal samples vary between women with different vaginal disorders.Design: Cross-sectional study.Setting: Campinas, Brazil.Sample: Seventy-seven women (39.9%) with no vaginal disorder, 52 women (26.9%) with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), 43 women (22.3%) with bacterial vaginosis (BV), and 21 women (10.9%) with cytolytic vaginosis (CTV).Method: Concentrations of D- and L-lactic acid, extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN), and matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), and the influence of Candida albicans on EMMPRIN production by cultured vaginal epithelial cells, were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Associations were determined by the Mann-Whitney U-test and by Spearman's rank correlation test.Main Outcome Measures: Metabolite levels and their correlation with diagnoses.Results: Vaginal concentrations of D- and L-lactic acid were reduced from control levels in BV (P < 0.0001); L-lactic acid levels were elevated in CTV (P = 0.0116). EMMPRIN and MMP-8 concentrations were elevated in VVC (P < 0.0001). EMMPRIN and L-lactic acid concentrations (P ≤ 0.008), but not EMMPRIN and D-lactic acid, were correlated in all groups. EMMPRIN also increased in proportion with the ratio of L- to D-lactic acid in controls and in women with BV (P ≤ 0.009). Concentrations of EMMPRIN and MMP-8 were correlated in controls and women with VVC (P ≤ 0.0002). Candida albicans induced EMMPRIN release from vaginal epithelial cells.Conclusions: Vaginal secretions from women with BV are deficient in D- and L-lactic acid, women with VVC have elevated EMMPRIN and MMP-8 levels, and women with CTV have elevated L-lactic acid levels. These deviations may contribute to the clinical signs, symptoms, and sequelae that are characteristic of these disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wet coffee fermentation is widely used in coffee-producing regions such as Colombia and Hawaii, but it is not widespread in Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate inoculating the lactic acid bacteria Leuconostoc mesenteroides CCMA1105 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCMA 1065 and the yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae CCMA0543 and Torulaspora delbrueckii CCMA0684 as starter cultures on wet coffee fermentation using the SIAF method (self-induced anaerobiosis fermentation). The microbial activity resulted in high consumption of the carbohydrates glucose (98.6%), fructose (97.6%), and sucrose (100%), in addition to the production of lactic and acetic acids, impacting the final quality of the beverage. A total of 108 volatile compounds belonging to 17 classes were identified in the green and roasted coffee samples, including 2,3-butanediol produced by lactic acid bacteria, contributing to coffee's aromatic profile. The final scores for the coffees from the different fermentations ranged from 79.0 to 83.25. The inoculated fermentations were classified as specialty according to the Specialty Coffee Association. Therefore, whole coffee fruit processed via wet using SIAF method and yeast and lactic acid bacteria starter is an alternative for improving wet fermented coffee quality and obtaining coffee beverages with a different sensory profile. • SIAF method using whole fruit is a new way to ferment coffee by wet process. • Different sensory descriptors were obtained with bacteria and yeasts inoculation. • L. plantarum and S. cerevisiae in co-culture showed a high sensorial score. • Sweetness had a considerable impact on the sensory score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A techno-economic analysis for use of BSG on a biorefinery concept was studied. [•] Four scenarios based on different levels of heat and mass integration were proposed. [•] The scenario combining energy and mass integration presented the best performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study aimed to investigate for the first time fourteen aliphatic organic acids (AOA) in honeys produced by different species of Brazilian stingless bees (Melipona bicolor, Scaptotrigona bipunctata, Melipona quadrifasciata, and Melipona marginata) and characterize them regarding their physicochemical properties. Thirteen AOAwere quantified in the samples, in which five of them (malonic, fumaric, glycolic, glutaric, and propionic acids) were identified for the first time instingless bee honey (SBH). Acetic, gluconic, and lactic acids were predominant in all the samples analyzed varying from 0.0067 ± 0.0001 to 1.5993 ± 0.0003 g 100 g -1 , 0.0808 ± 0.0007 to 1.3460 ± 0.0006 g 100 g -1 , and 0.0370 ± 0.000 to 0.5760 ± 0.0006 g 100 g -1 , respectively. Most physicochemical properties showed significant differences (p < 0.05) among the samples. However, it was observed that the water activity (Aw) did not differ significantly between honey samples produced by the same species. Moreover, it is important to highlight the high moisture content, Aw, and free acidity that were found in the range of 29.6 to 40.1 g 100 g -1 , 0.75 to 0.84, and 37.8 to 123 mEq kg -1 , respectively. This information reinforces such peculiar characteristics of SBH and a need to deeply investigate the physical and chemical characteristics of honey from different species of stingless bees. In conclusion, it was observed that the honey