Comparison of Splenic Artery Aneurysms in Patients with and without Portal Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) are rare but seem to have higher incidence in patients with portal hypertension (PH). The present article aims to analyze the interference of PH in the natural history of these aneurysms. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of data recorded prospectively. Between January 2000 and December 2019, all SAAs patients in follow-up at a tertiary institution were selected for analysis. Primary end point was to analyze the presentation and evolution of SAAs in patients with PH, and secondary was to identify cumulative rates of freedom from rupture, interventions, and survival in this group, during a 10-year follow-up. RESULTS: In total, 96 patients were identified with SAAs, 79 (82.29%) did not have PH and 17 (17.7%) had this comorbidity. Among the demographic characteristics, the patients with SAAs and PH were significantly younger (52 years [standard deviation {SD} 13.3] versus 61.9 years [SD 12.2] [P = 0.05]) and had lower number of pregnancies (1.1 pregnancies [SD 1.2] versus 3.37 pregnancies [SD 2.3] [P = 0.03]). Patients with PH had a higher cumulative rate of surgical intervention throughout follow-up (up to 75.6% in 10 years) when compared to patients without PH, with 36.9% intervention rate in 10 years of follow-up. Patients with PH had larger diameter at diagnosis (35 mm, SD 27.3) compared to patients without PH (22.6 mm, SD 16.1), P = 0.008. However, there were no statistical differences in the relative growth rate, in aneurysmal rupture rate throughout follow-up, as well as in survival over the years, between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The patients with SAAs and PH are significantly younger, have larger SAA diameters at diagnosis and have a higher cumulative rate of surgical intervention throughout follow-up in 10 years, despite the relative growth rate being similar to that of patients without PH.

Prevalence of urinary incontinence in Brazilian para athletes.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) in para athletes in Brazil. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with Brazilian para athletes with physical impairments from all para sports. The data from 86 participants of both sexes (60 males and 26 females) were collected through an online survey that gathered sociodemographic data and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form, from March to July 2023. RESULTS: The prevalence of UI was 45.3% (n=39), with the average impact on quality of life scored at 6.1±3.5 on a scale of 0-10. Most para athletes reported moderate (43.5%) or severe (38.4%) symptoms. The most common type was mixed UI (46.1%), with an average of 3±1.9 episodes of urinary loss per athlete in the last 4 weeks. Adjusted Poisson regression (controlling for sex, age and level of competition) revealed that para athletes with orthopaedic impairments had a 58% lower prevalence of UI (prevalence ratio=0.42; 95% CI 0.24, 0.83) compared with those with neurological impairments. Furthermore, ordinal regression indicated that para athletes with neurological impairments were 147% more likely to experience a progression from 'severe' to 'very severe' UI (OR=2.47; 95% CI 1.59, 3.93). CONCLUSIONS: UI is highly prevalent among para athletes, particularly those with neurological impairments, underscoring the need for specialised genitourinary healthcare and the need for further treatment and monitoring of the condition. There is a critical need to raise awareness among coaches, healthcare providers and the athletes themselves about UI and its impact to foster the comprehensive well-being of these athletes.

Influence of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on the 2,4-diclorophenoxyacetic acid phytoremediation by plectranthus neochilus.

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is an herbicide widely used in crops against broadleaf weeds. However, 2,4-D residues are considered an environmental pollutant in bodies of water. Phytoremediation with Plectranthus neochilus is a substantial strategy to remove 2,4-D from the aquatic environment. The objective of this study was to verify the efficiency of the association of the photostimulus by Light Emitting Diodes (LED) with P. neochilus to improve phytoremediation of 2,4-D in water. Phytoremediation was evaluated with the following samples: natural light, white LED, blue LED, and red LED, with and without the plant as controls. The data corresponding to the validation of the method were in accordance with the required parameters: R2: 0.9926; RSD: 1.74%; LOD: 0.075 mg.L-1; LOQ: 0.227 mg.L-1 and recovery by SPE was 76.57%. The efficiency of the association of LED with P. neochilus in the 28 days was: ambient light + plant (47.0%); white light + plant (37.10%); blue light + plant (26.80%); red light + plant (3.32%). This study demonstrated, for the first time, the efficiency of using LEDs light in association with P. neochilus for the phytoremediation of 2,4-D in water.

