Effects of corn drying and storage conditions on flour, starch, feed, and ethanol production: a review.

The objective was to review the effects of the drying and storage conditions of corn on the physical-chemical quality in the processing of starch and flour, in the production of animal feed, and in the industrialization of ethanol. Initially, the review presented an overview of the post-harvest stages of corn grains, highlighting drying and storage. The main drying and storage methods used for corn grains were presented. Among the drying conditions, the air temperature was the main factor that affected the properties of starch, flour, feed, and ethanol produced from corn. It was verified that the corn grains submitted to drying at temperatures below 60 °C obtained better results in the industry. In storage, in addition to the storage time, factors such as temperature and moisture content of the grains affected the physical-chemical quality of the processed products. In this stage, the moisture content below 14% and the storage temperature below 25 °C conserved the physical-chemical quality of the grains and obtained better processing results. Further studies are needed to assess the effects of the drying and storage conditions of corn on the properties of flour, starch, animal feed, and, mainly, ethanol production.

Characterization of ultrafine zein fibers incorporated with broccoli, kale, and cauliflower extracts by electrospinning.

BACKGROUND: Broccoli, kale, and cauliflower contain phenolic compounds and glucosinolates, which have several biological effects on the body. However, because they are thermolabile, many of these substances are lost in the cooking process. Electrospinning encapsulation, using zein as a preservative wall material, can expand the applications of the compounds in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The objective of this research was to characterize broccoli, kale, and cauliflower extracts and encapsulate them with the electrospinning technique using zein. RESULTS: Broccoli, kale, and cauliflower extracts contain five phenolic compounds and three glucosinolates. Fibers from broccoli, kale, and cauliflower showed high encapsulation efficiency, good thermal stability, and nanometric size, especially those containing extract and zein in proportions of up to 35:65. CONCLUSION: Fibers from broccoli, kale, and cauliflower containing extract and zein in proportions of up to 35:65 have the potential for effective nutraceutical application for the control of non-communicable chronic diseases or application in food packaging. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Gluten-free green banana flour muffins: chemical, physical, antioxidant, digestibility and sensory analysis.

Considering the low availability of gluten-free products that are offered an affordable price and good sensory characteristics, the main objective of the study was developed a gluten-free muffin based on green banana flour and evaluate their physical-chemical and sensorial aspects. The quality of the muffin was analyzed through such moisture content, ashes, proteins, lipids, fiber, carbohydrates, total caloric content, yield mass, weight loss in the supply, antioxidant activity, protein digestibility, and hedonic scale. The results showed that the gluten-free muffin had a moisture content of 26.7%, ash of 2.39%, lipids of 15.4%, proteins of 10.3%, fibers of 1.2%, carbohydrates of 44.0%, the total caloric value of 261.2 kcal, high protein digestibility and moderate antioxidant activity. The acceptability index was 84.5%. It has been concluded that gluten-free muffin with green banana flour is a viable alternative for the reason that they have higher protein content than other alternative flours.

Technical benefit on apple fruit of controlled atmosphere influenced by 1-MCP at molecular levels.

The apple is a highly perishable fruit after harvesting and, therefore, several storage technologies have been studied to provide the consumer market with a quality product with a longer shelf life. However, little is known about the apple genome that is submitted to the storage, and even less with the application of ripening inhibitors. Due to these factors, this study sought to elucidate the transcriptional profile of apple cultivate Gala stored in a controlled atmosphere (AC) treated and not treated with 1-methyl cyclopropene (1-MCP). Through the genetic mapping of the apple, applying the microarray technique, it was possible to verify the action of treatments on transcripts related to photosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, response to hormonal stimuli, nucleic acid metabolism, reduction of oxidation, regulation of transcription and metabolism of cell wall and lipids. The results showed that the transcriptional profile in the entire genome of the fruit showed significant differences in the relative expression of the gene, this in response to CA in the presence and absence of 1-MCP. It should be noted that the transcription genes involved in the anabolic pathway were only maintained after six months in fruits treated with 1-MCP. The data in this work suggests that the apple in the absence of 1-MCP begins to prepare its metabolism to mature, even during the storage period in AC. Meanwhile, in the presence of the inhibitor, the transcriptional profile of the fruit is similar to that at the time of harvest. It was also found that a set of genes that code for ethylene receptors, auxin homeostasis, MADS Box, and NAC transcription factors may be involved in the regulation of post-harvest ripening after storage and in the absence of 1-MCP.

