New insights on the Jacobsite mineral from Bahia and related synthetic manganese-ferrite nanoparticles.

Jacobsite is a relatively rare mineral of composition MnFe2O4, found in Urandi (Bahia State) in Brazil. It is also a common species in the deep-sea manganese nodules, attracting the interest of many mineral-extracting companies. Because of its spinel constitution similar to magnetite, Jacobsite is commonly called a manganese-ferrite. However, the manganese/iron content may vary substantially according to its origin, demanding specific studies in each case. The Jacobsite mineral inspired our laboratory synthesis of the analogous manganese ferrite nanoparticles. The direct synthesis by the coprecipitation method has not been successful; however, it can be carried in the presence of citrate ions, yielding strongly magnetic nanoparticles, with a maximum magnetization of 45.6 emu.g1. Although they were structurally identical to Jacobsite, the mineral from Bahia exhibited a rather weak magnetism, because it involves a ferrimagnetic coupling. For this reason, the synthetic method seems to provide a better way of obtaining strongly magnetic manganese ferrites. These magnetic nanoparticles have been investigated in detail, including their interaction with diatoms, providing interesting magnetic bio-silicate carriers in drug delivery.

Taxonomic and functional characterization of biofilms from a photovoltaic panel reveals high genetic and metabolic complexity of the communities.

AIMS: Biofilms are complex microbial cell aggregates that attach to different surfaces in nature, industrial environments, or hospital settings. In photovoltaic panels (PVs), biofilms are related to significant energy conversion losses. In this study, our aim was to characterize the communities of microorganisms and the genes involved in biofilm formation. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, biofilm samples collected from a PV system installed in southeastern Brazil were analyzed through shotgun metagenomics, and the microbial communities and genes involved in biofilm formation were investigated. A total of 2030 different genera were identified in the samples, many of which were classified as extremophiles or producers of exopolysaccharides. Bacteria prevailed in the samples (89%), mainly the genera Mucilaginibacter, Microbacterium, Pedobacter, Massilia, and Hymenobacter. The functional annotation revealed >12 000 genes related to biofilm formation and stress response. Genes involved in the iron transport and synthesis of c-di-GMP and c-AMP second messengers were abundant in the samples. The pathways related to these components play a crucial role in biofilm formation and could be promising targets for preventing biofilm formation in the PV. In addition, Raman spectroscopy analysis indicated the presence of hematite, goethite, and ferrite, consistent with the mineralogical composition of the regional soil and metal-resistant bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our findings reveal that PV biofilms are a promising source of microorganisms of industrial interest and genes of central importance in regulating biofilm formation and persistence.

Mapping heavy mineral deposits on the coast of the state of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) using orbital and proximal remote sensing.

Heavy mineral deposits occur in several coastal areas of the world, formed over a long period due to variations in mean sea level, wave action, and winds. These are the main sources of ilmenite (FeTiO3), which in turn is the source of more than 80% of the TiO2 produced and applied in various industries, most recently in nanotechnology. The present study mapped heavy mineral deposits on the coast of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil using integrated proximal and orbital thermal infrared (TIR) remote sensing techniques. Mineral groups, such as oxides and silicates, have spectral features in the TIR wavelengths. Using laboratory spectroscopy at TIR using Nicolet 6700 Thermo Scientific Spectrometer, we measured the spectral signature of the local sample of heavy minerals (between 8 and 14 µm) and identified a diagnostic spectral feature at 10.75 µm. The signature was resampled to be compatible with the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission Radiometer (ASTER) sensor bandwidth values and used as a reference endmember for the Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) and Linear Spectral Unmixing (LSU) digital image classification algorithms. Thus, we identified the presence of the reference endmember (heavy minerals) in the pixels of the ASTER scene. In pixels classified by SAM as the presence of heavy minerals, LSU was applied to estimate the surface concentration within the pixel. The results showed a concentration of up to 20% of heavy minerals, with the highest concentration on the beach and dune fields. Opaque minerals such as ilmenite do not have spectral reflectance features in visible, near-infrared, and short-wave infrared, which makes their identification by remote sensing difficult. The present study showed that the integration of proximal and orbital as well as hyperspectral and multispectral thermal data can be considered as an alternative for detecting and mapping heavy minerals in coastal areas.

