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1.
Front Cardiovasc Med ; 11: 1275907, 2024.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38826814

RESUMO

Background: ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) requires revascularization treatment, preferably via primary percutaneous coronary interventions (pPCI). There is a lack of data about contemporary management of STEMI in Latin America. Methods: This was a multicenter, multinational, prospective, and dynamic registry of patients undergoing pPCI in Latin America for STEMI (STEMI/LATAMI Registry) that was carried out in nine centers from five countries (Argentina, Ecuador, Venezuela, Bolivia, and the Dominican Republic) between June 2021 and June 2023. All interventionalists involved in the study were originally trained at the same institution (Centro de Estudios en Cardiología Intervencionista, Buenos Aires, Argentina). The primary objective was to evaluate procedural and in-hospital outcomes of pPCI in STEMI and in-hospital outcome in the Latin America (LATAM) region; as secondary endpoints, we analyzed the following subgroups: differences between pPCI vs. pharmaco-invasive or late presenters, gender, elderly and very elderly patients, cardiogenic shock outcomes, and causes of STEMI. Results: In total, 744 STEMI patients who underwent PCI between June 2021 and June 2023 in five countries (nine centers) in our continent were included; 76.3% had a pPCI, 8.1% pharmaco-invasive PCI, and 15.6% had late STEMI PCI. There were no differences in region or center when we evaluated in-hospital and 30 days of death. The rate of procedural success was 96.2%, and the overall in-hospital mortality rate was 2.2%. In the subgroup of pPCI, mean symptom onset-to-balloon time was 295.3 ± 246 min, and mean door-to-balloon time was 55.8 ± 49.9 min. The femoral approach was chosen in 60.5%. In 3.0% of patients, the left main disease was the culprit artery, with 1.63 ± 1.00 stents per patient (564 drug-eluting stents and 652 bare metal stents), with 34 patients receiving only plain optimal balloon angioplasty. Definitive stent thrombosis was related to the infarct artery as the primary cause of STEMI in 7.5% of patients. The use of assistant mechanical devices was low, at 2.1% in the pPCI group. Women were older, with large numbers in very elderly age (≥90 years), greater mortality, and incidence of spontaneous coronary dissection as a cause of STEMI (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.003, respectively). Conclusion: In suitable LATAM Centers from low/medium-income countries, this prospective registry in patients with STEMI, PCI performed by well-trained operators has comparable results to those reported in well-developed countries.

2.
Environ Geochem Health ; 46(6): 202, 2024 May 02.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38696051

RESUMO

Determining the origin and pathways of contaminants in the natural environment is key to informing any mitigation process. The mass magnetic susceptibility of soils allows a rapid method to measure the concentration of magnetic minerals, derived from anthropogenic activities such as mining or industrial processes, i.e., smelting metals (technogenic origin), or from the local bedrock (of geogenic origin). This is especially effective when combined with rapid geochemical analyses of soils. The use of multivariate analysis (MVA) elucidates complex multiple-component relationships between soil geochemistry and magnetic susceptibility. In the case of soil mining sites, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopic data of soils contaminated by mine waste shows statistically significant relationships between magnetic susceptibility and some base metal species (e.g., Fe, Pb, Zn, etc.). Here, we show how qualitative and quantitative MVA methodologies can be used to assess soil contamination pathways using mass magnetic susceptibility and XRF spectra of soils near abandoned coal and W/Sn mines (NW Portugal). Principal component analysis (PCA) showed how the first two primary components (PC-1 + PC-2) explained 94% of the sample variability, grouped them according to their geochemistry and magnetic susceptibility in to geogenic and technogenic groups. Regression analyses showed a strong positive correlation (R2 > 0.95) between soil geochemistry and magnetic properties at the local scale. These parameters provided an insight into the multi-element variables that control magnetic susceptibility and indicated the possibility of efficient assessment of potentially contaminated sites through mass-specific soil magnetism.


