Immunoregulatory effects of soluble antigens of Leishmania sp. in human lymphocytes in vitro.

The clinical manifestations of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) depend not only on the infecting species involved, but also on the immune response of the individual. Although not yet well understood in humans, parasite survival and persistence are related to the cytokine profile and T cell proliferation, with the Th1 profile being related to cure, and the Th2 profile to disease progression. Considering the need for studies focused on the species with the highest circulation in the state of Amazonas, this study aimed to analyze the immunoregulation stimulated by soluble antigens (SLAs) of Leishmania (L.) amazonensis and Leishmania (V.) guyanensis in human lymphocytes in vitro, in order to understand the immune response of patients with CL. Lymphoproliferation was evaluated against stimuli of SLAs from L. amazonensis (100 µg/mL), SLAs from L. guyanensis (100 µg/mL) and phytohemagglutinin (10 µg/mL) using a BrdU Cell Proliferation ELISA kit after 72 h of incubation. Quantification of the cytokines IL-1b, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12 and TNF was performed using the BD™ cytometric bead array human Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokine kit. Our results demonstrated that soluble antigens from L. amazonensis and L. guyanensis stimulated the lymphoproliferation of PBMCs from patients primo-infected with CL. Among the cytokines dosed, the highest concentrations were of IL-6 and IL-8, thus demonstrating that the soluble antigens evaluated are capable of inducing regulatory mechanisms.

Monitoring financial healthcare protection in Brazil: evolution, inequalities, and associated factors.

OBJECTIVES: Although catastrophic health spending is the main measure for assessing financial healthcare protection, it varies considerably in methodological and empirical terms, which hinders comparison between studies. The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of catastrophic health spending in Brazil in 2003, 2009, and 2018, its associated factors, and disparities in prevalence distribution according to socioeconomic status. STUDY DESIGN: This was a time series study. METHODS: Data from the Household Budget Surveys were used. Prevalence of catastrophic health spending was measured as a percentage of the budget and ability to pay, considering thresholds of 10, 25, and 40%. It was determined whether household, family, and household head characteristics influence the likelihood of incurring catastrophic health spending. Households were stratified by income deciles, consumption, and wealth score. RESULTS: There was an increase in prevalence of catastrophic health spending between 2003 and 2009 in Brazil and a slight reduction in 2018. The wealth score showed more pronounced distributional effects between the poor and the rich, with the former being the most affected by catastrophic health spending. Consumption showed greater percentage variations in the prevalence of catastrophic health spending. The prevalence of catastrophic health spending was positively associated with the presence of older adults, age and female household head, rural area, receipt of government benefits, and some degree of food insecurity. CONCLUSIONS: The poorest families are most affected by catastrophic health spending in Brazil, requiring more effective and equitable policies to mitigate financial risk.

Homologous equivalence study of immunogenicity after third dose of Covid-19 vaccine (recombinant) with an interval of six months after the second dose, comparing the interval of eight and 12 weeks between the first two doses.

BACKGROUND: In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, Brazil authorised the Astra Zeneca/Fiocruz vaccine in January 2021. As the Delta variant emerged in May 2021, interval between vaccine doses was adjusted. By September 2021, the Brazilian National Immunisation Program recommended a booster dose for individuals over 70, and later expanded the recommendation to all adults. OBJECTIVES: Assess the equivalence of IgG antibody response against the Covid-19 S protein before and approximately 28 days after the third dose of a Covid-19 recombinant vaccine. Two groups received initial two doses with intervals of eight and 12 weeks. METHODS: This is a phase IV clinical study, uncontrolled, non-randomised. The study proposes calculating the ratio of geometric means titres (GMT) 28 days after the third dose, with a target ratio of confidence interval (CI) between 0.77 and 1.3. FINDINGS: In the primary endpoint, there was no equivalence between the eight- and 12-week intervals with a slight variation favouring the eight-week group. Post-third dose, both groups showed increases titres at 28 days, three months, six months and 12 months. Both groups responded similarly to Delta and Omicron BA.1, with a more significant increase for Delta. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: The study showed strong and consistent immune response in all age groups receiving the Covid-19 recombinant vaccine. Third dose elicited an increase in GMT by at least three times aligned with Ministry of Health strategies emphasising Bio-Manguinhos crucial role in pandemic control in the country.