Fractionation and leaching of Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn from smelter residues of an old environmental liability in Argentina.

An integrated chemical and mineralogical characterization approach was applied to smelter wastes collected from 50-year-old dump sites in Argentina. Characterization included pseudo-total element concentrations, acid generation/neutralization potential, sequential extractions, pH-dependent leaching kinetics, and mineralogical analysis of all residues. These analyses provided detailed information on the reactivity of the minerals in the waste material and associated metal release. Cadmium and Zn were the elements of greatest environmental concern due to their high mobility. On average, the release of Zn and Cd in pH-dependent leaching essays reached 17.6% (up to 5.24 mg g-1) and 52.7% (up to 0.02 mg g-1) of the pseudo-total content, respectively. Moreover, Cd and Zn were also the metals that showed the higher proportions of labile fractions associated to the adsorbed and exchangeable fraction (60-92% for Cd and 19-38% for Zn). Since Cd and Zn concentrations in the residue are not high enough to form their own minerals, a large proportion of these elements would be weakly adsorbed on Fe oxyhydroxides. In contrast, the low release of Cu, Pb and Fe would be associated with these elements being incorporated into the crystalline structure of insoluble or very poorly soluble minerals. Lead is incorporated into plumbojarosite and anglesite. Copper was mainly in association with Fe oxyhydroxides and may also have been incorporated into the plumbojarosite structure. The latter could act as a sink especially for Pb under the acidic conditions of the smelter residue. Despite the elevated concentrations of Pb observed in the residue, it showed a very low mobility (≈0.1%), indicating that it is mostly stabilized. Nevertheless, the smelter residue is a continuous source of metals requiring remediation.

Peruvian fava beans for health and food innovation: physicochemical, morphological, nutritional, and techno-functional characterization.

Peruvian fava beans (PFB) are used in traditional cuisine as a nutrient-rich, flavorful, and textural ingredient; however, little is known about their industrial properties. This study evaluated the physicochemical, nutritional, and techno-functional characteristics of PFB varieties: Verde, Quelcao, and Peruanita. PFB exhibited distinct physical characteristics, quality parameters, and morphology. The color patterns of the seed coat and the hardness were the main parameters for distinguishing them. Nutritionally, all three samples exhibited high protein (23.88-24.88 g/100 g), with high proportion of essential amino acids, high dietary fiber (21.74-25.28 g/100 g), and mineral content. They also contain polyphenols (0.79-1.25 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (0.91-1.06 mg CE/g) with antioxidant potential (16.60-21.01 and 4.68-5.17 µmol TE/g for ABTS and DPPH assays, respectively). Through XRD measurements, the semi-crystalline nature of samples was identified, belonging to the C-type crystalline form. Regarding techno-functionality, PFB flours displayed great foaming capacity, with Verde variety being the most stable. Emulsifying capacity was similar among samples, although Peruanita was more stable during heating. Upon heating with water, PFB flours reached peak viscosities between 175 and 272 cP, and final viscosities between 242 and 384 cP. Quelcao and Verde formed firmer gels after refrigeration. Based on these results, PFB would be useful to developing innovative, nutritious, and healthy products that meet market needs.

Andean Crops Germination: Changes in the Nutritional Profile, Physical and Sensory Characteristics. A Review.

Andean crops such as quinoa, amaranth, cañihua, beans, maize, and tarwi have gained interest in recent years for being gluten-free and their high nutritional values; they have high protein content with a well-balanced essential amino acids profile, minerals, vitamins, dietary fiber, and antioxidant compounds. During the germination bioprocess, the seed metabolism is reactivated resulting in the catabolism and degradation of macronutrients and some anti-nutritional compounds. Therefore, germination is frequently used to improve nutritional quality, protein digestibility, and availability of certain minerals and vitamins; furthermore, in specific cases, biosynthesis of new bioactive compounds could occur through the activation of secondary metabolic pathways. These changes could alter the technological and sensory properties, such as the hardness, consistency and viscosity of the formulations prepared with them. In addition, the flavor profile may undergo improvement or alteration, a critical factor to consider when integrating sprouted grains into food formulations. This review summarizes recent research on the nutritional, technological, functional, and sensory changes occur during the germination of Andean grains and analyze their potential applications in various food products.

