Traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation with improvement of neurological deficit: case report / Luxação traumática atlanto-occipital com melhora do déficit neurológico: relato de caso / Luxación atlanto-occipital traumática con mejoría del déficit neurológico: informe de un caso

ABSTRACT: Traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation is a rare, severe, and usually fatal injury. In this paper, we report the case of a 28-year-old patient with multiple trauma, who suffered an atlanto-occipital dislocation (AOD) associated with rotatory dislocation at C1-C2, condyle fracture and traumatic brain injury resulting from a car accident, with a cardiopulmonary arrest at the accident site. The patient had motor and sensory deficits, suffering other complications of clinical severity during hospitalization. After two years of surgical treatment follow-up, the patient had a complete recovery of neuromotor and sensory functions. This case demonstrates that neurological recovery with minimal sequelae is possible, even after an unfavorable prognosis resulting from a severe injury with a high risk of death as this kind of trauma. It is essential for health professionals to have the ability to identify and treat AOD, ensuring improved clinical outcomes, reducing mortality and morbidity, and providing a better life to affected patients. Level of Evidence IV; Cases Series.

RESUMO: A luxação traumática atlanto-occipital (LTAO) é uma lesão rara, grave e com alto índice de mortalidade. Neste artigo relatamos o caso de um paciente de 28 anos, politraumatizado, que sofreu uma LTAO associada à luxação rotatória em C1-C2, à avulsão de côndilo e ao traumatismo crânio encefálico decorrente de acidente automobilístico, com relato de uma parada cardiorrespiratória no local do acidente. O paciente deu entrada no serviço com déficit motor e sensitivo, sofrendo outras intercorrências de gravidade clínica durante a internação. Após dois anos do tratamento cirúrgico, o paciente evoluiu favoravelmente com completa recuperação das alterações neuromotoras e sensitivas. O caso apresentado demonstra que é possível a recuperação neurológica com sequelas mínimas, mesmo após um prognóstico desfavorável decorrente de uma lesão grave e o elevado risco de morte decorrente desse tipo de trauma. É essencial que os profissionais de saúde estejam aptos a identificar e tratar a LTAO, garantindo uma melhorar dos resultados clínicos, redução da mortalidade e morbidade, além de proporcionar uma melhor qualidade de vida aos pacientes afetados. Nível de Evidência IV; Série de casos.

RESUMEN: La luxación traumática atlanto-occipital (LTAO) es una lesión grave, poco frecuente y con una elevada tasa de mortalidad. En este artículo presentamos el caso de un paciente politraumatizado de 28 años que sufrió una LTAO asociada a luxación rotatoria en C1-C2, a la avulsión de cóndilos y traumatismo craneoencefálico como consecuencia de un accidente de tráfico, con parada cardiorrespiratoria en el lugar del accidente. El paciente presentaba déficits motores y sensoriales y sufrió otras complicaciones clínicas graves durante su hospitalización. Luego de dos años de tratamiento quirúrgico, el paciente evoluciona favorablemente con recuperación completa de las alteraciones neuromotoras y sensitivas. El caso presentado demuestra que la recuperación neurológica con mínimas secuelas es posible, incluso después de un pronóstico desfavorable debido a una lesión grave y al alto riesgo de muerte derivado de este tipo de traumatismos. Es esencial que los profesionales sanitarios sean capaces de identificar y tratar la LTAO, garantizando mejores resultados clínicos, una reducción de la mortalidad y la morbilidad, y una mejor calidad de vida para los pacientes afectados. Nivel de Evidencia IV; Series de casos.

The damage caused by Cd toxicity to photosynthesis, cellular ultrastructure, antioxidant metabolism, and gene expression in young cacao plants are mitigated by high Mn doses in soil.