Seed morphobiometry, morphology of germination and emergence of quinoa seeds 'BRS Piabiru'.

Quinoa, classified as a pseudocereal, presents greater nutritional value compared to traditional cereals. Considering the potential for cultivation presented by the species and the benefits of studying plant morphology and morphobiometry, this paper describes seed and seedling morphobiometric characteristics of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) cultivar BRS Piabiru during germination and emergence. To evaluate seed morphobiometry the 1000-seeds weight, moisture content, seed morphological characterization and the tetrazolium test were performed. The morphological characterization of germination and seedling emergence were performed by periodic observations during the development, allowing the description using pictures and drawings. Quinoa seeds cv. BRS Piabiru present an average diameter of 2.05 mm and 1.07 width. 1000-seeds weight of 2.68 g and moisture content of 11%. Externally, quinoa seeds present the pericarp as testa, the hilum and the raphe and, internally, the embryonic axis (cotyledons, radicle and hypocotyl-radicle), perisperm and endosperm. The germination is characterized as epigeal, phanerocotylar type, with radicle protrusion at 3 hours after sowing and complete formed seedlings at 24 hours after sowing. Emergence occurs at 9 days after sowing and plants are completely formed at 12 days after sowing.

Music therapy and musical stimulation in the context of prematurity: A narrative literature review from 2010-2015.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To examine empirical studies of musical stimulation and music therapy carried out with preterm infants and their parents published from 2010-2015. BACKGROUND: Prematurity constitutes a global health problem that can impact the development of the preterm infant and the well-being of the parents. Music-based interventions may benefit the infant, parents and their relationship. In our review, we distinguished between musical stimulation and music therapy, as we found no previous studies that had made this distinction. DESIGN: This is a narrative literature review. METHODS: A search was undertaken in PubMed, PsycINFO and LILACS using the terms "music," "music therapy," "singing," "prematurity" and "preterm." Thirty studies were included and analysed according to the following categories: (i) aims of the study, (ii) participants, (iii) design, (iv) type of intervention, (v) assessment and measures and (vi) main results. RESULTS: The vast majority of the studies focused on the preterm infants and used an experimental design. Few studies carried out family-centred interventions, despite this having been noted as an important factor in effective interventions. Musical stimulation studies used more recorded music, whereas music therapy studies used more individualised interventions with live music. CONCLUSIONS: Both musical stimulation and music therapy demonstrated significant effects on preterm infants and their parents. However, compared to musical stimulation studies, interventions performed by music therapists provided more individualised care and tended to show greater effects on infants' physiological and behavioural responses. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Our review showed that music therapy interventions may provide individualised, effective and family-centred care. There is a significant need for these types of interventions in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Sensor-cable-probe and sampler for early detection and prediction of dry matter loss and real-time corn grain quality in transport and storage.

Taking into account that the transport of grains can be carried out over long distances and that the mass of grains during transport often has high moisture content, there may be risks of heat and moisture transfer and heating of the grains mass, proving quanti-qualitative losses. Thus, this study aimed to validate a method with probe system for real-time monitoring of temperature, relative humidity and carbon dioxide in the grain mass of corn during transport and storage to detect early dry matter losses and predict possible changes on the grain physical quality. The equipment consisted of a microcontroller, system's hardware, digital sensors to detect air temperature and relative humidity, a non-destructive infrared sensor to detect CO2 concentration. Real-time monitoring system determined early and satisfactorily in an indirect way the changes in the physical quality of the grains confirming by the physical analyses of electrical conductivity and germination. The equipment in real-time monitoring and the application of Machine Learning was effective to predict dry matter loss, due to the high equilibrium moisture content and respiration of the grain mass on the 2-h period. All machine learning models, except support vector machine, obtained satisfactory results, equaling the multiple linear regression analysis.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components in Latino Immigrants to the USA.

The Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is an increasingly prevalent condition globally. Latino populations in the USA have shown an alarming increase in factors associated with MetS in recent years. The objective of the present systematic review was to determine the prevalence of MetS and its risk factors in immigrant Latinos in the USA and perform a meta-analysis of those prevalence. The review included cross-sectional, cohort, or case−control studies involving adult immigrant Latinos in the USA, published during the period 1980−2020 in any language. Studies involving individuals who were pregnant, aged <18 years, immigrant non-Latinos, published outside the 1980−2020 period, or with other design types were excluded. The Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, Lilacs, Scielo, and Google Scholar databases were searched. The risk of bias was assessed using the checklists of the Joanna Briggs Institute. The review included 60 studies, and the meta-analysis encompassed 52 studies. The pooled prevalence found for hypertension, diabetes, general obesity, and abdominal obesity were 28% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 23−33%), 17% (95% CI: 14−20%), 37% (95% CI: 33−40%), and 54% (95% CI: 48−59%), respectively. The quality of the evidence of the primary studies was classified as low or very low. Few studies including immigrants from South America were identified. Further studies of those immigrants are needed due to the cultural, dietary, and language disparities among Latin American countries. The research protocol was registered with the Open Science Framework (OSF).

