Physicochemical Profile of Canastra Cheese Inoculated with Starter Cultures of and .

Canastra cheese, an artisanal cheese produced in Serra da Canastra-Brazil, has great cultural importance. Furthermore, this cheese has nutritional and sensory attributes that make it of great economic importance. Its microbiota is composed of different bacteria and yeasts.

Cassava Waste Starch as a Source of Bioplastics: Development of a Polymeric Film with Antimicrobial Properties.

Polysaccharides represent the most abundant biopolymers in agri-food wastes and thus are the most studied polymers to produce biodegradable films for use in packaging. Starch is among the major polysaccharides extracted from food and agricultural waste that have been used as precursor material for film production. Therefore, the present study aimed at producing an active film with antimicrobial properties using starch extracted from cassava waste and oil extracted from cloves.

and for Fermentation of Four Different Coffee Varieties.

One strategy for adding unique characteristics and flavors to improve coffee quality is the selection of starter microorganisms. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effect of LNFCA11 and B10 as starter cultures on the quality of four different wet-fermented coffee varieties. Microbiological, molecular, and chemical analyses were carried out to identify yeast, bacteria, volatile compounds, carbohydrates and bioactive compounds in coffee.

Intake of S-Methylmethionine Alters Glucose Metabolism and Hepatic Gene Expression in C57BL/6J High-Fat-Fed Mice.

A diet containing foods that are sources of S-methylmethionine (SMM), and its use as a dietary supplement, have demonstrated beneficial health effects. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the inclusion of SMM as a dietary supplement in C57BL/6J high-fat-fed mice to verify whether this compound alone would be responsible for these positive effects. Mice were divided into three groups: LF (low-fat diet), HF (high-fat diet), and HF+SMM (high-fat diet plus SMM), and maintained for 10 weeks with water and food provided ad libitum.

The Role of Exercise-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation After Myocardial Infarction on Cholesterol Transfer to HDL.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is associated with decreased incidence of cardiovascular events, and its functionality also influences prognosis. Exercise is an important tool to improve prognosis in the post-infarction (MI) population, but the role of exercise on HDL functionality is poorly understood. Sixty-two patients with acute MI were randomized in a supervised exercise program for 12-14 weeks (exercise group-EG) or a control group (CG).

Preventive Effects of Resistance Training on Hemodynamics and Kidney Mitochondrial Bioenergetic Function in Ovariectomized Rats.

Menopause occurs due to the depletion of the ovarian reserve, leading to a progressive decline in estrogen (E2) levels. This decrease in E2 levels increases the risk of developing several diseases and can coexist with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Arterial hypertension (AH) is another condition associated with menopause and may either contribute to or result from CKD.

Almond Grafting for Plum Pox Virus Resistance Triggers Significant Transcriptomic and Epigenetic Shifts in Peaches.

Sharka disease, caused by the plum pox virus (PPV), negatively impacts stone fruit production, resulting in economic losses. It has been demonstrated that grafting the almond ( (Miller) D.A.

Starvation Metabolism Adaptations in Tick Embryonic Cells BME26.

Ticks are hematophagous ectoparasites that transmit pathogens and inflict significant economic losses on the cattle industry. Remarkably, they can survive extended periods of starvation in the absence of a host. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the metabolic adaptations that enable the tick to endure starvation using the BME26 cell line as a model system.

Comparison Between Nano-Hydroxyapatite/Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate Composite and Autogenous Bone Graft in Bone Regeneration Applications: Biochemical Mechanisms and Morphological Analysis.

It was assumed that only autogenous bone had appropriate osteoconductive and osteoindutive properties for bone regeneration, but this assumption has been challenged. Many studies have shown that synthetic biomaterials must be considered as the best choice for guided bone regeneration. The objective of this work is to compare the performances of nanohydroxyapatite/β-tricalcium phosphate (n-HA/β-TCP) composite and autogenous bone grafting in bone regeneration applications.