Manganese (Mn) is one of the essential mineral micronutrients most demanded by cacao. Cadmium (Cd) is highly toxic to plants and other living beings. There are indications that Mn can interact with Cd and mitigate its toxicity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the action of Mn on the toxic effect of Cd in young plants of the CCN 51 cacao genotype, subjected to different doses of Mn, Cd, and Mn+Cd in soil, through physiological, biochemical, molecular, and micromorphological and ultrastructural changes. High soil Mn doses favored the maintenance and performance of adequate photosynthetic processes in cacao. However, high doses of Cd and Mn+Cd in soil promoted damage to photosynthesis, alterations in oxidative metabolism, and the uptake, transport, and accumulation of Cd in roots and leaves. In addition, high Cd concentrations in roots and leaf tissues caused irreversible damage to the cell ultrastructure, compromising cell function and leading to programmed cell death. However, there was a mitigation of Cd toxicity when cacao was grown in soils with low Cd doses and in the presence of Mn. Thus, damage to the root and leaf tissues of cacao caused by Cd uptake from contaminated soils can be attenuated or mitigated by the presence of high Mn doses in soil.

Leaf proteomic profiles in cacao scion-rootstock combinations tolerant and intolerant to cadmium toxicity.

Cd contamination in cacao beans is one of the major problems faced by cocoa producing countries in Latin America. Cacao scion-rootstock combinations influence the Cd accumulation in the shoot of the plant. The objective of this work was to carry out a comparative analysis between cacao scion rootstock combinations (CCN 51/BN 34, CCN 51/PS 13.19, CCN 51/PH 16 and CCN 51/CCN 51), contrasting for tolerance to cadmium (Cd) toxicity, by means of leaf proteomic profiles, in order to elucidate molecular mechanisms involved in tolerance to Cd toxicity. Cacao scion-rootstock combinations were grown in soil with 150 mg Cd kg-1 soil, together with the control treatment. Leaf samples were collected 96 h after treatments were applied. There were alterations in the leaf proteome of the cacao scion-rootstock combinations, whose molecular responses to Cd toxicity varied depending on the combination. Leaf proteomic analyzes provided important information regarding the molecular mechanisms involved in the tolerance and intolerance of cacao scion-rootstock combinations to Cd toxicity. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems, efficient for eliminating ROS, especially the expressions of APX and SOD, in addition to the increase in the abundance of metalloproteins, such as ferredoxins, rubredoxin, ALMT, Trx-1 and ABC-transporter were key mechanisms used in the Cd detoxification in cacao scion-rootstock combinations tolerant to Cd toxicity. Carboxylic acid metabolism, glucose activation and signal transduction were also important processes in the responses of cacao scion-rootstock combinations to Cd toxicity. The results confirmed CCN 51/BN 34 as a cacao scion-rootstock combination efficient in tolerance to Cd toxicity.

Trends in the Use of Lipases: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis.

Scientific mapping using bibliometric data network analysis was applied to analyze research works related to lipases and their industrial applications, evaluating the current state of research, challenges, and opportunities in the use of these biocatalysts, based on the evaluation of a large number of publications on the topic, allowing a comprehensive systematic data analysis, which had not yet been conducted in relation to studies specifically covering lipases and their industrial applications. Thus, studies involving lipase enzymes published from 2018 to 2022 were accessed from the Web of Science database. The extracted records result in the analysis of terms of bibliographic compatibility among the articles, co-occurrence of keywords, and co-citation of journals using the VOSviewer algorithm in the construction of bibliometric maps. This systematic review analysis of 357 documents, including original and review articles, revealed studies inspired by lipase enzymes in the research period, showing that the development of research, together with different areas of knowledge, presents good results related to the applications of lipases, due to information synchronization. Furthermore, this review showed the main challenges in lipase applications regarding increased production and operational stability; establishing well-defined evaluation criteria, such as cultivation conditions, activity, biocatalyst stability, type of support and reactor; thermodynamic studies; reuse cycles; and it can assist in defining goals for the development of successful large-scale applications, showing several points for improvement of future studies on lipase enzymes.

Selection and validation of reference genes for RT-qPCR gene expression studies in Candida viswanathii cultivated under different grown conditions.

