The role of self-compassion in the psychological (mal)adjustment of older adults: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: The identification of protection factors regarding older adults' mental health is essential. Self-compassion, the capacity to be kind towards the self during challenging times, may be one such factor. Although still scarce, some research in this field has already been conducted with older adults. Our research question was the following: what is currently known about the role of self-compassion in the psychological (mal)adjustment of older adults? OBJECTIVES: To review any study designs, in any setting, where self-compassion and any indicators of psychological (mal)adjustment were assessed in participants aged ≥60 years. DESIGN: A scoping review of English, Portuguese, and Spanish published and unpublished materials, using the EBSCOhost Research and PubMed databases and reference lists. Search terms included self-compassion, self compassion, older adults, elderly, seniors, and geriatrics. After screening and selection of the studies, we charted the relevant data. RESULTS: Eleven published studies (2012-2018) were reviewed. Self-compassion was associated with, and a predictor of, diverse mental health indicators in older adults. Self-compassion was also associated with indicators of physical health, moderated the relationship between physical health indicators and mental health indicators, and mediated the relationship between diverse mental health indicators. Results were obtained with participants of different nationalities and age. All studies had a cross-sectional design, and most studies recruited well-functioning community residents. CONCLUSIONS: Self-compassion is beneficial for the psychological adjustment of older adults and may also benefit their biological functioning. Self-compassion seems particularly relevant for those experiencing more negative life events. Studies with more robust methodologies are needed in order to replicate these findings.

Effect of untreated and pretreated sugarcane molasses on growth performance of Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae in inorganic fertilizer and macrophyte extract culture media.

The growth of Haematococcus pluvialis in two alternative culture media NPK (10:10:10) and ME (macrophyte extract), under mixotrophic conditions using sugarcane molasses as a carbon source were evaluated for 28 days. The molasses was used in two different ways, in a native form (untreated) and a hydrolyzed (pretreated). Cell density of Haematococcus pluvialis in mixotrophic cultivation was higher in pretreated molasses. Growth rate was higher when pretreated molasses were employed in mixotrophic cultivation with NPK culture medium (k=0.5 7th growth day). Biomass, chlorophyll-a, conductivity and total inorganic nitrogen were not significantly different (p>0.05) during the experimental period for two mixotrophic cultivation and culture media. Protein contents of H. pluvialis biomass were higher in NPK culture medium with pretreated molasses (50% dry biomass). Annual biomass production was 520 kg-1 dry biomass with untreated molasses for two culture media, and 650 and 520 kg-1 dry biomass with pretreated molasses for NPK and ME culture media, respectively. The use of NPK and ME culture media in mixotrophic cultivation may be a new protocol for H. pluvialis cultivation due to the low cost and similar annual production.

Rich but random: parasite communities of snouted treefrog, Scinax fuscovarius (Anura: Hylidae), in Bodoquena Mountains, western Brazil.

Hosts represent discrete habitats that contain finite parasite communities, and individual hosts can be used as replicates in parasitism studies, such as investigations of the processes that mediate the formation of parasite communities. However, within a single host population, there may be singularities among individuals that affect parasite contact rates. Accordingly, the goals of the present study were to document the parasites associated with the small treefrog Scinax fuscovarius, to verify possible variation and co-occurrences in parasite infracommunities, and to assess the effects of host characteristics (size and sex) on infracommunity structure. Treefrog specimens (n = 75) were collected from the Bodoquena Mountains in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. After collection, the specimens were transported to the laboratory, and examined for parasitic. The parasites found were removed, fixed, and identified. Patterns in parasite infracommunity organization were analyzed using the checkerboard score index, which was calculated using a presence-absence matrix. The matrix was randomized under the null hypothesis that the infracommunities independently represent the component community. Forty-two (56%) of the individuals harbored at least one parasite, and a total of 500 metazoan parasites were recovered, with a particularly rich composite community of 18 taxa, including 13 nematodes, two trematodes, one cestode, one oligochaete, and one mite larvae. The parasite species were randomly distributed among the infracommunities, with no evidence of co-occurrence, segregation, or aggregation. However, both body size and sex influenced infection, with larger hosts harboring more parasites and parasites were more abundant in male specimens and more species rich in female specimens. These results suggest that the parasite infracommunities of S. fuscovarius are shaped by both random factors and individual host characteristics.