Trends in Viral Vector-Based Vaccines for Tuberculosis: A Patent Review (2010-2023).

Tuberculosis (TB) is an ancient global public health problem. Several strategies have been applied to develop new and more effective vaccines against TB, from attenuated or inactivated mycobacteria to recombinant subunit or genetic vaccines, including viral vectors. This review aimed to evaluate patents filed between 2010 and 2023 for TB vaccine candidates. It focuses on viral vector-based strategies. A search was carried out in Espacenet, using the descriptors "mycobacterium and tuberculosis" and the classification A61K39. Of the 411 patents preliminarily identified, the majority were related to subunit vaccines, with 10 patents based on viral vector platforms selected in this study. Most of the identified patents belong to the United States or China, with a concentration of patent filings between 2013 and 2023. Adenoviruses were the most explored viral vectors, and the most common immunodominant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) antigens were present in all the selected patents. The majority of patents were tested in mouse models by intranasal or subcutaneous route of immunization. In the coming years, an increased use of this platform for prophylactic and/or therapeutic approaches for TB and other diseases is expected. Along with this, expanding knowledge about the safety of this technology is essential to advance its use.

Diet and between-tissue isotope comparisons reveal different foraging strategies for age and sex of a Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola Linnaeus, 1766) population.

Measuring stable isotopes in different tissues offers the opportunity to provide insight into the foraging ecology of a species. This study aimed to assess how diet varies between yellow females, yellow males, and dull individuals of a Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola) population. We measured δ13C and δ15N in blood over a year, and in different feathers, to estimate seasonal consistency of resource use for each category. We conducted this study in a private farm in the Central Brazilian savannas. We sampled 195 individuals in seven field samplings between January 2017 and March 2018. The mean blood δ13C values were similar among yellow females, yellow males and dull individuals, indicating that this population of Saffron Finch predominantly accesses similar resources throughout the year, with a predominant C4 signal. Although Saffron Finch is considered a granivorous species, the mean δ15N values found indicate that both adults and juveniles also incorporate in their tissues some invertebrate. The slight isotope-tissue difference between feathers and blood is similar to the reported in previous studies and may reflect tissue-to-tissue discrimination. The isotopic space of yellow males was greater than that of yellow females and dull individuals, indicating greater dietary diversity due to greater inter-individual variation in diet. In Saffron Finch, which delays plumage maturation, competition-driven partitioning of food resources seems essential in driving carotenoid-based plumage coloration between age classes and sexes.

Estimating the burden of care for oral potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer in Brazilian dental practice.

BACKGROUND: Oral cancer (OC) and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) pose significant challenges to public health in Brazil. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of oral cancer (OC) and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) among patients who would be treated by Brazilian dentists during their careers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data on the number of dentists in Brazil were extracted from the 2022 census data, while incidence rates for OC cases were sourced from the Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA). Population estimates for Brazil and data on dental check-up rates were obtained from relevant national sources. RESULTS: Our analysis indicates that a general dentist in Brazil can expect to encounter on average two to three OC patients and on average 675 patients with OPMDs over a 35-year career. Regional disparities were observed, with certain regions showing higher than the average number of encounters due to low density of dentists in some rural districts. CONCLUSIONS: Brazilian dentists are likely to confront a substantial number of OC and OPMD cases during their professional tenure, emphasizing the need for public health policies aimed at enhancing dental surgeons' education in oral cancer prevention and early detection.

Spray skin protectant versus standard moisturiser in the prevention of radiodermatitis in patients with anal canal and rectal cancer: A randomised clinical trial.

