RESUMEN

Renewable energy has been recognized as an alternative to fossil fuels as a step to transform the energy produced and consumed worldwide. Cyanobacteria and microalgae are currently being considered as substitutes to the traditional feedstock used to produce biofuels due to their ability to achieve high amounts of lipids under cellular stress conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the utilization of Tolypothrix sp. CACIAM 22 cyanobacterial biomass as a feedstock for biodiesel production, specifically by examining the effects of supplementing with hydrolysate of Brazil nutshell (HBNS) on biomass generation, lipid production, fatty acid composition, and quality of synthesized biodiesel. The supplementation of HBNS led to a significant increase of 12g.L-1 in wet biomass production. The lipid content reached 41 % of the biomass produced in HBNS supplemented cultures when nitrate source was deprived. The quality evaluation of cyanobacteria-derived biodiesel was performed using Biodiesel Analyzer ver 2.2 software, revealing superior quality compared to biodiesel produced from plant sources. The biodiesel exhibited values of 23 h for oxidative stability, 65 for cetane number, and an iodine index of 31 (g I2. 100 g-1 fat), indicating promising potential as a renewable source. This study is the first to utilize HBNS as an organic supplement for cyanobacteria culture medium and assess its impact on biomass and lipid production in Tolypothrix sp., supporting the hypothesis of utilizing this biomass as a renewable feedstock for biodiesel production as a viable alternative to plant sources based on biomass production, lipid productivity, and biodiesel quality.

RESUMEN

PMS2, a Lynch Syndrome gene, presents challenges in genetic testing due to the existence of multiple pseudogenes. This study aims to describe a series of cases harboring a variant in the PMS2CL pseudogene that has been incorrectly assigned to PMS2 with different nomenclatures. We reviewed data from 647 Brazilian patients who underwent multigene genetic testing at a single center to identify those harboring the PMS2 V1:c.2186_2187delTC or V2:c.2182_2184delACTinsG variants, allegedly located at PMS2 exon 13. Gene-specific PCR and transcript sequencing was performed. Among the 647 individuals, 1.8% (12) carried the investigated variants, with variant allele frequencies ranging from 15 to 34%. By visually inspecting the alignments, we confirmed that both V1 and V2 represented the same variant and through gene-specific PCR and PMS2 transcript analysis, we demonstrated that V1/V2 is actually located in the PMS2CL pseudogene. Genomic databases (ExAC and gnomAD) report an incidence of 2.5 - 5.3% of this variant in the African population. Currently, V1 is classified as "uncertain significance" and V2 as "conflicting" in ClinVar, with several laboratories classifying them as "pathogenic". We identified a frequent African PMS2CL variant in the Brazilian population that is misclassified as a PMS2 variant. It is likely that V1/V2 have been erroneously assigned to PMS2 in several manuscripts and by clinical laboratories, underscoring a disparity-induced matter. Considering the limitations of short-read NGS differentiating between certain regions of PMS2 and PMS2CL, using complementary methodologies is imperative to provide an accurate diagnosis.

Asunto(s)

Endonucleasa PMS2 de Reparación del Emparejamiento Incorrecto , Seudogenes , Humanos , Endonucleasa PMS2 de Reparación del Emparejamiento Incorrecto/genética , Brasil , Seudogenes/genética , Femenino , Masculino , Neoplasias Colorrectales Hereditarias sin Poliposis/genética , Persona de Mediana Edad , Pruebas Genéticas/métodos , Adulto , Frecuencia de los Genes , Anciano

