Overview of multi-species biofilms in different ecosystems: Wastewater treatment, soil and oral cavity.

In various natural ecosystems, bacteria most often live in a sessile state enchased in a self-produced extracellular matrix forming biofilms. Due to their either negative or positive impact on different aspects of our daily life, the number of studies devoted to biofilms is increasing. Most research is based on biofilms formed by a single bacterial species. These simple models allowed the understanding of the mechanisms involved in biofilms formation and regulation. This likewise helped the development of several means to control the biofilms formation. However, these models do not closely mimic the natural biofilms known as biochemically and microbiologically heterogeneous and dynamic structures. For this reason, current studies focus more on multispecies biofilms using complex models to best approximate the natural environment. In this review, we addressed on available examples of multispecies biofilms in different domains to illustrate the complexity and organization of life within a consortium. Finally, we review the most used analytical techniques to study multispecies biofilms highlighting the need of multi-scale strategies to better decipher this complex lifestyle.

Dataset on sociability, cognitive function, gene and protein expression of molecules involved in social behavior, reward system and synapse function following early-life status epilepticus in Wistar rats.

Early-life status epilepticus produces deficit in social interaction and vocalization, enhances anxiety, no cognitive impairment and alters functional connectivity within the hippocampus (CA3-CA1) and between the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12], but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. This data article contains behavioral and molecular data of the adult male Wistar rats subjected to early life pilocarpine-induced seizures. Animal's behaviors were assessed to social memory and social motivation, working and reference memories and cognitive flexibility. The brain tissues (hypothalamus, hippocampus, amygdala, and striatum) were probed to gene and protein expression of molecules related to social behavior, reward system and synaptic function.

Esporte e lazer: caracterização e análise dos grupos de pesquisa no Brasil que abordam tais objetos / Sport and leisure: characterization and analysis of research groups in Brazil dealing with these objects

O presente artigo, de cunho exploratório, analisa a estruturação do subcampo formado pelos grupos de pesquisa em Esporte e Lazer cadastrados no Diretório de Grupos de Pesquisa no Brasil (DGP), em busca realizada no último dia do ano de 2016. Buscou-se examinar como os grupos são formados, onde estão localizados, os periódicos em que ocorrem suas produções e a vinculação dos líderes em programas de Pós-Graduação. Para tal, efetuou-se uma análise a partir das informações quantitativas fornecidas pelo DGP e currículos Lattes dos referidos líderes, subsidiados pela teoria dos campos do sociólogo Pierre Bourdieu. Conclui-se que os Grupos de Pesquisa em esporte e lazer apresentam íntima relação com a área da Educação Física, e estão distribuídos por todo o Brasil. Entretanto, a inexistência de uma cadeia de interdependência entre estes prejudica a compreensão mais precisa de como tem se desenvolvido o esporte e lazer no Brasil.

The present exploratory article analyzes the structuring of the subfield that encompasses Sport and Leisure research groups that were accordingly registered in the "Diretório de Grupos de Pesquisa no Brasil" (DGP, "Brazilian Directory of Research Groups", our translation) until the last day of 2016. We attempted to examine how these groups were founded, where they are located, which journals their productions were published and the affiliation of the leader groups in Post-Graduation programs. Proceeding from the quantitative information provided by DGP, the Lattes academic curricula database and the theoretical background built on the French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, we attempted to analyze these elements in light of the Field Theory, so that some logical disputes, which can be found in this subarea, can be understood. We concluded that the Sport and Leisure Research Groups are closely related with the Physical Education area and are spread throughout Brazil. However, the lack of an interdependence chain between these groups jeopardize the better comprehension of how sport and leisure have been developed in Brazil.

