► We applied polyphasic approach to identification of Aspergillus section Flavi. ► Polyphasic approach permitted reliable identification of Aspergillus species. ► We detected high frequency of ...mycotoxigenic strains (aflatoxins and CPA) (92.7%). ► Co-occurrence of both toxins can increase potential toxic effect in Brazil nuts.
The aim of this study was to use a polyphasic approach to identify Aspergillus section Flavi isolated from Brazil nuts collected in the Amazon forest: investigation of macro- and microscopic morphology, production of extrolites, heat-resistance fungi, and sequencing of DNA regions. The following Aspergillus section Flavi species were identified: Aspergillus flavus (75.5%), Aspergillus nomius (22.3%), and Aspergillus parasiticus (2.2%). All A. nomius and A. parasiticus isolates produced aflatoxins B and G, but not cyclopiazonic acid (CPA). A. flavus isolates were more diversified and a high frequency of mycotoxigenic strains was observed. The polyphasic approach permitted the reliable identification of section Flavi species. The rate of mycotoxigenic strains was high (92.7%) and mainly included A. flavus strains producing elevated levels of aflatoxins and CPA. These results highlight the possibility of co-occurrence of both toxins, increasing their potential toxic effect in this commodity.
Fungal and mycotoxin contamination was investigated in field samples of nuts, shells and pods of the Brazil nut collected during different periods in Itacoatiara, State of Amazonas, Brazil: day 0, ...samples still on the tree; days 5, 10 and 15, samples in contact with soil for 5, 10 and 15 days, respectively. The most prevalent fungi were Aspergillus flavus in fruit pods and nuts and Fusarium spp. in shells. Penicillium spp. and A. flavus were isolated from soil, and Fusarium spp. and Penicillium spp. from air. Aflatoxins and cyclopiazonic acid were not detected in any of the samples analyzed. The high frequency of isolation of aflatoxigenic A. flavus strains from soil and Brazil nuts increases the chance of aflatoxin production in these substrates. These findings suggest a possible contamination before drying and indicate soil as the main source of fungal contamination of Brazil nuts.
► We studied mycoflora and mycotoxins production in Brazil nuts, soil and air samples. ► Despite toxigenic strains of A. flavus, no aflatoxins or CPA were found in samples. ► Increasing the contact time of pods with soil increased contamination with A. flavus. ► Soil was appointed as the main route of fungal contamination in Brazil nuts.
Sarcopenia screening tools have a low capacity to predict adverse outcomes that are consequences of sarcopenia in the elderly population. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of a new sarcopenia ...screening tool SARC-GLOBAL to predict negative clinical outcomes in the elderly. A total of 395 individuals were evaluated in a 42-month period. The screening tools SARC-GLOBAL, SARC-F, and SARC-CalF and the diagnosis of sarcopenia according to European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older Persons (EWGSOP2) were performed at the beginning of the study. Logistic and Poisson regression models were applied to assess the predictive value of the tools for the odds and risks of negative clinical outcomes, respectively. The most common negative clinical outcome in the followed population was falls (12.9%), followed by infections (12.4%), hospitalizations (11.8%), fractures (4.3%), and deaths (2.7%). Both SARC-GLOBAL and SARC-F were similar in predicting the odds of falls and hospitalizations during the follow up period, however SARC-CalF only predicted the odds of hospitalizations at 42 months.
Poor nutrition increases the risk of diseases and adverse health outcomes in older adults. We evaluated the potential inadequacy of nutrient intake among older adults in Brazil and its association ...with body anthropometry and composition outcomes. Dietary intake was obtained from 295 community-living older adults (>60 years old), of both genders, using a seven-day food record. Nutrient inadequacy was further identified based on the Dietary Reference Intakes and European Guidelines. Skeletal muscle mass (SM), strength and performance, and the diagnosis of sarcopenia were assessed using reference methods. Nutritional inadequacy was high, with energy, dietary fiber, and six micronutrients exhibiting the greatest inadequacy levels (>80%). Energy intake was correlated with SM strength (
= 0.000) and performance (
= 0.001). Inadequate energy, fiber, and protein intakes influenced BMI, while inadequate intake of vitamin B6 directly affected the diagnosis of sarcopenia (
≤ 0.005). Further research is required to investigate whether these inadequacies can be associated with other clinical health outcomes.