Controlling bacteriological contamination of environmental surfaces at the biological isolation and containment unit of a veterinary teaching hospital.

BACKGROUND: The Biological Isolation and Containment Unit (BICU) is a subunit of the Teaching Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Lisbon, Portugal, for the admission of animals with confirmed infectious diseases or under clinical suspicion and waiting for a diagnosis. As a high-risk environment for the transmission of infectious agents, it is extremely important to implement programs for the surveillance of nosocomial microorganisms in these facilities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of bacterial contamination of the BICU environmental surfaces and to implement corrective actions on disinfection protocols. Swab samples were collected from selected environmental surfaces in 3 different areas of the BICU (isolation, work, and preparatory rooms) to evaluate the total aerobic bacterial load and investigate the presence of 4 nosocomial microorganisms: vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp., methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, 3rd-generation cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli, and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bacterial quantification was performed by using non-selective media, while specific selective media were used for the isolation of the target microorganisms. Isolates were identified based on their macro and microscopic characteristics and their biochemical profile. Subsequently, new disinfection protocols were implemented, and their effectiveness evaluated. RESULTS: The surfaces with the highest bacterial load in the isolation, preparatory, and worker's rooms were the cages, hand-held sponge, and telephone, respectively. Regarding the 4 pathogens investigated, Enterococcus spp. were the most frequently isolated (11.3%), followed by E. coli (1.5%) and P. aeruginosa (1.5%). One of the P. aeruginosa isolates obtained was resistant to imipenem. In the end, new disinfection protocols were implemented, which proved to be effective in reducing bacterial counts by 99.99% in cages and the sponge, and by 90 to 99% on the telephone. CONCLUSIONS: This study allows to conclude that the cages and the human contact surfaces were the most contaminated in the isolation rooms. Nevertheless, the new disinfection strategies seemed to be effective in reducing environmental contamination, including by some potentially nosocomial agents, although more samples must be analyzed for definitive conclusions. These results may contribute to highlight the importance of infection prevention and control measures, as fundamental tools to reduce the spread of infectious agents in the hospital environment.

Comparison of photoautotrophic and mixotrophic cultivation of microalgae Messastrum gracile (Chlorophyceae) in alternative culture media / Comparação dos cultivos foto-autotrófico e mixotrófico da microalga Messastrum gracile (Chlorophyceae) em meios de cultura alternativos

Abstract Growth and biological conditions of Messastrum gracile were evaluated to compare the effect of photoautotrophic and mixotrophic cultivation on the increase of biomass production and chemical conditions cultured in macrophyte and commercial culture media. The growth rate (k) of M. gracile was different in the culture media, higher in mixotrophic cultivation for Lemna minor culture medium, whilst to Eichhornia crassipes and NPK culture media were higher in photoautotrophic cultivation. Mean lipid contents in photoautotrophic cultivation were 8.2% biomass dry weight, whereas they reached 19% biomass dry weight in mixotrophic cultivation. Protein contents were below 48% biomass dry weight in photoautotrophic cultivation and 30% biomass dry weight in mixotrophic cultivation. Messastrum gracile cultured in macrophyte culture media (E. crassipes and L. minor) and NPK culture medium provided satisfactory results with regard to lipid and protein contents in mixotrophic and photoautotrophic cultivations, respectively. Lipid and protein contents in alternative media were higher or similar to the CHU12 commercial culture medium.

Resumo O crescimento e as condições biológicas da microalga Messastrum gracile foram avaliados para comparar o efeito do cultivo foto-autotrófico e mixotrófico na produção de biomassa e condições químicas em meios de cultura comercial e de macrófitas. A taxa de crescimento (k) de M. gracile foi diferente entre os meios de cultura, sendo maior no cultivo mixotrófico para o meio Lemna minor, enquanto para os meios Eichhornia crassipes e NPK foram maiores no cultivo foto-autotrófico. Os teores de lipídios no cultivo foto-autotrófico foram de 8,2% da biomassa seca, enquanto que no mixotrófico atingiram 19% da biomassa seca. Os teores de proteína em cultivo foto-autotrófico estiveram abaixo de 48% da biomassa seca e 30% de biomassa seca no cultivo mixotrófico. Messastrum gracile cultivada em meios de cultura de macrófitas (E. crassipes e L. minor) e NPK apresentaram resultados satisfatórios em relação aos teores de lipídeos e proteínas nos cultivos mixotróficos e foto-autotróficos, respectivamente. Os teores lipídicos e proteicos em meios alternativos foram maiores ou semelhantes ao meio comercial CHU12.