Interdependências estabelecidas na configuração futebolística amadora pontagrossense: uma análise etnográfica (2013-2016) / Interterdependencies established in the amateur footballistic configuration of Ponta Grossa: an ethnographic analysis (2013-2016) / Interdependencias establecidas en la configuración futbolística aficionado de Ponta Grossa: un análisis etnográfico (2013- 2016)

O objetivo deste artigo foi interpretar e analisar as interdependências estabelecidas na configuração futebolística amadora da cidade de Ponta Grossa (PR), entre os anos de 2013 e 2016. Para tanto, optou-se pelos direcionamentos da etnografia, pois eles guiam os pesquisadores no processo compreensivo da "visão sobre o mundo" dos indivíduos pertencentes ao grupo investigado. Neste período, observou-se os indivíduos nos jogos oficiais, nas peladas, nos jogos treino, nos amistosos e nos espaços de socialização, totalizando 120 saídas in loco. Concluiuse que nesta configuração existem micro tensões nas ordens estabelecidas na sociedade, as quais podem contribuir para a mudança de certos habitus em longo prazo, auxiliando no empoderamento dos indivíduos marginalizadas em outras configurações sociais.

The aim of this article was to interpret and analyze the interdependencies established in the amateur soccer configuration of Ponta Grossa, between the years of 2013 and 2016. For that purpose, it was chosen the directing of ethnography, since they guide the researchers in the understanding process of "vision about The world"of the individuals belonging to the investigated group. In this period, were observed these individuals in official matches, in pick-up soccer games, in training sessions games, in friendly matches and in leisure spaces, totaling 120 enquiries in loco. It was concluded that in this configuration there are micro-tensions to the orders established by the society, which can contribute to the change of certain habitus in the long term, contributing to the empowerment of the marginalized individuals in other social configurations.

El objetivo de este artículo fue interpretar y analizar las interdependencias establecidas en la configuración futbolística aficionado de Ponta Grossa, entre los años de 2013 y 2016. Por tanto, se optó por los direccionamientos de la etnografía, pues ellos guían a los investigadores en el proceso comprensivo de la "visión sobre el mundo" de los individuos pertenecientes al grupo invesstigado. En este período se observó a los individuos en los juegos oficiales, en las "recochas", en los entrenamientos, en los amistosos y en los espacios de socialización, totalizando 120 salidas in loco. Se concluye que en esta configuración existen micro tensiones al orden establecido socialmente, las quales pueden contribuir para el cambio de ciertos habitus a largo plazo, auxiliando al empoderamiento de los individuos marginalizados en otras configuraciones sociales.

A cobertura produzida pelo caderno de esporte da Folha de São Paulo acerca da participação da seleção brasileira de futebol feminino na copa do mundo em 2015 / Coverage produced by the Sport section of Folha de São Paulo about participation of the Brasilian women's national soccer team in the world cup in 2015 / La cobertura producida por el cuaderno desportivo del periódico Folha de São Paulo sobre la participación de la selección brasileña de fútbol femenino en la copa del mundo en el año 2015

O objetivo deste artigo foi verificar e analisar a cobertura do caderno esportivo da Folha de São Paulo acerca da participação da seleção brasileira de futebol feminino na Copa do Mundo, sediada pelo Canadá, em 2015. Para tanto, optou-se pela utilização dos instrumentos metodológicos da Análise de Conteúdo, pois direcionam os pesquisadores na verificação analítica dos diversos tipos de discursos, dentre estes o jornalístico. Diante do tratamento dos resultados, concluiu-se que a cobertura do jornal foi caracterizada pela construção de realidades ausentes de disposições preconceituosas. Ao contrário, as suas abordagens preponderaram nas interfaces performativas da coletividade e da individualidade brasileiras.

The aim of this paper was to verify and analyze the coverage produced by the sports section of Folha de São Paulo newspaper about participation of the Brazilian women's national soccer team in the World Cup in 2015. To that end, was opted for the use of methodological instruments of the Content analysis, because they direct the researchers in the verification and in the analysis of the several types of discourses, among those, the ones found in newspapers. Through the treatment of the results, it was concluded that the newspaper coverage was characterized by the construction of absent realities of prejudices. On the contrary, in their approaches prevailed the performative interfaces of collectivity and individuality of Brazilian.

