Search

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are the microorganisms most commonly used as probiotics. Since probiotic benefits are strain-dependent, there is a continuous need for research into new cultures with probiotic properties. Fruits such as juçara (Euterpe edulis Martius), a palm species from the Atlantic Forest threatened with extinction, are rich niches for microorganisms, including LAB. This study investigated the probiotic properties of Lactococcus lactis J7 and Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides JF17 strains isolated from juçara fruits native to the Atlantic Forest. Probiotic characteristics, such as tolerance to simulated gastrointestinal fluids or juices, hydrophobicity, autoaggregation, coaggregation properties, inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms, and technological properties were evaluated. The survival rate of L. lactis J7 and L. pseudomesenteroides JF17 decreased after exposure to simulated gastrointestinal conditions; however, L. lactis J7 was more resistant, maintaining viability at the end of the enteric phase of 6.07 ± 0.16 log CFU mL-1. The J7 strain also exhibited the highest values in hydrophobicity (12.55 ± 0.52%), autoaggregation (25.63 ± 0.75%), and coaggregation capacity with E. coli ATCC 25922 (21.52 ± 0.98%) and S. Enteritidis ATCC 13076 (22.68 ± 1.01%). Both J7 and JF17 strains demonstrated antimicrobial activity, confirmed by the multilayer agar plate system. Additionally, the growth of the strains was temperature-dependent, and they were able to thrive in high concentrations of sodium chloride (6%). Thus, L. lactis J7 is a promising probiotic candidate for the development of functional products. Nevertheless, further studies using animal models are necessary to explore the properties of these probiotic bacteria. Novel strains isolated from fruits should be studied to broaden the application of probiotic microorganisms in the development of foods and medicines.

ABSTRACT Juçara fruits (Euterpe edulis Martius), an important palm tree native to the Atlantic Forest ecosystem, exhibit a rich diversity of microorganisms, including lactic acid bacteria (LAB). LAB are highly capable of synthesizing exopolysaccharides (EPS), which are extracellular carbohydrate biopolymers with techno-functional properties, and consequently, wide applicability. In the present study, the technical-functional information of the dextran produced by L. pseudomesenteroides JF17 was obtained by determining its physicochemical, rheological, water-holding, oil-holding, and emulsifying properties. Dextran-JF17 mainly comprised carbohydrates (87.87% ± 1.45%, w/w), along with 48.86% ± 1.2% (w/w) of soluble fibers and a low protein content (2.98% ± 0.49%, w/w). The dextran exhibited high water-holding (470.89% ± 39.67%, w/v) and oil-holding (89.945% ± 4.16%, w/v) capacities, with values close to those reported for other microbial EPS. The dextran-JF17 solutions with concentrations 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% (w/v) exhibited the typical pseudoplastic non-Newtonian fluid behavior. The emulsifying capacity of dextran-JF17 was higher (26.73 ± 0.31 mL of oil/g dextran) than that of guar gum (15.45 ± 1.33 mL oil/gum). In addition, dextran-JF17 presented an emulsifying activity of approximately 65% (w/v) within 24 h, indicating a strong emulsion stabilization capacity. Collectively, these results suggested that dextran-JF17 is a good candidate for application as a viscosity, stabilizing, and emulsifying agent in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitors from sugarcane bagasse are a promising alternative to mitigate corrosion problems. These inhibitors are obtained from natural compounds present in the residual biomass of bagasse, such as tannins, phenols, and organic acids. Studies have shown that bagasse extracts exhibit significant corrosion inhibition effects on various metals (steel, zinc, aluminium) in acidic and neutral media, acting through the formation of protective layers on metal surfaces, modifying the chemistry of the medium or inhibiting electrochemical corrosion reactions. This work reviews the state-of-the-art of eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors from sugarcane bagasse in environments relevant to the transport of CO2, including their composition, mechanisms of action, extraction and purification methods, performance evaluation techniques, and comparisons with conventional inhibitors. Future perspectives are also addressed, such as process optimization, mechanistic understanding, environmental impact assessment and interdisciplinary collaborations to drive the development and successful implementation of these sustainable inhibitors in various industries.

Background: Association between cannabis use and metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been documented; yet variation by race/ethnicity is understudied. We examined cannabis use and MetS by race/ethnicity among emerging adults (18-25 years old), the age group with the highest prevalence of cannabis use. Methods: Data from 18- to 25-year-olds who completed the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2009-2018) were analyzed. Current cannabis use was defined as ≥1 day of use in the last 30 days. MetS was defined using standardized guidelines as ≥3 of the following: elevated fasting glucose, triglycerides, systolic (SBP) and/or diastolic blood pressure (DPB), waist circumference, and/or low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between current cannabis use (CCU) and MetS, adjusting for covariates. Results: Of 3974 respondents, 48.8% were female, mean age 21.1 years (SD = 2.4), 56.7% non-Hispanic white, 20.4% Hispanic, and 14.0% non-Hispanic black (NHB). Hispanics had the highest MetS prevalence (7.9%) and lowest CCU prevalence (23.5%). NHB had highest CCU prevalence (33.4%, P < .0001) and lowest MetS prevalence (4.8%, P = .2543). CCUs had a higher mean SBP (P = .020) and Hispanics (P = .002) than never users. Conversely, NHB CCUs exhibited lower mean SBP than NHB never users (P = .008). CCUs had 42% reduced odds of MetS than never users (AOR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.35-0.95). Among NHB, CCUs had 78% lower likelihood of having MetS than never users (AOR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.06-0.81). Conclusions: Cannabis use impacts MetS and blood pressure differently by race/ethnicity. Current cannabis use was associated with lower odds of MetS overall and among NHB. Further research is warranted to investigate how administration routes, dosages, and usage duration affect MetS.

Abstract Gene therapy presents an innovative approach to the treatment of previously incurable diseases. The advancement of research in the field of nanotechnology has the potential to overcome the current limitations and challenges of conventional therapy methods, and therefore to unlocking the full potential of dendrimers for use in the gene therapy of neurodegenerative disorders. The blood–brain barrier (BBB) poses a significant challenge when delivering therapeutic agents to the central nervous system. In this study, we investigated the biophysical properties of dendrimers and their complexes with siRNA directed against the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene to identify an appropriate nanocarrier capable of safely delivering the cargo across the BBB. Our study yielded valuable insights into the complexation process, stability over time, the mechanisms of interaction, the influence of dendrimers on the oligonucleotide's spatial structure, and the potential cytotoxic effects on human cerebral microvascular endothelium cells. Based on our findings, we identified that the dendrimer G3Si PEG6000 was an optimal candidate for further research, potentially serving as a nanocarrier capable of safely delivering therapeutic agents across the BBB for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

Abstract Remotely handled miniaturized colorimetric sensor platforms with multiple functionalities are able to mimic conventional laboratory operations with reduced assets. The integration of a magnetic phase in a miniaturized hydrogel sensor system allows the manipulation of the sensor, under a magnetic field, in a programmable manner. However, dark color interferences from conventional magnetic phases (Fe3O4, Fe2O3, and Fe micro/nanoparticles) affect the signal readout, hindering the colorimetric response. Therefore, a novel Janus bead configuration is introduced and tested by the localized incorporation of ferromagnetic iron microparticles into a TiO2 nanotubes/alginate hydrogel bead biosystem, under an applied magnetic field. The so‐called hydrogel Janus bead shows both, magnetic translocation and biosensing properties in the same bead. These beads are used for the direct colorimetric analysis of biomarkers in blood. The surface of the Janus bead prevents the biofouling of red blood cells, keeping the sensor surface clean for accurate optical colorimetric analysis. Moreover, the external magnetic manipulation of the bead permits precise control of the time and position of the bead in the sample. Therefore, multiple functionalities are presented by a single magnetic TiO2 nanotubes/alginate Janus bead such as actuation, low biofouling, and sensing, positioning this technology as a truly Lab‐in‐a‐Bead System.

