Search

From 1985 to 2016, the prevalence of underweight decreased, and that of obesity and severe obesity increased, in most regions, with significant variation in the magnitude of these changes across regions. We investigated how much change in mean body mass index (BMI) explains changes in the prevalence of underweight, obesity, and severe obesity in different regions using data from 2896 population-based studies with 187 million participants. Changes in the prevalence of underweight and total obesity, and to a lesser extent severe obesity, are largely driven by shifts in the distribution of BMI, with smaller contributions from changes in the shape of the distribution. In East and Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, the underweight tail of the BMI distribution was left behind as the distribution shifted. There is a need for policies that address all forms of malnutrition by making healthy foods accessible and affordable, while restricting unhealthy foods through fiscal and regulatory restrictions. © Copyright.

Background: Diagnosis of paradoxical tuberculosis-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (TB-IRIS) is challenging and new tools are needed for early diagnosis as well as to understand the biochemical events that underlie the pathology in TB-IRIS. Methods: Plasma samples were obtained from participants from a randomized HIV/TB treatment strategy study (AIDS Clinical Trials Group [ACTG] A5221) with (n = 26) and without TB-IRIS (n = 22) for an untargeted metabolomics pilot study by liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry. The metabolic profile of these participants was compared at the study entry and as close to the diagnosis of TB-IRIS as possible (TB-IRIS window). Molecular features with p

This trial was carried out with the objective to evaluate the effect of feeding dried carnauba wax palm fruit on the quality of goat meat. Initially, the animals were divided into two groups: a control group, fed with ground corn-based concentrate, and a treatment group, fed with dried carnauba wax palm fruit included in the concentrate. After 28 days of feeding, the animals were slaughtered, and different muscles (Longissimus lumborum and semimembranosus) were evaluated for physicochemical characteristics, fatty acid profile, and expression of some genes related to meat quality. The diet with carnauba wax palm fruit does not interfere in the chemical composition of the meat in terms of moisture content, protein, fat, pH, and meat color. On the other hand, palmitic (C16:0) and linoleic (C18:2) fatty acids presented differences between muscles in the group fed carnauba wax palm fruit. The treatment with carnauba wax palm fruit reduces the expression of genes related to lipogenesis and cholesterol metabolism, suggesting the production of a tender meat with lower cholesterol content. The inclusion of carnauba wax palm fruit in the diet of does maintained the physicochemical characteristics of the loin and leg, and it reduced the expression of the analyzed genes, suggesting improvement in meat quality.

The changes in host lipid metabolism during leprosy have been correlated to fatty acid alterations in serum and with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) dysfunctionality. This is most evident in multibacillary leprosy patients (Mb), who present an accumulation of host lipids in Schwann cells and macrophages. This accumulation in host peripheral tissues should be withdrawn by HDL, but it is unclear why this lipoprotein from Mb patients loses this function. To investigate HDL metabolism changes during the course of leprosy, HDL composition and functionality of Mb, Pb patients (paucibacillary) pre- or post-multidrug therapy (MDT) and HC (healthy controls) were analyzed. Mb pre-MDT patients presented lower levels of HDL-cholesterol compared to HC. Moreover, Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry lipidomics of HDL showed an altered lipid profile of Mb pre-MDT compared to HC and Pb patients. In functional tests, HDL from Mb pre-MDT patients showed impaired anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress activities and a lower cholesterol acceptor capacity compared to other groups. Mb pre-MDT showed lower concentrations of ApoA-I (apolipoprotein A-I), the major HDL protein, when compared to HC, with a post-MDT recovery. Changes in ApoA-I expression could also be observed in M. leprae-infected hepatic cells. The presence of bacilli in the liver of a Mb patient, along with cell damage, indicated hepatic involvement during leprosy, which may reflect on ApoA-I expression. Together, altered compositional and functional profiles observed on HDL of Mb patients can explain metabolic and physiological changes observed in Mb leprosy, contributing to a better understanding of its pathogenesis., Author summary Leprosy is a chronic disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which causes lesions on the skin and peripheral nerves. Some patients do not present an efficient immune response and have a disseminated infection (multibacillary, Mb). Mb patients have lipid accumulation in infected tissues that is important for microorganism survival. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is composed of proteins and lipids and is produced in the liver. It removes excess of lipids from peripheral tissues and presents anti-inflammatory activity; however, these activities are not being properly performed in leprosy. To understand more about HDL metabolism on leprosy, the chemical composition and functionality of HDL from leprosy patients were analyzed before and after treatment with antibiotics (multidrug therapy, MDT). It was observed that HDL has an altered lipid composition in Mb patients before MDT, which may lead to an impairment of its functions. Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I), the main HDL protein, seems to be highly affected during infection. These functions can be slightly recovered after MDT, but not in the levels of healthy individuals. Our data open new perspectives to elucidate the modulation of lipid metabolism in leprosy and consequently to prevent disease complications.