Changes in lifestyle such as increase in high-fat food consumption are an important cause for vascular diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the involvement of ACE and TGF-β in the aorta ...stiffness induced by high-fat diet. C57BL/6 male mice were divided in two groups according to their diet for 8 weeks: standard diet (ST) and high-fat diet (HF). At the end of the protocol, body weight gain, adipose tissue content, serum lipids and glucose levels, and aorta morphometric and biochemical measurements were performed. Analysis of collagen fibers by picrosirius staining of aorta slices showed that HF diet promoted increase of thin (55%) and thick (100%) collagen fibers deposition and concomitant disorganization of these fibers orientations in the aorta vascular wall (50%). To unravel the mechanism involved, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) were evaluated by protein expression and enzyme activity. HF diet increased MPO (90%) and ACE (28%) activities, as well as protein expression of ACE. TGF-β was also increased in aorta tissue of HF diet mice after 8 weeks. Altogether, we have observed that the HF diet-induced aortic stiffening may be associated with increased oxidative stress damage and activation of the RAS in vascular tissue.
The initial process of self development involves interaction with others and the establishment of relationships taking different paths depending on the socio-cultural context. Self-recognition and ...self-regulation are considered manifestations of this development between 18 and 24 months of age. This study aimed at analyzing the relationship between these two aspects, maternal beliefs about autonomy and relatedness, as well as identifying differences between boys and girls in this developmental stage. Participants were 94 mothers of different educational levels and their children of 17-22 months of age in two Brazilian cities. Socialization Goals Inventory and Parental Practices in the First Year Inventory were used to collect data on mothers' beliefs. Children performed tasks related to self-recognition (the mirror test) and self-regulation (compliance to requests). The group of mothers studied valued both autonomy and interdependence. Children's responses are consistent with a perspective of relational autonomy, which value both independence and interdependence. Differences were found in relation to sex in both self-recognition and self-regulation, and baby girls showed superior performance than boys in both tasks. El proceso inicial del desarrollo personal implica la interacción con los demás y el establecimiento de relaciones por caminos diferentes dependiendo del contexto socio-cultural. El Auto-reconocimiento y la auto-regulación se consideran manifestaciones de este desarrollo entre los 18 y los 24 meses de edad. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la relación entre estos dos aspectos y las creencias maternas sobre autonomía e interdependencia, así como la identificación de las diferencias entre niños y niñas en esta etapa evolutiva. Los participantes fueron 94 madres de diferentes niveles educativos y sus hijos de 17-22 meses de dos ciudades brasileñas. Para recoger datos sobre las creencias de las madres se utilizó el Inventario de Objetivos de Socialización y el Inventario de Prácticas de Cuidado. Los niños realizaron tareas relacionadas con el auto-reconocimiento (la prueba del espejo) y con la auto-regulación (cumplimiento de peticiones). El grupo de madres estudiadas valoró tanto la autonomía como la interdependencia. Las respuestas de los niños son consistentes con la perspectiva de autonomía relacional, que valora tanto la independencia como la interdependencia. Se encontraron diferencias en relación con el sexo, tanto en auto-reconocimiento como en auto-regulación y las niñas mostraron un rendimiento superior a los varones en ambas tareas.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of gamma radiation (GR) and electron beam (EB) on Brazil nut samples contaminated with Aspergillus flavus. Fifty samples were spread with an A. ...flavus suspension and incubated at 30°C and a relative humidity of 93%. After 15 days of incubation, mycobiota and aflatoxin analysis were performed. The samples were divided into three groups (control, group 1, and group 2) that received radiation doses of 0 kGy (control) and 5 and 10 kGy each of GR and EB (groups 1 and 2). Noninoculated samples were irradiated with the same doses for sensory evaluation. The results showed that after 15 days of incubation, the average water activity of the samples was 0.80. The irradiation with GR and EB at doses of 5 and 10 kGy was able to eliminate A. flavus in Brazil nut samples. Aflatoxin analysis showed that EB doses of 5 and 10 kGy reduced aflatoxin B1 levels by 53.32 and 65.66%, respectively, whereas the same doses of GR reduced the levels of this toxin by 70.61 and 84.15% compared with the level in the control groups. Sensory evaluation demonstrated that the texture and odor of irradiated Brazil nut samples were acceptable. The taste evaluation indicated that 5 kGy of GR was judged acceptable. The results highlight that both irradiation processes (5- and 10-kGy doses) showed efficiency in A. flavus and aflatoxin elimination. GR and EB treatments resulted in some alterations in the sensory attributes of samples with the doses used in this study; however, Brazil nut samples irradiated with 5-kGy GR doses were considered acceptable.
