Search

ABSTRACTGut microbiota has been implicated in various clinical conditions, yet the substantial heterogeneity in gut microbiota research results necessitates a more sophisticated approach than merely identifying statistically different microbial taxa between healthy and unhealthy individuals. Our study seeks to not only select microbial taxa but also explore their synergy with phenotypic host variables to develop novel predictive models for specific clinical conditions. Design: We assessed 50 healthy and 152 unhealthy individuals for phenotypic variables (PV) and gut microbiota (GM) composition by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The entire modeling process was conducted in the R environment using the Random Forest algorithm. Model performance was assessed through ROC curve construction. Results: We evaluated 52 bacterial taxa and pre-selected PV (p

Microalgae are used in flocculation processes because biopolymers are released into the culture medium. Microalgal cell growth under specific conditions (temperature, pH, luminosity, nutrients, and salinity) provides the production and release of exopolysaccharides (EPS). These biopolymers can be recovered from the medium for application as bioflocculants or used directly in cultivation as microalgae autoflocculants. The optimization of nutritional parameters, the control of process conditions, and the possibility of scaling up allow the production and industrial application of microalgal EPS. Therefore, this review addresses the potential use of EPS produced by microalgae in bioflocculation. The recovery, determination, and quantification techniques for these biopolymers are also addressed. Moreover, other technological applications of EPS are highlighted.

OBJECTIVE: Neurological complications connected to influenza are rare. We report a case of a 17-year-old teenager with fever and neurological manifestations. CASE REPORT: 17-year-old teenager with altered mental status and seizures. Imaging investigation and cerebrospinal fluid analysis did not show relevant alterations. The nasopharyngeal swab was positive for influenza B virus. We assumed a possible case of influenza B encephalitis. COMMENTS: Encephalitis associated with influenza infection should be considered when respiratory symptoms and altered mental status are present, if the epidemiological context is appropriate. In influenza encephalopathy, viral invasion of the central nervous system is usually not found and imaging investigation is often normal, constituting a diagnostic challenge.

O presente trabalho relata a atividade de extensão Brincando com a Física que buscou compreender como crianças do 4º ano do ensino fundamental se comportam frente a atividades experimentais e jogos lúdicos voltados à introdução e à compreensão de fenômenos da ciência, especificamente relacionados à Física.

Muitos estudantes saem do ensino médio sem conseguir identificar saberes básicos de física em seu cotidiano, e quando o fazem, na maioria das vezes, não são capazes de transpor este conhecimento a situações distant es do seu dia a dia. Assim, apresentamos nesse trabalho uma proposta de desenvolvimento do conceito de imponderabilidade para o ensino médio, por meio da realização de três experimentos: i) em um elevador real, ii) em um elevador em miniatura, construído p ara ser utilizado por professores em sala de aula e iii) a construção de um experimento que se utiliza de um circuito eletrônico, que visa demonstrar, de forma análoga, os efeitos da imponderabilidade nos astronautas da Estação Espacial. Para isso, passamo s por uma breve revisão do conceito de imponderabilidade e uma discussão sobre a experimentação no ensino de física, abordando a importância destas práticas quando preocupadas com o ensino de ciência e da atividade científica. Por fim, sugerimos um procedi mento didático contendo estes experimentos, utilizando se de algumas asserções sobre o ensino do método científico. Desta forma, consideramos que as atividades experimentais, além de serem elaboradas para a compreensão de um determinado conteúdo, devem ser sempre pensadas, sobretudo, no contexto da construção do conhecimento científico.