BackgroundKeeping older veterans with high needs and high risk (HNHR) who are at risk of long-term institutional care safely in their homes for as long as possible is a Department of Veterans Affairs priority. Older veterans with HNHR face disproportionate barriers and disparities to engaging in their care, including accessing care and services. Veterans with HNHR often have poor ability to maintain health owing to complicated unmet health and social needs. The use of peer support specialists (peers) is a promising approach to improving patient engagement and addressing unmet needs. The Peer-to–Patient-Aligned Care Team (Peer-to-PACT; P2P) intervention is a multicomponential home visit intervention designed to support older veterans with HNHR to age in place. Participants receive a peer-led home visit to identify unmet needs and home safety risks aligned with the age-friendly health system model; care coordination, health care system navigation, and linking to needed services and resources in collaboration with their PACT; and patient empowerment and coaching using Department of Veterans Affairs whole health principles. ObjectiveThe primary aim of this study is to evaluate the preliminary effect of the P2P intervention on patient health care engagement. The second aim is to identify the number and types of needs and unmet needs as well as needs addressed using the P2P needs identification tool. The third aim is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the P2P intervention delivered over 6 months. MethodsWe will use a quantitative-qualitative convergent mixed methods approach to evaluate the P2P intervention outcomes. For our primary outcome, we will conduct an independent, 2-tailed, 2-sample t test to compare the means of the 6-month pre-post differences in the number of outpatient PACT encounters between the intervention and matched comparison groups. Qualitative data analysis will follow a structured rapid approach using deductive coding as well as the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. ResultsStudy enrollment began in July 2020 and was completed in March 2022. Our sample size consists of 114 veterans: 38 (33.3%) P2P intervention participants and 76 (66.7%) matched comparison group participants. Study findings are expected to be published in late 2023. ConclusionsPeers may help bridge the gap between PACT providers and veterans with HNHR by evaluating veterans’ needs outside of the clinic, summarizing identified unmet needs, and developing team-based solutions in partnership with the PACT. The home visit component of the intervention provides eyes in the home and may be a promising and innovative tool to improve patient engagement. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/46156

IntroductionMaintaining or acquiring healthier health-oriented behaviours and promoting physical and mental health amongst the Spanish population is a significant challenge for Primary Health Care. Although the role of personal aptitudes (characteristics of each individual) in influencing health behaviours is not yet clear, these factors, in conjunction with social determinants such as gender and social class, can create axes of social inequity that affect individuals’ opportunities to engage in health-oriented behaviours. Additionally, lack of access to health-related resources and opportunities can further exacerbate the issue for individuals with healthy personal aptitudes. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the relationship between personal aptitudes and health behaviours, as well as their impact on health equity.ObjectivesThis paper outlines the development, design and rationale of a descriptive qualitative study that explores in a novel way the views and experiences on the relationship between personal aptitudes (activation, health literacy and personality traits) and their perception of health, health-oriented behaviours, quality of life and current health status.Method and analysisThis qualitative research is carried out from a phenomenological perspective. Participants will be between 35 and 74 years of age, will be recruited in Primary Health Care Centres throughout Spain from a more extensive study called DESVELA Cohort. Theoretical sampling will be carried out. Data will be collected through video and audio recording of 16 focus groups in total, which are planned to be held in 8 different Autonomous Communities, and finally transcribed for a triangulated thematic analysis supported by the Atlas-ti program.DiscussionWe consider it essential to understand the interaction between health-related behaviours as predictors of lifestyles in the population, so this study will delve into a subset of issues related to personality traits, activation and health literacy.Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04386135.

Uveal melanoma (UM) is an intraocular cancer with propensity for liver metastases. The median overall survival (OS) for metastatic UM (MUM) is 1.07 years, with a reported range of 0.84–1.34. In primary UM, high cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CysLT1) expression associates with poor outcomes. CysLT1 antagonists, quininib and 1,4-dihydroxy quininib, alter cancer hallmarks of primary and metastatic UM cell lines in vitro. Here, the clinical relevance of CysLT receptors and therapeutic potential of quininib analogs is elaborated in UM using preclinical in vivo orthotopic xenograft models and ex vivo patient samples. Immunohistochemical staining of an independent cohort (n = 64) of primary UM patients confirmed high CysLT1 expression significantly associates with death from metastatic disease (p = 0.02; HR 2.28; 95% CI 1.08–4.78), solidifying the disease relevance of CysLT1 in UM. In primary UM samples (n = 11) cultured as ex vivo explants, 1,4-dihydroxy quininib significantly alters the secretion of IL-13, IL-2, and TNF-α. In an orthotopic, cell line-derived xenograft model of MUM, 1,4-dihydroxy quininib administered intraperitoneally at 25 mg/kg significantly decreases ATP5B expression (p = 0.03), a marker of oxidative phosphorylation. In UM, high ATP5F1B is a poor prognostic indicator, whereas low ATP5F1B, in combination with disomy 3, correlates with an absence of metastatic disease in the TCGA-UM dataset. These preclinical data highlight the diagnostic potential of CysLT1 and ATP5F1B in UM, and the therapeutic potential of 1,4-dihydroxy quininib with ATP5F1B as a companion diagnostic to treat MUM.

Este estudo apresenta uma análise de artigos, no âmbito nacional e internacional, tendo como objetivo analisar propostas de intervenções neurocognitivas, pedagógicas e computadorizadas que possam ser aplicadas em estudantes que possuem Discalculia do Desenvolvimento - DD e suas contribuições. Utiliza a Revisão Sistemática da Literatura – RSL, como método de pesquisa, tendo como questão central: “Quais as contribuições de intervenções realizadas em estudantes que possuem DD para a aprendizagem de Ciências e Matemática? Desse modo, o objetivo é verificar a existência de propostas neurocognitivas, pedagógicas e computadorizadas para serem desenvolvidas com esses estudantes, potencializando e reabilitando as habilidades matemáticas em defasagem na DD. Para selecionar as produções, utilizou-se as bases de dados: EMBASE, Web of Science, ACM Digital Library, IEEXplore e Periódico da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior. A pesquisa evidenciou que o Brasil ainda carece de pesquisas na área da Educação Matemática que tenham como preocupação essa temática. Aponta que novas intervenções baseadas em softwares adaptativos e em componentes subjacentes à DD vem sendo desenvolvidas, discutidas e aprimoradas.

The emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere is a significant environmental problem. Many technologies are proposed and implemented to sequester CO2 before it is released into the atmosphere. For capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from exhaust gas and syngas streams in all industrial processes and combustion, chemical absorption using amine-based solvents has shown to be the most studied, reliable, and efficient technology. As a result of the dissolution of CO2 gas and its reaction with the amine solvents, the solution becomes corrosive. This undesirable phenomenon creates a corrosion problem in the absorption column, usually carbon steel. This review paper aims to understand the effects of the variables amine composition in the solution, amine structure, pressure, and temperature on the efficiency of CO2 capture and corrosion of carbon steels using chemical absorption technology using amine-based solvents.

Book review

Many fruits and vegetables contain compounds with antioxidant properties, but the processing and storage conditions of the food industry may damage these beneficial compounds and produce free radicals that are associated with oxidative stress. This study aims to evaluate in vitro the antioxidant capacity and prooxidant effects of juçara pulp fermented with Lactobacillus reuteri or Lactobacillus plantarum before and after spray-drying with maltodextrin, gum arabic or gelatin and storage at 25 °C for 90 days. The antioxidant capacity was assessed by measuring the ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the neutrophil respiratory burst and free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), and by determining the total phenolic content. The prooxidant effects were analyzed as free radical formation measured by electronic paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Fermentation by both bacteria increased the antioxidant activity, while the spray-drying process decreased the content of phenolic compounds (65-85 %) and the DPPH scavenging ability, depending on the carrier usage. All of the samples inhibited ROS in the neutrophil burst, and the juçara pulp fermented by L. reuteri and dried with gum arabic exhibited the best performance. Spray-drying did not influence the intensity or type of free radicals detected by EPR. However, storage at room temperature decreased the antioxidant capacity and increased free radical formation.