Evaluation of the effects of sugarcane molasses as a carbon source for Ankistrodesmus gracilis and Haematococcus pluvialis (Chlorophyceae) / Avaliação do efeito do melaço de cana-de-açúcar como fonte de carbono para Ankistrodesmus gracilis e Haematococcus pluvialis (Chlorophyceae)

Abstract Two species of Chlorophyceae, Ankistrodesmus gracilis and Haemotococcus pluvialis, were used to compare and evaluate the effect of sugarcane molasses as a carbon source. Highest cell density in the two microalgae culture media was obtained in commercial culture media (CHU12 and WC). During exponential growth (day 1 to day 10), high cell density in H. pluvialis was detected for E. crassipes culture medium ranging between 0.4 x 105 cells mL-1 and 1.7 x 105 cells mL-1. Culture media were fundamental for growth under mixotrophic cultivation. Sugarcane molasses showed different results for the two microalgae with regard to growth performance, lipid and protein levels. Rates were high for H. pluvialis except lipid at the end of the experiment. In fact, A. gracilis presented almost double the lipid levels. Sugarcane molasses may be an alternative carbon source in laboratory conditions.

Resumo Duas espécies de Chlorophyceae, Ankistrodesmus gracilis e Haemotococcus pluvialis foram utilizadas para comparar o efeito do melaço de cana-de-açúcar como fonte de carbono. Nos dois meios de cultura de microalgas, a maior densidade celular foi obtida em meio de cultura comercial (CHU12 e WC). Durante o crescimento exponencial (1º ao 10º dia), detectou-se alta densidade celular em H. pluvialis para o meio de cultura E. crassipes variando entre 0,4 x 105 células mL-1 e 1,7 x 105 células mL-1. Os meios de cultura foram fundamentais para o crescimento em cultivo mixotrófico. O melaço de cana-de-açúcar apresentou resultados diferentes para as duas microalgas em relação ao crescimento, aos teores de proteína e lipídio foram mais elevados para o cultivo de H. pluvialis, exceto lipídio no final do experimento onde A. gracilis apresentou quase o dobro dos níveis de lipídio. O melaço de cana de açúcar pode ser uma fonte alternativa de carbono em condições de laboratório.

Effect of glycerol feed-supplementation on seabass metabolism and gut microbiota.

Dietary glycerol supplementation in aquaculture feed is seen as an alternative and inexpensive way to fuel fish metabolism, attenuate metabolic utilization of dietary proteins and, subsequently, reduce nitrogen excretion. In this study, we evaluated the impact of dietary glycerol supplementation on nitrogen excretion of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and its effects on metabolite profile and bacterial community composition of gut digesta. These effects were evaluated in a 60-day trial with fish fed diets supplemented with 2.5% or 5% (w/w) refined glycerol and without glycerol supplementation. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing were used to characterize the effects of glycerol supplementation on digesta metabolite and bacterial community composition of 6-h postprandial fish. Our results showed that ammonia excretion was not altered by dietary glycerol supplementation, and the highest glycerol dosage was associated with significant increases in amino acids and a decrease of ergogenic creatine in digesta metabolome. Concomitantly, significant decreases in putative amino acid degradation pathways were detected in the predicted metagenome analysis, suggesting a metabolic shift. Taxon-specific analysis revealed significant increases in abundance of some specific genera (e.g., Burkholderia and Vibrio) and bacterial diversity. Overall, our results indicate glycerol supplementation may decrease amino acid catabolism without adversely affecting fish gut bacterial communities.Key points• Glycerol can be an inexpensive and energetic alternative in fish feed formulations.• Glycerol did not affect nitrogen excretion and gut bacteriome composition.• Glycerol reduced uptake of amino acids and increased uptake of ergogenic creatine.• Glycerol reduced putative amino acid degradation pathways in predicted metagenome.