The future of land use and cover change in Brazil, particularly due to deforestation and forest restoration processes, is critical for the future of global climate and biodiversity, given the richness of its five biomes. These changes in Brazil depend on the interlink between global factors due to its role as one of the main exporters of commodities globally and the national to local institutional, socioeconomic, and biophysical contexts. Aiming to develop scenarios that consider the balance between global (e.g., GDP growth, population growth, per capita consumption of agricultural products, international trade policies, and climatic conditions) and local factors (e.g., land use, agrarian structure, agricultural suitability, protected areas, distance to roads, and other infrastructure projects), a new set of land-use change scenarios for Brazil were developed that aligned with the global structure Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) and Representative Concentration Pathway (RCPs) developed by the global change research community. The narratives of the new scenarios align with SSP1/RCP 1.9 (Sustainable development scenario), SSP2/RCP 4.5 (Middle of the road scenario), and SSP3/RCP 7.0 (Strong inequality scenario). The scenarios were developed by combining the LuccME spatially explicit land change allocation modeling framework and the INLAND surface model to incorporate the climatic variables in water deficit. Based on detailed biophysical, socioeconomic, and institutional factors for each biome in Brazil, we have created spatially explicit scenarios until 2050, considering the following classes: forest vegetation, grassland vegetation, planted pasture, agriculture, a mosaic of small land uses, and forestry. The results aim to detail global models regionally. They could be used regionally to support decision-making and enrich the global analysis.

The virus responsible for COVID-19 is designated “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2” (SARS-CoV-2), a highly transmissible and pathogenic coronavirus. Although people of all ages are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, clinical manifestations may vary with age. The response of neonates to SARS-CoV-2 infection or exposure differs from that of children and adults. Encephalitis due to viral infections in the central nervous system (CNS) and childhood multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) are some of the possible neonatal consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review aims to verify possible neonatal neurological outcomes after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Overall, the cellular and molecular basis of the neurological sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 in neonates remains unclear, and attempts to elucidate the pathophysiology of COVID-19 involve a comparison with the mechanism of other viral diseases. There are a considerable number of case reports in the literature exploring neurological outcomes in the neonatal period. In this review, we present possible effects of SARS-CoV-2 in neonates, emphasizing the importance of monitoring this group. The mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 entry into the CNS have not yet been fully elucidated, and the potential severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection in neonates, as well as the possible short- and long-term neurological sequelae, remain unclear.

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study was to describe the ultrasound features of benign and malignant thyroid nodules and evaluate the likelihood of malignancy associated with each feature according to the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology and histopathology. With this analysis, we propose a new TI-RADS classification system. Materials and methods The likelihood of malignancy from ultrasound features were assessed in 1413 thyroid nodules according to the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology and histopathological findings. A score was established by attributing different weights to each ultrasound feature evaluated. Results Features positively associated with malignancy in bivariate analysis received a score weight of +1. We attributed a weight of +2 to features which were independently associated with malignancy in a multivariate analysis and +3 for those associated with the highest odds ratio for malignancy (> 10.0). Hence, hypoechogenicity (graded as mild, moderate or marked, according to a comparison with the overlying strap muscle), microcalcification and irregular/microlobulated margin received the highest weights in our scoring system. Features that were negatively associated with malignancy received weights of -2 or -1. In the proposed system a cutoff score of 2 (sensitivity 97.4% and specificity 51.6%) was adopted as a transition between probably benign (TI-RADS 3) and TI-RADS 4a nodules. Overall, the frequency of malignancy in thyroid nodules according to the categories was 1.0% for TI-RADS 3, 7.8% for TI-RADS 4a, 35.3% for TI-RADS 4b, and 84.7% for TI-RADS 5. Conclusion A newly proposed TI-RADS classification adequately assessed the likelihood of malignancy in thyroid nodules.

