The microbial community composition and chemical characteristics of a Brazilian milk kefir sample produced during its manufacturing and refrigerated storage were investigated by culture-dependent and ...-independent methods and HPLC. Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris and ssp. lactis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Acetobacter lovaniensis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were isolated, whereas the detected bands on denaturing gel gradient electrophoresis corresponded to Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens, Lactobacillus kefiri, Lactobacillus parakefiri, and S. cerevisiae. After fermentation, lactic acid bacteria were present at levels of 10 log units, whereas acetic acid bacteria and yeast were present at levels of 7.8 and 6 log units, respectively. The lactic acid bacteria and yeast counts remained constant, whereas acetic acid bacteria counts decreased to 7.2 log units during storage. From fermentation to final storage, the pH, lactose content and citric acid of the kefir beverage decreased, followed by an increase in the concentrations of glucose, galactose, ethanol, and lactic, acetic, butyric, and propionic acids. These microbiological and chemical characteristics contribute to the unique taste and aroma of kefir. This research may serve as a basis for the future industrial production of this beverage in Brazil.
A total of 34 lactic acid bacteria isolates from 4 different Brazilian kefir grains were identified and characterized among a group of 150 isolates, using the ability to tolerate acidic pH and ...resistance to bile salts as restrictive criteria for probiotic potential. All isolates were identified by amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis and 16S rDNA sequencing of representative amplicons. Eighteen isolates belonged to the species Leuconostoc mesenteroides, 11 to Lactococcus lactis (of which 8 belonged to subspecies cremoris and 3 to subspecies lactis), and 5 to Lactobacillus paracasei. To exclude replicates, a molecular typing analysis was performed by combining repetitive extragenic palindromic-PCR and random amplification of polymorphic DNA techniques. Considering a threshold of 90% similarity, 32 different strains were considered. All strains showed some antagonistic activity against 4 model food pathogens. In addition, 3 Lc. lactis strains and 1 Lb. paracasei produced bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances against at least 2 indicator organisms. Moreover, 1 Lc. lactis and 2 Lb. paracasei presented good total antioxidative activity. None of these strains showed undesirable enzymatic or hemolytic activities, while proving susceptible or intrinsically resistant to a series of clinically relevant antibiotics. The Lb. paracasei strain MRS59 showed a level of adhesion to human Caco-2 epithelial cells comparable with that observed for Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Taken together, these properties allow the MRS59 strain to be considered a promising probiotic candidate.
Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibition has been shown to reduce dentin caries progression, but its role in dental erosion has not yet been assessed. This study tested the hypothesis that gels ...containing MMP inhibitors (epigallocatechin gallate-EGCG and chlorhexidine) can prevent dental erosion. Volunteers (n = 10) wore palatal devices containing bovine dentin blocks (n = 10/group) treated for 1 min with EGCG at 10 (EGCG10) or 400 µM (EGCG400), chlorhexidine at 0.012%, F at 1.23% (NaF), and no vehicle (placebo). Erosion was performed with Coca-Cola® (5 min) 4X/day during 5 days. The wear, assessed by profilometry (mean ± SD, µm), was significantly reduced by the gels containing MMP inhibitors (0.05 ± 0.02a, 0.04 ± 0.02a, and 0.05 ± 0.02a for EGCG10, EGCG400, and chlorhexidine, respectively) when compared with NaF (0.79 ± 0.35b) and placebo gels (1.77 ± 0.35b) (Friedman and Dunn’s tests, p < 0.01). The use of gels delivering MMP inhibitors was shown to prevent erosion and opens a new perspective for protection against dental erosion.
Biodiversity loss from deforestation may be partly offset by the expansion of secondary forests and plantation forestry in the tropics. However, our current knowledge of the value of these habitats ...for biodiversity conservation is limited to very few taxa, and many studies are severely confounded by methodological shortcomings. We examined the conservation value of tropical primary, secondary, and plantation forests for 15 taxonomic groups using a robust and replicated sample design that minimized edge effects. Different taxa varied markedly in their response to patterns of land use in terms of species richness and the percentage of species restricted to primary forest (varying from 5% to 57%), yet almost all between-forest comparisons showed marked differences in community structure and composition. Cross-taxon congruence in response patterns was very weak when evaluated using abundance or species richness data, but much stronger when using metrics based upon community similarity. Our results show that, whereas the biodiversity indicator group concept may hold some validity for several taxa that are frequently sampled (such as birds and fruit-feeding butterflies), it fails for those exhibiting highly idiosyncratic responses to tropical land-use change (including highly vagile species groups such as bats and orchid bees), highlighting the problems associated with quantifying the biodiversity value of anthropogenic habitats. Finally, although we show that areas of native regeneration and exotic tree plantations can provide complementary conservation services, we also provide clear empirical evidence demonstrating the irreplaceable value of primary forests.