This study evaluated the effect of detoxified castor meal on the reproductive performance, metabolic stress, milk production, and kid development in peripartum goats. The diet of the animals were with (DCM, n= 20) or without (WDCM, n= 21) detoxified castor meal during the entire gestation and until weaning, 60 days post-birth. No differences were observed in the gestation period, litter size, rate of multiple births, and mortality between the two groups. The postpartum plasma concentrations of progesterone remained below 1ng/mL in all animals, thus, confirming the absence of active corpora lutea. The thickness of sternum adipose tissue and loin area, levels of urea and cholesterol, milk production, and daily weight gain in the kids were low in the DCM group when compared to those in the WDCM group (P< 0.05). To conclude, the use of detoxified castor meal in peripartum goats resulted in lower level of performance in the kids because of reductions in the amount of milk received from their mothers during lactation. In addition, the diet containing detoxified castor meals was not efficient in recovering from the loss of stored body reserves able to initiate the recovery of the cyclic activity of the goats.

In this paper we propose to study the cross-correlation between the air temperature and the air relative humidity using the DCCA cross-correlation coefficient ρ D C C A . We choose four cities (meteorological stations) located in the State of Bahia (Brazil), as our case study. Our data were available hourly from the Brazilian Institute of Meteorology. Accordingly, in addition to showing that the variables have a negative cross-correlation, we present a new vision about these variables, producing the detrended cross-correlation contour map. As a result, we can see (or not) islands of cross-correlations, that depend on the local time and also the time scale involved.

In vitro culture of ovarian preantral follicles has emerged as a reproductive technology aimed at obtaining large amount of oocytes for in vitro embryo production. The addition of growth factors (GF) in the in vitro culture of preantral follicles of different species has provided superior results of follicular development, antrum formation and proliferation of granulosa cells. However, there are only few reports regarding the use of these factors on feline preantral follicle in vitro culture. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a combination of IGF-1 and EGF on in vitro viability and growth of preantral follicles and enclosed oocytes collected from domestic cats. A total of 64 follicles characterized by multilayer granulosa cells were isolated and individually cultured for 6 days (T6) in minimum essential medium supplemented with IGF-1+ EGF (100 ng/ml each) or without (control). A higher percentage of follicles were viable after culture with GF than without, and an increase in size when IGF-1+ EGF were added to the medium (170 ± 32.4 μm (T0) vs. 201 ± 22.3 μm (T6); p .05) was observed. An increase in the diameter was also observed in follicles cultured without GF, but this increase was only 8.3% compared to 15.4% of those cultured with GF (p .05). No differences were found in the diameter of oocytes contained in follicles cultured in the non-supplemented or supplemented media (107.9 ± 11.8 μm (T0) vs. 113.2 ± 15.6 μm (T6); p .05). These data suggest that the addition of IGF-1 and EGF to the culture medium promotes the in vitro development of preantral follicles of cats.

