Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography as a Powerful Strategy for the Exploration of Broas Volatile Composition.

Broa is a Portuguese maize bread with characteristic sensory attributes that can only be achieved using traditional maize varieties. This study intends to disclose the volatile compounds that are mainly associated with the baking process of broas, which can be important contributors to their aroma. Twelve broas were prepared from twelve maize flours (eleven traditional maize varieties and one commercial hybrid). Their volatile compounds were analyzed by GC×GC-ToFMS (two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry) for an untargeted screening of the chemical compounds mainly formed during baking. It was possible to identify 128 volatiles that belonged to the main chemical families formed during this stage. Among these, only 16 had been previously detected in broas. The most abundant were furans, furanones, and pyranones, but the most relevant for the aroma of broas were ascribed to sulfur-containing compounds, in particular dimethyl trisulfide and methanethiol. Pyrazines might contribute negatively to the aroma of broas since they were present in higher amounts in the commercial broa. This work constitutes the most detailed study of the characterization of broas volatile compounds, particularly those formed during the Maillard reaction. These findings may contribute to the characterization of other maize-based foodstuffs, ultimately improving the production of foods with better sensory features.

Overcoming presynaptic effects of VAMP2 mutations with 4-aminopyridine treatment.

Clinical and genetic features of five unrelated patients with de novo pathogenic variants in the synaptic vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP2) reveal common features of global developmental delay, autistic tendencies, behavioral disturbances, and a higher propensity to develop epilepsy. For one patient, a cognitively impaired adolescent with a de novo stop-gain VAMP2 mutation, we tested a potential treatment strategy, enhancing neurotransmission by prolonging action potentials with the aminopyridine family of potassium channel blockers, 4-aminopyridine and 3,4-diaminopyridine, in vitro and in vivo. Synaptic vesicle recycling and neurotransmission were assayed in neurons expressing three VAMP2 variants by live-cell imaging and electrophysiology. In cellular models, two variants decrease both the rate of exocytosis and the number of synaptic vesicles released from the recycling pool, compared with wild-type. Aminopyridine treatment increases the rate and extent of exocytosis and total synaptic charge transfer and desynchronizes GABA release. The clinical response of the patient to 2 years of off-label aminopyridine treatment includes improved emotional and behavioral regulation by parental report, and objective improvement in standardized cognitive measures. Aminopyridine treatment may extend to patients with pathogenic variants in VAMP2 and other genes influencing presynaptic function or GABAergic tone, and tested in vitro before treatment.

Effects of the Inoculant Strain Pseudomonas sp. SPN31 nah + and of 2-Methylnaphthalene Contamination on the Rhizosphere and Endosphere Bacterial Communities of Halimione portulacoides.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of the inoculation of the saltmarsh plant (Halimione portulacoides) with Pseudomonas sp. SPN31 nah+ combined with exposure to 2-methylnaphthalene (2-MtN) on the plant rhizosphere and endosphere bacterial communities as well as on plant health. To achieve this goal, microcosm experiments were set up. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) profiles and statistical analysis showed that rhizosphere and endosphere bacterial communities had distinct responses to plant inoculation and/or exposure to 2-MtN. PCR-sequencing analysis of nah genes encoding for 2-MtN degrading enzymes suggested the presence of Pseudomonas sp. SPN31 nah+ in the endosphere of H. portulacoides with 2-MtN contamination. Moreover, a significant effect in the photosynthetic performance of inoculated plants was detected. To conclude, despite the potential beneficial effect of plant inoculation with Pseudomonas sp. SPN31 nah+ endophytic bacteria may have on plant health, no significant effect on the removal of MtN was detected for the level of contamination used in the study.

Impact of Different Salts in Soaking Water on the Cooking Time, Texture and Physical Parameters of Cowpeas.

The characteristics of modern life has led consumers to seek convenience and speed in food preparation, but storage, which is often prolonged, can result in grain hardening, leading to higher energy consumption during preparation, grain with increased hardness is often discarded. Due to the increasing global demand for grain, the use of alternative techniques aimed at reducing grain waste is necessary. Therefore, we studied a method that meets consumer demand and results in better use of harvested grain. The beans studied were cowpea beans (Vigna unguiculata) of the BRS Guariba cultivar after 1 and 12 months of storage. Sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium chloride (KCl) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) were added to soaking water at different concentrations as a way to reduce cooking time. These beans were placed in soaking water for 12 h at 3 concentrations (0, 1.0 and 2.5%). The cowpeas soaked in water containing NaHCO3 presented the highest hydration coefficient, which increased with the salt concentration; these beans also had decreased hardness, chewiness and cooking time.