The evidence on products for the prevention of radiodermatitis is limited. The primary objective was to analyse the effectiveness of the spray skin protectant 'non-burning barrier film' in the prevention of radiodermatitis with moist desquamation in patients with the anal canal and rectal cancer followed in nursing consultations compared to a standardised moisturiser based on Calendula officinalis and Aloe barbadensis. Single-blind randomised clinical trial. The study was performed in a hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with 63 patients undergoing anal canal and rectal cancer treatment, randomised into one of the following two groups: an experimental group, which used a spray skin protectant and a control group, which used a moisturiser. Data were collected using an initial and subsequent evaluation form and were assessed using descriptive and inferential analyses. Participants who used the spray skin protectant had a lower chance of presenting radiodermatitis with moist desquamation and a longer time without this outcome when compared to the control group. The overall incidence of radiodermatitis was 100%, with 36.5% being severe. Furthermore, 17.5% of participants discontinued radiotherapy due to radiodermatitis. There were no differences between the groups regarding the severity of radiodermatitis and the number of patients who discontinued radiotherapy. The skin protectant was effective in preventing radiodermatitis with moist desquamation amongst patients with anal canal and rectal cancer.

Contamination risk by heavy metals and enzymatic stoichiometry in agricultural soils under intense use of pesticides.

Soil contamination by heavy metals (HM) from pesticides poses a serious environmental threat, affecting sustainability and agricultural productivity. Soil enzymes are essential for biochemical reactions such as organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling and are vital for maintaining soil health. However, the effects of HM on soil enzyme activity are not yet well understood. This study examined the impact of HM contamination on enzymatic stoichiometry in regions with intensive pesticide use. We selected flower cultivation areas with 5 years (CA1) and 10 years (CA2) of pesticide exposure and a native forest area (NFA) as a reference during the dry and rainy seasons. We measured Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn levels and employed ecological risk indices to assess contamination levels. We also analyzed enzyme activities (arylsulfatase, ß-glucosidase, acid phosphatase, urease) and enzymatic stoichiometry. CA2 exhibited the highest concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Mn in both periods, while Zn was highest in both CA1 and CA2. CA2 had higher values for all indices, indicating significant contamination. Compared with NFA, arylsulfatase activity was lower in cultivated areas during both periods, suggesting decreased soil quality. We found negative correlations between Cu, Mn, Zn, and arylsulfatase, as well as a reduction in urease with Cd; these elements also increased microbial C limitation. Our findings show that continuous pesticide input increases HM levels and that enzyme activity and stoichiometry are effective bioindicator of soil contamination. This study underscores the urgent need for guidelines to protect soils from prolonged HM buildup.

Physical activity levels in patients with chronic venous insufficiency.

BACKGROUND: Increasing the levels of physical activity (PA) is widely recommended for people with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). However, studies investigating the patterns of PA and adherence to PA guidelines using objective measures are lacking. OBJECTIVE: The primary aim was to examine the patterns of PA and adherence to PA guidelines among patients with CVI. A secondary aim was to identify whether adherence to PA recommendations differed according to patients' sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 96 patients with CVI with Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Pathology (CEAP) C3 to C6 (69.1% women 59 ± 11 years; 51.5% C5-C6 on CEAP classification). Objective time spent in PA was measured by a triaxial accelerometer. To examine adherence to PA guidelines, patients were grouped as meeting (or) the recommendations if they had at least 150 min/week of moderate to vigorous PA. Sociodemographic and clinic characteristics were obtained by self-report. Binary logistic regression was employed to examine whether sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were associated with adherence to PA guidelines. T-tests were employed to compare PA levels at different intensities according to patients' age. RESULTS: Patients spent an average of 311.4 ± 91.5 min/week, 42.1 ± 28.0 min/week, and 19.8 ± 17.8 min/week in low-light PA, high-light PA, and moderate-to-vigorous PA, respectively. The proportion of patients meeting PA recommendations was 36.2%, and older patients had lower odds (OR = 0.94; 95%CI: 0.89 to 0.99). Additional analysis reinforced that by showing lower time in high-light PA (51.2 ± 30.0 min/day vs. 31.9 ± 21.8 min/day; p = .001) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (24.3 ± 15.8 min/day vs. 14.8 ± 18.8 min/day; p = .012) among older patients than their peers younger. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that 36,2% of CVI patients met PA recommendations, with lower odds found among older patients. Public health interventions to enhance PA engagement among CVI patients should prioritize those who are older.