Canine parvovirus: a predicting canine model for sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a severe condition associated with high prevalence and mortality rates. Parvovirus enteritis is a predisposing factor for sepsis, as it promotes intestinal bacterial translocation and severe immunosuppression. This makes dogs infected by parvovirus a suitable study population as far as sepsis is concerned. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the differences between two sets of SIRS (Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) criteria in outcome prediction: SIRS 1991 and SIRS 2001. The possibility of stratifying and classifying septic dogs was assessed using a proposed animal adapted PIRO (Predisposition, Infection, Response and Organ dysfunction) scoring system. RESULTS: The 72 dogs enrolled in this study were scored for each of the PIRO elements, except for Infection, as all were considered to have the same infection score, and subjected to two sets of SIRS criteria, in order to measure their correlation with the outcome. Concerning SIRS criteria, it was found that the proposed alterations on SIRS 2001 (capillary refill time or mucous membrane colour alteration) were significantly associated with the outcome (OR = 4.09, p < 0.05), contrasting with the 1991 SIRS criteria (p = 0.352) that did not correlate with the outcome. No significant statistical association was found between Predisposition (p = 1), Response (p = 0.1135), Organ dysfunction (p = 0.1135), total PIRO score (p = 0.093) and outcome. To explore the possibility of using the SIRS criteria as a fast decision-making tool, a Fast-and-Frugal tree (FFT) was created with a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 29%. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that increasing the SIRS criteria specificity may improve their prognostic value and their clinical usefulness. In order to improve the proposed PIRO scoring system outcome prediction ability, more specific criteria should be added, mainly inflammatory and organ dysfunction biomarkers.

Dietary starch promotes hepatic lipogenesis in barramundi (Lates calcarifer).

Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) are a highly valued aquaculture species, and, as obligate carnivores, they have a demonstrated preference for dietary protein over lipid or starch to fuel energetic growth demands. In order to investigate how carnivorous fish regulate nutritional cues, we examined the metabolic effects of feeding two isoenergetic diets that contained different proportions of digestible protein or starch energy. Fish fed a high proportion of dietary starch energy had a higher proportion of liver SFA, but showed no change in plasma glucose levels, and few changes in the expression of genes regulating key hepatic metabolic pathways. Decreased activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin growth signalling cascade was consistent with decreased growth performance values. The fractional synthetic rate (lipogenesis), measured by TAG 2H-enrichment using 2H NMR, was significantly higher in barramundi fed with the starch diet compared with the protein diet (0·6 (se 0·1) v. 0·4 (se 0·1) % per d, respectively). Hepatic TAG-bound glycerol synthetic rates were much higher than other closely related fish such as sea bass, but were not significantly different (starch, 2·8 (se 0·3) v. protein, 3·4 (se 0·3) % per d), highlighting the role of glycerol as a metabolic intermediary and high TAG-FA cycling in barramundi. Overall, dietary starch significantly increased hepatic TAG through increased lipogenesis. Compared with other fish, barramundi possess a unique mechanism to metabolise dietary carbohydrates and this knowledge may define ways to improve performance of advanced formulated feeds.

Height patterning of nanostructured surfaces with a focused helium ion beam: a precise and gentle non-sputtering method.

This work presents a new technique for surface patterning with focused ion beams. The technique is based on chemical decomposition in the bulk of a polymer substrate with negligible surface sputtering effects. By using a focused helium ion beam, generated in a helium ion microscope, we show that the surface height of polymethyl methacrylate substrates can be patterned with nanometer depth precision, while preserving the essential features of the nanostructures prefabricated on this surface. The key factors that control this patterning process are discussed.

Comparison of photoautotrophic and mixotrophic cultivation of microalgae Messastrum gracile (Chlorophyceae) in alternative culture media.

Growth and biological conditions of Messastrum gracile were evaluated to compare the effect of photoautotrophic and mixotrophic cultivation on the increase of biomass production and chemical conditions cultured in macrophyte and commercial culture media. The growth rate (k) of M. gracile was different in the culture media, higher in mixotrophic cultivation for Lemna minor culture medium, whilst to Eichhornia crassipes and NPK culture media were higher in photoautotrophic cultivation. Mean lipid contents in photoautotrophic cultivation were 8.2% biomass dry weight, whereas they reached 19% biomass dry weight in mixotrophic cultivation. Protein contents were below 48% biomass dry weight in photoautotrophic cultivation and 30% biomass dry weight in mixotrophic cultivation. Messastrum gracile cultured in macrophyte culture media (E. crassipes and L. minor) and NPK culture medium provided satisfactory results with regard to lipid and protein contents in mixotrophic and photoautotrophic cultivations, respectively. Lipid and protein contents in alternative media were higher or similar to the CHU12 commercial culture medium.