Nutraceutical composition (yeast ß-glucan, prebiotics, minerals, and silymarin) predicts improvement of sleep quality and metabolic parameters: A randomized pilot study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The search for integrative and natural therapies that favor homeostasis to boost sleep and diet quality took place for young adult populations as a non-pharmacological strategy for long-term good quality of life. Thus, the present pilot study aims to investigate the effects of 90-day consumption of a nutraceutical composition on the neuro-immune-endocrine axis, providing better sleep quality and health improvement. METHODS: For this, from March 2021 to June 2021, twenty-two Brazilian young adult volunteers (women and men) with BMI between 18.5 and 34.9 kg/m2 were divided into three distinct supplementation groups: NSupple; NSupple plus_S, and NSupple plus. Briefly, the supplement compositions included yeast ß-glucan, prebiotics, and minerals in different concentrations associated or not with the herbal medicine silymarin. Neither nutritional nor physical activity interventions were performed during this pilot study period. The anthropometrics measures, questionnaires answer data, and harvest blood for metabolic, inflammatory, and hormonal tests were collected at baseline time (day zero-T0) and day 90 (T90) post-supplementation. RESULTS: Our results highlight that the supplementation reduced body mass index (BMI), Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist circumference, AST/ALT ratio, alkaline phosphatase, and HbA1c. Post-supplementation the IL-6 and IL-10 levels and the sleep, humor, and quality of life scores were suggested to improve. Sleep quality improvement seems to predict the reduction of adiposity-related body measures. CONCLUSION: In sum, the nutraceutical supplementation might be related to anthropometric, metabolic, and endocrine parameters after 90 days reflecting on perception of humor, sleep, and life quality enhancement. However, it is important to recognize the limitation of the data presented considering that this was a pilot study. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04810572 registered on 20th February 2021.

Safflower cake as an ingredient for a composite flour development towards a circular economy: extrusion versus conventional mixing.

Food waste is responsible for the loss of 1.3 billion tons of food, some of which are related to by-products with great nutritional and energy potential that are still underexplored, such as safflower cake derived from the oil extraction industry. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of incorporating safflower cake (Carthamus tinctorius) and the mixing method used to produce composite wheat-based flour in order to develop a new ingredient. The results were analyzed using ANOVA, and the Tukey test was applied at a significance level of 5 %. The composite flours obtained by the conventional mixing method showed, when compared to wheat flour, a higher concentration of proteins (+5g 100 g-1), minerals (+86 mg kg-1 of Fe, +30 mg kg-1 of Zn), phenolic compounds (15 mg GAE g-1), flavonoids (0.3 mg QE g-1), and lower oil absorption (-0.5 g oil g sample-1), making them suitable for hot flour-based sauces, salad dressings, frozen desserts, cookies and fried products. While extruded composite flours presented better homogenization, reduction of moisture (1 g 100 g-1), lipids (3 g 100 g-1), and mycotoxin concentrations, increased antioxidant activity (DPPH -0.07 IC50 mg/L and ORAC +9 µmol Trolox Eq/g), water absorption and solubility indexes, and oil absorption index, making it suitable for bakery products, meat, and dairy sausages. The developed composite flour proved to be a good nutritional ingredient; thus, its consumption can represent an important nutritional strategy with low production costs, as well as a sustainable solution, reducing food waste and, therefore, toward the concepts of the circular economy.

Quantitative Assessment of the Inadequate Intake of Macronutrients, Minerals, and Vitamins Associated with Ultra-Processed Food Consumption.