The properties presented by Candida viswanathii's lipases turn this specie into a promising producer of potentially applicable lipases in several industrial sectors, such as: food, textiles, in the oleochemical and paper industries, and also in different pharmaceutical applications. However, studies for elucidating growth and developmental processes at the molecular level in this species are still incipient. Performing such kinds of studies often rely on the use of the RT-qPCR, which is a highly sensitivity technique, but whose parameters must be carefully planned for achieving reliable data. Among the crucial parameters required for achieving reliable results through this technique, the use of appropriated and validated reference genes is one the most important, constituting a bottleneck, mainly in species where molecular studies are scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the best reference genes for RT-qPCR gene expression studies in C. viswanathii grown in culture media containing four different carbon sources (Olive oil, Triolein, Tributyrin, and Glucose). Eleven candidate reference genes (ACT, GPH1, AGL9, RPB2, SAP1, PGK1, TAF10, UBC13, TFC1, UBP6, and FBA1) were analyzed for their expression patterns and stability. Analysis of gene expression stability was performed using the RefFinder tool, which integrates the geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper and Delta-Ct algorithms, and validation of the results was performed through analyzing the expression of a lipase gene, CvLIP4. Analyzing the four treatments together, CvACT and CvRPB2 constituted the best reference gene pair. When treatments are analyzed individually, CvRPB2/CvACT, CvFBA1/CvAGL9, CvPGK1/CvAGL9 and CvACT/CvRPB2 were the best reference gene pairs for the culture media containing olive oil, triolein, tributyrin, and glucose as carbon sources, respectively. These results are essential and form the basis for the development of relative gene expression studies in C. viswanathii, since adequate reference genes are crucial for the reliability of RT-qPCR data.

Zinc/iron-regulated transporter-like protein gene family in Theobroma cacao L: Characteristics, evolution, function and 3D structure analysis.

The zinc/iron-regulated transporter-like protein (ZIP) gene family first identified in plants is highly distributed in the plant kingdom. This family has previously been reported to transport several essential and non-essential cationic elements, including those toxic to many economically important crops such as cacao (Theobroma cacao L.). In this article, we present a detailed study on physicochemical properties, evolution, duplication, gene structure, promoter region and TcZIP family three-dimensional protein structure. A total of 11 TcZIP genes have been identified to encode proteins from 309 to 435 aa, with localization in the plasma membrane and chloroplast, containing 6-9 putative domains (TM). Interspecies phylogenetic analysis subdivided the ZIP proteins into four groups. Segmental duplication events significantly contributed to the expansion of TcZIP genes. These genes underwent high pressure of purifying selection. The three-dimensional structure of the proteins showed that α helix conformations are predominant with several pocket sites, containing the metal binding site, with the residues leucine (LEU), alanine (ALA), glycine (GLY), serine (SER), lysine (LYS) and histidine (HIS) the most predicted. Regarding the analysis of the protein-protein interaction and enrichment of the gene ontology, four biological processes were assigned, the most important being the cation transport. These new discoveries expand the knowledge about the function, evolution, protein structures and interaction of ZIP family proteins in cacao and contribute to develop cacao genotypes enriched with important mineral nutrients as well as genotypes that bioaccumulate or exclude toxic metals.

Transcriptomic, osmoregulatory and translocation changes modulates Ni toxicity in Theobroma cacao.

Nickel is one of the most released trace elements in the environment and in the case of bioaccumulation in foods and beverages derived from cocoa beans can cause risk to human health. It is very important to understand how plants respond to toxic metals and which are the defense strategies they adopt to mitigate their effects. In the present study we used young plants of T. cacao, submitted to increasing Ni doses (0, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 mg Ni kg-1 soil) and evaluated them for a period of 30 days. Doses of Ni, from 300 mg of Ni kg-1 onwards in the soil, promoted changes in photosynthetic, antioxidant, osmoregulatory, transcriptomic and translocation levels, evidenced by the increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, proline, glycine betaine, upregulation of the metallothionein 2B gene (Mt2b), and lipid peroxidation of the cell membranes. Foliar gas exchange was severely affected at higher doses of Ni. In addition, reduced levels of stomatal conductivity and transpiration rate were observed from 300 mg Ni kg-1 dose onwards in the soil, which consequently affected CO2 assimilation. Phytostabilization and exclusion mechanisms control the translocation of Ni from the root to the shoot and reduce harmful effects on plant metabolism. Our results highlighted the toxicity of Ni, a trace element often underestimated in T. cacao. In particular, it was noted that doses of 100 and 200 Ni kg-1 soil, although high, do not induce toxicity in T. cacao plants. But Ni toxicity is observed from 300 mg Ni kg-1 soil onwards. This study contributed to the understanding of the harmful effects of higher doses of Ni in cacao plants and the biochemical processes the plant uses to mitigate the effects of this metal.