El objetivo de este artículo fue verificar y analizar la cobertura producida por el cuaderno desportivo del periódico Folha de S.Paulo sobre la participación de la selección brasileña de fútbol femenino en la Copa del Mundo en el año 2015. Por lo tanto, se optó por la adopción de los propósitos de la metodologia Análisis de contenido, porque esta dirige el investigador en el análisis de los varios discursos, entre ellos el periodístico.A través del tratamiento de los resultados, se concluyó que la cobertura de lo periódico fue caracterizada por la construcción de realidades ausentes de perjuicios.Por el contrario, en sus enfoques predominaron las actuaciones individuales y colectivas de las brasileñas.

As produções do periódico Pensar a Prática que relacionaram os seus objetos às políticas públicas de esporte e lazer (1998-2015) / The production of the journal Pensar a Prática related to public policies for sport and leisure (1998-2015) / Las producciones del periódico Pensar a Prática que han relacionado sus objetos a las políticas públicas de deporte y ocio (1998-2015)

Esta pesquisa objetiva realizar o mapeamento e a análise das produções do periódico Pensar a Prática, estruturado no subcampo acadêmico/científico da Educação Física, que relacionaram os seus objetos de estudo às Políticas Públicas de Esporte e Lazer, entre 1998 a 2015. Para tanto, optou-se pela adoção dos direcionamentos das pesquisas denominadas de Estado da Arte ou Estado do Conhecimento, complementados pelos pressupostos metodológicos da Análise de Conteúdo. Foram encontrados 16 artigos, por meio dos quais se constatou uma oscilação quanto à periodicidade de publicações, uma filiação institucional preponderante à região Sul e uma baixa prioridade em clarificar a estrutura metodológica e a definição dos conceitos de Políticas Públicas, Esporte e Lazer.

This study aimed at mapping and analyzing the production of the journal Pensar a Prática, structured in the scientific/academic sub-field of Physical Education, which related its object of study to public policies for sport and leisure between 1998 and 2015. In order to do that, the research approach regarded as State of the Art or State of Knowledge was adopted, which was complemented by the methodological guidelines of Content Analysis. Sixteen articles were found, through which some oscillation was seen regarding the frequency of publications, preponderant institutional filiation to the south region and low priority to the clarification of the methodological structure and the definition of concepts of Public Policies, Sport and Leisure.

Esta investigación mapea y analiza de las producciones del periódico Pensar a Práctica, estructuradas en el sub-campo académico/científico de la Educación Física, que han relacionado sus objetos de estudio a las Políticas Públicas de Deporte y Ocio, entre 1998 y 2015. Para eso, se ha optado por la adopción de las directrices de las investigaciones denominadas Estado del Arte o Estado del Conocimiento, complementadas por los presupuestos metodológicos del Análisis de Contenido. Han sido encontrados 16 artículos, por medio de los cuales se ha constatado una oscilación en relación a la periodicidad de publicaciones, una filiación institucional preponderante a la región Sur y una baja prioridad relacionada a la elucidación de la estructura metodológica y la definición de los conceptos de Políticas Públicas, Deporte y Ocio.

O discurso acerca da seleção brasileira presente na Folha de S. Paulo durante o ano de realização da "Germany World Cup" / Discourse about Brazilian team present in the Folha de S.Paulo during the year of realization of the "Germany World Cup"

Resumo Um dos segmentos que exerce forte influência sobre os campos sociais é a mídia. Ao produzir imagens e discursos sobre a realidade, ela pode reforçar o imaginário social em relação a algumas temáticas. Nesse sentido, diversos estudos nacionais têm mostrado que a cobertura da mídia esportiva privilegia os homens em detrimento das mulheres. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo é analisar de maneira quantitativa e qualitativa as publicações acerca da seleção brasileira de futebol feminino presentes nas páginas de esporte do jornal Folha de S.Paulo. Os dados coletados referem-se às matérias publicadas entre os dias 1 de janeiro e 31 de dezembro de 2011, ano de realização da "Germany World Cup". Para tanto, optou-se pela adoção dos métodos da Análise de Conteúdo, pois eles direcionam os pesquisadores na análise dos diversos tipos de materiais, dentre eles o midiático. Os resultados quantitativos, 37 publicações no total, associados aos qualitativos, que também demonstraram a precária cobertura ofertada à modalidade, validam a conclusão de que para a mídia esportiva em geral e no imaginário "nacional"; o futebol feminino continua sendo algo praticamente insignificante.(AU)