Phytoremediation of organic compounds in water is a time-consuming process and generally unfavorable to the plant. This study demonstrated that the photostimulation with blue and red LED lights can accelerate the phytoremediation of the herbicide by P. neochilus, decreasing the t_1/2 of 2,4-D in water by 2 and 5 times, respectively. We equate the time of this process to physical-chemical degradation methods, but without the use of reagents, creating a green strategy to accelerate the decontamination of water resources contaminated with pesticides.

Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties of Chenopodin-Derived Synthetic Peptides.

Antimicrobial peptides have been developed based on plant-derived molecular scaffolds for the treatment of infectious diseases. Chenopodin is an abundant seed storage protein in quinoa, an Andean plant with high nutritional and therapeutic properties. Here, we used computer- and physicochemical-based strategies and designed four peptides derived from the primary structure of Chenopodin. Two peptides reproduce natural fragments of 14 amino acids from Chenopodin, named Chen1 and Chen2, and two engineered peptides of the same length were designed based on the Chen1 sequence. The two amino acids of Chen1 containing amide side chains were replaced by arginine (ChenR) or tryptophan (ChenW) to generate engineered cationic and hydrophobic peptides. The evaluation of these 14-mer peptides on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli showed that Chen1 does not have antibacterial activity up to 512 µM against these strains, while other peptides exhibited antibacterial effects at lower concentrations. The chemical substitutions of glutamine and asparagine by amino acids with cationic or aromatic side chains significantly favoured their antibacterial effects. These peptides did not show significant hemolytic activity. The fluorescence microscopy analysis highlighted the membranolytic nature of Chenopodin-derived peptides. Using molecular dynamic simulations, we found that a pore is formed when multiple peptides are assembled in the membrane. Whereas, some of them form secondary structures when interacting with the membrane, allowing water translocations during the simulations. Finally, Chen2 and ChenR significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection. These findings demonstrate that Chenopodin is a highly useful template for the design, engineering, and manufacturing of non-toxic, antibacterial, and antiviral peptides.

In Situ Transesterification from Soybean Seed Using Mechanochemical Methods toward Producing Biodiesel.

The research and development of new routes of biodiesel synthesis have been increasingly in line with the principles of green chemistry. In this sense, mechanochemistry is a promising technique, able to ally the energetic potential with reductions in the use of solvents and steps of treatment of the sample and the purification of the product. To date, this is the first work using mechanochemistry directly in extracting soybean oil from its seed and the in situ transesterification reaction by applying a reactive soybean oil extraction process. The presence of n-hexane was studied in different molar proportions (relative to the oil content), and a low solvent consumption in a 3:1 ratio was adopted. Mechanochemistry favored oil diffusion in the n-hexane solvent, resulting in a mean triglyceride content equal to 90%, against 66% obtained in the tests without spheres in the planetary ball mill. The catalyst content was also evaluated, and 4% NaOH (weight, concerning the oil) was the concentration that presented less residue of nontransesterified glycerides in the samples for ethyl ester preparation. Additionally, the protein content was determined on the residual soybean cake, with no loss of nutritional potential when subjected to the mechanochemical process.

Sampling reflex as a new manometric marker in the diagnosis of defecation disorders: systematic review

Introduction: Distension of the rectum wall and subsequent momentary relaxation of the internal anal sphincter (IAS) trigger a reflex called the rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR). This same rectal distension causes a reflex contraction of the external anal sphincter (EAS), responsible for conscious continence called rectoanal excitatory reflex (RAER). This set of reflexes are named sampling reflex. Objectives: The sampling reflex is necessary to initiate defecation or flatulence. The objective of this study is to evaluate the sampling reflex and its practical applicability as a manometric marker of the main defecation disorders. Methodology: This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) items. The development method consisted of searching for articles in the research platforms BVS, PubMed, Cochrane Library, SciELO and ScienceDirect and for the selection of articles the Rayyan Platform was used. The articles resulting from the search strategies were added to the platform and five collaborators were invited for the blind selection. Finally, 6 articles were included in the final review. Results: An intact sampling reflex allows the individual to facilitate discrimination between flatus and stool and to choose whether to discharge or retain rectal contents. On the other hand, an impaired sampling reflex can predispose an individual to incontinence. Therefore, it was observed that patients with defecation disorders had an impaired sampling reflex, since it was found that constipated patients have incomplete opening of the IAS, lower amplitude of RAIR and increase of RAER. Most incontinent patients present a failure in the recruitment of the EAS, a decrease in the RAER and an increase in the RAIR, in duration and amplitude. (AU)

Glycosylation and charge distribution orchestrates the conformational ensembles of a biotechnologically promissory phytase in different pHs - a computational study.

