A two-enzyme constituted mixture to improve the degradation of Arthrospira platensis microalga cell wall for monogastric diets.

The main goal of this study was to test a rational combination of pre-selected carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) and sulphatases, individually or in combination, in order to evaluate its capacity to disrupt Arthrospira platensis cell wall, allowing the release of its valuable nutritional bioactive compounds. By the end, a two-enzyme constituted mixture (Mix), composed by a lysozyme and a α-amylase, was incubated with A. platensis suspension.

Subject-specific EEG channel selection using non-negative matrix factorization for lower-limb motor imagery recognition.

Objective: This study aims to propose and validate a subject-specific approach to recognize two different cognitive neural states (relax and pedaling motor imagery (MI)) by selecting the relevant electroencephalogram (EEG) channels. The main aims of the proposed work are: (i) to reduce the computational complexity of the BCI systems during MI detection by selecting the relevant EEG channels, (ii) to reduce the amount of data overfitting that may arise due to unnecessary channels and redundant features, and (iii) to reduce the classification time for real-time BCI applications.

Approach: The proposed method selects subject-specific EEG channels and features based on their MI.

Supplementation with Increases the Maximal Oxygen Consumption and Maximal Aerobic Speed Attained by Rats Subjected to an Incremental-Speed Exercise.

Benefits to the host metabolism resulting from (Sb) supplementation have been described; however, no study has investigated the effects of this supplementation on aerobic metabolism and performance during physical exercise. Thus, in the present study, we addressed the effects of Sb supplementation on the rate of oxygen consumption (VO), mechanical efficiency (external work divided by VO), and aerobic performance of rats subjected to fatiguing, incremental-speed exercise. Twenty-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: (1) non-supplemented, in which rats received 0.

Immobilization of bacterial feruloyl esterase on mesoporous silica particles and enhancement of synthetic activity by hydrophobic-modified surface.

Here, we demonstrated the immobilization of bacterial feruloyl esterase (FAE) from Butyrivibrio sp. XPD2006, Lactobacillus crispatus, Butyrivibrio sp. AE2015, Ruminococcus albus, Cellulosilyticum ruminicola and Clostridium cellulovorans on SBA-15 and their ability to synthesize butyl ferulate (BFA).

Chitosan/hydroxyethyl cellulose inserts for sustained-release of dorzolamide for glaucoma treatment: In vitro and in vivo evaluation.

Eye drops containing hydrophilic drugs are commonly used to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma patients, but compliance to the treatement is commonly reduced by frequent dosing and eventual systemic side effects. Sustained-release drug delivery systems, such as ocular inserts, can reduce dosing, limit systemic exposure, reduce side effects, and, then, improve patient adherence to therapy. Here, we developed and evaluated chitosan/hydroxyethyl cellulose-based ocular inserts for sustained release of dorzolamide, a hydrophilic drug.

Clove oil nanoemulsion showed potent inhibitory effect against Candida spp.

Increasing resistance to current fungicides is a clinical problem that leads to the need for new treatment strategies. Clove oil (CO) has already been described as having antifungal action. However, it should not be applied directly to the skin as it may be irritating.

Photoreduction of chromium(VI) in microstructured ceramic hollow fibers impregnated with titanium dioxide and coated with green algae Chlorella vulgaris.

Here we propose an innovative photocatalytic hybrid system for the reduction of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from aqueous solutions. The hybrid system was composed of titanium dioxide (TiO) immobilized in the micro-voids of asymmetric alumina hollow fibers and of the green algae Chlorella vulgaris coated on the outer sponge-like layer of the fiber. The photoreduction of Cr(VI) was systematically studied in different systems: single systems with TiO or algae; the synergistic system of algae combined with TiO; and the proposed hybrid system composed of TiO and algae supported in ceramic hollow fibers.

Vagus nerve regulates the phagocytic and secretory activity of resident macrophages in the liver.

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract harbors commensal microorganisms as well as invasive bacteria, toxins and other pathogens and, therefore, plays a pivotal barrier and immunological role against pathogenic agents. The vagus nerve is an important regulator of the GI tract-associated immune system, having profound effects on inflammatory responses. Among GI tract organs, the liver is a key site of immune surveillance, as it has a large population of resident macrophages and receives the blood drained from the guts through the hepatic portal circulation.

Self-Care in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review.

Background: Self-care is essential for the prevention of complications in patients with diabetes, but several authors report that even with health education programs, the incidence of complications in patients with diabetes continues to increase.

Objective: We aimed to examine adherence to self-care strategies and the repercussions of adherence on the clinical profiles of individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: We performed a systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

High-Throughput Production of a New Library of Human Single and Tandem PDZ Domains Allows Quantitative PDZ-Peptide Interaction Screening Through High-Throughput Holdup Assay.

PDZ domains recognize PDZ Binding Motifs (PBMs) at the extreme C-terminus of their partner proteins. The human proteome contains 266 identified PDZ domains, the PDZome, spread over 152 proteins. We previously developed the "holdup" chromatographic assay for high-throughput determination of PDZ-PBM affinities.

Carotenoids from UV-resistant Antarctic Microbacterium sp. LEMMJ01.

The Microbacterium sp. LEMMJ01 isolated from Antarctic soil does not belong to any of the nearest species identified in the RDP database. Under UV radiation (A, B and C wavebands) the survival fractions of Microbacterium sp.

Paclitaxel-Loaded Folate-Coated pH-Sensitive Liposomes Enhance Cellular Uptake and Antitumor Activity.

Paclitaxel (PTX) is a microtubule-stabilizing agent widely used to treat breast cancer. Nevertheless, the low solubility of the drug and the side effects of commercial formulations available limit its clinical use. In this way, our group recently described the preparation of PTX-loaded folate-coated long-circulating and pH-sensitive liposomes (SpHL-folate-PTX).