Molecular, biochemical and micromorphological responses of cacao seedlings of the Parinari series, carrying the lethal gene Luteus-Pa, in the presence and absence of cotyledons.

Investigations of the compatibility between cacao genotypes of the population of the Parinari series (Pa), resulting from the reciprocal crossing of Pa 30 × Pa 169 and Pa 121 × Pa 169, allowed the verification of the occurrence of the recessive lethal single character called Luteus-Pa. These genotypes have this gene in heterozygosity, which when intercross or self-fertilize, segregate in a 3:1 ratio. Normal (NS) and mutant (MS) seedlings grow normally and, after a period of approximately 30 days of age, MS leaves begin to show a metallic yellow color, followed by necrotic spots, and death of the entire seedling, approximately 40 days after the emergency. The work evaluate the molecular, biochemical and micromorphological responses in NS and MS, with and without cotyledons, resulting from the crossing of the Pa 30 × Pa 169 cacao genotypes, aiming to elucidate the possible lethal mechanisms of the homozygous recessive Luteus-Pa. The presence of the lethal gene Luteus-Pa in the seedlings of the cacao genotypes of the population of the Parinari (Pa), with and without cotyledons, resulting from the crossing of Pa 30 × Pa 169, in addition to regulating the synthesis of proteins related to the photosynthetic and stress defense processes, promoted an increase in the synthesis of proteins involved in the glycolic pathway, induced oxidative stress, altered the mobilization of cotyledonary reserves, the integrity of cell membranes, leaf micromorphology and induced the death of seedlings, soon after depletion of protein and carbohydrate reserves, especially in the absence of cotyledons.

Mental health of nursing professionals: Internet-based interventions.

This study aimed to analyze published evidence about how the Internet is used in mental health interventions for nurses. This integrative literature review searched MEDLINE (PubMed), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Base de Dados em Enfermagem (BDENF), and the Web of Science. Data was collected in July 2020. Six articles addressed the research question - "What Internet-based mental health interventions exist for nurses?" -, of which five were randomized clinical trials (2 protocols and 3 completed trials) and 1 was a cohort study. Identified intervention programs consisted of 4 interactive webpages and 2 smartphone apps, based on cognitive behavioral and holistic approaches. The intervention programs were effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression among nurses; however, there was a lack of scientific evidence on the subject and a research gap regarding other approaches.

Este estudo objetivou analisar as evidências científicas encontradas na literatura sobre como se configuram as intervenções na saúde mental dos enfermeiros baseadas na utilização da internet. Tratou-se de revisão integrativa da literatura, conduzida nas bases de dados MEDLINE (PubMed), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Base de Dados em Enfermagem (BDENF) e Web of Science. A coleta de dados foi realizada em julho de 2020. Foram identificados seis artigos, por meio dos quais foi possível responder à pergunta de investigação: "Quais são as intervenções na saúde mental de enfermeiros baseadas na utilização da internet?". Identificaram-se cinco ensaios clínicos randomizados (dois protocolos e três ensaios realizados) e um estudo de coorte. Os programas identificados consistiram em quatro páginas interativas virtuais e dois aplicativos para smartphones, com abordagens cognitivo-comportamentais e holísticas. Os programas de intervenção foram eficazes na redução do estresse, ansiedade e depressão em enfermeiros; contudo, notou-se escassez de evidências científicas sobre a temática, além de uma lacuna atinente a outras vertentes de abordagem.

Comprehensive analysis of the GALACTINOL SYNTHASE (GolS) gene family in citrus and the function of CsGolS6 in stress tolerance.

