(1 → 3),(1 → 6) and (1 → 3)-ß-D-glucan physico-chemical features drive their fermentation profile by the human gut microbiota.

Mushroom polysaccharides consist of a unique set of polymers that arrive intact in the human large intestine becoming available for fermentation by resident gut bacteria with potential benefits to the host. Here we have obtained four glucans from two mushrooms (Pholiota nameko and Pleurotus pulmonarius) under different extraction conditions and their fermentation profile by human gut bacteria in vitro was evaluated. These glucans were isolated and characterized as (1 â†’ 3),(1 â†’ 6)-ß-D-glucans varying in branching pattern and water-solubility. An aliquot of each (1 â†’ 3),(1 â†’ 6)-ß-D-glucan was subjected to controlled smith degradation process in order to obtain a linear (1 â†’ 3)-ß-D-glucan from each fraction. The four ß-D-glucans demonstrated different water solubilities and molar mass ranging from 2.2 × 105 g.mol-1 to 1.9 × 106 g.mol-1. In vitro fermentation of the glucans by human gut microbiota showed they induced different short chain fatty acid production (52.0-97.0 mM/50 mg carbohydrates), but an overall consistent high propionate amount (28.5-30.3 % of total short chain fatty acids produced). All glucans promoted Bacteroides uniformis, whereas Anaerostipes sp. and Bacteroides ovatus promotion was strongly driven by the ß-D-glucans solubility and/or branching pattern, highlighting the importance of ß-D-glucan discrete structures to their fermentation by the human gut microbiota.

Influenza A, like Omicron SARS-CoV-2, Is Similarly Detected in Saliva or Nasopharyngeal Samples via RT-qPCR.

After the Coronavirus pandemic, the importance of virus surveillance was highlighted, reinforcing the constant necessity of discussing and updating the methods for collection and diagnoses, including for other respiratory viruses. Although the nasopharyngeal swab is the gold-standard sample for detecting and genotyping SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza viruses, its collection is uncomfortable and requires specialized teams, which can be costly. During the pandemic, non-invasive saliva samples proved to be a suitable alternative for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, but for Influenza virus the use of this sample source is not recognized yet. In addition, most SARS-CoV-2 comparisons were conducted before the Omicron variant emerged. Here, we aimed to compare Influenza A and Omicron RT-qPCR analysis of nasopharyngeal swabs and saliva self-collection in paired samples from 663 individuals. We found that both nasopharyngeal swab and saliva collection are efficient for the diagnosis of Omicron (including sub-lineages) and for Influenza A, with high sensitivity and accuracy (>90%). The kappa index is 0.938 for Influenza A and 0.905 for SARS-CoV-2. These results showed excellent agreement between the two samples reinforcing saliva samples as a reliable source for detecting Omicron and highlighting saliva as a valid sample source for Influenza detection, considering this cheaper and more comfortable alternative.

Polysaccharides from Pleurotus eryngii: Selective extraction methodologies and their modulatory effects on THP-1 macrophages.

Polysaccharides from P. eryngii mushroom were selectively extracted using low-cost technologies (water at different conditions of temperature and pressure). Mannogalactan was the main polysaccharide in cold-water extracted fraction (CWEF), while a linear (1→6)-ß-d-glucan was the main polymer in hot-water extracted fraction (HWEF). Autoclave-extracted fraction (AEF) contained a mixture of at least four different α- and ß-glucans. The report of linear (1→6)-ß-glucan and linear (1→3)-ß-glucan is a new finding for P. eryngii fruiting bodies. The immunostimulatory properties of the fractions on THP-1 macrophages were studied. All fractions at 50, 250 and 500 µg/mL were not cytotoxic and produced different stimulus on NO, IL-1ß and IL-10 secretion by the cells. Thus, our results showed that it is possible to concentrate different P. eryngii polysaccharides in selected fractions using a simple and low-cost procedure. Since biological effects depends on the polysaccharide structure, this technique allows the obtainment of fractions with distinct immunomodulatory activities.

Isolation and comparison of α- and ß-D-glucans from shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) with different biological activities.