RESUMEN

SIGNIFICANCE: FT-IR is an important and emerging tool, providing information related to the biochemical composition of biofluids. It is important to demonstrate that there is an efficacy in separating healthy and diseased groups, helping to establish FT-IR uses as fast screening tool. AIM: Via saliva diagnosis evaluate the accuracy of FT-IR associate with machine learning model for classification among healthy (control group), diabetic (D) and periodontitis (P) patients and the association of both diseases (DP). APPROACH: Eighty patients diagnosed with diabetes and periodontitis through conventional methods were recruited and allocated in one of the four groups. Saliva samples were collected from participants of each group (n = 20) and were processed using Bruker Alpha II spectrometer in a FT-IR spectral fingerprint region between 600 and-1800 cm-1, followed by data preprocessing and analysis using machine learning tools. RESULTS: Various FTI-R peaks were detectable and attributed to specific vibrational modes, which were classified based on confusion matrices showed in paired groups. The highest true positive rates (TPR) appeared between groups C vs D (93.5 % ± 2.7 %), groups C vs. DP (89.2 % ± 4.1 %), and groups D and P (90.4 % ± 3.2 %). However, P vs DP presented higher TPR for DP (84.1 % ±3.1 %) while D vs. DP the highest rate for DP was 81.7 % ± 4.3 %. Analyzing all groups together, the TPR decreased. CONCLUSION: The system used is portable and robust and can be widely used in clinical environments and hospitals as a new diagnostic technique. Studies in our groups are being conducted to solidify and expand data analysis methods with friendly language for healthcare professionals. It was possible to classify healthy patients in a range of 78-93 % of accuracy. Range over 80 % of accuracy between periodontitis and diabetes were observed. A general classification model with lower TPR instead of a pairwise classification would only have advantages in scenarios where no prior patient information is available regarding diabetes and periodontitis status.

Asunto(s)

Periodontitis , Saliva , Humanos , Periodontitis/diagnóstico , Femenino , Masculino , Saliva/química , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto , Espectroscopía Infrarroja por Transformada de Fourier/métodos , Diabetes Mellitus/diagnóstico , Aprendizaje Automático , Estudios de Casos y Controles

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To describe the time trends and socio-economic inequalities in infant and young child feeding practices in accordance with the Brazilian deprivation index (BDI). DESIGN: This time-series study analysed the prevalence of multiple breast-feeding and complementary feeding indicators based on data from the Brazilian Food and Nutrition Surveillance System, 2008-2019. Prais-Winsten regression models were used to analyse time trends. Annual percent change (APC) and 95 % CI were calculated. SETTING: Primary health care services, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: Totally, 911 735 Brazilian children under 2 years old. RESULTS: Breast-feeding and complementary feeding practices differed between the extreme BDI quintiles. Overall, the results were more favourable in the municipalities with less deprivation (Q1). Improvements in some complementary feeding indicators were observed over time and evidenced such disparities: minimum dietary diversity (Q1: Δ 47·8-52·2 %, APC + 1·44, P = 0·006), minimum acceptable diet (Q1: Δ 34·5-40·5 %, APC + 5·17, P = 0·004) and consumption of meat and/or eggs (Q1: Δ 59·7-80·3 %, APC + 6·26, P < 0·001; and Q5: Δ 65·7-70·7 %, APC + 2·20, P = 0·041). Stable trends in exclusive breast-feeding and decreasing trends in the consumption of sweetened drinks and ultra-processed foods were also observed regardless the level of the deprivation. CONCLUSIONS: Improvements in some complementary food indicators were observed over time. However, the improvements were not equally distributed among the BDI quintiles, with children from the municipalities with less deprivation benefiting the most.

Asunto(s)

Lactancia Materna , Conducta Alimentaria , Femenino , Humanos , Lactante , Niño , Brasil , Factores Socioeconómicos , Fenómenos Fisiológicos Nutricionales del Lactante , Dieta , Alimentos Infantiles

RESUMEN

Detecting MLH1 promoter methylation is highly relevant to differentiate between possible Lynch syndrome patients or patients with sporadic causes of MLH1/PMS2 deficiency in colorectal (CRC) and endometrial cancers. Here, we aimed to develop a test for assessing MLH1 promoter methylation based in next generation sequencing (NGS), and to evaluate the concordance of MLH1 methylation and BRAF-V600 mutation status in CRC. For that, we performed a series of experiments with DNA from tumor, saliva and commercial control samples and our in house developed amplicon-based NGS test. In patients' samples, MLH1 methylation above 10% was only observed in tumors with MLH1/PMS2 loss. We confirmed the reproducibility and accuracy of MLH1 promoter analysis performing a serial dilution experiment with completely methylated and unmethylated control DNAs and a comparison between two NGS platforms (Ion Proton and Illumina). In MLH1/PMS2 deficient tumors, the MLH1 methylation status was concordant with the BRAF mutation status in 90% (18/20) of the cases. Our amplicon-based NGS test showed a great sensitivity and specificity for detecting MLH1 methylation in CRC samples, with a high agreement with the evaluation of BRAF mutation. This simple and affordable test could be used as a reflex test to identify patients with sporadic causes of MLH1/PMS2 deficiency in CRC, aiding to genetic test referral and identification of Lynch syndrome patients.