Bioleaching is a mature technology, which is widely employed commercially in the leaching of low-grade secondary copper sulphide ores. In this work, the bioleaching potential of a low-grade (marginal) ore with a significant content of fluoride was assessed. Small columns were inoculated with a strain of At. ferrooxidans, at 30 °C, and resulted in copper extractions above 89%, in 255 days. The dissolution of fluorite from the gangue minerals accounted for up to 2.5 g/L fluoride in solution, which affected bioleaching shortly after column inoculation. However, both the released of aluminium from the ore and ferric iron production by the bacteria reduced fluoride toxicity. A fluoride-toxicity parameter (η) was proposed to represent the mass ratio between total fluoride, total aluminium and total ferric iron concentrations in the system. Low values of the η parameter resulted from high ferric iron and aluminium concentrations and implied in large bacterial population in the systems. Thus, the presence of fluoride-bearing minerals in the ore may be an important issue, but the content of both cations should be also considered. Despite the absence of ferric iron and a high fluoride concentration prior to first solution bleeding, the η parameter was lower than 0.3 in the column containing an external aluminium source. In this condition, as the aluminium content surpassed that of fluoride the bacterial population reached 107 cells/mL and enabled copper bioleaching.

RESUMO A biolixiviação de minérios de baixo teor e com elevado conteúdo de impurezas tem se mostrado alternativa importante para o aproveitamento destes, uma vez que a recuperação do metal por métodos pirometalúrgicos convencionais mostra-se economicamente inviável. A identificação e quantificação dos micro-organismos capazes de promover a biolixiviação mostram-se estratégicas para alcançar bons rendimentos no controle do processo e na recuperação de metais. Nesse sentido, as técnicas de biologia molecular são as ferramentas mais utilizadas para tal propósito. Este trabalho, utilizando técnicas de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), polimorfismos de comprimento dos fragmentos de restrição (RFLP) e reação em cadeia da polimerase seguida de eletroforese em gel com gradiente desnaturante (PCR-DGGE), mostrou que a diversidade nas colunas de biolixiviação de cobre estudadas é baixa e que a temperatura é importante na manutenção de determinadas espécies, havendo predominância de Acidithiobacillus ferroxidans a 35°C e de Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans a 50°C. ABSTRACT Bioleaching is an alternative to pyrometallurgy for the production of metals from low-grade ores containing high level of impurities, once that live pyrometallurgical methods are economically unfeasible. The quantification and identification of those microorganisms related to bioleaching is an important strategy for process control and thus metal recovery. In this regard, molecular biology is one of the main techniques utilized for such objective. This study applied PCR, RFLP and PCR-DGGE techniques to show that the microbial diversity in copper bioleaching columns under investigation is low and the temperature is important to define the species found, with predominance of Acidithiobacillus ferroxidans, at 35°C and Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans at 50°C.

We investigate the structural, quasi-static and dynamic magnetic properties of a Co 2 FeAl single layered film and a Co 2 FeAl/Ag multilayer, both grown onto amorphous substrate. We verify that both films have A2 structure and anisotropic magnetic behavior, as well as present the well-known magnetoimpedance behavior of anisotropic systems. The magnetization dynamics is discussed in terms of the mechanisms that govern the magnetoimpedance effect in a wide range of frequencies, as well as of the orientation between the external magnetic field and electrical current with respect to the magnetic anisotropy. The single layer has the largest magnetoimpedance variations values of ~ 50 % for 3.0 GHz, while the multilayer present considerable higher values, reaching to ~ 200 % at the same frequency. The association of kind of sample structure, anisotropic magnetic behavior and low damping parameter α of the CFA alloy opens possibilities to reach higher magnetoimpedance performances. The results place the CFA full-Heusler alloy as a promising candidate for applications in magnetoimpedance-based sensors and radio frequency range devices.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi pesquisar o efeito antimicrobiano in vitro do extrato hidroalcóolico das folhas Tradescantia pallida Munt conhecida como Taboquinha roxa. Foram realizados testes em meio sólido, onde não observou qualquer halo de inibição, e o método de microdiluição, em que os resultados foram expressivos, com determinação da Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) e Concentração Bactericida Mínima (CBM), com resultados em diferentes concentrações. Foram utilizadas cepas padrão de bactérias Gram positivas e Gram negativas. De acordo com os resultados, sugere-se que essa planta apresenta um potencial antimicrobiano. ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro antimicrobial effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of the Tradescantia pallida Munt leaves,known as Taboquinha roxa. The tests were both conducted on solid mean, where it was not observed any zone of inhibition, and by the micro dilution method, in which the results of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were significant and related with the different concentrations. Standard strains of bacteria type Gram positive and Gram negative were employed. According to the results, this plant has an antimicrobial potential.