The synergistic effect of photodynamic and sonodynamic inactivation against Candida albicans biofilm.

Candida albicans biofilm can cause diseases that are resistant to conventional antifungal agents. Photodynamic (PDI), sonodynamic (SDI), and sonophotodynamic (SPDI) inactivation have arisen as promising antimicrobial strategies. This study evaluated these treatments mediated by curcumin against C. albicans biofilms. For this, C. albicans biofilms were submitted to PDI, SDI, or SPDI with different light and ultrasound doses, then, the viability assay was performed to measure the effectiveness. Finally, a mathematical model was suggested to fit acquired experimental data and understand the synergistic effect of light and ultrasound in different conditions. The results showed that SPDI, PDI, and SDI reduced the viability in 6 ± 1; 1 ± 1; and 2 ± 1 log, respectively, using light at 60 J/cm2, ultrasound at 3 W/cm2, and 80 µM of curcumin. The viability reduction was proportional to the ultrasound and light doses delivered. These results encourage the use of SPDI for the control of microbial biofilm.

A new 3D model of L929 fibroblasts microtissues uncovers the effects of Bothrops erythromelas venom and its antivenom.

In Brazil, around 80% of snakebites are caused by snakes of the genus Bothrops. A three-dimensional culture model was standardized and used to perform treatments with Bothrops erythromelas venom (BeV) and its antivenom (AV). The MRC-5 and L929 cell lines were cultured at increasing cell densities. Morphometric parameters were evaluated through images obtained from an inverted microscope: solidity, circularity, and Feret diameter. L929 microtissues (MT) showed better morphometric data, and thus they were used for further analysis. MT viability was assessed using the acridine orange and ethidium bromide staining method, which showed viable cells in the MT on days 5, 7, and 10 of cultivation. Histochemical and histological analyses were performed, including hematoxylin/eosin staining, which showed a good structure of the spheroids. Alcian blue staining revealed the presence of acid proteoglycans. Immunohistochemical analysis with ki-67 showed different patterns of cell proliferation. The MT were also subjected to pharmacological tests using the BeV, in the presence or absence of its AV. The results showed that the venom was not cytotoxic, but it caused morphological changes. The MT showed cell detachment, losing their structure. The antivenom was able to partially prevent the venom activities.

Sequencing and Description of the Mitochondrial Genome of Orthopodomyia fascipes (Diptera: Culicidae).

The genus Orthopodomyia Theobald, 1904 (Diptera: Culicidae) comprises 36 wild mosquito species, with distribution largely restricted to tropical and temperate areas, most of which are not recognized as vectors of epidemiological importance due to the lack of information related to their bionomy and involvement in the cycle transmission of infectious agents. Furthermore, their evolutionary relationships are not completely understood, reflecting the scarcity of genetic information about the genus. Therefore, in this study, we report the first complete description of the mitochondrial genome of a Neotropical species representing the genus, Orthopodomyia fascipes Coquillet, 1906, collected in the Brazilian Amazon region. Using High Throughput Sequencing, we obtained a mitochondrial sequence of 15,598 bp, with an average coverage of 418.5×, comprising 37 functional subunits and a final portion rich in A + T, corresponding to the control region. The phylogenetic analysis, using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference based on the 13 protein-coding genes, corroborated the monophyly of Culicidae and its two subfamilies, supporting the proximity between the tribes Orthopodomyiini and Mansoniini, partially disagreeing with previous studies based on the use of molecular and morphological markers. The information generated in this study contributes to a better understanding of the taxonomy and evolutionary history of the genus and other groups of Culicidae.

