De novo transcriptome and lipidome analysis of Desmodesmus abundans under model flue gas reveals adaptive changes after ten years of acclimation to high CO2.

Microalgae's ability to mitigate flue gas is an attractive technology that can valorize gas components through biomass conversion. However, tolerance and growth must be ideal; therefore, acclimation strategies are suggested. Here, we compared the transcriptome and lipidome of Desmodesmus abundans strains acclimated to high CO2 (HCA) and low CO2 (LCA) under continuous supply of model flue gas (MFG) and incomplete culture medium (BG11-N-S). Initial growth and nitrogen consumption from MFG were superior in strain HCA, reaching maximum productivity a day before strain LCA. However, similar productivities were attained at the end of the run, probably because maximum photobioreactor capacity was reached. RNA-seq analysis during exponential growth resulted in 16,435 up-regulated and 4,219 down-regulated contigs in strain HCA compared to LCA. Most differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were related to nucleotides, amino acids, C fixation, central carbon metabolism, and proton pumps. In all pathways, a higher number of up-regulated contigs with a greater magnitude of change were observed in strain HCA. Also, cellular component GO terms of chloroplast and photosystems, N transporters, and secondary metabolic pathways of interest, such as starch and triacylglycerols (TG), exhibited this pattern. RT-qPCR confirmed N transporters expression. Lipidome analysis showed increased glycerophospholipids in strain HCA, while LCA exhibited glycerolipids. Cell structure and biomass composition also revealed strains differences. HCA possessed a thicker cell wall and presented a higher content of pigments, while LCA accumulated starch and lipids, validating transcriptome and lipidome data. Overall, results showed significant differences between strains, where characteristic features of adaptation and tolerance to high CO2 might be related to the capacity to maintain a higher flux of internal C, regulate intracellular acidification, active N transporters, and synthesis of essential macromolecules for photosynthetic growth.

Pectus excavatum with right ventricular compression-induced ventricular arrhythmias.

A 33-year-old woman, with palpitations since the age of 15, was referred to a cardiology consultation due to very frequent ventricular extrasystoles with morphology of left bundle branch block, inferior frontal axis, late precordial transition, rS in V1, R in V6 and rS in DI. She had pectus excavatum. The cardiac magnetic resonance showed severe pectus excavatum associated with exaggerated cardiac levoposition, compression and deformation of the right cardiac chambers. However, the patient became pregnant, and follow-up was delayed.

Characterization of Silver Nanoparticle Systems from Microalgae Acclimated to Different CO2 Atmospheres.

Green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles using microalgae exposed to high CO2 atmospheres has not been studied in detail; this is of relevance in biological CO2 mitigation systems where considerable biomass is produced. In this study, we further characterized the potential of an environmental isolate Desmodesmus abundans acclimated to low and high CO2 atmospheres [low carbon acclimation (LCA) and high carbon acclimation (HCA) strains, respectively] as a platform for silver nanoparticle (AgNP) synthesis. As previously characterized, cell pellets at pH 11 were selected from the biological components tested of the different microalgae, which included the culture collection strain Spirulina platensis. AgNP characterization showed superior performance of strain HCA components as preserving the supernatant resulted in synthesis in all pH conditions. Size distribution analysis evidenced strain HCA cell pellet platform (pH 11) as the most homogeneous AgNP population (14.9 ± 6.4 nm diameter, -32.7 ± 5.3 mV) followed by S. platensis (18.3 ± 7.5 nm, -33.9 ± 2.4 mV). In contrast, strain LCA presented a broader population where the size was above 100 nm (127.8 ± 14.8 nm, -26.7 ± 2.4 mV). Fourier-transform infrared and Raman spectroscopies showed that the reducing power of microalgae might be attributed to functional groups in the cell pellet from proteins, carbohydrates, and fatty acids and, in the supernatant, from amino acids, monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. Microalgae AgNPs exhibited similar antimicrobial properties in the agar diffusion test against Escherichia coli. However, they were not effective against Gram (+) Lactobacillus plantarum. It is suggested that a high CO2 atmosphere potentiates components in the D. abundans strain HCA for nanotechnology applications.

Gut microbial composition and functionality of school-age Mexican population with metabolic syndrome and type-2 diabetes mellitus using shotgun metagenomic sequencing.

Gut metagenome in pediatric subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been poorly studied, despite an alarming worldwide increase in the prevalence and incidence of obesity and MetS within this population. The objective of this study was to characterize the gut microbiome taxonomic composition of Mexican pediatric subjects with MetS and T2DM using shotgun metagenomics and analyze the potential relationship with metabolic changes and proinflammatory effects. Paired-end reads of fecal DNA samples were obtained through the Illumina HiSeq X Platform. Statistical analyses and correlational studies were conducted using gut microbiome data and metadata from all individuals. Gut microbial dysbiosis was observed in MetS and T2DM children compared to healthy subjects, which was characterized by an increase in facultative anaerobes (i.e., enteric and lactic acid bacteria) and a decrease in strict anaerobes (i.e., Erysipelatoclostridium, Shaalia, and Actinomyces genera). This may cause a loss of gut hypoxic environment, increased gut microbial nitrogen metabolism, and higher production of pathogen-associated molecular patterns. These metabolic changes may trigger the activation of proinflammatory activity and impair the host's intermediate metabolism, leading to a possible progression of the characteristic risk factors of MetS and T2DM, such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and an increased abdominal circumference. Furthermore, specific viruses (Jiaodavirus genus and Inoviridae family) showed positive correlations with proinflammatory cytokines involved in these metabolic diseases. This study provides novel evidence for the characterization of MetS and T2DM pediatric subjects in which the whole gut microbial composition has been characterized. Additionally, it describes specific gut microorganisms with functional changes that may influence the onset of relevant health risk factors.