Impacts of COVID-19 on the oil and gas industry in Brazil.

This study aimed to analyze the progression of COVID-19 cases on oil and gas workers in Brazil. This is a descriptive research based on secondary data available in the COVID-19 Monitoring Bulletins of the Ministry of Mines and Energy and news about outbreaks on digital media. The findings show that the numerous news reports published on digital media indicate unhealthy working conditions, and workers' representatives appear as the main source of these findings. Managers' failure in health surveillance of this working class were also observed as to the frequent omission of official data and compulsory notifications on the health and safety of oil and gas workers.

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a evolução dos casos de trabalhadores do setor de petróleo e gás afetados pela covid-19 no Brasil. Tratou-se de uma pesquisa descritiva, realizada a partir de dados secundários disponíveis nos boletins de monitoramento da covid-19 do Ministério de Minas e Energia e das notícias sobre surtos de covid-19 em petroleiros publicadas nas mídias digitais. Concluiu-se que as inúmeras notícias publicadas pelas mídias digitais refletem condições de trabalho insalubres, e os representantes dos trabalhadores surgem como a principal fonte desses achados. Foram observadas ainda falhas na vigilância em saúde por parte dos gestores dessa classe trabalhadora no que concerne à frequente omissão de dados oficiais e às notificações compulsórias sobre a saúde e a segurança dos petroleiros.

The approach to the environmental issues in postgraduate nursing in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: to analyze the insertion of environmental issues in the postgraduate stricto sensu in nursing in Brazil. METHODS: quali-quantitative research, of exploratory approach, with documental research in the Sucupira Platform and in sites of the 112 courses stricto sensu in Nursing in Brazil, in 2018. We analyzed the curricular matrixes; course menus; teaching profile; dissertations and thesis (2004-2016); and bibliographic productions of the four-year evaluation 2013-2016. The analysis of quantitative data was performed by statistical methods; and qualitative data, by the Content Analysis Technique, outlined by Bardin. RESULTS: the results demonstrate incipiency in the treatment of environmental issues. Regarding the theme, we highlight those that refer to socio-historical-cultural aspects in relation to the more direct environmental approach and facilitator of environmental conservation and consequent promotion of health. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The analysis allows identifying the fragility of the environmental approach in the analyzed programs, being necessary to improve the cross-sectionality of environmental issues.

Formaldehyde exposure and atmospheric biomonitoring with lichen Cladonia verticillaris in an anatomy laboratory.

Formaldehyde is one of the most toxic contaminants of indoor environments and very common in the anatomy laboratory. In this work, we investigated the level of formaldehyde exposure to staff and students who attended an anatomy lab and in nearby environments in the same university building. We also performed atmospheric biomonitoring of the sites with the lichen Cladonia verticillaris. Quantification samplings were performed over four weeks, on 7 days with and 7 days without practical classes, totaling 70 samples. The samples were collected in five different locations, three points inside the laboratory and two points outside the laboratory, representing nearby and susceptible environments to contamination. The results showed CHOH concentrations from 0.20-3.76 ppmv for days with practical courses and 0.17-3.06 ppmv for days without practical classes. Although the laboratory was more contaminated than the surrounding environments, the concentration of formaldehyde in these areas is not negligible, showing a dispersion of formaldehyde from the laboratory. Potential dose (PD) and cancer risk (CR) were calculated for an individual exposed to the same levels analyzed for 8 h daily and 30 years of work. The study on C. verticillaris lasted 90 days and evaluated the variation of chlorophyll and pheophytin (photosynthetic pigments). The results showed a significant difference in the production of chlorophylls a and b and total chlorophyll when compared to control, and there was also a progressive increase of the total pheophytin/total chlorophyll ratio. The results also showed the correlation between the increase in chlorophylls and the studied environments with less ventilation since these places provided greater accumulation of formaldehyde in the long run. Thus, measurable evidence was obtained of biological disorders in a living organism caused by exposure to formaldehyde.