O manejo sustentável dos recursos hídricos e da terra é atualmente uma das principais prioridades na agenda de muitos países ao redor do mundo, o que exige informações sobre as mudanças na cobertura da terra em bacias hidrográficas. Neste estudo, mapas de 1984, 1996, 2005 e 2016 foram desenvolvidos utilizando-se composições falsa-cor e o Índice de Vegetação por Diferença Normalizada (NDVI) para identificar as principais mudanças ocorridas na bacia do Córrego Guariroba. Essa bacia hidrográfica é uma Área de Proteção Ambiental desde 1995, quando se tornou a fonte de abastecimento urbana da capital do estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Para tanto, o software livre QGIS e imagens Landsat foram usados para determinar as mudanças no uso e ocupação da terra. Essas informações permitiram a discussão das possíveis pressões e consequências ambientais das mudanças nesses períodos. A bacia hidrográfica tem estado sob intensa atividade agropecuária, com a maior parte de sua superfície sendo ocupada por pastagens para a pecuária e silvicultura de eucalipto. Os resultados indicam que a influência direta das atividades humanas reduziu drasticamente a cobertura natural na área, com implicações para o cumprimento da legislação do Código Florestal. Os usos antrópicos da terra representam mais de 57% da cobertura total do solo em todos os anos, atingindo 79,70% em 2005. Em 2016, houve um aumento na recuperação da vegetação nativa, mas apesar desse incremento o uso humano da terra continua alto (74,09%). Parte do pequeno ganho de vegetação nativa deve-se aos planos de reflorestamento realizados a partir de 2010. A sedimentação do reservatório de água é visível em 2016, formando bancos de areia que se estendem por cerca de 700 m na porção distal do Córrego Guariroba. Os resultados deste estudo podem ser aplicados para uma possível revisão do plano de manejo da bacia, considerando-se a gestão de seus recursos hídricos integrados ao planejamento ambiental e ao desenvolvimento econômico. Esse tipo de análise pode auxiliar no processo de tomada de decisão de órgãos governamentais, de forma que as bacias utilizadas para o abastecimento de água apresentem restrições de uso da terra, devido ao risco de redução na quantidade e a qualidade da água

Glucose is an analyte of great importance, both in the clinical and sports fields. Since blood is the gold standard biofluid used for the analytical determination of glucose, there is high interest in finding alternative non-invasive biofluids, such as sweat, for its determination. In this research, we present an alginate-based bead-like biosystem integrated with an enzymatic assay for the determination of glucose in sweat. The system was calibrated and verified in artificial sweat, and a linear calibration range was obtained for glucose of 10–1000 µM. The colorimetric determination was investigated, and the analysis was carried out both in the black and white and in the Red:Green:Blue color code. A limit of detection and quantification of 3.8 µM and 12.7 µM, respectively, were obtained for glucose determination. The biosystem was also applied with real sweat, using a prototype of a microfluidic device platform as a proof of concept. This research demonstrated the potential of alginate hydrogels as scaffolds for the fabrication of biosystems and their possible integration in microfluidic devices. These results are intended to bring awareness of sweat as a complementary tool for standard analytical diagnosis.

Copper carbosilane metallodendrimers containing chloride ligands and nitrate ligands were mixed with commercially available conventional anticancer drugs, doxorubicin, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil, for a possible therapeutic system. To verify the hypothesis that copper metallodendrimers can form conjugates with anticancer drugs, their complexes were biophysically characterized using zeta potential and zeta size methods. Next, to confirm the existence of a synergetic effect of dendrimers and drugs, in vitro studies were performed. The combination therapy has been applied in two cancer cell lines: MCF-7 (human breast cancer cell line) and HepG2 (human liver carcinoma cell line). The doxorubicin (DOX), methotrexate (MTX) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) were more effective against cancer cells when conjugated with copper metallodendrimers. Such combination significantly decreased cancer cell viability when compared to noncomplexed drugs or dendrimers. The incubation of cells with drug/dendrimer complexes resulted in the increase of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and the depolarization of mitochondrial membranes. Copper ions present in the dendrimer structures enhanced the anticancer properties of the whole nanosystem and improved drug effects, inducing both the apoptosis and necrosis of MCF-7 (human breast cancer cell line) and HepG2 (human liver carcinoma cell line) cancer cells.

Abstract Background Women of advanced maternal age (AMA) are a growing population, with higher obstetric risks. The Mediterranean population has specific characteristics different from other areas. Thus, the objective of this study was to establish a cut-off to define AMA in a selected mediterranean population coming from a tertiary referral private/mutual health hospital in Barcelona. Methods Retrospective cohort of euploid singleton pregnancies delivered from January 2007 to June 2017. Main maternal outcomes were: gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, placenta previa, c-section and prolonged hospitalization (≥ 7 days). Main adverse perinatal outcomes were: stillbirth, prematurity, preterm prelabor rupture of membranes, low birth weight, need of admission at a neonatal intensive care unit and perinatal mortality. Adjustment for confounding factors (smoking, previous comorbilities, parity, assisted reproductive techniques (ART) and obesity) was performed. Results A total of 25054 pregnancies were included. Mean maternal age was 34.7 ± 4.2 years, with 2807 patients in the group of age between 40 and 44 years (11.2%) and 280 patients ≥45 years (1.1%). Women at AMA had higher incidence of previous comorbilities (compared to the reference group of women

Additive manufacturing technology is an emerging method for rapid prototyping, which enables the creation of complex geometries by one-step fabrication processes through a layer-by-layer approach. The simplified fabrication achieved with this methodology opens the way towards a more efficient industrial production, with applications in a great number of fields such as biomedical devices. In biomedicine, blood is the gold-standard biofluid for clinical analysis. However, blood cells generate analytical interferences in many test procedures; hence, it is important to separate plasma from blood cells before analytical testing of blood samples. In this research, a custom-made resin formulation combined with a high-resolution 3D printing methodology were used to achieve a methodology for the fast prototype optimization of an operative plasma separation modular device. Through an iterative process, 17 different prototypes were designed and fabricated with printing times ranging from 5 to 12 min. The final device was evaluated through colorimetric analysis, validating this fabrication approach for the qualitative assessment of plasma separation from whole blood. The 3D printing method used here demonstrates the great contribution that this microfluidic technology will bring to the plasma separation biomedical devices market.

In semi-arid to arid regions, both anthropogenic sources (urban and agriculture) and deeper Critical Zone (groundwater with long flow paths and water residence times) may play an important role in controlling chemical exports to rivers. Here, we combined two anthropogenic isotope tracers: uranium isotope ratios (234U/238U) and boron isotope ratios (δ11B), with the 87Sr/86Sr ratios to identify and quantify multiple solute (salinity) sources in the Rio Grande river in southern New Mexico and western Texas. The Rio Grande river is a major source of freshwater for irrigation and municipal uses in southwestern United States. There has been a large disagreement about the dominant salinity sources to the Rio Grande and particularly significant sources are of anthropogenic (agriculture practices and shallow groundwater flows, groundwater pumping, and urban developments) and/or geological (natural groundwater upwelling) origins. Between 2014 and 2016, we collected monthly river samples at 15 locations along a 200-km stretch of the Rio Grande river from Elephant Butte Reservoir, New Mexico to El Paso, Texas, as well as water samples from agricultural canals and drains, urban effluents and drains, and groundwater wells. Our study shows that due to the presence of localized and multiple salinity inputs, total dissolved solids (TDS) and isotope ratios of U, B, and Sr in the Rio Grande river show high spatial and temporal variability. Several agricultural, urban, and geological sources of salinity in the Rio Grande watershed have characteristic and distinguishable U, Sr, and B isotope signatures. However, due to the common issue of overlapping signatures as identified by previous tracer studies (such as δ18O, δD, δ34S), no single isotope tracer of U, Sr, or B isotopes was powerful enough to distinguish multiple salinity sources. Here, combining the multiple U, Sr, and B isotope and elemental signatures, we applied a multi-tracer mass balance approach to quantify the relative contributions of water mass from the identified various salinity end members along the 200-km stretch of the Rio Grande during different river flow seasons. Our results show that during irrigation (high river flow) seasons, the Rio Grande had uniform chemical and isotopic compositions, similar to the Elephant Butte reservoir where water is stored and well-mixed, reflecting the dominant contribution from shallow Critical Zone in headwater regions in temperate southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. In non-irrigation (low flow) seasons when the river water is stored at Elephant Butte reservoir, the Rio Grande river at many downstream locations showed heterogeneous chemical and isotopic compositions, reflecting variable inputs from upwelling of groundwater (deeper CZ), displacement of shallow groundwater, agricultural return flows, and urban effluents. Our study highlights the needs of using multi-tracer approach to investigate multiple solutes and salinity sources in rivers with complex geology and human impacts.

Streptococcus dentisani 7746, isolated from dental plaque of caries-free individuals, has been shown to have several beneficial effects in vitro which could contribute to promote oral health, including an antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens by the production of bacteriocins and a pH buffering capacity through ammonia production. Previous work has shown that S. dentisani was able to colonize the oral cavity for 2–4 weeks after application. The aim of the present work was to evaluate its clinical efficacy by a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group study. Fifty nine volunteers were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to a treatment or placebo group. The treatment consisted of a bucco-adhesive gel application (2.5 109 cfu/dose) with a dental splint for 5 min every 48 h, for a period of 1 month (i.e., 14 doses). Dental plaque and saliva samples were collected at baseline, 15 and 30 days after first application, and 15 days after the end of treatment. At baseline, there was a significant correlation between S. dentisani levels and frequency of toothbrushing. Salivary flow, a major factor influencing oral health, was significantly higher in the probiotic group at day 15 compared with the placebo (4.4 and 3.4 ml/5 min, respectively). In the probiotic group, there was a decrease in the amount of dental plaque and in gingival inflammation, but no differences were observed in the placebo group. The probiotic group showed a significant increase in the levels of salivary ammonia and calcium. Finally, Illumina sequencing of plaque samples showed a beneficial shift in bacterial composition at day 30 relative to baseline, with a reduction of several cariogenic organisms and the key players in plaque formation, probably as a result of bacteriocins production. Only 58% of the participants in the probiotic group showed increased plaque levels of S. dentisani at day 30 and 71% by day 45, indicating that the benefits of S. dentisani application could be augmented by improving colonization efficiency. In conclusion, the application of S. dentisani 7746 improved several clinical and microbiological parameters associated with oral health, supporting its use as a probiotic to prevent tooth decay.