Phytases [myo-inositol(1,2,3,4,5,6) hexakisphosphate phosphohydrolases] are phytate-specific phosphatases not present in monogastric animals. Nevertheless, they are an essential supplement to feeding such animals and for human special diets. It is crucial, hence, the biotechnological use of phytases with intrinsic stability and activity at the acid pHs from gastric environments. Here we use Metadynamics (METADY) simulations to probe the conformational space of the Aspergillus nidulans phytase and the differential effects of pH and glycosylation in this same space. The results suggest that strategic combinations of pH and glycosylation affect the stability of native-like conformations and alternate these structures from a metastable to a stable profile. Furthermore, the protein segments previously reported as more thermosensitive in phytases from this family present a pivotal role in the conformational changes at different conditions, especially H2, H5-7, L8, L10, L12, and L17. Also, the glycosylations and the pH-dependent charge balance modulate the mobility and interactions at these same regions, with consequences for the surface solvation and active site exposition. Finally, although the glycosylations have stabilized the native structure and improved the substrate docking at all the studied pHs, the data suggest a higher phytate receptivity at catalytic poses for the unglycosylated structure at pH 6.5 and the glycosylated one at pH 4.5. This behavior agrees with the exact change in optimum pH reported for this enzyme, expressed on low or high glycosylating systems. We hope the results and insights presented here will be helpful in future approaches for rational engineering of technologically promising phytases and intelligent planning of their heterologous expression systems and conditions for use.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Association between exposure to pesticides and allergic diseases in children and adolescents: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Abstract Objective: The study aimed to conduct a systematic review of the literature to verify the association between exposure to pesticides and allergic diseases (asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis) in children and adolescents. Method: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed using the PRISMA method with the question "What is the association between exposure to pesticides and allergic diseases in children (asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis)?" MEDLINE, EMBASE, SciELO, and Cochrane electronic databases were searched throughout the period in the literature up to September 2020. A total of 1296 studies were found, and 24 were selected. Results: Exposure to pesticides showed a two-fold greater risk of developing or exacerbating asthma in children and adolescents (odds ratio [OR] = 2.14 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26-3.64, p < 0.01). There was no association between exposure to pesticides and the development of allergic rhinitis (OR = 2.73, 95% CI 0.13-57.8, p = 0.52) and atopic dermatitis (OR = 2.19, 95% CI 0.51-9.36, p = 0.29). Conclusions: Exposure to pesticides increases the risk of developing or exacerbating asthma in children and adolescents. There was no evidence of an association between exposure to pesticides and the development of allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents, possibly due to the low number of studies found in this review.

O reforço escolar: "Não sou bom de escola, sou bom de coração" / School Tutoring: "I'm not good at school, I'm good at heart" / El Refuerzo Escolar: "No soy bueno de escuela, soy bueno de corazón"

A pesquisa apresentada neste artigo identificou significações atribuídas por estudantes do ensino fundamental ao processo de reforço escolar. A partir da perspectiva teórica da Psicologia Sócio-histórica, conceitos fundamentais da constituição psicológica da criança no período escolar foram elencados. Com o referencial teórico foi criado um roteiro de entrevista, aplicado a estudantes de escolas particulares de São Paulo, sendo que este artigo traz uma das análises realizadas, com foco em um estudante. As respostas dos estudantes geraram uma análise qualitativa, utilizando o referencial teórico dos Núcleos de Significação, procedimento de análise elaborado por Aguiar e Ozella. A análise da entrevista de Caio trouxe significações a respeito do aluno que precisa de reforço escolar como sinônimo de "mau aluno", contribuindo para a adoção de mecanismos de defesa por Caio, alimentados por sentimentos de exclusão, monotonia e cansaço com o ambiente escolar. A partir das informações encontradas, os adultos envolvidos com a criança podem reestruturar e orientar de forma diferente o processo de reforço escolar, visando à diminuição ou eliminação dos sentimentos de exclusão e desvalorização que o processo pode gerar. (AU)