Cutaneous secretions of amphibians have bioactive compounds, such as peptides, with potential for biotechnological applications. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the primary structure and ...investigate peptides obtained from the cutaneous secretions of the amphibian, Leptodactylus vastus, as a source of bioactive molecules. The peptides obtained possessed the amino acid sequences, GVVDILKGAAKDLAGH and GVVDILKGAAKDLAGHLASKV, with monoisotopic masses of M + H
= 1563.8 Da and M + H
= 2062.4 Da, respectively. The molecules were characterized as peptides of the class of ocellatins and were named as Ocellatin-K1(1-16) and Ocellatin-K1(1-21). Functional analysis revealed that Ocellatin-K1(1-16) and Ocellatin-K1(1-21) showed weak antibacterial activity. However, treatment of mice with these ocellatins reduced the nitrite and malondialdehyde content. Moreover, superoxide dismutase enzymatic activity and glutathione concentration were increased in the hippocampus of mice. In addition, Ocellatin-K1(1-16) and Ocellatin-K1(1-21) were effective in impairing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and NF-kB activation in living microglia. We incubated hippocampal neurons with microglial conditioned media treated with LPS and LPS in the presence of Ocellatin-K1(1-16) and Ocellatin-K1(1-21) and observed that both peptides reduced the oxidative stress in hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, these ocellatins demonstrated low cytotoxicity towards erythrocytes. These functional properties suggest possible to neuromodulatory therapeutic applications.
Abstract
Background
Comorbidities and socioeconomic issues impact outcome of rotator cuff tear (RCT) repair. There are no data on RCT repair outcome from developing regions. We determined the impact ...of obesity and smoking following RCT repair in a low-income population.
Methods
This is a retrospective case series. Forty-seven shoulders of 42 patients subjected to open or arthroscopic repair of a RCT with a minimum of 2 years follow-up were cross-sectionally evaluated. Patients were seen in the Orthopaedic Service of the Hospital Geral de Fortaleza-CE, Brazil between March and September 2018. RCT were classified as partial or full-thickness lesions. Fatty infiltration (Goutallier) and tendon retraction (Patte) were recorded as well as obesity (BMI > 30), literacy >/≤ 8 school years (SY) and smoking status 6 months prior to surgery (present/absent). Outcomes included pain (visual analogue scale; VAS, 0–10 cm), range of motion active forward flexion and external rotation (ER), UCLA and ASES scoring.
Results
Patients were 59.9 ± 7.4 years-old, 35(74.4%) female with 19 (17.1–30.2 IQR) median of months from diagnosis to surgery and 25 median months of follow-up (26.9–34.0 IQR); over 90% declared < 900.00 US$ monthly family income and two-thirds had ≤8 SY. Forty patients (85.1%) had full-thickness tears, 7 (14.9%) had Goutallier ≥3 and over 80% had < Patte III stage. Outcomes were similar regardless of fatty infiltration or tendon retraction staging. There were 17 (36.1%) smokers and 13 (27.6%) obese patients. Outcome was similar when comparing obese vs non-obese patients. Smokers had more pain (
P
= 0.043) and less ER (
P
= 0.029) with a trend towards worse UCLA and ASES scores as compared to non-smokers though differences did not achieve minimal clinically important difference (MCID) proposed for surgical RCT treatment. After adjusting for obesity, VAS and ER values in smokers were no longer significant (
P
= 0.2474 and 0.4872, respectively).
Conclusions
Our data document outcomes following RCT repair in a low-income population. Smoking status but not obesity impacted RCT repair outcome though not reaching MCID for surgical treatment.
The first 1000 days of life are a critical period when the foundations of child development and growth are established. Few studies in Latin America have examined the relationship of birth outcomes ...and neonatal care factors with development outcomes in young children. We aimed to assess the association between pregnancy and neonatal factors with children's developmental scores in a cross-sectional, population-based study of children in Ceará, Brazil.
Population-based, cross-sectional study of children aged 0-66 months (0-5.5 years) living in Ceará, Brazil. We examined the relationship of pregnancy (iron and folic acid supplementation, smoking and alcohol consumption) and neonatal (low birth weight (LBW) gestational age, neonatal care interventions, and breastfeeding in the first hour) factors with child development. Children's development was assessed with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-BR). We used multivariate generalized linear models that accounted for clustering sampling to evaluate the relationship of pregnancy and neonatal factors with development domain scores.