Asunto(s)

Neoplasias Colorrectales Hereditarias sin Poliposis , Neoplasias Colorrectales , Humanos , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas B-raf/genética , Neoplasias Colorrectales Hereditarias sin Poliposis/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Colorrectales Hereditarias sin Poliposis/genética , Neoplasias Colorrectales Hereditarias sin Poliposis/patología , Endonucleasa PMS2 de Reparación del Emparejamiento Incorrecto/genética , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Metilación de ADN/genética , Mutación/genética , Homólogo 1 de la Proteína MutL/genética , Secuenciación de Nucleótidos de Alto Rendimiento , Inestabilidad de Microsatélites , Neoplasias Colorrectales/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Colorrectales/genética , Mutación de Línea Germinal

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in children and associated risk factors. DESIGN: Analysis of data from a cross-sectional multicentre study performed in the primary care units of the municipalities from January to June 2015. The children's legal guardians answered a socio-economic questionnaire, and the children's blood samples were obtained by venipuncture. Plasma retinol was determined by HPLC. Plasma retinol values of <0·70 µmol/l were considered VDA. Poisson multiple regression with robust variance was used. Values of P < 0·05 were considered significant. The data were analysed in the SPSS software, 21.0. SETTING: Forty-eight poorest municipalities in the South Region of Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: Children (n 1503) aged 12-59 months. RESULTS: The prevalence of VAD in the sample was 1·9 % (95 % CI (0·5, 6·8)). The following risk factors were associated with the outcome in the final explanatory model: family received Bolsa Familia program benefits (PR = 3·19; 95 % CI (1·69, 6·02)), child was not being breastfed (PR = 5·22; 95 % CI (1·68, 16·18)) and stunting (PR = 4·75; 95 % CI (2·10, 10·73)). CONCLUSIONS: VAD did not represent a public health problem for children living in socio-economically vulnerable municipalities in the South Region of Brazil, suggesting a new panorama of this nutritional deficiency even in regions of low socio-economic conditions in these three states. Thus, in view of the current nutritional transition scenario, it is necessary to continuously monitor and improve public policies related to vitamin A supplementation in the country.

Asunto(s)

Deficiencia de Vitamina A , Femenino , Humanos , Niño , Deficiencia de Vitamina A/epidemiología , Vitamina A , Ciudades , Brasil/epidemiología , Estudios Transversales , Factores de Riesgo , Prevalencia

RESUMEN

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) constitute disturbances of gastrointestinal tract that cause irreversible changes in the structure and function of tissues. Ulcerative colitis (UC), the most frequent IBD in the population, is characterized by prominent inflammation of the human colon. Functional foods containing probiotic bacteria have been studied as adjuvants to the treatment or prevention of IBDs. The selected probiotic strain Lactococcus lactis NCDO 2118 (L. lactis NCDO 2118) exhibits immunomodulatory effects, with promising results in UC mouse model induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Additionally, cheese is a dairy food that presents high nutritional value, besides being a good delivery system that can be used to improve survival and enhance the therapeutic effects of probiotic bacteria in the host. Therefore, this work investigated the probiotic therapeutic effects of an experimental Minas Frescal cheese containing L. lactis NCDO 2118 in DSS-induced colitis in mice. During colitis induction, mice that consumed the probiotic cheese exhibited reduced in the severity of colitis, with attenuated weight loss, lower disease activity index, limited shortening of the colon length, and reduced histopathological score. Moreover, probiotic cheese administration increased gene expression of tight junctions' proteins zo-1, zo-2, ocln, and cln-1 in the colon and increase IL-10 release in the spleen and lymph nodes. In this way, this work demonstrates that consumption of probiotic Minas Frescal cheese, containing L. lactis NCDO 2118, prevents the inflammatory process during DSS-induced colitis in mice, opening perspectives for the development of new probiotic functional foods for personalized nutrition in the context of IBD.