The research presented in this article identified meanings attributed by elementary school students to the process of school tutoring. From the theoretical perspective of Socio-Historical Psychology, fundamental concepts of the psychological constitution of the child in the school period were listed. With the theoretical reference, an interview script was created, applied to students from private schools in São Paulo, and this article brings one of the analyses carried out with a student. The students' answers generated a qualitative analysis, using the theoretical reference of the Nuclei of Meaning core, an analysis procedure developed by Aguiar and Ozella. The analysis of Caio's interview brought up meanings about the student who needs tutoring as a synonym of "bad student", contributing to the adoption of defense mechanisms by Caio, fed by feelings of exclusion, monotony and tiredness with the school environment. From the information found, the adults involved with the child can restructure and orient the process of school tutoring in a different way, aiming at reducing or eliminating the feelings of exclusion and devaluation that the process can generate. (AU)

La investigación presentada en este artículo identificó significaciones atribuidas por estudiantes de la enseñanza fundamental al proceso de refuerzo escolar. A partir de la perspectiva teórica de la Psicología Socio-Histórica conceptos fundamentales de la constitución psicológica del niño en el período escolar fueron enumerados. Con la referencia teórica, se creó un guión de entrevista, aplicado a estudiantes de escuelas públicas de São Paulo, y este artículo trae uno de los análisis realizados, con um estudiante. Las respuestas de los alumnos generaron un análisis cualitativo, utilizando el marco teórico de los Núcleos de Significado, un procedimiento de análisis desarrollado por Aguiar y Ozella. El análisis de la entrevista de Caio aportó significados sobre el alumno que necesita refuerzo escolar como sinónimo de "mal alumno", contribuyendo a la adopción de mecanismos de defensa por parte de Caio, alimentados por sentimientos de exclusión, monotonía y cansancio con el ambiente escolar. A partir de las informaciones encontradas los adultos involucrados con el niño pueden reestructurar y orientar de forma diferente el proceso de refuerzo escolar, buscando la disminución o eliminación de los sentimientos de exclusión y devaluación que el proceso puede generar. (AU)

Euphorbia tirucalli latex loaded polymer nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization, in vitro release and in vivo antinociceptive action.

The encapsulation of drugs in micro and nanocarriers has helped to resolve mechanisms of cellular resistance and decrease drug side effects as well. In this study, poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) was used to encapsulate the Euphol active substance-containing latex from Euphorbia tirucalli (E-latex). The nanoparticles (NP) were prepared using the solvent evaporation method and the physical and chemical properties were evaluated using spectrophotometric techniques. FTIR was used to prove the formation of the ester bond between the E-latex and PLGA-NP. The UV-Vis spectroscopic technique was used to show that more than 75% of the latex was encapsulated; the same technique was used to determine the release profile of the compound at different pH values, as well as determining the speed with which the process occurs through kinetic models, and it was observed that the best adjustments occurred for the Korsmeyer-Peppas model and the Higuchi model. The DLS technique was used to determine the diameter of the particles produced as well as their zeta potential (ZP). The sizes of the particles varied from 497 to 764 nm, and it was observed that the increase in E-latex concentration causes a reduction in the diameter of the NP and an increase in the ZP (-1.44 to -22.7 mV), due to more functional groups from latex film being adsorbed to the NPs surfaces. The thermogravimetric experiments exhibit the glass transition temperatures (Tg) that is appropriate for the use of formulated NPs as a stable drug delivery device before use. The in vivo activity of E-NPs (30 and 100 mg/Kg/p.o.) was tested against carrageenan-induced mechanical hypernociception. The data demonstrated a significantly antinociceptive effect for E-NPs, suggesting that E-latex nanoencapsulation preserved its desired properties.