samples of the different stingless bee species presented a great variation regarding their AOA content, highlighting acetic, gluconic, and lactic acids as the major AOA in all the samples. However, since this was an exploratory study, it was not possible to find any correlation between honey produced by the same species., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Traps using carbon dioxide (CO) as a chemical attractant are known to be effective when capturing nymphs and adults of some free-living tick species such as Amblyomma cajennense and Amblyomma parvum. Despite the fact that the main source of CO is dry ice, the chemical trap which uses 20 % lactic acid (CHO) and calcium carbonate (CaCO) has been tested as an alternative source of CO whenever it is difficult to obtain dry ice. The objective of this paper was to test and compare the efficiency of these two models of traps during the study of population dynamics of A. cajennense and Amblyomma dubitatum in Coronel Pacheco, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Within the period comprising May 2006 to April 2008, eight CO traps, of which four were dry ice and four chemical, were put in the pasture every 14 days at preestablished areas over a 1.0-m white cotton flannel cloth with a capture dispositive which constituted of double-sided adhesive tapes fixed onto the four corners of the flannels. On every collection day, a cotton flannel without any chemical attractant was placed in the same area of the pasture to become an instrument to control the traps' capture efficiency. After 1 h, the white flannels were collected and placed in plastic bags for later identification and counting of the ticks. A total of 2,133 nymphs of Amblyomma sp., 328 adults of A. cajennense, and 292 adults of A. dubitatum were collected. Out of this total, the dry ice traps captured 1,087 nymphs (51 %), 188 A. cajennense (58.2 %), and 151 A. dubitatum (53 %), while the chemical traps captured 1,016 nymphs (47.6 %), 133 A. cajennense (41 %), and 133 A. dubitatum (46.5 %); 30 nymphs (1.4 %), 7 A. cajennense (0.8 %), and 8 A. dubitatum (0.5 %) were found on the control flannel. The capture potentials of ticks, nymphs, and adults, by the two models of traps tested, were statistically similar ( p > 0.05). These results confirm the efficiency of the chemical trap enabling its use in areas of either difficult access or too distant from a dry ice supplier as is the case of forest areas where studies about ixodological fauna are generally carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Food & Nutrition / Alimentos e Nutrição is the property of Faculdade de Ciencias Farmaceuticas, UNESP and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: To compare the spontaneous cocoa bean fermentation process carried out in different cocoa-producing regions, heap and box (one Ivorian farm) and box (two Brazilian farms) fermentations were carried out. All fermentations were studied through a multiphasic approach. In general, the temperature inside the fermenting mass increased throughout all fermentations and reached end-values of 42–48°C. The main end-products of pulp carbohydrate catabolism were ethanol, lactic acid, acetic acid, and/or mannitol. In the case of the fermentations on the selected Ivorian farm, the species diversity of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and acetic acid bacteria (AAB) was restricted. Lactobacillus fermentum and Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides were the predominant LAB species, due to their ethanol and acid tolerance and citrate consumption. The levels of mannitol, ascribed to growth of L. fermentum, were fermentation-dependent. Also, enterobacterial species, such as Erwinia soli and Pantoea sp., were among the predominating microbiota during the early stages of both heap and box fermentations in Ivory Coast, which could be responsible for gluconic acid production. Consumption of gluconic acid at the initial phases of the Ivorian fermentations could be due to yeast growth. A wider microbial species diversity throughout the fermentation process was seen in the case of the box fermentations on the selected Brazilian farms, which differed, amongst other factors, regarding pod/bean selection on these farms as compared to fermentations on the selected Ivorian farm. This microbiota included Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus durianis, L. fermentum, Lactobacillus mali, Lactobacillus nagelii, L. pseudomesenteroides, and Pediococcus acidilactici, as well as Bacillus subtilis that was present at late fermentation, when the temperature inside the fermenting mass reached values higher than 50°C. Moreover, AAB seemed to dominate the Brazilian box fermentations studied, explaining higher acetic acid concentrations in the pulp and the beans. To conclude, it turned out that the species diversity and community dynamics, influenced by local operational practices, in particular pod/bean selection, impact the quality of fermented cocoa beans. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a martial art emphasizing ground combat with multiple ramifications to self-defense and military training. Some Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes prefer fighting on their back (Guardadors), while others preferentially adopt a standing or kneeling position (Passadors). Whether the combat scenario leading to adopt a preferential or nonpreferential combat style influences the combat outcomes remains unexplored., Methods: In a counterbalanced design, 13 athletes performed simulated combats from either a congruent or incongruent scenario with regard to their preferred combat style. We collected combat scores from the official ranking system and measured upper- and lower-limb explosive performance before and after the combats, as well as the rating of perceived exertion and blood lactate concentrations to index fatigability., Results: Passadors had greater grip strength than Guardadors (Rp2 = .23, P = .03), whereas Guardadors showed higher lower-limb performance (Rp2 = .16, P = .05). When forced to combat as Passadors, Guardadors exhibited greater grip-strength impairment and a greater increase in perceived exertion (Rp2 = .12, P = .04; Rp2 = .15, P = .05, respectively). They also had higher blood lactate concentrations (Rp2 = .19, P = .02)., Conclusion: Guardadors exhibited greater fatigability after fighting from an incongruent combat situation compared to Passadors, presumably due to greater difficulties to adjust to the loss of initiative when restricted to a primarily defensive role. Future studies should examine how combat style congruency might affect performance and influence recovery strategies during high-level competitive events.

[Display omitted] • The effect of lactic acid on didymium and Lanthanum separation by SX process was studied. • The continuous SX process comprising three steps: extraction, scrubbing and stripping. • Didymium and lanthanum were obtained with high recovery and high degree of purity. • Conditioning the feed liquor with lactic acid increased the selectivity of the separation. • The addition of lactic acid is more sustainable than the practice of saponification of extractants. Rare earth elements (REE) have increased in importance in the world due to the diverse applications in high-tech industries. The fact that Brazil has the world's second largest REE reserves makes it a potential producer of these elements. However, for that to occur, it is necessary to have knowledge about the production technologies of rare earths, mainly the technologies used in the refining stages, in which China predominates. Generally, the leached solution contains a mixture of REE and the main challenge is to improve selectivity during their separation and purification. For this reason, techniques to improve the efficiency of the separation of these elements have been widely studied in recent years. In the present study, we seek to define efficient routes for the separation of lanthanum (La) from didymium (Pr and Nd) by the solvent extraction technique (SX), using the organophosphorus extractant 2-ethylhexylphosphonic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester (P507) from a liquor conditioned with lactic acid. Isotherms were constructed using the McCabe-Thiele method to estimate the number of theoretical stages and the aqueous/organic ratio (A/O) necessary to achieve efficient separation during the process. In continuous solvent extraction experiments, REE recovery percentages and purity of didymium and lanthanum above 90% were obtained. Didymium with 99.9% purity was obtained in a circuit with nine extraction stages (extraction A/O ratio of 4:1) and seven scrubbing stages (scrubbing A/O ratio of 2:1). The results presented here show that the use of lactic acid can be a promising alternative to boost the efficiency of the solvent extraction process for the separation of these light rare earth elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Minas fresh cheese (MFC), a Brazilian white cheese, is one of the most popular cheeses nationwide. Studies have shown that Listeria monocytogenes occurrence in this product is generally low, while high populations of coliforms can be found. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of coliforms in the behavior of L. monocytogenes in MFC., Methods: Pasteurized milk was inoculated with L. monocytogenes and coliforms, and the acidification was made by lactic acid or by the addition of a starter culture. The cheeses of each production were divided into 3 groups and stored at 5 ºC, 12 ºC and cycles of 5 ºC followed by 25 ºC. In predetermined days, samples were taken and L. monocytogenes, coliforms and lactic acid bacteria populations were evaluated, besides the pH, water activity (aw), titratable acidity and NaCl concentration., Results: The inhibition of L. monocytogenes in the presence of coliforms was observed (p < 0.05), except for those samples prepared with lactic acid and stored at temperature cycles. The values of pH and aw were not sufficiently low to cause inhibition; however, titratable acidity was higher in cheeses containing coliforms. In vitro tests containing lactic acid and L. monocytogenes showed that the bacterium is sensitive to concentration of lactic acid ≥ 0.3%, indicating that lactic acid produced by coliforms strongly influences the population of L. monocytogenes., Conclusions: Thus, it can be concluded that coliforms negatively impact populations of L. monocytogenes in MFC. We strongly recommend that producers of MFC adopt good hygiene practices to not only avoid contamination with L. monocytogenes, but also coliforms.