O presente estudo avaliou o uso do fruto da carnaubeira desidratado em 28 cabras no periodo pos-parto alimentadas com dieta contendo feno de Tifton e concentrado comercial a base de milho (WCWP) ou com o fruto da carnaubeira (CWP). A sincronizacao de estro foi realizada aos 90 dias pos-parto e todas as femeas foram cobertas. No grupo CWP, em relacao ao grupo WCWP, o consumo de materia seca foi significativamente menor (646.48 ± 11.03 g vs. 739.29 ± 3.24 g, respectivamente; P < 0.01). O tempo para o aparecimento do primeiro corpo luteo funcional foi semelhante entre os grupos, ocorrendo em media aos 66 dias pos-parto. No momento da sincronizacao do estro, o grupo CWP apresentou uma menor espessura do tecido adiposo subcutâneo esternal quando comparado ao grupo WCWP (13,69 ± 0,57 mm vs. 11,93 ± 0,45 mm, respectivamente; P < 0,05) e uma menor taxa de gestacao (86,67% vs. 46,15%, respectivamente; P < 0.02). A taxa de crescimento da vesicula embrionaria e do comprimento crânio-caudal, assim como no diâmetro biparietal, toracico e abdominal aos 45 dias de gestacao estavam em ambos os grupos dentro do esperado para a especie em questao. Ao parto a prolificidade nao diferiu entre os grupos, com media de 1,39 ± 0,11. Em conclusao, a substituicao total do milho pelo fruto da carnaubeira no concentrado fornecido as femeas caprinas no periodo pos-parto nao apresentou efeitos positivos. A reducao da ingestao da dieta nas femeas alimentadas com carnauba levou a uma diminuicao das reservas corporais, a qual provavelmente foi a principal causa da diminuicao na taxa de gestacao nas femeas.

É reconhecida a importância de avaliar a composição corporal na população atlética. Para o efeito é preciso utilizar técnicas válidas na determinação dos principais componentes moleculares. A Densitometria Radiológica de Dupla Energia (DXA) é um método preciso e válido para avaliação de composição corporal. No entanto, a DXA é uma técnica ainda pouco acessível em contextos não laboratoriais. Desta forma, é importante utilizar técnicas mais simples e práticas como a bioimpedância eléctrica (BIA). No entanto poucos estudos validaram a BIA especialmente de multifrequência na avaliação da composição corporal em atletas. Assim, o objetivo desta investigação é testar a validade da BIA de multifrequência (Tanita, modelo MC-180) na determinação do conteúdo mineral ósseo (CMO), massa gorda (MG) e massa isenta de gordura e osso (MIGO) em atletas. Um total de 79 atletas (35 homens) foram avaliados pela BIA e pela DXA. Comparação de médias, coeficiente de correlação de concordância, regressão múltipla, e o método Bland-Altman foram realizados. A Tanita apresentou um poder explicativo de 76 %, 72%, 95% e 73% da variabilidade total observada a partir do método de referência para a MG (kg), MG (%), MIGO e CMO, respectivamente. O coeficiente de correlação de concordância para a MIGO apresentou uma força de concordância substancial de 0.927. Observaram-se limites de concordância relativamente elevados na estimativa dos vários componentes corporais. Em conclusão, a Tanita MC-180 é uma alternativa válida especialmente na estimação da massa isenta de gordura e de osso, num grupo de atletas. Contudo, devido aos limites de concordância obtidos na determinação das vários componentes este equipamento apresenta uma validade limitada na estimação individual da composição corporal. Palavras-chave: Atleta; Avaliação Física; Composição Corporal. It is recognized the importance of assessing body composition in athletic populations. Therefore, it is necessary to use valid techniques for the determination of the main molecular components. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a precise and valid method for assessing body composition. However, DXA is still not available at the clinical and field settings. Thus, it is important to use simple techniques such as electrical bioimpedance analysis (BIA) but few studies validated this technique specifically multifrequency BIA in body composition assessment in athletes. Therefore, the aim of this research is to test the validity of multifrequency BIA (Tanita, Model MC-180) in the determination of bone mineral content (BMC), lean soft tissue (LST) and fat mass (FM) in athletes. A total of 79 elite athletes (35 males) were assessed by DXA and BIA. Comparison of means, concordance coefficient correlation, multiple regression and Bland-Altman analysis were performed. Tanita explained 76%, 72%, 95% and 73% of the total variability observed from the reference method for FM (kg), FM (%), LST and BMC, respectively. The concordance coefficient correlation for MIGO presented a substantial strength of agreement of 0,927. However, relatively larger limits of agreement were found between BIA and DXA for the several body components. These findings reveal that the Tanita MC-180 is a valid alternative, particularly in the estimation of LST, in a group of athletes. However, due to the limits of agreement obtained in the determination of the body components this equipment presents a more limited validity in the estimation of individual body composition. Key Words: Athletes; Physical Assessment; Body Composition.

