Carbon pools and microbial indicators in vineyard soils under organic and conventional fertilization in the São Francisco Valley, in a semi-arid tropical climate.

Soil management systems that do not prioritize conservation contribute to carbon (C) depletion in tropical environments. In the semi-arid region of Brazil, fruit farming has been a key driver for economic development, yet high agricultural yields depend on the use of costly inputs. We conducted a groundbreaking study in São Francisco Valley, northeastern Brazil, to investigate the effects of organic (OF) and synthetic fertilizers (CF) on carbon stock and stability, organic matter fractions, microorganismal carbon biomass (C-mic) and quality indexes, and C-CO emissions up to the 1 m of depth in grapevine soils.

Assessment of Ti, Ir, Ta and Ru influence on mixed metal oxide electrodes for photoelectrochemical generation of persulfate: Impact on sulfamethoxazole degradation.

The presence of persulfate (SO) in decontamination processes favors the oxidation of organic pollutants due to its strong oxidation power. In this research we study the photoelectrochemical generation of persulfate using five mixed metal oxides electrodes (MMO) with different compositions and its effect on the degradation of sulfamethoxazole antibiotic (SMX) by photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) and electro-oxidation (EO). By PEC, all anodes generated a higher concentration of SO than those not exposed to light.

Microorganisms and Their Importance in the Food Industry: Safety, Quality and Health Properties.

Microorganisms can play an important role in food production, especially through fermentation processes [...

Comparative study of the bacterial community of organic and conventional cow's milk.

Agricultural practises such as conventional and organic farming can potentially affect the microbial communities in milk. In the present study, the bacterial diversity of milk was investigated using high-throughput sequencing on ten organic and ten conventional farms in the Azores, a region where milk production is largely based on year-round grazing systems. The microbiota of milk from both production systems was dominated by Bacillota, Pseudomonadota, Actinomycetota and Bacteroidota.

Does BRAF V600E mutation affect recurrence rate of ameloblastomas? Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: The objective of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to critically evaluate the available data on the association of the BRAF V600E mutation and recurrence rate of ameloblastomas.

Materials And Methods: This systematic review was registered in Prospero (CRD42020183645) and performed based on the PRISMA statement. A comprehensive search in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases was performed in order to answer the question "Does BRAF V600E mutation affect recurrence rate of ameloblastomas?" Methodological quality and risk of bias of the selected studies were assessed with JBI Critical Appraise Tool.

Probiotic, technological, and health-related characteristics of lactobacilli isolated from breast milk.

Aims: Isolation and characterization of lactobacilli from human milk and determination of their probiotic, technological, and in vitro health-promoting properties with a view to their potential use in food fermentation.

Methods And Results: Seven lactobacilli isolates were obtained from human milk and identified as Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (isolates BM1-BM6) and Lactobacillus gasseri (BM7). The isolates were examined in vitro for their technological, probiotic, and health-promoting potential.

Effectiveness of training programs based on mindfulness in reducing psychological distress and promoting well-being in medical students: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Medical schools have used mindfulness meditation as a strategy to assist students in stress management. This study aimed to seek evidence regarding the effectiveness of mindfulness-based training programs in reducing psychological distress and promoting the well-being of medical students.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Prevention of Fungal Contamination in Semi-Hard Cheeses by Whey-Gelatin Film Incorporated with SJC120.

Cheese whey fermented by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) was used to develop an edible film with antifungal properties. Five LAB strains isolated from artisanal cheeses were screened for antifungal activity and incorporated into a whey-gelatin film. Of the strains tested, SJC120 showed the strongest activity against five filamentous fungi isolated from cheese and cheese-making environment, at both 10 °C and 20 °C.

Distinct Bacterial Communities in São Jorge Cheese with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).

São Jorge cheese is an iconic product of the Azores, produced from raw cow's milk and natural whey starter (NWS). Although it is produced according to Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) specifications, the granting of the PDO label depends crucially on sensory evaluation by trained tasters. The aim of this work was to characterize the bacterial diversity of this cheese using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and to identify the specific microbiota that contributes most to its uniqueness as a PDO by distinguishing the bacterial communities of PDO and non-PDO cheeses.

Evaluation of gamma-aminobutyric acid content in Portuguese cheeses with protected designation of origin status.

Health-conscious consumers are increasingly paying attention to healthy diets and focusing on natural bioactive compounds in foods and their effects on mental health. This opens new opportunities for the study of artisanal cheeses as biofunctional foods. In the work described in this Research Communication, the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content of seven different Portuguese cheeses produced from unpasteurized cow, sheep, and goat milk and granted with protected designation of origin (PDO) status was analysed.

Application of enterocin-whey films to reduce Listeria monocytogenes contamination on ripened cheese.

An enterocin whey solution, obtained by growing Enterococcus faecalis L2B21K3 and L3A21K6 in sweet whey - enterocin whey solution (EWS), was incorporated into gelatin/glycerol films that were tested for the control of Listeria monocytogenes. The films containing enterocins produced by either strain (EWS L2 and EWS K6 films) were shown to serve as a suitable matrix for bacteriocin release, preserve the anti-listerial activity for up to 90 days. When applied in cheese, EWS L2 and EWS K6 films were able to reduce L.

Consumption of fermented dairy products is associated with lower anxiety levels in Azorean university students.