Abstract One of the segments that exerts strong influences on the social field is the media. By producing images and discourses about reality, it can reinforce the social imaginary in relation to some themes. In this sense, several national studies have shown that the coverage of sports media privileges men in detriment of women. The aim of this study is to analyze quantitatively and qualitatively publications about Brazil women´s national soccer team present in the sports section of the newspaper Folha de S.Paulo. The collected data refers to the reports published between January 1st to December 31st, 2011, year of the Germany World Cup. For that, it was opted for the adoption of the content analysis methods because they direct the researchers in the analysis of several types of materials, among them, the ones found in the media. The quantitative results, 37 publications in total, associated with the qualitative results, which also demonstrated the precarious coverage offered to the modality, validate the conclusion that for the sports media in general and in the "national" imaginary feminine soccer is still considered something of little significance.(AU)

Overview of the glucansucrase equipment of Leuconostoc citreum LBAE-E16 and LBAE-C11, two strains isolated from sourdough.

The whole set of putative glucansucrases from Leuconostoc citreum LBAE-E16 and LBAE-C11 was retrieved from the draft genome sequence of these two sourdough strains previously suggested as alternan producers. Four and five putative glycoside hydrolase family 70 (GH70) encoding genes were identified in the genome sequence of strain C11 and E16, respectively. Some putative genes have high sequence identity to known Leuconostoc dextransucrases. Molecular and biochemical data confirmed that L. citreum C11 could be considered as a new alternan-producing strain, unlike strain E16. In the latter, two new putative glucansucrases with unusual structural features were retrieved. In particular, the GSE16-5 gene encodes for a protein of 2063 amino acids with a theoretical molecular mass of 229 kDa that shares 61% identity with the alternansucrase (ASR) of L. citreum NRRL B-1355, due to the presence of seven APY repeats identified in the C-terminal peptide sequence. Cloning and expression of the corresponding coding sequence revealed synthesis of a low molecular weight (10(4) Da) linear dextran polymer with glucosyl residues only linked by α-1,6 linkages. This novel GH70 enzyme may thus be viewed as a natural chimeric enzyme resulting from the addition of the ASR C-terminal region in a dextransucrase.

Complete Genome Sequence of Leuconostoc citreum Strain NRRL B-742.

Leuconostoc citreum belongs to the group of lactic acid bacteria and plays an important role in fermented foods of plant origin. Here, we report the complete genome of the Leuconostoc citreum strain NRRL B-742, isolated in 1954 for its capacity to produce dextran.

Characterization of a novel dextransucrase from Weissella confusa isolated from sourdough.

Weissella confusa and Weissella cibaria isolated from wheat sourdoughs produce, from sucrose, linear dextrans due to a single soluble dextransucrase. In this study, the first complete gene sequence encoding dextransucrase from a W. confusa strain (LBAE C39-2) along with the one from a W. cibaria strain (LBAE K39) were reported. Corresponding gene cloning was achieved using specific primers designed on the basis of the draft genome sequence of these species. Deduced amino acid sequence of W. confusa and W. cibaria dextransucrase revealed common structural features of the glycoside hydrolase family 70. Notably, the regions located in the vicinity of the catalytic triad (D, E, D) are highly conserved. However, comparison analysis also revealed that Weissella dextransucrases form a distinct phylogenetic group within glucansucrases of other lactic acid bacteria. We then cloned the W. confusa C39-2 dextransucrase gene and successfully expressed the mature corresponding enzyme in Escherichia coli. The purified recombinant enzyme rDSRC39-2 catalyzed dextran synthesis from sucrose with a K m of 8.6 mM and a V max of 20 µmol/mg/min. According to (1)H and (13)C NMR analysis, the polymer is a linear class 1 dextran with 97.2 % α-(1→6) linkages and 2.8 % α-(1→3) branch linkages, similar to the one produced by W. confusa C39-2 strain. The enzyme exhibited optimum catalytic activity for temperatures ranging from 35 to 40 °C and a pH of 5.4 in 20 mM sodium acetate buffer. This novel dextransucrase is responsible for production of dextran with predominant α-(1→6) linkages that could find applications as food hydrocolloids.