Twenty-five adult crossbred goats, divided in two groups, were fed over a period of 16 months with diets based on Tifton hay and concentrate feed with (DCO) or without (WDCO) detoxified castor bean meal as a substitute for soybean meal. Throughout 480 days, blood samples were taken to measure lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, urea, albumin and creatinine. The animals were euthanized, and the anatomical components (lungs, heart, spleen, liver, kidneys, tongue, empty stomach, empty intestines, omentum, cardiac and renal adipose tissue), carcass and commercial cuts (shoulder, ham, loin, ribs and neck) were weighed. Thereafter, an anatomic dissection of the loin was performed, separating the muscle, adipose and bone tissues. On the muscular part of the loin, longissimus dorsi , the proximate composition, fatty acid profile and the expression of SEW-1, IGF-I and IGF-II were analyzed. A higher incidence of bone tissue was observed in the anatomical dissections of the loin and a lower incidence of fat in the proximate composition of the longissimus dorsi of the DCO group compared to the WDCO group (p

Microorganisms that grow at high temperatures can improve Fe(II) bio-oxidation and thereby its technological applications, such as bioleaching and H 2 S removal. Conversely, elements present in industrial growth media, such as fluoride, can inhibit bacterial growth and iron bio-oxidation. In this work, the influence of fluoride on the kinetics of ferrous-iron bio-oxidation with Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans was investigated. The effects of fluoride concentrations (0–0.5 mmol L −1 ) on both iron oxidation and bacterial growth rates were assessed. In addition, the effect of the addition of aluminum, which was intended to complex free fluoride and reduce the concentration of HF through the formation of aluminum–fluoride complexes, was also investigated. The results show that 0.5 mmol L −1 NaF completely inhibited bacterial growth within 60 h. Nevertheless, fluoride toxicity to S. thermosulfidooxidans was minimized by control of the aluminum–fluoride ratio in the system because, at a 2:1 aluminum–fluoride molar ratio, bacterial growth was similar to that observed in the absence of fluoride ions. Despite a slower bacterial growth rate, fluoride concentrations less than the inhibitory concentration increased the Fe(II) oxidation rate. Successful copper bioleaching (80–100%) from fluoride-containing sulfide ores (1% total fluoride) was demonstrated in the presence of aluminum.