A growing number of studies have found that the gut microbiota is involved in a variety of psychological processes and neuropsychiatric disorders, which include mood and anxiety disorders. Consumption of dairy products may contain bioactive compounds and probiotic bacteria with various therapeutic benefits. The aim of the study was to investigate possible associations between the frequency of consumption of different types of dairy products and the state of anxiety in university students.

Lactic Acid Bacteria in Raw-Milk Cheeses: From Starter Cultures to Probiotic Functions.

Traditional cheeses produced from raw milk exhibit a complex microbiota, characterized by a sequence of different microorganisms from milk coagulation and throughout maturation. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) play an essential role in traditional cheese making, either as starter cultures that cause the rapid acidification of milk or as secondary microbiota that play an important role during cheese ripening. The enzymes produced by such dynamic LAB communities in raw milk are crucial, since they support proteolysis and lipolysis as chief drivers of flavor and texture of cheese.

Assessment of WO electrode modified with intact chloroplasts as a novel biohybrid platform for photocurrent improvement.

The present work describes an easy way to prepare a Chloroplast/PDA@WO biohybrid platform based on the deposition of chloroplasts on WO substrate previously modified with polydopamine (PDA) film as anchoring agent. The use of PDA as an immobilization matrix for chloroplasts, and also as an electron mediator under LED irradiation, resulted in enhanced photocurrents. The use of the chloroplasts amplified the photocurrent, when compared to the bare substrate (WO).

Production of low-cholesterol butter with Lacticaseibacillus paracasei immobilized in calcium-alginate beads.

This study focused on the application of three strains of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei to assimilate cholesterol in cream and butter. The strains were enclosed in calcium-alginate beads and incubated in cream at 30 °C for 15 h. Immobilization of lactobacilli cultures in calcium-alginate beads resulted in a 23% reduction in cholesterol (p < 0.

Application of SJC25 for the Manufacture of Whey-Based Beverage Naturally Enriched with GABA.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is used as a dietary supplement because of its health-promoting properties. However, concern over the use of synthetic products has increased the demand for foods that are naturally fortified with GABA. In addition, excess whey is a major concern for the dairy industry due to the high cost of treating it.

Diagnostic accuracy of immunohistochemistry compared with molecular tests for detection of BRAF V600E mutation in ameloblastomas: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: The objective of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to critically evaluate the available data on sensitivity and specificity of IHC compared with molecular tests in the detection of BRAF V600E mutation in ameloblastomas.

Materials And Methods: This systematic review was performed based on the PRISMA statement and registered in Prospero (CRD42021259117). PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for observational studies to answer the question "What is the diagnostic accuracy of immunohistochemistry compared with molecular tests for the diagnosis of BRAF V600E mutation in ameloblastomas?".

Exopolysaccharides Produced by Lactic Acid Bacteria: From Biosynthesis to Health-Promoting Properties.

The production of exopolysaccharides (EPS) by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) has attracted particular interest in the food industry. EPS can be considered as natural biothickeners as they are produced in situ by LAB and improve the rheological properties of fermented foods. Moreover, much research has been conducted on the beneficial effects of EPS produced by LAB on modulating the gut microbiome and promoting health.

A rapid screening method to evaluate acidifying activity by lactic acid bacteria.

The determination of pH in fermented milk is an important parameter for monitoring the production of acid by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). In this work, a colorimetric method is proposed that allows a fast determination of LAB acidification ability by evaluation of pH drop in whey fermentation. The proposed method uses spectrophotometry to measure the pH change by bacteria and uses bromocresol purple as a pH indicator dye.

Management of chronic suppurative osteomyelitis in a patient with pycnodysostosis.

Pycnodysostosis is a rare bone dysplasia that causes changes in the facial skeleton. Osteomyelitis is common in patients with this syndrome, and, among the gnathic bones, the mandible is the most commonly affected. This case report describes the treatment of a 46-year-old woman with pycnodysostosis that was associated with chronic suppurative osteomyelitis of 5 years' duration.

Is there an association between the use of antidepressants and complications involving dental implants? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate published evidence on the association between the use of antidepressants and complications involving dental implants. Two reviewers independently performed electronic searches of the MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases for relevant articles published up to May 30, 2019. This review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Histamine and cholesterol lowering abilities of lactic acid bacteria isolated from artisanal Pico cheese.

Aims: This study was designed to select lactic acid bacteria with histamine- and cholesterol-reducing abilities to be used as potential probiotics.

Methods And Results: Thirty strains of lactic acid bacteria isolated from an artisanal raw milk cheese were screened for their abilities to degrade histamine, reduce cholesterol and hydrolyse bile salts. Strains were also screened for safety and probiotic traits, such as resistance to gastrointestinal conditions, adhesion to Caco-2 cells, resistance to antibiotics and presence of virulence genes.

Nutritional status and appetite-regulating hormones in early treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia among children and adolescents: a cohort study.

Background: Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia are at risk of malnutrition, but few studies have described the changes in nutritional status during the different phases of chemotherapy.

Objective: To evaluate changes in nutritional status, food intake and appetite-regulating hormones among children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the first phase of chemotherapy.

Design And Setting: Cohort study developed in the pediatric oncology departments of two hospitals in the city of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.