Studies indicate that ultra-processed food (UP) consumption correlates negatively with essential vitamin and mineral intake and positively with sodium and lipid intake. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between UP consumption and deviations from nutritional guidelines. An observational, cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on a probability sample of manufacturing workers in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Food consumption was assessed with a 24 h recall survey, and nutrient intake inadequacies were calculated as the difference between individuals' intake of energy, macronutrients, minerals and vitamins, and the dietary reference intakes for individuals of the same sex and age group, and then analyzed for trends across the percentage contribution of UP to total energy intake with nonparametric multiple regression adjusted for covariates. The study included 921 workers from 33 industries, 55.9% male, with a mean age of 32 years. Overall, the study population exhibited deficits in energy, all macronutrients, and in some micronutrients. With increasing UP contribution to total energy intake, there is a trend towards a greater intake of energy (p < 0.001), total, saturated, monounsaturated, and trans fats (p < 0.001), n6-polyunsaturated fatty acids (p = 0.03), carbohydrates (p < 0.001), calcium (p = 0.008), and manganese (p < 0.001), thiamin (p < 0.001), and vitamin B6 (p = 0.01); however, this comes with a negative consequence in terms of reducing the protein consumption (p = 0.037), fiber (p = 0.035), copper (p = 0.033), and vitamin E (p = 0.002) intake. The results show that correcting energy and micronutrient deficiencies by increasing UP consumption can also lead to a decrease in diet quality.

Soil organic carbon sequestration potential explained by mineralogical and microbiological activity using spectral transfer functions.

The ability of soil to sequester carbon and reduce atmospheric CO2 concentrations is limited and depends on the soil minerals and their interaction with the microbiota. Microbial activities are closely associated with the types and amounts of soil organic matter (SOM) and clay minerals that have functional groups that interact with energy in Vis NIR-SWIR and Mid-IR wavelengths. The main objective of this research was to determine, based on these spectral ranges, the relation between mineralogical and organic compounds, as their sequestration and specialization in soils from Brazil. It was possible to map microbiological activity by spectral transfer functions and digital soil mapping reaching R2 from 0.77 to 0.85. Multiple regression equations were constructed to quantify enzymatic activity, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), particulate organic matter (POM), and resistant forms of carbon, and SOM associated with the mineral fraction (MAOM). All these properties were detected by specific bands obtained with the recursive feature elimination (RFE) algorithm, reaching correlations from 0.64 to 0.98 in specific ranges. The prediction model of the carbon sequestration potential was adjusted with microbiological and mineralogical variables from Vis-NIR-SWIR and the Mid-IR spectral range. A SARAR double autoregressive model was adjusted with r 0.61 and to a spatial error model (SEM) with r 0.7. The explanatory variables were associated with kaolinite, hematite, goethite, gibbsite, and the abundance of fungi, actinomycetes, vesico-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, enzymatic activity of beta-glucosidase, urease and phosphatase, and POM. Among the microbiological variables, the general abundance of fungi was the most important, in contrast to enzymatic activity that was the least important. The interaction between the different maps constructed and historical land use allowed the identification of areas that contribute to sequestering new carbon and could be the key to climate change mitigation strategies.

Histomorphometric and microtomographic analysis of maxillary sinus augmentation surgeries with and without collagen membrane on the lateral window: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the histomorphometric and computerized microtomographic (Micro-CT) analysis of the regenerated bone tissue from maxillary sinus augmentation surgery, with and without using the collagen membrane on the external osteotomy window. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients were selected for this prospective, controlled, and randomized study. The patients were submitted to bilateral maxillary sinus surgery in a split-mouth design. On the test side, the maxillary sinus augmentation procedure included using Geistlich Bio-Oss® and a Geistlich Bio-Gide® collagen membrane covering the lateral osteotomy window. On the control side, only Geistlich Bio-Oss® was used without the presence of the membrane. After 6 months, the surgeries for implant installation were performed. In this surgical phase, specimens of the regenerated tissue were collected for histological and Micro-CT analysis. RESULTS: In the histomorphometric evaluation, the mean (±SD) percentages of newly formed bone were 43.9% (±11.5) and 40.8% (±8.9) in the test and control groups, respectively. The corresponding values of the Micro-CT analysis were 36.6% (±3.4) and 37.2% (±4.7) in the test and control groups, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the test and control groups in the two methods. In addition, there was no statistically significant difference between the mean percentage of biomaterial remaining between the test and control groups. However, the mean percentage of newly formed bone was significantly higher and the mean percentage of remaining biomaterial was significantly lower in the histomorphometric analysis compared to the values obtained through microtomography. CONCLUSION: The additional use of collagen membranes in maxillary sinus surgery does not offer advantages in newly formed bone.