Com o objetivo de avaliar o desempenho e as caracteristicas da carcaca, foram utilizados 14 cordeiros desmamados inteiros, alimentados com dietas contendo racao comercial e silagem de sorgo ou bagaco de caju desidratado (BCD), como fonte unica de volumoso. Os animais apresentaram peso corporal inicial medio de 12 kg e foram abatidos quando atingiram peso medio de 25 kg. Utilizou-se um delineamento inteiramente casua- lizado, com duas dietas e sete repeticoes. A conversao alimentar do grupo alimentado com BCD (8,08 ± 0,32) foi melhor (p

Introduction: Tobacco smoke is a risk factor for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and a major public health problem. Prenatal maternal smoking and post-natal environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) lead to dose-dependent decrease in lung function and respiratory morbidity. Influence of different socioeconomic indicators and ETS in the home has also been suggested. Methods: Data on 313 children (52 % male) from 4 public schools in Lisbon was analyzed [1st (46 %) and 4th graders]. ETS assessment and respiratory symptoms were based on a self-answered questionnaire. All children performed standard spirometry in the school setting and 54 % were acceptable according to ATS/ERS criteria. Descriptive and bivariate analysis of the most relevant variables was done, followed by multiple logistic regression analysis adjusted to the variables with clinical/statistical relevance. Results: ETS in the home was found in 41 % (maternal smoking during pregnancy 18 %, smoking mother 32 %, smoking father 38 %). Smoking fathers had lower education and less qualified occupation. Cough was more frequent in children with a smoking mother (adjusted ORÂ =Â 2.1; 95 %CI, 1.1â4) and wheezing in children with maternal smoking during pregnancy and smoking parents. All differences were significant (pÂ

Resumo: Introdução: A exposição ao fumo do tabaco (EFT) é factor de risco para Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crónica e um problema major de saúde pública. A EFT pré e/ou pós-natal determina redução precoce da função pulmonar e aumento da morbilidade respiratória, dependente da dose. Tem sido sugerido que a EFT domiciliária é influenciada por factores socioeconómicos. Métodos: Estudo de rastreio epidemiológico transversal de dados de 313 crianças (52% rapazes) de 4 Escolas Básicas de Lisboa [1.° ano (54%) e 4.° ano]. A EFT e sintomatologia respiratória foram avaliadas a partir de questionário auto-preenchido pelos pais. Todas as crianças efectuaram espirometria na escola e 54% foram consideradas aceitáveis de acordo com critérios ATS/ERS. Efectuou-se análise descritiva e bivariada das variáveis com maior interesse e análise de regressão logística múltipla ajustada para as variáveis com significado clínico/estatístico. Resultados: Em 41% dos casos a criança convivia com fumadores no domicílio (EFT na gravidez 18%, mãe fumadora 32%, pai fumador 38%). Os pais fumadores tinham escolaridade inferior e ocupações menos qualificadas. Tosse foi mais frequente nas crianças com mãe fumadora (OR ajustado = 2,1 95%CI 1,1â4,0) e sibilância nas crianças com EFT na gravidez e com mãe/pai fumadores. Todas as diferenças foram significativas (p <  0,05). Não se encontrou associação entre educação parental e sintomatologia respiratória ou ETF e infecções respiratórias/asma/diminuição de valores espirométricos. Conclusão: A EFT é frequente em crianças em idade escolar em Lisboa e condiciona morbilidade respiratória significativa. Intervenções dirigidas devem ter em conta condições sociais. Neste estudo a espirometria de campo foi pouco útil na detecção precoce de diminuição da função pulmonar em crianças associada à EFT. Abstract: Introduction: Tobacco smoke is a risk factor for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and a major public health problem. Prenatal maternal smoking and post-natal environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) lead to dose-dependent decrease in lung function and respiratory morbidity. Influence of different socioeconomic indicators and ETS in the home has also been suggested. Methods: Data on 313 children (52% male) from 4 public schools in Lisbon was analyzed [1st (46%) and 4th graders]. ETS assessment and respiratory symptoms were based on a self-answered questionnaire. All children performed standard spirometry in the school setting and 54% were acceptable according to ATS/ERS criteria. Descriptive and bivariate analysis of the most relevant variables was done, followed by multiple logistic regression analysis adjusted to the variables with clinical/statistical relevance. Results: ETS in the home was found in 41% (maternal smoking during pregnancy 18%, smoking mother 32%, smoking father 38%). Smoking fathers had lower education and less qualified occupation. Cough was more frequent in children with a smoking mother (adjusted OR = 2.1 95CI 1.1â4.0) and wheezing in children with maternal smoking during pregnancy and smoking parents. All differences were significant (pÂ