Characterization of glycosyltransferase activity of wild-type Leuconostoc mesenteroides strains from Bulgarian fermented vegetables.

Glycosyltransferase activity of 13 Leuconostoc mesenteroides strains isolated from Bulgarian fermented vegetables was investigated. All the strains displayed a mucoid phenotype on sucrose-containing agar media. Strains were characterized according to carbohydrate fermentation, species-specific multiple PCR using several primers, repetitive element-PCR fingerprinting using (GTG)(5) primers and glycosyltransferase activity. Level of activity and cellular localization (soluble or cell-associated) were variable among strains. Precipitation of exopolysaccharides produced from sucrose by the soluble fractions from these strains allowed recovery of only glucans and further characterization by (1)H and (13)C NMR analysis and enzymatic digestion with dextranase revealed dextran production. However, levans could be detected in presence of raffinose as fructosyl donor. Both fructosyltransferase and glucosyltransferase encoding genes were detected by PCR and both active enzymes were detected after functional characterization by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and in situ polymer production after incubation with sucrose. This work therefore showed that concomitant production of glucosyltransferase and fructosyltransferase is widespread in L. mesenteroides strains.

Genome sequence of Weissella confusa LBAE C39-2, isolated from a wheat sourdough.

Weissella confusa is a rod-shaped heterofermentative lactic acid bacterium from the family of Leuconostocaceae. Here we report the draft genome sequence of the strain W. confusa LBAE C39-2 isolated from a traditional French wheat sourdough.

Genome sequences of three Leuconostoc citreum strains, LBAE C10, LBAE C11, and LBAE E16, isolated from wheat sourdoughs.

Leuconostoc citreum is a key microorganism in fermented foods of plant origin. Here we report the draft genome sequence for three strains of Leuconostoc citreum, LBAE C10, LBAE C11, and LBAE E16, which have been isolated from traditional French wheat sourdoughs.

Characterization of dextran-producing Weissella strains isolated from sourdoughs and evidence of constitutive dextransucrase expression.

The study of exopolysaccharide production by heterofermentative sourdough lactic acid bacteria has shown that Weissella strains isolated from sourdoughs produce linear dextrans containing α-(1→6) glucose residues with few α-(1→3) linkages from sucrose. In this study, several dextran-producing strains, Weissella cibaria and Weissella confusa, isolated from sourdough, were characterized according to carbohydrate fermentation, repetitive element-PCR fingerprinting using (GTG)(5) primers and glucansucrase activity (soluble or cell-associated). This study reports, for the first time, the characterization of dextransucrase from Weissella strains using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and in situ polymer production (after incubation with sucrose) from enzymatic fractions harvested from both sucrose and glucose culture media. Results demonstrate that dextransucrase activity was mainly soluble and associated with a constitutive 180-kDa protein. In addition, microsequencing of the active dextransucrase from W. cibaria LBAE-K39 allowed the design of specific primers that could detect the presence of glucansucrase encoding genes similar to GTFKg3 of Lactobacillus fermentum Kg3 and to DSRWC of W. cibaria CMU. This study hence indicates that sourdough Weissella strains synthesize original dextransucrase.

Characterization of glucan-producing Leuconostoc strains isolated from sourdough.

