Wastewater-Based Epidemiology for Viral Surveillance from an Endemic Perspective: Evidence and Challenges.

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is currently used to monitor not only the spread of the viral SARS-CoV-2 pandemic but also that of other viruses in endemic conditions, particularly in the absence of syndromic surveillance. The continuous monitoring of sewage requires high expenditure and significant time investments, highlighting the need for standardized methods and structured monitoring strategies. In this context, we conducted weekly wastewater monitoring in northwestern Tuscany (Italy) and targeted human adenovirus (HAdV), norovirus genogroup II (NoVggII), enterovirus (EV), and SARS-CoV-2. Samples were collected at the entrances of treatment plants and concentrated using PEG/NaCl precipitation, and viral nucleic acids were extracted and detected through real-time reverse transcription qPCR. NoVggII was the most identified target (84.4%), followed by HAdV, SARS-CoV-2, and EV. Only HAdV and EV exhibited seasonal peaks in spring and summer. Compared with data that were previously collected in the same study area (from February 2021 to September 2021), the results for SARS-CoV-2 revealed a shift from an epidemic to an endemic pattern, at least in the region under investigation, which was likely due to viral mutations that led to the spreading of new variants with increased resistance to summer environmental conditions. In conclusion, using standardized methods and an efficient monitoring strategy, WBE proves valuable for viral surveillance in pandemic and epidemic scenarios, enabling the identification of temporal-local distribution patterns that are useful for making informed public health decisions.

Critical Needs for Integrated Surveillance: Wastewater-Based and Clinical Epidemiology in Evolving Scenarios with Lessons Learned from SARS-CoV-2.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) and clinical surveillance have been used as tools for analyzing the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in the community, but both approaches can be strongly influenced by some sources of variability. From the challenging perspective of integrating environmental and clinical data, we performed a correlation analysis between SARS-CoV-2 concentrations in raw sewage and incident COVID-19 cases in areas served by medium-size wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) from 2021 to 2023. To this aim, both datasets were adjusted for several sources of variability: WBE data were adjusted for factors including the analytical protocol, sewage flow, and population size, while clinical data adjustments considered the demographic composition of the served population. Then, we addressed the impact on the correlation of differences among sewerage networks and variations in the frequency and type of swab tests due to changes in political and regulatory scenarios. Wastewater and clinical data were significantly correlated when restrictive containment measures and limited movements were in effect (ρ = 0.50) and when COVID-19 cases were confirmed exclusively through molecular testing (ρ = 0.49). Moreover, a positive (although weak) correlation arose for WWTPs located in densely populated areas (ρ = 0.37) and with shorter sewerage lengths (ρ = 0.28). This study provides methodological approaches for interpreting WBE and clinical surveillance data, which could also be useful for other infections. Data adjustments and evaluation of possible sources of bias need to be carefully considered from the perspective of integrated environmental and clinical surveillance of infections.

Using a random laser to measure the content of protein in skim milk.

The luminescence of skim milk samples with distinct protein content doped with rhodamine B was investigated. The samples were excited by a nanosecond laser tuned at 532 nm, and the emission was characterized as a random laser. Its features were analyzed as a function of the protein aggregate content. The results showed a linear correlation between the random laser peak intensity and the protein content. This paper proposes a rapid detection photonic method to evaluate the protein content in skim milk based on the intensity of the random laser emission.