Evaluation of the effects of sugarcane molasses as a carbon source for Ankistrodesmus gracilis and Haematococcus pluvialis (Chlorophyceae).

Two species of Chlorophyceae, Ankistrodesmus gracilis and Haemotococcus pluvialis, were used to compare and evaluate the effect of sugarcane molasses as a carbon source. Highest cell density in the two microalgae culture media was obtained in commercial culture media (CHU12 and WC). During exponential growth (day 1 to day 10), high cell density in H. pluvialis was detected for E. crassipes culture medium ranging between 0.4 x 105 cells mL-1 and 1.7 x 105 cells mL-1. Culture media were fundamental for growth under mixotrophic cultivation. Sugarcane molasses showed different results for the two microalgae with regard to growth performance, lipid and protein levels. Rates were high for H. pluvialis except lipid at the end of the experiment. In fact, A. gracilis presented almost double the lipid levels. Sugarcane molasses may be an alternative carbon source in laboratory conditions.

Herpesvirus infection in marine mammals: A retrospective molecular survey of stranded cetaceans in the Portuguese coastline.

Herpesvirus (HVs) infection has already been reported in cetaceans, but available information on its epidemiology is scarce. In this study we surveyed a total of 179 cetaceans belonging to 6 different species. Samples were obtained from cetaceans stranded along the Portuguese coastline, belonging to populations that roam the north-east region of the Atlantic Ocean. Detection of HVs was performed by conventional nested PCR. Amplicons were sequenced by Sanger's method and sequences used to construct phylogenetic trees by Maximum Likelihood method. Our results show that prevalence of positive samples, among fresh carcasses, reached 14.3% (10/70) and both alpha and gammaherpesvirus were detected. Histopathology showed that herpesvirus infection varied from absence of signs compatible with disease, localized genital lesions and systemic disease. Phylogenetic analysis revealed three clusters within the alphaherpesvirus family; within the gammaherpesvirus no subdivision was detected. All clusters included animals from different species and geographic origins. In seven of the positive HVs samples, co-infections with other agents such as morbillivirus and toxoplasma gondii were detected. The viral nucleotide sequences were not assigned to a specific animal species, nor presented a given geographic distribution, which may imply a wider distribution of herpesvirus in these animal populations. Our results are also the first report of herpesvirus infection in common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), with both alpha and gammaherpesvirus detected.

Diaphanocephalus galeatus (Nematoda: Diaphanocephalidae), a poorly known parasite of lizards: redescription, first genetic characterization and a revision of its congeners from Brazil.

Diaphanocephalus galeatus collected from the small intestine of the lizard Dracaena paraguayensis in the Pantanal wetlands, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, is redescribed. Genetic characterization and observations using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed for the first time. The vouchers of D. galeatus and the type specimens of its congeners, deposited in the Coleção Helmintológica do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (CHIOC), were consulted. Light and SEM observations revealed several undescribed features of D. galeatus, i.e. structure of the cephalic end and of the buccal capsule, position and morphology of deirids, presence of phasmids in females and presence of unpaired papilla on the membranous projection that covers the genital cone in males. After observation of the specimens deposited in the helminthological collection, D. jacuruxi is considered a synonym of D. galeatus, and D. diesingi, despite its incomplete description, is tentatively retained as valid due to the poor condition of the type material. The results also indicated low host specificity of D. galeatus, contradicting previous assertions. Genetic comparisons using patristic distances and phylogenetic trees generated from sequences of the 28S rRNA nuclear gene indicated that D. galeatus is closer to the taxa within Ancylostomatoidea and Strongyloidea than any lineage of Metastrongyloidea or Trichostrongyloidea. However, most of the nodal supports were low. Based on the genetic and morphological characterization, the validity of D. galeatus was confirmed. These data may serve for further comparative approaches for different populations of the parasite, from different hosts in different geographical areas, mitigating taxonomic confusions.

A new species of Raphidascaris (Nematoda: Raphidascarididae) infecting the fish Gymnogeophagus balzanii (Cichlidae) from the Pantanal wetlands, Brazil and a taxonomic update of the subgenera of Raphidascaris based on molecular phylogeny and morphology.