Sorting of the vesicular GABA transporter to functional vesicle pools by an atypical dileucine-like motif.

Increasing evidence indicates that individual synaptic vesicle proteins may use different signals, endocytic adaptors, and trafficking pathways for sorting to distinct pools of synaptic vesicles. Here, we report the identification of a unique amino acid motif in the vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT) that controls its synaptic localization and activity-dependent recycling. Mutational analysis of this atypical dileucine-like motif in rat VGAT indicates that the transporter recycles by interacting with the clathrin adaptor protein AP-2. However, mutation of a single acidic residue upstream of the dileucine-like motif leads to a shift to an AP-3-dependent trafficking pathway that preferentially targets the transporter to the readily releasable and recycling pool of vesicles. Real-time imaging with a VGAT-pHluorin fusion provides a useful approach to explore how unique sorting sequences target individual proteins to synaptic vesicles with distinct functional properties.

Multiple dileucine-like motifs direct VGLUT1 trafficking.

The vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs) package glutamate into synaptic vesicles, and the two principal isoforms VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 have been suggested to influence the properties of release. To understand how a VGLUT isoform might influence transmitter release, we have studied their trafficking and previously identified a dileucine-like endocytic motif in the C terminus of VGLUT1. Disruption of this motif impairs the activity-dependent recycling of VGLUT1, but does not eliminate its endocytosis. We now report the identification of two additional dileucine-like motifs in the N terminus of VGLUT1 that are not well conserved in the other isoforms. In the absence of all three motifs, rat VGLUT1 shows limited accumulation at synaptic sites and no longer responds to stimulation. In addition, shRNA-mediated knockdown of clathrin adaptor proteins AP-1 and AP-2 shows that the C-terminal motif acts largely via AP-2, whereas the N-terminal motifs use AP-1. Without the C-terminal motif, knockdown of AP-1 reduces the proportion of VGLUT1 that responds to stimulation. VGLUT1 thus contains multiple sorting signals that engage distinct trafficking mechanisms. In contrast to VGLUT1, the trafficking of VGLUT2 depends almost entirely on the conserved C-terminal dileucine-like motif: without this motif, a substantial fraction of VGLUT2 redistributes to the plasma membrane and the transporter's synaptic localization is disrupted. Consistent with these differences in trafficking signals, wild-type VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 differ in their response to stimulation.

Interventions among Pregnant Women in the Field of Music Therapy: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate in the literature the studies on the benefits of music therapy interventions among pregnant women in the prenatal, delivery and postpartum periods. DATA SOURCES: The search for articles was carried out in the following electronic databases: VHL, LILACS, SciELO, Portal CAPES, PsycINFO, ERIC, PubMed/Medline, and journals specialized in this field: Revista Brasileira de Musicoterapia ("Brazilian Journal of Music Therapy") and Voices. STUDY SELECTION: Descriptors in Portuguese (musicoterapia, gravidez, gestantes, revisão), English (music therapy, pregnancy, pregnant women, review) and Spanish (musicoterapia, embarazo, mujeres embarazadas, revisión) were used. The search was delimited between January 2009 and June 2019. The process of selection and evaluation of the articles was performed through peer review. DATA COLLECTION: The following data were extracted: article title, year of publication, journal, author(s), database, country and date of collection, purpose of the study, sample size, type of care, intervention, instruments used, results, and conclusion. The data were organized in chronological order based on the year of publication of the study. SUMMARY OF THE DATA: In total, 146 articles were identified, and only 23 studies were included in this systematic review. The articles found indicate among their results relaxation, decreased levels of anxiety, psychosocial stress and depression, decreased pain, increase in the maternal bond, improvement in the quality of sleep, control of the fetal heart rate and maternal blood pressure, and decreased intake of drugs in the postoperative period. CONCLUSION: Music therapy during the prenatal, delivery and postpartum periods can provide benefits to pregnant women and newborns, thus justifying its importance in this field.