Interobserver variability in the histopathological evaluation of melanoma: analysis of 60 case reports.

INTRODUCTION: Since the field of dermatopathology is not an exact science, it is prone to personal subjectivity, which sometimes causes disagreements on the diagnosis and assessment of some histological features. In the case of melanoma, some variables such as regression are associated with low interobserver agreement. On the contrary, other variables such as the measurement of Breslow thickness show high reproducibility. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of our study was to investigate multiple features of 60 consecutive cases of melanoma to establish interobserver reproducibility. METHODS AND MAIN RESULTS: We conducted an observational and descriptive study at Hospital de Manises, Valencia, Spain, IVO Foundation, Valencia, Spain, and Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain. The mean level of agreement of all study variables was moderate (Cohen's kappa coefficient statistic = 0.5). The highest agreement corresponded to polypoid morphology, pigmentation, ulceration, and solar elastosis. On the other hand, the lowest level agreement was reached for the presence of cellular pleomorphism and tumor necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our mean level of agreement was moderate, which reflects that some of the measured characteristics such as cellular pleomorphism or the presence of necrosis cannot be used for future studies or must be redefined and their reproducibility, reestablished. When conducting a research study, it is necessary to analyze the study variables to demonstrate their validity to measure or classify a certain feature. It is also advisable to warrant that that the variables are reproducible to be able to use them for other studies or in the routine clinical practice.

A snapshot of a representative Brazilian state of illegal mining in indigenous areas during the era of malaria elimination.

Malaria is a public health problem and the cases diagnosed in the capital of Roraima, Brazil, show potential to characterize the burden of the disease in the state. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory aspects of malaria cases diagnosed in Boa Vista. For this purpose, a descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in two health units in the city, with individuals diagnosed and who agreed to respond the questionnaire. Of the total of 206 participants, characterized as men, mixed-race, and young, 96% (198) reported participating in illegal mining activity. Among the group of miners, 66% (131) came from other states of Brazil or other countries. The mines were mainly located in the Yanomami territory in Roraima. Plasmodium vivax infection occurred in 74% (153) of participants. In the miner's group, hospitalizations for severe malaria, previous malaria attacks, and delays in treatment after the onset of symptoms were reported. Although 73% (145) of miners reported knowing how malaria was transmitted, only 54% (107) used mosquito nets or repellents. The use of Artecom and chloroquine by miners is not for the complete treatment but only to relieve symptoms for returning to gold mines, highlighting the importance of molecular surveillance to antimalarial resistance. Indigenous peoples are considered vulnerable to malaria and miners promotes the increase of malaria in Roraima Indigenous Lands. Therefore, access to diagnosis and treatment in Indigenous areas invaded by miners is imperative to confront this disease that ravages Indigenous communities and threatens public health on a large scale to achieve the goal of eliminating malaria in the state.

BioPipeline Creator-a user-friendly Java-based GUI for managing and customizing biological data pipelines.

Bioinformatics tools are essential for performing analyses in the omics sciences. Given the numerous experimental opportunities arising from advances in the field of omics and easier access to high-throughput sequencing platforms, these tools play a fundamental role in research projects. Despite the considerable progress made possible by the development of bioinformatics tools, some tools are tailored to specific analytical goals, leading to challenges for non-bioinformaticians who need to integrate the results of these specific tools into a customized pipeline. To solve this problem, we have developed the BioPipeline Creator, a user-friendly Java-based GUI that allows different software tools to be integrated into the repertoire while ensuring easy user interaction via an accessible graphical interface. Consisting of client and server software components, BioPipeline Creator provides an intuitive graphical interface that simplifies the use of various bioinformatics tools for users without advanced computer skills. It can run on less sophisticated devices or workstations, allowing users to keep their operating system without having to switch to another compatible system. The server is responsible for the processing tasks and can perform the analysis in the user's local or remote network structure. Compatible with the most important operating systems, available at https://github.com/allanverasce/bpc.git .