Galactinol synthase (GolS) catalyzes the first and rate-limiting step in the synthesis of raffinose family of oligosaccharides (RFOs), which serve as storage and transport sugars, signal transducers, compatible solutes and antioxidants in higher plants. The present work aimed to assess the potential functions of citrus GolS in mechanisms of stress response and tolerance. By homology searches, eight GolS genes were found in the genomes of Citrus sinensis and C. clementina. Phylogenetic analysis showed that there is a GolS ortholog in C. clementina for each C. sinensis GolS, which have evolved differently from those of Arabidopsis thaliana. Transcriptional analysis indicated that most C. sinensis GolS (CsGolS) genes show a low-level tissue-specific and stress-inducible expression in response to drought and salt stress treatments, as well as to 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' infection. CsGolS6 overexpression resulted in improved tobacco tolerance to drought and salt stresses, contributing to an increased mesophyll cell expansion, photosynthesis and plant growth. Primary metabolite profiling revealed no significant changes in endogenous galactinol, but different extents of reduction of raffinose in the transgenic plants. On the other hand, a significant increase in the levels of metabolites with antioxidant properties, such as ascorbate, dehydroascorbate, alfa-tocopherol and spermidine, was observed in the transgenic plants. These results bring evidence that CsGolS6 is a potential candidate for improving stress tolerance in citrus and other plants.

Single-base resolution methylomes of somatic embryogenesis in Theobroma cacao L. reveal epigenome modifications associated with somatic embryo abnormalities.

Propagation by somatic embryogenesis in Theobroma cacao has some issues to be solved, as many morphologically abnormal somatic embryos that do not germinate into plants are frequently observed, thus hampering plant production on a commercial scale. For the first time the methylome landscape of T. cacao somatic embryogenesis was examined, using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing technique, with the aim to understand the epigenetic basis of somatic embryo abnormalities. We identified 873 differentially methylated genes (DMGs) in the CpG context between zygotic embryos, normal and abnormal somatic embryos, with important roles in development, programmed cell death, oxidative stress, and hypoxia induction, which can help to explain the morphological abnormalities of somatic embryos. We also identified the role of ethylene and its precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate in several biological processes, such as hypoxia induction, cell differentiation and cell polarity, that could be associated to the development of abnormal somatic embryos. The biological processes and the hypothesis of ethylene and its precursor involvement in the somatic embryo abnormalities in cacao are discussed.

Anxiety and dyslipidemia among primary health care professionals: A Cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Cross-sectional studies point out important evidence between anxiety and dyslipdemic disorders in health workers. OBJECTIVE: Our main objective was to estimate the association between anxiety and dyslipidemia in Primary Health Care (PHC) nursing professionals in Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil. METHODS: A confirmatory cross-sectional study involving 376 PHC nursing professionals. Data collection occurred through the application of a questionnaire containing sociodemographic, labor and lifestyle issues, and the Beck Inventory for anxiety; to evaluate the lipid profile, the HDL-c, LDL-c, and triglycerides markers were evaluated. Descriptive, bivariate analysis and Logistic Regression were performed. RESULTS: The estimated prevalence of moderate/severe anxiety corresponded to 26.1% and dyslipidemia was 54.8%, with a statistically significant association between both of variables stratified by physical activity (PR = 2.69; 95% CI = 1.87-3.85) and (PR = 1.87; 95% CI = 1.53-2.28). CONCLUSIONS: There is a positive association between anxiety and dyslipidemia in Primary Health Care nursing professionals.

DIREITOS E DEVERES: O CONHECIMENTO DOS USUÁRIOS DO SUS / RIGHTS AND DUTIES: KNOWLEDGE OF SUS USERS

O Ministério da Saúde, com o objetivo de esclarecer e informar os direitos e deveres dos cidadãos enquanto usuários da saúde, elaborou a Carta dos Direitos dos Usuários da Saúde aprovada em 17 de junho de 2009, para que estes possam receber atendimento digno,qualificado e humanizado nos estabelecimentos públicos e privados de saúde. Esta pesquisa objetivou analisar os conhecimentos dos usuários que frequentam e recebem atendimento na Clínica Escola UCDB, em relação aos seus direitos e deveres frente ao Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Trata ­ se de um estudo qualitativo de corte transversal. Para a coleta de dados foram utilizados dois questionários estruturados em linguagem clara e direta, sendo um sócio demográfico e um segundo questionário específico com questões abertas. Dos 22 participantes da pesquisa, 18% (n=4) são do sexo masculino e 82% n= 18 sexo feminino. Quanto à idade e etnia, variou de 18 a 69 anos (média ± desvio padrão) de 47,81 anos e 50 %, n= 11 de caucasiano, respectivamente. Dentre os resultados encontrados destacou-se a falta de informação do profissional da saúde com o usuário sobre seus direitos. Os usuários destacaram como dever o pagamento de impostos e 100% dos entrevistados não obtiveram acesso a Carta de direitos dos usuários da saúde. Há necessidade de ressaltar a importância da capacitação dos profissionais para educar, orientar e respeitar a capacidade de autonomia dos usuários, tornando-os parte efetiva do processo.