Sourdough was previously demonstrated to be a fruitful biotope for isolation of lactic acid bacteria producing exopolysaccharides and more accurately diverse glycan polymers which have interesting applications as texturing agents or prebiotics. Characterization of polymers by (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy analysis demonstrated that these strains could synthesize glucans of high structural variety and containing different amounts of α-(1→2), α-(1→3) and α-(1→6) linkages. In this study, fifteen glucan-producing Leuconostoc mesenteroides and L. citreum strains from sourdoughs were characterized according to carbohydrate fermentation, rep-PCR fingerprinting using (GTG)(5) primers and glycansucrase activity (soluble or cell-associated). Enzyme characterization using SDS-PAGE and in situ polymer production after incubation with sucrose correlated with synthesis of classical or α-(1→2) branched dextrans, alternan and levan. In addition, the presence of genes coding for alternansucrase was detected by PCR and partially characterized by sequence analysis. We thus provide new information on the biodiversity of glucan production by sourdough Leuconostoc strains.

Biodiversity of exopolysaccharides produced from sucrose by sourdough lactic acid bacteria.

The distribution and diversity of natural exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced from sucrose by thirty heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria strains from French traditional sourdoughs was investigated. The EPS production was found to be related to glucansucrase and fructansucrase extracellular activities. Depending on the strain, soluble and/or cell-associated glycansucrases were secreted. Structural characterization of the polymers by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy analysis further demonstrated a high diversity of EPS structures. Notably, we detected strains that synthesize glucans showing amazing variations in the amount of alpha-(1-->2), alpha-(1-->3) and alpha-(1-->6) linkages. The representation of Leuconostoc strains which produce putative alternan polymers and alpha-(1-->2) branched polymers was particularly high. The existence of glucan- and fructansucrase encoding genes was also confirmed by PCR detection. Sourdough was thus demonstrated to be a very attractive biotope for the isolation of lactic acid bacteria producing novel polymers which could find interesting applications such as texturing agent or prebiotics.

Retroactive pathway involving mitochondria in electroloaded cytochrome c-induced apoptosis. Protective properties of Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL.

Cytochrome c release is thought to play an important role in the initiation of apoptosis. The nature of the control exerted by Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL on such a pathway is not precisely known. We addressed this issue by square-wave pulse electroloading of exogenous cytochrome c into Jurkat cells. Three hours after cytochrome c loading into the cells, characteristic phenotypes of apoptosis were observed. However, a significant drop in the mitochondrial membrane potential (Deltapsim) was also observed, while cytochrome c was generally considered to act downstream from the mitochondria. Related to the Deltapsim drop, there was a release of proapoptotic proteins such as AIF and Smac from the mitochondria. This release, as well as NAD(P)H and cardiolipids oxidation, are linked to previous caspase activation. Cytochrome c-linked caspase activation also led to potassium efflux out of the cell. Overexpression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL or N-acetyl-DEVD-aldehyde treatment not only prevented the mitochondrial membrane potential decrease, but also protected cells from the apoptosis directly induced by cytochrome c electroloading. Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL protection is based on the inhibition of the caspase-dependent retroactive pathway affecting the mitochondrial compartment.

Effect of electric field induced transmembrane potential on spheroidal cells: theory and experiment.

The transmembrane potential on a cell exposed to an electric field is a critical parameter for successful cell permeabilization. In this study, the effect of cell shape and orientation on the induced transmembrane potential was analyzed. The transmembrane potential was calculated on prolate and oblate spheroidal cells for various orientations with respect to the electric field direction, both numerically and analytically. Changing the orientation of the cells decreases the induced transmembrane potential from its maximum value when the longest axis of the cell is parallel to the electric field, to its minimum value when the longest axis of the cell is perpendicular to the electric field. The dependency on orientation is more pronounced for elongated cells while it is negligible for spherical cells. The part of the cell membrane where a threshold transmembrane potential is exceeded represents the area of electropermeabilization, i.e. the membrane area through which the transport of molecules is established. Therefore the surface exposed to the transmembrane potential above the threshold value was calculated. The biological relevance of these theoretical results was confirmed with experimental results of the electropermeabilization of plated Chinese hamster ovary cells, which are elongated. Theoretical and experimental results show that permeabilization is not only a function of electric field intensity and cell size but also of cell shape and orientation.