Mathematical modeling and multivariate analysis applied earliest soybean harvest associated drying and storage conditions and influences on physicochemical grain quality.

Anticipating the harvest period of soybean crops can impact on the post-harvest processes. This study aimed to evaluate early soybean harvest associated drying and storage conditions on the physicochemical soybean quality using of mathematical modeling and multivariate analysis. The soybeans were harvested with a moisture content of 18 and 23% (d.b.) and subjected to drying in a continuous dryer at 80, 100, and 120 °C. The drying kinetics and volumetric shrinkage modeling were evaluated. Posteriorly, the soybean was stored at different packages and temperatures for 8 months to evaluate the physicochemical properties. After standardizing the variables, the data were submitted to cluster analysis. For this, we use Euclidean distance and Ward's hierarchical method. Then defining the groups, we constructed a graph containing the dispersion of the values of the variables and their respective Pearson correlations for each group. The mathematical models proved suitable to describe the drying kinetics. Besides, the effective diffusivity obtained was 4.9 × 10-10 m2 s-1 promoting a volumetric shrinkage of the grains and influencing the reduction of physicochemical quality. It was observed that soybean harvested at 23% moisture, dried at 80 °C, and stored at a temperature below 23 °C maintained its oil content (25.89%), crude protein (35.69%), and lipid acidity (5.54 mL). In addition, it is to note that these correlations' magnitude was substantially more remarkable for the treatments allocated to the G2 group. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity was negatively correlated with all the physicochemical variables evaluated. Besides this, the correlation between crude protein and oil yield was positive and of high magnitude, regardless of the group formed. In conclusion, the early harvest of soybeans reduced losses in the field and increased the grain flow on the storage units. The low-temperature drying and the use of packaging technology close to environmental temperatures conserved the grain quality.

The new psychoactive substances 25H-NBOMe and 25H-NBOH induce abnormal development in the zebrafish embryo and interact in the DNA major groove.

Toxicological effects of 25H-NBOMe and 25H-NBOH recreational drugs on zebrafish embryos and larvae at the end of 96 h exposure period were demonstrated. 25H-NBOH and 25H-NBOMe caused high embryo mortality at 80 and 100 µg mL-1, respectively. According to the decrease in the concentration tested, lethality decreased while non-lethal effects were predominant up to 10 and 50 µg mL-1 of 25H-NBOH and 25H-NBOMe, respectively, including spine malformation, egg hatching delay, body malformation, otolith malformation, pericardial edema, and blood clotting. We can disclose that these drugs have an affinity for DNA in vitro using biophysical spectroscopic assays and molecular modeling methods. The experiments demonstrated that 25H-NBOH and 25H-NBOMe bind to the unclassical major groove of ctDNA with a binding constant of 27.00 × 104 M-1 and 5.27 × 104 M-1, respectively. Furthermore, these interactions lead to conformational changes in the DNA structure. Therefore, the results observed in the zebrafish embryos and DNA may be correlated.

Kisspeptin Influence on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-a Mini Review.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 6% to 20% of reproductive age women and is the most frequent cause of anovulatory infertility. Its physiopathology may result in part from hypothalamic alterations in the pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). The neuropeptide kisspeptin participates in the mechanism through stimulation of the hormone's production. The purpose of this study was to review the articles which compared kisspeptin levels in women with PCOS with those of controls. A systematic review of observational studies was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) recommendations. The selected studies encompassed a population of patients with PCOS and controls, whose serum kisspeptin levels were evaluated. The studies were retrieved from the Medline, Cochrane, and Embase databases, and four of them were chosen for the review. In most studies, the serum kisspeptin levels were higher in women with PCOS than in controls notwithstanding the BMI. One of the articles showed that circulating plasma levels of kisspeptin were significantly higher in women with PCOS whose BMI was lower than 25 than in obese and overweight women. Our data suggest a higher concentration of serum kisspeptin in women with PCOS irrespective of their BMI. Further experimental and clinical studies are needed to ascertain the role of kisspeptin in PCOS.

Antimicrobial potential of spray drying encapsulated thyme (Thymus vulgaris) essential oil on the conservation of hamburger-like meat products.