Assuntos
Monitoramento Ambiental , Poluentes do Solo , Espectrometria por Raios X , Poluentes do Solo/análise , Espectrometria por Raios X/métodos , Análise Multivariada , Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , Mineração , Portugal , Análise de Componente Principal , Solo/química , Estanho/análise , Fenômenos Magnéticos , Minas de Carvão , Carvão Mineral
3.
Front Pharmacol ; 15: 1384198, 2024.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38720780

RESUMO

Introduction: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a recurrent and disabling psychiatric disorder related to low-grade peripheral inflammation and altered levels of the members of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) family. The aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma levels of IGF-2, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1), IGFBP-3, IGFBP-5, IGFBP-7, and inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), and macrophage inflammatory protein 1ß (MIP-1ß). Methods: We used the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) to determine the severity of the symptomatology, while proteins were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We included 20 patients with BD who suffered a manic episode and 20 controls. Some BD patients (n = 10) were evaluated after a period (17 ± 8 days) of pharmacological treatment. Results: No statistical difference was found in IGF-2, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-7, TNF-α, and MIP-1ß levels. However, IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 levels were found to be statistically decreased in BD patients. Conversely, the MCP-1 level was significantly increased in BD patients, but their levels were normalized after treatment. Intriguingly, only IGFBP-1 levels were significantly decreased after treatment. No significant correlation was found between the YMRS and any of the proteins studied either before or after treatment or between IGF proteins and inflammatory markers. Discussion: To some extent, IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 might be further explored as potential indicators of treatment responsiveness or diagnosis biomarkers in BD.

4.
ChemSusChem ; : e202301671, 2024 May 10.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38728171

RESUMO

Carbon materials are readily available and are essential in energy storage. One of the routes used to enhance their surface area and activity is the decoration of carbons with semiconductors, such as amorphous TiO2, for application in energy storage devices. This work reports the preparation of amorphous TiO2 nanopowders, which were obtained through the anodization of titanium in ethaline media. The obtained amorphous TiO2 was used to obtain TiO2-decorated carbon (obtained through the carbonization of glycogen precursor from mussel cooking wastewater, under N2 atmosphere) composites through three different methods: electrochemical in-situ attachment of TiO2 nanopowders to the carbon matrix using ultrasounds and sonication in ethaline. Commercial TiO2 was used as the comparison material. Morphology, composition, and structure analysis were performed, followed by the electrochemical analysis in ethaline electrolyte. The in-situ attachment of amorphous TiO2 to the carbon matrix shows the most promising electrochemical performance of 956 F g-1 at 1 A g-1 for the three-electrode cell setup, with 100%  and 98% capacitance retention after 1000 and 10000 cycles. On a two-electrode symmetric solid-state electrolyte cell, the gravimetric capacitance is 1251 F g-1, at 1 A g-1, with 90% and 78% capacitance retention after 1000 and 10000 cycles, respectively.

5.
Braz J Microbiol ; 2024 Apr 23.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38652443

RESUMO

Probiotic-containing foods are among the most appreciated functional foods; however, probiotic-based dairy products cannot be consumed by people who are lactose intolerant, allergic to milk, or vegetarian or vegan individuals. Thus, new non-dairy matrices have been tested for probiotics delivery. This study evaluated the growth and viability of Limosilactobacillus fermentum ATCC 23271 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ATCC 9595 in Pitanga juice (Eugenia uniflora L.). The effects of the fermentation on the antioxidant and anti-infective properties of the juice were also analyzed. The E. uniflora juice allowed lactobacilli growth without supplementation, reaching rates around 8.4 Log CFU/mL and producing organic acids (pH values < 4) after 72 h of fermentation. The strain remained viable after 35 days of refrigerated storage. Fermentation by these bacteria increases the antioxidant capacity of the juice. The central composite rotational design was employed to evaluate the effects of bacterial inoculum and pulp concentration on growth and organic acids production by L. fermentum ATCC 23271. The strain was viable and produced organic acids in all tested combinations. L. fermentum-fermented juice and its cell-free supernatant significantly increased the survival of Tenebrio molitor larvae infected by enteroaggregative Escherichia coli 042. The results obtained in this study provide more insights into the potential of Pitanga juice to develop a functional non-dairy probiotic beverage with antioxidant and anti-infective properties.

7.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 3554, 2024 Apr 30.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38688934

RESUMO

Conventional dendritic cells (cDC) play key roles in immune induction, but what drives their heterogeneity and functional specialization is still ill-defined. Here we show that cDC-specific deletion of the transcriptional repressor Bcl6 in mice alters the phenotype and transcriptome of cDC1 and cDC2, while their lineage identity is preserved. Bcl6-deficient cDC1 are diminished in the periphery but maintain their ability to cross-present antigen to CD8+ T cells, confirming general maintenance of this subset. Surprisingly, the absence of Bcl6 in cDC causes a complete loss of Notch2-dependent cDC2 in the spleen and intestinal lamina propria. DC-targeted Bcl6-deficient mice induced fewer T follicular helper cells despite a profound impact on T follicular regulatory cells in response to immunization and mounted diminished Th17 immunity to Citrobacter rodentium in the colon. Our findings establish Bcl6 as an essential transcription factor for subsets of cDC and add to our understanding of the transcriptional landscape underlying cDC heterogeneity.