A polysaccharide-enriched extract obtained from Lentinula edodes was submitted to several purification steps to separate three different D-glucans with ß-(1→6), ß-(1→3),(1→6) and α-(1→3) linkages, being characterized through GC-MS, FT-IR, NMR, SEC and colorimetric/fluorimetric determinations. Moreover, in vitro hypocholesterolemic, antitumoral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities were also tested. Isolated glucans exerted HMGCR inhibitory activity, but only ß-(1→6) and ß-(1→3),(1→6) fractions showed DPPH scavenging capacity. Glucans were also able to lower IL-1ß and IL-6 secretion by LPS-activated THP-1/M cells and showed cytotoxic effect on a breast cancer cell line that was not observed on normal breast cells. These in vitro results pointed important directions for further in vivo studies, showing different effects of each chemical structure of the isolated glucans from shiitake mushrooms.

Gelling functional property, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive bioactivities of ß-D-glucan from the edible mushroom Pholiota nameko.

A ß-D-glucan was obtained from the edible mushroom Pholiota nameko by hot aqueous extraction and purification. NMR and methylation analyses of the purified fraction (GHW-PN, 1.46% yield) indicated the presence of a (1 → 3)-linked ß-D-glucan, highly substituted (~27%) at O-6 by single units of ß-D-Glcp or by (1 → 6)-ß-D-Glcp fragments. The ß-glucan (at 0.5, 1, and 2%) showed shear thinning behavior and when the concentration of the solution increased, there was an increase in apparent viscosity. The ß-D-glucan presented gel-like behavior and thermal stability under a simulated pasteurization process, suggesting its potential as a thickening and gelling agent in products submitted to temperature variations. The ß-D-glucan at 0.3, 1.0 and 3.0 mg kg-1 significantly inhibited the inflammatory pain in 24.8, 56.9 and 82.3%, respectively, in the formalin-induced nociception in mice. The results pointed out that the ß-D-glucan (GHW-PN) isolated from P. nameko presents potential application for the food industry or for medical purposes.

Factors associated with recurrent falls in a cohort of older adults. / Fatores associados à recorrência de quedas em uma coorte de idosos.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors associated with recurrent falls in community-dwelling older adults from Cuiabá. METHODS: This is an epidemiological, prospective, concurrent cohort study with a two-year follow-up. In-home surveys were conducted in 2012 and 2013. The data were treated by the software Epi Info and SPSS. Bivariate analysis investigated associations between risk factors and recurrent falls by calculating the relative risk (RR) of the cumulative incidences with a confidence interval of 95% (95%CI). Multiple analysis with Poisson regression included all variables with p < 0.20 in the crude analyses. The significance level of 5% (p < 0.05) was adopted as significant association for remaining in the final model. RESULTS: Most older adults (77.6%) had recurrent falls. The variables significantly associated with recurrent falls were older adult's income of up to two minimum salaries (RR = 1.62; 95%CI 1.04-1.77), absence of arthritis or arthrosis (RR = 1.32; 95%CI 1.10-1.48), having regular to very bad self-perceived health (RR = 1.44; 95%CI 1.12-2.04), and having visual impairment (RR = 1.23; 95%CI 1.01 -1.69). CONCLUSIONS: Falls in older adults are associated with low education levels, regular to very bad self-perceived health, visual impairment, and recurrent falls.

Fatores associados à recorrência de quedas em uma coorte de idosos / Factors associated with recurrent falls in a cohort of older adults

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é analisar os fatores associados à recorrência de quedas de idosos na comunidade em Cuiabá. Estudo epidemiológico, prospectivo, de coorte concorrente e seguimento de dois anos, por meio de inquéritos domiciliares em 2012 e em 2013, utilizaram-se os programas Epi Info e SPSS. Na análise bivariada buscou-se associações entre os fatores de risco e a recorrência de quedas pelo cálculo do risco relativo das incidências cumulativas (IC 95%). A análise múltipla foi realizada pela Regressão de Poisson, sendo incluídas todas as variáveis que apresentaram associações com p valor < 0,20 a partir das análises brutas. Adotou-se o nível de significância de 0,05 como de associação estatisticamente significante para a permanência no modelo final. Dos idosos, 77,6% sofreram recorrência de quedas. Mantiveram-se associadas com significância estatística as variáveis renda do idoso de até 2 salários mínimos (RR = 1,62; IC95% 1,04-1,77), ausência de artrite ou artrose (RR = 1,32; IC95% 1,10-1,48), ter regular e péssima autopercepção de saúde (RR = 1,44; IC95% 1,12-2,04) e ter problema de visão (RR = 1,23; IC95% = 1,01 -1,69). As quedas de idosos estão associadas com baixa escolaridade, autopercepção da saúde regular ou péssima e presença de problemas de visão e recorrência de quedas.

