Yeast biomass production: a new approach in glucose-limited feeding strategy

The aim of this work was to implement experimentally a simple glucose-limited feeding strategy for yeast biomass production in a bubble column reactor based on a spreadsheet simulator suitable for industrial application. In biomass production process using Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains, one of the constraints is the strong tendency of these species to metabolize sugars anaerobically due to catabolite repression, leading to low values of biomass yield on substrate. The usual strategy to control this metabolic tendency is the use of a fed-batch process in which where the sugar source is fed incrementally and total sugar concentration in broth is maintained below a determined value. The simulator presented in this work was developed to control molasses feeding on the basis of a simple theoretical model in which has taken into account the nutritional growth needs of yeast cell and two input data: the theoretical specific growth rate and initial cell biomass. In experimental assay, a commercial baker's yeast strain and molasses as sugar source were used. Experimental results showed an overall biomass yield on substrate of 0.33, a biomass increase of 6.4 fold and a specific growth rate of 0.165 h(-1) in contrast to the predicted value of 0.180 h-1 in the second stage simulation.

Catfishes as prey items of Potamotrygonid stingrays in the Solimões and Negro rivers, Brazilian Amazon

In spite of the fact that catfish have rarely been reported as food items in the diets of freshwater stingrays, they are commonly observed in the stomach contents of species inhabiting the Solimoes and Negro rivers in the Brazilian Amazon. The stomach contents of six rays from the Solimoes River and 64 from the Negro River were analyzed, and catfishes (distributed among the families Callichthyidae, Cetopsidae, Doradidae and Loricariidae) were found in the stomach contents of four and 10 of these rays, respectively, comprising a frequency of occurrence of 20%. These data indicate a relevant participation of catfishes in the diets of potamotrygonid rays in the Amazon, and may reflect the regional diversity and abundance of Siluriformes in the region.

Correlation between Beta1 integrin expression and prognosis in clinically localized prostate cancer

Integrins are transmembrane glycoprotein receptors that regulate cell-matrix interactions, thus functioning as sensors from the environment. They also act as cell adhesion molecules that are responsible for the maintenance of the normal epithelial phenotype. Some studies have reported a correlation between carcinogenesis and changes in integrin expression, especially β1 integrin, however its role in prostate cancer (PC) is unclear. The aim of our study was to evaluate the expression of β1 integrin in localized PC and to correlate the pattern of expression with recurrence after surgical treatment. Methods For this case-control study, we retrospectively selected surgical specimens from 111 patients with localized PC who underwent radical prostatectomy. Recurrence was defined as a PSA level exceeding 0.2 ng/mL after surgery, and the median follow-up was 123 months. Integrin expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in a tissue microarray containing two samples from each tumor. We employed a semiquantitative analysis and considered a case as positive when the expression was strong and diffusely present.

Viabilidade técnica de implantação de sistema de aproveitamento de água pluvial para fins não potáveis em universidade

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar a viabilidade técnica de implantação de sistema de aproveitamento de águas pluviais para fins não potáveis em uma edificação com salas de aula e anfiteatros na Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, no município de Uberlândia. Dois tipos de análise foram realizadas: sob o ponto de vista quantitativo, verificando se a quantidade de água pluvial coletada supre satisfatoriamente a demanda por água não potável; e sob o ponto de vista qualitativo, verificando se, após o descarte dos primeiros milímetros de precipitação, a água pluvial coletada possui qualidade suficiente para atender a essa demanda. Os resultados indicam que a implantação desse sistema é viável do ponto de vista quantitativo, pois, durante a simulação pelo Método Netuno, obtiveram-se volumes do reservatório de acumulação com intervalo de 7,9 m3 a 18,2 m3 para um potencial de economia de água potável entre 18,2% e 53,2%. Além disso, os resultados qualitativos indicam que a implantação desse sistema é viável, pois, descartando-se os primeiros 2,5 mm de precipitação após o período de estiagem e implantando-se um sistema de retenção de sólidos suspensos mais eficiente, todos os parâmetros analisados durante a pesquisa atendem às normas NBR 15527 (ABNT, 2007), NBR 13969 (ABNT, 1997) e Manual de Conservação e Reuso da Água (AGÊNCIA..., 2005).