Characterization of gut microbiota associated with metabolic syndrome and type-2 diabetes mellitus in Mexican pediatric subjects.

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity is a serious public health concern that confers a greater risk of developing important comorbidities such as MetS and T2DM. Recent studies evidence that gut microbiota may be a contributing factor; however, only few studies exist in school-age children. Understanding the potential role of gut microbiota in MetS and T2DM pathophysiology from early stages of life might contribute to innovative gut microbiome-based interventions that may improve public health. The main objective of the present study was to characterize and compare gut bacteria of T2DM and MetS children against control subjects and determine which microorganisms might be potentially related with cardiometabolic risk factors to propose gut microbial biomarkers that characterize these conditions for future development of pre-diagnostic tools. RESULTS: Stool samples from 21 children with T2DM, 25 with MetS, and 20 controls (n = 66) were collected and processed to conduct 16S rDNA gene sequencing. α- and ß-diversity were studied to detect microbial differences among studied groups. Spearman correlation was used to analyze possible associations between gut microbiota and cardiometabolic risk factors, and linear discriminant analyses (LDA) were conducted to determine potential gut bacterial biomarkers. T2DM and MetS showed significant changes in their gut microbiota at genus and family level. Read relative abundance of Faecalibacterium and Oscillospora was significantly higher in MetS and an increasing trend of Prevotella and Dorea was observed from the control group towards T2DM. Positive correlations were found between Prevotella, Dorea, Faecalibacterium, and Lactobacillus with hypertension, abdominal obesity, high glucose levels, and high triglyceride levels. LDA demonstrated the relevance of studying least abundant microbial communities to find specific microbial communities that were characteristic of each studied health condition. CONCLUSIONS: Gut microbiota was different at family and genus taxonomic levels among controls, MetS, and T2DM study groups within children from 7 to 17 years old, and some communities seemed to be correlated with relevant subjects' metadata. LDA helped to find potential microbial biomarkers, providing new insights regarding pediatric gut microbiota and its possible use in the future development of gut microbiome-based predictive algorithms.

Cross-Talk and Physiological Role of Jasmonic Acid, Ethylene, and Reactive Oxygen Species in Wound-Induced Phenolic Biosynthesis in Broccoli.

Wounding induces phenolic biosynthesis in broccoli. However, there is scarce information about the physiological and molecular mechanisms governing this stress response. In the present study, a chemical-genetics approach was used to elucidate the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS), jasmonic acid (JA), and ethylene (ET) as stress-signaling molecules in the wound-induced phenolic biosynthesis in broccoli. Wounding activated the biosynthesis of ET and JA. Likewise, the wound-induced biosynthesis of ET and JA was regulated by ROS. JA activated primary metabolism, whereas the three signaling molecules activated phenylpropanoid metabolism. The signaling molecules inhibited the wound-induced activation of the hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA quinate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HQT) gene, which is involved in caffeoylquinic acids biosynthesis, and the main phenolics accumulated in wounded broccoli, suggesting that an alternative caffeoylquinic biosynthesis pathway is activated in the tissue due to wounding. ROS mediated the biosynthesis of most individual phenolic compounds evaluated. In conclusion, ROS, ET, and JA are essential in activating broccoli's primary and secondary metabolism, resulting in phenolic accumulation.

Bacterial Dynamics and Their Influence on the Biogeochemical Cycles in a Subtropical Hypereutrophic Lake During the Rainy Season.

Lakes in subtropical regions are highly susceptible to eutrophication due to the heavy rainfall, which causes significant runoff of pollutants (e.g., nutrients) to reach surface waters, altering the water quality and influencing the microbial communities that regulate the biogeochemical cycles within these ecosystems. Lake Cajititlán is a shallow, subtropical, and endorheic lake in western Mexico. Nutrient pollution from agricultural activity and wastewater discharge have affected the lake's water quality, leading the reservoir to a hypereutrophic state, resulting in episodes of fish mortality during the rainy season. This study investigated the temporal dynamics of bacterial communities within Lake Cajititlán and their genes associated with the nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and carbon biogeochemical cycles during the rainy season, as well as the influences of physicochemical and environmental variables on such dynamics. Significant temporal variations were observed in the composition of bacterial communities, of which Flavobacterium and Pseudomonas were the dominant genera. The climatological parameters that were most correlated with the bacterial communities and their functional profiles were pH, DO, ORP, turbidity, TN, EC, NH4 +, and NO3 -. The bacterial communities displayed variations in their functional composition for nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur metabolisms during the sampling months. The bacterial communities within the lake are highly susceptible to nutrient loads and low DO levels during the rainy season. Bacterial communities had a higher relative abundance of genes associated with denitrification, nitrogen fixation, assimilatory sulfate reduction, cysteine, SOX system, and all phosphorus metabolic pathways. The results obtained here enrich our understanding of the bidirectional interactions between bacterial communities and major biogeochemical processes in eutrophic subtropical lakes.

Chemical Genetics Applied to Elucidate the Physiological Role of Stress-Signaling Molecules on the Wound-Induced Accumulation of Glucosinolates in Broccoli.