Abstract Objective To analyze the factors associated with recurrent falls in community-dwelling older adults from Cuiabá. Methods This is an epidemiological, prospective, concurrent cohort study with a two-year follow-up. In-home surveys were conducted in 2012 and 2013. The data were treated by the software Epi Info and SPSS. Bivariate analysis investigated associations between risk factors and recurrent falls by calculating the relative risk (RR) of the cumulative incidences with a confidence interval of 95% (95%CI). Multiple analysis with Poisson regression included all variables with p < 0.20 in the crude analyses. The significance level of 5% (p < 0.05) was adopted as significant association for remaining in the final model. Results Most older adults (77.6%) had recurrent falls. The variables significantly associated with recurrent falls were older adult’s income of up to two minimum salaries (RR = 1.62; 95%CI 1.04-1.77), absence of arthritis or arthrosis (RR = 1.32; 95%CI 1.10-1.48), having regular to very bad self-perceived health (RR = 1.44; 95%CI 1.12-2.04), and having visual impairment (RR = 1.23; 95%CI 1.01 -1.69). Conclusions Falls in older adults are associated with low education levels, regular to very bad self-perceived health, visual impairment, and recurrent falls.

Incidence and predicting factors of falls of older inpatients.

OBJECTIVE To estimate the incidence and predicting factors associated with falls among older inpatients. METHODS Prospective cohort study conducted in clinical units of three hospitals in Cuiaba, MT, Midwestern Brazil, from March to August 2013. In this study, 221 inpatients aged 60 or over were followed until hospital discharge, death, or fall. The method of incidence density was used to calculate incidence rates. Bivariate analysis was performed by Chi-square test, and multiple analysis was performed by Cox regression. RESULTS The incidence of falls was 12.6 per 1,000 patients/day. Predicting factors for falls during hospitalization were: low educational level (RR = 2.48; 95%CI 1.17;5.25), polypharmacy (RR = 4.42; 95%CI 1.77;11.05), visual impairment (RR = 2.06; 95%CI 1.01;4.23), gait and balance impairment (RR = 2.95; 95%CI 1.22;7.14), urinary incontinence (RR = 5.67; 95%CI 2.58;12.44) and use of laxatives (RR = 4.21; 95%CI 1.15;15.39) and antipsychotics (RR = 4.10; 95%CI 1.38;12.13). CONCLUSIONS The incidence of falls of older inpatients is high. Predicting factors found for falls were low education level, polypharmacy, visual impairment, gait and balance impairment, urinary incontinence and use of laxatives and antipsychotics. Measures to prevent falls in hospitals are needed to reduce the incidence of this event.

Características e condições de saúde de uma coorte de idosos que sofreram quedas / Characteristics and health conditions of na elderly cohort who had falls / Características y condiciones de salud de una cohorte de ancianos que sufrieron caídas

Objetivo: descrever as características e as condições de saúde dos idosos que sofreram quedas e as características das quedas sofridas por eles. Método: estudo epidemiológico, prospectivo, de coorte concorrente e seguimento de dois anos, por meio de inquéritos domiciliares em 2012 e 2013, e este foi codificado através de Data Compare. Utilizou-se os programas Epi Info e SPSS. O projeto de pesquisa foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa, parecer nº 179.037/2013. Resultados: os resultados apontam maior ocorrência de queda no sexo feminino, faixa etária de acima dos 70 anos, baixa renda e escolaridade e que fazem uso de mais de um medicamento. Maior ocorrência de quedas da própria altura, no domicílio e como consequência lesões e escoriações. Conclusão: a ocorrência de quedas pode resultar em um relevante problema de saúde, tendo em vista os danos ocasionados, portanto, medidas preventivas devem ser adotadas a fim de diminuir a ocorrência.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe the characteristics and health condition of the elderly who fell from their falls´ characteristics. Method: epidemiological and prospective study, of concurrent cohort and follow up of two years, through household surveys in 2012 and 2013, and encoded using a Compare Data. Epi Info and SPSS programs were used. The research project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee, opinion Number 179,037/2013. Results: the results indicate a higher frequency of falls among women aged over 70 years old, low income and education and who use more than one medicine. There were higher incidence of falls from height, at home and as a consequence there were injuries and abrasions. Conclusion: the occurrence of falls can result in a significant health problem, because of the damage caused. Therefore, preventive measures should be taken to reduce the occurrence.(AU)