Raphidascaris (Sprentascaris) andersoni n. sp. (Nematoda: Raphidascarididae) collected in the intestine of the humphead cichlid Gymnogeophagus balzanii (Perugia) from the Pantanal wetlands, State of Mato Grosso do Sul (Brazil) is described and genetically characterized. The new species differs from its congeners mainly by having a conspicuous papilla-like formation slightly anterior to the cloacal aperture. Furthermore, males of R. (S.) lanfrediae and R. (S.) mahnerti have caudal alae, and R. (S.) hypostomi and R. (S.) pimelodi lack lateral alae, whereas in the new species caudal alae are absent and lateral alae present. The remaining congeners, namely, R. (S.) marano and R. (S.) saltaensis differ from Raphidascaris (Sprentascaris) andersoni n. sp. mainly because males have three pairs of postcloacal papillae (vs five pairs). In the phylogenetic reconstructions, using three nuclear genetic markers (18S, ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 and 28S rDNA) and one mitochondrial (cox1 mtDNA), the new species was separated from other representatives of Raphidascarididae, and the absence of monophyly in Hysterothylacium and Raphidascaroides was confirmed. Moreover, the subgenera Sprentascaris and Ichthyascaris appeared to be monophyletic. Therefore, even though Raphidascaris (Raphidascaris) was apparently not monophyletic, the subgenera of Raphidascaris should be re-erected as valid genera. The updated diagnoses of Ichthyascaris, Raphidascaris and Sprentascaris are given. The present study represents the first parasitological survey in G. balzanii.

Aquaculture biological waste as culture medium to cultivation of Ankistrodesmus gracilis (Reinsch) Korshikov / Resíduos biológicos de aquicultura como meio de cultura para o cultivo de Ankistrodesmus gracilis (Reinsch) Korshikov

Abstract Current study investigated the effectiveness of different macrophytes as culture media for Ankistrodesmus gracilis in laboratory conditions. Significant difference (p < 0.05) was reported in cell density with regard to conventional culture medium (CHU12) and macrophytes culture media. Mean cell density in NPK, Eichhornia crassipes and E. azurea media was higher (p < 0.05) than in conventional culture medium. Chlorophyll-a was higher than 1 g.L-1, except in CHU12 (0.7 ± 0.4 g.L-1) and T. domingensis (0.8 ± 0.3 g.L-1) media. Nitrate decreased sharply as from the 7th-day of the experiment. Ammonium and total phosphorus were highest in culture media and ranged between 0.4 g.L-1 (P. cordata medium) and 1.7 g.L-1 (CHU12 medium) for ammonium, and between 0.8 g.L-1 (CHU12 medium) and 1.9 g.L-1 (T. domingensis medium) for total phosphorus. Results revealed inorganic fertilizer and macrophytes combined with vitamins may be effective as culture media and strongly supports the growth of Ankistrodesmus gracilis, since cell density and biochemical composition are similar to or higher than conventional culture medium (CHU12). Macrophyte is a tool for aquaculture since biological wastes may be used with nutrients to improve the cultivation of microalgae.

Resumo O presente estudo investigou a eficácia na utilização de diferentes macrófitas como meio de cultura para Ankistrodesmus gracilis em condições laboratoriais. Foi observada diferença significativa (p < 0,05) entre a densidade celular em relação aos meios de cultura convencional (CHU12) e de macrófitas. Os meios de cultura com Eichhornia crassipes, E. azurea e NPK apresentaram densidade celular maiores (p < 0,05) que o meio de cultura convencional. Os teores de clorofila-a foram superiores a 1 g.L-1, exceto nos meios de cultura CHU12 (0.7 ± 0.4 g.L-1) e de T. domingensis (0.7 ± 0.3 g.L-1). O nitrato diminuiu acentuadamente a partir do 7º dia de experimento. Dentre os nutrientes, amônia e o fósforo total foram os mais elevados nos meios de cultura, variando entre 0.4 g.L-1 (meio de P. cordata) a 1,7 g.L-1 (meio CHU12) para amônia e, entre 0.8 g.L-1 (meio CHU12) e 1,9 gL-1 (meio de T. domingensis) para o fósforo total. Os resultados do presente estudo mostraram que o uso de fertilizantes inorgânicos e macrófitas, combinados com vitaminas, pode ser eficaz como meio de cultura no crescimento de Ankistrodesmus gracilis, uma vez que a densidade celular e a composição bioquímica foram semelhantes ou superiores ao meio de cultura convencional (CHU12). As macrófitas são ferramentas a serem adotadas na aquicultura, desde que os resíduos biológicos podem ser usados como nutrientes para melhorar o cultivo de microalgas.