Wounding stress is an effective strategy to induce glucosinolate (GS) biosynthesis in broccoli. However, there is insufficient knowledge on the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying this stress response. Herein, a chemical-genetic approach was applied to elucidate the role of jasmonic acid (JA), ethylene (ET), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) on the wound-induced biosynthesis of GS. Broccoli was processed into chops to induce wounding stress. Broccoli chops were treated with phenidone (PHEN) and diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI) as inhibitors of JA and ROS biosynthesis, respectively, whereas 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) was applied as an inhibitor of ET action. Wounding stress induced the expression of genes related to the biosynthesis of indolic and aliphatic GS, which was correlated with the accumulation of GS and modulated by the inhibitors of signaling molecules applied. Results of gene expression analysis indicated that JA played a key role in the activation of most genes, followed by ROS. Furthermore, except for the CYP79B2 gene, PHEN and 1-MCP synergistically downregulated the expression of GS biosynthetic genes evaluated, showing that the interaction between JA and ET was fundamental to modulate GS biosynthesis. Results presented herein increased our knowledge of the physiological and molecular mechanisms governing the wound-induced biosynthesis of GS in broccoli.

Assessment of the bacterial diversity of agave sap concentrate, resistance to in vitro gastrointestinal conditions and short-chain fatty acids production.

Low bacterial diversity in the gut has been associated with the development of several diseases. Agave sap concentrate (ASC) is obtained from the thermal treatment of the fresh sap called "aguamiel", an artisanal Mexican food. In this study, we assessed the microbial diversity from three different ASC producing regions in Mexico using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and evaluated their resistance to an in vitro gastrointestinal process as well as their ability to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). Seven phyla and 120 genera were detected in ASC samples; Firmicutes had the highest relative read abundance at the phylum level, whereas Bacillus was the most abundant genus. Bacterial diversity at phylum and genus levels was highly dependent on the region where ASC was produced. The microbiota from a selected sample was resistant to low pH conditions, bile salts and intestinal enzymes. Moreover, bacteria were able to survive and grow in the colonic environment. SCFA production was comparable with that observed for a well-known probiotic, Lactobacillus plantarum 299v, that was used as control. These findings demonstrate that ASC contains a bacterial ecosystem with potential probiotic benefits.

Rapid Changes in the Phytoplankton Community of a Subtropical, Shallow, Hypereutrophic Lake During the Rainy Season.

Lake Cajititlán is a small, shallow, subtropical lake located in an endorheic basin in western Mexico. It is characterized by a strong seasonality of climate with pronounced wet and dry seasons and has been classified as a hypereutrophic lake. This eutrophication was driven by improperly treated sewage discharges from four municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and by excessive agricultural activities, including the overuse of fertilizers that reach the lake through surface runoff during the rainy season. This nutrient rich runoff has caused algal blooms, which have led to anoxic or hypoxic conditions, resulting in large-scale fish deaths that have occurred during or immediately after the rainy season. This study investigated the changes in the phytoplankton community in Lake Cajititlán during the rainy season and the association between these changes and the physicochemical water quality and environmental parameters measured in the lake's basin. Planktothrix and Cylindrospermopsis were the dominant genera of the cyanobacterial community, while the Chlorophyceae, Chrysophyceae, and Trebouxiophyceae classes dominated the microalgae community. However, the results showed a significant temporal shift in the phytoplankton communities in Lake Cajititlán induced by the rainy season. The findings of this study suggest that significant climatic variations cause high seasonal surface runoff and rapid changes in the water quality (Chlorophyll-a, DO, NH4 +, and NO3 -) and in variations in the composition of the phytoplankton community. Finally, an alternation between phosphorus and nitrogen limitation was observed in Lake Cajititlán during the rainy season, clearly correlating to the presence of Planktothrix when the lake was limited by phosphorus and to the presence of Cylindrospermopsis when the lake was limited by nitrogen. The evidence presented in this study supports the idea that the death of fish in Lake Cajititlán could be mainly caused by anoxia, caused by rapid changes in water quality during the rainy season. Based on our review of the literature, this is the first study on the phytoplankton community in a subtropical lake during the rainy season using high throughput 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA amplicon sequencing.

Septoglomus mexicanum, a new species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi from semiarid regions in Mexico.

Septoglomus mexicanum is here described as a new species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF; Glomeromycota) based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses. It was isolated from rhizospheric soil of two endemic Mexican legumes: Prosopis laevigata and Mimosa luisana, which grow in semiarid regions of central Mexico. Septoglomus mexicanum is characterized by forming globose spores of (154.5-)202.8(-228.9) µm diam and a spore wall consisting of four layers (SWL1-SWL4): outer wall layer (SWL1) hyaline, evanescent, (1.7-)3.2(-4.3) µm thick; SWL2 laminate and smooth, orange to reddish orange, (3.1-)4.5(-6.1) µm thick; SWL3 laminate, smooth, reddish orange to reddish brown, (4.1-)5.1(-5.7) µm thick; and SWL4 hyaline, semiflexible, (0.93-)1.2(-1.4) µm thick. None of the spore wall layers stain with Melzer's reagent. The subtending hypha has a color from yellowish to golden and presents a septum on spore base. Septoglomus mexicanum can be distinguished from all other Septoglomus species by spore size and color, by spore wall structure (four layers), and by color change of the subtending hypha. Phylogenetic analysis based on the AMF extended DNA barcode covering a 1.5-kb fragment of the small subunit (SSU), internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2), and the large subunit (LSU) of rRNA genes places S. mexicanum in the genus Septoglomus, separated from other described Septoglomus species, especially S. turnauae, with whom it could be confused morphologically. All available sequences in public databases suggest that this new fungal species has not yet been previously detected. Thus, there are currently 149 Glomeromycota species registered in Mexico, representing 47.4% of the known species worldwide.

Chemical Profile and Safety Assessment of a Food-Grade Acetogenin-Enriched Antimicrobial Extract from Avocado Seed.