Objective We aimed to compare patient’s and physician’s ratings of inhaled medication adherence and to identify predictors of patient-physician discordance.Design Baseline data from two prospective multicentre observational studies.Setting 29 allergy, pulmonology and paediatric secondary care outpatient clinics in Portugal.Participants 395 patients (≥13 years old) with persistent asthma.Measures Data on demographics, patient-physician relationship, upper airway control, asthma control, asthma treatment, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and healthcare use were collected. Patients and physicians independently assessed adherence to inhaled controller medication during the previous week using a 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Discordance was defined as classification in distinct VAS categories (low 0–50; medium 51–80; high 81–100) or as an absolute difference in VAS scores ≥10 mm. Correlation between patients’ and physicians’ VAS scores/categories was explored. A multinomial logistic regression identified the predictors of physician overestimation and underestimation.Results High inhaler adherence was reported both by patients (median (percentile 25 to percentile 75) 85 (65–95) mm; 53% VAS>80) and by physicians (84 (68–95) mm; 53% VAS>80). Correlation between patient and physician VAS scores was moderate (rs=0.580; p

Abstract The biological assimilation of the sugars present in lignocellulosic residues has gained prominence since these residues are the most abundant and economic residues in nature. Thus, the objective of this work was to determine whether the use of D-xylose and L-arabinose as sources of carbon in Synechococcus nidulans and Spirulina paracas cultures affects the growth and production of proteins and carbohydrates. Kinetic growth parameters, pentose consumption, protein content and carbohydrates were evaluated. Synechococcus nidulans and Spirulina paracas consumed all concentrations of pentose used. The highest cellular concentration (1.37 g.L-1) and the highest protein productivity (54 mg.L-1.d-1) were obtained for Spirulina paracas, which was submitted to the addition of 38.33 mg.L-1 D-xylose and 1.79 mg.L-1 L-arabinose. The use of pentose promoted the accumulation of proteins for the studied microalgae. This is one of the first works to report protein bioaccumulation as a result of pentose addition.

ABSTRACT Spirulina is a microalgal genre that has the capacity to produce various bioproducts with applications in several areas including the energy sector. The study aimed to assess the ability of CO2 biofixation, biodiesel and other biocompounds production by Spirulina sp LEB 18 cultured in air-lift photobioreactor. The microalgae presented a rich macronutrient composition: protein (47.3%), carbohydrates (13.4%) and a high lipid content (32.7%) in a media with nitrogen reduction, CO2 using air-lift photobiorector. Furthermore, 160 mg.L.d-1 of CO2 was biofixed, generating a maximum biomass yield of 0.02 g.L.d-1. The lipids evaluated for biodiesel production presented a theoretical yield of 19.8% for in situ transesterification and 47.9% for conventional transesterification. The microalgal biomass has potential for producing biodiesel that can be applied instead or in mixture with traditional diesel fuel. The study of obtaining energy associated with the production of other high value-added biocompounds from the microalgal biomass is of high importance because in this way, the viability of biofuel production by this microorganism can be increased.

Objetivo: Identificar iniciativas de humanização na alimentação hospitalar a partir da percepção dos nutricionistas de hospitais de Florianópolis, SC. Métodos: Abordagem qualitativa, do tipo exploratória, através da técnica de grupos focais com auxílio de perguntas norteadoras e guia de entrevista. Participaram 23 nutricionistas de quatro hospitais de diferentes naturezas jurídicas, distribuídos em cinco grupos focais. Dados analisados com a técnica da análise de conteúdo. Resultados: Foram identificadas duas categorias: “Concepções da humanização na alimentação hospitalar” e “Iniciativas de Humanização”, evidenciando os seguintes elementos de análise: individualização do atendimento; educação nutricional; atendimento continuado pós-alta; melhoria nutricional e sensorial dos cardápios, conjugada à dimensão simbólica e convivial da alimentação; organização do serviço; formação permanente; sensibilização e valorização dos profissionais. Conclusão: As iniciativas de humanização destacadas revelaram aspectos das necessidades dos usuários e dos profissionais. O conjunto destas ações requer interação dos profissionais envolvidos, apoio institucional e individualização da atenção.