Ingestão cáustica pediátrica em Minas Gerais ­ Brasil: um estudo observacional do Hospital Universitário de Uberlândia / Pediatric caustic ingestion in Minas Gerais ­ Brazil: an observational study at the University Hospital of Uberlândia

Introdução: Crianças menores de cinco anos são as principais vítimas de acidentes por ingestão de cáusticos, assim considerando a epidemiologia brasileira e dos riscos à exposição desses agentes ressalta-se a importância deste estudo que objetiva realizar uma análise descritiva dos casos de acidentes cáusticos em pacientes pediátricos atendidos em um hospital universitário de Minas Gerais. Método: Este é um estudo transversal descritivo, de caráter quantitativo, a partir dos dados obtidos de prontuários de pacientes pediátricos (0-13 anos) atendidos por ingestão de substâncias cáusticas, no Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (Minas Gerais, Brasil). Resultados: Foram levantados 132 prontuários de crianças atendidas por ingestão de substâncias cáusticas de janeiro de 2011 a abril de 2018. Os acidentes acometeram crianças na faixa etária de 08 meses a 12 anos, sendo que 82,60% dos casos ocorreram em ambiente domiciliar. Entre as principais substâncias ingeridas estão os produtos de limpeza, quanto à sua composição química predominaram soda cáustica, hipoclorito de sódio e amoníaco. A endoscopia digestiva alta (EDA) foi realizada em 104 pacientes. Quase 13% das crianças apresentaram estenose esofágica e necessitaram de dilatação esofágica. No período estudado, foram realizados 296 procedimentos de dilatações, com média de 17,4 procedimentos por paciente. Discussão: Considerando que os acidentes cáusticos são prevalentes em crianças menores de cinco anos e em ambiente domiciliar, as principais substâncias ingeridas são aquelas de caráter alcalino, que causam lesão no trato respiratório e gastrointestinal, sendo a principal consequência a estenose esofágica. Ademais, não há protocolos bem definidos para o manejo e a condução de pacientes que fizeram a ingestão dessas substâncias. As principais limitações do estudo foram o preenchimento incompleto dos prontuários analisados e os trâmites burocráticos para o acesso aos mesmos. Conclusão: Predominaram os acidentes cáusticos domiciliares e em crianças menores de 2 anos, o que implica a necessidade de ações educativas e preventivas. [au]

Introduction: Children under five years old are the principal victims of accidents caused by the ingestion of caustics, so considering Brazilian epidemiology and the risks of exposure to these agents the importance of this study is emphasized. This study aims to carry out a descriptive analysis of cases of caustic accidents in pediatric patients treated in a university hospital in Minas Gerais. Method: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study, with a quantitative character, based on data obtained from medical records of pediatric patients (0-13 years old) treated for ingestion of caustic agents at the Hospital of the Federal University of Uberlândia (Minas Gerais, Brazil). Results: We collected 132 medical records of children treated for ingestion of caustic substances from January 2011 to April 2018. The accidents affected children aged between 8 months and 12 years, with 82.60% of the cases occurring in the home environment. Among the main substances ingested are cleaning products, as for their chemical composition, caustic soda, sodium hypochlorite, and ammonia predominated. Upper digestive endoscopy (UGE) was performed in 104 patients. Almost 13% of the children had esophageal strictures and required esophageal dilation. During the study period, 296 dilatation procedures were performed, with an average of 17.4 procedures per patient. Discussion: Considering that caustic accidents are prevalent in children under five years of age and the home environment, the main substances ingested are those of an alkaline nature, which cause injury to the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract, the main consequence being esophageal stenosis. Furthermore, there are no well-defined protocols for the management of patients who have ingested these substances. The main limitations of the study were the incomplete filling of the medical records analyzed and the bureaucratic procedures for accessing them. Conclusion: Caustic accidents predominated in children under two years old in the home environment, which implies the need for educational and preventive actions. [au]

Beneficial effects of eugenol supplementation on gut microbiota and hepatic steatosis in high-fat-fed mice.

Due to the increase in the prevalence of obesity, new therapies have emerged and eugenol has been shown to be beneficial in metabolic changes and gut microbiota. This study aimed to investigate the effects of eugenol on gut microbiota, hepatic lipid accumulation, body weight, adipose tissue weight, lipid and glycemic profile in mice fed a high-fat diet. Forty C57BL/6 male mice were divided into standard diet (SD), high-fat diet (HFD), standard diet with eugenol (SDE) and high-fat diet with eugenol (HFDE). The dose used of eugenol was 500 mg kg-1 for 8 weeks. Eugenol did not prevent weight gain, but it was effective in preventing hepatic lipid accumulation evidenced by the presence of fat droplets in the HFD group and absence in the HFDE group. An improvement in the gut microbiota profile was observed, proved by an increase in the Actinobacteria phylum in the treated groups and a reduction of Proteobacteria phylum in the HFDE group. Despite not preventing weight gain, eugenol appeared to have a protective effect on hepatic lipid accumulation and beneficially modulate the gut microbiota in mice fed with HFD.