OBJETIVO: Investigar na literatura os estudos sobre os benefícios das intervenções musicoterapêuticas em gestantes no pré-natal, parto e pós-parto. FONTES DOS DADOS: A busca dos artigos foi realizada nas seguintes bases de dados eletrônicas: BVS, LILACS, SciELO, Portal CAPES, PsycINFO, ERIC, PubMed/Medline e revistas especializadas da área: Revista Brasileira de Musicoterapia e Voices. SELEçãO DOS ESTUDOS: Utilizaram-se descritores em português (musicoterapia, gravidez, gestantes, revisão), em inglês (music therapy, pregnancy, pregnant women, review) e em espanhol (musicoterapia, embarazo, mujeres embarazadas, revisión). A busca foi delimitada de janeiro de 2009 até junho de 2019. Os processos de seleção e avaliação dos artigos foram realizados por revisão por pares. COLETA DE DADOS: Os seguintes dados foram extraídos: título do artigo, ano da publicação, revista, autor(es), base de dados, país e data da coleta, objetivo do estudo, tamanho da amostra, tipo de atendimento, intervenção, instrumentos utilizados, resultados, e conclusão. Os dados foram organizados em ordem cronológica a partir do ano de publicação do estudo. SíNTESE DOS DADOS: Foram identificados 146 artigos e incluídos apenas 23 estudos na revisão sistemática. Os artigos encontrados indicam em seus resultados relaxamento, diminuição dos níveis de ansiedade, de estresse psicossocial e de depressão, diminuição da dor, aumento do vínculo materno, melhora da qualidade do sono, controle da frequência cardíaca fetal e da pressão arterial materna, e diminuição da ingestão de fármacos no pós-operatório. CONCLUSõES: A musicoterapia durante o pré-natal, parto e pós-parto pode trazer benefícios para a gestante e para o neonato, o que justifica sua importância nessa área.

Biometric measurements of the nasal area of newborns for the development of a nasal protector model: cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate the biometric measurements of the nasal area of premature and term newborns to provide parameters for a nasal protector model. METHOD: A crosssectional descriptive study, carried out in the neonatal joint accommodation, intermediate and intensive care units of a hospital in Maceio, Alagoas, with a total of 300 newborns, divided into two groups: 150 term and 150 premature. Neonatal history data and 1200 digital photographs were used for biometric measurements. RESULTS: The groups were homogeneous regarding gender, weight and length of the newborn. The measurements of nasal width, distance from the wing of the nose to the right and left columella midline, right and left nasal introitus area, length of the right and left nasal dorsum were different when compared in groups according to gestational age and weight ranges - very low weight, low weight and appropriate weight for gestational age (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The data obtained provide parameters for creating a nasal protector for newborns using prongs, considering anatomical aspects.

Neuro-transmitters in the central nervous system & their implication in learning and memory processes.

This review article gives an overview of a number of central neuro-transmitters, which are essential for integrating many functions in the central nervous system (CNS), such as learning, memory, sleep cycle, body movement, hormone regulation and many others. Neurons use neuro-transmitters to communicate, and a great variety of molecules are known to fit the criteria to be classified as such. A process shared by all neuro-transmitters is their release by excocytosis, and we give an outline of the molecular events and protein complexes involved in this mechanism. Synthesis, transport, inactivation, and cellular signaling can be very diverse when different neuro-transmitters are compared, and these processes are described separately for each neuro-transmitter system. Here we focus on the most well known neuro-transmitters: acetyl-choline, catechol-amines (dopamine and nor-adrenalin), indole-amine (serotonin), glutamate, and gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA). Glutamate is the major excitatory neuro-transmitter in the brain and its actions are counter-balanced by GABA, which is the major inhibitory substance in the CNS. A balance of neuronal transmission between these two neuro-transmitters is essential to normal brain function. Acetyl-choline, serotonin and catechol-amines have a more modulatory function in the brain, being involved in many neuronal circuits. Apart from summarizing the current knowledge about the synthesis, release and receptor signaling of these transmitters, some disease states due to alteration of their normal neuro-transmission are also described.

A comprehensive look into the volatile exometabolome of enteroxic and non-enterotoxic Staphylococcus aureus strains.