RACIONAL: A maioria dos pacientes com síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida cursa com sintomas gastrointestinais ao longo da sua evolução. A alta prevalência e morbidade das esofagites nesses pacientes são amplamente reconhecidas. OBJETIVOS: Graduar, histologicamente, as esofagites; identificar os agentes associados, tais como Candida sp, citomegalovírus, herpes vírus e micobactérias; identificar, através da imunoistoquímica, os seguintes agentes: citomegalovírus, herpes vírus I e II, vírus Epstein-Barr, vírus do papiloma humano e vírus da imunodeficiência adquirida; verificar a contribuição da imunoistoquímica para o diagnóstico dos agentes infecciosos; verificar a associação entre os achados histológicos e endoscópicos; verificar a relevância do número de fragmentos na caracterização dos agentes etiológicos. MÉTODOS: Estudaram-se, retrospectivamente, biopsias esofagianas em 227 pacientes com síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida. Utilizaram-se as colorações de hematoxilina e eosina, PAS ("periodic acid of Schiff"), prata de Grocott e Ziehl-Nielsen, assim como a imunoistoquímica para a detecção de infecções por agentes oportunistas. Aspectos endoscópicos também foram avaliados. RESULTADOS: A esofagite inespecífica acentuada, localizada no terço inferior, foi o tipo mais freqüente. A Candida sp foi o agente mais encontrado, seguida de citomegalovírus, herpes vírus e micobactérias. A presença de placa e ulceração sugeriu o diagnóstico de candidíase e esofagite por citomegalovírus, respectivamente. O herpes vírus I não foi encontrado isolado e sim associado ao herpes vírus II. Não houve imunorreatividade para o vírus Epstein-Barr e o vírus da imunodeficiência adquirida. O número de fragmentos nas amostras não influenciou na detecção do agente etiológico. CONCLUSÃO: Os achados endoscópicos de lesão em placa ou de úlcera estão associados com os diagnósticos de Candida sp e citomegalovírus, respectivamente. O emprego da técnica de imunoistoquímica auxilia no diagnóstico das esofagites virais e torna possível detectar o citomegalovírus em esôfagos normais à endoscopia e/ou ao exame histopatológico.BACKGROUND: Almost all patients with acquired immunodeficiency virus syndrome will have gastrointestinal symptoms during the course of their illness. The high prevalence and complications of esophagitis are well documented. AIM: Graduate esophagitis; identify microorganisms like Candida sp, cytomegalovirus, herpesvirus and mycobacteria; identify by immunohistochemical staining viral agents cytomegalovirus, herpesvirus I, herpesvirus II, Epstein-Barr Virus, human papilloma virus and human immunodeficiency virus; verify how immunohistochemistry changes the profile of esophagitis; verify the association between the histological and endoscopical findings; verify the relevance of the number of fragments studied in the characterization of the histological agents. METHODS: We studied retrospectively esophageal biopsies in 227 patients with acquired immunodeficiency virus syndrome using hematoxylin and eosin, PAS (periodic acid of Schiff), Groccott and Ziehl-Nielsen stains and immunoperoxidase stains to detect opportunistic agents. Endoscopic aspects were studied. RESULTS: The non-specific esophagitis grade III, in the inferior third of the esophagus, was the most frequent type. Candida sp was the most frequent agent, followed by viruses cytomegalovirus, herpesvirus and mycobacteria. The presence of plaque and ulceration suggested the diagnosis of esophageal candidiasis and cytomegalovirus esophagitis. Immunohistochemical allowed the characterization of cytomegalovirus and of herpesvirus in those cases where other techniques could not achieve it, furthermore the cytomegalovirus was also found in histological normal cases, making the use of this technique advisable in routine diagnosis. The herpesvirus I was not found isolated but associated to herpesvirus II. We have not found immunoreactivity for the Epstein-Barr virus and the human immunodeficiency virus. The number of fragments does not seem to influence the detection of the etiologic agent. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic findings of plaques or ulcers are associated with candidiasis or cytomegalovirus esophagitis. Immunohistochemisty improved the diagnosis of viral infections. It is possible to detect cytomegalovirus infections in endoscopic and histologic normal cases.