Siderite and vivianite as energy sources for the extreme acidophilic bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans in the context of mars habitability.

Past and present habitability of Mars have been intensely studied in the context of the search for signals of life. Despite the harsh conditions observed today on the planet, some ancient Mars environments could have harbored specific characteristics able to mitigate several challenges for the development of microbial life. In such environments, Fe2+ minerals like siderite (already identified on Mars), and vivianite (proposed, but not confirmed) could sustain a chemolithoautotrophic community. In this study, we investigate the ability of the acidophilic iron-oxidizing chemolithoautotrophic bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans to use these minerals as its sole energy source. A. ferrooxidans was grown in media containing siderite or vivianite under different conditions and compared to abiotic controls. Our experiments demonstrated that this microorganism was able to grow, obtaining its energy from the oxidation of Fe2+ that came from the solubilization of these minerals under low pH. Additionally, in sealed flasks without CO2, A. ferrooxidans was able to fix carbon directly from the carbonate ion released from siderite for biomass production, indicating that it could be able to colonize subsurface environments with little or no contact with an atmosphere. These previously unexplored abilities broaden our knowledge on the variety of minerals able to sustain life. In the context of astrobiology, this expands the list of geomicrobiological processes that should be taken into account when considering the habitability of environments beyond Earth, and opens for investigation the possible biological traces left on these substrates as biosignatures.

Ultraviolet Resistance of Microorganisms Isolated from Uranium-Rich Minerals from Perus, Brazil.

The district of Perus, located in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, is renowned for its weathered granitic-pegmatitic masses, which harbor a significant number of uraniferous minerals that contribute to ionizing radiation levels up to 20 times higher than the background levels. In this study, aseptically collected mineral samples from the area were utilized to isolate 15 microorganisms, which were subjected to pre-screening tests involving UV-C and UV-B radiation. The microorganisms that exhibited the highest resistance to ultraviolet (UV) radiation were selected for the construction of survival curves for UV-C, broad-band UV-B, and solar simulation resistance testing. Subsequently, the four strains that demonstrated superior survival capabilities under UV radiation exposure were chosen for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Among these, Nocardioides sp. O4R and Nocardioides sp. MA2R demonstrated the most promising outcomes in the UV radiation resistance assessments, showcasing comparable performance to the well-established radioresistant model organism Deinococcus radiodurans. These findings underscore the potential of naturally occurring high-radiation environments as valuable resources for the investigation of UV-resistant microorganisms. Astrobiology 24, 783-794.

A2 milk: Bioaccessibility of essential minerals and the release of amino groups under static in vitro digestion conditions.

Alternative milk products such as A2 milk are gaining popular stand within consumer market, for their healthy profile and expected greater digestibility characteristics. However, total mineral content and its bioaccessible profile have lacked in studies through the years, even more because of their relevance in public health. The present study aimed to evaluate the mineral profile of commercial A2 bovine milk (AT) and estimate the bioaccessibility of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium using the INFOGEST protocol. Non-A2 samples (NAT) were evaluated for comparison purpose. The determination of Ca, Mg, Na and K was performed by FAAS and total P was quantified by colorimetric method. Total protein content was determined by Kjeldahl method. Free amino acids were quantified by OPA method along the in vitro digestion stages. Total content of Ca, Na and P exhibited equivalent results between samples, although A2 milk showed elevated levels of total Mg and K in the analyzed batches. AT showed protein content equivalent to NAT. In addition, levels of free NH2 were observed 2 times higher in AT, during the first hour of pancreatic phase in the intestinal digestion. Bioaccessibility of Ca showed equivalent percentages for AT (12-42 %) and NAT (10-39 %). The observed low values were possibly derived from interferences with saturated fatty acids and standardized electrolytes during digestion. Similar amounts of bioaccessible Mg were found for all milk samples (35-97 %), while A2 samples evidenced percentages of bioaccessible P exceeding 60 % across the three batches. Despite the health benefits associated to A2 milk, the study did not evidence clear distinction from non-A2 milk in terms of enhanced essential mineral solubility in digestive tract simulation, considering the association of greater digestibility expected for A2 milk.