The Ministry of Health, aiming to clarify and inform the rights and duties of citizens as users, has prepared the Charter of Rights of Health Users approved on June 17, 2009, so that they can receive dignified, qualified and humanized care from public facilities and deprived of health. This research aimed to analyze the knowledge of users who attend and receive care at the UCDB School Clinic, regarding their rights and duties in relation to the Unified Health System. This is a qualitative cross - sectional study. For data collection we used two structured questionnaire in clear and direct language, one demographic partner and a second specific questionnaire with open questions. Of the 22 survey participants, 18% (n = 4) are male and 82% n = 18 female. As for age and ethnicity, ranged from 18 to 69 years (mean ± standard deviation) of 47.81 years and 50%, n = 11 Caucasian, respectively. Among the results found was the disregard of the lack of information from the health professional with the user about their rights; As a duty stood out the payment of taxes and 100% of respondents did not have access to the Letter of Rights of health users. There is a need to emphasize the importance of training professionals to educate, guide and respect the autonomy of users, making them an effective part of the process.

Optimization of ß-Fructofuranosidase Production from Agrowaste by Aspergillus carbonarius and Its Application in the Production of Inverted Sugar.

RESEARCH BACKGROUND: Microbial ß-fructofuranosidases are widely employed in food industry to produce inverted sugar or fructooligosaccharides. In this study, a newly isolated Aspergillus carbonarius PC-4 strain was used to optimize the ß-fructofuranosidase production in a cost-effective process and the sucrose hydrolysis was evaluated to produce inverted sugars. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Optimization of nutritional components of culture medium was carried out using simplex lattice mixture design for 72 and 120 h at 28 °C. One-factor-at-a-time methodology was used to optimize the physicochemical parameters. Crude enzyme was used for sucrose hydrolysis at different concentrations. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The optimized conditions of enzyme production were achieved from cultivations containing pineapple crown waste (1.3%, m/V) and yeast extract (0.3%, m/V) after 72 h with an enzyme activity of 9.4 U/mL, obtaining R2=91.85%, R2 adjusted=85.06%, highest F-value (13.52) and low p-value (0.003). One-factor-at-a-time used for optimizing the physicochemical conditions showed optimum temperature (20 °C), pH (5.5), agitation (180 rpm) and time course (72 h) with a 3-fold increase of enzyme production. The invertase-induced sucrose hydrolysis showed the maximum yield (3.45 mmol of reducing sugars) using 10% of initial sucrose concentration. Higher sucrose concentrations caused the inhibition of invertase activity, possibly due to the saturation of substrate or formation of sucrose aggregates, making it difficult for the enzyme to access sucrose molecules within the created clusters. Therefore, a cost-effective method was developed for the invertase production using agroindustrial waste and the produced enzyme can be used efficiently for inverted sugar production at high sucrose concentration. NOVELTY AND SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTION: This study presents an efficient utilization of pineapple crown waste to produce invertase by a newly isolated Aspergillus carbonarius PC-4 strain. This enzyme exhibited a good potential for inverted sugar production at high initial sucrose concentration, which is interesting for industrial applications.

The Quorum Sensing Auto-Inducer 2 (AI-2) Stimulates Nitrogen Fixation and Favors Ethanol Production over Biomass Accumulation in Zymomonas mobilis.