The knowledge of consumer perception of meat tenderness and taste is essential to forecast a Brazilian quality value-based beef market. This study aimed to verify perception of tender (WBSF < 4.1 kg) from tough (> 4.8 kg) strip loin steak or uncharacteristic (calcium-treated/Ca-IM) and normal (non-calcium/NO-Ca) meat taste by consumers according to gender, age, education and income levels. Steaks were previously classified by shear force measurements as tender or tough. Each consumer was served a paired sample of one tender and of one tough steak, which were either Ca-IM or NO-Ca treated before tenderness classification. Three hundred and eight consumers answered a nine-point intensity (tenderness) and hedonic (taste) scales evaluation questionnaire. Among consumers, 82.2% indicated beef as first choice meat products, 75.3% had beef at least four times a week; 39.3% considered taste as the most important meat attribute and 30.2% considered tenderness; 75.8% were males; 73.6% were 21 to 55 years old; 56.7% had college education; 76.6% had monthly income higher than US $ 435,00. Tender steaks were scored highest (P < 0.01), independently of gender, age and income. However, elderly consumers gave higher scores to tender steaks in comparison to middle age consumers (P < 0.05). In the lower education level, scores given to tender and tough meat did not differ. The higher income level responders assigned lower tenderness scores within tender or tough meat (P = 0.10). Differences in taste were perceived by both genders, and by consumers in every income and education level. Males gave higher scores (dislike less) within Ca-IM steaks. Consumers in the lower education level scored taste higher (like most) within untreated samples. The elderly people could not differentiate taste between the Ca-IM and NO-Ca steaks. These are the first indications that Brazilian consumers perceive tender from tough or uncharacteristic taste of beef, but palatability is evaluated differentially depending on gender, age, education and income level.O conhecimento da percepção de maciez e sabor da carne bovina pelo consumidor é essencial para vislumbrar um mercado brasileiro que pague por qualidade. Este estudo avaliou a percepção diferenciada de contra-filé macio (WBSF < 4.1 kg) ou duro (> 4.8 kg), ou ainda com sabor não característico (imersão em Ca/ Ca-IM) ou normal (sem cálcio/ NO-Ca) de acordo com sexo, faixa etária, e nível de escolaridade formal e renda dos consumidores. Os bifes foram pareados em amostras macia/dura e Ca-IM/NO-Ca, e servidos a 308 consumidores que responderam a um questionário apresentando escalas de intensidade (maciez) e hedônica (sabor) de nove pontos. O perfil dos consumidores mostrava que: 82,2% indicaram carne bovina como sua primeira escolha entre as carnes; 75,3% consumiam carne bovina pelo menos quatro vezes por semana; 39,3% consideravam sabor como o atributo mais importante durante o consumo enquanto 30,2% indicavam maciez; 75,8% eram do sexo masculino; 73,6% tinham entre 21 e 55 anos; 56,7% tinham alguma formação superior; 76,6% com rendimento mensal maior que R$ 1.000,00. De maneira geral, os bifes macios obtiveram notas mais altas (P < 0,01), independente de sexo, faixa etária e nível de renda. Entretanto, os idosos deram notas mais altas que os consumidores de meia idade em avaliações dos bifes macios (P < 0,05). No nível baixo de escolaridade não houve diferença nas notas para bifes macios e duros. Quanto mais alto o nível de renda, menor foram as notas dadas nas avaliações dos bifes macios ou duros (P = 0,10). Diferenças no sabor foram notadas por ambos os sexos, e por todos os níveis de escolaridade e renda. O sexo masculino conferiu notas mais altas (desgostou menos) quando consumia bifes Ca-IM. Consumidores do menor nível de escolaridade atribuiram notas maiores para sabor (gostaram mais) em bifes com sabor normal. Os idosos não diferenciaram sabor entre os bifes Ca-IM e NO-Ca. Estas observações são as primeiras indicações objetivas de que os consumidores brasileiros são capazes de perceber diferenças entre bifes macios e duros ou com sabor amargo e normal. Todavia, a palatabilidade é avaliada de forma diferenciada dependendo do sexo, faixa etária, e níveis de escolaridade e renda.