Acetogenins are bioactive fatty acid derivatives found in avocado tissues. Their efficacy as antimicrobials has been documented and initiated interest to use them as replacements of synthetic food additives. The present work focused on evaluation of multiple analytical methodologies for detection and quantification of organic solids present in a food-grade acetogenin-enriched extract (Avosafe®), and on its safety evaluations using bacterial reverse mutation (AMES) tests and acute oral toxicity to rat assays. Results confirmed chemical structures of two acetogenins as present in Avosafe® (AcO-avocadyne-(0) and AcO-avocadiene B-(3)), and together with seven other previously known compounds, quantified 94.74 ± 5.77% w/w of its solids as acetogenins. Safety evaluations indicated that Avosafe® was non-mutagenic and had an acute median lethal oral dose (LD50) to rats higher than the maximum concentration tested (>2000 mg·kg-1), with no signs of macroscopic abnormalities in organs. Mean body weight and hematological and biochemical parameters were normal after 14 days of a single oral dose of 2000 mg·kg-1. The results advance scientific information on the safety of avocado seed acetogenins and also generate new knowledge on profiles and concentrations of individual acetogenins found in avocado tissues (seed, pulp, and leaves) and in Avosafe®.

Ankle sprain risk factors: a 5-month follow-up study in volley and basketball athletes / Fatores de risco para entorse de tornozelo: estudo de 5 meses de acompanhamento em atletas de vôlei e basquete / Factores de riesgo de esguince del tobillo: estudio de seguimiento de 5 meses en atletas de voleibol y baloncesto

ABSTRACT Introduction Ankle sprain is a frequent sports injury among volley and basketball players, and identifying risk factors is necessary to prevent injuries and prolong their careers. Objective To identify intrinsic and extrinsic factors in basketball and volleyball players related to the risk of ankle sprain injury over a five-month follow-up period. Methods Ninety-four Brazilian young competitive athletes (15.8±1.7 years, 47 basketball and 47 volleyball players) participated in this study. They were evaluated for intrinsic risk factors (previous history of ankle sprain, dominant lower limb, ankle ligament laxity, range of motion of the ankle-foot complex, electromyographic response time of ankle evertors, postural control and muscular torque of ankle invertors and evertors) and extrinsic risk factors (type of shoes worn, use of orthosis, previous injuries while training or competing, and the players' position). Results During the study period, 18 (19%) athletes suffered unilateral sprains. Multivariate logistic regression analysis gave a final regression with four factors: dominant leg (p=0.161), type of shoes worn (p=0.049), player's position (p=0.153), and peroneus brevis muscle reaction time (p=0.045). There was an 86.1% probability of an ankle sprain if the athlete had a left dominant leg, wore shoes without vibration dampeners, or played in the small forward, wing/hitter spiker, middle blocker, or opposite spiker positions, and had a peroneus muscle reaction time longer than 80ms. However, only the player's position was significantly (p=0.046) associated with lesion occurrence. Conclusion The player's position appeared to be a risk factor in both sports, and this result may help professionals to prevent ankle sprains. Level of Evidence I; High quality randomized clinical trial with or without statistically significant difference but with narrow confidence intervals.

RESUMO Introdução A entorse de tornozelo é uma lesão esportiva frequente em jogadores de vôlei e basquete, e a identifica ção dos fatores de risco é necessária para prevenir lesões e prolongar a carreira. Objetivo Identificar fatores intrínsecos e extrínsecos em jogadores de basquetebol e vôlei relacionados com o risco de entorse de tornozelo ao longo de cinco meses de acompanhamento. Métodos Noventa e quatro atletas brasileiros jovens e competitivos (15,8 ± 1,7 anos, 47 jogadores de basquete e 47 de voleibol) participaram do estudo. Foram avaliados os fatores de risco intrínsecos (história prévia de entorse de tornozelo, membro inferior dominante, frouxidão ligamentar do tornozelo, amplitude de movimento do complexo tornozelo-pé, tempo de resposta eletromiográfica dos músculos do tornozelo, controle postural e torques musculares dos inversores e eversores de tornozelo) e os fatores extrínsecos (tipos de calçado, uso de órteses, lesões prévias durante treinamento ou competição e posição dos jogadores). Resultados Durante o período do estudo, 18 (19%) atletas sofreram entorses unilaterais. A análise de regressão logística multivariada forneceu a regressão final com quatro fatores: perna dominante (p = 0,161), tipo de calçado (p = 0,049), posição do jogador (p = 0,153) e tempo de reação do músculo fibular curto (p = 0,045). Constatou-se uma probabilidade de 86,1% de entorse de tornozelo se o membro inferior esquerdo fosse o dominante, se o calçado não tivesse amortecedores ou se a posição de jogo fosse ala, ponta, saída de rede, oposto e tivesse um tempo de reação dos músculos fibulares maior que 80 ms. No entanto, apenas a posição do jogador foi significativamente (p = 0,046) associada à ocorrência de lesão. Conclusão A posição de jogo apareceu como um fator de risco em ambos os esportes e esse resultado pode ajudar os profissionais a prevenir entorses de tornozelo. Nível de evidência I; Estudo clínico randomizado de alta qualidade com ou sem diferença estatisticamente significante, mas com intervalos de confiança estreitos.