Autoinducer 2 (or AI-2) is one of the molecules used by bacteria to trigger the Quorum Sensing (QS) response, which activates expression of genes involved in a series of alternative mechanisms, when cells reach high population densities (including bioluminescence, motility, biofilm formation, stress resistance, and production of public goods, or pathogenicity factors, among others). Contrary to most autoinducers, AI-2 can induce QS responses in both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and has been suggested to constitute a trans-specific system of bacterial communication, capable of affecting even bacteria that cannot produce this autoinducer. In this work, we demonstrate that the ethanologenic Gram-negative bacterium Zymomonas mobilis (a non-AI-2 producer) responds to exogenous AI-2 by modulating expression of genes involved in mechanisms typically associated with QS in other bacteria, such as motility, DNA repair, and nitrogen fixation. Interestingly, the metabolism of AI-2-induced Z. mobilis cells seems to favor ethanol production over biomass accumulation, probably as an adaptation to the high-energy demand of N2 fixation. This opens the possibility of employing AI-2 during the industrial production of second-generation ethanol, as a way to boost N2 fixation by these bacteria, which could reduce costs associated with the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers, without compromising ethanol production in industrial plants.

Effect of co-encapsulation using a calcium alginate matrix and fructooligosaccharides with gelatin coating on the survival of Lactobacillus paracasei cells.

The demand for functional foods is increasing each year because consumers are gaining awareness about the importance of a healthy diet in the proper functioning of the body. Probiotics are among the most commonly known, commercialized, and studied foods. However, the loss of viability of probiotic products is observed during their formulation, processing, and storage. This study aimed to investigate the co-encapsulation of two Lactobacillus paracasei probiotic strains (LBC81 and ELBAL) with fructooligosaccharides (FOS) in a calcium alginate matrix using extrusion technology with gelatin as a coating material. The viability of the strains under gastrointestinal conditions and in storage at low temperature was also assessed. An immobilization yield of more than 59% was observed for both bacterial strains. Exposure to 2% biliary salts led to a decrease in the viability of free cells in the two L. paracasei strains, whereas the viability of microencapsulated cells increased up to 47%. After 35 days of storage at 4°C, the population of free cells was reduced, but microencapsulated cells remained stable after storage at low temperature. LBC81 bacteria microencapsulated with 1.5% FOS coated with gelatin were the most resistant to the stressful environments tested. Therefore, these results showed that co-encapsulation with FOS in a calcium alginate matrix coated with gelatin improved L. paracasei survival and may be useful for the development of more resistant probiotics and new functional foods.

Comparative assessment of three RNA extraction methods for obtaining high-quality RNA from Candida viswanathii biomass.

Isolating high quality RNA is a limiting factor in molecular analysis, since it is the base for transcriptional studies. The RNA extraction method can directly affect the RNA quality and quantity, as well as, its overall cost. The industrial importance of the yeast genus Candida in several sectors comes from their capacity to produce Lipases. These enzymes are one of the main metabolites produced by some Candida species, and it has been shown that Candida yeast can biodegrade petroleum hydrocarbons and diesel oil from biosurfactants that they can produce, a feature that turns these organisms into potential combatants for bioremediation techniques. Thus, this study aimed to determine an efficient method for isolating high quality RNA from Candida viswanathii biomass. To achieve this aim, three different RNA extraction methods, TRIzol, Hot Acid Phenol, and CTAB (Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide), were tested. The three tested methods allowed the isolation of high-quality RNA from C. viswanathii biomass and yielded suitable RNA quantity for carrying out RT-qPCR studies. In addition, all methods displayed high sensitivity for the expression analysis of the CvGPH1 gene through RT-qPCR, with TRIzol and CTAB showing the best results and the CTAB method displaying the best cost-benefit ratio (US$0.35/sample).

Mitigation of Pb toxicity by Mn in seedling of the cacao clonal CCN 51 genotype grown in soil: physiological, biochemical, nutritional and molecular responses.