Staphylococcal food poisoning is a disease that originates significant health and economic losses and is caused by Staphylococcus aureus strains able to produce enterotoxins. The aim of this work is to go further on the study of the volatile exometabolome of S. aureus using an advanced gas chromatographic technique. Enterotoxic and non-enterotoxic strains were assessed. The volatile exometabolome profile comprised 240 volatiles belonging to ten chemical families. This volatiles were mainly by-products of branched-chain amino acids and methionine degradation, pyruvate metabolism, diacetyl pathway, oxidative stress and carotenoid cleavage. Metabolites released by the first two pathways were produced in higher contents by the enterotoxic strains. This study add further insights to S. aureus volatile exometabolome, and also shows that by applying it, it is possible to distinguish strains of S. aureus by the number of produced enterotoxins, which is especially important from the food safety point of view.

Response of Rhizobium to Cd exposure: A volatile perspective.

The volatile metabolome of Rhizobium sp. strain E20-8 exposed to three concentrations of cadmium (2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 µM) was screened using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time of flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC-ToFMS), combined with headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME). Cd exposure induced a global increase in the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) both intra and extracellularly. Peak areas of several linear alkanes, ketones, aldehydes, alcohols, terpenic and volatile sulfur compounds, and one ester (ethyl acetate), were especially increased when compared with the control condition (no Cd). These compounds might originate from the metabolization of toxic membrane peroxidation products, the proteolysis of oxidized proteins or the alteration of metabolic pathways, resulting from the oxidative stress imposed by Cd. Several VOCs are related to oxidative damage, but the production of VOCs involved in antioxidant response (menthol, α-pinene, dimethyl sulfide, disulfide and trisulfide, 1-butanol and 2-butanone) and in cell aggregation (2,3-butanedione, 3-methyl-1-butanol and 2-butanone) is also observed. These results bring new information that highlights the role of VOCs on bacteria response to Cd stress, identify a novel set of biomarkers related with metal stress and provide information to be applied in biotechnological and remediation contexts.

VGLUT2 Trafficking Is Differentially Regulated by Adaptor Proteins AP-1 and AP-3.

Release of the major excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate by synaptic vesicle exocytosis depends on glutamate loading into synaptic vesicles by vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs). The two principal isoforms, VGLUT1 and 2, exhibit a complementary pattern of expression in adult brain that broadly distinguishes cortical (VGLUT1) and subcortical (VGLUT2) systems, and correlates with distinct physiological properties in synapses expressing these isoforms. Differential trafficking of VGLUT1 and 2 has been suggested to underlie their functional diversity. Increasing evidence suggests individual synaptic vesicle proteins use specific sorting signals to engage specialized biochemical mechanisms to regulate their recycling. We observed that VGLUT2 recycles differently in response to high frequency stimulation than VGLUT1. Here we further explore the trafficking of VGLUT2 using a pHluorin-based reporter, VGLUT2-pH. VGLUT2-pH exhibits slower rates of both exocytosis and endocytosis than VGLUT1-pH. VGLUT2-pH recycling is slower than VGLUT1-pH in both hippocampal neurons, which endogenously express mostly VGLUT1, and thalamic neurons, which endogenously express mostly VGLUT2, indicating that protein identity, not synaptic vesicle membrane or neuronal cell type, controls sorting. We characterize sorting signals in the C-terminal dileucine-like motif, which plays a crucial role in VGLUT2 trafficking. Disruption of this motif abolishes synaptic targeting of VGLUT2 and essentially eliminates endocytosis of the transporter. Mutational and biochemical analysis demonstrates that clathrin adaptor proteins (APs) interact with VGLUT2 at the dileucine-like motif. VGLUT2 interacts with AP-2, a well-studied adaptor protein for clathrin mediated endocytosis. In addition, VGLUT2 also interacts with the alternate adaptors, AP-1 and AP-3. VGLUT2 relies on distinct recycling mechanisms from VGLUT1. Abrogation of these differences by pharmacological and molecular inhibition reveals that these mechanisms are dependent on the adaptor proteins AP-1 and AP-3. Further, shRNA-mediated knockdown reveals differential roles for AP-1 and AP-3 in VGLUT2 recycling.