Association between exposure to pesticides and allergic diseases in children and adolescents: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to conduct a systematic review of the literature to verify the association between exposure to pesticides and allergic diseases (asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis) in children and adolescents. METHOD: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed using the PRISMA method with the question "What is the association between exposure to pesticides and allergic diseases in children (asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis)?" MEDLINE, EMBASE, SciELO, and Cochrane electronic databases were searched throughout the period in the literature up to September 2020. A total of 1296 studies were found, and 24 were selected. RESULTS: Exposure to pesticides showed a two-fold greater risk of developing or exacerbating asthma in children and adolescents (odds ratio [OR] = 2.14 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26-3.64, p < 0.01). There was no association between exposure to pesticides and the development of allergic rhinitis (OR = 2.73, 95% CI 0.13-57.8, p = 0.52) and atopic dermatitis (OR = 2.19, 95% CI 0.51-9.36, p = 0.29). CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to pesticides increases the risk of developing or exacerbating asthma in children and adolescents. There was no evidence of an association between exposure to pesticides and the development of allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents, possibly due to the low number of studies found in this review.

Can the inability to contract the pelvic floor muscles influence the severity of urinary incontinence symptoms in females?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to analyze if the inability to perform a maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) in a first assessment can influence the severity of urinary incontinence symptoms in women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out using the medical records of women with UI who were referred for pelvic floor physiotherapy after undergoing a gynecological evaluation between May 2013 and December 2019. Records included data referring to age, body mass index (BMI), obstetric history, Modified Oxford Scale (MOS), and the final score of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF) from a baseline assessment. Data were divided into women who were unable and those who were able to voluntarily perform an MVC of the PFMs. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 21. RESULTS: A total of 498 medical records were analyzed and 36.3% of those women were not able to perform a PFM MVC after verbal command and digital stimulus. Homogeneity was observed among groups and no significant difference was found regarding the severity of UI symptoms when the groups were compared. CONCLUSIONS: No association was found between the inability to contract the PFMs and the severity of UI symptoms. Other studies should be developed to better understand why some women are incapable of performing a voluntary PFM contraction. Also, it would be relevant to compare women with PFM dysfunction who are not able to contract the PFMs with healthy women with the same PFM condition to analyze whether this muscle condition could be related to dysfunctions such as UI or pelvic organ prolapse.

Enzymatic synthesis of structured lipids from grape seed (Vitis vinifera L.) oil in associated packed bed reactors.

Triacylglycerols (TAGs) can be modified to increase the absorption of fatty acids, prevent obesity, and treat fat malabsorption disorders and metabolic diseases. Medium-long-medium (MLM)-type TAGs, which contain medium-chain fatty acids in the sn-1 and sn-3 positions of the glycerol backbone and a long-chain fatty acid in the sn-2 position, show particularly interesting nutritional characteristics. This study aimed to synthesize MLM-type TAGs by enzymatic acidolysis of grape seed oil with medium-chain capric acid (C10:0) in associated packed bed reactors. The reaction was carried out during 120 H, at 45 °C, using lipase from Rhizomucor miehei (Lipozyme® RM IM). The residence time distribution of reagents in the reactor was quantified to evaluate the reactor behavior and to diagnose the existence of preferential paths. The reaction progress was monitored by analyzing TAG composition and, at the steady state (after 48 H of reaction), the incorporation degree achieved a value of 39.91 ± 2.77%. To enhance the capric acid incorporation, an acidolysis reaction in associated packed bed reactors was performed. The results showed a good operational stability of the biocatalyst, revealing values of half-life 209.64 H, 235.63 H of packed bed and associated packed bed reactor, respectively, and a deactivation coefficient 0.0061 H-1 .