Decolorization of textile industry wastewater in solid state fermentation with Peach-Palm (Bactris gasipaes) residue / Decoloração de águas residuais da indústria têxtil em fermentação de estado sólido com resíduo de Pupunha (Bactris gasipaes)

Abstract In this work we have assessed the decolorization of textile effluents throughout their treatment in a solid-state fermentation (SSF) system. SSF assays were conducted with peach-palm (Bactris gasipaes) residue using the white rot fungus Ganoderma lucidum EF 31. The influence of the dye concentration and of the amounts of peach-palm residue and liquid phase on both the discoloration efficiency and enzyme production was studied. According to our results, independently of experimental conditions employed, laccase was the main ligninolytic enzyme produced by G. lucidum. The highest laccase activity was obtained at very low effluent concentrations, suggesting the existence of an inhibitory effect of higher concentrations on fungal metabolism. The highest percentage of color removal was reached when 10 grams of peach palm residue was moistened with 60 mL of the final effluent. In control tests carried out with the synthetic dye Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) decolorization efficiencies about 20% higher than that achieved with the industrial effluent were achieved. The adsorption of RBBR on peach-palm residue was also investigated. Equilibrium tests showed that the adsorption of this dye followed both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Hence, our experimental results indicate that peach-palm residue is suitable substrate for both laccase production and color removal in industrial effluents.

Resumo Neste trabalho, avaliamos a descoloração de efluentes têxteis durante seu tratamento em um sistema de fermentação em estado sólido (SSF). Os ensaios foram conduzidos com resíduo de pupunha (Bactris gasipaes) utilizando o fungo de podridão branca Ganoderma lucidum EF 31. A influência da concentração de corante, as quantidades de resíduo e da fase líquida foram estudadas tanto na eficiência de descoloração como na produção de enzima. De acordo com os resultados, independentemente das condições experimentais utilizadas, a lacase foi a principal enzima ligninolítica produzida por G. lucidum. A atividade de lacase mais elevada foi obtida em baixas concentrações de efluentes, sugerindo um efeito inibitório no metabolismo fúngico. A maior remoção de cor foi obtida com 10 gramas de resíduo da pupunha e 60 mL do efluente final. Nos ensaios de controle realizados com o corante sintético RBBR, foram atingidos cerca de 20% mais descoloração do que os obtidos com o efluente industrial. A adsorção de RBBR no resíduo de pupunha também foi investigada. Os testes de equilíbrio mostraram que a adsorção deste corante seguiu as isotermas de Langmuir e Freundlich. Assim, os resultados experimentais indicam que o resíduo de pupunha é um substrato adequado tanto para a produção de lacase quanto para a remoção de cor em efluentes industriais.

Efficacy of group psychotherapy for geriatric depression: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Geriatric depression is a common and debilitating psychopathology, but evidence supports the efficacy of psychotherapy in its treatment. Group therapy provides advantages over individual interventions. However, only three systematic reviews have focused specifically on the efficacy of group therapy for geriatric depression. OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the effects of group psychotherapy on geriatric depression in people aged 60 years and older, compared with alternative treatments or no treatment. DATA SOURCES: A systematic review of English, Portuguese, and Spanish studies using the EBSCOhost Research and Science Direct databases (2011-2017). Additional studies were identified through reference lists. Search terms included group therapy, group psychotherapy, older adults, elderly, depressive disorder, geriatric depression, and depression in the elderly. REVIEW METHODS: The researcher screened any study designs concerning the effects of any paradigm of group therapy on geriatric depression versus alternative interventions or no treatment. Relevant data, including indicators of risk of bias, were extracted. DATA SYNTHESIS: Nine studies were reviewed. Reminiscence therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy are viable group interventions for geriatric depression, and were significantly superior to most controls. Conclusions about the long-term effects were unclear. Significant improvements were obtained for different intervention durations and facilitators, and with participants of different nationalities and age. Most studies recruited participants from the community, which limited generalizability. Group therapy also resulted in improvements in other psychological variables. CONCLUSIONS: Group therapy can significantly improve geriatric depression. Improvements were found across a variety of settings, protocols, participant characteristics, and for several psychological domains.