Interventions among Pregnant Women in the Field of Music Therapy: A Systematic Review / Intervenções em gestantes na área da musicoterapia: Uma revisão sistemática

Abstract Objective To investigate in the literature the studies on the benefits ofmusic therapy interventions among pregnant women in the prenatal, delivery and postpartum periods. Data Sources The search for articles was carried out in the following electronic databases: VHL, LILACS, SciELO, Portal CAPES, PsycINFO, ERIC, PubMed/Medline, and journals specialized in this field: Revista Brasileira de Musicoterapia ("Brazilian Journal of Music Therapy") and Voices. Study Selection Descriptors in Portuguese (musicoterapia, gravidez, gestantes, revisão), English (music therapy, pregnancy, pregnant women, review) and Spanish (musicoterapia, embarazo, mujeres embarazadas, revisión) were used. The search was delimited between January 2009 and June 2019. The process of selection and evaluation of the articles was performed through peer review. Data Collectio n The following data were extracted: article title, year of publication, journal, author(s), database, country and date of collection, purpose of the study, sample size, type of care, intervention, instruments used, results, and conclusion. The data were organized in chronological order based on the year of publication of thestudy. Summary of the Data In total, 146 articles were identified, and only 23 studies were included in this systematic review. The articles found indicate among their results relaxation, decreased levels of anxiety, psychosocial stress and depression, decreased pain, increase in the maternal bond, improvement in the quality of sleep, control of the fetal heart rate and maternal blood pressure, and decreased intake of drugs in the postoperative period. Conclusion Music therapy during the prenatal, delivery and postpartum periods can provide benefits to pregnant women and newborns, thus justifying its importance in this field.

Resumo Objetivo Investigar na literatura os estudos sobre os benefícios das intervenções musicoterapêuticas em gestantes no pré-natal, parto e pós-parto. Fontes dos dados A busca dos artigos foi realizada nas seguintes bases de dados eletrônicas: BVS, LILACS, SciELO, Portal CAPES, PsycINFO, ERIC, PubMed/Medline e revistas especializadas da área: Revista Brasileira de Musicoterapia e Voices. Seleção dos estudos Utilizaram-se descritores em português (musicoterapia, gravidez, gestantes, revisão), em inglês (music therapy, pregnancy, pregnant women, review) e em espanhol (musicoterapia, embarazo, mujeres embarazadas, revisión). A busca foi delimitada de janeiro de 2009 até junho de 2019. Os processos de seleção e avaliação dos artigos foram realizados por revisão por pares. Coleta de dados Os seguintes dados foram extraídos: título do artigo, ano da publicação, revista, autor(es), base de dados, país e data da coleta, objetivo do estudo, tamanho da amostra, tipo de atendimento, intervenção, instrumentos utilizados, resultados, e conclusão. Os dados foram organizados emordem cronológica a partir do ano de publicação do estudo. Síntese dos dados Foram identificados 146 artigos e incluídos apenas 23 estudos na revisão sistemática. Os artigos encontrados indicam em seus resultados relaxamento, diminuição dos níveis de ansiedade, de estresse psicossocial e de depressão, diminuição da dor, aumento do vínculo materno, melhora da qualidade do sono, controle da frequência cardíaca fetal e da pressão arterial materna, e diminuição da ingestão de fármacos no pós-operatório. Conclusões A musicoterapia durante o pré-natal, parto e pós-parto pode trazer benefícios para a gestante e para o neonato, o que justifica sua importância nessa área.

A assistência ao parto normal e a satisfação das puérperas / Asistencia al parto normal y satisfacción de las puérperas / Assistance to normal childbirth and the satisfaction of the puerperal women

Objetivo: Averiguar o que diz a literatura quanto à satisfação das puérperas em relação à assistência recebida no trabalho de parto e parto nos serviços de saúde. Método: Estudo qualitativo do tipo revisão integrativa, nas Bases de Dados: MEDLINE/BVS, SciELO, BDENF, PubMed, e DOAJ, no período de 15 de janeiro a 20 de fevereiro de 2021. Foi realizada leitura analítica dos estudos identificando os pontos chave para hierarquização e síntese das ideias. Resultados: Foram selecionados 14 estudos. Os dados obtidos com a pesquisa apontam para a inexistência de unanimidade quanto à percepção e satisfação das mulheres em relação à assistência ao trabalho de parto e parto. Conclusão: Portanto, atenção, acolhimento, cuidado e vínculo são elementos fundamentais para uma melhor assistência e, consequentemente, para o alcance da satisfação destas mulheres em relação à assistência recebida(AU)