Developmental contexts have been studied in terms of systems of beliefs and practices, treated as part of general cultural models. This paper aims to describe aspects of parenting cultural models of ...a group of 200 primiparous Brazilian mothers from Rio de Janeiro, who had children less than 44 months old. Mothers answered the Socialization Goals Interview (SGI), and an adapted version of an inventory of beliefs about practices of care, developed by M. Suizzo. Answers to the SGI were coded in five categories and their subcategories: Self-maximization (SM), Self-control (SC), Lovingness (L), Proper demeanor (PD) and Decency (D), and scores in each of them were calculated. A factor analysis indicated three dimensions of mothers' beliefs about practices: Awaking and exposing the child to diverse stimuli (Stimulation), ensuring the Proper presentation of the child and Responding to and bonding to the child. Data was further analyzed in terms of subcategories of SM and D and of the relation to the factors mothers' educational level and sex of their child. Results showed that mothers from Rio de Janeiro share a cultural model of autonomy for their children, but that they also believe in the importance of their relationship to others. Se han estudiado contextos evolutivos en términos de sistemas de creencias y prácticas, tratados como parte de los modelos culturales generales. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir algunos aspectos de los modelos culturales de crianza en un grupo de madres brasileñas de Rió de Janeiro, con niños menores de 44 meses de edad. Las madres completaron la Socialization Goals Interview (SGI) y una versión adaptada de un inventario de creencias sobre las prácticas de cuidados, desarrollado por M. Suizzo. Se codificaron las respuestas al SGI en cinco categorías y sus subcategorías: Auto-maximización (SM), Autocontrol (SC), Amorosidad (L), Comportamiento apropiado (PD) y Decencia (D) y se calcularon puntuaciones de cada una. Un análisis factorial reveló tres dimensiones de las creencias de las madres sobre las prácticas de: Despertar y exponer al niño a diversos estímulos (Estimulación), asegurando la adecuada presentación del niño y respondiendo a y estableciendo un vínculo con el niño. Además se analizaron los datos en términos de SM y de D y de la relación con los factores Nivel educacional de la madre y Sexo del niño. Los resultados mostraron que las madres de Rió de Janeiro comparten un modelo cultural de autonomía para sus niños, pero que también creen en la importancia de sus relaciones con los demás.
Abstract Objective: To verify the effects of the Pilates compared to Resistance method on autonomic modulation of heart rate of older women. Design and method: Twenty-four older women (60 to 80 y.o.) ...submitted to resistance training, W (RT, n = 12) or Pilates (PT, n = 12) for 12 weeks, twice a week, one hour per session. Physical evaluation was performed at the beginning (week 0, RT0 and PM0) and the end of training protocols (week 12, RT12 and PM12), to analyse body composition (bioimpedance, X-ray emission densitometry), and unipodal balance, hand grip strength, functional mobility (Timed Up and Go test–TUGT). Pulse pressure was obtained by using Finometer, and spectral analysis was performed by using Heartscoope Software to obtain normalized high frequency component (RRHFn), normalized low frequency component (RRLFn), LF/HF ratio, baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), harte rate (HR), diastolic blood pressure mean (DAP), and systolic blood pressure mean (SAP). Statistical analysis was performed by two-way ANOVA. Results: observed an improve of unipodal balance in both groups (RT1 = 12,9 ± 8 s vs. RT12 = 24,8 ± 8,4 s and PT1 = 8,6 ± 2,5 s vs. PT12 = 22 ± 9,23 s). Pilates was able to improve TUGT (PT1 = 5,5 ± 1.6 s vs. PT12 = 2,9 ± 0,5 s). No chances in body composition and hand grip strength were observed. Bood pressure evaluation showed no changes in RT (DAP 84.05 ± 10 and SAP: 135 ± 18mmHg) and PT (DAP 73.6 ± 8 and SAP: 135 ± 14mmHg); HR (RT: 62.7 ± 6 and PT: 60.1 ± 3 bpm) and BRS were also unchanged after training. Spectral analysis shows a decrease, but non significant, in RT of RRLFn (-14,6%) and RR LF/HF (-27,3%). Interstingly, RRHFn increased significantly (+27,3%). On the other hands, PT presented a significant decrease of RRLFn (-36,2%), RR LF/HF (-55,6%) and an increase of RRHFn (+33,9%). Conclusions: Both exercise protocols were effective to improve physical capacity, but Pilates method was also efficient to improve TUGT. Both methods were able to increase HF (parasimpathetic modulation). However, Pilates was also efficient to reduce LF, indicating a reduction of sympathetic modulation, combined to the increase of parasympathetic activity on the heart. The improve of autonomic modulation indicate a better efficiency to reduce cardiovascular risk.
This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, carried out through a literature review. The aim of the study was to address the use of educational technologies in self-care guidance for ...ostomy patients. As a method, twelve scientific articles were used, published between 2016 and 2021 on scientific websites and platforms. The results showed that an educational technology aimed at guiding people with an ostomy is important due to the changes that occur after the ostomy and that the use of technologies during educational actions is seen as a tool that complements the process of knowledge construction for care and o taking care of oneself, qualifying interventions in health practice with people with stoma and their families. Health professionals play the role of educators and must participate in the process of elaboration, development and evaluation of the need to implement educational technologies with ostomy patients and their families.
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