Synthetic preservatives can have harmful effects on the body, so plant essential oils appear to be an attractive natural alternative. However, the use of essential oils is limited due to the low stability and possible negative effects on the sensory properties of food. Oil encapsulation was suggested as a way to overcome these drawbacks. The objective of this study was to encapsulate thyme essential oil and to evaluate its antioxidant and antimicrobial potential in vitro and in situ in of hamburger-like meat products. The casein-maltodextrin capsules produced by spray-drying were assessed for encapsulation efficiency, thermal stability, chemical compounds and morphology. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH, hydroxyl and nitric oxide methods, while antimicrobial activity was evaluated in vitro against four bacteria and in situ in hamburger-like products. The capsule showed high encapsulation efficiency and thermal stability, and spherical and irregular morphology. The casein-maltodextrin encapsulated essential oil showed antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium tested in vitro and against thermotolerants coliforms and Escherichia coli in situ, showing potential for application as a natural preservative in food.

Evaluation of volatile organic compounds coupled to seasonality effects in indoor air from a commercial office in Madrid (Spain) applying chemometric techniques.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) concentrations depend on several sources and factors, such as temperature, ventilation, and humidity. Sources can be external atmospheric pollution or indoor release from furniture, coatings or occupants. In this context, this study focused on quantification of VOCs present in a confined atmosphere in a commercial office in downtown Madrid, Spain. The influence of seasonal changes in VOCs concentrations was evaluated using chemometric approaches. Indoor air was systematically monitored for one year using stainless steel tubes filled with Tenax® TA. Sampling was conducted one week a month, for three days during that week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) for 60 min, every 2 h, totaling 24 h, using an autosampler carousel. The analyses were performed using thermal desorption, and compounds were analyzed by a gas chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometer. The correlation between these compounds and their concentrations, climatic variations, seasons, among others, were explained by multivariate statistics. Considering the current legislation in Spain, only benzene was present above the maximum permissible concentration (threshold value < 1 µg/m3) from all analyzed compounds. The results indicate that concentrations are related to significant environmental changes, such as ventilation, the number of occupants in the office and types of activity undertaken in the environment. The chemometric analyses allowed the identification of structure analyses correlations between multiple variables for the one-year study. These results underscore the importance of indoor atmosphere studies and chronic exposure to these contaminants.

Factors associated with gestational breast cancer: case-control study. / Fatores associados ao câncer de mama gestacional: estudo caso-controle.

The prevalence of gestational breast cancer (GBC) is 1:3,000-10,000 pregnancies. This study aims to identify the risk factors associated with GBC. This case-control study was conducted in the period between January 2004 and December 2014 at a reference maternity hospital for high-risk pregnancies in Rio de Janeiro. Two controls were selected for each case, totaling 21 GBC cases and 42 controls. Data were collected through a review of medical and hospitalization and delivery records. Reproductive, obstetrical, sociodemographic and health-related characteristics were investigated. Results: The mean age of pregnant women in both groups was 35.5 years. Menarche's mean age was also similar (12.3 years) in both groups. Mother's age at first pregnancy was > 30 years in 28.6% of the patients with GBC and in 2.4% of the control group (p = 0.03). Crude and adjusted odds ratio and their respective CI 95% were calculated through conditional logistic regression paired by mother's age. The results show that the risk for GBC increases 27% for each additional year of mother's age at first pregnancy (p < 0.02) and that mothers with lower schooling had higher risk of GBC (OR = 8.49). Conclusion: Our data confirm the association of primiparity over 30 years of age and low level of schooling with GBC.

A prevalência do câncer de mama gestacional (CMG) é 1:3.000-10.000 gestações. O objetivo é conhecer os fatores de risco (FR) associados ao CMG. Trata-se de estudo caso-controle entre janeiro de 2004 e dezembro de 2014, em maternidade de referência para gravidez de alto risco no Rio de Janeiro. Para cada um dos casos foram selecionados dois controles, totalizando 21 casos de CMG e 42 controles. Os dados foram coletados a partir de revisão de prontuários e sumários de internação e parto. Características reprodutivas, obstétricas, sociodemográficas e relativas à saúde foram investigadas. Resultados: A idade média das gestantes dos dois grupos foi 35,5 anos. A média de idade da menarca também se mostrou equivalente (12,3 anos). A idade materna na primeira gravidez foi > 30 anos em 28,6% da pacientes com CMG e em 2,4% do grupo controle (p = 0,03). Utilizando regressão logística condicional pareada por idade da mãe, calcularam-se as razões de chance brutas e ajustadas e os respectivos IC95%. Os resultados apontaram que a chance de CMG aumenta 27% para cada ano a mais na idade materna na primeira gravidez (p < 0,02) e que mães com baixa escolaridade tiveram maior chance de apresentar câncer de mama (OR = 8,49). Conclusão: Nossos dados confirmam a associação entre primiparidade a partir de 30 anos e baixa escolaridade como CMG.