RESUMEN Introducción El esguince de tobillo es una lesión deportiva frecuente en los jugadores de voleibol y baloncesto, y la identificación de los factores de riesgo es necesaria para prevenir lesiones y prolongar la carrera. Objetivo Identificar factores intrínsecos y extrínsecos relacionados con el riesgo de esguince de tobillo a lo largo de cinco meses de seguimiento. Métodos Noventa y cuatro atletas brasileños jóvenes y competitivos (15,8 ± 1,7 años, 47 jugadores de baloncesto y 47 de voleibol) participaron del estudio. Se evaluaron los factores de riesgo intrínsecos (historia previa de esguince de tobillo, extremidad inferior dominante, lasitud del ligamento del tobillo, rango de movimiento del complejo tobillo-pie, tiempo de respuesta electromiogr á fica de los músculos del tobillo, control postural y el torque muscular de los inversores y eversores del tobillo) y los factores de riesgo extrínsecos (tipo de zapato, uso de ortesis, lesiones previas durante entrenamiento o competición y posición de los jugadores). Resultados Durante el período del estudio, 18 (19%) atletas sufrieron esguinces unilaterales. El análisis de regresión logística multivariada proporcionó la regresión final con cuatro factores: pierna dominante (p = 0,161), tipo de calzado (p = 0,049), posición del jugador (p = 0,153) y tiempo de reacción del músculo peroneo corto (p = 0,045 ) Se constató una probabilidad de esguince de tobillo de 86,1% si la extremidad inferior izquierda era la dominante, si el zapato no tenía amortiguadores o si la posición de juego fuera alero, punta, delantero de red, opuesto y tuviera un tiempo de reacción de los músculo del peroneo de más de 80 ms. Sin embargo, solo la posición del jugador fue significativamente (p = 0,046) asociada a la ocurrencia de lesión. Conclusión La posición de juego apareció como un factor de riesgo en ambos deportes y este resultado puede ayudar a los profesionales a prevenir esguinces de tobillo. Nivel de evidencia I; Estudio clínico aleatorizado de alta calidad con o sin diferencia estadísticamente significativa, pero con intervalos de confianza estrechos.

Biogas-producing microbial composition of an anaerobic digester and associated bovine residues.

Influenced by feedstock type and microbial inoculum, different microbial groups must precisely interact for high-quality biogas yields. As a first approach for optimization, this study aimed to identify through time the biogas-producing microbial community in a 10-ton dry anaerobic digester treating cattle manure by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and metagenomics. Moreover, the associated bovine residues or feedstocks (leachate, manure, oxidation lagoon water, rumen) were also characterized to determine their contribution. A diverse and dynamic community characterized by Bacteria (82%-88%) and a considerable amount of Archaea (8%-15%) presented profiles particular to each stage of biogas production. Eukaryotes (2.6%-3.6%), mainly fungi, were a minor but stable component. Proteobacteria represented 47% of the community at the start of the run but only 18% at the end, opposite to the Bacteroidetes/Chlorobi group (8% and 20%, respectively), while Firmicutes (12%-18%) and Actinobacteria (12%-32%) remained relatively constant. Methanogens of the order Methanomicrobiales represented by several species of Methanoculleus were abundant at the end of the run (77%) contrary to Methanosarcinales (11%) and Methanobacteriales (0.7%). Therefore, methanogenesis mainly occurred by the hydrogenotrophic pathway. Manure and oxidation lagoon water seemed to contribute key microorganisms, while rumen dominated by Methanobrevibacter (72%) did not proliferate in the digester. Manure particularly possessed Methanoculleus (24%) and uncultured methanogens identified by DGGE, whereas oxidation lagoon was exclusively abundant in Methanolinea (18%) and Methanosaeta (19%). Leachate, as the microbial inoculum from a previous run, adequately preserved the biogas-producing community. These results could lead to higher biogas yields through bioaugmentation strategies by incorporating higher proportions or an enriched inoculum from the relevant feedstocks.

Evaluation of the effect of elastic bandage on the ankle basketball players with and without chronic instability / Avaliação do efeito da bandagem elástica no tornozelo de jogadores de basquete com e sem instabilidade crônica / Evaluación del efecto del vendaje elástica en el tobillo de atletas de baloncesto con y sin inestabilidad crónica

INTRODUCTION: Basketball is a sport that requires good motor coordination as well as intense and multidirectional movements. Chronic ankle instability affects about 40% of patients who have sustained a sprain injury. In order to minimize the effects of this dysfunction, functional elastic tape has been widely used due to its mechanical properties, having some positive effects on athletes' functional performance. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of elastic tapes on the ankles of basketball players with and without chronic instability. METHOD: Thirteen athletes from a varsity basketball team of both sexes, aged between 18 and 30 years (23.2 ± 3.2 years), who had been playing the sport for at least one year and trained at least twice a week. The subjects were assessed using the anterior drawer test for the presence or absence of chronic ankle instability and in three different situations: placebo, elastic tape and control, and the order of use of the implements was randomly determined, using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) to assess the ankle stability of these athletes. RESULTS: Among the eight directions proposed in the SEBT, there was statistical significance in the difference in three directions for the placebo method in comparison to elastic taping and control. There was no statistical significance in the difference in four directions between the assessments, and there was no statistical significance in the difference in all directions between the control and elastic tapes. CONCLUSION: It can be inferred from the study that elastic taping does not have positive effects on joint stability in athletes with and without chronic instability, taking into account their functionality. Levef of Evidence I; High quality randomized trial with statistically significant difference or no statistically significant difference but narrow confidence intervals. (AU)