Assuntos
Citrobacter rodentium , Células Dendríticas , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas c-bcl-6 , Células Th17 , Animais , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas c-bcl-6/genética , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas c-bcl-6/metabolismo , Células Dendríticas/imunologia , Células Dendríticas/metabolismo , Células Th17/imunologia , Células Th17/metabolismo , Camundongos , Citrobacter rodentium/imunologia , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Camundongos Knockout , Células T Auxiliares Foliculares/imunologia , Células T Auxiliares Foliculares/metabolismo , Linfócitos T CD8-Positivos/imunologia , Deleção de Genes , Baço/imunologia , Baço/citologia , Linfócitos T Reguladores/imunologia , Linfócitos T Reguladores/metabolismo
8.
J Psychiatr Res ; 173: 387-397, 2024 May.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38598877

RESUMO

INTRODUCTION: Expert consensus operationalized treatment response and remission in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) as a Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) reduction ≥35% and score ≤12 with ≤2 on Clinical Global Impressions Improvement (CGI-I) and Severity (CGI-S) scales, respectively. However, there has been scant empirical evidence supporting these definitions. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and an individual participant data meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) in adults with OCD to determine optimal Y-BOCS thresholds for response and remission. We estimated pooled sensitivity/specificity for each percent reduction threshold (response) or posttreatment score (remission) to determine response and remission defined by a CGI-I and CGI-S ≤ 2, respectively. RESULTS: Individual participant data from 25 of 94 eligible RCTs (1235 participants) were included. The optimal threshold for response was ≥30% Y-BOCS reduction and for remission was ≤15 posttreatment Y-BOCS. However, differences in sensitivity and specificity between the optimal and nearby thresholds for response and remission were small with some uncertainty demonstrated by the confidence ellipses. CONCLUSION: While the empirically derived Y-BOCS thresholds in our meta-analysis differ from expert consensus, given the predominance of data from more recent trials of OCD, which involved more refractory participants and novel treatment modalities as opposed to first-line therapies, we recommend the continued use of the consensus definitions.


Assuntos
Transtorno Obsessivo-Compulsivo , Adulto , Humanos , Transtorno Obsessivo-Compulsivo/tratamento farmacológico , Escalas de Graduação Psiquiátrica , Resultado do Tratamento
9.
Foods ; 13(8)2024 Apr 16.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38672888

RESUMO

Bovine whey cheese (WC) is a product from southern European countries that presents some challenges: its production process involves high energy inputs; the yield is low; and WC has a short shelf life. The application of ultrafiltration (UF) to bovine whey before manufacture of WC and the employment of protective cultures can reduce these disadvantages. The objective of this research was the production of whey cheeses using ultrafiltrated bovine cheese whey with added probiotics or probiotics plus protective cultures. Three types of WC were produced: control CW without any addition (C); CW with the addition of the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA5); and CW with the addition of Lactobacillus acidophilus plus a protective culture containing Lacticaseibacillus paracasei and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (LA5FQ4). The WCs were stored under refrigerated conditions for 28 days. The products with added cultures presented lower pH values and higher titratable acidities when compared to the control. Sample LA5 presented the lowest pH and the highest titratable acidity, while LA5FQ4 presented intermediate values. Slight differences were observed between products regarding color parameters, chiefly resulting from storage time. The samples with added cultures were firmer when compared to the control, with LA5 cheeses showing the highest values at the end of the storage. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) counts were on the order of log 8-9 CFU/g for the products with added cultures. Lower levels of yeasts and molds were detected on the sample with the protective culture (LA5FQ4), so that by the end of storage they presented counts one log cycle lower than C and LA5. Hence, the beneficial impact of the protective culture on the shelf life of the product is evident. Regarding sensory evaluation, LA5FQ4 cheeses obtained the highest scores for all parameters evaluated. It can be concluded that the use of UF associated with the addition of protective cultures can be very useful to reduce the energy consumption of the manufacturing process, to prolong the shelf life of WC and to improve its sensory properties.