RESUMEN

Bacteria used in the production of fermented food products have been investigated for their potential role as modulators of inflammation in gastrointestinal tract disorders such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that cause irreversible changes in the structure and function of gut tissues. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is the most prevalent IBD in the population of Western countries, and it is marked by symptoms such as weight loss, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, shortening of the colon, and destruction of the epithelial layer. The strain Propionibacterium freudenreichii CIRM-BIA 129 recently revealed promising immunomodulatory properties that greatly rely on surface-layer proteins (Slp), notably SlpB. We, thus, cloned the sequence encoding the SlpB protein into the pXIES-SEC expression and secretion vector, and expressed the propionibacterial protein in the lactic acid bacterium Lactococcus lactis NCDO 2118. The probiotic potential of L. lactis NCDO 2118 harboring pXIES-SEC:slpB (L. lactis-SlpB) was evaluated in a UC-mice model induced by Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS). During colitis induction, mice receiving L. lactis-SlpB exhibited reduced severity of colitis, with lower weight loss, lower disease activity index, limited shortening of the colon length, and reduced histopathological score, with significant differences, compared with the DSS group and the group treated with L. lactis NCDO 2118 wild-type strain. Moreover, L. lactis-SlpB administration increased the expression of genes encoding tight junction proteins zo-1, cln-1, cln-5, ocln, and muc-2 in the colon, increased IL-10 and TGF-ß, and decreased IL-17, TNF-α, and IL-12 cytokines in the colon. Therefore, this work demonstrates that SlpB recombinant protein is able to increase the probiotic potential of the L. lactis strain to alleviate DSS-induced colitis in mice. This opens perspectives for the development of new approaches to enhance the probiotic potential of strains by the addition of SlpB protein.

RESUMEN

Myrtenol has gained wide interest because of its pharmacological profiles, mainly for treatment of chronic diseases. To improve the solubility of myrtenol, the formation of inclusion complexes with ß-cyclodextrin was performed by physical mixture, kneading process or slurry complexation (SC) methods and characterized using thermal analysis, XRD, SEM and NMR. From these results, myrtenol complexed by SC was successfully complexed into ß-cyclodextrin cavity. The interaction between myrtenol and ß-cyclodextrin was confirmed by molecular docking. Hence, the SC ß-cyclodextrin-myrtenol complex was evaluate for its anti-hyperalgesic, anxiolytic and antioxidant activity in a fibromyalgia model. Results show that myrtenol and ß-cyclodextrin form a stable complex and have anti-hyperalgesic effect, improve the cognitive impairment caused and have an anxiolytic-like effect. Furthermore, the ß-cyclodextrin/myrtenol complex decrease lipoperoxidation, increased catalase activity and a reduce SOD/CAT ratio. Therefore, ß-cyclodextrin/myrtenol complex reduce painful behavior, improves motor skills and emotional behavior and decreases oxidative stress in a fibromyalgia model.

Asunto(s)

Monoterpenos Bicíclicos/uso terapéutico , Disfunción Cognitiva/tratamiento farmacológico , Fibromialgia/tratamiento farmacológico , Hiperalgesia/tratamiento farmacológico , Dolor Musculoesquelético/tratamiento farmacológico , Dolor Nociceptivo/tratamiento farmacológico , beta-Ciclodextrinas/uso terapéutico , Animales , Antioxidantes/uso terapéutico , Dolor Crónico/tratamiento farmacológico , Masculino , Ratones

RESUMEN

In Brazil, the promotion, protection, and recovery of health are among the initiatives provided by the public and universal Unified Health System (SUS). The primary healthcare level (PHC), the preferred point of access to the system, plays the role of coordinating and ordinating health care services and actions in the network. In the context of PHC, feeding and nutrition efforts must be aligned with National Feeding and Nutrition Policy (PNAN) guidelines and may be supported by feeding and nutritional surveillance actions. Data from PHC information systems and population surveys show that excess weight affects more than half the adult population of Brazil, and that consumption of ultra-processed foods is on the rise. This scenario requires that health care teams be prepared to prioritize initiatives for users with chronic diseases, using risk stratification, stabilization of the disease, and enhancement of supported self-care with a focus on diet and physical activity. At the same time, considering the country's epidemiological profile, teams must carry out initiatives to fight undernutrition and prevent anemia and hypovitaminosis A to address the multiple burden of malnutrition. The present article describes the current scenario of feeding and nutrition initiatives implemented at the PHC level in Brazil via the SUS.