Bioactive compounds in jamelão yogurt (Syzygium cumini L) / Compostos bioativos em iogurte de jamelão (Syzygium cumini L)

The jamelão fruit has been used in traditional Indian medicine and has recently attracted interest as a functional food, as it is rich in anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are of interest of the food industry due to their antioxidant power, attractive color and stability in acid-rich foods. This research used the gelation process with sodium alginate solution to obtain bioactive yogurt from the production of jamelão capsules added to natural yogurt. The proportion was 80% yogurt and 20% jellybean pulp capsules. The treatments were control yogurt (without the addition of jamelão capsules), jamelão capsules and bioactive yogurt (with the capsules). The objective was to study the antioxidant activity, physical-chemical, nutritional and microscopic stability of the product kept under refrigeration for 28 days at 4±1ºC. The addition of jamelão capsules in the yogurt changed the product's physical properties (increased humidity and decreased Brix and ash). There was an increase in the amount of phenols and anthocyanins, in addition to the antioxidant potential at 28 days of storage. The interior of the microcapsules was composed of a mesh structure through which the encapsulated material was distributed, as the capsules can be added to yogurt, to improve the antioxidant and nutritional capacity, which proves to be a promising and viable alternative.

A fruta Jamelão tem sido usada na medicina tradicional indiana e recentemente atrai interesse como alimento funcional, por ser rica em antocianinas. As antocianinas são de interesse da indústria de alimentos devido ao seu poder antioxidante, cor atraente e estabilidade em alimentos ácidos. Esta pesquisa utilizou o processo de gelificação com solução de alginato de sódio para obter iogurte bioativo, a partir da produção de cápsulas de jamelão adicionadas em iogurte natural. A proporção utilizada foi de 80% de iogurte e 20% de cápsulas de polpa de jamelão. Os tratamentos foram iogurte controle (sem adição de cápsulas de jamelão), cápsulas de jamelão e iogurte bioativo (contendo as cápsulas). O objetivo foi estudar a atividade antioxidante, a estabilidade físico-química, nutricional e microscópica do produto mantido sob refrigeração por 28 dias a 4 ± 1 ºC. A adição de cápsulas de jamelão no iogurte alterou as propriedades físicas do produto (aumento de umidade, diminuição de Brix e cinzas). Houve aumento na quantidade de fenóis e antocianinas, além do potencial antioxidante aos 28 dias de armazenamento. O interior das cápsulas era composto por uma estrutura em malha através da qual o material encapsulado foi distribuído. Desta forma, as cápsulas podem ser um ingrediente adicionado ao iogurte, melhorando a capacidade antioxidante e nutricional, provando ser uma alternativa promissora e viável.

Jamelão capsules containing bioactive compounds and its aplication in yoghurt.

BACKGROUND: Jamelão fruit (Syzygium cumini), has recently attracted interest as a functional food for being rich in anthocyanins, which has antioxidant power, attractive color and stability in high acid foods. METHODS: Samples of yoghurt with jamelão capsules obtained through the gelling process with sodium alginate solution and bioactive yoghurt (control + capsules) were evaluated. The samples were evaluated for composition, microbial viability, the stability on the anthocyanic pigments and its antioxidant activity. RESULTS: With the addition of jamelão pulp capsules there was a reduction in the Streptococcus thermophilus count. The addition of capsules in yoghurts were able to increase the amount of phenols and anthocyanins, as well as antioxidant potential at 28 days. The chromatographic analysis showed that process was efficient, being capable of encapsulating a large part of the bioactive compounds present in the pulp. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of jamelão pulp capsules to yoghurts was shown to be a promising and viable alternative, since the bioactive compounds present in the fruit were present in the yoghurt.

Sorvetes: alternativas de estabilizantes naturais e influência da técnica de congelamento / Ice creams: alternatives to natural stabilizers and freezing date influence

O objetivo deste trabalho foi testar diferentes aditivos naturais na formulação do sorvete de maracujá e avaliar a influência do congelamento lento (-18ºC) e rápido (-80ºC). Foram preparadas 3 formulações do sorvete, variando apenas o aditivo (F1: Superliga Neutra, F2: Gelatina e F3: Ágar). Estas amostras foram avaliadas com relação a composição nutricional e propriedades físicas e químicas. O congelamento rápido conferiu as 3 formulações uma uniformidade na velocidade de derretimento (p>0,05). A formulação F2 foi a que apresentou melhor resultado quando avaliado a resistência ao derretimento, overrun e composição centesimal. Embora todas as formulações tenham apresentado resultados positivos, a F2 associado ao ultracongelamento apresentou o melhor perfil de sorvete.