INTRODUÇÃO: O basquete é um esporte que requer boa coordenação motora e movimentos intensos e multidirecionais. A instabilidade crônica de tornozelo acomete cerca de 40% dos pacientes que sofreram lesão por entorse. Visando minimizar os efeitos dessa disfunção, a fita atlética elástica vem sendo bastante usada por suas propriedades mecânicas, apresentando alguns efeitos positivos sobre o desempenho funcional dos atletas. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito da fita atlética elástica no tornozelo de jogadores de basquete com e sem instabilidade crônica. MÉTODO: Foram avaliados 13 atletas de times de basquete universitário, de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 18 e 30 anos (23,2 ± 3,2 anos), que praticavam a modalidade há pelo menos um ano, com frequência de treino de, no mínimo, duas vezes por semana. Os sujeitos foram avaliados pelo teste de gaveta anterior quanto à presença ou não de instabilidade crônica de tornozelo em três situações distintas: com placebo, com fita atlética elástica e controle, e a ordem de uso dos implementos foi randomicamente determinada, sendo aplicado o Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) para avaliar a estabilidade do tornozelo desses atletas. RESULTADOS: Entre as oito direções propostas no SEBT, houve significância estatística na diferença em três direções para o placebo, com relação à fita atlética elástica e o controle. Não houve significância estatística na diferença em quatro direções entre as avaliações e não houve significância estatística na diferença em todas as direções entre as avaliações controle e fita atlética elástica. CONCLUSÃO: A partir deste estudo, foi possível observar que a fita atlética elástica não tem efeitos positivos sobre a estabilização articular em atletas com e sem instabilidade crônica em termos da avaliação da funcionalidade. Nível de Evidência I; Estudo clínico randomizado de alta qualidade com ou sem diferença estatisticamente significante, mas com intervalos de confiança estreitos. (AU)

INTRODUCCIÓN: El baloncesto es un deporte que requiere una buena coordinación motora y movimientos intensos y multidireccionales. La inestabilidad crónica del tobillo afecta a aproximadamente el 40% de los pacientes que han sufrido una lesión de esguince. Con el fin de minimizar los efectos de este trastorno, la cinta atlética elástica viene siendo bastante usada por sus propiedades mecánicas, presentando algunos efectos positivos en el rendimiento funcional de los atletas. OBJETIVO: Evaluar el efecto de la cinta atlética elástica en el tobillo de jugadores de baloncesto con y sin inestabilidad crónica. MÉTODO: Fueron evaluados 13 atletas del equipo de baloncesto universitario, de ambos sexos, con edad entre 18 y 30 años (23,2 ± 3,2 años), que practicaban la modalidad desde hace por lo menos un año, con frecuencia de entrenamiento de, como mínimo, dos veces por semana. Los sujetos fueron evaluados por el test de cajón anterior cuanto a la presencia o no de inestabilidad crónica del tobillo en tres situaciones diferentes: con placebo, con cinta atlética elástica y control, y el orden de uso de los implementos aleatoriamente determinado, siendo aplicado el Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) para evaluar la estabilidad del tobillo de estos atletas. RESULTADOS: Entre las ocho direcciones propuestas en el SEBT, hubo significancia estadística en tres direcciones para el placebo, con relación a la cinta atlética elástica y el control. No hubo significancia estadística en la diferencia en cuatro direcciones entre las evaluaciones y no hubo significancia estadística en la diferencia en todas las direcciones entre las evaluaciones control y cinta atlética elástica. CONCLUSIÓN: A partir de este estudio, fue posible observar que la cinta atlética elástica no tiene efectos positivos sobre la estabilización articular en atletas con y sin inestabilidad crónica, en términos de evaluación de la funcionalidad. Nivel de Evidencia I; Estudio clínico aleatorio de alta calidad, con o sin diferencia estadísticamente significativa, pero con estrechos intervalos de confianza. (AU)

Effects of athletic taping on performance of basketball athletes with chronic ankle instability / Efeitos da fita atlética na performance de atletas de basquete com instabilidade crônica de tornozelo / Efectos de la cinta atlética en el desempeño de los atletas de baloncesto con inestabilidad crónica de tobillo

INTRODUCTION: Ankle sprains are recurrent injuries in basketball, hence more and more athletes are taping their ankles to promote joint stability, aiming at improving dynamic balance and, consequently, functional performance. OBJECTIVE: To verify the effects of elastic and rigid athletic taping on the functional performance and level of comfort of basketball players with chronic ankle instability. METHODS: Twenty-one athletes aged between 18 and 30 years (mean age 23.7 ± 3.2) with chronic ankle instability (CAI), verified using the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool, were selected to take part in this study. The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and the Figure-of-8 hop test (F8) were applied unilaterally to assess functional performance, considering the ankle of greater instability in three situations: without athletic taping, with rigid athletic taping and with elastic athletic taping. A draw was held to determine the order in which the tests (held over a number of days) would be applied. A questionnaire was conducted to assess comfort on the same day the athletic tapes were applied. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the tests in any direction of the SEBT, but there was a significant difference in F8 between the rigid athletic taping x control and elastic athletic taping x control situations. In addition, the elastic athletic tape was considered significantly more comfortable than the rigid athletic tape. CONCLUSION: Athletic taping appears to effectively improve the dynamic balance and functional performance of athletes with CAI only in activities that cause considerable joint stress, as is the case in F8. Elastic athletic tape appears to be just as effective as rigid athletic tape in these situations, in addition to being a significantly more comfortable alternative. Levef of Evidence I; High quality randomized trial with statistically significant difference or no statistically significant difference but narrow confidence intervals.