Appraisal of anti-protozoan activity of nitroaromatic benzenesulfonamides inhibiting carbonic anhydrases from and .

Chagas disease and leishmaniasis are neglected tropical disorders caused by the protozoans and spp. Carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.

Evaluation of Kluyveromyces marxianus endo-polygalacturonase activity through ATR-FTIR.

The endo-polygalacturonase enzyme (endoPG: EC 3.2.1.

Serum lipid profile as a predictor of dengue severity: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Dengue virus is known to modulate host cell lipid metabolism in order to promote efficient viral replication. Recent studies have focused on circulating lipids as potential biomarkers of dengue severity; however, the results obtained so far lack the consistency to establish a definite relationship between the two. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated serum lipids as potential biomarkers of dengue severity by conducting a meta-analysis of the currently available clinical data.

Silver nanoparticle stabilized by hydrolyzed collagen and natural polymers: Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial-antifungal evaluation.

In synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), the composition of the stabilizer used can be closely related to the effectiveness of the synthesis and to the shape of the final nanoparticles. Recently, the use of collagen as an effective nanoparticle stabilization agent was reported. In this work, synthesis of silver nanoparticles using mixed capping agents is reported.

Hazard and mode of action of disinfection by-products (DBPs) in water for human consumption: Evidences and research priorities.

Disinfection of water system is an essential strategy to protect human health from pathogens and prevent their regrowth during water distribution, but the reaction of disinfectant agents with organic matter can lead to the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs). Given their widespread occurrence, potential human health impacts and (eco)toxicity associated with exposure to DBPs are of particular interest due to their potential carcinogenicity and vary non-carcinogenic effects, such as endocrine disruption. Understanding the public health implications of this emerging issue is crucial for societies and decision-makers, supporting more effective water safety plans.

Cesarean Delivery and Hypertension in Early Adulthood.

The rate of cesarean delivery (CD) is high in many parts of the world. Birth via CD has been associated with adverse later health outcomes, such as obesity, asthma, and type 1 diabetes mellitus. Few studies have focused on hypertension.

Health conditions and occupational risks in a novel group: waste pickers in the largest open garbage dump in Latin America.

Background: The inadequate management of solid waste impacts populations' health and quality of life, and disproportionately affects developing countries. This study aims to describe a protocol for epidemiological diagnosis, the purpose being to estimate the prevalence of chronic and communicable and non communicable diseases in waste pickers, and the occupational and environmental risk factors to which these are exposed.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, based on survey design in an area of extreme social vulnerability - the largest garbage dump in Latin America.

Treatment with selenium-enriched Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG A-905 partially ameliorates mucositis induced by 5-fluorouracil in mice.

Purpose: Gastrointestinal mucositis is a major problem associated with cancer therapy. To minimize these deleterious effects, simultaneous administration of antioxidant components, such as selenium, can be considered. There is a growing interest in the use of yeasts because they are able to convert inorganic selenium into selenomethionine.

Role of plasma PlGF, PDGF-AA, ANG-1, ANG-2, and the ANG-1/ANG-2 ratio as predictors of preeclampsia in a cohort of pregnant women.

Introduction: Preeclampsia affects 3-5% of pregnancies worldwide and is the primary cause of maternal-fetal and neonatal mortality. Previous studies show that alterations in maternal concentrations of angiogenic factors, such as PlGF, PDGF AA, ANG-1, and ANG-2, may play fundamental roles in the pathophysiology of the disease.

Objective: Determine whether the PlGF, PDGF AA, ANG-1, and ANG-2 are predictors of preeclampsia occurrence in a prenatal cohort study.

Comparison of birth weight, length, and head circumference between the BRISA-RP and Intergrowth-21st cohorts.

Objectives: (a) To determine the 3rd, 50th, and 97th percentiles of weight, length, and head circumference of newborns from the Ribeirão Preto BRISA cohort, according to gender and gestational age, and compare them with the Intergrowth-21st standard; (b) To estimate the small for gestational age (<3rd percentile), large for gestational age (>97th percentile), stunting (length<3rd percentile), and wasting (body mass index<3rd percentile).

Methods: Observational study of a cohort of 7702 newborns between 01/01/2010 and 12/31/2010 in the city of Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. The 3rd, 50th, and 97th percentiles were determined for the anthropometric measurements using fractional polynomial regression.

A population genetic assessment of taxonomic species: The case of Lake Malawi cichlid fishes.

Organisms sampled for population-level research are typically assigned to species by morphological criteria. However, if those criteria are limited to one sex or life stage, or the organisms come from a complex of closely related forms, the species assignments may misdirect analyses. The impact of such sampling can be assessed from the correspondence of genetic clusters, identified only from patterns of genetic variation, to the species identified using only phenotypic criteria.

Inhibition of Tityus serrulatus venom hyaluronidase affects venom biodistribution.

Background: The hyaluronidase enzyme is generally known as a spreading factor in animal venoms. Although its activity has been demonstrated in several organisms, a deeper knowledge about hyaluronidase and the venom spreading process from the bite/sting site until its elimination from the victim's body is still in need. Herein, we further pursued the goal of demonstrating the effects of inhibition of T.

Tuning Myoblast and Preosteoblast Cell Adhesion Site, Orientation, and Elongation through Electroactive Micropatterned Scaffolds.

Electroactive polymers are being increasingly used in tissue engineering applications. Together with the electromechanical clues, morphological ones have been demonstrated to determine cell proliferation and differentiation. This work reports on the micropatterning of poly(vinylidene fluoride--trifluoroethylene), P(VDF-TrFE) scaffolds, and their interaction with myoblast and preosteoblasts cell lines, selected based on their different functional morphology.