Avaliaram-se iogurtes de leite de cabra contendo ou não Bifidobacterium longum, B. breve, B. pseudolongum ou B. bifidum, adicionados ou não de aroma de morango. Os dados obtidos nas análises higiênico-sanitárias e físico-químicas foram dentro dos valores exigidos pela legislação brasileira; apenas o valor encontrado para lactose esteve abaixo do recomendado. Quanto às bactérias do iogurte, não houve diferença na contagem de Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus durante a estocagem, e não foi detectado Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus nas diluições utilizadas. A enumeração de Bifidobacterium spp. manteve-se entre 10(6) e 10(8)UFC/mL e não diferiu entre as espécies ao longo do tempo. Considerando-se a adição ou não de aroma, a análise das variáveis tempo e aroma não mostrou diferença estatística. A contagem entre os Bifidobacterium spp. demonstrou que nenhum microrganismo apresentou um comportamento superior a outro. Na análise sensorial, as amostras de iogurtes adicionados ou não de Bifidobacterium spp. e adicionados de aroma de morango não apresentaram diferenças entre si. O estudo mostrou ser possível a elaboração de iogurte de leite de cabra adicionado de Bifidobacterium spp. e de aroma de morango com qualidade assegurada, potencial para uso probiótico e boa aceitação pelo consumidor. Goat milk yogurt with or without Bifidobacterium longum, B. breve, B. pseudolongum, or B. bifidum, and supplemented or not with strawberry aroma were evaluated. Data obtained from hygienic-sanitary and physicochemical analyses were within the values recommended by the Brazilian legislation, except for lactose contents, which were lower than the recommended. In relation to the yogurt bacteria, there was no difference in the counts of Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus during the storage, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus was not detected. The counts of Bifidobacterium spp.ranged from 10(6) to 10(8)CFU/mL, without difference between the species along the time. Considering the addition of flavor or not, the analysis of aroma and time variables showed no statistical difference. The counts of Bifidobacterium spp. demonstrated that none showed a superior value. For the hedonic scale test, there was no difference between yogurts supplemented or not with Bifidobacterium spp., and added or not with strawberry aroma. The study showed to be possible the elaboration of goat milk yogurt supplemented with Bifidobacterium spp. and strawberry aroma, presenting safety, potential for probiotic use, and good acceptability by consumers.

Introduction The tumour microenvironment is a complex and dynamic niche that has a fundamental role in tumour cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. Macrophages (Mac) are described as having a central role in tumour progression and dendritic cells (DC) as having an immature/immunosuppressive profile, which limits T cells activity. Therapeutic strategies targeting these cells have been emerging as adjuvants to anticancer conventional treatments, aiming at their recruitment and repolarization towards an immunostimulatory phenotype favouring cancer cell elimination. Here, we focused on the potential of Chitosan/Poly(γ-glutamic acid) nanoparticles (NPs) to modulate cellular immunity and, consequently, to affect cancer-cell related activities. Material and methods NPs were prepared by co-acervation method. Primary human monocyte-derived M2 Mac (obtained by stimulation with IL-10) were incubated with NPs. Control experiments with unstimulated Mac and LPS-stimulated Mac (M1 phenotype) were performed. After 72 hour, cell metabolic activity, cell phenotype and cytokine production were evaluated. Mac ability to induce T cell proliferation/activation and tumour cell invasion were also assessed. The same studies were performed with human-monocyte derived DC. For in vivo models, 1 × 106 E0771 cells were injected in the mammary fat pad of C57BL/6 mice. After 10 days of tumour implantation, animals were treated every two days with NPs. Tumour growth was assessed by calliper every two days. Results and discussions NPs re-educated IL-10-stimulated Mac towards a pro-inflammatory profile, decreasing CD163 expression and promoting IL-12p40 and TNF-α secretion. NPs also induced an immunostimulatory phenotype on DC, enhancing the expression of the co-stimulatory molecules CD86, CD40 and HLA-DR, and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-12 and IL-6. Interestingly, these phenotypic alterations induced both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell activation/proliferation and counteracted cancer cell invasion, in vitro. Regarding the in vivotumour model, we observed a decrease in tumour growth in NPs-treated animals comparing to the control, after 23 days of E0771 cell implantation. Additional experiments with other tumour models are currently being explored. Conclusion Overall, our findings open new perspectives on the use of NPs as an immunomodulatory therapy for tumour microenvironment reprogramming, providing a new tool for anticancer therapies.