11.
J Bras Pneumol ; 50(1): e20230132, 2024.
Artigo em Inglês, Português | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38536980

RESUMO

Connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD) represents a group of systemic autoimmune disorders characterized by immune-mediated organ dysfunction. Systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, idiopathic inflammatory myositis, and Sjögren's syndrome are the most common CTDs that present with pulmonary involvement, as well as with interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features. The frequency of CTD-ILD varies according to the type of CTD, but the overall incidence is 15%, causing an important impact on morbidity and mortality. The decision of which CTD patient should be investigated for ILD is unclear for many CTDs. Besides that, the clinical spectrum can range from asymptomatic findings on imaging to respiratory failure and death. A significant proportion of patients will present with a more severe and progressive disease, and, for those, immunosuppression with corticosteroids and cytotoxic medications are the mainstay of pharmacological treatment. In this review, we summarized the approach to diagnosis and treatment of CTD-ILD, highlighting recent advances in therapeutics for the various forms of CTD.


Assuntos
Doenças do Tecido Conjuntivo , Doenças Pulmonares Intersticiais , Insuficiência Respiratória , Humanos , Prognóstico , Doenças Pulmonares Intersticiais/diagnóstico por imagem , Doenças Pulmonares Intersticiais/etiologia , Doenças do Tecido Conjuntivo/complicações , Doenças do Tecido Conjuntivo/diagnóstico , Doenças do Tecido Conjuntivo/tratamento farmacológico , Corticosteroides
12.
J Bras Pneumol ; 50(1): e20230232, 2024.
Artigo em Inglês, Português | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38536981

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relative frequency of incident cases of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) in Brazil. METHODS: This was a retrospective survey of new cases of ILD in six referral centers between January of 2013 and January of 2020. The diagnosis of ILD followed the criteria suggested by international bodies or was made through multidisciplinary discussion (MDD). The condition was characterized as unclassifiable ILD when there was no specific final diagnosis following MDD or when there was disagreement between clinical, radiological, or histological data. RESULTS: The sample comprised 1,406 patients (mean age = 61 ± 14 years), and 764 (54%) were female. Of the 747 cases exposed to hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP)-related antigens, 327 (44%) had a final diagnosis of HP. A family history of ILD was reported in 8% of cases. HRCT findings were indicative of fibrosis in 74% of cases, including honeycombing, in 21%. Relevant autoantibodies were detected in 33% of cases. Transbronchial biopsy was performed in 23% of patients, and surgical lung biopsy, in 17%. The final diagnoses were: connective tissue disease-associated ILD (in 27%), HP (in 23%), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (in 14%), unclassifiable ILD (in 10%), and sarcoidosis (in 6%). Diagnoses varied significantly among centers (c2 = 312.4; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that connective tissue disease-associated ILD is the most common ILD in Brazil, followed by HP. These results highlight the need for close collaboration between pulmonologists and rheumatologists, the importance of detailed questioning of patients in regard with potential exposure to antigens, and the need for public health campaigns to stress the importance of avoiding such exposure.


Assuntos
Alveolite Alérgica Extrínseca , Doenças do Tecido Conjuntivo , Fibrose Pulmonar Idiopática , Doenças Pulmonares Intersticiais , Humanos , Feminino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso , Masculino , Estudos Retrospectivos , Incidência , Brasil/epidemiologia , Doenças Pulmonares Intersticiais/epidemiologia , Alveolite Alérgica Extrínseca/diagnóstico , Alveolite Alérgica Extrínseca/epidemiologia , Doenças do Tecido Conjuntivo/complicações
13.
Foods ; 13(6)2024 Mar 19.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38540925

RESUMO

Fish byproducts are valuable sources of Ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Their valorization potentially alleviates pressure on this sector. This study uses a circular economy approach to investigate the oil fraction from sardine cooking wastewater (SCW). Analysis of its fatty acid (FA) profile revealed promising PUFA levels. However, PUFAs are highly susceptible to oxidation, prompting the exploration of effective and natural strategies to replace synthetic antioxidants and mitigate their associated risks and concerns. An antioxidant extract from acorn shells was developed and evaluated for its efficacy in preventing oxidative degradation. The extract exhibited significant levels of total phenolic compounds (TPC: 49.94 and 22.99 mg TAE or GAE/g DW) and antioxidant activities (ABTS: 72.46; ORAC: 59.60; DPPH: 248.24 mg TE/g DW), with tannins comprising a significant portion of phenolics (20.61 mg TAE/g DW). LC-ESI-UHR-QqTOF-MS identified ellagic acid, epicatechin, procyanidin B2 and azelaic acid as the predominant phenolic compounds. The extract demonstrated the ability to significantly reduce the peroxide index and inhibit PUFA oxidation, including linoleic acid (LA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). This approach holds promise for developing stable, functional ingredients rich in PUFAs. Future research will focus on refining oil extraction procedures and conducting stability tests towards the development of specific applications.