Professoras negras na pós-graduação em saúde: entre o racismo estrutural e a feminização do cuidado / Black female professors in health postgraduate courses: between structural racism and the feminization of care

RESUMO A partir de referenciais do feminismo negro, da perspectiva interseccional e dos estudos étnicoraciais no Brasil, problematizam-se o racismo e o sexismo na academia brasileira com base na caracterização e análise da presença/ausência de professoras negras em programas de pós-graduação em ciências da saúde de duas universidades federais fluminenses, UFRJ e UFF. Utilizando informações de sites de 31 Programas de Pós-Graduação (PPG), reconstruíram-se quantitativamente os perfis de gênero e étnico-raciais por universidade e área de avaliação. Identificaram-se 23 professoras negras que ocupam 26 vagas docentes nos PPG analisados. Com base em informações da Plataforma Lattes, também se abordou longitudinalmente a dimensão de estudo. Os resultados assinalam que a presença de professoras negras é de 2% na UFRJ e de 6% na UFF; que ela é maior em áreas relativas aos cuidados e ínfima em áreas de maior prestígio científico e socioeconômico, como medicina. Constata-se o racismo como principal sistema de poder, operando no contexto institucional e disciplinar. Neste último, associado ao sexismo que determina as hierarquias de gênero nas áreas de saúde. Observa-se, também, que as desigualdades de raça se sobrepõem às de gênero no contexto desta pesquisa, confirmando as teses que apontam o epistemicídio dos saberes negros.

ABSTRACT Based on black feminism, intersectional perspective and Brazilian ethnic-racial studies, the paper problematized racism and sexism in the Brazilian academy. It characterizes and analyses the presence/ absence of black women professors in PhD programs in health sciences of two federal universities, UFRJ and UFF. Using information from the websites of 31 PhD programs, we reconstructed, quantitatively, the gender and ethnic-racial profiles of the PhD programs by university and evaluation area. Twentythree black women professors were identified in 26 teaching positions. Based on information from the Plataforma Lattes, we also addressed the study dimension longitudinally. The results indicate that the presence of black women professors is 2% at UFRJ and 6% at UFF. It is greater in areas related to care, and non-existent in areas of greater scientific and socio-economic prestige, such as Medicine. Racism is seen as the main power system, operating in the institutional and disciplinary context. In the latter, it is associated with sexism that determines gender hierarchies in health fields. It is also observed that race inequalities overlap with gender inequalities in the context of this research, confirming the theses that point to the epistemicide of black knowledge.

Trypanosoma rangeli Genetic, Mammalian Hosts, and Geographical Diversity from Five Brazilian Biomes.

Trypanosoma rangeli is a generalist hemoflagellate that infects mammals and is transmitted by triatomines around Latin America. Due to its high genetic diversity, it can be classified into two to five lineages. In Brazil, its distribution outside the Amazon region is virtually unknown, and knowledge on the ecology of its lineages and on host species diversity requires further investigation. Here, we analyzed 57 T. rangeli samples obtained from hemocultures and blood clots of 1392 mammals captured in different Brazilian biomes. The samples were subjected to small subunit (SSU) rDNA amplification and sequencing to confirm T. rangeli infection. Phylogenetic inferences and haplotype networks were reconstructed to classify T. rangeli lineages and to infer the genetic diversity of the samples. The results obtained in our study highlighted both the mammalian host range and distribution of T. rangeli in Brazil: infection was observed in five new species (Procyon cancrivorous, Priodontes maximum, Alouatta belzebul, Sapajus libidinosus, and Trinomys dimidiatus), and transmission was observed in the Caatinga biome. The coati (Nasua nasua) and capuchin monkey (S. libidinosus) are the key hosts of T. rangeli. We identified all four T. rangeli lineages previously reported in Brazil (A, B, D, and E) and possibly two new genotypes.