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En Brasil, el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS), que es público y universal, ofrece medidas de promoción, protección y recuperación de la salud. La atención primaria de salud es la puerta preferida de acceso de la población al SUS, y su función es coordinar y ordenar las medidas y los servicios de salud disponibles en la red. En el ámbito de la atención primaria de salud, las medidas de alimentación y nutrición deben estar en consonancia con las directrices de la política nacional de alimentación y nutrición, y pueden potenciarse a partir de medidas de vigilancia alimentaria y nutricional. Los datos de los sistemas de información disponibles en todas las unidades básicas de salud y en encuestas poblacionales indican que más de la mitad de la población adulta en Brasil presenta exceso de peso y que ha aumentado el consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados. Esa situación exige que los equipos de salud se organicen con objeto de priorizar ciertas medidas para las personas con trastornos crónicos, según la estratificación del riesgo, la estabilización del trastorno y la potenciación del autocuidado apoyado, con enfoque en la alimentación y la actividad física. Al mismo tiempo, según el perfil epidemiológico, los equipos deben emprender actividades de lucha contra la desnutrición y de prevención de la anemia y de la carencia de vitamina A, teniendo en cuenta la múltiple carga de la malnutrición en el país. El objetivo del presente artículo es presentar el panorama actual de las medidas relativas a la alimentación y nutrición que se llevan a cabo en el ámbito de la atención primaria de salud en el SUS.

RESUMEN

Propionibacterium freudenreichii CIRM-BIA 129 (P. freudenreichii wild type, WT) is a probiotic bacterium, which exerts immunomodulatory effects. This strain possesses extractable surface proteins, including SlpB, which are involved in anti-inflammatory effect and in adhesion to epithelial cells. We decided to investigate the impact of slpB gene mutation on immunomodulation in vitro and in vivo. In an in vitro assay, P. freudenreichii WT reduced expression of IL-8 (p<0.0001) and TNF-α (p<0.0001) cytokines in LPS-stimulated HT-29 cells. P. freudenreichii ΔslpB, lacking the SlpB protein, failed to do so. Subsequently, both strains were investigated in vivo in a 5-FU-induced mucositis mice model. Mucositis is a common side effect of cytotoxic chemotherapy with 5-FU, characterized by mucosal injury, inflammation, diarrhea, and weight loss. The WT strain prevented weight loss, reduced inflammation and consequently histopathological scores. Furthermore, it regulated key markers, including Claudin-1 (cld1, p<0.0005) and IL-17a (Il17a, p<0.0001) genes, as well as IL-12 (p<0.0001) and IL-1ß (p<0.0429) cytokines levels. Mutant strain displayed opposite regulatory effect on cld1 expression and on IL-12 levels. This work emphasizes the importance of SlpB in P. freudenreichii ability to reduce mucositis inflammation. It opens perspectives for the development of probiotic products to decrease side effects of chemotherapy using GRAS bacteria with immunomodulatory surface protein properties.