Mycobacterium leprae induces the formation of lipid droplets, which are recruited to pathogen-containing phagosomes in infected macrophages and Schwann cells. Cholesterol is among the lipids with increased abundance in M. leprae -infected cells, and intracellular survival relies on cholesterol accumulation. The present study investigated the capacity of M. leprae to acquire and metabolize cholesterol. In silico analyses showed that oxidation of cholesterol to cholest-4-en-3-one (cholestenone), the first step of cholesterol degradation catalyzed by the enzyme 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), is apparently the only portion of the cholesterol catabolic pathway seen in Mycobacterium tuberculosis preserved by M. leprae . Incubation of bacteria with radiolabeled cholesterol confirmed the in silico predictions. Radiorespirometry and lipid analyses performed after incubating M. leprae with [4- 14 C]cholesterol or [26- 14 C]cholesterol showed the inability of this pathogen to metabolize the sterol rings or the side chain of cholesterol as a source of energy and carbon. However, the bacteria avidly incorporated cholesterol and, as expected, converted it to cholestenone both in vitro and in vivo . Our data indicate that M. leprae has lost the capacity to degrade and utilize cholesterol as a nutritional source but retains the enzyme responsible for its oxidation to cholestenone. Thus, the essential role of cholesterol metabolism in the intracellular survival of M. leprae is uncoupled from central carbon metabolism and energy production. Further elucidation of cholesterol metabolism in the host cell during M. leprae infection will establish the mechanism by which this lipid supports M. leprae intracellular survival and will open new avenues for novel leprosy therapies. IMPORTANCE Our study focused on the obligate intracellular pathogen Mycobacterium leprae and its capacity to metabolize cholesterol. The data make an important contribution for those interested in understanding the mechanisms of mycobacterial pathogenesis, since they indicate that the essential role of cholesterol for M. leprae intracellular survival does not rely on its utilization as a nutritional source. Our findings reinforce the complexity of cholesterol's role in sustaining M. leprae infection. Further elucidation of cholesterol metabolism in the host cell during M. leprae infection will establish the mechanism by which this lipid supports M. leprae intracellular survival and will open new avenues for novel leprosy therapies.

Reactor hydrodynamics is important for sulfidogenesis because sulfate reduction bacteria (SRB) do not granulate easily. In this work, the sulfate reduction performance of two continuous anaerobic bioreactors was investigated: (i) an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor and (ii) a fluidized bed reactor (FBR). Organic loading, sulfate reduction, and COD removal were the main parameters monitored during lactate and glycerol degradation. The UASB reactor with biomass recirculation showed a specific sulfate reduction rate of 0.089±0.014 g.gSSV-1.d-1 (89% reduction), whereas values twice as high were achieved in the FBR treating either lactate (0.200±0.017 g.gSSV-1.d-1) or glycerol (0.178±0.010 g.gSSV-1.d-1). Sulfate reduction with pure glycerol produced a smaller residual COD (1700 mg.L-1) than that produced with lactate (2500 mg.L-1) at the same COD.sulfate-1 mass ratio. It was estimated that 50% of glycerol degradation was due to sulfate reduction and 50% to fermentation, which was supported by the presence of butyrate in the FBR effluent. The UASB reactor was unable to produce effluents with sulfate concentrations below 250 mg.L-1 due to poor mixing conditions, whereas the FBR consistently ensured residual sulfate concentrations below such a value.