Malocclusion and deleterious oral habits among adolescents in a developing area in northeastern Brazil

Evaluation of growth and production of Pleurotus sp. in sterilized substrates

The gender Pleurotus is also known as oyster mushroom, shimeji or hiratake. Aiming to select the best substrates to cultivate two species of Pleurotus, this work measured vigor, mycelium growth (cm.day-1), fresh mass (g), productivity (%) and biological efficiency (%) of P. sajor-caju (PSC96/03) and P. ostreatoroseus (POR01/06) cultivated in the following substrates: sugarcane bagasse, elephant grass, waste of castor oil plant and pasteurized rice straw. Fungal cultures were recovered in culture medium CDA. For the evaluation of mycelium growth, moist substrates were put into a closed assay tube with sterilized aluminum paper. Then, they were inoculated in 10 mm culture dishes and taken to the incubator at 26 ± 2°C. Mycelium vigor was measured with grades from 1 to 3 according to density. For axenic cultivation, substrates were placed into 250 g flasks of substrate and autoclaved twice at 121°C (1 atm) for 60 minutes, and then inoculated with 3% of spawn. The lineage P. sajor-caju (PSC96/03) showed higher growth rates in relation to P. ostreatoroseus (POR01/06). Substrates showing lower C/N ratio provided more mycelium vigor. Castor oil plant waste based-substrate showed good perspectives to growing P. sajor-caju (PSC96/03).

Efeitos da facilitação neuromuscular proprioceptiva na estabilidade postural e risco de quedas em pacientes com sequela de acidente vascular encefálico: estudo piloto

The trunk control is a basic motor skill necessary to perform many functional tasks and is deficient in patients suffering from cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Objective: To evaluate the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on trunk balance and risk of falls in patients with sequelae of stroke. Methodology: An intervention study was conducted consisting of trunk stability training through a fixed protocol of five exercises using the PNF method. 10 sessions were conducted, with a frequency of 3 times per week and average length of 45 minutes. To evaluate the results, we used the Berg balance scale (BBS). Results: Twelve men with left hemiparesis and at least six months of evolution were attended; there was a highly significant difference between pre and posttest values by means of BBS (p<0.01). Conclusion: PNF had beneficial effects in stabilizing the trunk and impact on risk of falls in subjects with left hemiparesis.

Avaliação da capacidade da Escala Internacional de Eficácia de Quedas em discriminar risco de quedas em pacientes com doença renal crônica submetidos à hemodiálise

The objective of this study was to evaluate the capacity of the Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I), of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) serum levels, and of the length of time on hemodialysis (LTH) to discriminate falling from non-falling patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) under hemodialysis treatment. We conducted a cross sectional study on 64 patients with an average age of 44.2±14.8 years. Anthropometric data, PTH serum level, history, and risk of falls (FES-I), LTH, and level of physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire - IPAQ) were collected. We found elevated PTH serum levels in 64.1% of the patients, and 17.2% reported a history of falls in the last year. The average LTH was 50.3±37.5 months. A low level of physical activity was detected in 64.1% of the patients. There was also positive correlation between PTH and LTH (r=0.47, p 450 pg/mL) and the risk of falling (falling and non-falling patients) (p<0.158). In this study, the FES-I instrument was capable of discriminating fallers from non-fallers on hemodialysis. We conclude that the FES-I showed good performance in discerning fallers from non-fallers; however, no association was observed between falling patients with PTH serum levels and the LTH.

Abordagem fisioterapêutica da ataxia espinocerebelar: uma revisão sistemática

| The spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) is an in-herited disorder that leads to progressive degeneration of the cerebellum and its pathways with impairments of balance and other functions. Physical therapy studies for SCA treatment and their methodological quality were examined. We also investigated if the benefits achieved with treatment can be retained. The interventions iden-tified included balance, gait and coordination training; strengthening; weights around the limbs during exercise and transcranial magnetic stimulation. The long-term im-provements were related to the degree of SCA evolution and the continuity of exercise practice. Nevertheless, further studies with higher scientific accuracy are neces -sary to elect the best physical therapy approaches for SCA patients.Keywords | spinocerebellar ataxia; physiotherapy; hereditary ataxia.rEsUMO | A ataxia espinocerebelar (SCA) e uma afeccao hereditaria que cursa com a degeneracao progressiva do cerebelo e suas vias, causando alteracoes do equilibrio e de outras funcoes. O efeito das abordagens da fisioterapia no tratamento da SCA e a qualidade metodologica des-ses estudos foram analisados. Foi investigado ainda se os beneficios alcancados com o tratamento sao retidos. As intervencoes encontradas incluem treino do equilibrio, marcha e coordenacao; fortalecimento; caneleiras nos membros durante exercicios e aplicacao de estimulacao