Caracterização físico-química de microcápsulas de pimenta-de-cheiro (Capsicum chinense Jacquin) madura / Physical-chemical characterization of microcapsules of chilled pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacquin) mature

O cultivo de pimentas pertencentes ao gênero Capsicum no Brasil é importante devido a geração de renda agregando valor ao produto, como também sua importância histórica. Os frutos de pimenta são ricos em antioxidantes naturais como: vitaminas C, E e carotenoides. No Brasil a pimenta-de-cheiro é encontrada desde a América Central até o sul do Brasil; por esse motivo, é considerada a mais brasileira das espécies domesticadas. A microencapsulação compreende protege contra perdas nutricionais, preserva ou mascara cor e sabor, aumenta a vida de prateleira. Análises físico-quimicas realizadas foram: Umidade, Aw, pH, cinzas, ºBrix (Solidos solúveis), vitamina C. As análises mantiveram dentro dos valores esperados sendo a vitamina C o componente que obteve melhor conservação mantendo-se estável durante o armazenamento.

Desenvolvimento de filmes biodegradaveis antimicrobianos a partir da incorporação de extrato de jamelão / Development of antimicrobial biodegradable films from the incorporation of jamelão extract

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi desenvolver filmes biodegradáveis antimicrobianos a partir da incorporação do extrato bioativo proveniente da casca do fruto Jamelão. Para tal, foi obtido inicialmente o extrato das cascas em pó e depois foram elaborados filmes biodegradáveis utilizando acetato de celulose e amido+quitosana. Os filmes foram incorporados do extrato em diferentes concentrações para então serem avaliados quanto as suas propriedades antimicrobiana frente às cepas de Staphylococcus aureus e Listeria monocytogenes. Os resultados mostraram que nos filmes de acetato, não houve formação de halo de inibição frente a nenhuma das bactérias testadas, independentemente da concentração de extrato aplicado. Por outro lado, para os filmes de amido com quitosana, foi constatada atividade para as duas bactérias testadas e que à medida que se aumentava a concentração do extrato, aumentavam-se também os tamanhos dos halos de inibição. Logo estes podem ser aplicados em alimentos.

Measuring milk fat content by random laser emission.

The luminescence spectra of milk containing rhodamine 6G are shown to exhibit typical signatures of random lasing when excited with 532 nm laser pulses. Experiments carried out on whole and skim forms of two commercial brands of UHT milk, with fat volume concentrations ranging from 0 to 4%, presented lasing threshold values dependent on the fat concentration, suggesting that a random laser technique can be developed to monitor such important parameter.

Elaboração e composição química de pão de forma enriquecido com resíduos agroindustriais de frutas / Elaboration and chemical composition of bread of form enriched with agroindustrial residues of fruits

O pão é um alimento mundialmente consumido que faz parte da dieta básica populacional. Tem um valor energético elevado e constituintes nutricionais em quantidades significativas na nutrição de um indivíduo, atendendo às necessidades calóricas diárias. O Brasil é um dos países que mais produz resíduos agroindustriais, como os resíduos de frutas pelas indústrias de polpas, o que tem contribuído para o aumento da produção do lixo orgânico, provocando graves problemas ambientais. Nesse contexto, objetivou-se estudar a viabilidade da utilização de resíduos de frutas como fonte enriquecedora de compostos bioativos na produção de pão de forma. Os resíduos agroindustriais de frutas utilizados foram os de goiaba e mangaba. Os produtos e resíduos foram caracterizados físico-quimicamente (cinzas, umidade, pH, °Brix, acidez, carotenoides e vitamina C). Os resultados das análises físico-químicas mostraram que algumas características inerentes aos resíduos agroindustriais das frutas foram incorporadas ao produto.