St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) is a flavivirus that circulates in an enzootic cycle between birds and mosquitoes and can also infect humans to cause febrile disease and sometimes encephalitis. Although SLEV is endemic to the United States, no activity was detected in California during the years 2004 through 2014, despite continuous surveillance in mosquitoes and sentinel chickens. In 2015, SLEV-positive mosquito pools were detected in Maricopa County, Arizona, concurrent with an outbreak of human SLEV disease. SLEV-positive mosquito pools were also detected in southeastern California and Nevada in summer 2015. From 2016 to 2018, SLEV was detected in mosquito pools throughout southern and central California, Oregon, Idaho, and Texas. To understand genetic relatedness and geographic dispersal of SLEV in the western United States since 2015, we sequenced four historical genomes (3 from California and 1 from Louisiana) and 26 contemporary SLEV genomes from mosquito pools from locations across the western US. Bayesian phylogeographic approaches were then applied to map the recent spread of SLEV. Three routes of SLEV dispersal in the western United States were identified: Arizona to southern California, Arizona to Central California, and Arizona to all locations east of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Given the topography of the Western United States, these routes may have been limited by mountain ranges that influence the movement of avian reservoirs and mosquito vectors, which probably represents the primary mechanism of SLEV dispersal. Our analysis detected repeated SLEV introductions from Arizona into southern California and limited evidence of year-to-year persistence of genomes of the same ancestry. By contrast, genetic tracing suggests that all SLEV activity since 2015 in central California is the result of a single persistent SLEV introduction. The identification of natural barriers that influence SLEV dispersal enhances our understanding of arbovirus ecology in the western United States and may also support regional public health agencies in implementing more targeted vector mitigation efforts to protect their communities more effectively.

The Pantanal Park Roads, composed of the state roads MS-184 and MS-228, are located northwest of Mato Grosso do Sul, in the Paraguay River Basin, crossing the Pantanal, whose plains are susceptible to the natural inundation pulse. Despite their cultural, ecological, landscape and tourist importance, there are lack studies that would guide the proper planning and management of the land use and occupation of the region. Thus, the objective of this work was to apply the geoprocessing technique of map algebra, based on the concept of Ecodynamics, and with the inclusion of a new thematic chart: the flood area, which represents this dynamic characteristic of the region, for obtaining of natural and environmental vulnerability charts, the latter is distinguished by considering anthropic interventions on landscape units. To do this, among other procedures, the photointerpretation of satellite images was applied to update the vectors of the RADAMBRASIL charts from the scale of 1:1,000,000 to 1:250,000, bringing minimal representativeness of the relevant regional characteristics, as well as the application of the proposed technique. The results obtained are the maps of natural and environmental vulnerability to erosive processes, and the EPP are both natural and environmentally predominant with moderately stable/vulnerable areas with a tendency to be moderately vulnerable, and, any changes that occur in the landscape unit, can elevate its status to vulnerable to erosive processes, increasing the risk of soil loss.

Lactate is present in sweat at high concentrations, being a metabolite of high interest in sport science and medicine. Therefore, the potential to determine lactate concentrations in physiological fluids, at the point of need with minimal invasiveness, is very valuable. In this work, the synthesis and performance of an alginate bead biosystem was investigated. Artificial sweat with different lactate concentrations was used as a proof of concept. The lactate detection was based on a colorimetric assay and an image analysis method using lactate oxidase, horseradish peroxidase and tetramethyl benzidine as the reaction mix. Lactate in artificial sweat was detected with a R² = 0.9907 in a linear range from 10 mM to 100 mM, with a limit of detection of 6.4 mM and a limit of quantification of 21.2 mM. Real sweat samples were used as a proof of concept to test the performance of the biosystem, obtaining a lactate concentration of 48 ± 3 mM. This novel sensing configuration, using alginate beads, gives a fast and reliable method for lactate sensing, which could be integrated into more complex analytical systems.

St. Louis encephalitis virus infection was detected in summer 2015 in southern California after an 11-year absence, concomitant with an Arizona outbreak. Sequence comparisons showed close identity of California and Arizona isolates with 2005 Argentine isolates, suggesting introduction from South America and underscoring the value of continued arbovirus surveillance.

ABSTRACT Since groundwater and surface waters are important components of the hydrological system, determining their interaction is essential for the efficient management of water resources by predicting the consequences of interference, whether due to the growth of demand or due to climate change. However, integrated scientific studies on these water resources are scarce, including in the Guariroba’s Environmental Protection Area, responsible for supplying 31.3% of the Campo Grandem/MS’s population, representing a local water security element. Thus, this work had as objective to evaluate the interaction between surface-groundwater in an unconfined sedimentary aquifer system, based on hydrograph separation methodologies of base flow, Flow Duration Curve (FDC) analysis, Master Recession Curve (MRC) evaluation and verification of the relationship between the surface flow, piezometric levels (PL) of the wells and the monthly precipitation. The results indicates a proportional relationship between rainfall, superficial flow and PL variations; the FDC smooth slope suggests that the baseflow is sustained by the groundwater discharge, corresponding to 89% of the total flow; the low-flow index indicates that the groundwater’s storage capacity is about 80%; the Base-Flow Index (BFI) ranging from 0.804 to 0.921, indicates a stable flow regime, aquifer’s high permeability conditions, though not uniform, and low runoff.

A bacia hidrográfica do córrego Guariroba, com 360 km², é o manancial responsável por cerca de 40% do suprimento de água para Campo Grande. No âmbito da Pós Graduação em Tecnologias Ambientais da UFMS, foram desenvolvidos estudos nesta unidade, destacando-se Casadei (2017) e Cavazzana (2018). O Sistema Aquífero Bauru (SAB) ocorre em mais de 90% da área e o modelo hidrogeológico conceitual deste Aquífero aponta para a contribuição do manancial subterrâneo na manutenção do nível de base da drenagem. No geral, a ocupação da bacia ainda é pequena, destacando-se a atividade pecuária, com incremento na silvicultura de eucalipto. A importância do SAB para o suprimento de água dos usuários, bem como na manutenção da vazão do córrego Guariroba, justifica um maior detalhamento deste Aquífero sedimentar. Dos 15 poços tubulares monitorados, apenas um possui dados cadastrais completos. Assim, por meio de parceria com o LEBAC/UNESP-Rio Claro, foi feito um levantamento de eletrorresistividade, objetivando definir a espessura do pacote Caiuá e a profundidade do nível estático. Executou-se 6 Imageamentos Elétricos 2D (IE2D), utilizando-se 84 eletrodos com espaçamento de 10 m e um comprimento total de cabos de 880 m, alem de 8 Sondagens Elétricas Verticais (SEV), nas quais os espaçamentos adotados pelo arranjo Schlumberger permitiram investigar até uma profundidade de 300 m , abrangendo toda a área da bacia hidrográfica e respeitando os limites operacionais da técnica. A partir dos resultados das IE2Ds e das SEVs, foi possível interpretar, preliminarmente, que a espessura da camada sedimentar (Grupo Caiuá) variou, nos pontos investigados, de 64,5 m a 180 m e o nível d’água apresentou valores de 5 m a 62 m de profundidade. Com estas informações têm-se elementos para avaliar a reserva do SAB na área de estudo.

Infectious vascular complications affecting transplant recipients may lead to severe morbidity and graft loss. This is a retrospective review of vascular repair with bovine pericardial patch (BPP) in infected fields for immunosuppressed patients. BPP was used as either a patch or an interposition graft. Five cases of arterial reconstruction in infected fields using BPP were performed. There were no complications related to bleeding, thrombosis, or recurrent infection. In our limited experience, the use of BPP as a vascular patch is successful, and it represents an alternative when vascular reconstruction is needed in the context of infected fields.