Utrasound as a method for confirming the positioning of enteral catheters in critically ill patients.

AIM: To evaluate the agreement between the bedside ultrasound in a single epigastric window and the plain X-ray to confirm the positioning of the enteral catheter in critically ill patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was an observational, cross-sectional study conducted in two Intensive Care Units of a university hospital. The ultrasound exams were carried out immediately after the introduction of the enteral catheter, using only the epigastric window, with an injection of 5 ml of air associated with 5 ml of saline solution. In all cases, the plain radiography was taken to confirm the positioning of the enteral catheter and to define the beginning of nutritional therapy. RESULTS: This study included 83 patients, the positioning of the enteral catheter was confirmed by plain radiography in all cases and by ultrasound in 81 (97.6%) patients. The median duration of the ultrasound exam was 2 (2-3) minutes, while the time spent between the request for the X-ray and the release of the exam for a doctor's appointment was 225 (120-330) minutes. CONCLUSION: Bedside ultrasound proved to be an effective, quick, and safe method to confirm the position of the enteral catheter in critically ill patients.

Bacterial endometritis-induced changes in the endometrial proteome in mares: Potential uterine biomarker for bacterial endometritis.

Equine endometritis is one of the main causes of subfertility in the mare. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms involved in this condition and pinpointing proteins with biomarker potential could be crucial in both diagnosing and treating this condition. This study aimed to identify the endometritis-induced changes in the endometrial proteome in mares and to elucidate potential biological processes in which these proteins may be involved. Secondly, biomarkers related to bacterial endometritis (BE) in mares were identified. Uterine lavage fluid samples were collected from 28 mares (14 healthy: negative cytology and culture, and no clinical signs and 14 mares with endometritis: positive cytology and culture, in addition to clinical signs). Proteomic analysis was performed with a UHPLC-MS/MS system and bioinformatic analysis was carried out using Qlucore Omics Explorer. Gene Ontology enrichment and pathway analysis (PANTHER and KEGG) of the uterine proteome were performed to identify active biological pathways in enriched proteins from each group. Quantitative analysis revealed 38 proteins differentially abundant in endometritis mares when compared to healthy mares (fold changes >4.25, and q-value = 0.002). The proteins upregulated in the secretome of mares with BE were involved in biological processes related to the generation of energy and REDOX regulation and to the defense response to bacterium. A total of 24 biomarkers for BE were identified using the biomarker workbench algorithm. Some of the proteins identified were related to the innate immune system such as isoforms of histones H2A and H2B involvement in neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation, complement C3a, or gelsolin and profilin, two actin-binding proteins which are essential for dynamic remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton during cell migration. The other group of biomarkers were three known antimicrobial peptides (lysosome, equine cathelicidin 2 and myeloperoxidase (MPO)) and two uncharacterized proteins with a high homology with cathelicidin families. Findings in this study provide the first evidence that innate immune cells in the equine endometrium undergo reprogramming of metabolic pathways similar to the Warburg effect during activation. In addition, biomarkers of BE in uterine fluid of mares including the new proteins identified, as well as other antimicrobial peptides already known, offer future lines of research for alternative treatments to antibiotics.

Molecular Surveillance of Artemisinin-Resistant Plasmodium falciparum Parasites in Mining Areas of the Roraima Indigenous Territory in Brazil.