Lead (Pb) is a highly toxic metal for humans, animals and plants even at low concentrations in the soil. The ingestion of chocolate produced from contaminated beans can contribute to consumer exposure to Pb. While, Mn is an element essential for plants and participates as enzymatic cofactors in several metabolic pathways. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of Mn on mitigation of Pb toxicity in seedling of the cacao clonal CCN 51 genotype grown in soils with different doses of Pb, Mn and Mn+Pb, through physiological, biochemical, molecular and nutritional responses. It was found that the seedling of the cacao clonal CCN 51 genotype grown in soils with high Pb, Mn and Mn+Pb contents accumulated these heavy metals in the roots and leaves. Mn doses reduced the Pb uptake by root system and prevented that the Pb accumulated at toxic levels in the roots and leaves of the plants. High doses of Pb applied in soil were highly toxic to the plants, leading, in some cases, them to death. However, no Mn toxicity was observed in cocoa plants, even at high doses in the soil. Uptake of Pb and Mn by the roots and its transport into the aerial part of the plant promoted changes in photosynthesis, leaf gas exchange, respiration, carboxylation and in the instantaneous efficiency of carboxylation, reducing in the treatments with the highest concentrations of Pb, and the emission of chlorophyll fluorescence, affecting the efficiency of photosystem 2 and the production of photoassimilates. Besides that, Pb, Mn and Mn+Pb toxicities activated defense mechanisms in plants that alter the gene expression of met, psbA and psbO, increasing in plants subjected to high concentrations of Pb and the activity of the enzymes involved in the cellular detoxification of excess ROS at the leaf level. In addition, high uptake of Mn by root system was found to reduced Pb uptake in plants grown with Mn+Pb in the soil. Therefore, application of Mn in the soil can be used to mitigate the Pb toxicity in seedling of the cacao clonal CCN 51 genotype grown in contaminated soils.

Impact of Ambient and Elevated [CO2] in Low Light Levels on Growth, Physiology and Nutrient Uptake of Tropical Perennial Legume Cover Crops.

At early stages of establishment of tropical plantation crops, inclusion of legume cover crops could reduce soil degradation due to erosion and nutrient leaching. As understory plants these cover crops receive limited irradiance and can be subjected to elevated CO2 at ground level. A glasshouse experiment was undertaken to assess the effects of ambient (450 µmol mol-1) and elevated (700 µmol mol-1) levels of [CO2] on growth, physiological changes and nutrient uptake of six perennial legume cover crops (Perennial Peanut, Ea-Ea, Mucuna, Pigeon pea, Lab lab, Cowpea) under low levels of photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD; 100, 200, and 400 µmol m-2 s-1). Overall, total and root dry biomass, total root length, specific leaf area, and relative growth rates were significantly influenced by levels of [CO2] and PPFD and cover crop species. With few exceptions, all the cover crops showed significant effects of [CO2], PPFD, and species on net photosynthesis (PN ) and its components, such as stomatal conductance (gs) internal CO2 conc. (Ci), and transpiration (E). Increasing [CO2], from 450 to 700 µmol mol-1 and increasing PPFD from 100 to 400 µmol Ö¼m-2 Ö¼s-1 increased PN . Overall, the levels of [CO2], PPFD and species significantly affected total water use efficiency (WUETOTAL ), instantaneous water use efficiency (WUEINST ) and intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEINTR ). With some exceptions, increasing levels of [CO2] and PPFD increased all the WUE parameters. Interspecific differences were observed with respect to macro-micro nutrient uptake and use efficiency. With a few exceptions, increasing levels of [CO2] from 450 to 700 µmol mol-1 and PPFD from 100 to 400 µmol m-2 s-1 increased nutrient use efficiency (NUE) of all nutrients by cover crop species.

The Prevalence of Abdominal Adiposity among Primary Health Care Physicians in Bahia, Brazil: An Epidemiological Study.

BACKGROUND: Labor activities are demanding for workers and can induce occupational stress. Primary health care (PHC) workers have faced problems that can lead to the development of stress and abdominal obesity. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of abdominal adiposity among primary health care physicians in the metropolitan mesoregion of Salvador, Bahia. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted with physicians from the family health units (FHUs) of the metropolitan mesoregion of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The number of FHUs corresponded to 41 teams (52 physicians). Anamnesis was performed and a questionnaire was applied. The clinical examination consisted of measuring waist circumference (WC), blood pressure levels (BP), and body mass index (BMI), as well as examining for acanthosis nigricans. Blood samples were collected for biochemical dosages. The data obtained were analyzed by SPSS version 22.0. RESULTS: The sample included 41 physicians (response rate: 78.8%), of which 18 were women (44.0%). The percentage of overweight participants represented by BMI was 31.7%. The hypertriglyceridemia prevalence was 29.2%. HDL-c was low in 48.7% of the participants. The waist circumference measurement revealed a prevalence of abdominal adiposity of 38.8% (women) and 34.8% (men). CONCLUSIONS: Medical professionals in PHC are more susceptible to having higher abdominal adiposity, especially female physicians.