Objetivo: describir las características y las condiciones de salud de los ancianos que sufrieron caídas y las características de las caídas sufridas por ellos. Método: estudio epidemiológico, prospectivo, de cohorte concurrente y seguimiento de dos años, por medio de estudios domiciliares en 2012 y 2013, y que fue codificado a través de Data Compare. Se utilizaron los programas Epi info y SPSS. El proyecto de investigación fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación, parecer número 179.037/2013. Resultados: los resultados muestran mayor ocurrencia de caídas en el sexo femenino, grupo etario de más de 70 años, baja renta y escolaridad y que hacen uso de más de un medicamento. Mayor ocurrencia de caídas de la propia altura, en el domicilio y como consecuencia lesiones y escoriaciones. Conclusión: la ocurrencia de caídas puede resultar en un relevante problema de salud, teniendo en vista los daños ocasionados, por lo tanto, medidas preventivas deben ser adoptadas a fin de disminuir la ocurrencia.(AU)

Incidence and predicting factors of falls of older inpatients / Incidência e fatores preditores de quedas de idosos hospitalizados

OBJECTIVE To estimate the incidence and predicting factors associated with falls among older inpatients.METHODS Prospective cohort study conducted in clinical units of three hospitals in Cuiaba, MT, Midwestern Brazil, from March to August 2013. In this study, 221 inpatients aged 60 or over were followed until hospital discharge, death, or fall. The method of incidence density was used to calculate incidence rates. Bivariate analysis was performed by Chi-square test, and multiple analysis was performed by Cox regression.RESULTS The incidence of falls was 12.6 per 1,000 patients/day. Predicting factors for falls during hospitalization were: low educational level (RR = 2.48; 95%CI 1.17;5.25), polypharmacy (RR = 4.42; 95%CI 1.77;11.05), visual impairment (RR = 2.06; 95%CI 1.01;4.23), gait and balance impairment (RR = 2.95; 95%CI 1.22;7.14), urinary incontinence (RR = 5.67; 95%CI 2.58;12.44) and use of laxatives (RR = 4.21; 95%CI 1.15;15.39) and antipsychotics (RR = 4.10; 95%CI 1.38;12.13).CONCLUSIONS The incidence of falls of older inpatients is high. Predicting factors found for falls were low education level, polypharmacy, visual impairment, gait and balance impairment, urinary incontinence and use of laxatives and antipsychotics. Measures to prevent falls in hospitals are needed to reduce the incidence of this event.

OBJETIVO Estimar a incidência e fatores preditores de quedas de idosos hospitalizados.MÉTODOS Estudo de coorte prospectivo realizado em unidades de clínica médica de três hospitais de Cuiabá, MT, no período de março a agosto de 2013. Foram acompanhadas 221 pessoas com 60 anos ou mais internadas até a alta, óbito ou queda. Para o cálculo das taxas de incidência utilizou-se o método de densidade de incidência. Realizou-se análise bivariada pelo teste do Qui-quadrado e múltipla por meio de regressão Cox.RESULTADOS A incidência de quedas foi 12,6 por mil pacientes/dia. Os fatores preditores para quedas durante a internação foram baixa escolaridade (RR = 2,48; IC95% 1,17;5,25), polifarmácia (RR = 4,42; IC95% 1,77;11,05), presença de disfunção visual (RR = 2,06; IC95% 1,01;4,23) e de marcha e equilíbrio (RR = 2,95; IC95% 1,22;7,14), incontinência urinária (RR = 5,67; IC95% 2,58;12,44) e uso de laxativos (RR = 4,21; IC95% 1,15;15,39) e antipsicóticos (RR = 4,10; IC95% 1,38;12,13).CONCLUSÕES A incidência de quedas dos idosos hospitalizados é alta. Os fatores preditores encontrados foram baixa escolaridade, polimedicação, presença de disfunção visual, de marcha e equilíbrio, incontinência urinária e uso de laxativos e antipsicóticos. São necessárias medidas de prevenção de quedas nos hospitais a fim de reduzir a incidência desse evento.

[Urinary incontinence in the prediction of falls in hospitalized elderly]. / Incontinência urinária na predição de quedas em idosos hospitalizados.