Multidrug- and artemisinin-resistant (ART-R) Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) parasites represent a challenge for malaria elimination worldwide. Molecular monitoring in the Kelch domain region (pfk13) gene allows tracking mutations in parasite resistance to artemisinin. The increase in illegal miners in the Roraima Yanomami indigenous land (YIL) could favor ART-R parasites. Thus, this study aimed to investigate ART-R in patients from illegal gold mining areas in the YIL of Roraima, Brazil. A questionnaire was conducted, and blood was collected from 48 patients diagnosed with P. falciparum or mixed malaria (Pf + P. vivax). The DNA was extracted and the pfk13 gene was amplified by PCR. The amplicons were subjected to DNA-Sanger-sequencing and the entire amplified fragment was analyzed. Among the patients, 96% (46) were from illegal mining areas of the YIL. All parasite samples carried the wild-type genotypes/ART-sensitive phenotypes. These data reinforce the continued use of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) in Roraima, as well as the maintenance of systematic monitoring for early detection of parasite populations resistant to ART, mainly in regions with an intense flow of individuals from mining areas, such as the YIL. This is especially true when the achievement of falciparum malaria elimination in Brazil is planned and expected by 2030.

Probiotic Potential and Application of Indigenous Non-Starter Lactic Acid Bacteria in Ripened Short-Aged Cheese.

There are massive sources of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in traditional dairy products. Some of these indigenous strains could be novel probiotics with applications in human health and supply the growing needs of the probiotic industry. In this work, were analyzed the probiotic and technological properties of three Lactobacilli strains isolated from traditional Brazilian cheeses. In vitro tests showed that the three strains are safe and have probiotic features. They presented antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria, auto-aggregation values around 60%, high biofilm formation properties, and a survivor of more than 65% to simulated acid conditions and more than 100% to bile salts. The three strains were used as adjunct cultures separately in a pilot-scale production of Prato cheese. After 45 days of ripening, the lactobacilli counts in the cheeses were close to 8 Log CFU/g, and was observed a reduction in the lactococci counts (around -3 Log CFU/g) in a strain-dependent manner. Cheese primary and secondary proteolysis were unaffected by the probiotic candidates during the ripening, and the strains showed no lipolytic effect, as no changes in the fatty acid profile of cheeses were observed. Thus, our findings suggest that the three strains evaluated have probiotic properties and have potential as adjunct non-starter lactic acid bacteria (NSLAB) to improve the quality and functionality of short-aged cheeses.

Increased calcium intake from skimmed milk in energy-restricted diets reduces glycation markers in adults with type 2 diabetes and overweight: A secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial.

The effect of calcium (Ca) on glycation markers is unknown. We hypothesized that increased Ca intake from skimmed milk associated with an energy-restricted diet intake will reduce glycation markers. This reduction will be associated with a greater improvement in markers of metabolic control in adults with type 2 diabetes, overweight, and low habitual Ca intake (<600 mg/d). In this secondary data analysis based on a crossover clinical trial, 14 adults were allocated into 2 groups: high calcium (shake containing 700 mg Ca/day) or low calcium (shake with 6.4 mg Ca/day), for 12 consecutive weeks per session. Energy-restricted diets were also prescribed (-500 kcal/d, 800 mg of dietary Ca/d) to all participants. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs), soluble receptor for AGEs (sRAGE), glycemic control, and lipid profile were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. High-calcium serum AGE concentrations and AGE/sRAGE ratio were lower at the end of the study. ΔAGE and ΔAGE/sRAGE ratio were both positively associated with Δtriglycerides, Δtotal cholesterol, Δtriglyceride-glucose index and variations, and Δvisceral adiposity index. ΔAGE/sRAGE was positively associated with Δfructosamine and Δhigh-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and negatively associated with male sex. Consumption of approximately 1200 mg/day of calcium (3 servings of skim milk) reduced serum AGEs concentrations and the AGE/sRAGE ratio in individuals with diabetes. In general, positive changes in glycation markers are associated with lipid profile, insulin resistance, and adiposity markers worsening. ΔAGEs/ΔsRAGE ratio seems to be a better marker of metabolic status than ΔAGEs and ΔsRAGE alone. Registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02377076).