A total of 3566 children were enrolled. Among pregnancy factors, children whose mothers did not receive folic acid supplementation during pregnancy had lower fine motor and problem-solving scores (p-values< 0.05). As for neonatal factors, LBW was associated with 0.14 standard deviations (SD) lower (CI 95% -0.26, - 0.02) communication, 0.24 SD lower (95% CI: - 0.44, - 0.04) fine motor and 0.31 SD lower (CI 95% -0.45, - 0.16) problem-solving domain scores as compared to non-LBW children (p values < 0.05). In terms of care, newborns that required resuscitation, antibiotics for infection, or extended in-patient stay after birth had lower development scores in selected domains. Further, not initiating breastfeeding within the first hour after birth was associated with lower gross motor and person-social development scores (p-values < 0.05).
Pregnancy and neonatal care factors were associated with later child development outcomes. Infants at increased risk of suboptimal development, like LBW or newborns requiring extended in-patient care, may represent groups to target for supplemental intervention. Further, early integrated interventions to prevent adverse pregnancy and newborn outcomes may improve child development outcomes.
Species from the Annona (Anonaceae) genus are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. Ethnobotanical studies provide information regarding the plant part and the ...preparation method being used, while scientific studies such as in vitro, in vivo, and clinical tests can provide evidence supporting ethnopharmacological reports, directing studies towards the isolation of compounds which may be active for specific pathologies. Annona muricata and Annona squamosa were the most commonly reported species from those studied, with Annona cherimola and Annona classiflora also standing out. Acetogenins were the most commonly isolated metabolite class due to their cytotoxic properties, with flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, and peptides also being reported. Many species from the Annona genus have proven biological activities, such as antitumor, antioxidant, antimicrobial and antifungal. The present review had as its objective to facilitate access to ethnobotanical, chemical and biological information in order to direct future researches.
More than 200 million children fail to reach their full developmental potential in low- and middle-income countries. Adverse childhood experiences, maternal mental health, and intimate partner ...violence are negatively associated with child development outcomes. The relationship of these risk factors with child communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem-solving, and personal–social development scores in Brazil are assessed.
A population-based, cross-sectional study of preschool children living in the state of Ceará, Brazil, in 2017 was conducted. Child development was assessed with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire. Adverse childhood experiences for children were self-reported by the participants’ mothers using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Adverse Childhood Experiences Study‒adapted metric. Maternal mental health and intimate partner violence were evaluated using validated questionnaires. Sample-adjusted multivariable generalized linear models with interaction terms were used to determine the association of intimate partner violence, maternal mental health, and adverse childhood experiences with developmental outcomes and identify possible moderators. Data were analyzed between 2019 and 2020.
Children exposed to ≥3 adverse childhood experiences had −0.12 (95% CI= −0.24, 0) lower communication, −0.25 (95% CI= −0.46, −0.03) lower gross motor, −0.27 (95% CI= −0.47, −0.07) lower fine motor, and −0.17 (95% CI= −0.3, −0.03) lower personal–social domain scores than children with no adverse childhood experiences. Furthermore, the greater number of adverse childhood experiences was linearly associated with lower developmental scores. Maternal mental health and intimate partner violence were also associated with lower development scores.
Adverse childhood experiences were independently associated with developmental outcomes in Brazilian children. Community-based interventions to reduce the impact of adverse childhood experiences, intimate partner violence, and maternal mental health may benefits child development outcomes.
Soil phosphorus (P) availability may limit plant growth and alter root-soil interactions and rhizosphere microbial community composition. The composition of the rhizosphere microbial community can ...also be shaped by plant genotype. In this study, we examined the rhizosphere microbial communities of young plants of 24 species of eucalypts (22 Eucalyptus and two Corymbia species) under low or sufficient soil P availability. The taxonomic diversity of the rhizosphere bacterial and fungal communities was assessed by 16S and 18S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The taxonomic modifications in response to low P availability were evaluated by principal component analysis, and co-inertia analysis was performed to identify associations between bacterial and fungal community structures and parameters related to plant growth and nutritional status under low and sufficient soil P availability. The sequencing results showed that while both soil P availability and eucalypt species influenced the microbial community assembly, eucalypt species was the stronger determinant. However, when the plants are subjected to low P-availability, the rhizosphere selection became strongest. In response to low P, the bacterial and fungal communities in the rhizosphere of some species showed significant changes, whereas in others remained relatively constant under low and sufficient P. Co-inertia analyses revealed a significant co-dependence between plant nutrient contents and bacterial and fungal community composition only under sufficient P. By contrast, under low P, bacterial community composition was related to plant biomass production. In conclusion, our study shows that eucalypt species identity was the main factor modulating rhizosphere microbial community composition; significant shifts due to P availability were observed only for some eucalypt species.
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•Eucalypt species shape bacterial and fungal community assembly in rhizosphere.•Soil P availability modules the rhizomicrobiome of specific eucalypt species.•Sufficient P strenghten the co-dependence between plant nutrient contents and eucalypt rhizomicrobiome.•Low P intensifies the co-dependence between microbial communities and plant biomass.
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