INTRODUÇÃO: No basquete, as entorses de tornozelo são lesões recorrentes e, por isso, cada vez mais atletas vêm utilizando fitas atléticas para de promover a estabilização articular, visando a melhora do equilíbrio dinâmico e, consequentemente, da performance funcional. OBJETIVO: Verificar os efeitos da fita atlética elástica e rígida sobre a performance funcional e o nível de conforto dos jogadores de basquete que têm instabilidade crônica de tornozelo. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados para este estudo 21 atletas com idade entre 18 e 30 anos (média 23,7 ± 3,2) com instabilidade crónica de tornozelo (ICT), verificada com a Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool. O Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) e o Figure-of-8 hop test (F8) foram realizados unilateralmente para avaliar a performance funcional, considerando o tornozelo de maior instabilidade em três situações: sem fita atlética, com fita rígida e com fita elástica. Um sorteio foi realizado para determinar a ordem na qual os testes (mantidos por vários dias) seriam aplicados. Um questionário foi conduzido para avaliar o conforto no mesmo dia em que as fitas atléticas foram aplicadas. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significativa entre os testes em nenhuma direção do SEBT, mas houve diferença significativa no F8 entre as tiras atléticas rígida vs. controle e elástica vs. controle. Além disso, a fita atlética elástica foi considerada significativamente mais confortável do que a rígida. CONCLUSÃO: As fitas atléticas parecem melhorar efetivamente o equilíbrio dinâmico e a performance funcional de atletas com ICT apenas em atividades que ocasionam grande estresse articular, como o F8. A fita atlética elástica parece ser uma alternativa tão eficaz quanto a rígida nessas situações, além de ser uma alternativa significativamente mais confortável. Nível de Evidência I; Estudo clínico randomizado de alta qualidade com ou sem diferença estatisticamente significante, mas com intervalos de confiança estreitos.

INTRODUCCIÓN: En el baloncesto, los esguinces de tobillo son lesiones recurrentes y debido a esto, cada vez más atletas han utilizado cintas atléticas con el fin de promover estabilidad articular, con el objetivo de mejorar el equilibrio dinámico y en consecuencia el rendimiento funcional. OBJETIVO: Verificar los efectos de la cinta atlética elástica y rígida sobre el rendimiento funcional y nivel de comodidad de los jugadores de baloncesto que tienen inestabilidad crónica de tobillo. MÉTODOS: Fueron seleccionados para este estudio 21 atletas con edad entre 18 y 30 años (promedio 23,7 ± 3,2) con inestabilidad crónica de tobillo (ICT), verificada con la Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool. Para evaluar el desempeño funcional se realizó el Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) y el Figure-of-8 hop (F8) de forma unilateral, teniendo en cuenta el tobillo de mayor inestabilidad en tres situaciones: sin cinta atlética, con cinta rígida y con cinta elástica. Los tests se llevaron a cabo en el orden definido por sorteo, y se realizaron en días diferentes. El mismo día que se utilizaron las cintas atléticas se aplicó un cuestionario para evaluar la comodidad de las cintas atléticas. RESULTADOS: No hubo diferencia significativa entre los tests en ninguna dirección del SEBT, pero hubo diferencia significativa en el F8 entre las cintas atléticas rígidas vs. control y elásticas vs. control. Además, la cinta atlética elástica fue significativamente más cómoda que la rígida. CONCLUSIÓN: Las cintas atléticas parecen mejorar efectivamente el equilibrio dinámico y el desempeño funcional de atletas con ICT sólo en actividades que causan gran estrés articular, como el F8. La cinta atlética elástica parece ser una alternativa tan eficaz como la rígida en estas situaciones, además de ser significativamente más cómoda. Nivel de Evidencia I; Estudio clínico aleatorio de alta calidad, con o sin diferencia estadísticamente significativa, pero con estrechos intervalos de confianza.

Propriocepção e reforço muscular na estabilidade do tornozelo em atletas de futsal feminino / Proprioception and muscle strengthening in the stability of the ankle in female indoor soccer athletes / Propiocepción y refuerzo muscular en la estabilidad del tobillo en atletas de futsal femenino

RESUMO Introdução: O futsal é um esporte coletivo caracterizado por movimentos rápidos e de alta intensidade, com frequentes trocas de direção dos atletas, o que predispõe os membros inferiores a lesões principalmente na articulação do tornozelo. Objetivo: Comparar os efeitos de um treinamento proprioceptivo e um treinamento de reforço muscular sobre a estabilidade articular do tornozelo, em atletas de futsal feminino, por meio do Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Métodos: Foram avaliadas 20 atletas de futsal feminino, com idade entre 18 e 30 anos (média 22,45 ± 3,30), sem histórico de lesões nos membros inferiores nos últimos seis meses, divididas randomicamente em dois grupos. Um grupo realizou um treinamento proprioceptivo e o outro um protocolo de reforço muscular, durante quatro semanas. Foi utilizado o SEBT para avaliar as fases pré e pós-intervenção. Para a comparação de médias de ambos os tornozelos, em cada grupo isolado, utilizou-se o teste t para medidas repetidas. Para a comparação de médias entre os grupos, aplicou-se o teste t para amostras independentes. Adotou-se 5% (p ≤ 0,05) como nível de significância e as análises foram realizadas no programa SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) versão 18. Resultados: Tanto o treinamento proprioceptivo quanto o de reforço muscular obtiveram resultados estatisticamente significativos nas direções lateral, posterolateral, posterior, posteromedial e medial, demonstrando boa estabilidade da articulação do tornozelo para qualquer um dos protocolos. Na comparação do pré e pós-intervenção entre os grupos, não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas em nenhuma das direções do teste. Conclusão: Treinamentos proprioceptivos e treinamentos de reforço muscular com duração de quatro semanas parecem ser alternativas viáveis e eficazes no incremento da estabilidade articular do tornozelo em atletas de futsal feminino.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Indoor soccer is a team sport characterized by fast and high intensity movements, with frequent change of direction of the athletes, which predisposes the lower limb to injuries mainly in the ankle joint. Objective: To compare the effects of a proprioceptive training and muscle strengthening training on ankle joint stability in female indoor soccer athletes through the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Methods: Twenty female indoor soccer athletes, aged between 18 and 30 years (mean 22.45 ± 3.30) with no history of lower limb injuries in the last six months were divided randomly into two groups. One group underwent proprioceptive training and the other a muscle strengthening protocol for four weeks. SEBT was used to evaluate the pre and post-intervention phases. For the comparison of means of both ankles in each isolated groups the t test was used for repeated measures. For the comparison of means between groups, the t test was applied for independent samples. The level of significance was set at 5 % (p≤0.05) and statistical analyzes were performed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 18. Results: Both proprioceptive training and muscle strengthening training obtained statistically significant results in lateral, posterior-lateral, posterior, posterior-medial and medial directions, demonstrating a good stability of the ankle joint for any of the protocols. When comparing the pre- and post-intervention between groups there were no statistically significant differences in any of test directions. Conclusion: Proprioceptive training and muscle strengthening training during four weeks seem to be viable and effective alternatives to increase ankle joint stability in female indoor soccer players.