14.
Cardiol Ther ; 13(2): 341-357, 2024 Jun.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38514522

RESUMO

INTRODUCTION: Ivabradine reduces heart rate (HR), episodes of angina, and nitrate consumption, and increases exercise capacity in patients with chronic angina (CA). In this exploratory study, myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) was used to evaluate changes in the percentage of myocardial ischemia after ivabradine therapy in patients with CA. METHODS: This prospective, open-label, single-arm study included patients with CA receiving maximum tolerated doses of beta blockers, who had a resting HR ≥ 70 bpm and had experienced ischemia according to MPS during an exercise test at baseline. Participants received ivabradine 5 mg twice daily (titrated according to HR) concomitant with beta blockers. A second MPS was performed after 3 months, without interruption of treatment with beta blockers or ivabradine. The primary outcome was change in the percentage of myocardial ischemia from baseline to 3 months. Time to ischemia during the exercise test, the proportion of patients presenting angina during the exercise test, and health status, assessed using the seven-item Seattle Angina Questionnaire-7 (SAQ-7), were also evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty patients (3 females) with a mean (± standard deviation [SD]) age of 62.2 ± 6.5 years were included in the study, of whom 55% had diabetes, 70% had previous myocardial revascularization, and 45% had previous myocardial infarction. The percentage of patients with myocardial ischemia significantly decreased from baseline to 3 months after initiation of treatment with ivabradine (- 2.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.3 to - 5.5; p = 0.031). Mean time to appearance of ischemia increased from 403 ± 176 s at baseline to 466 ± 136 s at 3 months after initiation of ivabradine (Δ62 s; 95% CI 18-106 s; p = 0.008), and the proportion of patients experiencing angina during the exercise test decreased from 40% at baseline to 5% also at 3 months (p = 0.016). Mean resting HR decreased from 76 ± 7 bpm at baseline to 55 ± 8 bpm at 3 months (p < 0.001). The mean SAQ-7 summary score improved from 69 ± 21 at baseline to 83 ± 12 at 3 months (p = 0.001). No serious adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSION: Ivabradine added to beta blockers was associated with a reduction in detectable myocardial ischemia by MPS in patients with CA. Infographic available for this article. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial has been retrospectively registered with the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (REBEC) under the following number RBR-5fysqrh (date of registration: 30 November 2023).

15.
Cureus ; 16(2): e54108, 2024 Feb.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38487146

RESUMO

Introduction Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common infectious complication related to admission to an Intensive Treatment Unit (ITU). Ventilator-associated lower respiratory tract infection (VA-LRTI) is a broader diagnosis than VAP. By disregarding radiological criteria, it will include both VAP and ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis. This study, conducted in the setting of a Portuguese ITU, aims to study the incidence, microbiology and clinical outcome of VA-LRTI and its association with COVID-19. Methods A retrospective cohort study included patients admitted to a Portuguese ITU who underwent invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) for over 48 hours between 01/01/2021 and 31/12/2021. The Hospitals in Europe Link for Infection Control through Surveillance (HELICS) criteria were applied, disregarding the radiological criteria, for the diagnosis of VA-LRTI. Results The group of patients with COVID-19 had 46.38 episodes of VA-LRTI/1000 days of ventilation, while patients without COVID-19 had 16.35 episodes/1000 days of ventilation (RR 2.78, p < 0.001). Of the 85 microorganisms isolated, 82% were gram-negative microorganisms, with species of the genus Klebsiella being the most prevalent (22.4%). There was a lower prevalence of beta-lactam-resistant organisms in patients with COVID-19 (RR 0.35, p = 0.031). The development of VA-LRTI is associated with longer times of IMV (difference in medians 10 days, p < 0.001), but with no significant differences in mortality (RR 1.21, p = 0.14). Discussion Patients with COVID-19 seem more predisposed to developing VA-LRTI, possibly due to intrinsic characteristics of the disease. Although no increase in mortality has been demonstrated, VA-LRTI can entail important costs related to morbidity, antibiotic pressure and economic costs that must be considered.