Background: To evaluate the prognostic value of peak serum lactate and lactate clearance at several time points in cardiogenic shock treated with temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) using veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) or Impella CP®.Methods: Serum lactate and clearance were measured before MCS and at 1 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h post-MCS in 43 patients at four tertiary-care centers in Southern Brazil. Prognostic value was assessed by univariable and multivariable analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for 30-day mortality.Results: VA-ECMO was the most common MCS modality (58%). Serum lactate levels at all time points and lactate clearance after 6 h were associated with mortality on unadjusted and adjusted analyses. Lactate levels were higher in non-survivors at 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h after MCS. Serum lactate > 1.55 mmol/L at 24 h was the best single prognostic marker of 30-day mortality [area under the ROC curve = 0.81 (0.67-0.94); positive predictive value = 86%). Failure to improve serum lactate after 24 h was associated with 100% mortality.Conclusions: Serum lactate was an important prognostic biomarker in cardiogenic shock treated with temporary MCS. Serum lactate and lactate clearance at 24 h were the strongest independent predictors of short-term survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cooked ham is one of the most consumed meat products in Brazil. It is sensitive to the deterioration caused by the growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of nisin over the naturally present LAB on sliced cooked ham stored at 8°C. For this, nisin was added to the cooked ham at two different stages of processing: Injected together with the brine (assay 1) and added during tumbling (assay 2). Results from assay 1 showed LAB inhibition for 2 days, whereas, results from assay 2 showed LAB inhibition for up to 10 days. These results demonstrated that 12.5 mg/kg (dosage approved in Brazil for dairy products) of nisin significantly inhibited LAB growth, suggesting its effectiveness as an appropriate barrier in the control of LAB spoilage in cooked ham. Practical applications: When evaluating the antimicrobial activity of nisin for its biopreservation capacity, it is important to consider that meat products are complex systems with several factors influencing the microbial growth and subsequent metabolite production. Therefore, the influence of the medium formulation and technology on the process needs to be tested. Addition of nisin at the tumbling step had a better inhibitory effect against LAB. Thus, it can deliver an important contribution to improve food quality by optimizing the storage management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synergistic effect of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and kairomones on the attraction of sand flies to light traps was evaluated. Octenol and lactic acid were used as chemical attractants. Green LEDs and the incandescent lamps were used as light attractants. Five CDC-type light traps with the respective combination of attractants (incandescent lamp, incandescent lamp + chemical attractant, green LED, green LED + chemical attractant, and chemical attractant alone [without light]) were set between 18:00 and 06:00 following a Latin square design. A total of 6,536 sand flies and 16 species were collected. The most frequent species collected was Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) (Diptera, Psychodidae) accounting for 43.21% of all individuals. Order of success (mean, SD) of lactic acid attractant fly capture was as follows: LED + lactic acid (36.83 ± 4.74), LED alone (34.87 ± 4.61), incandescent lamp + lactic acid (22.80 ± 3.19), incandescent lamp alone (12.67 ± 2.03), and lactic acid (0.46 ± 0.13). Order of success of octenol attractant fly capture was as follows: LED + octenol (37.23 ± 5.61), LED alone (35.77 ± 5.69), incandescent lamp + octenol (18.63 ± 3.28), incandescent lamp alone (14.67 ± 2.86), and octenol alone (1.80 ± 0.65). With exception of lactic acid + incandescent light, chemical synergists played no part in significantly increasing light trap capture of phlebotomine sand flies. However, the use of LEDs, with or without such attractants, provided significantly higher capture compared to the incandescent lamp with or without such chemicals, showing that LEDs are suitable and efficient light sources for surveillance and monitoring of phlebotomine sand flies in Brazil., (© The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Chitosan is a biopolymer derived from chitin deacetylation, present in the exoskeleton of crustaceans and insects. Chitosan has been evaluated as rumen modulator and silage additive due to its antimicrobial properties. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of both chitosan and a bacterial additive on microbiological quality, chemical composition, nutrient in vitro degradation, fermentative profile, and total losses of whole-soybean plant silage (SS) harvested at R6 stage. Four treatments in a factorial arrangement were randomly assigned to 40 experimental minisilos as no additives (CON), 8 g/t fresh forage of microbial inoculant (INO; Kera SIL, Kera Nutrição Animal, Bento Gonçalves, Brazil); 5 g/kg of fresh forage chitosan (CHI); and CHI + INO. Microbial inoculant was composed of Lactobacillus plantarum (4.0 × 10 10 cfu/g) and Propionibacterium acidipropionici (2.6 × 10 10 cfu/g). The CHI and INO alone increased counts of lactic bacteria and anaerobic bacteria and decreased counts of mold and yeast in SS. The CHI or INO alone increased in vitro degradation of dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber, and decreased nonfiber carbohydrate content of SS. Chitosan increased NH 3 -N and lactate concentrations and decreased ethanol concentration in SS. The CHI increased dry matter recovery from SS; INO increased silage aerobic stability. The combination of CHI+INO showed the lowest value of gas losses. In general, the combination of CHI and INO had small positive effects on gas losses of SS; however, both CHI or INO alone improved nutrient in vitro degradation and decreased mold and yeast in SS. Chitosan or INO utilization improves SS quality., (Copyright © 2018 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Minas artisanal cheese, produced in the Campo das Vertentes region of Brazil, is made from raw milk and endogenous starter cultures. Although this cheese is of great historical and socioeconomic importance, little information is available about its microbiological and physical-chemical qualities, or about its beneficial microbiota. This work was aimed at evaluating the qualities of the cheese and the components used for its production, comparing samples collected during the dry and rainy seasons. We also conducted molecular identification and isolated 50 samples of lactic acid bacteria from cheese (n=21), water (n=3), raw milk (n=9), and endogenous starter culture (n=17). The microbiological quality of the cheese, water, raw milk, and endogenous starter culture was lower during the rainy period, given the higher counts of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus and total and thermotolerant coliforms. Enterococcus faecalis was the lactic acid bacteria isolated most frequently (42.86%) in cheese samples, followed by Lactococcus lactis (28.57%) and Lactobacillus plantarum (14.29%). Lactobacillus brevis (5.88%), Enterococcus pseudoavium (5.88%), Enterococcus durans (5.88%), and Aerococcus viridans (5.88%) were isolated from endogenous starter cultures and are described for the first time in the literature. The lactic acid bacteria identified in the analyzed cheeses may inhibit undesirable microbiota and contribute to the safety and flavor of the cheese, but this needs to be evaluated in future research., (Copyright © 2016 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

We measured the effect of marginal malnutrition on physical work capacity of adolescent children of agricultural migrant workers in Southern Brazil. Nutritional status was evaluated using 24-h dietary recall. Body size was evaluated anthropometrically. Biochemical assessments were also made. Physical work capacity (PWC170) was assessed by measuring heart rate, blood lactic acid levels, and oxygen consumption during submaximal bicycle ergometer work. The same tests were also carried out on a comparable group of local well-to-do boys of the same age in the same community who served as controls. The dietary results suggest that adolescent boys of migrant families were marginally malnourished. Their physical growth and development were retarded by at least 1 yr. They had significantly lower reserves of body fat and less muscle mass when compared with controls. Their Hb levels were normal. At the submaximal work loads measured (0, 25, 50, 75 W) the migrant children exhibited similar oxygen consumption and gross exercise efficiency as the control children, but achieved this work at a higher percentage of their maximum work capacity as shown by significantly higher heart rates for the same oxygen consumption. Higher blood lactic acid levels in the migrant children suggest that the available muscle mass was under greater stress to accomplish the same task. PWC170 was reduced one-third in the migrant children (migrant 643 +/- 162 kpm/min, control 905 +/- 345 kpm/min; p less than 0.005). These differences were largely associated with weight (migrant 20.6 +/- 5.9 kpm/min; control 18.8 +/- 4.3 kpm/kg/min; p greater than 0.1). These observations suggest that marginal as well as severe malnutrition affect physical work capacity at levels low enough to affect growth and development.