RESUMEN Introducción: El futsal es un deporte colectivo caracterizado por movimientos rápidos y de alta intensidad, con frecuentes cambios de direcciones de los atletas, lo que predispone a los miembros inferiores a lesiones, principalmente en la articulación del tobillo. Objetivo: Comparar los efectos de un entrenamiento propioceptivo y un entrenamiento de refuerzo muscular sobre la estabilidad articular del tobillo en atletas de futsal femenino, a través del Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Métodos: Se evaluaron 20 atletas de futsal femenino, con edad entre 18 y 30 años (promedio 22,45 ± 3,30), sin antecedentes de lesiones en los miembros inferiores, en los últimos seis meses, divididas aleatoriamente en dos grupos. Un grupo realizó un entrenamiento propioceptivo y el otro un protocolo de refuerzo muscular durante cuatro semanas. Se utilizó el SEBT para evaluar las fases pre y post-intervención. Para la comparación de promedios de ambos tobillos en cada grupo aislado se utilizó la prueba t para medidas repetidas. Para la comparación de promedios entre los grupos, se aplicó la prueba t para muestras independientes. Se adoptó el 5% (p ≤ 0,05) como nivel de significación y los análisis se realizaron en el programa SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) versión 18. Resultados: Tanto el entrenamiento propioceptivo, como el de refuerzo muscular obtuvieron resultados estadísticamente significativos en las direcciones lateral, posterolateral, posterior, posteromedial y medial, demostrando buena estabilidad de la articulación del tobillo para cualquiera de los protocolos. En la comparación del pre y post-intervención entre los grupos no se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en ninguna de las direcciones de la prueba. Conclusión: Entrenamientos propioceptivos y entrenamientos de refuerzo muscular con duración de cuatro semanas parecen ser alternativas viables y eficaces, en el incremento de la estabilidad articular del tobillo en atletas de futsal femenino.

Effects of acute and chronic exercise on the osmotic stability of erythrocyte membrane of competitive swimmers.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of acute and chronic exercise on erythrocyte membrane stability and various blood indices in a population consisting of five national-level male swimmers, over 18 weeks of training. The evaluations were made at the beginning and end of the 1st, 7th, 13th and 18th weeks, when volume and training intensity have changed. The effects manifested at the beginning of those weeks were considered due to chronic adaptations, while the effects observed at the end of the weeks were considered due to acute manifestations of the exercise load of that week. Acute changes resulting from the exercise comprised increases in creatine kinase activity (CK) and leukocyte count (Leu), and decrease in hematocrit (Ht) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), at the end of the first week; increase in the activities of CK and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), in the uric acid (UA) concentration and Leu count, at the end of the seventh week; increases in CK and LDH activities and in the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), at the end of the 13th week; and decrease in the value of the osmotic stability index 1/H50 and increases in the CK activity and platelets (Plt) count, at the end of the 18th week. Chronic changes due to training comprised increase in the values of 1/H50, CK, LDH, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), serum iron (Fe), MCV and Plt. Although acute training has resulted in decrease in the osmotic stability of erythrocytes, possibly associated with exacerbation of the oxidative processes during intense exercise, chronic training over 18 weeks resulted in increased osmotic stability of erythrocytes, possibly by modulation in the membrane cholesterol content by low and high density lipoproteins.

Inhibitory Activity of Avocado Seed Fatty Acid Derivatives (Acetogenins) Against Listeria Monocytogenes.

High standards regarding Listeria monocytogenes control and consumer demands for food products without synthetic additives represent a challenge to food industry. We determined the antilisterial properties of an enriched acetogenin extract (EAE) from avocado seed, compared it to two commercial antimicrobials (one enriched in avocado acetogenins), and tested purified molecules. Acetogenin composition in pulp and seed of Hass avocado was quantified. EAE were obtained by two sequential centrifuge partition chromatography separations and molecules purified by preparative chromatography and quantified by HPLC-MS-TOF and HPLC-PDA. Avocado seed extracts which are the following two: 1) EAE and 2) the commercially available antimicrobial Avosafe®, presented similar inhibition zones and chemical profiles. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of extracts and two isolated acetogenins varied between 7.8 and 15.6 mg/L, were effective at 37 and 4 °C, and showed a bactericidal effect probably caused by increased membrane permeability and lytic effects, evidenced by flow cytometry at 10 and 100× MIC. Activity was comparable to Mirenat®. Most potent acetogenins were Persenone C (5) and A (6), and AcO-avocadenyne (1), the latter exclusively present in seed. Common features of bioactive molecules were the acetyl moiety and multiple unsaturations (2 to 3) in the aliphatic chain, some persenones also featured a trans-enone group. Seeds contained 1.6 times higher levels of acetogenins than pulp (5048.1 ± 575.5 and 3107.0 ± 207.2 mg/kg fresh weight, respectively), and total content in pulp was 199 to 398 times higher than MIC values. Therefore, acetogenin levels potentially consumed by humans are higher than inhibitory concentrations. Results document properties of avocado seed acetogenins as natural antilisterial food additives.