OBJECTIVE: Analyzing the effect of urinary incontinence as a predictor of the incidence of falls among hospitalized elderly. METHOD: Concurrent cohort study where 221 elderly inpatients were followed from the date of admission until discharge, death or fall. The Kaplan-Meier methods, the incidence density and the Cox regression model were used for the survival analysis and the assessment of the association between the exposure variable and the other variables. RESULTS: Urinary incontinence was a strong predictor of falls in the surveyed elderly, and was associated with shorter time until the occurrence of event. Urinary incontinence, concomitant with gait and balance dysfunction and use of antipsychotics was associated with falls. CONCLUSION: Measures to prevent the risk of falls specific to hospitalized elderly patients who have urinary incontinence are necessary.

Urinary incontinence in the prediction of falls in hospitalized elderly / Incontinencia urinaria en la predicción de caídas en ancianos hospitalizados / Incontinência urinária na predição de quedas em idosos hospitalizados

Objective Analyzing the effect of urinary incontinence as a predictor of the incidence of falls among hospitalized elderly. Method Concurrent cohort study where 221 elderly inpatients were followed from the date of admission until discharge, death or fall. The Kaplan-Meier methods, the incidence density and the Cox regression model were used for the survival analysis and the assessment of the association between the exposure variable and the other variables. Results Urinary incontinence was a strong predictor of falls in the surveyed elderly, and was associated with shorter time until the occurrence of event. Urinary incontinence, concomitant with gait and balance dysfunction and use of antipsychotics was associated with falls. Conclusion Measures to prevent the risk of falls specific to hospitalized elderly patients who have urinary incontinence are necessary.

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Objetivo Analizar el efecto de la incontinencia urinaria como pronosticadora de la incidencia de caídas entre ancianos hospitalizados. Método Estudio de cohorte concurrente en el que se acompañaron a 221 personas mayores en estancia hospitalaria, desde la fecha del ingreso hasta el alta, defunción o caída. El análisis de supervivencia y la verificación de la asociación entre la variable de exposición y las demás variables se llevaron a cabo por los métodos de Kaplan-Meier, densidad de incidencia y el modelo de regresión de Cox. Resultados La incontinencia urinaria fue un fuerte pronosticador de caídas en los añosos investigados y estuvo asociada con el menor tiempo de ocurrencia del evento. La incontinencia urinaria, concomitante con la disfunción de equilibrio y marcha y el uso de antipsicóticos, estuvieron asociadas con las caídas. Conclusión Son necesarias medidas de prevención de riesgo de caídas específicas a los pacientes añosos hospitalizados que presentan incontinencia urinaria.
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Objetivo Analisar o efeito da incontinência urinária como preditora da incidência de quedas entre idosos hospitalizados. Método Estudo de coorte concorrente onde foram acompanhados 221 idosos internados, desde a data da admissão hospitalar até a alta, óbito ou queda. A análise de sobrevivência e a verificação da associação entre a variável de exposição e as demais variáveis foram realizadas pelos métodos de Kaplan-Meier, densidade de incidência e o modelo de regressão de Cox. Resultados A incontinência urinária foi um forte preditor de quedas nos idosos pesquisados e esteve associada ao menor tempo de ocorrência do evento. A incontinência urinária, concomitante à disfunção de equilíbrio e marcha e uso de antipsicóticos foram associadas às quedas. Conclusão São necessárias medidas de prevenção de risco de quedas específicas aos pacientes idosos hospitalizados que apresentam incontinência urinária.

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Sugarcane (Saccharum X officinarum): A Reference Study for the Regulation of Genetically Modified Cultivars in Brazil.

Global interest in sugarcane has increased significantly in recent years due to its economic impact on sustainable energy production. Sugarcane breeding and better agronomic practices have contributed to a huge increase in sugarcane yield in the last 30 years. Additional increases in sugarcane yield are expected to result from the use of biotechnology tools in the near future. Genetically modified (GM) sugarcane that incorporates genes to increase resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses could play a major role in achieving this goal. However, to bring GM sugarcane to the market, it is necessary to follow a regulatory process that will evaluate the environmental and health impacts of this crop. The regulatory review process is usually accomplished through a comparison of the biology and composition of the GM cultivar and a non-GM counterpart. This review intends to provide information on non-GM sugarcane biology, genetics, breeding, agronomic management, processing, products and byproducts, as well as the current technologies used to develop GM sugarcane, with the aim of assisting regulators in the decision-making process regarding the commercial release of GM sugarcane cultivars.