Performance and incidence of diarrhea in suckling Jersey calves supplemented with mineral-vitamin complex and Virginiamycin.

The rearing of calves is an essential activity of a dairy system, as it impacts the future production of these animals. This study aims to evaluate the incidence of diarrhea, performance, and blood parameters of suckling calves that received mineral-vitamin supplementation in milk plus virginiamycin that was offered in milk (via the abomasum) or by esophageal tube (via the rumen). Twenty-seven calves were used, from the first week to 60 days of age, submitted to the following treatments: CONTROL, without supplementation; MILK, supplementation of 20 g of a mineral-vitamin complex with 100 mg of virginiamycin, diluted in milk; RUMEN, supplementation of 20 g of a mineral-vitamin complex diluted in milk and 100 mg of virginiamycin in gelatin capsules via an esophageal applicator. MILK and RUMEN calves had lower fecal consistency scoring, fewer days with scores 2 and 3 throughout the experimental period, and lower spending on medication compared to the CONTROL animals. Supplemented calves had higher fat and protein intake and reached feed intake of 600 g earlier than CONTROL animals, but did not differ in performance and hematological parameters. Supplementation with virginiamycin and vitamin-mineral complex for suckling calves reduced the incidence and days of diarrhea, and reduced medication costs, with no difference in performance, but the supplemented animals had higher initial protein and fat intake and reached targeted feed intake earlier to begin the weaning process.

Efficiency of organomineral fertilizer and doses of Azospirillum brasilense on the morphophysiological quality of Mezilaurus itauba seedlings.

The present study was conducted to determine the efficiency of organomineral fertilizer from cupuaçu residues (ORFCup) and dose of maximum technical efficiency of Azospirillum brasilense on the initial growth and morphophysiological quality of Mezilaurus itauba seedlings in the northern Amazon. The variables evaluated were: shoot height (H, cm), stem diameter (SD, mm), shoot dry mass (SDM, g plant-1), root dry mass (RDM, g plant-1) total dry mass (TDM, g plant-1), Dickson quality index (DQI), net assimilation rate (NAR, g m-2 day-1), leaf relative growth rate (RGR, g m-2 day-1), leaf area ratio (LAR, m2 g-1), leaf relative growth rate (RGR, g m-2 day-1), leaf area ratio (LAR, m2 g-1), specific leaf area (SLA, cm2 g-1), and leaf mass ratio (LMR, g g-1). Organomineral fertilizer from cupuaçu residues promotes better quality and robustness in M. itauba seedlings at the dose of maximum technical efficiency of 0.45 mL. L-1 of A. brasilense.

Market-driven fortification of vitamins and minerals in packaged foods targeted at children in Brazil.

This study aimed to characterise the market-driven fortification of vitamins and minerals in packaged foods targeted at children in Brazil. We analysed 535 food labels using data collected in a census-type method (n = 5620) of food labels in a Brazilian supermarket in 2013. Micronutrients declared in nutrition claims and the ingredients list (synthetic compounds) were considered to be added for commercial purposes. Analysis of the ingredients list and nutrition claims showed that market-driven fortification of vitamins and minerals was present in 27.1% of foods. The main vitamins and minerals were vitamins A, B complex, C, D, calcium, iron and zinc. The food groups 'Milk and dairy products' and 'Sugars, sugary foods and snacks' had the highest frequencies of micronutrients declared in the ingredients list. Calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc and all vitamins, except B7, were found to be added for commercial purposes. Micronutrients were found to be commonly added to packaged foods as a marketing strategy directed at parents and their children. Future studies should assess the amount of vitamins and minerals added to packaged foods targeted at children and whether intakes of vitamins and minerals in children are potentially excessive.

Nutraceutical blends predict enhanced health via microbiota reshaping improving cytokines and life quality: a Brazilian double-blind randomized trial.