ABSTRACT The use of swine effluents as a biofertilizer is an alternative to chemical fertilizers and to water demand in dry season. Nevertheless, fertigation studies usually focus on the plant demand and the soil nutrition parameters, mainly physic-chemical ones. This work aimed to evaluate the impacts of fertigation with swine effluents treated in the microbial quality of groundwater from the phreatic aquifer in two lots on Campanário settlement, on the city of São Gabriel do Oeste, MS, Brazil. Microbial analyses were carried out on groundwater samples from four piezometer and two supply wells using the Colilert system to quantify total coliform and Escherichia coli. Samples were collected during twelve months. The results indicate groundwater contamination by bacteria of the coliform group, according to the drinking water Brazilian standards and its spatial distribution from the point sources to a spreading area in accordance with groundwater flow. Therefore, water disinfection is strongly recommended for drinking purposes. Despite having a strong correlation with groundwater microbial contamination, especially in rainy season, fertigation with swine effluents seem not to be the only source of pathogens in the phreatic aquifer. However, high total coliform values in dry season samples could be assigned to the fertigation.

Os métodos de mapeamento da Vulnerabilidade Natural e Perigo à contaminação de aquíferos são ferramentas importantes para a gestão das águas subterrâneas. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o perigo à contaminação do aquífero livre na Área de Proteção Ambiental do córrego Guariroba, em Campo Grande, MS, o qual é o principal manancial superficial do município. Foi utilizado o método POSH, aplicado por meio do Sistema de Informações Geográficas (SIG). Os resultados mostram que 1,34% da área de estudo possui baixo perigo, 24,03% possui médio perigo e 74,6% da área possui alto perigo à contaminação. Mesmo sendo uma bacia hidrográfica totalmente inserida na zona rural, com baixa concentração humana e, portanto, poucos pontos potencialmente poluidores, as características hidrogeologias do aquífero livre e a sua vulnerabilidade natural alta definiram seu elevado perigo à contaminação.

Alimentos com bactérias probióticas ou prebióticos estão incluídos na categoria de alimentos contendo compostos bioativos que tem despertado interesse devido ao efeito benéfico sobre a saúde. O objetivo do trabalho foi a formulação de produto simbiótico e funcional com bactérias láticas probióticas produtoras de exopolissacarídeos (EPS). Para isto, promoveu-se a fermentação por 24 h a 37 ºC de soro de leite em pó e leite desnatado em duas formulações: “F1” contendo o prebiótico goma acácia e inoculada de bactéria probiótica Lactobacillus casei LC1, e “F2” formulada com inulina como prebiótico e fermentação por L. acidophilus LA5. Nos produtos fermentados foi determinada a quantidade de EPS produzida pelos diferentes probióticos e os valores encontrados foram de 103,5 mg/100g (F1) e 109,2 mg/100g (F2). Verificou-se que os produtos apresentaram estabilidade microbiológica e físico-química com contagens de probióticos ao final de 21 dias de armazenamento refrigerado de 2,5x109 UFC/g, pH 3,98 e 32% de extrato seco total (EST) para F1 e 6,0x108 UFC/g, pH 4,16 e 31,5% EST para F2, ausência S. aureus e de coliformes. Conclui-se que o queijo Quark funcional apresentou altas contagens de bactérias láticas probióticas e presença de EPS, níveis estes importantes para a ação como alimentos funcionais e sobrevivência no trato gastrointestinal.

A avaliação da vulnerabilidade natural de aquíferos é um estudo de suma importância para o conhecimento de áreas sujeitas à contaminação, principalmente em regiões que possuem relevância econômica e ambiental para a sociedade. A Área de Proteção Ambiental do Córrego Guariroba possui um aquífero livre que recarrega um dos principais mananciais de abastecimento da cidade de Campo Grande – MS. Dentre as diversas metodologias para o cálculo do índice de vulnerabilidade, este trabalho utilizou o modelo GOD, baseado na interpolação dos dados de litologia, profundidade até o lençol freático e grau de confinamento da água subterrânea. O índice da escala GOD varia entre 0 e 1 sendo o mínimo qualificado como vulnerabilidade insignificante e o máximo como extrema. Neste estudo foram determinadas vulnerabilidade média e alta presente no aquífero livre Bauru, aflorante na bacia do Córrego Guariroba. A espacialização destes dados foi realizada em SIG por meio do software livre Quantum GIS 2.4.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical, sensory properties and stability of a functional soy product with soy fiber and fermented with probiotic kefir culture. The product was characterized by the chemical composition, color and sensory analysis. The stability of the product was evaluated by pH, acidity, viscosity, firmness, syneresis measurements and cells counts. The functional soy product presented better chemical composition and difference in color compared to the fermented product without fiber. Sensory analysis showed that the functional soy product had good acceptance and had better firmness and reduced syneresis compared to fermented product without fiber. The lactic acid bacteria counts decreased slightly during 28 days at 4°C of the storage and the product showed good microbiological stability. The functional soy product due to high Lactococcus lactis counts could be considered as a probiotic for the entire storage period.

The construction of Smart Grids leads to the main question of what kind of intelligence such grids require and how to build it. Some authors choose an agent based solution to realize this intelligence. However, there may be some misunderstandings in the way this technology is being applied. This paper exposes some considerations of this subject, focusing on the Microgrid level, and shows a practical example through INGENIAS methodology, which is a methodology for the development of Agent Oriented systems that applies Model Driven Development techniques to produce fully functional Multi-Agent Systems.

The Ediacaran Period marks the first appearance of complex macroscopic organisms in the fossil record. Current evidence indicates that Ediacara biota is composed of animals, groups of extinct giant protists, algae and other organisms without proven affinities with modern groups. Fossils of this biota have been documented in at least 40 locations worldwide. In South America, ediacaran metazoan fossils are found in Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina. In most of these locations, are found fossils of the last moment of evolutionary ediacaran biota, capable of performing skeletogenesis, such as Cloudina and Corumbella , related to Nama assemblage. This evolutionary novelty arose probably in response to predation pressures and chemical changes in the oceans. Newly, fossils of soft-bodied organisms were found, typical of other ediacaran assembly (White Sea), in Santa Catarina (Brazil). This occurrence is of great importance since it represents the only discovery about its assemblage in South America. This work aims to compile the occurrences of the Ediacara biota in South America, as well as discussing the importance of inclusion and study these events on the world scene in the scope of one of the most important issues of Paleobiology: the origin and evolution animals on Earth.

O probiótico composto por Saccharomyces cerevisiae foi encapsulado pelo método de imobilização em cubos de ágar-ágar, em diferentes gomas comerciais e mucilagens, com o objetivo de proporcionar liberação controlada do microrganismo durante simulação gastrointestinal in vitro. Foram utilizados ágar-ágar (A-A), alginato (ALG), iota-carragena (I-CAR), goma arábica (ARA), taro (TARO), inhame (INH), linhaça (LIN) e quiabo (QUI) como materiais encapsulantes. Durante a simulação, foi realizada a contagem da levedura liberada das diferentes matrizes e a viabilidade do probiótico não encapsulado. Para analisar e diferenciar os tratamentos, foram obtidas imagens por microscopia eletrônica de varredura. As células não encapsuladas apresentaram viabilidade de 94 % (p < 0,05). Os tratamentos apresentaram a seguinte ordem crescente de liberação da levedura: QUI