Objective: To investigate what the literature says about the satisfaction of postpartum women in relation to the assistance received in labor and delivery in health services. Method: Qualitative study of the integrative review type, in Databases: MEDLINE/BVS, SciELO, BDENF, PubMed, and DOAJ, from January 15th to February 20th of 2021. An analytical reading of the studies was carried out, identifying the key points for the hierarchy and synthesis of ideas. Results: 14 studies were selected. The data obtained from the survey point to the lack of unanimity regarding the perception and satisfaction of women in relation to care during labor and delivery. Conclusion: Therefore, attention, reception, care and bonding are fundamental elements for better care and, consequently, for achieving these women's satisfaction in relation to the care received.(AU)

Objetivo: Investigar lo que dice la literatura sobre la satisfacción de las mujeres posparto en relación a la asistencia recibida en el trabajo de parto y parto en los servicios de salud. Método: Estudio cualitativo del tipo revisión integrativa, en Bases de datos: MEDLINE / BVS, SciELO, BDENF, PubMed, y DOAJ, del 15 de enero al 20 de febrero de 2021. Análisis analítico Se realizó la lectura de los estudios, identificando los puntos clave para la jerarquía y síntesis de las ideas. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 14 estudios. Los datos obtenidos de la encuesta apuntan a la falta de unanimidad en cuanto a la percepción y satisfacción de las mujeres en relación al cuidado durante el trabajo de parto y parto. Conclusión: Por lo tanto, la atención, la recepción, el cuidado y la vinculación son elementos fundamentales para un mejor cuidado y, en consecuencia, para lograr la satisfacción de estas mujeres en relación con el cuidado recibido(AU)

Biometric measurements of the nasal area of newborns for the development of a nasal protector model: cross-sectional study / Mediciones biométricas de la región nasal de neonatos para el desarrollo de un modelo de protector nasal: estudio transversal / Medidas biométricas da região nasal de recém-nascidos para desenvolvimento de modelo de protetor nasal: estudo transversal

ABSTRACT Objective: To correlate the biometric measurements of the nasal area of premature and term newborns to provide parameters for a nasal protector model. Method: A crosssectional descriptive study, carried out in the neonatal joint accommodation, intermediate and intensive care units of a hospital in Maceio, Alagoas, with a total of 300 newborns, divided into two groups: 150 term and 150 premature. Neonatal history data and 1200 digital photographs were used for biometric measurements. Results: The groups were homogeneous regarding gender, weight and length of the newborn. The measurements of nasal width, distance from the wing of the nose to the right and left columella midline, right and left nasal introitus area, length of the right and left nasal dorsum were different when compared in groups according to gestational age and weight ranges - very low weight, low weight and appropriate weight for gestational age (p<0.05). Conclusion: The data obtained provide parameters for creating a nasal protector for newborns using prongs, considering anatomical aspects.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Correlacionar las medidas biométricas de la región nasal de neonatos prematuros y a término y ofrecer parámetros para un modelo de protector nasal. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal en unidades de internación conjunta de cuidados intermediarios e intensivos neonatales de un hospital de Maceió, Alagoas, con 300 recién nacidos, divididos en dos grupos: 150 a término y 150 prematuros. Para las mediciones biométricas se utilizaron datos de la historia neonatal y 1.200 fotografías digitales. Resultados: Los grupos eran homogéneos en cuanto a sexo, peso y longitud del recién nacido. Las medidas de la anchura nasal, la distancia del ala de la nariz a la línea media del subtabique, lado derecho e izquierdo, la longitud y la anchura del subtabique, el área de las fosas nasales derecha e izquierda, la longitud del tabique nasal lado derecho e izquierdo eran diferentes cuando se compararon en los grupos según la edad gestacional, y en los rangos de peso: peso muy bajo, peso bajo y peso adecuado para la edad gestacional (p<0,05). Conclusión: Los datos obtenidos brindan parámetros para la creación de un protector nasal para recién nacidos que utilizan prongs, considerando los aspectos anatómicos.