Unveiling the Movement of RanBP1 During the Cell Cycle and Its Interaction with a Cyclin-Dependent Kinase (CDK) in Plants.

In the flower development study, we identified SCI1 (Stigma/style Cell-cycle Inhibitor 1), a regulator of cell proliferation. SCI1 interacts with NtCDKG;2 ( Cyclin-Dependent Kinase G;2), a homolog of human CDK11, which is responsible for RanGTP-dependent microtubule stabilization, regulating spindle assembly rate. In a Y2H screening of a cDNA library using NtCDKG;2 as bait, a RanBP1 (Ran-Binding Protein 1) was revealed as its interaction partner.

The Role of Vimentin Peptide Citrullination in the Structure and Dynamics of HLA-DRB1 Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk-Associated Alleles.

Citrullination, a post-translational modification (PTM), plays a critical role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by triggering immune responses to citrullinated self-antigens. Some HLA-DRB1 genes encode molecules with the shared epitope (QKRAA/QRRAA) sequence in the peptide-binding groove which preferentially presents citrulline-modified peptides, like vimentin, that intensifies the immune response in RA. In this study, we used computational approaches to evaluate intermolecular interactions between vimentin peptide-ligands (with/without PTM) and HLA-DRB1 alleles associated with a significantly increased risk for RA development.

Current Strategies in Developing Antibacterial Surfaces for Joint Arthroplasty Implant Applications.

Prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) remain a significant challenge, occurring in 1% to 2% of joint arthroplasties and potentially leading to a 20% to 30% mortality rate within 5 years. The primary pathogens responsible for PJIs include Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, and Gram-negative bacteria, typically treated with intravenous antibiotic drugs. However, this conventional approach fails to effectively eradicate biofilms or the microbial burden in affected tissues.

Sustainable Films Derived from spp. Bark: Improving Properties Through Chemical and Physical Pretreatments.

This study investigates the sustainable use of spp. bark through different chemical (hydrothermal, acid, alkaline, and bleaching) and physical (milling) pretreatments in the production of sustainable films. Valorization of agro-industrial residues and the demand for sustainable materials pose challenges for environmentally responsible solutions.

Synthesis and Characterization of Copolymers with Fluorene-di-2-thienyl-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole Units for Application in Optoelectronic Devices.

Conjugated donor-acceptor (D-A) copolymers are widely used in optoelectronic devices due to their influence on the resulting properties. This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of the conjugated D-A copolymer constructed with fluorene and di-2-thienyl-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole units, resulting in Poly[2,7-(9,9-dioctyl-fluorene)-alt-5,5-(4,7-di(2-thienyl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole)] (PFDTBT). The synthesis associated with reaction times of 48 and 24 h, the latter incorporating the phase-transfer catalyst Aliquat 336, was investigated.

Optimization of the Heterogeneous Synthesis Conditions for Cellulose Tosylation and Synthesis of a Propargylamine Cellulosic Derivative.

Cellulose tosylate (MCC-Tos) is a key derivative for surface modification and a crucial precursor for cellulose compatibilization in click reactions, enabling its functionalization for advanced applications. Replacing tosyl groups with alkyne groups broadens cellulose's potential in biocompatible reactions, such as thiol-yne click chemistry and protein/enzyme immobilization. To achieve this, we optimized the heterogeneous synthesis of MCC-Tos using a Doehlert matrix statistical design, evaluating the influence and interaction of the reaction conditions.

Recent Advances on Starch-Based Adsorbents for Heavy Metal and Emerging Pollutant Remediation.

Starch is one of the most abundant polysaccharides in nature and has a high potential for application in several fields, including effluent treatment as an adsorbent. Starch has a unique structure, with zones of different crystallinity and a glycosidic structure containing hydroxyl groups. This configuration allows a wide range of interactions with pollutants of different degrees of hydrophilicity, which includes from hydrogen bonding to hydrophobic interactions.

Disinfection Strategies for Poly(methyl methacrylate): Method Sequence, Solution Concentration, and Intraoral Temperature on Antimicrobial Activity.