Nutraceutical interventions supporting microbiota and eliciting clinical improvements in metabolic diseases have grown significantly. Chronic stress, gut dysbiosis, and metainflammation have emerged as key factors intertwined with sleep disorders, consequently exacerbating the decline in quality of life. This study aimed to assess the effects of two nutraceutical formulations containing prebiotics (fructooligosaccharides (FOS), galactooligosaccharides (GOS), yeast ß-glucans), minerals (Mg, Se, Zn), and the herbal medicine Silybum marianum L. Gaertn., Asteraceae (Milk thistle or Silymarin). These formulations, namely NSupple (without silymarin) and NSupple_Silybum (with silymarin) were tested over 180 days in overweight/obese volunteers from Brazil's southeastern region. We accessed fecal gut microbiota by partial 16S rRNA sequences; cytokines expression by CBA; anthropometrics, quality of life and sleep, as well as metabolic and hormonal parameters, at baseline (T0) and 180 days (T180) post-supplementation. Results demonstrated gut microbiota reshaping at phyla, genera, and species level post-supplementation. The Bacteroidetes phylum, Bacteroides, and Prevotella genera were positively modulated especially in the NSupple_Silybum group. Gut microbiota modulation was associated with improved sleep patterns, quality-of-life perception, cytokines expression, and anthropometric parameters post-supplementation. Our findings suggest that the nutraceutical blends positively enhance cardiometabolic and inflammatory markers. Particularly, NSupple_Silybum modulated microbiota composition, underscoring its potential significance in ameliorating metabolic dysregulation. Clinical trial registry number: NCT04810572. 23/03/2021.

Key energy metabolisms in modern living microbialites from hypersaline Andean lagoons of the Salar de Atacama, Chile.

Microbialites are organosedimentary structures formed mainly due to the precipitation of carbonate minerals, although they can also incorporate siliceous, phosphate, ferric, and sulfate minerals. The minerals' precipitation occurs because of local chemical changes triggered by changes in pH and redox transformations catalyzed by the microbial energy metabolisms. Here, geochemistry, metagenomics, and bioinformatics tools reveal the key energy metabolisms of microbial mats, stromatolites and an endoevaporite distributed across four hypersaline lagoons from the Salar de Atacama. Chemoautotrophic and chemoheterotrophic microorganisms seem to coexist and influence microbialite formation. The microbialite types of each lagoon host unique microbial communities and metabolisms that influence their geochemistry. Among them, photosynthetic, carbon- and nitrogen- fixing and sulfate-reducing microorganisms appear to control the main biogeochemical cycles. Genes associated with non-conventional energy pathways identified in MAGs, such as hydrogen production/consumption, arsenic oxidation/reduction, manganese oxidation and selenium reduction, also contribute to support life in microbialites. The presence of genes encoding for enzymes associated with ureolytic processes in the Cyanobacteria phylum and Gammaproteobacteria class might induce carbonate precipitation in hypersaline environments, contributing to the microbialites formation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study characterizing metagenomically microbialites enriched in manganese and identifying metabolic pathways associated with manganese oxidation, selenium reduction, and ureolysis in this ecosystem, which suggests that the geochemistry and bioavailability of energy sources (As, Mn and Se) shapes the microbial metabolisms in the microbialites.

Evolution of the redox-altered, two-tiered Muralha Flow in the Fronteira Oeste Rift, southern Paraná Volcanic Province.

The thorough redox alteration of a lava flow is an undescribed feature in intraplate basaltic provinces. The Early Cretaceous (134.5 Ma) Paraná Province displays that alteration in the major Muralha Flow. This oxidized and reduced flow from the southern part of the province was studied with satellite images, field surveying, petrography, and published whole rock geochemistry. The 100 x 100 km flow from the Cuesta de Haedo presents two hydrothermal tiers - lower Tier 1 is gray to white, upper Tier 2 is red. Iron oxyhydroxides characterize Tier 2. Tier 1 contains clay minerals, zeolites, pyrite and calcite, and agate (possibly amethyst) geodes. In a first event, the upper Tier 2 was oxidized by hot water from the underlying Guarani Paleoaquifer. The high water/rock ratio decreased due to porosity clogging by precipitation of secondary minerals, and the fluid became reducing. Lowering of Eh and pH was caused by reaction of water with reducing particles (calcite, organic molecules) present in the paleoerg sandstones and with fresh rock surfaces. A lower Tier 1 was then formed during slow, hot water percolation. Reduction was interrupted below 30 °C (calcite formation). Large scale, similar alteration occurred in all studied oceanic ridges and only rarely in continental environments.