OBJETIVO: Analisar características sociodemográficas e do comportamento sexual e reprodutivo de mulheres jovens. MÉTODOS: Estudo populacional transversal com representatividade nacional sobre o comportamento sexual, contraceptivo e reprodutivo de 2.991 mulheres de 15 a 20 anos na Pesquisa Nacional de Demografia e Saúde da Criança e da Mulher 2006. As jovens foram classificadas em três grupos: iniciaram a vida sexual e engravidaram antes dos 20 anos (grupo A); iniciaram a vida sexual e não engravidaram antes dos 20 (grupo B) e não iniciaram a vida sexual (grupo C). Mulheres de até 25 anos foram consideradas para o estudo das razões da gravidez e de suas implicações na vida. As análises estatísticas consideraram os pesos e o planejamento amostral complexo. A associação entre duas variáveis categóricas foi avaliada pelo teste tipo qui-quadrado. Quanto às comportamentais, utilizou-se modelo linear global. RESULTADOS: Mulheres do grupo A eram principalmente negras, mais pobres e com menor escolaridade. Tiveram a primeira relação sexual mais precocemente, comportamento contraceptivo mais desprotegido e menor conhecimento da fisiologia da reprodução em relação ao grupo B; as jovens do grupo C caracterizaram-se por maior frequência à escola e a preservação da virgindade para o casamento foi alegada por um 1/3 desse grupo. Para as mulheres com até 25 anos, a gravidez antes dos 20 foi percebida como tendo implicações mais positivas que negativas na vida amorosa, conjugal, social e autoestima. CONCLUSÕES: Há associação significativa entre gravidez antes dos 20 anos com maior pobreza e menor escolaridade. Na ausência de melhores condições de vida e de oportunidades, a gravidez, embora não prevista, configura-se como "projeto de vida" e não sua mera ausência.OBJETIVO: Analizar características sociodemográficas y de conductas sexual y reproductiva de mujeres jóvenes. MÉTODOS: Estudio poblacional transversal con representatividad nacional sobre el comportamiento sexual, anticonceptivo y reproductivo de 2.991 mujeres de 15 a 20 años en la Investigación Nacional de Demografía y Salud del Niño y de la Mujer (PNDS) 2006. Las jóvenes se clasificaron en tres grupos: iniciaron la vida sexual y se embarazaron antes de los 20 años (grupo A); iniciaron la vida sexual y no se embarazaron antes de los 20 (grupo B) y no iniciaron la vida sexual (grupo C). Mujeres de hasta 25 años se consideraron para el estudio de las tasas de embarazo y de sus consecuencias en la vida. Los análisis estadísticos consideraron los pesos y la planificación del muestreo complejo. La asociación entre dos variables categóricas fue evaluada por la prueba Chi-cuadrado. Para las conductuales, se utilizó el modelo linear global. RESULTADOS: Mujeres del grupo A eran principalmente negras, más pobres y con menor escolaridad. Tuvieron la primera relación sexual más precozmente, comportamiento anticonceptivo más desprotegido y menor conocimiento de la fisiología de la reproducción con relación al grupo B; las jóvenes del grupo C se caracterizaron por frecuentar más la escuela, y la preservación de la virginidad para el matrimonio fue relatada por 1/3 del grupo. En las mujeres con hasta 25 años, el embarazo antes de los 20 fue percibido con más consecuencias positivas que negativas en la vida amorosa, conyugal, social y autoestima. CONCLUSIONES: Hay asociación significativa entre embarazo antes de los 20 años con mayor pobreza y menor escolaridad. En ausencia de mejores condiciones de vida y de oportunidades, el embarazo, aunque no sea previsto, se establece como "proyecto de vida" en comparación con su inexistencia.OBJECTIVE: Analyze the sociodemographic characteristics and the sexual and reproductive behavior of young women. METHODS: A cross-sectional nationally representative study was performed about sexual, contraceptive and reproductive behavior with 2,991 women age 15 to 20 years in the National Survey on Demography and Health of Women and Children, 2006. The women were classified into three groups: sexual initiation and pregnancy before the age of 20 (group A); sexual initiation but no pregnancy before the age of 20 (group B) and no sexual initiation (group C). Women until age 25 years were included in the study about reasons for becoming pregnant and the implications for their lives. Statistical analysis considered survey weights and the complex sample design. The association between two categorical variables was assessed by chi-square test. The behavior variables were assessed using a global linear model. RESULTS: Women in group A were mainly black, poorer and with lower education level. These women had an early sexual initiation, less safe contraceptive behavior and less knowledge of reproduction physiology in comparison with group B; young women in group C were characterized by greater attendance at school and 1/3 of this group claimed to maintain their virginity until marriage. For women up to the age of 25, pregnancy before 20 years was perceived as having more positive than negative impacts upon their love life, spousal relationships, social lives and self-esteem. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant association between pregnancy before the age of 20 and higher poverty and lower educational level. In the absence of better living conditions and opportunities, pregnancy, although unplanned, becomes "a plan for life", and is not seen as a lack of life planning.

The effect of the addition of inulin-type fructans of different degrees of polymerization (DP) on the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics and storage stability (4°C for 28 days) of nonfat probiotic yoghurt was investigated. The yoghurts were prepared using traditional lactic culture (Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus) and Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei as probiotic. The formulations contained inulin- type fructans of DP: low (P95 oligofructose, DP 5), medium (ST inulin, DP 10) or high (HP inulin, DP 23) in a concentration of 2g 100g of milk-1, meeting the current Brazilian legislation and, thus their claim of functional properties could be utilized; and were compared to a Normal formulation (without inulin-type fructans addition). The addition of inulin-type fructans with different DP did not alter the L*, a* and b* color parameters, the syneresis and the viability of the probiotic culture in yoghurts. Yoghurts with inulin-type fructans of low DP were more acidic (lower pH values and higher values of acidity). The high DP inulin caused a reduction in the firmness of yoghurt. The products contained Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei at concentrations higher than that recommended to consider them as probiotic foods throughout the storage period. The refrigerated storage resulted in decreased pH and viability of the probiotic culture and increased acidity and syneresis of yoghurt, regardless of the use of inulin-type fructans. It can be concluded that the addition of inulin-type fructans of different DP does not adversely affect the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of yoghurts and their stability to storage, thus, the selection of the type to be used depend on the purpose of the manufacturer and the intended use.Investigou-se o efeito da adição de frutanos tipo inulina de diferentes graus de polimerização (DP) nas características físico-químicas e microbiológicas e na estabilidade ao armazenamento (4oC por 28 dias) de iogurtes probióticos desnatados. Os iogurtes foram preparados usando cultura lática tradicional (Streptococcus thermophilus e Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus) e Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei como probiótico. As formulações continham frutanos tipo inulina de DP: baixo (oligofrutose P95, DP 5), médio (inulina ST, DP 10) ou alto (inulina HP, DP 23), em uma concentração de 2g 100g de leite-1, de modo a atender a legislação brasileira vigente e assim, utilizar sua alegação de propriedade funcional; e foram comparadas a uma formulação Normal (sem adição de frutanos tipo inulina). A adição de frutanos tipo inulina com diferente DP não alterou os parâmetros L*, a* e b* de cor, a sinérese e a viabilidade da cultura probiótica dos iogurtes. Iogurtes com frutanos tipo inulina de baixo DP foram mais ácidos (menores valores de pH e maiores valores de acidez titulável). A inulina de alto DP ocasionou redução na firmeza dos iogurtes. Os produtos continham Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei em concentrações superiores às recomendadas para considerá-los como sendo probióticos durante todo o período de armazenamento. O armazenamento refrigerado resultou em diminuição do pH e da viabilidade da cultura probiótica e aumento da acidez titulável e da sinérese dos iogurtes, independentemente da utilização de frutanos tipo inulina. Conclui-se que a adição de frutanos tipo inulina de diferente DP não afeta negativamente as características físico-químicas e microbiológicas dos iogurtes e sua estabilidade ao armazenamento; sendo assim, a seleção do tipo a ser utilizado dependerá do objetivo do fabricante e da intenção de uso.

The objective of this study was to characterize the technological functional properties of soy, oats and wheat fibers and evaluate soy products with added fiber and fermented with kefir. The fibers were characterized with regard to pH, water adsorption capacity, water and oil absorption capacity and swelling volume. Soy products were developed with the addition of 3% soy fiber, oat and wheat and fermented with kefir. The fermented products were characterized for pH, acidity, syneresis, viscosity and firmness, Lactococcus lactis counts and analysis of sanitary conditions. The soy fiber showed a higher content of protein and lipids, pH, water adsorption and adsorption capacity. The wheat fiber showed a higher oil absorption capacity. The addition of soy, oat and wheat fibers influence pH, acidity, syneresis, viscosity and firmness of fermented soy products with kefir. The lowest syneresis and highest viscosity and firmness were obtained with the soy fermented products with soy fiber. The addition of soy fiber stimulated Lactococcus lactis growth. The fermented soy products had enough Lactococcus lactis counts to be considered probiotics. The products presented satisfactory hygienic sanitary conditions.O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar as propriedades funcionais tecnológicas das fibras de soja, aveia e trigo e avaliar os produtos de soja com adição de fibras e fermentados com cultura de kefir. As fibras foram caracterizadas quanto a composição química, pH, capacidade de adsorção e absorção de água, capacidade de absorção de óleo e volume de intumescimento. Foram desenvolvidos produtos de soja com adição de 3% de fibra de soja, aveia e trigo e fermentados com cultura de kefir. Os produtos fermentados foram caracterizados quanto o pH, acidez, sinerese, viscosidade e firmeza, contagem de Lactococcus lactis e análise das condições higiênico-sanitárias. A fibra de soja apresentou maior teor de proteínas e lipídios, pH, capacidade de adsorção e adsorção de água. A fibra de trigo apresentou maior capacidade de absorção de óleo. A adição de fibras de soja, aveia e trigo influenciaram o pH, acidez, sinerese, viscosidade e firmeza dos produtos de soja fermentados com kefir. A menor sinerese e maior viscosidade e firmeza foram obtidos para os produtos fermentados com fibra de soja. O crescimento de Lactococcus lactis foi favorecido no produto fermentado com adição de fibra de soja. Por conterem suficiente contagem, ou seja, acima de 6 log UFC.g-1 de Lactococcus lactis, os produtos fermentados podem ser considerados probióticos. Os produtos apresentaram condições higiênico-sanitárias satisfatórias.