Latent and active tuberculosis infection in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: a prospective cohort study.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major infectious complication in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients in countries with high TB prevalence. Identifying and treating latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) helps to prevent TB reactivation after transplantation. Few studies have compared the tuberculin skin test (TST) with interferon Gamma release assays (IGRA) to diagnose LTBI in HSCT candidates. We compared TST and QuantiFeron TB gold in tube (QTF-GIT) and prospectively evaluated the incidence of active tuberculosis in 126 HSCT candidates and 58 HSCT recipients with chronic GVHD followed at the outpatient clinic. TB was diagnosed by culture in Mycobacteria media and by commercial real-time PCR kit. Considering the positivity of any test, the prevalence of LTBI was 8.7% in HSCT candidates (11 out of 126) and 12.5% in HSCT recipients with chronic GVHD (6 out of 48). QTF-GIT indeterminate results were detected in 2.4% of the HSCT candidates. Fair to good agreement (K > 0.50) between tests was observed in both cohorts. Cumulative incidence of TB was 3% in the GVHD cohort. TB was diagnosed in 2 chronic GVHD recipients, both cases confirmed by positive culture and PCR. None of the 11 patients with LTBI diagnosed pre-HSCT who received INH prophylaxis developed TB.

Secretomic insight into the biomass hydrolysis potential of the phytopathogenic fungus Chrysoporthe cubensis.

The phytopathogenic fungus Chrysoporthe cubensis has a great capacity to produce highly efficient enzymes for the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass. The bioinfosecretome of C. cubensis was identified by computational predictions of secreted proteins combined with protein analysis using 1D-LC-MS/MS. The in silico secretome predicted 562 putative genes capable of encoding secreted proteins, including 273 CAZymes. Proteomics analysis confirmed the existence of 313 proteins, including 137 CAZymes classified as Glycosyl Hydrolases (GH), Polysaccharide Lyases (PL), Carbohydrate Esterases (CE) and Auxiliary Activities enzymes (AA), which indicates the presence of classical and oxidative cellulolytic mechanisms. The enzymes diversity in the extract shows fungal versatility to act in complex biomasses. This study provides an insight into the lignocellulose-degradation mechanisms by C. cubensis and allows the identification of the enzymes that are potentially useful in improving industrial process of bioconversion of lignocellulose. SIGNIFICANCE: Chrysoporthe cubensis is an important deadly canker pathogen of commercially cultivated Eucalyptus species. The effective depolymerisation of the recalcitrant plant cell wall performed by this fungus is closely related to its high potential of lignocellulolytic enzymes secretion. Since the degradation of biomass occurs in nature almost exclusively by enzyme secretion systems, it is reasonable to suggest that the identification of C. cubensis lignocellulolytic enzymes is relevant in contributing to new sustainable alternatives for industrial solutions. As far as we know, this work is the first accurate proteomic evaluation of the enzymes secreted by this species of fungus. The integration of the gel-based proteomic approach, the bioinformatic prediction of the secretome and the analyses of enzymatic activity are powerful tools in the evaluation of biotechnological potential of C. cubensis in producing carbohydrate-active enzymes. In addition, analysis of the C. cubensis secretome grown in wheat bran draws attention to this plant pathogen and its extracellular enzymatic machinery, especially regarding the identification of promising new enzymes for industrial applications. The results from this work allowed for explanation and reinforce previous research that revealed C. cubensis as a strong candidate to produce enzymes to hydrolyse sugarcane bagasse and similar substrates.

Trypanosomatid species in Didelphis albiventris from urban forest fragments.

Urbanization results in loss of natural habitats and, consequently, reduction of richness and abundance of specialist to the detriment of generalist species. We hypothesized that a greater richness of trypanosomatid in Didelphis albiventris would be found in fragments of urban forests in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, that presented a larger richness of small mammals. We used parasitological, molecular, and serological methods to detect Trypanosoma spp. infection in D. albiventris (n = 43) from forest fragments. PCR was performed with primers specific for 18S rDNA, 24Sα rDNA, mini-chromosome satellites, and mini-exon genes. IFAT was used to detect anti-Trypanosoma cruzi IgG. All hemoculture was negative. We detected trypanosomatid DNA in blood of 35% of opossum. Two opossums were seropositive for T. cruzi. The trypanosomatid species number infecting D. albiventris was higher in the areas with greater abundance, rather than richness of small mammals. We found D. albiventris parasitized by T. cruzi in single and co-infections with Leishmania spp., recently described molecular operational taxonomic unit (MOTU) named DID, and Trypanosoma lainsoni. We concluded that (i) trypanosome richness may be determined by small mammal abundance, (ii) D. albiventris confirmed to be bio-accumulators of trypanosomatids, and (iii) T. lainsoni demonstrated a higher host range than described up to the present.