Bread is a world consumed food, being part of the population diet bases. It's a high energy value food and have nutritious constituents in significant quantity in individual nutrition, fulfilling the daily caloric need. Brazil is one of the biggest agroindustry residues producers, such as fruit pulp industries residues, which has been contributing for greater organic waste production, provoking serious environment issues. In this context, aimed up the viability study of using fruits residues as an enriching source of bioactive compounds in the production of loaf bread. The agroindustry fruits residues used are guava and mangaba. The products and the residues were physical and chemically characterized (ashes, humidity, pH, ºbrix, acidity, carotenoids and vitamin C). The physic-chemical analyses results shows that some characteristics from agroindustry fruits residues were incorporated by the product.

Cross-sectional imaging of common and unusual complications after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is currently a primarily therapeutic procedure that is extensively employed to treat several biliopancreatic disorders. Although widely considered a safe procedure, ERCP is associated with a non-negligible morbidity and occasional mortality. Due to the number and complexity of operative ERCPs performed, radiologists are increasingly faced with urgent requests for investigation of suspected post-procedural complications, which often have similar clinical and laboratory manifestations. This pictorial essay reviews the usual post-procedural CT findings, the clinical features and imaging appearances of common and unusual post-ERCP occurrences including interstitial oedematous and necrotising acute pancreatitis, haemorrhages, retroperitoneal and intraperitoneal duodenal perforations, infections and stent-related complications. Emphasis is placed on the pivotal role of multidetector CT, which is warranted after complex or prolonged ERCP procedures as it represents the most effective modality to detect and grade ERCP-related complications and to monitor nonsurgically treated patients. Timely diagnosis and optimal management require a combination of clinical and laboratory data with imaging appearances; therefore, this article aims to provide an increased familiarity with interpretation of early post-ERCP studies, particularly to triage those occurrences that require interventional or surgical treatment. In selected patients MRI allows imaging pancreatitis and abnormal collections without the use of ionising radiation. Teaching Points • Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) allows treating many biliopancreatic disorders.• Due to the number and complexity of procedures, post-ERCP complications are increasingly encountered.• Main complications include acute pancreatitis, haemorrhages, duodenal perforation and infections.• Diagnosis and management of complications rely on combined clinical, laboratory and imaging data.• Multidetector CT is most effective to diagnose, categorise and monitor post-ERCP complications.

Cross-sectional imaging of iatrogenic complications after extracorporeal and endourological treatment of urolithiasis.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and ureteroscopy (URS) currently represent the mainstay treatment options for the vast majority of patients with urolithiasis, with limited contraindications and high success rates. However, minimally invasive extracorporeal and endourological treatments are associated with a non-negligible morbidity including occasional life-threatening occurrences. These complications represent a source of concern for urologists since they may result in prolonged hospitalisation, need for surgical, endoscopic or interventional treatment, long-term renal impairment, and sometimes even medical malpractice claims. Due to the increasing prevalence of urolithiasis and the large number of therapeutic procedures performed, in hospitals with active urologic practices radiologists are increasingly requested to investigate suspected post-procedural complications following ESWL, PCNL or ureteroscopic stone removal. Based upon our experience, this pictorial essay provides an overview of current extracorporeal and endourological treatment modalities for urolithiasis, including indications and possible complications according to the most recent guidelines from the European Association of Urology (EAU). Afterwards, we review the clinical features and cross-sectional imaging appearances of common and unusual complications with case examples, including steinstrasse, subcapsular, perirenal and suburothelial haemorrhages, severe urinary tract infections (such as pyeloureteritis, pyelonephritis, renal abscesses and pyonephrosis), ureteral injuries and delayed strictures. Teaching points • Extracorporeal lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrolitotomy and ureteroscopy allow treating urolithiasis. • Minimally invasive extracorporeal and endourological treatment have non-negligible morbidity. • Multidetector CT allows confident assessment of stone-free status and postprocedural complications. • Main complications include steinstrasse, bleeding, severe infections, ureteral injuries and strictures. • Imaging triage allows the choice among conservative, surgical, endoscopic or interventive treatment.