in children. Methods: An ecological study of time series conducted in public health units in the city of Campo Grande-MS, Brazil, from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2007. Daily data of O3 (ozone) were analyzed and, as outcome variables, 16,981 emergency pediatric consultations for respiratory symptoms; including in control model the variables related to time trend; seasonality; minimum, maximum and average temperature; relative humidity; rainfall and respiratory infections. We determined the Pearson correlation coefficient of respiratory diseases in relation to climatic parameters for the years 2004-2007. Results: Only O3 had a positive and statistically significant association, both with all emergency care attendances for respiratory complaints, as with these due to symptoms in lower airways. The daily average concentrations of O3 did not exceed the recommended daily limits. Conclusion: We found associations between air pollution and the number of emergency pediatric consultations for respiratory causes in Campo Grande, although the levels of monitored pollutant ozone remained below recommended levels throughout the study period.

Wheat comprises one of the main ingredients in human diet, accounting for approximately 20 % of daily calories. Concerning the predominant frequency of deoxynivalenol (DON) producing Fusarium graminearum in wheat, DON occurrence in the State of Paraná (21 samples) and Rio Grande do Sul (15 samples), as well as the risk assessment of daily intake of DON in Londrina-PR, Brazil were evaluated. DON was detected in 72.2 % samples by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which ranged from non-detectable to 1,592.21 ?g/kg, with average of 321.59 ?g/kg (limit of quantification= 87.75 ?g/kg). In order to calculate the estimated daily intake (EDI) of DON, a Food Frequency Questionnaire was applied to 260 persons (64.8 % female and 35.2 % male, from 8 to 76 years-old). The main food ingested were pasta (151 g/week) and bread (267 g/week), and based in these items, the average estimated daily intake (EDI) of DON was 0.308 ?g/kg body weight/day. This EDI was lower than Provisional Tolerable Daily Maximum Intake (PTDMI) settled in 1 ?g/kg b.w./day, although two persons showed estimated DON ingestion above PTDMI. The data ratify the importance of continuous monitoring and risk assessment targeted on DON exposure.O trigo é um dos alimentos mais consumidos na dieta humana, contribuindo com cerca de 20 % das calorias diárias. Considerando a predominância de Fusarium graminearum neste grão, a contaminação por desoxinivalenol (DON) foi avaliada em trigo dos Estados do Paraná (21 amostras) e do Rio Grande do Sul (15 amostras), assim como se estimou o risco da sua ingestão diária no município de Londrina-PR, Brasil. Utilizando Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (CLAE), DON foi detectado em 72,2 % das amostras, variando de não detectável a 1592,21 ?g/kg, nível médio 321,59 ?g/kg (limite de quantificação= 87,75 ?g/kg). Para calcular a Ingestão Diária Estimada (IDE) de DON foi aplicado Questionário de Freqüência de Consumo de Alimentos a 260 indivíduos (8-76 anos, 64,8 % do gênero feminino e 35,2 % do masculino). Os derivados mais consumidos foram massas alimentícias (151 g/semana) e pão francês (267 g/semana). Baseado nesses alimentos, a IDE média de DON foi de 0,308 ?g/kg peso corporal/dia, sendo que dois indivíduos (0,8 %) apresentaram IDE superior a Ingestão Diária Máxima Tolerável Provisória (IDMTP) recomendada de 1 ?g/kg p.c./dia. A importância de contínuo monitoramento perante perigo de exposição a DON é evidente, sendo que os níveis máximos em trigo no Brasil foram recentemente publicados pela ANVISA.

The probiotic bacteria survival during the gastrointestinal transit is primordial, and implies in the ability of microorganisms to survive at the stomach acidity and bile, so they can exert their beneficial effects on the host. The aim of this study was to evaluate, “in vitro”, Lactobacillus strains originated from one year old children fecal material in the selection of probiotic microorganisms. Two commercial strains, L. casei (Lc 01TM) and L. acidophilus (La-05 TM) were used as controls. The first screening resulted in 75 colonies and they were isolated from six samples faeces. Isolates were Gram positive, mostly rod shaped (cocobacilli, long and thin rods) and rarely cocci. They were submitted to catalase test and evaluated for the presence of spores, resulting in 30 pre-selected strains. Among those strains, eight strains: L4, L5, L12, L19, L20, L22, L23, L24 were the most resistant to Oxgall (bile salts) concentration (0.3 w/v). These eight strains were also resistant to acid conditions (pH 3.0) and all strains were able to grow in the presence of 0.3 w/v of phenol. The results of treatments were compared to the Neuman Keuls Student test at 5% of probability, with regression analyses made at different times for tolerance to intestinal conditions. The results demonstrated that all these strains were able to survive under gastrointestinal stress condition, indicating potential use as probiotics. The high survival rate of probiotic strains, in conditions that simulate the gastrointestinal transit, is strain dependent and thus, a proper selection of strains in the development of dairy probiotic products is vital.

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between air pollution and acute respiratory disorders in children. Methods: An ecological study of time series conducted in public health units in the city of Campo Grande-MS, Brazil, from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2007. Dailydata of O3 (ozone) were analyzed and, as outcome variables, 16,981 emergency pediatric consultations for respiratory symptoms; including in control model the variables related to time trend; seasonality; minimum, maximum and average temperature; relative humidity;rainfall and respiratory infections. We determined the Pearson correlation coefficient of respiratory diseases in relation to climatic parameters for the years 2004-2007. Results: Only O3 had a positive and statistically significant association, both with all emergency care attendances for respiratory complaints, as with these due to symptoms in lower airways. The daily average concentrations of O3 did not exceed the recommended daily limits. Conclusion: We found associations between air pollution and the number of emergencypediatric consultations for respiratory causes in Campo Grande, although the levels of monitored pollutant ozone remained below recommended levels throughout the study period.

Os probióticos têm sido incorporados em sorvetes fermentados ou não, os quais são bons veículos para fornecer esses micro-organismos na dieta humana. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo analisar a viabilidade do micro-organismo probiótico Lactobacillus casei (LC-1) adicionado na forma livre ou protegido com trealose e goma acácia em sorvete durante 98 dias de armazenamento a -20°C, bem como avaliar a aceitabilidade do ponto de vista sensorial e as características físico-químicas desse produto. A sobrevivência do L. casei controle (sem prote- ção celular) e do L. casei protegido com trealose e goma acácia foi monitorada durante 98 dias de estocagem do produto a -20℃. No início do armazenamento, foi observada população média de 9,20log UFC.g-1 para o L. casei livre e 9,80log UFC.g-1 para o L. casei protegido. Porém, após 98 dias de armazenamento a -20°C, essas populações diminuíram para 6,90 e 8,14log UFC.g-1, respectivamente. A adição do L. casei livre ou protegido não afetou as características sensoriais do sorvete. A proteção celular com trealose e goma acácia em L. casei melhorou a viabilidade desse micro-organismo quando adicionado em sorvete.