Frailty does not affect prognostic markers in patients with acute coronary syndrome: results from a Brazilian university hospital

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate frailty and its relationship with prognostic markers in hospitalized patients with acute coronary syndrome. METHODS: This cross-sectional study with a prospective variable analysis (prognostic markers) involved adults of both sexes aged ≥ 50 years with acute coronary syndrome. Patients with ≥ 3 of the following criteria were considered frail: 1) unintentional weight loss; 2) exhaustion (assessed by self-reported fatigue); 3) low handgrip strength; 4) low physical activity level; and 5) low gait speed. The included prognostic markers were: metabolic changes (lipid and glycemic profile), changes in inflammatory status (C-reactive protein), thrombolysis in myocardial infarction risk score, troponin level, angioplasty or surgery, hospitalization in the intensive care unit, length of hospital stay, and hospital outcome. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 125 patients, whose mean age was 65.5 (SD, 8.7) years. The prevalence of frailty was 48.00%, which was higher in women (PR = 1.55; 95%CI 1.08­2.22; p = 0.018) and patients with systemic arterial hypertension (PR = 2.18; 95%CI 1.01­5.24; p = 0.030). Frailty was not associated with age, cardiac diagnosis, or prognostic markers (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Frailty was highly prevalent in patients with acute coronary syndrome, affecting almost half of the sample, particularly women and patients with hypertension, irrespective of age. However, despite its high prevalence, frailty was not associated with markers of metabolic change or poor prognosis.

Melatonin effects on ovarian follicular cells: a systematic review.

Melatonin is known for its effects on both the sleep and reproductive system of mammals. The latter has melatonin receptors type 1 and 2, which act to regulate, among other things, cyclic AMP. Notwithstanding all the literature data, there is still no sound knowledge or a clear understanding of the hormone's action on the physiology of ovarian follicular cells. OBJECTIVE To review and evaluate studies about melatonin action on the ovarian granulosa/theca interna cells from the literature. METHODS The systematic review was carried out according to the PRISMA recommendations. The MEDLINE and Cochrane primary databases were consulted with the use of specific terms. There was no limitation on language or publication year. RESULTS Seven papers about melatonin action on granulosa cells were selected. The following can be attributed to the hormone's effects: a) progesterone increase in culture medium; b) increased estrogen production; c) antagonistic action on estrogen; d) improvement in cell quality resulting in improved embryo and higher pregnancy rates; e) improved cell proliferation via MAPK; f) reduction of free radicals. Nevertheless, there are contrarian papers reporting a reduction in progesterone production. Melatonin interferes in sex steroid production, boosting progesterone output. Such action may help improve oocyte quality.

Pregnancy outcomes and mother-to-child transmission rate in HTLV-1/2 infected women attending two public hospitals in the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro.

HTLV-1/2 are transmitted sexually, by whole cell blood products and from mother-to-child (MTC), mainly through breastfeeding. HTLV-1/2 prevalence in pregnant women is high in Rio de Janeiro, however there were no local studies addressing the rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO) and MTC transmission. The aim was to study sociodemographic characteristics which may be associated to HTLV-1/2 infection and describe pregnancy outcomes and MTC transmission in HTLV-1/2-positive women. The cross-sectional study screened 1,628 pregnant women in of Rio de Janeiro (2012-2014) and found 12 asymptomatic carrier mothers (prevalence = 0.74%). Pregnancy outcome information was retrieved from medical records. Sociodemographic characteristics were similar between the positive and negative groups except for maternal age, which was higher in carrier mothers. The incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes was similar in infected and non-infected patients (p = 0.33), however there was a high rate of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) amid infected mothers (3/12). Multilevel logistic regression found that for each additional year of age, the chance of being HTLV-1/2-positive increased 11% and that having another sexually transmitted infection (STI) increased 9 times the chance of being infected. Carrier mothers had more antenatal visits (OR = 5.26). Among the children of HTLV-1/2-positive mothers there was one fetal death, one infant death and one loss of follow-up. After two years of follow-up there was one case of MTC transmission (1/9). The mother reported breastfeeding for one month only. Knowledge about factors associated to HTLV-1/2 infection, its impact on pregnancy outcomes and the MTC transmission rate is important to guide public health policies on antenatal screening and management.