RESUMEN

Propionibacterium freudenreichii is a beneficial Gram-positive bacterium, traditionally used as a cheese-ripening starter, and currently considered as an emerging probiotic. As an example, the P. freudenreichii CIRM-BIA 129 strain recently revealed promising immunomodulatory properties. Its consumption accordingly exerts healing effects in different animal models of colitis, suggesting a potent role in the context of inflammatory bowel diseases. This anti-inflammatory effect depends on surface layer proteins (SLPs). SLPs may be involved in key functions in probiotics, such as persistence within the gut, adhesion to host cells and mucus, or immunomodulation. Several SLPs coexist in P. freudenreichii CIRM-BIA 129 and mediate immunomodulation and adhesion. A mutant P. freudenreichii CIRM-BIA 129ΔslpB (CB129ΔslpB) strain was shown to exhibit decreased adhesion to intestinal epithelial cells. In the present study, we thoroughly analyzed the impact of this mutation on cellular properties. Firstly, we investigated alterations of surface properties in CB129ΔslpB. Surface extractable proteins, surface charges (ζ-potential) and surface hydrophobicity were affected by the mutation. Whole-cell proteomics, using high definition mass spectrometry, identified 1,288 quantifiable proteins in the wild-type strain, i.e., 53% of the theoretical proteome predicted according to P. freudenreichii CIRM-BIA 129 genome sequence. In the mutant strain, we detected 1,252 proteins, including 1,227 proteins in common with the wild-type strain. Comparative quantitative analysis revealed 97 proteins with significant differences between wild-type and mutant strains. These proteins are involved in various cellular process like signaling, metabolism, and DNA repair and replication. Finally, in silico analysis predicted that slpB gene is not part of an operon, thus not affecting the downstream genes after gene knockout. This study, in accordance with the various roles attributed in the literature to SLPs, revealed a pleiotropic effect of a single slpB mutation, in the probiotic P. freudenreichii. This suggests that SlpB may be at a central node of cellular processes and confirms that both nature and amount of SLPs, which are highly variable within the P. freudenreichii species, determine the probiotic abilities of strains.

RESUMEN

Mucositis is a clinically important gastrointestinal inflammatory infirmity, generated by antineoplastic drugs cytotoxic effects. The inflammatory process caused by this disease frequently leads to derangements in the alimentary tract and great malaise for the patient. Novel strategies are necessary for its prevention or treatment, as currently available treatments of mucositis have several limitations in relieving its symptoms. In this context, several research groups have investigated the use of probiotic bacteria, and in particular dairy bacterial strains. Compelling evidences reveal that milk fermented by certain probiotic bacteria has the capacity to ameliorate intestinal inflammatory disorders. In addition, innovative probiotic delivery strategies, based on probiotics incorporation into protective matrices, such as whey proteins, were able to increase the therapeutic effect of probiotic strains by providing extra protection for bacteria against environmental stresses. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the role of the whey protein isolate (WPI), when added to skim milk fermented by Lactobacillus casei BL23 (L. casei BL23) or by Propionibacterium freudenreichii CIRM-BIA138 (P. freudenreichii 138), as a protective matrix against in vitro stress challenges. In addition, we investigated the therapeutic effect of these fermented beverages in a murine model of mucositis induced by 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU). Our results demonstrated that milk supplementation with 30% (w/v) of WPI increases the survival rate of both strains when challenged with acid, bile salts, high temperature and cold storage stresses, compared to fermented skim milk without the addition of WPI. Moreover, treatment with the probiotic beverages prevented weight loss and intestinal damages in mice receiving 5-FU. We conclude that the presence of WPI maximizes the anti-inflammatory effects of L. casei BL23, but not for P. freudenreichii 138, suggesting that whey protein enhancement of probiotic activity might be strain-dependent.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Asymptomatic individuals are one of the major challenges for malaria elimination programs in endemic areas. In the absence of clinical symptoms and with a lower parasite density they constitute silent reservoirs considered important for maintaining transmission of human malaria. Studies from Brazil have shown that infected individuals may carry these parasites for long periods. RESULTS: Patients were selected from three periurban endemic areas of the city of Manaus, in the western Brazilian Amazon. Symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with positive thick blood smear and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) positive for Plasmodium vivax were invited to participate in the study. A standardised pvs25 gene amplification by qPCR was used for P. vivax gametocytes detection. Anopheles aquasalis were fed using membrane feeding assays (MFA) containing blood from malaria patients. Parasitemia of 42 symptomatic and 25 asymptomatic individuals was determined by microscopic examination of blood smears and qPCR. Parasitemia density and gametocyte density were assessed as determinants of infection rates and oocysts densities. A strong correlation between gametocyte densities (microscopy and molecular techniques) and mosquito infectivity (P < 0.001) and oocysts median numbers (P < 0.05) was found in both groups. The ability to infect mosquitoes was higher in the symptomatic group (41%), but infectivity in the asymptomatic group was also seen (1.42%). CONCLUSIONS: Although their infectivity to mosquitoes is relatively low, given the high prevalence of P. vivax asymptomatic carriers they are likely to play and important role in malaria transmission in the city of Manaus. The role of asymptomatic infections therefore needs to be considered in future malaria elimination programs in Brazil.