OBJETIVO: Analisar o conhecimento da população sobre DST/aids, bem como os discursos sobre o uso do preservativo e das práticas sexuais. MÉTODOS: Pesquisa qualitativa com 64 indivíduos jovens e adultos, brancos e negros, sexualmente ativos, de ambos os sexos. A vulnerabilidade ao HIV/aids foi discutida a partir da perspectiva racial (negros ou brancos), geracional (entre 16 e 24 anos ou 45 e mais) e de gênero (masculino ou feminino). Foram realizadas entrevistas em profundidade com roteiro semiestruturado nas cidades de São Paulo (SP) e Recife (PE), sobre os temas: conhecimento e percepção sobre DST/aids, percepção de risco individual, negociação e uso de preservativos, iniciação sexual e práticas sexuais. RESULTADOS: Os indivíduos menos escolarizados, os homens, os mais velhos e os moradores de Recife foram os menos informados sobre DST/aids. Pessoas acima de 45 anos e os menos escolarizados possuíam conhecimento incipiente sobre as formas de transmissão e prevenção das DST/aids. O uso do preservativo entre os entrevistados de ambas as cidades foi relativamente baixo; a não utilização do preservativo entre as mulheres em relação estável foi atribuída à negativa do parceiro. Entre os entrevistados que declararam usar o preservativo, o tipo de relação estabelecida e a fase do relacionamento resultaram em padrões de uso diversificados; o uso consistente do preservativo foi mais frequente nas parcerias eventuais. CONCLUSÕES: O conhecimento incipiente aliado à prática sexual insegura coloca mulheres unidas, de baixa escolaridade, menor renda, sobretudo acima dos 45 anos, e os residentes de Recife em situação de maior vulnerabilidade às DST/aids.OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to assess the level of knowledge and information held by the population about HIV/AIDS, and to analyze discourses about condom use and sexual practices. METHODS: Qualitative research with 64 young people and adults, black and white, sexually active men and women. Vulnerability to HIV/AIDS was discussed from the perspective of racial (black or white), generational (between 16 and 45 or 24 years or older) and gender (male or female). In-depth interviews were conducted with a semi-structured script in the cities of São Paulo (SP) and Recife (PE) on the following themes: knowledge and perception about STD/AIDS, perception of individual risk, negotiation and condom use, sexual initiation and practices. RESULTS: The least-educated, men, elders and residents of Recife were the least informed persons as regards to HIV/AIDS. People over 45 years and the less educated had incipient knowledge about transmission and prevention of STD/AIDS. Condom use among respondents in both cities was relatively low, non-use of condoms among women in stable relationship was attributed to partner's refusal to using it. Among respondents who reported using condoms, the type of relationship established and the phase of the relationship resulted in varied patterns of use; the consistent use of condoms was more common in occasional partnerships. CONCLUSIONS: The incipient knowledge in association with unsafe sexual practice puts women in stable relationship, poorly educated, lower income, particularly above 45 years, and residents of Recife in a situation of greater vulnerability to STD/AIDS.

Plant foods, their products and processing by-products are well recognized as important sources of phenolic compounds. Recent studies in this field have demonstrated that food processing by-products are often richer sources of bioactive compounds as compared with their original feedstock. However, their final application as a source of nutraceuticals and bioactives requires addressing certain hurdles and challenges. This review discusses recent knowledge advances in the use of plant food processing by-products as sources of phenolic compounds with special attention to the role of genetics on the distribution and biosynthesis of plant phenolics, as well as their profiling and screening, potential health benefits, and safety issues. The potentialities in health improvement from food phenolics in animal models and in humans is well substantiated, however, considering the emerging market of plant food by-products as potential sources of phenolic bioactives, more research in humans is deemed necessary.

Synbiotic foods containing probiotics and prebiotics are good for human health. The aim of this work was to develop a symbiotic grape juice, as alternative to dairy probiotic products, containing the probiotic culture Lactobacillus acidophilus and oligofrutose as prebiotic. To evaluate the best juice formulation, was realized a 22 factorial planning. The juice was kept under refrigeration for 8 days. The symbiotic juice pH (2.86-3.52) increased in comparison to the control (2.69). It was observed that the formulation containing 10% oligofrutose and 108 CFU/mL of L. acidophilus presented the lactic acid bacterial counting (1.25 x 107 CFU/mL) according to the legislation for probiotic claim. This formulation was selected for sensorial evaluation. The triangular test showed a significant difference between symbiotic and control juice (p¡Ü0.001). In the other hand, in the affective test of preference (hedonic scale of 9 points), the scores given by the 18 painelists to the control (6.67±1.27) and symbiotic (5.56±2.56) juices were not statistically different (p>0.05).Alimentos simbióticos contendo probióticos e prebióticos são benéficos para a saúde humana. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver um suco de uva simbiótico, como alternativa a bebidas lácteas probióticas, contendo o probiótico Lactobacillus acidophilus e o prebiótico oligofrutose. Para avaliar a melhor formulação do suco, foi realizado um planejamento fatorial 22. O suco comercial pasteurizado foi inoculado com 10 e 15% de oligofrutose e 107 e 108 UFC/mL de L. acidophilus, mantido sob refrigeração por 8 dias. O pH dos sucos elaborados (2,86 – 3,52) aumentou em relação ao controle (2,69). Observou-se que a formulação contendo 10% de oligofrutose e 108 UFC/mL de L. acidophilus foi a que apresentou contagem de bactérias lácticas (1,25 x 107 UFC/mL) dentro da legislação para utilização da alegação de produto probiótico. Assim, esta formulação foi escolhida para realizar a análise sensorial. O teste triangular demonstrou que houve diferença significativa entre o suco simbiótico e o suco controle (p¡Ü0,001). Por outro lado, no teste afetivo de preferência (escala hedônica de 9 pontos), as notas atribuídas pelos 18 provadores ao suco controle (6,67±1,27) e ao simbiótico (5,56±2,56) não diferiram estatisticamente (p>0,05).

OBJETIVO: Identificar a prevalência de atitudes discriminatórias em dois momentos da epidemia brasileira de HIV/Aids e possíveis mudanças ocorridas. MÉTODOS: O Índice de Intenção de Discriminação foi obtido por pontuação, somando 1 para situações de discriminação ou 0, para o caso contrário. As faixas de intenção de discriminação foram estabelecidas por meio da técnica de cluster, compatibilizadas entre os estudos de 1998 e 2005. Para verificar associação entre o índice e as variáveis sociodemográficas, utilizou-se comparações de médias, teste qui-quadrado, e modelos ajustados de regressão logito ordenado. RESULTADOS: Houve redução estatisticamente significante na proporção de pessoas entre as pesquisas de 1998 e 2005 que responderam sim à obrigatoriedade do teste anti-HIV para: a admissão no emprego, antes do casamento, ingresso nas forças armadas, usuários de drogas, entrada de estrangeiros no país, profissionais do sexo e para todas as pessoas. Possuir menor escolaridade, ser do sexo feminino, ter acima de 45 anos e residir na região Norte/Nordeste são fatores associados ao maior nível de intenção de discriminação. CONCLUSÕES: O crescimento da intenção de discriminação mostra que as informações sobre formas de transmissão e não transmissão da Aids ainda necessitam de melhor elaboração e divulgação, principalmente entre as populações de menor escolaridade, residentes nos estados do Norte/Nordeste, do sexo feminino e pertencentes à faixa etária acima de 45 anos.OBJECTIVE: To identify discriminatory attitudes in two moments of the Brazilian HIV/AIDS epidemic, as well as the occurrence of possible changes. METHODS: The Intention of Discrimination Index was obtained by scoring 1 for discriminatory situations or 0, when the opposite was the case. Intention of discrimination ranges were established by means of the clustering technique, and made compatible between the 1998 and 2005 surveys. Mean comparisons, chi-square test and ordered logit adjusted regression models were used to verify association between the index and socio-demographic variables. RESULTS: Between the 1998 and 2005 surveys, there was a statistically significant reduction in the proportion of people who answered "yes" to anti-HIV test's being mandatory in the following cases: admission for employment, before getting married, when joining the military service, drug users, foreigners entering the country, sex professionals, and for all the people. To have lower level of education, to be female, to live in the North/Northeast regions of Brazil, and to be aged over 45 years are factors associated with higher intention of discrimination level. CONCLUSIONS: The growth of intention of discrimination shows that information about ways of AIDS transmission and non-transmission still needs to be better planned and promoted, especially among populations that have lower level of education, live in the North/Northeast regions, are female and aged over 45 years.

O uso indiscriminado da vinhaça como fertilizante pode impactar o solo, os mananciais de superfície e as águas subterrâneas. A vinhaça apresenta grandes concentrações de nitrato e matéria orgânica o que lhe confere alto poder poluente. Com a prática não regulamentada do uso da vinhaça como fertilizante nas lavouras de cana-de-açúcar, a Assembleia Legislativa do Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul apresentou um projeto de Lei de nº. 07/2013 visando normatizar o uso e a aplicação deste produto, em função do tipo de textura do solo, não podendo exceder ao limite de 155m3/ha/ano. A maior parte das áreas utilizadas para a cultura da cana de açúcar em Mato Grosso do Sul localizam-se em zona de afloramento de dois importantes aquíferos do Estado, tanto em área como em explotação: o Sistema Aquífero Bauru (SAB), poroso, e o Sistema Aquífero Serra Geral (SASG), fraturado, ambos aquíferos livres. Este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar a distribuição das usinas sucroalcooleiras em relação às unidades hidrogeológicas aflorantes, bem como a conformidade das taxas de aplicação de vinhaça nos canaviais, conforme o limite definido pelo referido projeto de Lei Estadual.