Análisis del aroma de las gotas de papaya mediante los métodos de nariz electrónica y aceptabilidad sensorial / Analysis the flavor of papaya drops by the methods of electronic nose and sensory acceptability

The objective of this study was to evaluate the behavior of the flavor of papaya drops during refrigerated storage and to correlate the data generated from the electronic nose with that of the sensory analysis. The drops were obtained by basic spheronization process of the papaya pulp. After drops were obtained they were subjected to sensory evaluation and the electronic nose for 16 days of storage at +5° C. Sensory data showed a slight decrease of acceptance (p < 0.05). The results generated by the electronic nose showed there were subtle changes in the flavor during storage, with a small increase in the concentration of organic solvents and the concentration of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. There was a good correlation between sensory analysis data generated by the sensors of the electronic nose.

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el comportamiento del aroma de las gotas de papaya durante el almacenamiento refrigerado y hacer una correlación de los datos generados de la nariz electrónica con los datos del análisis sensorial. Las gotas fueron obtenidas por un proceso de esferificación básica de la pulpa de papaya. Después de la obtención, estas fueron sometidas a evaluaciones sensoriales y con el equipo de la nariz electrónica durante 16 días de almacenamiento a + 5° C. Los datos sensoriales obtenidos con el almacenamiento mostraron una ligera disminución de la aceptación (p < 0,05). Los resultados generados por la nariz electrónica mostraron que hubo cambios sutiles en el aroma durante su almacenamiento, con un pequeño aumento en la concentración de disolventes orgánicos y en la concentración de amoníaco y sulfuro de hidrógeno. Se observó una buena correlación entre los datos del análisis sensorial y los generados por los sensores de la nariz electrónica.

The natural antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid induces p27(Kip1)-dependent cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells.

Unlike normal cells, tumor cells survive in a specific redox environment where the elevated reactive oxygen species contribute to enhance cell proliferation and to suppress apoptosis. Alpha-lipoic acid, a naturally occurring reactive oxygen species scavenger, has been shown to possess anticancer activity, due to its ability to suppress proliferation and to induce apoptosis in different cancer cell lines. Since at the moment little information is available regarding the potential effects of alpha-lipoic acid on breast cancer, in the present study we addressed the question whether alpha-lipoic acid induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Moreover, we investigated some molecular mechanisms which mediate alpha-lipoic acid actions, focusing on the role of the PI3-K/Akt signalling pathway. We observed that alpha-lipoic acid is able to scavenge reactive oxygen species in MCF-7 cells and that the reduction of reactive oxygen species is followed by cell growth arrest in the G1 phase of the cell cycle, via the specific inhibition of Akt pathway and the up-regulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27(kip1), and by apoptosis, via changes of the ratio of the apoptotic-related protein Bax/Bcl-2. Thus, the anti-tumor activity of alpha-lipoic acid observed in MCF-7 cells further stresses the role of redox state in regulating cancer initiation and progression.

Dopaminergic receptor D5 mRNA expression is increased in circulating lymphocytes of Tourette syndrome patients.

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder in which dopaminergic dysfunction and immune system abnormalities seem to coexist. Using real-time PCR, we determined mRNA expression of dopamine receptors (DRs) D1-5 in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) from 15 TS patients and 15 sex- and age-matched healthy controls (HCs). DRD5 mRNA levels in cells from TS were higher than in cells from HCs. In TS patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder, DRD5 mRNA levels in PBLs showed a highly positive correlation with the severity of compulsive symptoms. DRD5 mRNA upregulation in PBLs from TS patients may represent a peripheral marker of dopaminergic dysfunction and supports the involvement of the immune system in TS.