Asunto(s)

Anopheles/parasitología , Infecciones Asintomáticas/epidemiología , Malaria Vivax/epidemiología , Plasmodium vivax/fisiología , Adulto , Animales , Anopheles/genética , Anopheles/fisiología , Brasil/epidemiología , Estudios Transversales , Erradicación de la Enfermedad , Enfermedades Endémicas , Femenino , Humanos , Estadios del Ciclo de Vida/fisiología , Malaria Vivax/sangre , Malaria Vivax/parasitología , Malaria Vivax/transmisión , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Mosquitos Vectores/parasitología , Oocistos/fisiología , Plasmodium vivax/genética , Prevalencia , Reacción en Cadena en Tiempo Real de la Polimerasa

RESUMEN

Some Gram-positive bacteria, including probiotic ones, are covered with an external proteinaceous layer called a surface-layer. Described as a paracrystalline layer and formed by the self-assembly of a surface-layer-protein (Slp), this optional structure is peculiar. The surface layer per se is conserved and encountered in many prokaryotes. However, the sequence of the corresponding Slp protein is highly variable among bacterial species, or even among strains of the same species. Other proteins, including surface layer associated proteins (SLAPs), and other non-covalently surface-bound proteins may also be extracted with this surface structure. They can be involved a various functions. In probiotic Gram-positives, they were shown by different authors and experimental approaches to play a role in key interactions with the host. Depending on the species, and sometime on the strain, they can be involved in stress tolerance, in survival within the host digestive tract, in adhesion to host cells or mucus, or in the modulation of intestinal inflammation. Future trends include the valorization of their properties in the formation of nanoparticles, coating and encapsulation, and in the development of new vaccines.

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: Metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent among older adults. Concurrent training comprises muscle strengthening and aerobic exercise. OBJECTIVE: Determine the effects of a concurrent training program on muscle strength, walking function, metabolic profile, cardiovascular risk, use of medications and quality of life among older adults with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: A randomised, controlled, blind, clinical trial was conducted in the city of Santos, state of São Paulo, Brazil, involving 41 male and female older adults. The participants were randomly allocated to a control group (n = 18) and intervention group (n = 23) and were submitted to the following evaluations: strength - 1 maximum repetition (1MR) for 12 muscle groups; the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT); blood concentrations of cholesterol and glucose; the use of medications; and the administration of the SF-36 questionnaire. The intervention was conducted twice a week over a total of 24 sessions of concurrent training: 50 min of strength exercises (40-70% 1MR) and 40 min of walking exercises (70-85% maximum heart rate). RESULTS: Increases in muscle strength were found in the upper and lower limbs in the inter-group analysis and a greater distance travelled on the 6MWT was found in the intervention group (p = 0.001). The intervention group demonstrated a reduction in the consumption of biguanides (p = 0.002). No changes were found regarding metabolic profile, cardiovascular risk or self-perceived quality of life. CONCLUSION: The findings of this clinical trial can be used for the prescription of concurrent training for older adults with metabolic syndrome for gains in muscle strength and walking distance as well as a reduction in the use of biguanides.

Asunto(s)

Terapia por Ejercicio , Síndrome Metabólico/fisiopatología , Síndrome Metabólico/terapia , Fuerza Muscular/fisiología , Entrenamiento de Fuerza , Anciano , Biguanidas/uso terapéutico , Método Doble Ciego , Femenino , Humanos , Hipoglucemiantes/uso terapéutico , Masculino , Prueba de Paso