RESUMO Objetivo: Correlacionar as medidas biométricas da região nasal de recém-nascidos prematuros e a termo e fornecer parâmetros para um modelo de protetor nasal. Método: Estudo descritivo de corte transversal, realizado nas unidades de alojamento conjunto, cuidados intermediários e intensivos neonatais de um hospital de Maceió, Alagoas, com 300 recém-nascidos, divididos em dois grupos: 150 a termo e 150 prematuros. Utilizaram-se dados da história neonatal e 1200 fotografias digitais para as medidas biométricas. Resultados: Os grupos foram homogêneos quanto ao sexo, peso e comprimento do recém-nascido. As medidas de largura nasal, distância da asa do nariz à linha média columelar direita e esquerda, comprimento e largura da columela, área do introito nasal direita e esquerda, comprimento do dorso nasal direito e esquerdo apresentaram-se diferentes quando comparadas em grupos de acordo com a idade gestacional, e quanto às faixas de peso - muito baixo peso, baixo peso e peso adequado a idade gestacional (p<0,05). Conclusão: Os dados obtidos fornecem parâmetros para criação de protetor nasal para recém-nascidos em uso de pronga, considerando aspectos anatômicos.

[Meningococcal disease: epidemiological profile in the Municipality of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, 1998/2002]. / Doença meningocócica: situação epidemiológica no Município de Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil, 1998/2002.

This epidemiological study focused on meningococcal meningitis in the Municipality of Manaus, Brazil from 1998 and 2002, considering the following aspects: incidence and case-fatality, age, sex, clinical manifestations, evolution, diagnostic criteria, and predominant meningococcal strains. The mean incidence rate for meningococcal meningitis in Manaus during the study period was 7.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The disease was more common in males. Infants (< 1 year age) were the most frequently affected age group. Mean case fatality was 14.0%. In 2002, serotype B meningococcus was the most prevalent (78.2%), while serotype C accounted for 7.2% of cases of meningococcal disease.

Effects of different hydration treatments on technological, physical, nutritional, and bioactive parameters of lentils / Efectos de diferentes tratamientos de hidratación sobre los parámetros tecnológicos, físicos, nutricionales y bioactivos de las lentejas

ABSTRACT Regular lentil consumption may improve health and prevent certain chronic diseases. Lentils have high antioxidant activity and contain proteins, essential amino acids, fiber, minerals, and bioactive compounds. However, few studies have investigated the physicochemical characteristics of lentils when subjected to various soaking and cooking methods. We aimed to evaluate the effects of different hydration and cooking practices on the hydration coefficient, cooking time, primary metabolism compounds (lipids, proteins, fibers, carbohydrates), energy value, soluble protein, color and texture characteristics, amino acid and mineral profiles, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, and antinutritional factors (phytates and tannins) in lentils. Hydration water was preheated to initial temperatures of 25°C or 90°C. Lentils pre-hydrated with water at 90°C needed less cooking time, obtained greater softness, and had less decreases in amino acids, minerals, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity.

RESUMEN El consumo regular de lentejas puede mejorar la salud y prevenir ciertas enfermedades crónicas. Las lentejas tienen una alta actividad antioxidante y contienen proteínas, aminoácidos esenciales, fibra, minerales y compuestos bioactivos. Sin embargo, pocos estudios han investigado las características fisicoquímicas de las lentejas sometidas a varios métodos de remojo y cocción. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los efectos de diferentes procesos de cocción e hidratación sobre el coeficiente de hidratación, el tiempo de cocción, los metabolitos primarios (lípidos, proteínas, fibras, carbohidratos), el valor energético, la proteína soluble, color y textura, los perfiles de aminoácidos y minerales, los compuestos bioactivos, la actividad antioxidante y los factores antinutricionales (fitatos y taninos) en la lenteja. El agua de hidratación se precalentó a temperaturas iniciales de 25°C o 90°C. Las lentejas prehidratadas con agua a 90°C necesitaban menos tiempo de cocción y obtuvieron una mayor suavidad, disminuyendo también la pérdida de aminoácidos, minerales, compuestos bioactivos y actividad antioxidante.

Protein interactions of the vesicular glutamate transporter VGLUT1.