16.
Foods ; 13(5)2024 Feb 23.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38472787

RESUMO

Sheep's second cheese whey (SCW), the by-product resulting from whey cheese production, was used as a component of cheese coatings containing oregano (Origanum compactum) and clary sage (Salvia sclarea) essential oils (EOs). SCW powder was obtained by the ultrafiltration/diafiltration of SCW followed by reverse osmosis and freeze drying. The coatings were produced with a mixture of SCW and whey protein isolate (WPI) using glycerol as plasticizer. Model cheeses were produced with cow´s milk and those containing SCW:WPI coatings; those with and without EOs were compared to controls without coating and with a commercial coating containing natamycin. At the end of ripening (28 days), the cheeses containing EOs presented higher water activity (ca. 0.930) and moisture content, as well as lower titratable acidity. Concerning color parameters, significant differences were also observed between products and as a result of ripening time. However, the use of SCW:WPI coatings did not significantly influence the color parameters at the end of ripening. Regarding texture parameters, the cheeses containing SCW:WPI coatings presented significantly lower values for hardness, chewiness, and gumminess. Significant differences were also observed for all microbial groups evaluated either between products and as a result of ripening time. In all cases, lactobacilli and lactococci counts surpassed log 7-8 CFU/g, while the counts of yeasts and molds increased steadily from ca. log 3 to log 6 CFU/g. The lowest counts of yeasts and molds were observed in the samples containing natamycin, but nonsignificant differences between products were observed. In conclusion, SCW:WPI cheese coatings can successfully substitute commercial coatings with the advantage of being edible packaging materials manufactured with by-products.

17.
Entropy (Basel) ; 26(2)2024 Jan 29.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38392373

RESUMO

The Non-Informative Nuisance Parameter Principle concerns the problem of how inferences about a parameter of interest should be made in the presence of nuisance parameters. The principle is examined in the context of the hypothesis testing problem. We prove that the mixed test obeys the principle for discrete sample spaces. We also show how adherence of the mixed test to the principle can make performance of the test much easier. These findings are illustrated with new solutions to well-known problems of testing hypotheses for count data.

19.
Biomedicines ; 12(2)2024 Jan 26.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38397885

RESUMO

The novel disease produced by SARS-CoV-2 mainly harms the respiratory tract, but it has shown the capacity to affect multiple organs. Epidemiologic evidence supports the relationship between Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and pancreatic and hepatic injury development, identified by alterations in these organ function markers. In this regard, it is important to ascertain how the current prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) might affect COVID-19 evolution and complications. Although it is not clear how SARS-CoV-2 affects both the pancreas and the liver, a multiplicity of potential pathophysiological mechanisms seem to be implicated; among them, a direct viral-induced injury to the organ involving liver and pancreas ACE2 expression. Additionally, immune system dysregulation, coagulopathies, and drugs used to treat the disease could be key for developing complications associated with the patient's clinical decline. This review aims to provide an overview of the available epidemiologic evidence regarding developing liver and pancreatic alterations in patients with COVID-19, as well as the possible role that NAFLD/NASH might play in the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying some of the complications associated with COVID-19. This review employed a comprehensive search on PubMed using relevant keywords and filters. From the initial 126 articles, those aligning with the research target were selected and evaluated for their methodologies, findings, and conclusions. It sheds light on the potential pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this relationship. As a result, it emphasises the importance of monitoring pancreatic and hepatic function in individuals affected by COVID-19.

20.
NPJ Vaccines ; 9(1): 5, 2024 Jan 04.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38177171

RESUMO

Schistosomiasis, a challenging neglected tropical disease, affects millions of people worldwide. Developing a prophylactic vaccine against Schistosoma mansoni has been hindered by the parasite's biological complexity. In this study, we utilized the innovative phage-display immunoprecipitation followed by a sequencing approach (PhIP-Seq) to screen the immune response of 10 infected rhesus macaques during self-cure and challenge-resistant phases, identifying vaccine candidates. Our high-throughput S. mansoni synthetic DNA phage-display library encoded 99.6% of 119,747 58-mer peptides, providing comprehensive coverage of the parasite's proteome. Library screening with rhesus macaques' antibodies, from the early phase of establishment of parasite infection, identified significantly enriched epitopes of parasite extracellular proteins known to be expressed in the digestive tract, shifting towards intracellular proteins during the late phase of parasite clearance. Immunization of mice with a selected pool of PhIP-Seq-enriched phage-displayed peptides from MEG proteins, cathepsins B, and asparaginyl endopeptidase significantly reduced worm burden in a vaccination assay. These findings enhance our understanding of parasite-host immune responses and provide promising prospects for developing an effective schistosomiasis vaccine.

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