This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness of different disinfection protocols for dentures by combining methods, varying intervention sequences, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) concentrations (0.1% and 0.25%), and post-exposure to intraoral temperature.

A Zinc Polyphenolic Compound Increases Maize Resistance Against Infection by .

Maize leaf blight (MLB), caused by the fungus , is an important disease affecting maize production. In order to minimize the use of fungicides in agriculture, nutrient-based resistance inducers may become a promising alternative to manage MLB. The goal of this study was to investigate the potential of Semia (zinc (20%) complexed with a plant-derived pool of polyphenols (10%)) to hamper the infection of maize leaves by by analyzing their photosynthetic performance and carbohydrate and antioxidative metabolism, as well as the expression of defense-related genes.

Sequential Defense Strategies: From Ant Recruitment to Leaf Toughness.

Plants express many types of defenses in response to herbivory damage. These defenses can be displayed as a sequence or they can overlap, increasing efficiency in protection. However, leaf defense shifts during leaf development, including extrafloral nectaries (EFNs), are neglected in natural tropical systems.

High-Throughput Phenotyping for Agronomic Traits in Cassava Using Aerial Imaging.

Large-scale phenotyping using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has been considered an important tool for plant selection. This study aimed to estimate the correlations between agronomic data and vegetation indices (VIs) obtained at different flight heights and to select prediction models to evaluate the potential use of aerial imaging in cassava breeding programs. Various VIs were obtained and analyzed using mixed models to derive the best linear unbiased predictors, heritability parameters, and correlations with various agronomic traits.

Improving Soybean Germination and Nodule Development with Nitric Oxide-Releasing Polymeric Nanoparticles.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a multifunctional signaling molecule in plants, playing key roles in germination, microbial symbiosis, and nodule formation. However, its instability requires innovative approaches, such as using nanoencapsulated NO donors, to prolong its effects. This study evaluated the impact of treating soybean () seeds with the NO donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), encapsulated in polymeric nanoparticles, on the germination, nodulation, and plant growth.

Assessment of 3-Cyanobenzoic Acid as a Possible Herbicide Candidate: Effects on Maize Growth and Photosynthesis.

Chemical weed control is a significant agricultural concern, and reliance on a limited range of herbicide action modes has increased resistant weed species, many of which use C4 metabolism. As a result, the identification of novel herbicidal agents with low toxicity targeting C4 plants becomes imperative. An assessment was conducted on the impact of 3-cyanobenzoic acid on the growth and photosynthetic processes of maize (), a representative C4 plant, cultivated hydroponically over 14 days.

Biorefining Brazilian Green Propolis: An Eco-Friendly Approach Based on a Sequential High-Pressure Extraction for Recovering High-Added-Value Compounds.

Propolis is a valuable natural resource for extracting various beneficial compounds. This study explores a sustainable extraction approach for Brazilian green propolis. First, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) process parameters were optimized (co-solvent: 21.

Exploring the Potential of Malvidin and Echiodinin as Probable Antileishmanial Agents Through In Silico Analysis and In Vitro Efficacy.

Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by species, presents serious public health challenges due to limited treatment options, toxicity, high costs, and drug resistance. In this study, the in vitro potential of malvidin and echioidinin is examined as antileishmanial agents against , , and , comparing their effects to amphotericin B (AmpB), a standard drug. Malvidin demonstrated greater potency than echioidinin across all parasite stages and species.

Agathisflavone Inhibits Viability and Modulates the Expression of miR-125b, miR-155, IL-6, and Arginase in Glioblastoma Cells and Microglia/Macrophage Activation.

Glioblastomas (GBM) are malignant tumours with poor prognosis. Treatment involves chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy; however, there is currently no standard treatment for recurrence, and prognosis remains unfavourable. Inflammatory mediators and microRNAs (miRNAs) influence the aggressiveness of GBM, being involved in the communication with the cells of the tumour parenchyma, including microglia/macrophages, and maintaining an immunosuppressive microenvironment.