Exocytotic release of glutamate depends upon loading of the neurotransmitter into synaptic vesicles by vesicular glutamate transporters, VGLUTs. The major isoforms, VGLUT1 and 2, exhibit a complementary pattern of expression in synapses of the adult rodent brain that correlates with the probability of release and potential for plasticity. Indeed, expression of different VGLUT protein isoforms confers different properties of release probability. Expression of VGLUT1 or 2 protein also determines the kinetics of synaptic vesicle recycling. To identify molecular determinants that may be related to reported differences in VGLUT trafficking and glutamate release properties, we investigated some of the intrinsic differences between the two isoforms. VGLUT1 and 2 exhibit a high degree of sequence homology, but differ in their N- and C-termini. While the C-termini of VGLUT1 and 2 share a dileucine-like trafficking motif and a proline-, glutamate-, serine-, and threonine-rich PEST domain, only VGLUT1 contains two polyproline domains and a phosphorylation consensus sequence in a region of acidic amino acids. The interaction of a VGLUT1 polyproline domain with the endocytic protein endophilin recruits VGLUT1 to a fast recycling pathway. To identify trans-acting cellular proteins that interact with the distinct motifs found in the C-terminus of VGLUT1, we performed a series of in vitro biochemical screening assays using the region encompassing the polyproline motifs, phosphorylation consensus sites, and PEST domain. We identify interactors that belong to several classes of proteins that modulate cellular function, including actin cytoskeletal adaptors, ubiquitin ligases, and tyrosine kinases. The nature of these interactions suggests novel avenues to investigate the modulation of synaptic vesicle protein recycling.

Exploring the potentialities of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time of flight mass spectrometry to distinguish bivalve species: Comparison of two clam species (Venerupis decussata and Venerupis philippinarum).

Metabolomics represents an emerging topic that can be valuable in the knowledge of organism responses to different stimuli. Metabolomic studies of bivalves may reveal the constraints they are subjected to, and may help clarifying the functions most affected and the tolerance mechanisms triggered. In response to this approach, two-dimensional gas chromatography-time of flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-ToFMS) combined with headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) was applied, for the first time to our knowledge, to the untargeted and comprehensive study of the volatile composition of clam species. Firstly, experimental parameters that influence the SPME extraction efficiency were evaluated: sample preparation mode, sample volume and SPME fiber coating. Taking into account the results from the optimization step, the metabolomic profiles were performed using 1 ml of clam soft tissues homogenized with N2 and diluted in deionised water (1:2, w/v), using the PDMS/DVB fiber coating. From a total of more than 200 compounds detected per sample, 63 were tentatively identified and distributed over the chemical families of hydrocarbons, ketones, aldehydes, alcohols, and terpenoids, which seems to arise from clams own metabolism, and/or from their activity as filter-feeders. The potential of this methodology to discriminate close related species was explored by comparing the volatile profiles of Venerupis philippinarum and Venerupis decussata from Ria de Aveiro, two clams belonging to the same genus. Both species experience different environment conditions, and physiological and biochemical characteristics, which may explain the observed differentiation between their metabolic profiles. To our knowledge, this is the most detailed information available so far about clam volatile composition, which represents a valuable data for future advanced studies in the ecology, toxicology and physiology of bivalves based on clams fingerprinting.

Release behavior of trans,trans-farnesol entrapped in amorphous silica capsules.

Farnesol, a compound widely found in several agro-food by-products, is an important bioactive agent that can be exploited in cosmetics and pharmaceutics but the direct bioapplication of this compound is limited by its volatility. Here the entrapment of farnesol in silica capsules was investigated to control the release of this bioactive compound in the vapor phase and in ethanol solutions. The preparation of silica capsules with oil cores was obtained by employing a sol-gel method using O/W/O multiple emulsions. Two distinct chemical vehicles for farnesol have been investigated, retinol and oleic acid, that afterwards have been emulsified as internal oil phases. The volatile release of farnesol from the as-prepared SiO2 capsules was investigated by headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) followed by gas chromatographic analysis (GC), and the release to ethanol was carried out by direct injection of the ethanolic fraction into the GC system. It is demonstrated that these capsules are efficient for the long controlled release of farnesol and that the respective profiles depend on the chemical parameters employed in the synthesis of the capsules.