Percepção do consumidor frente aos riscos associados aos alimentos, sua segurança e rastreabilidade

An increase in consumer interest in food safety has been observed in the last few decades. Governments have been pressed to adopt measures that assure the safety of foods and, as a consequence, legislation related to the contamination of food by physical, chemical and microbiological contaminants is being implemented. Within this context it is relevant to investigate the perception of Brazilian consumers on such issues. The present work evaluated the criteria used by consumers from Rio de Janeiro and Campinas to buy foods, and their vision of the risks of food contamination. The perception of consumers on traceability and its importance in contributing to the safety of foods was also evaluated using the Focus Group methodology. Three sessions were carried out (two in Campinas and the third in Rio de Janeiro). Differences were found between the consumers from the two cities. The Campinas consumers were more concerned and interested in the matter than those from Rio de Janeiro, since they reported looking for more information on the food labels. Mention was made of the risks of food poisoning, botulism, and pesticides by respondents in both cities. The main products considered as showing health risks were meats and seafood, the latter particularly in Rio. Products considered safe by consumers included fruits (without pesticides), vegetables and dried products. All the consumer groups were concerned about food contamination by pesticides and heavy metals. In relation to microbiological contamination, the three groups highlighted the risks of bacteria, especially Salmonella. Traceability was considered relevant by the three groups, since it should contribute to a more efficient product recall if necessary. However, from the consumer perspective, it will also lead to a price increase, although increasing consumer confidence in the safety of the foods. Many of the consumer concerns reflected information published in magazines and newspapers, such as the use of hormones in chicken. Industries and retailers should communicate scientific information about safety topics, thus contributing to consumer education.Nas últimas décadas, tem-se observado um crescente interesse dos consumidores pelas questões relacionadas à segurança dos alimentos. Os governos têm sido pressionados a adotar medidas que assegurem a inocuidade dos alimentos e, consequentemente, legislações rigorosas quanto à contaminação dos alimentos por agentes físicos, químicos e microbiológicos estão sendo implantadas. Dentro desse panorama, conhecer a percepção do consumidor brasileiro sobre o tema é extremamente relevante. No presente estudo, avaliaram-se, em duas grandes cidades brasileiras (Campinas-SP e Rio de Janeiro-RJ), os critérios utilizados por consumidores para a compra de produtos alimentícios e suas visões sobre os riscos potenciais de contaminação dos alimentos. Avaliou-se também a percepção dos consumidores sobre a rastreabilidade e seu papel na melhoria da segurança dos alimentos, utilizando-se a metodologia focus group. Três sessões de discussão foram conduzidas (duas em Campinas e uma no Rio de Janeiro), tendo sido observadas diferenças entre os consumidores das distintas praças. Os consumidores de Campinas mostraram-se mais preocupados e interessados no assunto do que os do Rio de Janeiro, pois relataram buscar mais informações nos rótulos de alimentos. Menções relacionadas a riscos, como intoxicação alimentar, botulismo e agrotóxicos foram comuns para os entrevistados das duas cidades e, entre os principais produtos considerados com risco à saúde, ficaram as carnes e os frutos do mar, sendo estes últimos com maior ênfase no Rio de Janeiro. Dentre os produtos reconhecidos como seguros, destacaram-se as frutas (produzidas sem agrotóxicos), os legumes e os produtos secos/desidratados. Em todos os grupos, observou-se grande preocupação com a contaminação por agrotóxicos e metais pesados. Em termos microbiológicos, ambas as praças destacaram os riscos com bactérias, especialmente a Salmonella. O tema rastreabilidade se mostrou relevante nos três grupos, pois esta deve contribuir para o recolhimento mais eficiente de produtos, caso seja necessário. No entanto, sob a ótica do consumidor, a rastreabilidade leva ao aumento dos preços, embora aumente a confiança em relação à segurança dos alimentos. Muitas das preocupações dos consumidores refletem as informações publicadas em revistas e jornais, como o caso da crença de que hormônios são utilizados na cadeia da carne de frango. Indústria e varejistas devem incrementar a comunicação de informações científicas sobre a segurança dos alimentos, contribuindo, assim, na educação do consumidor