RESUMEN

The present study investigated the factors associated with anemia and micronutrient deficiencies in a cross-sectional analysis conducted with 150 children aged 11 to 14 months attending at basic health centers in Rio Branco, Acre. Venous blood samples were obtained to assess the occurrence of anemia and deficiencies of iron (ID), vitamin A (VAD), and B12 (VB12D). Multiple Poisson regression models were used to identify factors associated with anemia. Anemia, ID, VAD and B12D were observed in 23%, 76%, 18% and 20% of children, respectively. The factors associated with anemia were: do not be only child, living in households without access to cable TV or internet, stunting, late introduction of the complementary feeding (more than 240 days), VAD, VB12D, and current evidence of infection (plasma CRP > 5 mg/L). There was a lower prevalence of anemia among children with birth weight > 3,500 g. Overall, 82% of the study children had at least one of the micronutrient deficiencies (ID, VAD and VB12D). Actions with emphasis on timely and healthy feeding practices, better management of morbidities and supplementation with other micronutrients should be focused on the improvement of child care services at primary health care in this county.

Asunto(s)

Anemia/epidemiología , Micronutrientes , Anemia/etiología , Brasil/epidemiología , Estudios Transversales , Humanos , Lactante , Estado Nutricional , Prevalencia , Atención Primaria de Salud

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of vitamin A and associated factors in children assisted in Primary Care Health in Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with a sample of 228 children 12 to 16 months of age. The nutritional status of vitamin A was assessed by serum retinol concentration, determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Multiple linear regression models with hierarchical selection of independent variables were used to evaluate the correlation with serum retinol as the dependent variable. RESULTS: The vitamin A deficiency (retinol < 0,7 µmol/L) was observed in 14,0% of the children. Maternal schooling and hemoglobin concentration were positively correlated with serum retinol concentration, while C-reactive protein showed a negative correlation (R2 = 0,1648). CONCLUSION: The vitamin A deficiency in one-year-old children attended in Basic Health Units in Goiânia configures itself as a moderate public health problem. Actions to promote maternal education, morbidity control and prevention of other micronutrient deficiencies are important for prevention and control of the vitamin A deficiency in this population.

Asunto(s)

Estado Nutricional , Vitamina A/sangre , Brasil/epidemiología , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , Lactante , Masculino , Atención Primaria de Salud , Factores Socioeconómicos

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of protective and risk factors for the most important chronic non communicable diseases in all Brazilian capitals, including the Federal District. METHODS: Data used were collected in 2008 through VIGITEL, an ongoing population-based telephone survey surveillance system implemented in all Brazilian State capitals since 2006. In 2008, over 54,000 interviews were completed over the phone with a random sample of individuals living in all 27 capitals. RESULTS: The analyses showed differences in the prevalence of determinants of chronic diseases by demographic characteristics such as gender, age and schooling. Men were more likely to be current smokers, overweight, and consumers of soft drinks, fatty meat and alcohol. They were also more likely to be more active in leisure. Women reported being more likely to eat healthy, but also were more likely to have a physician diagnosis of high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, osteoporosis and overall poor health status. In general, the prevalence of risk factors studied increased with decreasing levels of schooling. DISCUSSION: The VIGITEL system was implemented to monitor changes in the prevalence of determinants of chronic diseases over time to inform public health workers and decision makers to adjust existing programs and policies according to the changing profile of consumers. The ultimate goal is to improve the health of the Brazilian population.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedad Crónica/epidemiología , Enfermedad Crónica/prevención & control , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Brasil/epidemiología , Escolaridad , Femenino , Humanos , Entrevistas como Asunto , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Prevalencia , Medición de Riesgo , Factores de Riesgo , Teléfono , Salud Urbana , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

The objective of this paper is to identify and analyse the perception of groups of dwellers of Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil, regarding their relationship with the water and sanitation service and aspects of water handling. Participants living in four distinct urban districts of the capital city were interviewed in their own houses and the Discourse of the Collective Subject approach was employed to order the data so obtained. The testimonies revealed the health risk to which individuals were exposed by virtue of: (i) inadequate knowledge concerning the water supply offered, (ii) lack of stimulus to exert their citizens' rights and obligations in relation to the water provided for their consumption and (iii) poor channels of communication between the community, the water and sanitation service and the local public health authority. The study concluded that there is a need to rethink the forms of information provided to the population that are presently adopted by these institutions.

Asunto(s)

Saneamiento , Población Urbana , Abastecimiento de Agua , Brasil , Humanos , Salud Pública